cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Desnutrin, an Adipocyte Gene Encoding a Novel Patatin Domain-containing Protein, Is Induced by Fasting and Glucocorticoids ECTOPIC EXPRESSION OF DESNUTRIN INCREASES TRIGLYCERIDE HYDROLYSIS

We have used rat cDNA microarrays to identify adipocyte-specific genes that could play an important role in adipocyte differentiation or function. Here, we report the cloning and identification of a 2.0-kb mRNA coding for a putative protein that we have designated as desnutrin. The novel gene is expressed predominantly in adipose tissue, and its expression is induced early during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Desnutrin mRNA levels were regulated by the nutritional status of animals, being transiently induced during fasting. In vitro desnutrin gene expression was up-regulated by dexamethasone in a dose-dependent manner but not by cAMP, suggesting that glucocorticoids could mediate the increase in desnutrin mRNA levels observed during fasting. Desnutrin mRNA codes for a 486-amino acid putative protein containing a patatin-like domain, characteristic of many plant acyl hydrolases belonging to the patatin family. Confocal microscopy of enhanced green fluorescent protein-tagged desnutrin protein-transfected cells showed that the fusion protein localized in the cytoplasm. Moreover, cells overexpressing desnutrin by transfection showed an increase in triglyceride hydrolysis. Interestingly, we also found that the desnutrin gene expression level was lower in ob/ob and db/db obese mouse models. Overall, our data suggest that the newly identified desnutrin gene codes for an adipocyte protein that may function as a lipase and play a role in the adaptive response to a low energy state, such as fasting, by providing fatty acids to other tissues for oxidation. In addition, decreased expression of desnutrin in obesity models suggests its possible contribution to the pathophysiology of obesity.
Insecticidal activity of surfactants and oils against silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii) nymphs (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) on collards and tomato

The insecticidal activities of four surfactants (Cide-kick, Silwet L-77, M-Pede and APSA- 80), a dishwashing detergent (New Day), a mineral oil (Sunspray oil), a cotton seed oil and a vegetable oil, alone or in combination, were tested against nymphs of Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring on collards and tomato. Silwet L-77 was more effective (>95% mortality) than Cide-Kick or APSA-80 at rates from 0.25-1.00 g AI litre ˇ1 but caused severe phytotoxicity to tender tomato leaves at all but the lowest rate. New Day dish detergent at 2.0 ml litre ˇ1 caused mortality (95%) comparable to M-Pede insecticide soap at 10-fold greater concentration. A New Day ingredient, cocamide DEA, was con- siderably more active than the other ingredients or the commercial mixture. Additional surfactants added to Sunspray oil increased efficacy in some treatments, but not others. Toxic responses of 2nd- and 3rd- instar whiteflies to vegetable oil and cotton seed oil at 5.0 and 10.0 ml litre ˇ1 plus 0.4 g AI litre ˇ1 APSA-80 ranged from 22.1 to 79.9% and 66.3-88.7% mortality, respectively. Whitefly mortality was greater on tomato than on collard in six of seven instances when differences between host plants were significant. Our results indicate that the these surfactants and oils have good potential for controlling B argentifolii. # 2000 Society of Chemical Industry
Chronic hepatitis C in African Americans and other minority groups.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common Blood borne infection in the United States. An estimated 2.7 million Americans are infected, with the greatest prevalence of infection in African Americans at 3.2%. African Americans account for 22% of Americans with HCV. Recent studies have shown that African Americans are less likely to have cirrhosis than similarly infected non-Hispanic white patients and are more likely to have genotype 1 infection and to develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Several studies have shown that the response rates of African Americans to interferon and ribavirin are significantly lower than those for non-Hispanic whites. Despite the relatively low percentage of African-American patients in these early studies, similar preliminary results are being found in larger prospective studies with the newer treatment regimens of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Differences in immunologic status, viral kinetics, and iron studies have also been found in HCV-infected African-American patients. Less is known about Mexican Americans and other minority groups because they are poorly represented in clinical trials. Efforts at increasing racial diversity in clinical trials are ongoing.
The second-law analysis of convective pattern change in a rectangular cavity

Natural convection in a rectangular cavity is examined, utilizing the second law of thermodynamics. Through an application of the second law the rate of entropy generation associated with the convective pattern changes is evaluated for the onset of natural convection in a cavity with free boundaries, for which an exact solution is sought, as well as with rigid boundaries which is studied numerically. Entropy to be generated from the perturbed temperature and velocity fields is shown to depend on AR (aspect ratio of the cavity), Ra c (the critical Rayleigh number) and a non-dimensional parameter, Q, which is related to the ratio of entropy generation by viscous friction to that by thermal transport. The convective pattern change is related to a change in the spatial distributions of the rate of entropy generation due to heat transfer and due to dissipation, demonstrating that an application of the second law helps examine convective pattern changes quantitatively by dealing with temperature and velocity fields in a unified manner
Cerebellar Ataxia, Seizures, Premature Death, and Cardiac Abnormalities in Mice with Targeted Disruption of the Cacna2d2 Gene

CACNA2D2 is a putative tumor suppressor gene located in the human chromosome 3p21.3 region that shows frequent allelic imbalances in lung, breast, and other cancers. The α2δ-2 protein encoded by the gene is a regulatory subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels and is expressed in brain, heart, and other tissues. Here we report that mice homozygous for targeted disruption of the Cacna2d2 gene exhibit growth retardation, reduced life span, ataxic gait with apoptosis of cerebellar granule cells followed by Purkinje cell depletion, enhanced susceptibility to seizures, and cardiac abnormalities. The Cacna2d2tm1NCIF null phenotype has much in common with that of Cacna1a mutants, such as cerebellar neuro-degeneration associated with ataxia, seizures, and premature death. A tendency to bradycardia and limited response of null mutants to isoflurane implicate α2δ-2 in sympathetic regulation of cardiac function. In summary, our findings provide genetic evidence that the α2δ-2 subunit serves in vivo as a component of P/Q-type calcium channels, is indispensable for the central nervous system function, and may be involved in hereditary cerebellar ataxias and epileptic disorders in humans.
Fostering technology transfer through industry—university cooperation: A practitioner's view at MIT

The traditional relationship between academia and industry in the United States is no longer an effective vehicle for technology development and deployment. The infrastructure of research, development, and implementation (RD&I) in our country must change in order to achieve better technology transfer. To address this issue, MIT continues to develop newer, more productive modes of cooperation with industry that effectively use the transfer sciences to develop and transfer technology. This paper describes various modes of cooperation between MIT and industry, ranging from industrysponsored single-researcher projects to formal organizations, like the Manufacturing Institute.
Effects of short-term spontaneous mutation accumulation for life history traits in grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae.

Mutation is the source of all genetic variation, but rate of input and effects of new mutations for phenotypic traits related to fitness and the role they play in the maintenance of genetic variation are still subject to controversy. These parameters are important in models of the evolution of sex and recombination, the persistence of asexual populations, and the extinction of small populations. Most estimates have come from a few model organisms. Here, mutation accumulation experiments were conducted with three clones of grape phylloxera, Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch, a gall forming herbivore and pest of grapes, to estimate the rate of input and effects of spontaneous mutation on life history traits. This is perhaps the first such experiment using a non-model organism of economic importance. Significant heritable genetic variation accrued in one of three sets of lines for one of four traits measured, and deleterious effects of mutation were found for two of four traits in two of the three sets of lines. Estimates of the parameters by the Bateman–Mukai (BM) method were within the range found in previous studies but at the lower end for genomic mutation rate, U ∼ 0.023 and mutational variance, VM ∼ 0.0003, the upper end for average heterozygous effect, α, of ∼ −0.11, and on the order of previous estimates for mutational heritability, hM ∼ 0.007. Under a model of equal effects of mutations, maximum likelihood (ML) estimates of U were slightly higher, and of α lower, than the BM estimates. Support limits were too large to provide much confidence in the ML estimates, however, and models of mutational effects assuming a gamma distribution of effects under different values of the shape parameter, β, could not be distinguished though likelihoods tended to be lower at lower values of β (more leptokurtic). Rapid accumulation of deleterious mutations suggest that for many pest species, adaptive response under agricultural conditions may depend more on the standing variation derived from introductions than new mutation.
Oxygen-18 tracer study of the passive thermal oxidation of silicon

This work focuses on the thermal oxidation of silicon near 1273 K using the double-tracer oxidation method. The results confirm that oxidation occurs by the transport of electrically neutral non-network oxygen through the interstitial space of the vitreous silica (ν-SiO2) scale. Simultaneously, self- (or isotopic-) diffusion occurs in the network, resulting in characteristic isotopic fraction distributions near the gas-scale interface. The self-diffusion coefficients calculated from these profiles agree with those reported for tracer diffusion in ν-SiO2, and the diffusion coefficient calculated from the scale growth is consistent with reported O2 permeation data. An important parameter that describes the double-oxidation behavior is the ratio of the value of Δ/√(Dnt′),where Δ is the scale thickness grown during the second oxidation, Dn is the network self-diffusion coefficient for oxygen, and t′ is the time of the second oxidation.
Relationship between Sr85 uptake and histological changes during healing in dental extraction wounds in rats.

Sr85 uptake and histological aspects of healing in dental extraction wounds of rats were studied at varying time intervals from 0 to 42 days following extraction of the maxillary left third molar. A total of sixty Sprague-Dawley female rats (approx. 100 days of age) were used, 50 were injected I.P. with approximately 5μCi of Sr85Cl2 (0.5 ml vol.) 24 hr prior to sacrifice, while the remaining uninjected 10 animals were used for histological study. Radioactivity of bone from the right and left maxillary third molar areas was measured in a well-type scintillation detector with a thallium-activated sodium iodide [NaI(T1)] crystal and expressed as either percentage of injected dose (% I.D.) or counts/min/unit of fresh weight to the nearest 0.1 mg. The ratio of Sr85 uptake was expressed as extracted site counts divided by non-extracted counts. When the ratio was less than 1.00, the histologic sections showed evidence of bone resorption and slight new bone formation whereas when the ratio was greater than unity, histologic sections showed marked evidence of predominant new bone formation. Significant differences were found between the uptake of Sr85 (% I.D./mg) in extraction and non-extraction sites during the period of 0 to 42 days (F = 5.81, P < 0.05). The differences in Sr85 uptake at the 10th and 14th day correspond with the times of greatest histologic activity of new bone formation in the healing sockets and extra-alveolar sites.
Something New under the Sun? The Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Health

The history of dietary guidelines for heart health — a project begun in the 1950s when the United States felt threatened by a perceived “epidemic” of heart attacks — reveals that the Mediterranean diet's cardiovascular benefits have been recognized for decades.
Parental preparation of children for routine physical examinations

Preparation of the child and parents/caretakers for health care events is expected to decrease a child's anxiety and uncooperative behaviors. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the methods of preparation (discussion, reading, play, other) and levels of discussion used by parents in readying their preschool and school-age children for six selected events during routine physical examinations. A phone survey was conducted to all parents of children, ages 2 to 12 years, who visited an academic nursing center or public school for a routine physical examination (n = 132). The events are "listen to heart," "look in ears," "take temperature," "feel the stomach," "look at the throat," and "give a shot." The most common method of preparation parents used was discussion that consisted largely of procedural information rather than a reciprocal dialogue with the child. Preschool children were told what the health care provider would do and what they should do during the physical examination more often than school-age children.
Matric and osmotic priming of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench seeds

Abstract Purple coneflower seeds ( Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench) following osmotic priming in polyethylene glycol (PEG) or matric priming in expanded vermiculite had greater rate, synchrony and percentage of germination at 20° C than non-primed seeds. Osmotic or matric priming for 10 days at −0.4 MPa and 15° C resulted in higher germination rate and percentage than shorter (5 day) exposure or lower (−1.5 MPa) water potential. Seedling emergence rate, synchrony and percentage from osmotically or matrically primed seeds were similar in both cool (23–27° C day) and warm (35–40° C) glasshouse regimes. Emergence was faster from primed than from non-primed seeds in both regimes. Emergence percentage was higher (80%) from primed seeds than from non-primed seeds (50%) in the cool regime but emergence synchrony was unaffected. In the warm regime, primed seeds emerged more synchronously than non-primed seeds but emergence percentage was unaffected. Moistened vermiculite substituted for PEG solution as a priming medium for purple coneflower seeds since benefits to seed germination or seedling emergence following priming (−0.4MPa, 15° C, 10 days, darkness) in these media were similar.
Aluminum-Dependent Root-Growth Inhibition in Arabidopsis Results from AtATR-Regulated Cell-Cycle Arrest

Summary Aluminum (Al) toxicity is a global problem severely limiting agricultural productivity in acid-soil regions comprising upwards of 50% of the world's arable land [1, 2]. Although Al-exclusion mechanisms have been intensively studied [3–9], little is known about tolerance to internalized Al, which is predicted to be mechanistically complex because of the plethora of predicted cellular targets for Al 3+ [2, 10]. An Arabidopsis mutant with Al hypersensitivity, als3-1 , was found to represent a lesion in a phloem and root-tip-localized factor similar to the bacterial ABC transporter ybbm, with ALS3 likely responsible for Al transfer from roots to less-sensitive tissues [10–12]. To identify mutations that enhance mechanisms of Al resistance or tolerance, a suppressor screen for mutants that mask the Al hypersensitivity of als3-1 was performed [13]. Two allelic suppressors conferring increased Al tolerance were found to represent dominant-negative mutations in a factor required for monitoring DNA integrity, AtATR [14–17]. From this work, Al-dependent root-growth inhibition primarily arises from DNA damage coupled with AtATR-controlled blockage of cell-cycle progression and terminal differentiation because of loss of the root-quiescent center, with mutations that prevent response to this damage resulting in quiescent-center maintenance and sustained vigorous growth in an Al-toxic environment.
Factorizations of complete multipartite graphs into generalized cubes

For a positive integer d, the usual d-dimensional cube Qd is defined to be the graph (K2)d, the Cartesian product of d copies of K2. We define the generalized cube Q(Kk, d) to be the graph (Kk)d for positive integers d and k. We investigate the decomposition of the complete multipartite graph Kkj × kn - j into factors that are vertex-disjoint unions of generalized cubes Q(Kk, di), where k is a power of a prime, n and j are positive integers with j ≤ n, and the di may be different in different factors. We also use these results to partially settle a problem of Kotzig on Qd-factorizations of Kn. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Graph Theory 33: 144–150, 2000
Improving variogram reproduction on dense simulation grids

Abstract In any sequential simulation approach, limited computer resources call for retaining only the conditioning data closest to the point being simulated. As a consequence, reproduction of large range variograms is poor for dense simulation grids. This paper describes a multiple-grid implementation of the sequential simulation algorithm that improves variogram reproduction significantly with minimal additional computer and memory costs.
Computation of the newton step for the even and odd characteristic polynomials of a symmetric positive definite toeplitz matrix

We compute the Newton step for the characteristic polynomial and for the even and odd characteristic polynomials of a symmetric positive definite Toeplitz matrix as the reciprocal of the trace of an appropriate matrix. We show that, after the Yule-Walker equations are solved, this trace can be computed in 0(n) additional arithmetic operations, which is in contrast to existing methods, which rely on a recursion, requiring O(n 2 ) additional arithmetic operations.
Relationship of dissolution rate in anionic polymeric solutions to viscosity

AbstractThe influence of viscosity on the dissolution rate of m-acetotoluidide in aqueous solutions of acacia, gelatin type B, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium alginate and xanthan gum was investigated. The viscosity was measured by a rotational viscometer. The dissolution rates decreased as the viscosities of solutions of anionic polymers increased. The curves representing the relationship of dissolution rate and viscosity varied for each polymeric solution depending on the structural characteristics of the polymer.
Antidepressants Stimulate Hippocampal Neurogenesis by Inhibiting p21 Expression in the Subgranular Zone of the Hipppocampus

The relationships among hippocampal neurogenesis, depression and the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs have generated a considerable amount of controversy. The cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21Cip1 (p21) plays a crucial role in restraining cellular proliferation and maintaining cellular quiescence. Using in vivo and in vitro approaches the present study shows that p21 is expressed in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in early neuronal progenitors and in immature neurons, but not in mature neurons or astroglia. In vitro, proliferation is higher in neuronal progenitor cells derived from p21-/- mice compared to cells derived from wild-type mice. Proliferation is increased in neuronal progenitor cells after suppression of p21 using lentivirus expressing short hairpin RNA against p21. In vivo, chronic treatment with the non-selective antidepressant imipramine as well as the norepinephrine-selective reuptake inhibitor desipramine or the serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine all decrease p21 expression, and this was associated with increased neurogenesis. Chronic antidepressant treatment did not affect the expression of other Cdk inhibitors. Untreated p21-/- mice exhibit a higher degree of baseline neurogenesis and decreased immobility in the forced swim test. Although chronic imipramine treatment increased neurogenesis and reduced immobility in the forced swim test in wild-type mice, it reduced neurogenesis and increased immobility in p21-/- mice. These results demonstrate the unique role of p21 in the control of neurogenesis, and support the hypothesis that different classes of reuptake inhibitor-type antidepressant drugs all stimulate hippocampal neurogenesis by inhibiting p21 expression.
Response Surface Approximations: Noise, Error Repair, and Modeling Errors

In the past few years there has been interest in using response surface techniques to create surrogates to computer simulations. Response surface techniques allow detection and correction of errors as well as filtering out numerical noise, but these techniques introduce additional modeling errors. Methods of reducing both noise and modeling errors are explored. It is also demonstrated that repairing designs with large errors is preferable to eliminating these designs from consideration. Response surface approximations for a high-speed civil transport wing weight equation created from the results of a large number of structural optimizations are used for demonstration. It is shown that the statistical tools available for response surface techniques are effective for error detection and for filtering out noise. Once the noise is reduced, modeling errors can also be reduced by increasing the order of the approximation.
Recovery status of a tupelo-cypress wetland seven years after disturbance: silvicultural implications

Abstract Three disturbance treatments were imposed on a palustrine forested wetland ( Nyssa aquatica-Taxodium distichum ) located in southwestern Alabama in 1986: (i) clearcutting with helicopter log removal (HELI), (ii) HELI followed by rubber-tired skidder traffic simulation (SKID) and (iii) HELI followed by removal of all vegetation during the first two growing seasons via glyphosate herbicide application (GLYPH). After two growing seasons, it was hypothesized that eventual woody plant growth would be best in the HELI-treated areas, because SKID plots had reduced rates of water movement and soil aeration. However, measurements at stand age seven years indicate that SKID actually has greater total above-ground biomass (65979 kg/ha) than HELI (46748 kg/ha) and SKID plots have a higher proportion of the most desirable timber species ( Nyssa aquatica ). GLYPH areas resemble freshwater marshes, although the areas are being invaded by Salix nigra seedlings. All disturbance treatments have significant groundflora components that have increased sediment accumulation 70–175% relative to an undisturbed reference area. By age seven years, regrowth of vegetation has lowered the water table during the growing season but has had little effect on soil redox potential and pH. Our observations suggest that this wetland system is rapidly recovering from logging disturbance seven years ago.
Epidermal growth factor and the regulation of amnion prostaglandin biosynthesis

The production of prostaglandins by amnion is a key factor in the mechanism of human parturition yet the regulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis in amnion is poorly understood. Hence, we have investigated the regulation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation of prostaglandin biosynthesis in human amnion cells. This stimulatory action is inhibited by cycloheximide or actinomycin D at high concentrations, but enhanced at much lower concentrations of these protein synthesis inhibitors. An amnion-produced prostaglandin inhibitor or immediate early gene action may explain these effects. Pretreatment with phorbol esters (inhibition of protein kinase C activity) reduces basal prostaglandin production and attenuates the stimulatory action of EGF on prostaglandin biosynthesis. Hence, amnion prostaglandin biosynthesis is dependent partly on protein kinase C activity.
Union avoidance and foreign direct investment in the USA

The USA is not only the largest foreign direct investor country in the world, it is also host to the largest inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world. Although recent analyses have shown that multinational companies have invested less in countries with higher levels of union membership and contract coverage, more centralized negotiation structures and more restrictive workplace regulations, no similar analysis has been made of the influence of these factors on FDI in the USA. Also lacking in the literature is any analysis of the extent to which foreign‐owned affiliates have engaged in union avoidance in the USA as part of their investment and human resource management/labor relations strategies. This study first focuses on the estimated effects of the relatively low union penetration and decentralized negotiation structure of the USA on FDI in the USA. Second, the precipitous decline in union coverage of foreign subsidiaries in the USA over the last two decades is analyzed. The results of both inquiries strongly support the proposition that foreign multinationals have given substantial weight to union avoidance preferences as part of their FDI strategies.
Stabilization by dissipative feedback systems

This paper will discuss stabilizability of nonfinite dimensional dynamic systems by "dissipative" state feedbacks, i.e., feedbacks which result in dissipative closed-loop systems.
A Wideband Direct Coupled Amplifier Utilizing a Fast/Slow Loop Concept

A new direct coupled wideband amplifier, using thick film hybrid integrated circuit technology, has been designed and tested. A fast/slow loop configuration is used to provide a constant closed-loop voltage gain from dc to the closed-loop -3dB bandwidth of the fast stage. Analytical expressions are derived for the voltage transfer function. The risetime of the amplifier is < 2.5ns with < 10% overshoot for output signals to ± 5 volts into a 50-ohm load. The voltage gain can be varied from 2 to 10 while maintaining a constant 200MHz bandwidth. The measured dc drift was 27 ?V/0C referred to the input. Three hybridized amplifiers have been included in the implementation of a fast filter amplifier.
Information Privacy Research: Framework for Integrating Multiple Publics, Information Channels, and Responses

Abstract This article puts forth a framework for understanding critical consumer information privacy issues in direct and interactive marketing that consists of three broad dimensions: (1) multiple publics, (2) information channel developments, and (3) the publics' responses to privacy actions. Within this structure, the authors review and integrate existing research and issues, and identify an agenda for future research.
Role of majority and minority carrier barriers silicon/organic hybrid heterojunction solar cells.

3 ] Here we demon-strate a hybrid approach to solar cells in which an organic sem-iconductor deposited on top of silicon at low temperatures is used to replace the silicon p–n junction, It must also be noted that in the hybrid solar cell light is still predominately absorbed in silicon, so the efﬁ ciency can theoretically be very high, but the junction formation is done at room temperature so man-ufacturing costs are low. Thus, a hybrid device exploits the advantageous properties of both organic and silicon to enable potentially low-cost and efﬁ cient solar cells. Previous work on hybrid silicon-organic heterojunction photo-voltaic devices has demonstrated a low power conversion efﬁ -ciency of 2 to 5%,
A geometric construction of Moufang planes

An algebraic construction of degree 3 Jordan algebras (including the exceptional one) as trace 0 elements in a degree 4 Jordan algebra is translated to give a geometric construction of Barbilian planes coordinatized by composition algebras (including the Moufang plane) as skew polar line pairs and points on the quadratic surface determined by a polarity of projective 3-space over a smaller composition algebra.
Performance on the Iowa Gambling Task is related to magnitude of weight loss and salivary cortisol in a diet-induced weight loss intervention in overweight women

Abstract The overall objective of this study was to examine the relationship between executive function, specifically decision-making, and weight loss. We used the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) to characterize decision-making and compared performance on this task to weight loss in obese women (n = 29) participating in a 12-week controlled, calorie-reduced intervention. We hypothesized that a greater amount of weight loss over the course of the intervention would be associated with better performance on the IGT, assessed at the end of the intervention. The intervention led to significant weight loss of 5.8 ± 3.1 kg (p ad libitum consumption of energy, fat and protein during a buffet meal was inversely related to weight loss (r = − 0.428; p
Sacro-femoral-pubic angle: a coronal parameter to estimate pelvic tilt

Pelvic tilt is an established measure of position which has been tied to sagittal plane spinal deformity. Increased tilt is noted in the setting of the aging spine and sagittal malalignment syndromes such as flatback (compensatory mechanism). However, the femoral heads are often poorly visualized on sagittal films of scoliosis series in adults, limiting the ability to determine pelvic incidence and tilt. There is a need to establish a coronal plane (better visualization) pelvic parameter which correlates closely with pelvic tilt. This is a retrospective review of 71 adult patients (47 females and 24 males) with full-length standing spine radiographs. Visualization of all spinal and pelvic landmarks was available coronally and sagittally (including pelvis and acetabuli). Pelvic tilt was calculated through validated digital analysis software (SpineView®). A new parameter, the sacro-femoral-pubic angle (midpoint of S1 endplate to centroid of acetabuli to superior border of the pubic symphysis) was analyzed for correlation (and predictive ability) with sagittal pelvic tilt. The sacro-femoral-pubic angle (SFP angle) was highly correlated to PT, and according to this analysis, pelvic tilt could be estimated by the formula: PT = 75 − (SFP angle). A Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.74 (p < 0.005) and predictive ability of 76% accuracy was obtained (±7.5°). The correlation and predictive ability was greater for males compared to females (male: r = 0.87 and predictive model = 93%; female: r = 0.67 and predictive model = 67%). The pelvic tilt is an essential measure in the context of radiographic evaluation of spinal deformity and malalignment. Given the routinely excellent visibility of coronal films this study established the SFP as a coronal parameter which can reliably estimate pelvic tilt. The high correlation and predictive ability of the SFP angle should prompt further study and clinical application when lateral radiographs do not permit assessment of pelvic parameters.
N,7,7‐Tricyanoquinomethanimine (TCQMI) Based Organic Magnetic Materials

The synthesis and characterization of a new family of magnetic materials based on the electron accepting cyanocarbon N,7,7-tricyanoquinomethanimine, TCQMI, its radical anion [TCQMI], and its σ-dimer, σ-[TCQMI]22−, are reported. [FeIIICp*2][TCQMI] (where Cp* is pentamethylcyclopentadienide) forms parallel chains of alternating [TCQMI]•− and [FeCp*2]•+ and magnetically orders at 3.4 K as a weak ferromagnet. M[TCQMI]2•zCH2Cl2 (M = V, Fe) are amorphous solids with [TCQMI]•− coordinated to metal centers through the nitrile groups. The Fe compound magnetically orders as a weak ferromagnet at ≈4 K, whereas the V compound shows no evidence of magnetic ordering. {[MnIIITPP]+}2[TCQMI]22− (TPP = tetraphenylporphyrin) results from the reaction of TCQMI with MnIITPP(py) due to the formation of the [TCQMI]22− σ-dimer in situ, and is a weak ferromagnet below 3.7 K. The lack of magnetic ordering in V[TCQMI]2•zCH2Cl2 is not currently understood, and is in strong contrast to V[TCNE]2•zCH2Cl2, which magnetically orders above room temperature.
Density Matrix Description of Nuclear Magnetic Double Resonance

Bloch has given a general density matrix description of the nuclear magnetic double‐resonance problem. However, this formalism has not been widely applied to problems of chemical interest because of the generally intractable form of the equations and notation that arise for even the simplest spin systems. The use of the Redfield equation introduces significant simplifications into the treatment so that the density matrix description can be given in a form that is convenient for digital computation. An example of the density matrix description of the double‐resonance spectrum of a single nucleus of spin ½ is given in detail, and compared with frequency‐sweep double‐resonance spectra observed for the proton in CCl3H.
Laser engineered net shaping process for SAE 4140 low alloy steel

This paper presents the investigation of the macrostructure, microstructure, and solidification structure of two ferrous based materials produced by the LENS™ process. The material deposited and examined in this work was a SAE 4140 low alloy steel. The focus of this work is to (1) identify the solidification structure and measure the Dendritic Arm Spacing (DAS) to determine growth/cooling rates at the solid/liquid interface, (2) identify and quantify discontinuities in the build structure, and (3) examine the affect of solidification and thermal history on the sample microstructure to further the understanding of the LENS™ process.
Ultrahigh strength of dislocation-free Ni3Al nanocubes.

Individual Ni_3Al nanocubes under pressure are investigated by comparing the compressive strength of both dislocation-free and irradiated Ni3Al nanocubes. The results are dicussed in light of the size-dependent and size-independent strength of face-centered cubic (fcc) nanocrystals in the framework of dislocation nucleation at free surfaces. This study sheds more light on the understanding of fundamental deformation mechanisms and size-affected strength in dislocation-free metallic nanocrystals.
Blockade of nucleoside transport is required for delivery of intraarterial adenosine into the interstitium: relevance to therapeutic preconditioning in humans.

Background— Adenosine, a known mediator of preconditioning, has been infused into the coronary circulation to induce therapeutic preconditioning, eg, in preparation for angioplasty. However, results have been disappointing. We tested the hypothesis that endothelial nucleoside transporter acts as a barrier impeding the delivery of intravascular adenosine into the underlying myocardium and that this can be overcome with dipyridamole, a nucleoside transporter blocker. Methods and Results— We infused saline or adenosine (0.125 and 0.5 mg/min) into the brachial artery while monitoring forearm blood flow (FBF) and interstitial adenosine levels with microdialysis probes implanted in the flexor digitorum superficialis of the forearm in 7 healthy volunteers during intravenous administration of saline or dipyridamole (loading dose, 0.142 mg/kg per min for 5 minutes followed by 0.004 mg/kg per min). Adenosine produced near maximal forearm vasodilation, increasing FBF from 4.0±0.7 to 10.4±1.9 and 13.1±1.6 mL/100 mL p...
X‐Ray Stress Analysis of WC‐Co Cermets: II, Temperature Stresses*

The effect of cobalt content on the temperature stress in WC-Co cermets was measured using both the “one-exposure” and “two-exposure” X-ray diffraction techniques. In the one-exposure technique, strain is measured by comparing lattice spacings in the stressed, d8, and unstressed, d0, conditions. Nonresolution of the a1-a2 doublet caused by adding Co to annealed WC shifts the apparent peak position to higher diffraction angles (smaller d8). Thus, the proper choice of d0 must be made so that in measuring both d0 and d8 similar diffraction peak profiles are used. These conditions have not always been considered, causing some previously reported results to be open to question. With the two-exposure technique, no such difficulties exist, because similar peaks are compared at the two angular positions used for measuring d on the same sample. Because of shallow X-ray penetration in WC, only biaxial temperature stresses at the surface are measured. These stresses are compressive, varying from -53, 000 psi for WC + 10 vol% Co to -24, 300 psi for 37 vol% Co. This trend is in disagreement with previous theories, which predict greater compressive stress as Co content increases.
Electrical injury: mechanisms, manifestations, and therapy

Human contact with strong electrical power sources often results in complex injury patterns which have been difficult to explain and even more difficult for survivors to overcome. Fundamentally, there are two basic modes of tissue injury: direct effects of strong electric fields on proteins and cellular structures and indirect effects related to joule heating. Historically, tissue injury due to direct effects of electric forces have received no consideration with respect to understanding electrical injury. Recently, substantial progress has been made in understanding this aspect. The structural characteristics of nerve and skeletal muscle tissue renders them particularly vulnerable to injury by supraphysiological electric fields. How the injury manifests from the combination of thermal and electric effects depends on several variables including the tissue field strength, duration of exposure, frequency, and current path. This review describes the destructive changes to cellular structure resulting from exposure to commercial electrical power sources and the resulting manifestations at the organ system level. Finally, several important new therapeutic approaches to treat and possibly reverse the molecular alterations of electrical shock are discussed.
Clinical pathways for monitoring and advancing congenital heart disease care

Abstract Clinical pathways are multidisciplinary plans that outline the sequence and timing of actions necessary to achieve expected patient outcomes with optimal efficiency. The impact of clinical pathways is greatly influenced by the pathway development and implementation process. Steps in the pathway development process are reviewed. Studies suggest that clinical pathway methodology has been effective in reducing hospital length of stay and healthcare costs while maintaining quality of care in patients with heart disease. However, the potential of clinical pathways for advancing congenital heart disease care has not yet been realized. Future clinical pathways should incorporate evidenced-based guidelines, promote monitoring and evaluation of current practice and outcomes beyond length of hospitalization and healthcare costs, and stimulate research to establish best practice and advance the care of children with congenital heart disease.
Probabilistic Multiscale Models for Fracture Analysis of Functionally Graded Composites

This paper reports three multiscale models, including sequential, invasive, and concurrent models, for fracture analysis of a crack in a two-phase, functionally graded composite. The models involve stochastic description of the particle volume fractions, particle locations, and constituent material properties; a two-scale algorithm including microscale and macroscale analyses for determining crack-driving forces; and two stochastic methods for fracture reliability analysis. Numerical results indicate that the sequential and invasive multiscale models are the most computationally inexpensive models available, but they may not produce acceptable probabilistic characteristics of stress-intensity factors or accurate probability of fracture initiation. The concurrent multiscale model is sufficiently accurate, gives probabilistic solutions very close to those generated from the microscale model, and can reduce the computational effort of the latter model by more than a factor of two. In addition, the concurrent multiscale model predicts crack trajectory as accurately as the microscale model.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Entry barriers and new venture performance: a comparison of universal and contingency approaches

This study utilized universal and contingency approaches to empirically investigate the effects of entry barriers on new venture performance. Consistent with prior research utilizing the universal approach, this study found only limited support for the direct independent effects of entry barriers on performance. Conversely, this study provides strong support for utilizing the contingency approach to examine the complex effects of entry barriers on divergent performance measures. Overall, contingency models incorporating the theoretically justified moderating effects of industry life cycle stage and venture strategy explained 31, 61, and 45 percent of the variance in profitability, shareholder wealth creation, and sales growth respectively. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Faraday acceleration with radio-frequency assisted discharge

A new electrodeless accelerator concept that relies on an rf-assisted discharge, an applied magnetic field, and electromagnetic acceleration using an inductive coil is presented. The presence of a preionized plasma allows for current sheet formation at lower discharge voltages and energies than those found in other pulsed inductive accelerator concepts. A proof-of-concept experiment, supported by optical and probe diagnostics, has been constructed and used to demonstrate low-voltage, low-energy current sheet formation and acceleration. Magnetic field data indicate that the peak sheet velocity in this unoptimized configuration operating at a pulse energy of 78.5 J is 12 km/s. Visual observations indicate that plasma follows the applied magnetic field from the rf discharge to the face of the planar acceleration coil, while magnetic field probing and visualization using a fast-framing camera show the formation and acceleration of the current sheet.
Patterns of Shedding of Myxoviruses and Paramyxoviruses in Children

In the Houston Family Study, young children were cultured for virus weekly or biweekly and during acute respiratory illnesses. The interval between the onset of illness and positive culture was examined for 179 infections during 1975-1979. In week 1 after onset, 73%, 73%, and 66% of cultures were positive for influenza A virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza virus type 3, respectively. Pooled data from influenza B virus infections in 1977 and 1980 showed that 73% of cultures were positive in week 1. Influenza A virus in week 2 or RSV in weeks 2 and 3 was isolated from very few children. However, 37% of cultures were positive for influenza B virus during week 2, and 17% of cultures were still positive for parainfluenza virus type 3 during week 3. Shedding of parainfluenza virus type 3 on days 29-38 was also observed. Parainfluenza virus type 3, RSV, and influenza A virus were isolated up to six days before the onset of illness.
Optimizing detector geometry for trace element mapping by X-ray fluorescence

Trace metals play critical roles in a variety of systems, ranging from cells to photovoltaics. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy using X-ray excitation provides one of the highest sensitivities available for imaging the distribution of trace metals at sub-100 nm resolution. With the growing availability and increasing performance of synchrotron light source based instruments and X-ray nanofocusing optics, and with improvements in energy-dispersive XRF detectors, what are the factors that limit trace element detectability? To address this question, we describe an analytical model for the total signal incident on XRF detectors with various geometries, including the spectral response of energy dispersive detectors. This model agrees well with experimentally recorded X-ray fluorescence spectra, and involves much shorter calculation times than with Monte Carlo simulations. With such a model, one can estimate the signal when a trace element is illuminated with an X-ray beam, and when just the surrounding non-fluorescent material is illuminated. From this signal difference, a contrast parameter can be calculated and this can in turn be used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for detecting a certain elemental concentration. We apply this model to the detection of trace amounts of zinc in biological materials, and to the detection of small quantities of arsenic in semiconductors. We conclude that increased detector collection solid angle is (nearly) always advantageous even when considering the scattered signal. However, given the choice between a smaller detector at 90° to the beam versus a larger detector at 180° (in a backscatter-like geometry), the 90° detector is better for trace element detection in thick samples, while the larger detector in 180° geometry is better suited to trace element detection in thin samples.
COMPUTER SIMULATION SOFTWARE REUSE BY GENERIC/SPECIFIC DOMAIN MODELING APPROACH

Software reuse has drawn much attention in computing research. Domain analysis is considered a prerequisite to effective reuse of existing software. Several approaches and methodologies have been proposed for domain analysis or domain modeling, but not many case studies have been reported in the literature. The first objective of this paper is to present the concept and practical experiences of a domain analysis approach in discrete-event simulation in manufacturing — generic /specific modeling. A second objective of this paper is to present a meta-model based on the generic/ specific approach from the software engineering perspective. The steps and knowledge required to build the model are described. Domain analysis lessons learned from the generic/specific approach in discrete-event simulation are discussed. Classification of this domain modeling approach was conducted through the Wartik and Prieto-Diaz criteria. The classification will facilitate the comparison with other domain analysis approaches. Similar modeling concepts or techniques may be beneficial to other researchers in their own application domains.
Recurrent severe exacerbations in early life and reduced lung function at school age

Severe wheezing exacerbations during the preschool years, a critical time in lung growth and development, may lead to airway damage and remodeling. Our study linked these events to a partially reversible reduction in lung function present at school age.
Organizational and activational effects of sex steroids on kisspeptin neuron development.

Kisspeptin, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, is a neuropeptide required for puberty and adult reproductive function. Understanding the regulation and development of the kisspeptin system provides valuable knowledge about the physiology of puberty and adult fertility, and may provide insights into human pubertal or reproductive disorders. Recent studies, particularly in rodent models, have assessed how kisspeptin neurons develop and how hormonal and non-hormonal factors regulate this developmental process. Exposure to sex steroids (testosterone and estradiol) during critical periods of development can induce organizational (permanent) effects on kisspeptin neuron development, with respect to both sexually dimorphic and non-sexually dimorphic aspects of kisspeptin biology. In addition, sex steroids can also impart activational (temporary) effects on kisspeptin neurons and Kiss1 gene expression at various times during neonatal and peripubertal development, as they do in adulthood. Here, we discuss the current knowledge—and in some cases, lack thereof—of the influence of hormones and other factors on kisspeptin neuronal development.