cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Null mutations in EphB receptors decrease sharpness of frequency tuning in primary auditory cortex

Primary auditory cortex (A1) exhibits a tonotopic representation of characteristic frequency (CF). The receptive field properties of A1 neurons emerge from a combination of thalamic inputs and intracortical connections. However, the mechanisms that guide growth of these inputs during development and shape receptive field properties remain largely unknown. We previously showed that Eph family proteins help establish tonotopy in the auditory brainstem. Moreover, other studies have shown that these proteins shape topography in visual and somatosensory cortices. Here, we examined the contribution of Eph proteins to cortical organization of CF, response thresholds and sharpness of frequency tuning. We examined mice with null mutations in EphB2 and EphB3, as these mice show significant changes in auditory brainstem connectivity. We mapped A1 using local field potential recordings in adult EphB2(-/-);EphB3(-/-) and EphB3(-/-) mice, and in a central A1 location inserted a 16-channel probe to measure tone-evoked current-source density (CSD) profiles. Based on the shortest-latency current sink in the middle layers, which reflects putative thalamocortical input, we determined frequency receptive fields and sharpness of tuning (Q(20)) for each recording site. While both mutant mouse lines demonstrated increasing CF values from posterior to anterior A1 similar to wild type mice, we found that the double mutant mice had significantly lower Q(20) values than either EphB3(-/-) mice or wild type mice, indicating broader tuning. In addition, we found that the double mutants had significantly higher CF thresholds and longer onset latency at threshold than mice with wild type EphB2. These results demonstrate that EphB receptors influence auditory cortical responses, and suggest that EphB signaling has multiple functions in auditory system development.
Pain Sensitivity and Opioid Analgesia: A Pharmacogenomic Twin Study

Abstract Opioids are the cornerstone medication for the management of moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, vast inter-individual differences in dose requirements complicate their effective and safe clinical use. Mechanisms underlying such differences are incompletely understood, are likely multifactorial, and include genetic and environmental contributions. While accumulating evidence suggests that variants of several genes account for some of the observed response variance, the relative contribution of these factors remains unknown. This study used a twin paradigm to provide a global estimate of the genetic and environmental contributions to inter-individual differences in pain sensitivity and analgesic opioid effects. Eighty one monozygotic and 31 dizygotic twin pairs successfully underwent a computer-controlled infusion with the μ-opioid agonist alfentanil in a single occasion, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study design. Pain sensitivity and analgesic effects were assessed with experimental heat and cold pressor pain models along with important covariates including demographic factors, depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. Significant heritability was detected for cold pressor pain tolerance and opioid-mediated elevations in heat and cold pressor pain thresholds. Genetic effects accounted for 12–60% of the observed response variance. Significant familial effects accounting for 24–32% of observed variance were detected for heat and cold pressor pain thresholds and opioid-mediated elevation in cold pressor pain tolerance. Significant covariates included age, gender, race, education, and anxiety. Results provide a strong rationale for more detailed molecular genetic studies to elucidate mechanisms underlying inter-individual differences in pain sensitivity and analgesic opioid responses. Such studies will require careful consideration of the studied pain phenotype.
ON THE DETERMINATION OF THE NUMBER OF O STARS IN H II REGIONS AND STARBURST GALAXIES

The hot star population in H II regions, H II galaxies, and starburst galaxies is often described in terms of the number of 'equivalent' O stars of a single representative subtype and luminosity class needed to produce the ionizing luminosity deduced from the nebular recombination lines in the optical spectra. In this paper we define conversion factors eta(sub 0), eta(sub 1), and zeta(sub 5000) with which the total number of O V stars and their flux contribution at 5000 A can be derived from the number of these 'equivalent' stars. These quantities depend primarily on three parameters: the slope and upper mass limit of the stellar mass function and the metallicity of the region. Using the latest stellar atmosphere and evolution models, we calculate eta(sub 0), eta(sub 1), and zeta(sub 5000) for a large number of values of these parameters. The results are presented in tabular as well as graphical form. We apply our results to two H II regions for which the hot star population are known and find that the predicted numbers of O stars agree well the observed counts. In addition, we describe a method by which the values of eta(sub 0) and eta(sub 1) and the observed emission-line fluxes can be used to place constraints on the allowed values of the slope and upper mass limit of the stellar mass function in a region.
Money growth variability and stock returns: An innovations accounting analysis

This paper employs a seven variable vector autoregression system to analyze the effects of money growth variability on British stock returns using the London share price index. Other variables included in the model are M1 money, budget deficits and surpluses, industrial production, consumer price index, and a long term interest error variance decompositions following Sims (1980). The results of the analysis suggest that money growth variability accounts for 22.82% and 19.53% of the variance of interests rates and stock returns respectively, and hence is considered to be an important influence concerning the and uncertainty associated with returns on investment in stocks and other financial assets.[E44]
Ontogeny of immobility and response to alarm substance in the forced swim test

Abstract The ontogeny of immobility in the forced swim test and the response to alarm substance were determined in rats. Immobility, defined as floating vertically in water, making only those minimal movements necessary to keep the head above water, emerged at 21 days of age and stabilized beginning at 26 days (≤10% variation from the mean time of the previous day). Males and females did not differ in maturation of this response. The reaction to alarm substance was discernible when animals were 24 days of age. Again, males and females were not significantly different in ontogeny of this response.
Bisexual women in marriages.

A clinical sample of women who were currently or previously married was surveyed regarding demographics, homosexual experiences before marriage, problems in marriage, and sexual orientation. The average4 age of the 45 participants was 35.9. Before marriage, 21 (47%) were somewhat aware of their homosexual feelings but were much less likely to have thought of or identified themselves as homosexuals. Sexual difficulties were very common in these marriages (89%), the most cited sexual difficulty being a lack of sexual desire for their spouse (62%). Based upon Kinsey -type ratings, the sample could be described as almost exclusively could be seen during marriage toward more of a homosexual orientation. The dramatic change, however, occurred following marriage, when the women reported even more of the homosexual orientation, tending toward the homosexual end of the Kinsey continuum. At the time of the study, a majority of the sample was, in fact, relating almost exclusively to other women. This study found tha...
Displacement calculations across a metamorphic core complex mylonite zone: Pinaleño Mountains, southeastern Arizona

Minimum offset of 7 km across the Pinaleno Mountains metamorphic core complex is calculated by integrating the shear strains across the exposed width of the mylonite zone. The calculated displacement equals the offset on the associated detachment fault, estimated from offset marker beds. The method of determining displacement by strain integration may be directly applicable to many other metamorphic core complexes.
Withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of chronic clonidine treatment in rats

Abstract Clinical reports indicate that cessation of treatment with the antihypertensive agent clonidine is associated with a withdrawal syndrome which may include a hypertensive overshoot of critical proportions. We have attempted to produce an animal model of this syndrome in rats. Rats were treated with clonidine in the drinking water (5 μg/ml; total dose 300–500 μg/kg/day) which produced a significant (approx. 20%) decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Within 24 h of cessation of treatment a significantly greater (approximately 100 beats/ min) heart rate was seen in treated animals than in control animals when measurements were made in conscious animals. No hypertensive overshoot was observed. Cessation of treatment was associated with an increase in sympatho-adrenal tone as shown by a trans-synaptic induction of adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase activity. Adrenal denervation prevented the rise in adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase seen after cessation of treatment. Administration of clonidine to pregnant rats (10th day until term) did not alter the development of adrenal tyrosine hydroxylase in the offspring. The data indicate that a withdrawal syndrome is produced upon cessation of chronic clonidine treatment.
Is the Dissociative Adult Suggestible? A Test of the Trauma and Fantasy Models of Dissociation

Psychologists have long assumed a connection between traumatic experience and psychological dissociation. This hypothesis is referred to as the trauma model of dissociation. In the past decade, a series of papers have been published that question this traditional causal link, proposing an alternative fantasy model of dissociation. In the present research, the relationship among dissociation, suggestibility, and fantasy proneness was examined. Suggestibility was measured through the Gudjonsson Scale of Interrogative Suggestibility (GSS) as well as an autobiographically based version of this measure based on the events of September 11, 2001. Consistent with prior research and with the trauma model, dissociation correlated positively with trauma severity (r = .32, p < .01) and fantasy proneness (r = .60, p < .01). Inconsistent with the fantasy model, dissociation did not correlate with the neutral form of the GSS and correlated negatively (r = -.24, p < .05) with the trauma-focused form of this suggestibility measure. Although some participants did become quite emotional during the procedure, the risk/benefit ratio was perceived by almost all participants to be positive, with more reactive individuals evaluating the procedure more positively. The results consistently support the trauma model of dissociation and fail to support the fantasy model of dissociation.
Oscillation and nonoscillation of solutions of second order linear dynamic equations with integrable coefficients on time scales

We obtain Willett-Wong-type oscillation and nonoscillation theorems for second order linear dynamic equations with integrable coefficients on a time scale. The results obtained extend and are motivated by oscillation and nonoscillation results due to Willett [20] and Wong [21] for the second order linear differential equation. As applications of the new results obtained, we give the complete classification of oscillation and nonoscillation for the difference [email protected]^2x(n)+b(-1)^nt^cx(n+1)=0 [email protected]^2x(n)+at^c^+^1+b(-1)^nt^cx(n+1)=0for [email protected]?N,a,b,[email protected]?R. We also improve a nonoscillation result of Mingarelli [17] and extend an oscillation result of Del Medico and Kong [7].
Initial decline in hemoglobin during neoadjuvant hormonal therapy predicts for early prostate specific antigen failure following radiation and hormonal therapy for patients with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND Declines in serum hemoglobin (Hgb) levels occur from the use of androgen suppression therapy (AST) in the treatment of prostate cancer patients. We studied whether time to prostate specific antigen (PSA) failure following external beam radiation therapy (RT) and AST could be predicted by the rate of decline in the Hgb level following the administration of neoadjuvant AST or by the Hgb level at presentation or at the start of RT. METHODS The study cohort comprised 110 intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer patients who were managed using three-dimensional conformal RT (70 Gy) and 6 months of AST (2 months neoadjuvant, concurrent, and adjuvant). A Cox regression multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the ability of the rate of decline of the Hgb from baseline to the start of RT, baseline PSA level, Gleason score, percent positive biopsies, and T-category to predict time to PSA failure. RESULTS A decline in the Hgb level of 1 g/dL or more during the first month of AST was the only significant predictor of time to PSA failure (P = 0.02) on multivariable analysis. The relative risk of PSA failure (95% confidence interval) for patients with a decline in Hgb level during the first month (≥ 1 g/dL vs. < 1 g/dL) was 6.3 (2.4, 8.3) and the 3-year estimate of PSA outcome was 66% versus 82% (P = 0.04), respectively. There were no imbalances in the pretreatment prognostic factors or length of follow-up in each of these groups. CONCLUSION A decline of 1 g/dL or more in Hgb level during the first month of neoadjuvant AST was a predictor of early PSA failure following RT and AST in intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer patients. Cancer 2002;95:275–80. © 2002 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.10673
The effect of light, temperature, and DDT poisoning on housefly locomotion and flight muscle activity

Abstract Locomotory activity of adult female houseflies, Musca domestica L, was recorded under various conditions of light and temperature and in response to DDT application. Houseflies were more active at room temperature (22°C) than in the cold (16°C), as expected. Pronounced circadian rhythm was exhibited at 22°C in the laboratory associated with normal day-night conditions. No circadian rhythm patterns were evident in the cold in absence of light. Response to lethal doses of DDT occasionally showed two peaks of locomotory activity sometimes separated by a period of depressed locomotion. Extracellular recordings of dorsal longitudinal flight muscle activity of Musca during DDT poisoning also showed two peaks of activity, in this case always separated by a phase of markedly depressed activity. The poisoning process in general was defined in four stages in terms of motor responses. The final stage of poisoning was redefined as tetany rather than prostration due to intensive motor unit activity which lasted for several hours, long after the cessation of convulsive movement.
Bounding the diffuse adversary

Results Koutsoupias and Papadimitriou recently raised the question of how well deterministic on-line paging algorithms can do against a certain class of adversariallu biased random input> (3). Such an input is given in an on-line fashion; the adversary determines the next request probabilistically, subject to the constraint that no page may be requested with probability more than a fixed 6 > 0. In this note, we answer their question by estimating, within a factor of two, the optimal competitive ratio of any deterministic on-line strategy against this adversary. We fur- ther analyze randomized on-line strategies, obtaining upper and lower bounds within a factor of two. These estimates reveal the qualitative changes as E ranges continuously from 1 (the standard model) towards 0 (a severely handicauued adbersary). Our upper bounds usk an %&rance-b&id" charging scheme that reduces the analysis of the expected cost on an adversarially biased random input to the analysis of the "adjusted" cost of a worst-case input.
Traumatic aortopulmonary window as a complication of pulmonary artery balloon angioplasty : transcatheter occlusion with a covered stent. A case report

We describe a case in which pulmonary artery balloon angioplasty was complicated by formation of an aortopulmonary window, a previously unreported complication associated with this technique. A novel transcatheter approach for occluding the defect, a covered stent, was utilized. Deployment of the covered stent significantly reduced the shunt, allowed for clinical stabilization, and averted the need for emergency surgical intervention.
Effects of phase duration on detection of electrical stimulation of the human cochlea

Detection thresholds for biphasic symmetric pulses were measured in fourteen human subjects implanted with the Cochlear Corporation Nucleus 22 Implant. The effects of phase duration on thresholds were studied using single pulses, and 500 ms pulse trains at 100 pps. Psychophysical detection thresholds decreased as a function of phase duration with a change in slope at approximately 0.5 ms/phase. Mean single-pulse and pulse-train slopes were -3.60 and -4.25 dB/doubling of phase duration for pulse durations of less than about 0.5 ms/phase. For pulse durations greater than 0.5 ms/phase, mean slopes were -5.71 and -7.54 dB/doubling for single pulses and pulse trains, respectively. Thresholds for pulse trains decreased as a function of stimulus duration for durations up to at least 300 ms, with the rate of decrease being dependent on the phase duration of the pulse. Effects of stimulus duration were greater for longer phase duration signals. We hypothesize that the longer phase duration pulses activate multiple spikes in a single fiber and/or more effective patterns of spikes across fibers, which may explain why slopes of psychophysical threshold functions are steeper than those of functions for single auditory nerve fibers for longer duration pulses. Thresholds were compared to respective speech perception scores (CID sentences) since thresholds for long phase duration signals have been shown previously to be correlated with nerve survival patterns, and nerve survival patterns may affect speech perception. Correlation coefficients ranged from -0.59 to -0.81, depending on stimulus parameters and subject selection.
Inaccuracies of oximetry in identifying the location of intracardiac left-to-right shunts in adults.

Although oximetric analysis of blood from the right heart chambers is the most commonly used method for assessing the presence of intracardiac left-to-right shunting, it sometimes provides misleading information because a patient with a left-to-right shunt in only 1 location sometimes manifests a significant oxygen step-up (1) in >1 chamber or (2) in a chamber other than that in which the shunt is actually located. This study was performed (1) to assess the frequency with which oximetric data provide such misleading results and (2) to determine which variables (if any) may contribute to the occurrence of such erroneous oximetric results. Accordingly, we analyzed oximetric data from 168 patients (61 men, 107 women, 14 to 76 years of age) with a proved left-to-right shunt at only 1 site and oximetric evidence of significant oxygen step-up. Using the criteria of Dexter et al ( J Clin Invest 1947;26:554–560), Antman et al ( Am J Cardiol 1980;46:265–271), or Pirwitz et al ( Am Heart J 1997;133:413–417) for a significant oxygen step-up, 34%, 42%, and 35% of subjects, respectively, manifested a significant step-up in >1 chamber or a step-up only in an incorrect chamber. Compared with those with a step-up in the correct chamber only, those with a step-up in >1 chamber had larger Qp/Qs ratios (mean ± SD, 2.7 ± 1.2 vs 3.5 ± 1.8, respectively, p
Operational Semantics of a Focusing Debugger

Abstract This paper explores two main ideas: (1) a debugger for a programming language ought to have a formal semantic definition that is closely allied to the formal definition of the language itself; and (2) a debugger for very high level programming language ought to provide support for exposing hidden information in a controlled fashion. We investigate these ideas by giving formal semantic definitions for a simple functional programming language and an associated debugger for the language. The formal definitions are accomplished using structured operational semantics, and they demonstrate one way in which the formal definition of a debugger might be built “on top of” the formal definition of the underlying language. The debugger itself provides the novel capability of allowing the programmer to “focus” or shift the scope of attention in a syntax-directed fashion to a specific subexpression within the program, and to view the execution of the program from that vantage. The main formal result about the debugger is that “focusing preserves meaning,” in the sense that a program being debugged exhibits equivalent (bisimilar) operational behavior regardless of the subexpression to which the focus has been shifted.
Ternary universal logic gates using quantum dot gate field effect transistors

In this paper, we have discussed universal logic gates, NAND and NOR logic using the circuit model of three-state quantum dot gate field effect transistor. Quantum dot gate field effect transistors produce one intermediate state between the normal two stable, on and off states due to a change in the threshold voltage over this range. The authors have developed a simplified circuit model that accounts for this intermediate state. Interesting logic can be implemented using quantum dot gate field effect transistors. In this work, designs of various quantum dot gate field effect transistor based two-input ternary logic operations like NAND and NOR and their application in implementing other ternary logic circuits, have been discussed. Increased number of states in three state quantum dot gate field effect transistor increases the number of bit handling capability of this device and helps us to handle more bits at a time with less circuit elements.
Role of cholinergic neuromuscular transmission in the neuroregulation of the autophosphorylatable regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase type II and the acetylcholine receptor content in skeletal muscle

Abstract Previously, we found that the in vitro [ 32 P]-autophosphorylation of the regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase type II in rat soleus muscles is subject to a nerve-stump-length-dependent neuroregulation which indicates that this event is dependent upon some neural signal other than the impulse-directed release of acetylcholine. In this investigation, tetrodotoxin and α-bungarotoxin were also administered to further differentiate the effect of impulse-directed and spontaneously released acetylcholine upon this event and also upon the appearance of new acetylcholine receptors as measured by the binding of radioiodinated bungarotoxin. A 24 h blockade of cholinergic transmission with either neurotoxin did not change the phosphorylation level of the regulatory subunit, while a significant increase is observed when solei are surgically denervated for this period. The phosphorylation level and also the acetylcholine receptor content were increased only after more prolonged (48–96 h) muscle inactivity was produced with the neurotoxins. However, then their effects may not be solely related to alterations in cholinergic transmission. Taken together, our results do not support a trophic role for spontaneously released acetylcholine with respect to the two neurotrophic events studied.
Enhancement of thermal conductivity with carbon nanotube for nanofluids

Abstract Thermal conductivity enhancements in ethylene glycol and synthetic engine oil in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are investigated. CNT nanofluids are prepared using a two-step method. The volume concentration of CNT–ethylene glycol suspensions is below 1.0 vol.% and that of CNT–synthetic engine oil suspensions is below 2.0 vol.%. The thermal conductivities of the CNT suspensions are measured with a modified transient hot wire method. The results show that CNT–ethylene glycol suspensions have noticeably higher thermal conductivities than the ethylene glycol base fluid without CNT. The results for CNT–synthetic engine oil suspensions also exhibit the same trend. For CNT–ethylene glycol suspensions at a volume fraction of 0.01 (1 vol.%), thermal conductivity is enhanced by 12.4%. On the other hand, for CNT–synthetic engine oil suspension, thermal conductivity is enhanced by 30% at a volume fraction of 0.02 (2 vol.%). The rates of increase are, however, different for different base fluids. The CNT–synthetic engine oil suspension has a much higher enhanced thermal conductivity ratio than the CNT–ethylene glycol suspension.
Determination of unimolecular ionic formation rates by pulsed laser-linear reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Abstract The study of fragment-ion signals as a function of delay time between the laser pulse and the pulsed extraction electric field in a linear reflectron offers a new technique for the determination of the formation rates of some of these fragments. It is shown that this technique has better time resolution, higher sensitivity, and more versatility than previous methods. The formation rates of seven daughter ions resulting from laser multiphoton ionization dissociation (MPID) of 1,4-dichlorobenzene are determined. The formation rate of C 6 H 4 C1 + at high laser intensities is comparable to that determined using one 14 eV photon. This suggests that its formation by MPID at high UV intensity involves the three-UV-photon level (at 14.0 eV) via a ladder mechanism.
The p-cover problem

The modified p-center (called here p-cover) problem was discussed recently in several papers. A practical and effective procedure to solving it is presented in this note.
Risk assessment of optically aided viewing

The definition and measurement of Class 1 and Class 3A accessible emission limits relates very much to one simple question: “How much energy will be collected by magnifying optics?” To simulate the increased risk of optically aided viewing by telescopes and binoculars, a 50 mm aperture (at one time 80 mm) has been used in ANSI, CDRH, and IEC standards. The current measurement criterion found in IEC 60825-1 was a compromise, and makes use of a 50 mm aperture at a distance of 100 mm to define a geometrical collection efficiency to simulate not only that of telescopes and binoculars, but also that of highly diverging laser and light emitting diode emission patterns as well. It was later recognized that this was a rather arbitrary mathematical construct designed to mimic both a high-power eye loupe at a very close distance (14 mm) and a 7×50 binocular at a much greater viewing distance. This approach is not followed in the U.S. standards, and the two types of sources are treated differently. While the IEC approach appears at a first glance to have the advantage of simplicity and requires little laboratory space for measurements, it fails to accurately describe the real hazard for both conditions of optically aided viewing. Hand-held magnifiers and eye loupes increase the retinal or corneal hazard by effectively collimating the divergent beam and directing more energy into the true limiting aperture: the eye’s pupil (simulated by the 7 mm aperture for dark-adapted viewing). By contrast, telescopes and binoculars which can produce a sharp image only at distances beyond at least 2 m, collect more radiant energy. A better simulation of risk is afforded by a 50 mm aperture at 2 m and a 7 mm aperture at about 10 cm.The definition and measurement of Class 1 and Class 3A accessible emission limits relates very much to one simple question: “How much energy will be collected by magnifying optics?” To simulate the increased risk of optically aided viewing by telescopes and binoculars, a 50 mm aperture (at one time 80 mm) has been used in ANSI, CDRH, and IEC standards. The current measurement criterion found in IEC 60825-1 was a compromise, and makes use of a 50 mm aperture at a distance of 100 mm to define a geometrical collection efficiency to simulate not only that of telescopes and binoculars, but also that of highly diverging laser and light emitting diode emission patterns as well. It was later recognized that this was a rather arbitrary mathematical construct designed to mimic both a high-power eye loupe at a very close distance (14 mm) and a 7×50 binocular at a much greater viewing distance. This approach is not followed in the U.S. standards, and the two types of sources are treated differently. While the IEC app...
Increased CTGF transcription in keloid fibroblasts requires cooperativity between AP-1 and SMAD binding sites

Abstract Introduction: Keloids are proliferative dermal growths representing a pathological wound-healing response. We have previously demonstrated increased serum induced transcription of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in keloid fibroblasts (KF) versus normal fibroblasts (NF). We present here an analysis of the mechanisms for increased CTGF transcription in KFs. Methods: A series of 5’ CTGF promoter deletions were cloned into PGL3-basic luciferase reporter vector. CTGF promoter constructs and pSV-beta-galactosidase vectors were co-transfected into KFs and NFs that were serum stimulated. Luciferase activity was normalized to beta-galactosidase activity. Nuclear extracts were harvested before and after 1 hour of serum stimulation and used for gel mobility shift assays. Site-directed mutagenesis of CTGF promoter/reporter gene constructs was performed using the QuikChange Site-directed Mutagenesis Kit. Results: Promoter analysis demonstrated the fragment from -625/-140 conferred increased serum responsiveness. Mutational analysis of an AP-1 and Smad binding site in this fragment showed both were necessary for serum responsiveness. Gel shift analysis showed a specific band binding to the AP-1 site in KFs but not in NFs. A similar binding pattern is seen using the Smad binding site in KFs versus NFs. Supershift assay demonstrated c-Jun, which was a downstream transcription factor of JNK pathway, was able to bind the AP-1 site. Conclusions: Increased transcription of CTGF following serum stimulation in KFs requires both the AP-1 and SMAD binding site. Mutation of either of these two sites is sufficient to abolish the serum response of CTGF in KFs. These studies may identify new targets for the therapy of keloids.
Formation of the dimer cation (C6H6)2+ in gaseous benzene

Abstract The formation of the dimer cation (C6H6)2+ in gaseous benzene has been investigated. Two distinct dimer species formed by different mechanisms are indicated. The ground state dimer cation is shown to be formed by a fourth order process involving the ground electronic state C6H6+ ion as precursor. In addition, evidence is presented for an excited dimer cation formed bimolecularly by reaction of C6H6+‡ ions having an energy of 3.5 ± 0.5 eV above the ground state. It is suggested that the ground state dimer is in a sandwich configuration and the excited species has the form of a 1-substituted benzene.
Rapid evaluation of hermetic seals in microelectronic packages using shearography

One possible failure of microelectronic devices is due to leakage resulted from imperfect hermetical seal in microchips and microelectronic packages. This paper presents an optical technique for rapid evaluation of hermetics seals. It is based on measuring package deformation with shearography. The package under test is stressed by an external pressure change and the deformation of the test package's lid is measured with shearography. With the pressure change maintained, the lid of a perfectly sealed package will remain deformed while a leaky package will not hold the deformation that can be monitored by shearography. The proposed process of leaking testing is very fast and practical.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Single-particle mass spectrometry of tropospheric aerosol particles

[1] The Particle Analysis by Laser Mass Spectrometry (PALMS) instrument has measured the composition of single particles during a number of airborne and ground-based campaigns. In the regions studied, 30% to over 80% of the aerosol mass in the free troposphere was carbonaceous material. Most of this carbonaceous material was probably organic. Although there were variations in their amounts, over 90% of accumulation mode particles away from local sources were internal mixtures of sulfates and carbonaceous material. Within this internal mixing, there was variation in the pattern of carbonaceous peaks in the spectra, especially in peaks related to organic acids. Particles with a biomass burning signature were a significant fraction of accumulation mode particles even far from fires. The accumulation mode near the ocean surface off the coasts of California and New England had significant numbers of carbonaceous-sulfate particles whereas at Cape Grim, Tasmania, the organic-sulfate particles were apparently all smaller than 160 nm. Three kinds of nitrate were evident: on mineral particles, on carbonaceous-sulfate particles when the sulfate was fully neutralized, and at temperatures below about 198 K. Most mineral particles showed evidence of the uptake of nitrates and chloride. A peak that probably represents protonated pyridine appears in some spectra in the free troposphere.
The association of dermatologist-diagnosed and self-reported skin diseases with skin-related quality of life in Latino migrant farmworkers

Background: Skin diseases are known to affect the quality of life (QoL), but data to support this are based on clinical samples. Few data document the skin-related QoL in the general population, and whether its association differs with self-reported or dermatologist-diagnosed skin ailments. Farmworkers are at high risk for skin diseases, and are an appropriate population in which to explore these associations. Objectives: To compare the association between skin-related QoL and workers’ self-reports of skin conditions or dermatologist-diagnosed skin diseases over the course of a work season. Methods: Three hundred and four Latino farmworkers were recruited from 45 randomly selected residential sites in North Carolina, USA, for longitudinal surveillance. The participants were interviewed up to five times at 3-week intervals and the reported skin problems and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were recorded. Nine digital photographs were taken of each participant. A board-certified dermatologist rated each for the presence of specific skin diseases. Results: An impact of skin disease on QoL was reported in 16% of interviews. In multivariate analyses with self-reported skin problems, feet or skin fungus, rash, itching, and poison ivy were predictors of QoL. Dermatologist-diagnosed inflammatory diseases and pigmentary disorders were significant predictors of QoL. The association was stronger for self-reported skin problems than for dermatologist-diagnosed conditions. Conclusions: In a population of farmworkers, skin problems had a clinically significant impact on QoL. Itch-related conditions and cosmetic conditions, such as acne and melasma, were important determinants of QoL. Treatment for these conditions in this population may enhance QoL.
Statistical study of sexual dimorphism in the human fetal sciatic notch.

Whether human fetal skeletal remains exhibit sexual dimorphism has been the subject of considerable debate. Most attention in this debate has focused on the greater sciatic notch of the ilium, since it is a gross morphological characteristic with known sex differences in the adult and is easily seen in fetal skeletal remains. Unfortunately, previous traditional morphometric analyses of the fetal sciatic notch have led to ambiguous results. The purpose of this study is to determine whether differences between the sexes can be discerned when modern morphometric techniques are applied to the fetal sciatic notch. Photographs of the ventral side of 133 fetal ilia of known age and sex from the Trotter Collection of Washington University were digitized, and the trace coordinates used for all subsequent analyses. The results of the analysis demonstrate that there is significant sexual dimorphism in the anterior to posterior location of the maximum depth of the sciatic notch, but that the depth of the notch itself is not dimorphic. While there is significant sexual dimorphism in the shape of the sciatic notch, the amount of overlap between males and females is too great for the sciatic notch to be used as a reliable indicator of sex. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Frailty and age-related cataract.

Objective To determine whether there is an association between age-related cataract and frailty that persists after controlling for visual acuity (VA) and comorbid conditions. Design Cross-sectional. Participants Two thousand three hundred seventy Beaver Dam Eye Study cohort members at 10-year (third) examination with cataract information. Ninety-nine percent of the population was Caucasian. Methods Medical history, blood pressures, height, weight, measures of frailty, and lens photographs were obtained during the study evaluation. Lens photographs were graded according to standardized protocols. Main Outcome Measures Four of frailty (gait time, peak expiratory flow rate, handgrip strength, chair stand) and an index combining all 4 measures. Results After controlling for age, age squared, comorbidity index, pack-years, sedentary lifestyle, education, and VA, nuclear cataract in women was not associated significantly with any frailty measures; in men, nuclear cataract was associated with slower gait time ( P = 0.01) and a poorer frailty index score ( P = 0.01) in multivariable analyses. Cortical cataract was associated in women with a lower peak expiratory flow rate ( P P = 0.02) and a poorer frailty index score ( P ≤0.01) in multivariable analyses. Posterior subcapsular cataract in women was associated significantly with a lower peak expiratory flow rate ( P = 0.01). Nuclear and cortical cataract add significant information in explaining frailty index scores in men. Conclusions Three common types of age-related cataract are associated with some measures of frailty independent of VA and systemic comorbidities. It is possible that age-related cataract may be an indicator of general functional decline in older adults.
Nicholas Saunderson: The blind Lucasian professor

Abstract Nicholas Saunderson (1682–1739), the fourth Lucasian professor of mathematics at Cambridge, was fluent in Latin, French, and Greek, and an accomplished musician. He enjoyed a reputation as an outstanding teacher, noted for both his popular lectures on natural science and his expertise in tutoring mathematics. He wrote two successful mathematics texts, The Elements of Algebra and Method of Fluxions, and invented a palpable arithmetic which also served as a geoboard. These achievements are especially remarkable considering that he was blinded by smallpox at the age of one. It was said at Cambridge that he was a teacher who had not the use of his eyes but taught others to use theirs.
Exclusion of particulate allergens by window air conditioners.

Abstract Effects of window air-conditioner operation on intramural particle levels were assessed in the bedrooms of 20 homes and in 10 outpatient clinic examining rooms during late summer periods. At each site, pollen and spore collections in the mechanically cooled room and a normally ventilated counterpart were compared using volumetric impactors. Substantially lower particle recoveries (median = 16/m 3 ) were found in air-conditioned rooms than in those with open windows alone (median = 253 particles/m 3 ). Furthermore, substantial exclusion of small (e.g., Ganoderma spores) as well as large (ragweed pollens) aerosol components were found by window units. Control studies within normally ventilated rooms and outside their open windows showed a marked but variable inward flux of particles. Window units appear to substantially reduce indoor allergen levels by maintaining the isolation of enclosed spaces from particle-bearing outdoor air.
Quantifying heat transfer in DMD-based optoelectronic tweezers with infrared thermography

Optoelectronic tweezers (OET) have emerged in recent years as a powerful form of optically-induced dielectrophoresis for addressing single cells and trapping individual nanostructures with DMD-based virtual-electrodes. In this technique an alternating electric field is used to induce a dipole within structures of interest while very low-intensity optical images are used to produce local electric field gradients that create dynamic trapping potentials. Addressing living cells, particularly for heat-sensitive cell lines, with OET's optical virtual-electrodes requires an in-depth understanding of heating profiles within OET devices. In this work we present quantitative measurements of the thermal characteristics of single-crystalline-silicon phototransistor based optoelectronic tweezers (PhOET). Midwave infrared (3 - 5 micron) thermographic imaging is used to determine relative heating in PhOET devices both with and without DMD-based optical actuation. Temperature increases of approximately 2°C from electrolyte Joule-heating are observable in the absence of DMD-illumination when glass is used as a support for PhOET devices. An additional temperature increase of no more than 0.2°C is observed when DMD-illumination is used. Furthermore, significantly reduced heating can be achieved when devices are fabricated in direct contact with a metallic heat-sink.
Plasma mechanism for ultraviolet harmonic radiation due to intense CO/sub 2/ light

A theoretical explanation is presented of some observations from recent CO/sub 2/ laser experiments by introducing a novel mechanism for harmonic light emission. The theoretical model provides new insight into the properties of large-amplitude waves in the extremely inhomogeneous environment caused by strong profile modification of the critical density plasma.
Optimizing positional index structures for versioned document collections

Versioned document collections are collections that contain multiple versions of each document. Important examples are Web archives, Wikipedia and other wikis, or source code and documents maintained in revision control systems. Versioned document collections can become very large, due to the need to retain past versions, but there is also a lot of redundancy between versions that can be exploited. Thus, versioned document collections are usually stored using special differential (delta) compression techniques, and a number of researchers have recently studied how to exploit this redundancy to obtain more succinct full-text index structures.In this paper, we study index organization and compression techniques for such versioned full-text index structures. In particular, we focus on the case of positional index structures, while most previous work has focused on the non-positional case. Building on earlier work in [zs:redun], we propose a framework for indexing and querying in versioned document collections that integrates non-positional and positional indexes to enable fast top-k query processing. Within this framework, we define and study the problem of minimizing positional index size through optimal substring partitioning. Experiments on Wikipedia and web archive data show that our techniques achieve significant reductions in index size over previous work while supporting very fast query processing.
Theory of proteolytic antibody occurrence

Antibodies (Abs) with proteolytic and other catalytic activities have been characterized in the blood and mucosal secretions of humans and experimental animals. The catalytic activity can be traced to nucleophilic sites of innate origin located in Ab germline variable regions. Discoveries of the natural chemical reactivity of Abs were initially met with bewilderment, as the notion had taken hold that catalytic activities can be introduced into Abs by artificial means, but somatically operative selection pressures are designed only to adapt non-covalent Ab binding to antigen ground states. Unsurprisingly, initial efforts to engineer Abs with catalytic activity were oriented towards improving the non-covalent binding at the atoms immediately within the transition state reaction center. Slowly, however, dogmatic approaches to Ab catalysis have given way to the realization that efficient and specific catalytic Abs can be prepared by improving the natural nucleophilic reactivity combined with non-covalent recognition of epitope regions remote from the reaction center. The field remains beset, however, with controversy. This article attempts to provide a rational basis for natural Ab catalysis, in the hope that understanding this phenomenon will stimulate medical and basic science advances in the field.
George Graham, visible technician

In December of 1675, in a desperate race with Christiaan Huygens over a patent for a spring-regulated watch, Robert Hooke, FRS (Fellow of the Royal Society of London) characterized the clock maker Thomas Tompion as a ‘Slug’, a ‘Clownish Churlish Dog’ and a ‘Rascall’, because Tompion was making a watch of Hooke's design too slowly for the latter's taste. It was Hooke's watch, not Tompion's; Hooke was the patron and Tompion the client. Fifty years later Tompion's apprentice, George Graham, made watches and clocks and quadrants for other Fellows of the Royal Society, yet these instruments were known as Graham's clocks and Graham's quadrants. Language such as Hooke had used towards Tompion was inconceivable towards Graham; he was a member of the Royal Society's governing body, the Council, and had published several significant papers in the Society's journal, the Philosophical Transactions , in which his testimony on and experiments in astronomy, magnetism, horology and metrology were unquestioned. Yet in the early decades of the eighteenth century one could still go to his shop in London's Strand and buy a watch or a clock from him. Like Tompion, George Graham, FRS was a shopkeeper. Nor was he alone in the eighteenth century, at that supposed bastion of gentlemen, the Royal Society. Nearly two-thirds of the membership had to work for a living in one way or another, some rather grandly as high government officials, senior army officers, clerics with ample livings and physicians and lawyers with large and successful London practices ; others more modestly as sailors, surgeons, apothecaries, schoolteachers, engineers, attorneys and instrument-makers. The latter group included some of the most scientifically eminent members of the Royal Society in the eighteenth century: the sailor James Cook (geography), the printer Benjamin Franklin (electricity), the teacher and preacher Joseph Priestley (chemistry), the instrument-maker and engineer James Watt (chemistry), the musician William Herschel (astronomy), and the silk weaver and optician John Dollond (optics). None of these men were gentlemen (though many of their sons or grandsons became so) yet they made science and were acknowledged to have done so; their papers were published and their best work awarded medals.