cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of back pain in myeloma patients using kyphoplasty: a practical approach to the reduction of pain, improvement of functional status, and palliative success

Purpose To determine the utility of MR STIR imaging findings relative to fluoroscopic exam in the efficacy of treating vertebral compression fractures due to multiple myeloma. Materials and Methods Ten consecutive MM patients from a single center with vertebral compression fractures refractory to conservative treatment were treated with kyphoplasty. After a thorough review of pre-procedure magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluoroscopic examination of the spine was performed. Demographic, clinical, and procedural data on patients were retrospectively analyzed. Primary measure of outcome was pain relief and functional status, as assessed by the pre and post-procedure Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Paired-Samples T test was used for comparison of pre and post measures of outcome. Results Ten patients with refractory back pain representing 36 levels of vertebral compression by MRI were evaluated for potential kyphoplasty. After fluoroscopic assisted palpation of the spine eliciting a moderate to severe pain-response, the ten patients represented 18 treated vertebral levels. A review of the MRI findings of the treated levels showed the absence of traditional MR signal finding of marrow edema; and had little utility in guiding therapy at the time of exam. All patients experienced significant improvement in pain score as measured by VAS. The mean pre and post-procedure VAS were 6.8 and 1.3 (p=0.001), respectively. All patients experienced significant improvement in there functional ability as measured by their ODI questionnaire. Mean pre and post-procedure ODI were 51.4 and 29.8, (p=0.001), respectively. Conclusion Solely relying on MRI alone to determine who may benefit from vertebral augmentation is not sufficient, and often may preclude a patient’s potential to gain significant benefit if treatment is withheld due to the absence of traditional MR STIR imaging findings of bone marrow edema. Symptomatic levels may be missed due to the presence of multilevel, heterogeneous MR signal abnormalities in multiple myeloma, but by using a clinical-based approach and utilizing the fluoroscopic exam, excellent results may be achieved, which is critical to palliative success.
Capillary waves on an asymmetric liquid film of pentane on water.

Surface light-scattering measurements have been carried out on thin asymmetric films of pentane on water. We vary the film thickness l over a wide range (10-9 m < l < 10-5 m). Compared with the ripplons wavelength 1/q, thick films of pentane (l ≫ 1/q) display the same power spectrum as a pure pentane–vapor interface: a single peak. When thinning the film down to l ≈ 1/q, hydrodynamic coupling between the layers of the interface is revealed by the appearance of a second peak beside the first one. We describe the thickness dependence of the two coupled modes through variations of the positions, the widths, and the amplitudes of both peaks.
Large Effect on Borane Bond Dissociation Energies Resulting from Coordination by Lewis Bases

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations at the G-2 and CBS-4 levels of theory were used to determine homolytic bond dissociation energies (BDE's) for the B−H bonds in a series of donor−acceptor complexes of borane. The B−H bonds of four-coordinate boron were found to be weaker than those of three-coordinate boron. The effect of complexation on BDE varied from very small, in the cases of NH3 and H2O, to as much as 30−50 kcal/mol, in the cases of formaldehyde, CO, and HCN. The BDE's were not found to correlate with the strength of coordination. However, they were closely correlated with the degree to which spin density in the radical was delocalized away from boron and onto the associated Lewis base. The presence of either a π system or, to some extent, a second-row element such as phosphorus or sulfur promoted such delocalization. Delocalization of spin density onto carbon appeared to be particularly favorable, and to correlate with particularly low B−H BDE's. The BDE's in 4-coordinate complexes of borane...
Biological And Health Effects Of Exposure To Kerosene-Based Jet Fuels And Performance Additives

Over 2 million military and civilian personnel per year (over 1 million in the United States) are occupationally exposed, respectively, to jet propulsion fuel-8 (JP-8), JP-8 +100 or JP-5, or to the civil aviation equivalents Jet A or Jet A-1. Approximately 60 billion gallons of these kerosene-based jet fuels are annually consumed worldwide (26 billion gallons in the United States), including over 5 billion gallons of JP-8 by the militaries of the United States and other NATO countries. JP-8, for example, represents the largest single chemical exposure in the U.S. military (2.53 billion gallons in 2000), while Jet A and A-1 are among the most common sources of nonmilitary occupational chemical exposure. Although more recent figures were not available, approximately 4.06 billion gallons of kerosene per se were consumed in the United States in 1990 (IARC, 1992). These exposures may occur repeatedly to raw fuel, vapor phase, aerosol phase, or fuel combustion exhaust by dermal absorption, pulmonary inhalation,...
Folding and cutting DNA into reconfigurable topological nanostructures

Topology is the mathematical study of the spatial properties that are preserved through the deformation, twisting and stretching of objects. Topological architectures are common in nature and can be seen, for example, in DNA molecules that condense and relax during cellular events1. Synthetic topological nanostructures, such as catenanes and rotaxanes, have been engineered using supramolecular chemistry, but the fabrication of complex and reconfigurable structures remains challenging2. Here, we show that DNA origami3 can be used to assemble a Mobius strip, a topological ribbon-like structure that has only one side4,5,6. In addition, we show that the DNA Mobius strip can be reconfigured through strand displacement7 to create topological objects such as supercoiled ring and catenane structures. This DNA fold-and-cut strategy, analogous to Japanese kirigami8, may be used to create and reconfigure programmable topological structures that are unprecedented in molecular engineering. A Mobius strip — a ribbon-like structure with only one side — can be assembled from DNA origami and then reconfigured into various topologies by cutting along the length of the strip.
Communicating about the discovery of extraterrestrial life: Different searches, different issues ☆

Abstract Current searches for evidence of extraterrestrial (ET) life are accomplished in a number of distinctly different ways. The various searches can be viewed in three general categories: (1) ‘SETI’ searches for messages from extraterrestrial civilizations, (2) exploration for extrasolar or habitable planets, and (3) searches and research within the solar system (e.g., planetary missions, meteorites, cosmochemistry). Each search-type occurs in different locations, uses different scientific instruments and methods, and seeks different types of evidence and data. Moreover, the meaning and implications of a ‘discovery’ in each of the categories are different, as are the policy, legal and societal ramifications. In considering how to manage future communications about the discovery of extraterrestrial life, it will be important to understand these distinctions, anticipate relevant concerns and issues, and be prepared to explain them clearly to the public.
Equal-appearing interval scale values and successive interval scale values derived from the same set of ratings.

Sz~mmary.-Both equal-appearing interval scale values and successive interval scale values were computed for each of five sets of ratings on five different kinds of stimuli. The scale values obtained by these two methods rank ordered almost identically the stimuli which were scaled. For all five sets of ratings, the Pearson r for estimating the relationship between the nvo sets of scale values was equal to or greater than .99. In view of the close relationship berween the scale values derived by the two methods, practical considerations would make the merhod of equal-appearing intervals the preferable one for many purposes. The mechod of successive intervals for psychological scaling has been suggested as a possible improvement over the method of equal-appearing intervals for various reasons. The two most frequently mentioned are the following: (1) The method provides for an internal consistency check upon the validity of the various assumptions made (Edwards, 1952; Edwards & Thurstone, 1952). No check upon internal consistency is available for the method of equal-appearing incervals. (2) The mechod yields scale values which are linearly related to those obtained by the method of pair comparisons (Edwards, 1752; Saffir, 1937). The method of equal-appearing incervals has been reported to yield scale values which have a curvilinear relationship to those obtained by the method of pair comparisons (Hevner, 1930). Although the mechod of successive intervals appears to have several advantages over the method of equal-appearing intervals, it does have an obvious disadvantage. The procedure ~ised to derive successive interval scale values is far more complex and time consuming than is the method used to derive equalappearing incerval scale values. If scale values derived by the method of equalappearing intervals and the method of successive intervals show a close correspondence in the rank ordering of the items scaled, then ease of computation might be an important facror infliiencing the choice between the two methods for some research purposes. The question arises, then, whether two sets of scale values derived by these two mechods for the same set of stimuli will differ substantially in cheir rank ordering of the stimuli. A Pearson r of .97 has been reported for the relationship between two such secs of scale values of the severity of misartic~llation of sounds in short samples of children's speech (Sherman & Moodie, 1957). It becomes desirable to de'A portion of this paper was presented at the 1966 Special Scientific Meeting of the Psychometric Society in New York City.
Minimum hellinger distance estimation for normal models

A robust estimator introduced by Beran (1977a, 1977b), which is based on the minimum Hellinger distance between a projection model density and a nonparametric sample density, is studied empirically. An extensive simulation provides an estimate of the small sample distribution and supplies empirical evidence of the estimator performance for a normal location-scale model. While the performance of the minimum Hellinger distance estimator is seen to be competitive with the maximum likelihood estimator at the true model, its robustness to deviations from normality is shown to be competitive in this setting with that obtained from the M-estimator and the Cramer-von Mises minimum distance estimator. Beran also introduced a goodness-of-fit statisticH 2, based on the minimized Hellinger distance between a member of a parametric family of densities and a nonparametric density estimate. We investigate the statistic H (the square root of H 2) as a test for normality when both location and scale are unspecified. Empir...
Case 5 Thoracic Lymphangiomatosis

(1996). Case 5 Thoracic Lymphangiomatosis. Pediatric Pathology & Laboratory Medicine: Vol. 16, No. 1, pp. 155-160.
Depth electrographic study of a fast rhythm evoked from the human calcarine region by steady illumination.

Abstract In the course of investigation following implantation of depth multielectrode leads in an epileptic patient a fast discharge was observed in one electrode, located in the left occipital lobe, when the lights of the room were switched on and off. On the basis of roentgenographic evidence as well as the results of visual, photic and electric stimulation, the electrode involved in this phenomenon was estimated to be located in the anterior calcarine cortex or underlying white matter. Constant illumination (18 to 1200 foot-candles) provoked in this part of the brain a response characterized by an initial slow potential (“slow on-response”), followed by a fast discharge of around 50 c/sec. This evolved after a variable time into a discharge of 20 to 25 c/sec. that gradually declined and was usually over after 30 to 35 sec. (“fast on-response”). A pattern similar to the on-response, but of lower voltage and shorter duration, was observed when the stimulus was switched off (“slow” and “fast” off-response). The response was usually reduced by closure of the eyes and enhanced at their opening. The response was present and sometimes intensified during sleep. Various effects could be provoked by changing the duration and the intensity of illumination. There was some degree of similarity between the initial slow potential of the “on” and “off” response and (1) lambda waves and (2) responses to intermittent photic stimulation at low rate. These findings are discussed on the basis of previous animal experiemental studies.
Co-solvent selection and recovery

Abstract The selection and recovery of two or more solvents (i.e. co-solvents) are studied because of their importance in environmentally responsible processing. A particularly challenging problem arises when the contaminants (or solutes) are comprised of a mixture of volatile and nonvolatile compounds. The nonvolatile components present difficulties in solvent selection while the volatile components give rise to solvent recovery challenges. Traditional approaches such as the Kauri–Butanol test and predictions based on solubility parameters from regular solution theory can result in poor solvent selection when some of the contaminants are nonvolatile. A simple, graphical and rigorous procedure based on Gibbs energies of mixing for all binary mixtures of solvents and contaminants is proposed for choosing solvent/contaminant pairs. This selection procedure is based on the choice of solvent resulting in the lowest solvent/contaminant Gibbs free energy of mixing for a given contaminant. Nonvolatile contaminants are often easily separated in a single-stage flash vessel. Volatile contaminants, on the other hand, can form homogeneous or heterogeneous azeotropes with commonly used solvents, give rise to distillation boundaries and result in a challenging co-solvent recovery problem. A systematic procedure for the synthesis, design and economic analysis for co-solvent recovery is presented. Residue curve maps are used to identify distillation boundaries and to generate a conceptual process flow sheet for co-solvent recovery. Equipment sizes for the separators and auxiliaries (i.e. condensers, reboilers, decanters, etc.) are determined and capital investment, installation and operating costs are calculated. The removal of oil–water emulsions from the surface of machined metal parts using n -propyl bromide (NPB) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in a closed-loop degreaser is used to illustrate the proposed methodology of co-solvent selection and recovery. Analysis shows that the Kauri–Butanol test and the use of solubility parameters can result in poor solvent selection. In contrast, the proposed methodology shows that NPB is competitive with banned solvents like chlorodifluoro, fluorodichloroethane and trichloroethane and highly regulated solvents such as perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene and is a good solvent for the removal of machining oils while IPA is a good solvent for removing water. Separation of mixtures of NPB/IPA/water is difficult because of the presence of three binary and one ternary azeotrope that create three distinct distillation regions as well as regions of vapor–liquid–liquid behavior. It is shown that these distillation boundaries preclude direct water separation and that a two-distillation sequence with decantation is required to cross boundaries and recover both solvents. A variety of geometric illustrations are presented to elucidate key concepts.
Potassium Influences Forage Bermudagrass Yield and Fungal Leaf Disease Severity in Mississippi

Fungal diseases in bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] and numerous other crops have been associated with K deficiency. This study evaluated how levels of K in potash fertilizer (0-0-60) and broiler litter influenced forage yields and severity of disease symptoms caused by a natural complex of fungal pathogens in ‘Tifton 44’ bermudagrass in Mississippi. The relative incidence at different K levels of six species of Bipolaris, Curvularia, and Exserohilum in the complex was also investigated. Disease symptoms were universal and strong in all plots in 2010, but weak and transient in 2011. Forage dry matter (DM) yields increased linearly and significantly (P < 0.05) as K-fertilizer rate increased from 0 to 167 kg K/ha. Disease severity in whole plots decreased as K levels increased in 2010, and severity of symptoms on individual leaves in 2011 was lower at 167 kg K/ha than 0 kg K/ha. The incidence of individual fungal pathogens on symptomatic leaves in 2010 ranged from 3 to 100% (E. rostratum and B. hawaiiensis were universal pathogens) and levels observed for four variable, non-universal pathogens did not differ between K-fertilizer rates. These results indicated that the reduced disease severity observed at the highest K levels was not caused by changes in the incidence of four fungal pathogens within the disease complex.
Quantum membranes: A new materials platform for future electronics

Over the past several years, the inherent scaling limitations of electron devices have fueled the exploration of high carrier mobility semiconductors as a Si replacement to further enhance the device performance. To ensure effective gate control, semiconductors with ultrathin body thickness are needed. At such regime, strong quantum confinement usually comes into play; therefore, we call these ultrathin compound semiconductor membranes as quantum membranes (QMs). Compound quantum membranes heterogeneously integrated on Si substrates have been studied by us, combining the high mobility of compound semiconductors and the well-established Si technology.
Relative Price Changes And Exchange Rate Determination With Slow Price Adjustment: An Empirical Analysis

The general purpose of this paper is to analyze empirically sectoral price adjustment in the exchange rate adjustment process. Relative price changes may occur within a sector between countries, and within a country between sectors. Our main objective is to test the hypothesis that both kinds of relative price changes occur in the adjustment process to disturbances in money demand and supply. In particular, we expect that the relative prices among goods of different "tradedness"--ranging from perfectly traded to non-traded goods-are affected by such disturbances. Our second objective is to test empirically whether the nature of exchange rate adjustment is affected by the average speed of sectoral price adjustment towards the "law of one price," and whether the exchange rate "overshoots" purchasing power parity after monetary disturbances. We build on a model developed by Dornbusch [6] and extended by Mussa [17]. They argue that the exchange rate may overshoot its purchasing power parity level after monetary disturbances as a result of slow price adjustment in the market for domestically produced goods. The price of imported goods follows the "law of one price." We modify the Dornbusch-Mussa model to distinguish between domestically produced goods for which the "law of one price" may hold to different degrees. Relative price changes in the adjustment process to monetary disturbances have gained
The release of psychological data to nonexperts: Ethical and legal considerations.

Psychologists are often requested to provide "raw" psychological data (scores, test stimuli, client or patient responses) to nonexperts, especially in personal injury litigation cases in which there may be a court order or subpoena for such information. The new Ethical Principles of the American Psychological Association prohibit the release of raw test results and data to unqualified persons; hence, requests from judges and attorneys frequently place the psychologist in a conflict in which legal and ethical considerations point in opposite directions. In this article, ethical and legal issues regarding this conflict are discussed, particularly the manner in which the new APA Ethical Principles speak to the salient considerations. A course of action is recommended for sharing raw data whereby the psychologist can conform to the spirit of legal considerations while remaining in compliance with the Ethical Principles.
Comparative study of the performance of fuzzy ART-type clustering algorithms in pattern recognition

This paper presents an unsupervised fuzzy neural network which can be used for clustering and classification of complex data sets. The Integrated Adaptive Fuzzy Clustering (IAFC) architecture uses a control structure similar to that found in the Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART-1) with a new learning rule and a new similarity measure. We compare IAFC with other fuzzy ART-type clustering algorithms. The critical parameters in the operation of the IAFC are discussed. The Anderson's iris data are used to show the performance of the algorithm in comparison with other clustering algorithms.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Choosing General Surgery: Insights Into Career Choices of Current Medical Students

Hypothesis The number of unfilled general surgery programs in the United States increased from 4 in 1999 to 41 in 2001. This study seeks to determine if changes in student attitudes occurring during their medical school careers and during the third-year general surgery clerkship contribute to a decline in interest in a surgical career. Design Prospective survey of medical students at a public medical school in California. Participants and Methods Each medical student received a survey via the Internet. Responses were anonymous. Once quantified, χ 2 analysis was used for comparison and analysis of survey results. Comparisons were made between individual class years and on the basis of whether the respondent completed the third-year general surgery clerkship. Results Of 368 surveys sent, 232 (63%) were successfully completed and included in the study. Comparison of students' attitudes before and after completion of their general surgery clerkship showed that following surgical course exposure more students believed surgery lacked breadth of expertise, limitations over stress, control over one's time, regularity of schedule, adequacy of leisure time, and income commensurate to workload ( P Conclusions Data suggest that medical students seem to be more concerned with issues of "controllable lifestyle" such as adequacy of family and/or leisure time, high level of stress, and amount of work and commitment. The erosion of income differential between demanding and less taxing specialties was also an important cause cited for the flagging interest in surgical disciplines.
An 84 Pixel All-Silicon Corrugated Feedhorn for CMB Measurements

Silicon platelet corrugated feedhorn arrays for cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements at millimeter wavelengths (130 GHz to 170 GHz) have been developed for deployment for the polarization-sensitive upgrade to both the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACTpol) and the South Pole Telescope (SPTpol). We present fabrication developments and the first results of a prototype monolithic feedhorn array consisting of 84 horns. Measurements at room temperature show good beam quality across the needed bandwidth, return loss of <−20 dB, an insertion loss of <−0.4 dB, and cross polarization of <−23 dB. The 32 platelets were aligned to a 1σ variation of 8 μm.
First-principles simulations of molecular electronics.

: This paper gives an overview of recent work by the authors in first-principles, parameter-free calculations of electronic transport in molecules in the context of experimental measurements of current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of several molecules by Reed et al. The results show that the shape of I-V characteristics is determined by the electronic structure of the molecule in the presence of the external voltage, whereas the absolute magnitude of the current is determined by the chemistry of individual atoms at the contacts. A three-terminal device has been simulated, showing gain. Finally, recent data that show large negative differential resistance and a peak that shifts substantially as a function of temperature have been accounted for in terms of rotations of ligands attached to the main molecule, a phenomenon that is not present in semiconductor nanostructures.
On the dissociation and conformation of gas-phase methonium ions

The dissociation pathways of both doubly and singly charged methonium ions, (CH(3))(3)N(+) -(CH(2))(n)-(+)N(CH(3))(3)·X(-) (n = 6,10; X = Br, I, and OAc), are measured using blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD) and SORI-CAD in a Fourier transform mass spectrometer. SORI-CAD of the doubly charged decamethonium ions results primarily in the formation of even electron ions by hydrogen rearrangements. In contrast, homolytic bond cleavage to form two odd electron ions is highly favored in the hexamethonium ion, presumably due to increased Coulomb repulsion in this ion. For BIRD of the singly charged salts, ions are mass selected and dissociated by heating the vacuum chamber to elevated temperatures. Under the low pressure conditions of our experiment, energy is transferred from the chamber walls to the ions by the absorption of blackbody radiation. From the temperature dependence of the unimolecular rate constants for dissociation, Arrhenius activation energies in the zero-pressure limit are obtained. The primary dissociation pathways correspond to counterion substitution reactions which result in loss of N(CH(3))(3) and CH(3)X. For hexamethonium and decamethonium with X = Br or I, the branching ratios for these pathways differ dramatically; the ratio of loss of N(CH(3))(3) and CH(3)Br is 3.8 and 0.4 for hexamethonium and decamethonium bromide, respectively. The hexamethonium acetate salt has a branching ratio of 0.1. The Arrhenius activation energies for hexamethonium (Br or I) and decamethonium (Br or I) are 0.9 and 1.0 eV, respectively. This value for hexamethonium acetate is 0.6 eV. Molecular dynamics simulations and Monte Carlo conformation searching are used to obtain the lowest energy structures of hexamethonium and decamethonium bromide. These calculations indicate that the methonium ion folds around the counterion to form a cyclic salt-bridge structure in which both quaternary nitrogens interact with the oppositely charged counterion. The significantly different branching ratios observed for these ions is attributed to the large change in orientation of the counterion with respect to the ammonium centers as the number of methylene groups in these ions increases. Similar ion conformational differences appear to explain the fragmentation for the OAc counter ion as well.
The Energetic Basis of Abortive Cycling in Transcription

Abortive initiation, the release of small RNA transcripts during synthesis of the first 8-10 bases of a transcript, has been well documented in most single and multi subunit RNA polymerases, and has been shown to occur in vivo. Structural studies have prompted the ‘scrunched intermediate’ mechanistic model (an elaboration of the earlier stressed intermediate model), which proposes that compaction of the upstream template DNA within the enzyme and/or expansion of the bubble during initiation leads to instability and the release of abortive RNAs.T7 and E. coli RNA polymerases represent the most well-characterized transcription systems and despite having no structural or evolutionary similarities, share very similar fundamental mechanistic features. In the initially transcribing abortive phase of both systems, the bubble expands as the initial RNA:DNA hybrid grows and the hybrid pushes on components of the enzyme: both key features in the proposed scrunching mechanism.In this work, we directly test predictions of the scrunching model. The introduction of nicks or gaps into the template (‘scrunched’) strand should reduce stress and therefore reduce abortive. Similarly, the introduction of extra bases in this region should increase the release of abortive RNAs or shift their profile to shorter lengths. For all of these modifications, our results show no systematic change in the abortive amounts or profile.A much simpler model argues that short RNA:DNA hybrids are intrinsically unstable simply because of their short lengths. In both the T7 and E. coli systems, we show that stabilizing the hybrid by initiating transcription using a pyrene-conjugated RNA dinucleotide eliminates abortive cycling altogether (the pyrene is known to add stabilizing stacking interactions). This result further argues against the scrunched intermediate model in that addition of the extra pyrene bulk should increase steric stress and so increase abortive cycling.
Three-dimensional dynamic analysis of nonhomogeneous earth dams

Abstract A three-dimensional dynamic analysis of nonhomogeneous earth dams is presented. The analysis is based on the Rayleigh-Ritz method and on the assumption that the dam materials are isotropic and linearly elastic but have properties which can vary as functions of position within the dams. The dams are further assumed to sit in rigid canyons which can have sloping sides and/or floors. The base and sides of each dam are fixed to the canyon while the remaining faces of the dam are free. The free vibration modes and frequencies of the Santa Felicia Dam, in California, are computed and compared with the measured results from full-scale tests and earthquake response recods. In addition, the Fourier transform of the computed displacement response of the dam (subject to the 1971 San Fernando earthquake as measured by an accelerogram at the base of the dam) is presented and this computed response is compared with the recorded response at the crest. The computed results agree reasonably well with the measured ones.
A Mycobacterium ESX-1–Secreted Virulence Factor with Unique Requirements for Export

Specialized secretion systems of pathogenic bacteria commonly transport multiple effectors that act in concert to control and exploit the host cell as a replication-permissive niche. Both the Mycobacterium marinum and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genomes contain an extended region of difference 1 (extRD1) locus that encodes one such pathway, the early secretory antigenic target 6 (ESAT-6) system 1 (ESX-1) secretion apparatus. ESX-1 is required for virulence and for secretion of the proteins ESAT-6, culture filtrate protein 10 (CFP-10), and EspA. Here, we show that both Rv3881c and its M. marinum homolog, Mh3881c, are secreted proteins, and disruption of RD1 in either organism blocks secretion. We have renamed the Rv3881c/Mh3881c gene espB for ESX-1 substrate protein B. Secretion of M. marinum EspB (EspBM) requires both the Mh3879c and Mh3871 genes within RD1, while CFP-10 secretion is not affected by disruption of Mh3879c. In contrast, disruption of Mh3866 or Mh3867 within the extRD1 locus prevents CFP-10 secretion without effect on EspBM. Mutants that fail to secrete only EspBM or only CFP-10 are less attenuated in macrophages than mutants failing to secrete both substrates. EspBM physically interacts with Mh3879c; the M. tuberculosis homolog, EspBT, physically interacts with Rv3879c; and mutants of EspBM that fail to bind Mh3879c fail to be secreted. We also found interaction between Rv3879c and Rv3871, a component of the ESX-1 machine, suggesting a mechanism for the secretion of EspB. The results establish EspB as a substrate of ESX-1 that is required for virulence and growth in macrophages and suggests that the contribution of ESX-1 to virulence may arise from the secretion of multiple independent substrates.
Development of axonal-oligodendroglial relationships and junctions during myelination of the optic nerve.

Abstract The early stages of myelination were examined in optic nerves of rats aged 12–15 days. The initial association between oligodendroglial processes and bare axons involves no junctional specialization, as the axoglial extracellular space remains unaltered. Following ensheathment by a collar of glial cytoplasm, at least one full rotation of mesaxon was evident before compact myelin formed. Furthermore, myelin was generally evident before a second rotation was completed. In longitudinal sections, an axoglial junction was always observed beginning on the first paranodal loop, continuing through to the last (or outermost) loop. Thus, the formation of myelin and elaboration of a junctional complex in the paranodal region follow a promyelination phase and appear to be synchronous (and possibly related) events. Although the paranodal plasmalemma and axolemma are in close apposition, there is a material in the extracellular space that precipitates phosphotungstic acid, a characteristic that appears to be featured in a number of different types of cell junctions.
Scheduling nonuniform traffic in a packet switching system with large propagation delay

Transmission algorithms are introduced for use in a single-hop packet switching system with nonuniform traffic and with propagation delay that Is large relative to the packet transmission time. The traffic model allows arbitrary traffic streams subject only to a constraint on the number of data packets which can arrive at any individual source in the system or for any individual destination in the system over time periods of specified length. The algorithms are based primarily on sending transmission schedules to the receivers immediately before transmitting each data packet multiple times so that the receiver can maximize the number of packets it captures. An algorithm based on matchings in a random graph is shown to provide mean total delay divided by mean propagation delay arbitrarily close to one, as the propagation delay tends to infinity. >
Seismic Evidence for an Inner Core Transition Zone

Seismic waves that traverse Earth's inner core along north-south paths produce unusually broad pulse shapes at long periods (compared with waves along east-west paths) and reflections from below the inner core boundary at short periods. The observations provide compelling evidence for a seismic velocity discontinuity along north-south paths about 200 kilometers below the inner core boundary separating an isotropic upper inner core from an anisotropic lower inner core. The triplication associated with such a structure might be responsible for reported waveform complexity of short-period inner core arrivals along north-south paths and, if the depth of the boundary is laterally variable, their large travel-time variation.
Memory Formation: Filling in the Gaps in Flies

Summary Research in Drosophila has many advantages for the study of complex behavior. Two studies identify a new role for chemical and electrical signaling in the anterior paired lateral neurons during memory formation.
TGF beta-induced growth inhibition in primary fibroblasts requires the retinoblastoma protein.

Abstract Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) inhibits cell proliferation by inducing a G1 cell-cycle arrest. Cyclin/CDK complexes have been implicated in this arrest, because TGF beta treatment leads to inhibition of cyclin/CDK activity. We have investigated the role of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) in TGF beta-induced growth arrest by using RB+/+ and RB-/- primary mouse embryo fibroblasts. In both of these cell types, TGF beta inhibits CDK4-associated kinase activity. However, whereas CDK2-associated kinase activity was completely inhibited by TGF beta in the wild-type cells, it was reduced only slightly in the RB mutant cells. In addition, at high-cell density the growth-inhibitory effects of TGF beta are no longer observed in the RB-/- cells; on the contrary, TGF beta treatment promotes the growth of these mutant fibroblasts. Thus, under certain cellular growth conditions, elimination of pRb transforms the growth-inhibitory effects of TGF beta into growth-stimulatory effects. These observations could help to explain why TGF beta is often found to enhance tumorigenicity in vivo and why inactivation of the RB gene leads to tumorigenesis.
Organization of the cat trapezoid body and the discharge characteristics of its fibers.

Abstract The laminae of the midline cat trapezoid body (TB) are delimited and named on the basis of their characteristic fiber diameters. Proceeding ventrally from the dorsal boundary of the TB are found the medium, mixed, large, and small diameter populations (the MDP, XDP, LDP, and SDP respectively). Specific cell types of the cochlear nuclear complex give rise to the fibers of the TB. Medium diameter fibers originate from spherical cells while globular cells are the source of the large diameter fibers. Bilateral cochlear nuclei ablations demonstrate that, with the possible exception of a few thin fibers, all midline TB fibers are second order. The discharge characteristics of single units recorded near the midline in the MDP, XDP, and LDP are presented. The MDP displays a dorso-ventral progression of best frequencies, from low to high. Very high best frequencies (> 12 kHz) do not seem to be represented in the MDP but are found in the XDP and LDP. Except for latent periods, the properties of units in the MDP are the same as those of spherical cells and eighth nerve fibers for all parameters where comparisons are available. The excitatory response characteristics of units in the XDP and LDP are similar to those of the MDP. They differ from MDP fibers in having tuning curves with inhibitory sidebands as well as a lower mean spontaneous rate of discharge. The results confirm previous observations on the spherical cells and define the discharge characteristics of the globular cells.
Human tissue temperatures achieved during recharging of new-generation neuromodulation devices

Abstract The advent of rechargeable biomedical implants for neuromodulation has introduced the practice of recharging implantable batteries through a patient’s skin. Long-term operation of such implants is achieved by periodically recharging the implant’s battery by means of a magnetic field produced by an antenna situated on the surface of the skin. During recharging periods, heat is generated within both the implant and the antenna. The heat flowing from these components into adjacent tissue creates the possibility of tissue temperature elevations that may be unsafe. This issue was investigated by means of a synergistic combination of experimentation and numerical simulation. The experiments measured the rates at which heat generated within the components flowed into their respective surroundings. This information was utilized as input information to the numerical simulations. The simulation model consisted of four tissue layers plus the skin-surface-mounted antenna. Two realistic external thermal environments were considered for the simulations. Both the experimentation and the simulations were performed for three leading neuromodulation devices: Precision Plus, Eon Mini, and Restore Ultra. In the presence of convective/radiative heat losses in a 20 °C environment, the maximum tissue temperature during recharging never exceeded 39 °C for the Restore Ultra, but exceeded 41 °C for the Precision Plus and the Eon Mini. In an adiabatic environment, similar findings were observed; the temperatures associated with the Precision Plus and Eon Mini exceeded 41 °C, while the tissue temperatures near the Restore Ultra maintained values less than 41 °C. The work reported here deals with devices that have not previously been investigated.
Approximate theory of Stokes amplification and conversion valid at large gain

We predict Stokes-beam divergence, origin, and gain for large-gain Raman amplifiers as functions of pump-beam divergence and pump power in terms of simple analytical expressions. Stokes divergence is found to peak at a pump power twice above threshold. Results are in excellent agreement with exact computer solutions and explain recent experimental observations.
Timing of video capsule endoscopy relative to overt obscure GI bleeding: implications from a retrospective study

Background Diagnostic yield of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) may be higher if it is performed closer to the time of overt obscure GI bleeding (OOGIB). Objective To evaluate the diagnostic yield of VCE and rate of therapeutic intervention for OOGIB for inpatients and outpatients with respect to timing of the intervention. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary academic center. Patients Patients who had VCE for OOGIB between August 2008 and August 2010. Interventions VCE for inpatients versus outpatients. Main Outcome Measures Diagnostic yield and rate of therapeutic intervention for inpatients versus outpatients. Results One hundred forty-four inpatients (65 women) and 116 outpatients (49 women) were included. Diagnostic yield was 65.9% for inpatients versus 53.4% for outpatients ( P = .054). Inpatients were divided into those who had VCE within 3 days ( 3 days; n=54). Active bleeding and/or an angioectasia was found in 44.4% of the 3-day group ( P = .046) versus 25.8% of the outpatients. Therapeutic intervention was performed in 18.9% of the 3-day group ( P = .046) versus 10.3% of outpatients. Diagnostic yield and therapeutic intervention rate between the >3-day group and outpatients were not significantly different. Length of stay (days) was less in the 3-day cohort ( P Limitations Long-term outcomes were not studied. This was a retrospective study. Conclusions Early deployment of VCE within 3 days of admission results in a higher diagnostic yield and therapeutic intervention rate and an associated reduction of length of stay.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ASPHALT-RUBBER BINDER

ABSTRACT This study was performed to determine how the rheological properties of asphalt-rubber binders are affected by various parameters. Properties studied were asphalt composition, rubber dissolution, and the low-, intermediate-, and high-temperature rheological properties, measured with the bending beam rheometer. dynamic shear rheometer, and rotational viscometer, respectively. The rheological properties of the asphalt-rubber binder were determined to be dependent on the rubber content (weight percent), rubber particle size, and base asphalt composition. By controlling these variables, an asphalt-rubber binder with improved low-temperature cracking resistance, improved mid-temperature rutting resistance and temperature susceptibility, and a non-detrimental high-temperature compaction viscosity, all relative to the base asphalt, can be produced.
Adjustments in the Real Estate Market

AREUEA is pleased to acknowledge the support of the National Association of REALTORS in the preparation of this issue. We are particularly grateful to John Tuccillo, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at NAR, for recognizing the importance of this research area and encouraging these studies. The editors would also like to acknowledge the continuing support of their colleagues at The Ohio State University and of the Homer Hoyt Institute.
Biodegradation of chlorophenols by mixed and pure cultures from a fluidized-bed reactor.

An aerobic, continuous-flow fluidized-bed reactor was established with inoculum from activated sludge, and fed a mixture of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol (TeCP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) as the sole sources of carbon and energy for 2 years. Experiments with the enrichment were performed with material from the reactor. Later, degradation experiments were completed using pure cultures of bacteria that were isolated from suspended samples of the carrier biofilm. In batch-bottle bioassays, the reactor enrichment degraded PCP, TeCP and TCP both in mineral salts (MS) and tryptone-yeast extract-glucose (TGY) media. ortho-Methoxylated chlorophenols including 4,5-dichloroguaiacol (4,5-DCG), tetrachloroguaiacol (TeCG) and trichlorosyringol (TCS) resisted biodegradation by the enrichment both in MS and TGY media, whereas 5,6-dichlorovanillin (5,6-DCV) was readily transformed to an unidentified metabolite. Experiments with 14C labeled chlorophenols showed mineralization of 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP) and 2,3,5-TCP to 14CO2 by the enrichment. Material from the suspended biofilm after continuous chlorophenol feeding for 2 years was inoculated onto TGY-agar plates, and showed predominantly two colony, types accounting for over 99% of the total colony counts. The two colony types, were equal in abundance. Six Gram-negative, oxidase- and catalase-positive, non-fermentative small rods were isolated in TGY agar media supplemented with 10 mg/l of TeCP or PCP. All isolates formed colonies in TGY plus 150 mg/l of PCP. The isolates degraded TCP and TeCP but not PCP. In mixtures of isolated bacteria the rates of chlorophenol degradation were similar to those observed with individual isolates. Three isolates were identified as Pseudomonas saccharophila and three were an unidentified species of Pseudomonas.
A photoionization study of hydrogen bound clusters in a supersonic molecular beam

Abstract Hydrogen bonding of methanol, methanol- d , ethinol, and trifluoroethanol is investigated with a supersonic molecular beam as a sampling system for a photoionization quadrupole mass spectrometer. Monochromatized vacuum ultraviolet synchrotron radiation is used as the ionizing source. Cluster ions belonging to the series (ROII) n H + are detected when sampling up to 100-torr alcohol vapor with the molecular beam. No parent cluster molecular ions are detected. Experiments are described which exclude ion—molecule reactions in the mass spectrometer ion source as a possible origin of the cluster ions. Experimental evidence shows that nozzle temperature primarily influences the equilibrium distribution of clusters present in the nozzle source. From the dependences of relative cluster ion intensifies on nozzle source temperature, the heats of formation of oligomers of the alcohols are estimated. Cooperative hydrogen bonding is not detected, except for trifluoroethanol, while the trimer is found to be the most stable cluster.
On reduced rank of triangular matrix rings

We determine conditions under which a generalized triangular matrix ring has finite reduced rank, in the general torsion-theoretic sense. These are applied to characterize certain orders in Artinian rings, and to show that if each homomorphic image of a ring S has finite reduced rank, then so does the ring of lower triangular matrices over S.
Random walk and 1/f noise

Abstract Older and recent papers have claimed that a 1/ f spectrum can be associated with a sum of pulses arising from a one-dimensional diffusion process. This claim is fallacious since diffusion refers to a collective stochastic process, being the sum of random flights, which constitute the “elementary events”.
Leukoplakia of the maxillary vestibule—an association with Viadent?

Abstract Objective. This report investigates a possible correlation between chronic use of Viadent products and the subsequent development of leukoplakia in the maxillary vestibule. Study Design. A retrospective review of 88 patients with leukoplakia of the maxillary vestibule is presented. Prevalence of Viadent use was determined in this group and in a group of 100 randomly selected adults who presented themselves for routine preadmission screening at a dental school. Results. Of the patients diagnosed with leukoplakia of the maxillary vestibule, 84.1% reported having used Viadent, whereas the prevalence of use was only 3% in the 100 randomly selected adults. Conclusions. Use of Viadent products appears to be associated with an increased prevalence of leukoplakia in the maxillary vestibule. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:61-6)