cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solution technique for equilibrium chemistry of hydrogen-oxygen systems

References Breig, W.F. and Crosbie, A.L., "Two-Dimensional Radiative Equilibrium: A Semi-Infinite Medium Subjected to Cosine Varying Radiation," 1973, pp. 1395-1419. Crosbie, A.L., and Viskanta, R., "The Exact Solution to a Simple Nongray Radiative Transfer Problem," Vol. 9, 1969, pp. 553-568. Crosbie, A.L., and Khalil, H.K., "Radiative Transfer in a Nongray Spherical Layer: Simplified Rectangular Model," 1973, pp. 359-367. Breig, W.F. and Crosbie, A.L., "Two-Dimensional Radiative Equilibrium," Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, Vol.46, 1974, pp. 104-125. ' Breig, W.F. and Crosbie, A.L., "Two-Dimensional Radiative Equilibrium," Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer, Vol. 14, 1974, pp. 1209-1237.
Treatment of fracture of astragalus by internal fixation with metal pin

Abstract A case of a fracture of the body of the astragalus of the right ankle, treated by internal fixation with a Kirschner wire and followed for a period of five months after operation, is presented. The availability of the material for the type of operation described above makes it a simple procedure and can be used in combat zones as well as in civilian hospitals. It is believed that fractures of the body of the astragalus which cannot be reduced by the closed method should be treated by open reduction and internal fixation.
Physico-mechanical Properties and Chemical Analysis of Raw and Brined Caperberries

Fruits of Capparis spinosa L. var. spinosa and Capparis ovata Desf. var. canescens (Coss.) Heywood 21·14 and 19·78 mm in diameter were collected and brined at 10% salt concentration for 30 days, respectively. The physical and chemical properties were determined in developing Capparis spinosa and C. ovata fruits from Mersin and Konya to investigate potential uses. The moisture, crude protein, crude ash, crude oil, crude fibre, crude energy, Na, P and K contents of raw and pickled fruits of C. spinosa were higher than those of C. ovata. The composition of fermented products were generally lower compared with the raw fruits. Fruits of C. spinosa were more suitable for pickling due to the high levels of several nutrients. In addition, physical properties such as length and width of fruits, projected area, rupture strength, terminal velocity, kernel density, bulk density, sphericity, geometric mean diameters and rupture strength were measured.
Molecular Excited-State Structure by Time-Resolved Pump−Probe X-ray Diffraction. What Is New and What Are the Prospects for Further Progress?

Time-resolved diffraction by laser pump−X-ray probe methods for the determination of the geometry of molecular excited states is discussed. A number of examples are presented and compared with theo...
Synthesis, catalytic activity, phosphatase inhibition activity, and X-ray structural characterization of vanadium scorpionate complexes, (Tpms)VCl2(DMF) and (Tpms)VOCl(DMF)

Abstract The complexes (Tpms)VCl2(DMF) (1), and (Tpms)VOCl(DMF) (2), have been synthesized and characterized. Complex 2 has also been structurally characterized via X-ray diffractometry. The vanadium(IV) center possesses a square pyramidal/distorted octahedral geometry with a facially coordinating Tpms− ligand in a κ3-N,N,O coordination mode. The complex is the first structurally characterized example of a vanadium(IV) complex with Tpms−. Complex 2 shows catalytic activity towards oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butyl catechol and also exhibits phosphatase inhibition characteristics on alkaline phosphatase. Tpms− = trispyrazolylmethanesulfonate; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide.
Characterizing the uncertainties in spectral remote sensing reflectance for SeaWiFS and MODIS-Aqua based on global in situ matchup data sets

Uncertainties in the spectral remote-sensing reflectance for SeaWiFS and MODIS-Aqua are characterized based on globally distributed data sets of in situ/satellite matchups. The in situ data sets were derived from fixed mooring sites and ship data using a variety of field radiometers. An optical classification procedure was applied to the satellite reflectance from each matchup pair to derive its fuzzy membership to eight previously characterized, optical water types. The memberships were then used as weights to derive uncertainty measures for the optical water types. The resulting uncertainty measures are shown to vary by optical water type for both sensors. Overall, the root-mean-square difference (RMSD) for open ocean waters is low and diminishes with increasing wavelength. The RMSD increases with optical complexity and is the highest in coastal waters associated with highly absorbing or highly scattering conditions. Although it plays a small role in RMSD, a spectral bias with a distinct zigzag pattern was detected across all water types. The most sensitive measure associated with optical water types is the relative uncertainty, which is shown to be near the desired 5% threshold for much of the open ocean for both SeaWiFS and MODIS-Aqua, but exceeds 50% in waters where the reflectance signal is low. This approach provides an objective method for characterizing uncertainty in water environments with distinct optical properties, and the results can be used in the processing of future satellite data to derive their associated uncertainty fields.
Maternal and Environmental Influences on the Adrenocortical Response to Stress in Weanling Rats

Handling rat pups either for 10 or 20 days after birth resulted in a reduction of adrenocortical steroids in the plasma at weaning after the pups were exposed to novel stimuli as compared with controls that were not handled. Nonhandled offspring of mothers which had been handled in infancy also show a reduction in plasma steroids in response to novel stimuli when compared to nonhandled weanling rats of nonhandled mothers. Handling of the offspring when they are infants appears to counteract the influence of the experience of the mother during her infancy.
Mammary Tumors in Mice in Relation to Nursing

In this report we shall consider in more detail the effects of nursing on mammary gland tumor incidence in mice. Some of the data have been published (Bittner, 1936 c ). Three stocks of mice inbred brother-to-sister have been used in the work. As each strain has been continued by such matings for more than twenty generations, they were considered to be homozygous. The A stock (Bittner, 1931) is descended from a line of albino mice started by Dr. L. C. Strong (1936 a ). It has a high incidence of mammary tumors and a few primary bronchial carcinomas in breeding females (Bittner, 1935 a and b, 1936 b ). The ratios will be given later, as additional observations have been made since the last report. A line of Strong's CBA stock (Strong, 1936 b ) was obtained in 1931. The breast tumor incidence was 13.5 per cent in a total of 125 breeding females at an average age of twenty-one months. Representatives of the C57 Black strain were given to the author by Dr. C. C. Little. The incidence of breast tumors in breeding females of this line is about 1.0 per cent (Cloudman, Bittner and Little, in press). Young born to A stock females were removed as soon as they were recorded (approximately 8:30 each morning) and fostered by females of the CBA or C57 Black stock. These fostered females of the A stock were mated and permitted to nurse their progeny. Thus, only one generation of A stock mice was fostered by low-tumor line females. They are designated as members of the first generation in this report. Mice of subsequent generations were nursed by their A stock mothers.2 The fostered and control or normal mice of the A stock were maintained under identical conditions and received the same diet.
Repeated ingestion of aspartame-sweetened beverage: Effect on plasma amino acid concentrations in normal adults

Abstract Aspartame (APM) is a dipeptide sweetener ( l -aspartyl- l -phenylalanine methyl ester). It has been suggested that excessive use of the product might elevate plasma aspartate and phenylalanine concentrations. Eight normal adults (four male, four female) ingested three successive 12-oz servings of APM-sweetened beverage at two-hour intervals. The study was carried out in two parts in a randomized cross-over design. In one study the beverage was not sweetened. In the other, the beverage provided 10 mg APM/kg body weight per serving. Plasma amino acid concentrations were measured throughout the six-hour study period. The addition of APM to the beverage had no significant effect on plasma aspartate concentration. APM addition did increase plasma phenylalanine levels 1.64 to 2.05 μmol/dL above baseline values (5.09 ± 0.82 μmol/dL) 30 to 45 minutes after each dose. However, plasma phenylalanine levels did not exceed normal postprandial values at any time. The data indicate ready metabolism of APM's amino acid content when administered at levels likely to be ingested by individuals who are heavy users of such beverages.
Evaluating the time and temperature dependent biaxial strength of Gore-Select ® series 57 proton exchange membrane using a pressure loaded blister test

Abstract Temperature and humidity fluctuations in operating fuel cells impose significant biaxial stresses in the constrained proton exchange membranes (PEMs) of a fuel cell stack. The strength of the PEM, and its ability to withstand cyclic environment-induced stresses, plays an important role in membrane integrity and consequently, fuel cell durability. In this study, a pressure loaded blister test is used to characterize the biaxial strength of Gore-Select ® series 57 over a range of times and temperatures. Hencky's classical solution for a pressurized circular membrane is used to estimate biaxial strength values from burst pressure measurements. A hereditary integral is employed to construct the linear viscoelastic analog to Hencky's linear elastic exact solution. Biaxial strength master curves are constructed using traditional time–temperature superposition principle techniques and the associated temperature shift factors show good agreement with shift factors obtained from constitutive (stress relaxation) and fracture (knife slit) tests of the material.
Mild hyperthermia enhances the expression and induces oscillations in the Dicer protein

Purpose: To investigate whether mild heat stress at 39.5°C altered Dicer protein and miRNA expression patterns in several cell types.Methods: Multiple human and mouse cell types were cultured during the course of 9 h at temperatures from 37°C to 39.5°C. Dicer mRNA levels and microRNAs were quantified by TaqMan RT-qPCR assays and Dicer protein by western blotting.Results: Dicer protein was substantially elevated on western analysis in response to heat stress at 39.5°C in the absence of significant changes in Dicer mRNA by RT-qPCR.Conclusions: Heat-induced regulation of Dicer expression occurs primarily post- transcriptionally, and the expression levels of Dicer protein are increased and often oscillate in response to fever-range hyperthermia in multiple mouse and human cells. Our studies suggest a potential role for Dicer and microRNAs in the response to mild thermal stress. Additional studies on the mechanisms involved in the stress-induced oscillations of Dicer protein and microRNAs will be of interest.
Abstract 3499: CD56 targeted chimeric antigen receptors for immunotherapy of multiple myeloma

We have developed an adoptive T cell therapy strategy for treating multiple myeloma using chimeric antigen receptors targeting CD56. CD56 is strongly expressed by malignant plasma cells in 70% of patients with myeloma and represents a potential immunotherapy target. CD56 is also expressed at lower levels on normal tissue types including neuronal cells, NK cells and a subset of activated T cells. A second generation CAR was constructed containing the scFv of the murine monoclonal antibody against human CD56 (N901) as well as the CD28 transmembrane and cytoplasmic signaling domains. CD56 CAR cells were generated by retroviral transduction of human T cells and showed antigen dependent proliferation and cytokine secretion in vitro when stimulated with CD56 positive myeloma cells. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed significant lysis (40-50% lysis at effector to target ratios > 5:1) of CD56 positive myeloma cell lines compared with a control prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted CAR. To further assess the antitumor activity of CD56 CARs in vivo we developed a systemic xenograft model of myeloma by injecting the OPM2 myeloma cell line, modified to express the firefly luciferase gene, intravenously into NOD/SCID Il2rαnull mice. Bioluminescence imaging showed tumor progression predominantly within the bone marrow recapitulating the human disease phenotype. If untreated hind limb paralysis occurred at approximately 35 days following injection of 3x106 tumor cells. Cohorts of mice were then treated by intravenous injection of either 1 or 5 x106 CD56 CAR cells or control PSMA CAR cells at 7 days following tumor injection, when disease was firmly established. At the 1x106 T cell dose tumor development was significantly delayed compared to controls (median survival of 49 days compared with 34 days respectively, p=0.02) but 7/8 mice eventually progressed and had to be euthanised. In contrast all mice receiving 5x106 cells (n=8) showed complete tumor regression and remained tumor free at 3 months. Interferon-α secreting CD56 CAR cells were detected in the peripheral blood of these mice and correlated with tumor bulk with numbers eventually declining to low levels that persisted even at 3 months. These results demonstrate for the first time the impressive anti-tumor efficacy of a CD56 targeted chimeric antigen receptor in a systemic xenograft model of myeloma. CD56 CAR therapy therefore represents an attractive immunotherapy option and its use in patients with relapsed refractory myeloma should be considered. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3499. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3499
A different approach to X-ray stress analysis

Abstract A different approach to X-ray stress analysis has been developed. At the outset, it must be noted that the material to be analyzed is assumed homogeneous and isotropic. If a sphere with radius r within a specimen is subjected to a state of stress, the sphere is deformed into an ellipsoid. The semi-axes of the ellipsoid have the values of (r + ex), (r + ey), and (r + ez), which are replaced by dx, dy, and dz, or for the cubic case, ax, ay, and az. In this technique, at a particular ϕ angle (see Fig. 1 ), the two-theta position of a high angle (hkl) peak is determined at ψ angles of 0, 15, 30, and 45°. These measurements are repeated for 3 to 6 ϕ angles in steps of 30°. The dϕψ or aϕψ values are then determined from the peak positions. The data is then fitted to the general quadratic equation for an ellipsoid by the method of least squares. From the coefficients of the quadratic equation, the angle between the laboratory and the specimen coordinates (direction of the principle stress) can be determined. Applying the general rotation of axes equations to the quadratic, the equation of the ellipse in the x–y plane is determined. The ax, ay, and az values for the principal axes of the lattice parameter ellipsoid are then evaluated. It is then possible to determine the unstressed a0 value from Hooke's Law using ax, ay, and az. The magnitude of the principal strains/stresses is then determined.
A statistical study of the spatial structure of interplanetary magnetic field substorm triggers and their associated magnetic response

[1] An outstanding question in magnetospheric physics is whether substorms are always triggered externally by changes in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) or solar wind plasma, or whether they sometimes occur spontaneously as a result of internal processes. An apparent association between northward turnings of the IMF and substorm onset has been frequently demonstrated, but it is also found that not all substorms are triggered. Previous studies have shown that the ratio of triggered and nontriggered substorms is about 60/40. A surprising finding is that substorms classified as triggered exhibit a stronger response than nontriggered substorms. It has been suggested that this may be due to undetected small-scale structures in the IMF which presumably have weak driving fields of short duration and hence transfer less energy to the magnetosphere. In this work we use a large database of 1978∼1985 ISEE 2 and IMP 8 IMF observations to investigate whether small-scale structures occur frequently enough to account for the 40% nontriggered substorms. We find that the probability of observing IMF small-scale structures is less than 13%. This low probability (13%) does not match the occurrence frequency of 40% for nontriggered substorm onsets. It is thus unlikely that all nontriggered substorms can be attributed to small-scale IMF structures missed by an upstream monitor. Another interesting finding is that the small-scale IMF Bz triggers do not seem to create significant AL response but the large-scale IMF Bz triggers do. The median curve shows a sudden sharp drop of the AL index at the time the IMF trigger is expected to arrive at the magnetopause. This suggests that some substorms must be associated with the IMF triggers.
Manual versus Automated Rodent Behavioral Assessment: Comparing Efficacy and Ease of Bederson and Garcia Neurological Deficit Scores to an Open Field Video-Tracking System

Animal models of stroke have been crucial in advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. Currently, the standards for determining neurological deficit in rodents are the Bederson and Garcia scales, manual assessments scoring animals based on parameters ranked on a narrow scale of severity. Automated open field analysis of a live-video tracking system that analyzes animal behavior may provide a more sensitive test. Results obtained from the manual Bederson and Garcia scales did not show significant differences between pre- and post-stroke animals in a small cohort. When using the same cohort, however, post-stroke data obtained from automated open field analysis showed significant differences in several parameters. Furthermore, large cohort analysis also demonstrated increased sensitivity with automated open field analysis versus the Bederson and Garcia scales. These early data indicate use of automated open field analysis software may provide a more sensitive assessment when compared to traditional Bederson and Garcia scales.
Atmospheric pressure plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of hydrophobic coatings using fluorine-based liquid precursors

Abstract In this work, an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) was investigated for developing hydrophobic thin film coatings on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) films. Fluoroalkyl silanes, (CH 3 CH 2 O) 3 SiCH 2 CH 2 (CF 2 ) 7 CF 3 and (CH 3 O) 3 SiCH 2 CH 2 CF 3 and fluoroaryl silane, F 5 ArSi(OCH 2 CH 3 ) 3 monomers with different fluorocarbon chain lengths were polymerized via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). These precursors in addition to other deposition processing conditions such as electrode-substrate gap distance and deposition time were investigated to understand the influence these parameters have on the overall deposition characteristics and hydrophobic behavior of the as-deposited thin film coatings. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques revealed that the chemical composition of the coatings retained a bulk of the monomer chemistry, signifying a low degree of fragmentation of the precursor in the plasma. This was particularly demonstrated by the coatings obtained with the fluoroaryl silane precursor, where the aromatic structure was kept intact. The hydrophobicity of the coatings was assessed using water contact angle (WCA) measurements and the thickness and morphology were examined using profilometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Variations in the composition of fluorocarbon coatings were observed as a result of deposition conditions, however the dominant parameter was found to be the monomer precursor. Optimal hydrophobic behavior was observed from coatings derived from the monomer with the longest fluorocarbon chain, as demonstrated from trends seen in WCA and CF n group concentrations.
Transatlantic Abundance of the N2-Fixing Colonial Cyanobacterium Trichodesmium

Colonial diazotrophic cyanobacteria of the genus Trichodesmium are thought to play a significant role in the input of new nitrogen to upper layers of the tropical and subtropical oceanic ecosystems that cover nearly half of Earth's surface. Here we describe results of a transatlantic survey in which a noninvasive underwater digital microscope (the video plankton recorder), was towed across the North Atlantic at 6 meters per second while undulating between the surface and 130 meters. Colony abundance had a basin-scale trend, a clear association with anticyclonic eddies, and was not affected by hurricane-forced mixing. Subsurface abundance was higher than previously reported, which has important implications for the global ocean nitrogen cycle.
Substance P and somatostatin inhibit calcium channels in rat sympathetic neurons via different G protein pathwavs

We studied inhibition of N-type Ca2+ channels in rat superior cervical ganglion neurons by substance P (SP) and somatostatin-14 (Som). In whole-cell clamp, 70 of 82 acutely dissociated neurons showed inhibition (mean 37%) by 500 nM SP, and 54 of 61 showed inhibition by 240 nM Som (mean 57%). Pertussis toxin (PTX) blocked Som but not SP inhibition; intracellular dialysis with 2 mM GDP-beta-S attenuated inhibition with either peptide. Inhibition was voltage dependent with Som but not with SP. Neurokinin A (1 microM) or B was without effect, implicating NK1 tachykinin receptors. In cell-attached patches with bath-applied drugs, to test for a diffusible messenger, inhibition by SP or Som was only 8%. Thus, SP signaling is voltage independent and PTX insensitive; Som inhibition is voltage dependent and PTX sensitive; and both are membrane delimited.
SU-FF-J-116: Image Registration for Change Detection and Quatification in Multimodality Breast Tomosynthesis and Ultrasound

Purpose: To evaluate tomosynthesis‐to‐tomosynthesis and ultrasound‐to‐ultrasound image based registration (IBaR) of whole breast image volumes acquired at different times. These two modalities are probably the most immediately promising for routine breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Successful IBaR should aid more rapid and detailed detectio of change in response to treatment or tumor growth over time. Method and Materials: A system combining automated whole breast ultrasound (ABU) and digital tomosynthesis mammography(DTM) is being utilized in several studies of breast mass classification and assessment of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Much attention was given to making the breast stable for the duration of each exam with the breast compressed between mammographic‐style plates and with acoustic coupling for reproducible, large area scanning through the plates. Four DTM pairs and many ABU pairs were acquired after reasonable stability and coverage techniques were developed. Registration was performed with MIAMI Fuse™ nonrigid registration based on the mutual information cost function and thin plate spline interpolation.Results: Registration was successful on 5 of 8 recent ABU image volume pairs with a mean registration error (MRE) of 3±2 mm and on all 4 DTM pairs, MRE = 4 ± 2 mm, as determined from visually selected homologous points. The lowest DTM mean error was obtained from studies 1 year apart, with minimal change in the breast. Conclusion: Both ABU and DTM offer angle dependent artifacts, with registration being perhaps more difficult in ABU. The variable breast distortion during compression offers similar difficulties, probably greater than actual breast change. No special effort was directed toward reproducible positioning. These results suggest that, usually, it should be possible to display in the same slice of two separate studies, a breast mass of > 5 mm, or its preceding tissues. Conflict of Interest: Work performed in cooperation with xxx, Inc.
Readmission after surgery in Washington State rural hospitals.

BACKGROUND. Because of concern about the quality of care in rural hospitals, we examined readmission following four surgical procedures commonly performed in Washington State rural hospitals: appendectomy, cesarean section, cholecystectomy, and transurethral prostatectomy. METHODS. In a retrospective cohort study, we identified all patients discharged after receiving one of the foregoing procedures using the statewide hospital discharge database. Readmissions to any hospital in the state within 7 or 30 days of discharge were also identified. RESULTS. During the 2-year period examined, there were no significant differences in readmission rates for surgeries performed in rural and urban hospitals, although the readmission rates for all four procedures were nominally lower in rural hospitals. Logistic regression analyses that controlled for factors that influence readmission did not change these results. CONCLUSIONS. Investigating readmission rates following common surgeries, we found no evidence of low-qual...
Auxin-induced enhancement of RNA polymerase activity in soybean as a function of development

Abstract Studies on chromatin and solubilized RNA polymerase from control and 2,4-D treated whole hypocotyls indicate that the activity of RNA polymerase I is enhanced by the auxin treatment while the activity of polymerase II is essentially the same in control and treated tissue. However, different portions of the hypcotyl respond differently to the auxin treatment. The enhancement of solubilized polymerase I activity is greater in the lower half of the hypocotyl than it is in the upper half. In the hook region an inhibition of RNA solubilized polymerase activity is observed. Similarly, 2,4-D treatment results in an inhibition of chromatin bound RNA polymerase activity in nuclei isolated from first leaves. Chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex also reveals a selective enhancement of polymerase I in the upper and lower halves of the hypocotyl.
Comprehensive urodynamics evaluation of 146 men with incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

Objectives To assess the filling, storage, and voiding urodynamic parameters in a large group of men with urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. Methods We reviewed the videourodynamics testing results for 146 consecutive men referred for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. Results The mean patient age was 69.0 years (range 48 to 85), and the mean interval since radical prostatectomy was 4 years (range 4 months to 19 years). All but four tests were performed more than 12 months postoperatively. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was demonstrated in 139 men (95%), with a mean abdominal leak point pressure of 59 cm H2O. A statistically significant correlation was found between the leak point pressure and static urethral pressure profilometry measurements (r = 0.46, P <0.0001). The mean urethral pressure profilometry measurements in those with SUI were significantly lower than in those without (46.6 versus 69 cm H2O, P = 0.001). A total of 34 patients had diminished compliance or detrusor instability, but this was the sole finding in only 3. A hypocontractile detrusor response was seen in 49 patients, and 35 of these augmented voiding by abdominal straining. Patients with previous radiotherapy (n = 24) were more likely to have bladder outlet obstruction; the other parameters were similar to those in patients without radiotherapy. Conclusions Incontinence after radical prostatectomy is caused by intrinsic sphincter deficiency in the vast majority of patients. Urethral pressure profilometry measurements correlated with the severity of SUI, as measured by abdominal leak point pressure. Bladder outlet obstruction may coexist with SUI in a significant portion of patients. During voiding, a hypocontractile detrusor response may be seen, but the clinical significance of this finding is unclear.
Frontiers of audiovisual communications: new convergences of broadband communications, computing, and rich media [Scanning the issue]

The papers in this collection are diverse, and address multiple application genres: entertainment, collaboration, surveillance, and healthcare, all powered by new combinations of enablers - scientific, technological, and standards driven. The expositions are generally too multifaceted to permit simple categorization. However, we have arranged these contributions in a sequence that the reader may find useful.
An adoptive parental perspective on personal genomic screening.

Parenthood changes one’s perspective and focus. Myriad things that previously seemed benign, such as escalators, shopping carts, and even forks, now represent imminent danger. Like biological parent–child relationships, adoptive parent–child relationships come in many forms, sometimes good and sometimes bad. I am lucky: My bond with my daughter is strong. I see her light up when I enter the room, and I feel myself light up over something as simple as someone turning the conversation to how she is doing. My world now revolves around her. The focus of my life has become her happiness and well-being and protecting her from harm and sadness. I want to shape the world in her favor: Where I perceive her to lack something that might benefit her, the urge to fill that gap for her benefit is among the strongest influences I have ever felt. One gap that is constantly present for many adoptive parents (especially for parents of children, like my daughter, who are adopted internationally) is the inability to provide sophisticated genetic heritage information. In my own experience, we were provided with little more than a photograph, and a vague statement that the child appears healthy, as the “medical” portion of our information packet (the rest of the packet focused on personality, temperament, and behavioral traits). We were told that she received basic vaccinations, but lack of verifiable documentation and concerns about reliability resulted in pediatricians in the United States providing vaccinations as if she had not received them before. We are unaware of any newborn screening as might be done in the United States, nor do we believe such screening occurred. Indeed, we have no information about illnesses that run in her biological family from either side. I can relate, then, to the emotions behind adoptive parents’ advocacy of genetic … Address correspondence to Thomas May, PhD, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226. E-mail: tmay{at}mcw.edu
Development of terminals and synapses in laminae I and II of the rat medullary dorsal horn after infraorbital nerve transection at birth.

Infraorbital nerve damage at birth kills neurons and alters anatomical, physiological, and biochemical properties of surviving cells in all portions of the trigeminal brainstem complex, with the exception of laminae I and II of the medullary dorsal horn. The resiliency of laminae I and II may be due to rapid terminal sprouting and reactive synaptogenesis in this region. To test this hypothesis, quantitative electron microscopy revealed the types and numbers of terminals, synapses, and degenerating and growth cone-like profiles in the left laminae I and II at 1, 4, 17, and 90 days after left infraorbital nerve section. Control data were derived from normal newborns and from the right laminae I and II and the left infraorbital nerve of every experimental animal. Deafferented laminae I and II contained a median of 11.7, 8.2, 21.8, and 38.2 synapses/100 μm3 on days 1, 4, 17, and 90, respectively. At corresponding ages, there were 17.1, 19.4, 36.2, and 32 terminals; 14.4, 4.2, 5.1, and 0.3 degenerating profiles; and 4.6, 2.2, 0.1, and 0 growth cone-like profiles/100 μm2. Significant differences from the control right side are: 1) The percentage area occupied by terminals is less on days 1 and 17; 2) terminal density does not increase from day 0 to day 4 as it does on the control side; 3) the density of degenerating profiles is higher on day 17; 4) growth cones are less dense on days 4 and 17; and 5) synapse density is lower on days 1 and 4. Axon number in the infraorbital nerve was highly predictive of terminal and synapse densities in deafferented laminae I and II at all ages. Thus, in laminae I and II, 1) the time course and nature of development are altered by deafferentation at birth; 2) reorganization of terminals and synapses occurs within a day of the lesion; 3) by day 90, there are no remaining lesion effects; and 4) the status of the injured nerve predicts central terminal and synapse densities. These are signs of injury-induced transganglionic degeneration and sprouting. The source of the latter is unknown, although areal fraction data suggest that “replacement” terminals may not be of primary afferent origin. J. Comp. Neurol. 383:339-348, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mechanism of interruption of atrial flutter by moricizine. Electrophysiological and multiplexing studies in the canine sterile pericarditis model of atrial flutter.

BACKGROUND Moricizine is said to have potent effects on cardiac conduction but little or no effect on cardiac refractoriness. METHODS AND RESULTS The effects of moricizine (2 mg/kg IV) on induced atrial flutter were studied 2 to 4 days after the creation of sterile pericarditis in 11 dogs. Ten episodes of stable atrial flutter before and after the administration of moricizine were studied in 9 dogs in the conscious, nonsedated state, and 7 episodes were studied in 6 dogs in the anesthetized, open chest state. In the conscious state, the effects of moricizine on atrial excitability, atrial effective refractory period, and intra-atrial conduction times were studied by recording during overdrive pacing of sinus rhythm from epicardial electrodes placed at selected atrial sites. Moricizine prolonged the atrial flutter cycle length in all the episodes, from a mean of 133 +/- 9 to 172 +/- 27 milliseconds (P CONCLUSIONS Moricizine (1) prolongs the atrial flutter cycle length, primarily by slowing conduction in an area of slow conduction in the reentrant circuit, (2) terminates atrial flutter by causing block of the circulating reentrant wave front in an area of slow conduction of the reentrant circuit, and (3) effectively interrupts otherwise stable atrial flutter in this canine model. The reason for these effects of moricizine are not readily explained by its effects on global atrial conduction times and refractoriness studied during sinus rhythm. Local changes in conduction in an area(s) of slow conduction are responsible for both cycle length prolongation and atrial flutter termination rather than the traditional wavelength concept of head-tail interaction.
Re‐evaluation of heat flow data near Parkfield, CA: Evidence for a weak San Andreas Fault

[1] Improved interpretations of the strength of the San Andreas Fault near Parkfield, CA based on thermal data require quantification of processes causing significant scatter and uncertainty in existing heat flow data. These effects include topographic refraction, heat advection by topographically-driven groundwater flow, and uncertainty in thermal conductivity. Here, we re-evaluate the heat flow data in this area by correcting for full 3-D terrain effects. We then investigate the potential role of groundwater flow in redistributing fault-generated heat, using numerical models of coupled heat and fluid flow for a wide range of hydrologic scenarios. We find that a large degree of the scatter in the data can be accounted for by 3-D terrain effects, and that for plausible groundwater flow scenarios frictional heat generated along a strong fault is unlikely to be redistributed by topographically-driven groundwater flow in a manner consistent with the 3-D corrected data. INDEX TERMS: 8130 Tectonophysics: Heat generation and transport; 8150 Tectonophysics: Plate boundary—general (3040); 8164 Tectonophysics: Stresses—crust and lithosphere. Citation: Fulton, P. M., D. M. Saffer, R. N. Harris, and B. A. Bekins (2004), Re-evaluation of heat flow data near Parkfield, CA: Evidence for a weak San Andreas Fault, Geophys. Res. Lett., 31 , L15S15, doi:10.1029/2003GL019378.
Ultrasonic Imaging of Myocardial Vibrations Associated with Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of majority in the western world. Although progress has been made in recent years for the noninvasive diagnosis of CAD, a widely available, inexpensive and effective diagnostic solution remains elusive. We have developed a novel ultrasound-based technology to detect and analyze the myocardial vibrations associated with diastolic murmurs produced by CAD. Conventional ultrasound imaging systems suppress these vibrations. We have developed algorithms to process the raw ultrasound data and isolate these vibrations and integrated them into a programmable ultrasound system for real-time vibration imaging. In preliminary results from clinical studies of patients with CAD, we have observed localized areas of vibrations in the neighborhood of the stenosed coronary artery. The vibrations are narrowband with frequency >200 Hz, and appear to have harmonic components, thus indicating resonance phenomena potentially with nonlinear mechanisms involved. No such vibrations were observed in normal subjects. Analysis of myocardial vibrations could provide a noninvasive diagnostic test for CAD that overcomes many of the limitations of conventional noninvasive tests. Potentially, this technology could provide a new way of evaluating CAD and cardiac function.
The infrared spectrum of carbon monoxide on reduced and oxidized palladium

Abstract The spectra of carbon monoxide adsorbed on a silica-supported, 9% palladium catalyst has been studied in conjunction with adsorption studies of carbon monoxide and oxygen. Both bridged and linear species are observed. These species both react readily at room temperature with gas phase oxygen, and a pre-adsorbed oxygen layer reacts rapidly with gaseous carbon monoxide to yield the same spectrum as that on the reduced catalyst. If the catalyst is subjected to bulk oxidation, however, the spectrum of adsorbed carbon monoxide changes dramatically; the linear form is greatly enhanced and the bridged species becomes greatly reduced. No bands ascribable to adsorbed carbon dioxide are observed. Evidence is presented that some of the several separate bands seen for bridged species stem from the same species interacting to differing degrees with neighboring chemisorbed carbon monoxide. Estimates based on adsorbed amounts suggest that the bridged species has an extinction coefficient an order of magnitude greater than that for the firmly bound linear species but that a loosely bound linear species has an extinction coefficient more comparable to that of the bridged species. A model is suggested for the mode of adsorption that assumes both linear and bridged carbon monoxide bound to the same metal atom.
Studying neuronal peptide release and secretory granule dynamics with green fluorescent protein.

Neurons and endocrine cells release peptides stored in a limited pool of secretory granules. Although it has been possible to measure secretion or exocytosis, studying events within cells that influence the size and speed of secretory responses has been difficult. Here we describe how green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged hormones can be used to measure release and granule mobility. Epifluorescence allows one to measure total peptide content and granule trajectories within a plane of focus. Confocal microscopy facilitates measurements within a better defined optical section. Granule mobility can also be measured with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Application of these optical approaches to the study of neuronal peptide secretion has revealed that the releasable pool is not spatially defined and that sustained peptide release is limited by the availability of mobile secretory granules.
Paracrine/autocrine regulation of breast cancer by the insulin-like growth factors

Local environmental signals regulate the growth and development of both normal and malignant breast epithelium. Members of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family likely influence both of these processes. The localization of IGF2 to stroma specifically surrounding malignant breast epithelium indicates that this growth factor may play a critical role in the genesis or maintenance of this transformed phenotype. Recent studies have sought to understand the mechanism by which IGF2 expressing fibroblasts are localized to the periphery of malignant breast cancer cells. In addition, the consequences of the expression of IGF-signaling components likely expand beyond their direct effects on mitogenesis. Indirect effects predominantly associated with the IGF2 receptor could also influence the invasive potential of breast tumor cells.
Leptonic contribution to the bulk viscosity of nuclear matter

For {beta}-equilibrated nuclear matter we estimate the contribution to the bulk viscosity from purely leptonic processes, namely the conversion of electrons to and from muons. For oscillation frequencies in the kilohertz range, we find that this process provides the dominant contribution to the bulk viscosity when the temperature is well below the critical temperature for superconductivity or superfluidity of the nuclear matter.
Preformed azulene pigments ofLactarius indigo (Schw.) Fries (Russulaceae, Basidiomycetes)

The structure of a new naturally-occurring azulene, 1-stearoyloxymethylene-4-methyl-7-isopropenylazulene, obtained from an acetone extract of the blue mushroomLactarius indigo, has been determined by chemical and spectral methods.
High-power diode-pumped solid-state lasers

Diode-pumped solid-state laser technology is reviewed with an emphasis on laser materials and concepts important to high power systems with excellent beam quality. A first principal approach to power scaling is taken in order to summarize and compare the wide variety of laser architectures. Successful approaches are highlighted and directions for future work are discussed.
Simultaneous determination of benzo[a]pyrene and eight of its metabolites in Fundulus heteroclitus bile using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry.

Abstract A sensitive and fast method was developed to quantitate the carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and eight of its oxidized metabolites by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupling with mass spectrometry (MS). The UPLC method, using an acetonitrile:water gradient as a mobile phase, provided baseline separation of the BaP metabolites including three BaP diones. Linearity of detection was in the range of 0.2–5.0 ng/μL, and limits of detection (LOD) were lower than 0.01 ng/μL for BaP and all of the metabolites except BaP tetrol. In order to test this method in environmentally relevant samples, we exposed the small fish Fundulus heteroclitus to BaP and quantitated biliary BaP metabolites. Extraction recovery of all compounds varied from 65.4 ± 21.3% to 92.4 ± 3.0%. In exposed fish bile, the BaP diones, BaP-7,8-dihydrodiol, and 3-hydroxy BaP metabolites predominated, existing mainly as glucuronic acid conjugates. This UPLC–MS method will be useful for further defining the roles of cytochrome P450s with both in vivo and in vitro models in the understanding of the mechanisms of metabolic activation and detoxification of BaP.
Spin-orbit effects in electron scattering in concentrated AuCo alloys

Abstract Measurements of the field and temperature variation of the Hall effect and the transverse magnetoresistance were made in Au Co alloys in the range ≈ 1–16 at% after different thermal treatments. They reflect qualitatively the different environments for itinerant electrons in the spin-glass and solute precipitate states.
Effect of Amiodarone-Induced Hyperthyroidism on Left Ventricular Outflow Obstruction After Septal Myectomy for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who undergo septal myectomy are at risk for developing postoperative atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone is effective in treating this arrhythmia but is associated with multiple adverse effects, often with delayed onset. A novel case is described of a patient who developed type 2 amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism that presented as recurrence of outflow obstruction after septal myectomy. The patient's symptoms and echocardiographic findings of outflow obstruction resolved substantially with the treatment of the amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism. Amiodarone-induced hyperthyroidism of delayed onset can be a subtle diagnosis, requiring a high index of suspicion. In conclusion, recognition of this diagnosis in patients with recurrence of outflow obstruction by symptoms and cardiac imaging after septal myectomy may avoid unnecessary repeat surgical intervention.
Current Convention Course Offerings at the Top 25 Ranked Hospitality Management Undergraduate Programs: An Analysis of Objectives, Instructional Delivery, and Assessment Methods

In an effort to keep abreast of convention industry demands for a more qualified workforce, some hospitality and tourism undergraduate programs have implemented courses to prepare students for employment in the business. However, limited information exists regarding the content and quality of these programs and whether they are designed to adequately meet the needs of the industry. This current study evaluates the convention course offerings at the top 25 ranked hospitality and tourism undergraduate schools (Brizek & Khan, 2002). Course objectives, assessment and teaching methods, topics of instruction, and textbooks were analyzed using nonparametric statistics and CATPAC software to determine the similarities and differences among the various course offerings. Results revealed statistically significant differences among courses characterized as General MICE (Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions, Events) Industry, Convention and Meeting Planning, and Event Management. Limitations and suggestions for fu...
Diffraction and selective adsorption in the corrugated hard wall model

Abstract Numerical calculations are carried out for the elastic scattering of thermal energy atoms from a perfect crystalline surface with a square unit cell. The surface is treated as an infinitely-repulsive corrugated hard wall with an attractive square well in front of the hard wall. Closed, as well as open and bound, channels are included in the calculation, and multiple scattering effects are treated explicitly. It is concluded from these numerical studies that the single scattering approximation is inadequate, that closed channels must be included in any numerical calculations, and that selective adsorption can readily be understood within the framework of this simple model. Moreover, selective adsorption minima as well as maxima are found in this calculation without the necessity of invoking inelastic processes. The general quantitative agreement of the calculated results with the HeLiF diffraction experiments, the relative ease of handling more complicated corrugated surfaces, and the small amount of computer time required for these calculations suggest that the hard wall model is ideally suited in a parameterization scheme.
Evaluation of Instructional Materials for Teaching Psychomotor Skills

An investigation was conducted to determine the effectiveness of self-instructional materials for a cavity preparation procedure using two types of dental auxiliaries under assisted and unassisted instructional conditions. Results showed significant pretest to posttest performance gains, with the instruction proving equally effective across both types of auxiliaries and instructional conditions.