cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the fimB promoter region involved in type 1 pilus phase variation in Escherichia coli.

Many strains of Escherichia coli express type 1 pili which undergo phase variation during growth in broth, but become uniformly nonpiliated when passaged on agar media. In a previous analysis of these agar phase locked strains, we demonstrated that fimB and fimE, which mediate the site-specific DNA rearrangement involved in phase variation, are differentially transcribed under the two growth conditions. In this study the fimB promoter region was sequenced and characterized in agar phase locked strain J96. Primer extension analysis of the fimB gene identified three putative transcription initiation sites. Transcription starting from two of the sites (P1 and P2) would produce an mRNA that approximates the transcript size of fimB previously detected by Northern blot hybridizations. Gel mobility shift studies revealed the presence of promoter binding activity in broth-grown cell extracts, but not in extracts from agargrown cells, that reacted specifically with DNA fragments upstream of the P1 and P2 promoter regions. This putative binding protein may be involved in the regulation of fimB perhaps by acting as a transcriptional activator.
Somnogenic activity of muramyl peptides

Abstract Within the past few years several endogenous sleep-promoting factors have been identified. In this article James Krueger focusses on one of these, the muramyl peptide, Factor S. Certain other muramyl peptides, synthetic and natural, are also somnogenic and some structural determinants for somnogenic potency are also described. A possible mechanism of somnogenic action of muramyl peptides may involve CNS interleukin-1. The role(s) that muramyl peptides play in normal mammalian physiology remains unknown although it is clear that small amounts of muramyl peptides can greatly modify sleep. Is it possible, then, that these peptides represent the sleeping draught of the future?
Development of zebrafish (Danio rerio) pectoral fin musculature

During posthatching development the fins of fishes undergo striking changes in both structure and function. In this article we examine the development of the pectoral fins from larval through adult life history stages in the zebrafish (Danio rerio), describing in detail their pectoral muscle morphology. We explore the development of muscle structure as a way to interpret the fins' role in locomotion. Genetic approaches in the zebrafish model are providing new tools for examining fin development and we take advantage of transgenic lines in which fluorescent protein is expressed in specific tissues to perform detailed three-dimensional, in vivo fin imaging. The fin musculature of larval zebrafish is organized into two thin sheets of fibers, an abductor and adductor, one on each side of an endoskeletal disk. Through the juvenile stage the number of muscle fibers increases and muscle sheets cleave into distinct muscle subdivisions as fibers orient to the developing fin skeleton. By the end of the juvenile period the pectoral girdle and fin muscles have reoriented to take on the adult organization. We find that this change in morphology is associated with a switch of fin function from activity during axial locomotion in larvae to use in swim initiation and maneuvering in adults. The examination of pectoral fins of the zebrafish highlights the yet to be explored diversity of fin structure and function in subadult developmental stages. J. Morphol. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Changing electrical nature of Saturn's rings: Implications for spoke formation

[1] During Cassini's orbit insertion at Saturn, the trajectory took the spacecraft overtop the planet's famed ring system. At this time, the Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Science (RPWS) instrument obtained unprecedented observations of electron density in the vicinity of the rings. Using this information and a model of photoemission anticipated from the rings, we demonstrate that the ring surface potential undergoes a seasonal change in electrical configuration, being primarily unipolar (of one charge polarity/potential) during the Voyager era and now bipolar (two separate polarities/potentials) during the Cassini era. We calculate the approximate ring/sun opening angle required for the transition from unipolar to bipolar configuration. Using electron density profiles, we explicitly examine the conditions for current balance on the B ring and show which regions are most likely to charge to positive potentials and those that may remain negative as a function of ring opening angle relative to the sun. Finally, we demonstrate that the current body of observations of Saturn ring spokes is consistent with their formation only on negatively-charged surfaces, and suggest future times and locations to look for spoke activity based upon the model.
The receptor expression pattern in DCIS predicts recurrence

Abstract Objective. The treatment of DCIS is based on size and pathologic morphology. We hypothesized that, similar to invasive breast cancer, receptor expression in DCIS is important in predicting recurrence. Methods. Retrospective review from 1990 to 2002 identified 94 DCIS patients who had documented estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), p53, Her-2/neu (HER), tumor characteristics, type of surgery, use of radiation or TAM, and site of recurrence. HER+ was identified by immunohistochemistry. Results. The median age was 57.5 years (25th to 75th percentile = 48–66 years). The median tumor size was 2.0 cm (25th to 75th percentile = 1.0–3.0 cm). Median follow-up was 4 years (25th to 75th percentile = 2–6.75 years). The overall recurrence rate was 6%. The percentage of DCIS that expressed ER, RP, P53, and Her-2/neu was 74, 56, 27, and 37%, respectively. The receptor pattern ER+ PR− HER+ represented 50% (3/6) of the total recurrences ( P = 0.01). Five of six recurrences were ER+. The time of DFS in ER+ PR− HER+ receptor pattern was significantly shorter than the rest of the patients ( P = 0.0011). Conclusions. Receptor expression may be important in DCIS for predicting recurrence. HER positivity even with ER+ is significantly associated with a higher risk of recurrence. This is important since therapy directly targeted against the HER+ receptor exists. Larger trials are needed to validate the association of receptor expression and recurrence in DCIS and analyze response to therapy.
Characterization of the near-surface gas-phase chemical environment in atmospheric-pressure plasma chemical vapor deposition of diamond

A numerical model was developed and used to study the near-surface gas-phase chemistry during atmospheric-pressure radiofrequency (RF ) plasma diamond chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Model predictions of the mole fractions of CH 4 , C 2 H 2 ,C 2 H 4 and C 2 H 6 agree well with gas chromatograph measurements of those species over a broad range of operating conditions. The numerical model includes a two-dimensional analysis of the sampling disturbance in the thin boundary layer above the substrate, accounts for chemistry in the gas chromatography sampling line, and utilizes a reaction mechanism that is significantly revised from a previously reported version. The model is used to predict the concentrations of H, CH 3 ,C 2 H 2 and C at the diamond growth surface. It is suggested that methyl, acetylene and atomic carbon may all contribute significantly to film deposition during atmospheric-pressure RF plasma diamond CVD. The growth mechanism used in the model is shown to predict growth rates well at moderate substrate temperatures (~1100 to 1230 K ) but less well for lower (~1000 K ) and higher (~1300 K ) temperatures. The near-surface gas-phase chemical environment in atmospheric-pressure RF plasma diamond CVD is compared with several other diamond CVD environments. Compared with these other methods the thermal plasma is predicted to produce substantially higher concentration ratios at the surface of both H/CH 3 and C 2 H 2 /CH 3 . © 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
In Vivo and In Vitro Assessment of Antinutritional Factors in Peanut and Soy

Raw and heat processed peanut flours were found to contain higher in vitro trypsin inhibitor activity and lectin content than similarly processed soy flour. When fed to weanling rats at a level of 10% protein, the response pattern in food consumption, growth, liver function, and serum chemistries was not consistent among or between the groups. It is concluded that the levels of antinutritional factors in legumes do not correlate with their overall biological impact in feeding studies with the rat.
A modified broth-disk antibiotic susceptibility test for Campylobacter jejuni.

A broth-disk method for determining the antibiotic susceptibility ofCampylobacter species was studied. The broth-disk method used to test anaerobes was modified for testing the antibiotic susceptibility ofCampylobacter jejuni in an aerobic atmosphere. The basal medium of the test consisted of Brucella broth with 0.13% agar and contained a ferrous iron, sodium pyruvate, sodium bisulfite supplement. Antibiotic disks were added to the tubed medium to approximate the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoint values for susceptibility. The antibiotic susceptibilities of 29 strains ofCampylobacter jejuni to seven antibiotics were tested by the broth-disk method and the results compared with the MIC values determined by agar dilution. The broth-disk results were reproducible and agreed with approximately 90–100 % of the MIC determinations. This broth-disk method appears to be a reliable, simple, and inexpensive method for testing antibiotic susceptibility ofCampylobacter species.
Issues Relating to the Conduct of Empirical Research into the Detection of Auditory Stimuli in Noise When Wearing Nontraditional Hearing Protectors

Nontraditional hearing protection devices are intended to improve the audibility of auditory stimuli in noisy environments. However, when tested in controlled laboratory settings, such benefits are not always apparent. The characteristics of active noise reduction, amplitude-sensitive, and other augmented HPDs are briefly described. Next, the results of past research are discussed, as are the reasons why such results are not always as expected. Finally, methodological issues encountered when conducting auditory detection studies using nontraditional hearing protection will be addressed, including choice of noise spectra, workload, and psychophysical methods.
Reference Sources Among NTIS Technical Reports

In general, regular selection tools for reference materials do not provide adequate coverage for government documents and technical reports. The situation is improving in the case of government documents in recent times as the awareness of the importance of documents is growing. For example, Reference Services Review publishes surveys and special features on government documents. Libraries Unlimited publishes a biennial guide titled, Government Reference Books. In contrast, very little attention is paid to the technical reports literature and they remain unexploited by the average reference librarian.
High-energy (MeV) ion implantation and its device applications in GaAs and InP

The work performed to date on the implantation of megaelectronvolt (MeV) energy ions of shallow donor (Si, S), shallow acceptor (Be), compensation (B, O, N, Fe, Co, Ti), and rare-earth (Er) species in III-V GaAs and InP compounds is reviewed. The optimum annealing conditions, the resulting carrier concentrations, and the lattice quality of the material are discussed. For the buried implants, the lattice damage and the electrical properties of the material are almost independent of the implant energy. For MeV Be/sup +/ implants the outdiffusion of Be during annealing is not observed, unlike in the case of shallow keV Be/sup +/ implants. The MeV energy Fe/sup +/ or Co/sup +/ implants performed at 200 degrees C into n-type InP, and Ti implants into p-type InP gave thermally stable buried high-resistance layers. The performance of microwave devices like vertical p-i-n, varactor, and mixer diodes and an optical device like a heterostructure laser made using MeV energy ion implantation is discussed. The results of MeV implantation in obtaining interdevice isolation of multilayer structures like HBTs are also discussed. >
The incidence of Polymyxa betae and other fungal root parasites of sugar-beet in Britain

A 2-year survey of soils from a total of 208 fields, using sugar-beet seedlings as bait plants, showed Polymyxa betae to be ubiquitous in the sugar-beet-growing areas of Britain. It was detected in some soils which had not grown a host crop for up to 17 years. However, infection of roots was relatively infrequent in plant samples taken from 134 survey fields in early summer and the density of colonization always low. Three other non-mycelial fungi, Olpidium brassicae, Lagena radicicola and Rhizophydium graminis were also common parasites of sugar-beet roots detected in soil bioassays. Infection of plant samples by O. brassicae was particularly severe.
Adolescent Socialization in Rural Appalachia: The Perspectives of Teens, Parents, and Significant Adults

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the social networks of Appalachian adolescents to understand socialization strategies and goals. A total of 46 interviews were conducted with five families (mothers, fathers, and adolescents) and 11 socialization agents the families identified as exerting significant influence in the lives of the adolescents. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using principles of grounded theory. Five themes developed from the interviews: the importance of community to the socialization process, adult involvement and support, adolescent monitoring, teaching respect and responsibility, and adolescent autonomy. Results suggest the need for in-depth investigation of adolescent development within a variety of cultural and social contexts to more fully understand these processes.
Mechanochemistry of Focal Adhesion Dynamics

Focal adhesions (FA) are “feet” of the cell that mediate cell migration on extracellular matrix (ECM). FA formation involves the crosstalk between mechanical cues (e.g., ECM stiffness and actomyosin contractile forces), and biochemical signaling events (e.g., the mechanosensitivity of focal adhesion components). However, the coherent physical mechanism that governs mechanochemistry of FA formation is still missing. We established a coherent model that focuses on the mechanochemstry of focal adhesion dynamics. Our model captures the essential characteristics of focal adhesion dynamics. In particular, the model accounts for the mechanosensation of focal adhesion growth at different ECM rigidities, asymmetrical distribution and the oscillations of traction force within FA. Our model provides an integrated perspective of the focal adhesion dynamics and the roles in mechanosensing during the cell migrations.
Terpene cyclase catalysis in organic solvent/minimal water media: Demonstration and optimization of (+)-α-pinene cyclase activity

A partially purified and lyophilized preparation of (+)-alpha-pinene cyclase from sage (Salvia officinalis) was shown to convert geranyl pyrophosphate to the monoterpene olefins alpha-pinene, camphene, limonene, and myrcene, in hexane with the addition of 0.1 to 10% water. This constitutes the first report of catalysis by a terpene cyclase in "non-aqueous" media. The relative proportions of olefinic products, metal ion requirement, pH optimum, temperature response, and time course of the enzymatic conversion were determined. The cyclase was shown to be stabilized with respect to temperature and time by the use of hydrocarbon solvent, and, in all other characteristics, to exhibit properties closely resembling those observed in aqueous media.
A Spatial Theory of Trade

The equilibrium relationship between trade and the spatial distribution of economic activity is fundamental to the analysis of national and regional trade patterns, as well as to the effect of trade frictions. We study this relationship using a trade model with a continuum of regions, transport costs, and agglomeration effects caused by production externalities. We analyze the equilibrium specialization and trade patterns for different levels of transport costs and externality parameters. Understanding trade via the distribution of economic activity in space naturally rationalizes the evidence on border effects and the "gravity equation".
THRESHOLD AND SATURATION VOLTAGES MODELING OF CARBON NANOTUBE FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTORS (CNT-FETs)

We present analytical model equations for threshold voltage (Vth) and saturation voltage (Vds,sat) characterizing CNT-FETs. These model equations have been obtained from the charge and potential distributions between the gate and substrate in a CNT-FET. It is shown that both Vth and Vds,sat are strongly dependent on chiral vectors of CNTs. The results show close agreement between theoretical and graphical modeling techniques. It is also shown that the calculated Vth of a CNT-FET with chiral vector (3, 1) is in close agreement with the corresponding published work.
Infinite DimEnsionAl State-space approach to reactor network synthesis: application to attainable region construction

In this work, we present a methodology for the construction of the attainable region (AR) and for the synthesis of globally optimal reactor networks employing isothermal, steady-state, plug flow reactors (PFR), continuous-stirred tank reactors (CSTR) as well as mixing. The problem is solved using the novel Infinite DimEnsionAl State-space (IDEAS) approach. Within the IDEAS framework, reactor network synthesis is formulated as an infinite dimensional convex (linear) optimization problem. Pointwise identification of the reactor network's attainable region is shown to be equivalent to the solution of an infinite dimensional linear program. A finite dimensional approximation strategy is presented and illustrated on an example from the literature.
The benefits of imperfect diagnostic automation: a synthesis of the literature

This review of the literature examines, in a quantitative fashion, how the level of imperfection or unreliability of diagnostic automation affects the performance of the human operator who is jointly consulting that automation and the raw data itself. The data from 20 different studies were used to generate 35 different data points that compared performance with varying levels of unreliability, with that of a non-automated baseline condition. A regression analysis of benefits/costs relative to baseline was carried out, and revealed a strong linear function of benefits with reliability. The analysis revealed that a reliability of 0.70 was the ‘crossover point’ below which unreliable automation was worse than no automation at all. The analysis also revealed that performance was more strongly affected by reliability in high workload conditions, implicating the role of workload-imposed automation dependence in producing this relationship, and suggesting that humans tend to protect performance of concurrent ta...
Perspectives on the future of AIDS.

In the relatively short span of three years, over 7,000 cases of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have been diagnosed in the United States 2 Preliminary surveillance reports also estimate over 500 cases in the rest of the Americas, 600 in Europe, and several thousand cases in central Africa. 3 With a mortality rate that, two years from diagnosis, exceeds 80%, this illness now ranks as one of the most serious epidemics confronting man in modern time. Medical scientists were recently rewarded with the recovery of a type C human retrovirus from AIDS patients and patients with prodromal signs and symptoms of AIDS. 4,5 While this retrovirus, referred to as "human T-cell lymphotropic virus" (HTLV-III) or "lymphadenopathy-associated virus" (LAV), has not been definitively proved to be the etiologic agent of AIDS, all available evidence strongly supports its causal role. The virus has been cultured from lymphocytes, lymph nodes, semen, and saliva
Apparent chitin digestibilities in the Eastern screech owl (Otus asio) and the American kestrel (Falco sparverius)

Chitin, which is found in arthropod exoskeletons as a structural and defensive material, is one of the most abundant carbohydrates in nature. Chitin digestibility was studied in two partially insectivorous raptors, Eastern Screech Owls (Otus asio) and American Kestrels (Falco sparverius). When owls were fed crab shell chitin (5% or 2% of total dried food, by weight), 10.6 ± 7.1% (SD) to 30.4 ± 7.8% was digested (species digestibility means were 26.2 ± 4.4% and 18.6 ± 6.6%). Kestrels consuming a 5% or 2% chitin diet had 15.7 ± 3.9 to 25.7 ± 5.3 percent digestibilities. The mean apparent digestibilities for kestrels were 18.5 ± 2.5% and 22.3 ± 3.0%, respectively, for the 5% and 2% chitin diets. In an effort to improve chitin digestibilities in owls and kestrels, chitin was added to daily meals for 3 or 6 weeks, but no statistically significant increase in digestibilities was found. Relatively low apparent chitin digestibilities in those two raptorial species suggest that chitin is not an important energy source for raptors. Further investigation is required to clarify the magnitude of potential benefits. J. Exp. Zool. 283:387–393, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Induction of Cellular Growth by the Axon Guidance Regulators Netrin A and Semaphorin-1a

Although neurite outgrowth has been linked to axon guidance regulators, the effects of guidance molecules on cellular growth are not well understood. Use of the Drosophila wing imaginal disc, an epithelial tissue and a well-characterized system for analysis of cellular growth regulation, permits analysis of the impacts of guidance molecules on cellular growth in a setting in which axon guidance is not a confounding factor. In this investigation, the impacts of Netrin A (NetA) and Semaphorin-1a (Sema1a) signaling on cellular growth are examined during wing development. Levels of these genes were modulated in somatic clones in the developing wing disc, and clone areas, as well as individual sizes of clonal cells were assessed. NetA and Sema1a signaling were found to induce cellular growth in these assays. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analyses indicated that NetA and Sema1a signaling induce expression of several growth regulators, including myc, cycD, cdk4, PCNA, and MapK in the wing disc. These data illustrate that NetA and Sema1a can specifically promote growth through induction of key cellular growth regulators. The abilities of NetA and Sema1a to regulate cellular growth are likely critical to their functions in both nervous system development and oncogenesis.
The minimum probability on an interval when the mean and variance are known

This paper studies the minimum probability that distributions on a closed, bounded, non-degenerate interval can assign to its open sub-intervals when both the mean and variance are specified. It extends to this case Selberg's generalization of Tchebycheff's inequality.
Sex-role attitudes of senior high school 4-H members regarding careers and employment

The study examined the factors that contribute to the formation of sex-role attitudes of high school adolescents from the Cane Belt Area in Louisiana. The sample consisted of 101 females and 65 males who were 11th and 12th grade students in the 4-H Club program. Data from the questionnaire were correlated with variables of sex, grade, mother's employment, and parental educational attainment. While both sexes displayed consistently nontraditional attitudes, females uniformly expressed less traditional attitudes than males. The variables with the exception of mother's education and grade level of respondents were shown to have a significant impact on the development of sex-role attitudes in the respondents. Data in this study also indicated females expressed a more nontraditional attitude towards employment expectations than did their male counterparts. Language: en
A HIGH-SPEED ROTATING-MIRROR FRAMING CAMERA

A new arrangement for a high-speed rotating-mirror framing camera using mirror strips instead of lens strips as framing stops is described. The design is especially simple when a few frames close together in time are required. A camera which takes 14 frames resolving about 150 line pairs across the frame at a rate of 10,000,000 frames per second, or 14 frames resolving 250 line pairs at a rate of 5,000,000 frames per second is also described. The effective exposure time is 80% of the time between frames, and the camera operates at effective aperture of f/20.
Diverse immune mechanisms may contribute to the survival benefit seen in cancer patients receiving hyperthermia.

There is increasing documentation of significant survival benefits achieved in cancer patients treated with hyperthermia in combination with radiation and/or chemotherapy. Most evidence collected regarding the mechanisms by which hyperthermia positively influences tumor control has centered on in vitro data showing the ability of heat shock temperatures (usually above 42°C) to result in radio- or chemosensitization. However, these high temperatures are difficult to achieve in vivo, and new thermometry data in patients reveal that much of the tumor and surrounding region is only heated to 40–41°C or less as a result of vascular drainage from the target zone of the heated tumor. Thus, there is now a growing appreciation of a role for mild hyperthermia in the stimulation of various arms of the immune system in contributing to long term protection from tumor growth. Indeed, a review of recent literature suggests the existence of an array of thermally sensitive functions which may exist naturally to help the organism to establish a new “set point” of immune responsiveness during fever. This review summarizes recent literature identifying complex effects of temperature on immune cells and potential cellular mechanisms by which increased temperature may enhance immune surveillance.
Absolute configurations of DNA lesions determined by comparisons of experimental ECD and ORD spectra with DFT calculations

The usefulness of modern density functional theory (DFT) methods is considered for establishing the absolute configurations of DNA lesions by comparisons of computed and experimentally measured optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Two rigid, structurally different DNA lesions (two spiroiminodihydantoin stereoisomers and four equine estrogen 4-hydoxyequilenin-DNA stereoisomeric adducts) have been investigated. In all cases, the signs and shapes of the computed ORD spectra reproduced the experimentally measured ORD spectra, although the magnitudes of the computed and experimental ORD values do not coincide exactly. The computed ECD spectra also reproduced the shapes of the experimental ECD spectra rather well, but are blue-shifted by 10-20 nm. Since the assignments of the absolute configurations of the DNA lesions studied based on computed and experimental ORD and ECD spectra are fully consistent with one another, the computational DFT method shows significant promise for determining the absolute configurations of DNA lesions. Establishing the stereochemistry of DNA lesions is highly useful for understanding their biological impact, especially when sufficient amounts of material are not available for other methods of structural characterization.
A relative value unit-based cost comparison of treatment modalities for nonmelanoma skin cancer: effect of the loss of the Mohs multiple surgery reduction exemption.

Background The incidence of skin cancer has increased dramatically, with as many as 2.8 million skin cancers treated in 2005. In an era of decreasing reimbursement, insurer policy changes, and increasing pressure to deliver cost effective care, physicians should understand the total cost of different skin cancer treatment modalities in order to determine which yields the best value for patients. Objective To estimate the costs of treating nonmelanoma skin cancers by multiple modalities based on their assigned relative value unit (RVU) values. Methods The cost analysis was performed for the treatment of two skin cancer examples, a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on the central cheek and a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on the forearm of varying sizes. The estimated costs of treatment of each of the skin cancers was calculated for treatment with electrodessication and curettage (EDC), imiquimod immunotherapy, Mohs micrographic surgery, traditional surgical excision with permanent section margin evaluation in an office setting (with immediate repair or with repair delayed until clear margins are confirmed), surgical excision with frozen section margin control in both an ambulatory surgery center and hospital-based setting, and radiation therapy. The effect of the loss of exemption from multiple surgery reduction on the cost of Mohs surgery is also examined. Results Our estimation of costs for each of the treatment modalities reveals that EDC is the least expensive option, with average costs of $471 (BCC cheek) and $392 (SCC arm). Imiquimod treatment and office-based excision with immediate repair of the surgical defect have similar total average costs of $959 (BCC cheek) and $931 (SCC arm) and $1006 (BCC cheek) and $907 (SCC arm), respectively. If repair of the defect is delayed until negative surgical margins are confirmed by permanent section, the cost of excision increases to $1170 and $1041. The average cost of Mohs micrographic surgery is $1263 (BCC cheek) and $1131 (SCC arm). Mohs surgery's recent loss of multiple surgery reduction exemption has decreased the cost of Mohs surgery by 9% to 25%. Excision with frozen section margin control in an ambulatory surgery center results in costs of $2334 (BCC cheek) and $2200 (SCC arm). However, if the excision is performed in a hospital operating room, the procedure is substantially more expensive, at $3085 and $2680. The cost of radiation therapy treatment is $2591 to $3460 for the BCC of the cheek and $2559 to $3431 for the SCC of the arm, depending on the fractional dose used. Limitations These are cost estimates based on literature examples and 2008 RVU values; variations related to individual practices and procedure valuations by private insurers are expected. Conclusion Tumor destruction by EDC or imiquimod and office-based procedures, such as traditional surgical excision or Mohs surgery, are the lowest cost options for treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Effects of ischemia on epicardial segment shortening

Abstract To evaluate the effects of nontransmural ischemia on epicardial contractile function, we implanted sonomicrometers in 15 open-chest, anesthetized (halothane) dogs. One cylindrical crystal (radiating ultrasound 360°) was used as a transmitter for three conventional flat plate crystals arrayed to measure epicardial segment shortening along three different axes that were deviated 0° (parallel), 45° (oblique), and 90° (perpendicular) from surface fiber orientation in the anteriorapical or posterior-basal left ventricle. During baseline conditions, epicardial shortening was maximal parallel with fiber orientation. Shortening decreased in a non-linear manner as deviation from fiber orientation increased, but there were significant differences between the two left ventricular regions suggesting that more substantial lateral strain occurs in the anterior-apical than the posterior-basal area. During coronary inflow restriction, changes in epicardial segment shortening also varied greatly depending on location and alignment. At levels of wall thickening impairment associated with normal subepicardial perfusion, changes in epicardial function were restricted to the segments aligned perpendicular to fiber orientation whereas the parallel and oblique segments displayed moderate dysfunction or none at all. Thus, transmural tethering modifies epicardial segmental motion during coronary inflow restriction, but the severity of the influence depends on the alignment and location of the epicardial measurements.
Active Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling Required for Function and Regulation of Stress-Activated Kinase Spc1/StyI in Fission Yeast

Transcriptional induction of many stress-response genes is dependent on stress-induced nuclear accumulation of stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs). In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, nuclear accumulation of the SAPK Spc1 (also known as StyI) requires activating phosphorylation catalyzed by the SAPK kinase Wis1; however, it is unknown whether the localization of Spc1 is regulated by nuclear transport factors. Herein are reported studies that show that Spc1 localization is regulated by active transport mechanisms during osmotic stress. Nuclear import of Spc1 requires Pim1, a homologue of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor RCC1 that is essential for nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of proteins. Nuclear export of Spc1 is regulated by the export factor Crm1. An Spc1-Crm1 complex forms as Spc1 is exported from the nucleus. Wis1 and the tyrosine phosphatases Pyp1 and Pyp2 that inactivate Spc1 are excluded from the nucleus by a Crm1-independent mechanism; hence the nuclear import of Spc1 leads to transient isolation from its regulatory proteins. Thus, active nucleocytoplasmic shuttling is required for both the function and regulation of Spc1 during the osmotic shock response.
Differential extinction of a sand digging response in the rat

Eighty water-deprived rats were trained to dig through 20.42 kg of sand. After reaching a relatively high performance criterion Ss, were divided into eight groups which differed in combinations of deprivation schedule and water placements in the apparatus. Satiated Ss dug at a significantly lower rate than deprived Ss, but within the deprivation treatment groups, Ss with water in the start box dug significantly slower. Extinction behavior was consistent for the different groups over the 15 trials tested, and none of the animals showed complete extinction. Relevant behavioral observations were also noted and discussed.
Insights into the complex 3-D architecture of thylakoid membranes in unicellular cyanobacterium Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142.

In cyanobacteria and chloroplasts, thylakoids are the complex internal membrane system where the light reactions of oxygenic photosynthesis occur. In plant chloroplasts, thylakoids are differentiated into a highly interconnected system of stacked grana and unstacked stroma membranes. In contrast, in cyanobacteria, the evolutionary progenitors of chloroplasts, thylakoids do not routinely form stacked and unstacked regions, and the architecture of the thylakoid membrane systems is only now being described in detail in these organisms. We used electron tomography to examine the thylakoid membrane systems in one cyanobacterium, Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142. Our data showed that thylakoids form a complicated branched network with a rudimentary quasi-helical architecture in this organism. A well accepted helical model of grana-stroma architecture of plant thylakoids describes an organization in which stroma thylakoids wind around stacked granum in right-handed spirals. Here we present data showing that the simplified helical architecture in Cyanothece 51142 is lefthanded in nature. We propose a model comparing the thylakoid membranes in plants and this cyanobacterium in which the system in Cyanothece 51142 is composed of non-stacked membranes linked by fret-like connections to other membrane components of the system in a limited left-handed arrangement.
Boot Camps, Exercise, and Delinquency An Analytical Critique of the Use of Physical Exercise to Facilitate Decreases in Delinquent Behavior

With violent juvenile crime increasing and the public's concern over the juvenile crime problem at a high point, alternatives to traditional juvenile incarceration are of paramount importance. A re...
The Animalistic Gullet and the Godlike Soul: Reframing Sacrifice in Midrash Leviticus Rabbah

This article proposes an analysis of two homiletic units in the Palestinian Midrash Leviticus Rabbah, which revolve around biblical chapters pertaining to sacrifices. A theme that pervades these units is that of eating as an animalistic activity that often entails moral depravity. In contrast, the act of sacrificing is constructed in these units as one in which one is willing to give up one's own nourishment, and in a sense one's own “soul,” in order to offer it to God. Many of the motifs used to vilify eating in the Midrash can be traced in moralistic Greek, Roman, and early Christian diatribes preaching for moderation in eating or for asceticism; the homilists in Leviticus Rabbah, however, utilize these popular motifs in order to present sacrifice as the spiritual contrary of eating, and thus to give the obsolete practice of sacrifice cultural cachet and compelling meanings.
Doppler lidar measurements of winds in a narrow mountain valley

Abstract During September and October of 1984, the Wave Propagation Laboratory of NOAA used its pulsed infrared Doppler lidar in support of the U.S. Department of Energy's Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) program. The lidar measured winds channeled within a narrow mountain valley on seven experiment nights, between 2300 and 1100 MST. We were able to quantitatively define the structure of the nocturnal drainage winds, monitor their decay in the morning, and sense the formation of a thermally driven up-valley flow later in the day.
Biomass to chemicals: Design of an extractive-reaction process for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

Abstract Furanic compounds such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) can be obtained from sugars and have the potential to serve as substitutes of petroleum derived building blocks in the production of fuels and chemicals. In this work, we propose a process for the production of HMF from fructose based on extractive-reaction and formulate an optimization problem in order to find the operating conditions that minimize its cost of production.
Maintenance Requirements for Dietary Protein in 11- and 18-Month-Old Male Rats

Body weight, lean body mass (total weight less body fat), carcass protein, and serum protein were examined as potential parameters by which to assess the effect of age on protein requirements for maintenance in male rats, aged 11 months and 18 months, fed diets containing 1.53, 3.41, 4.98, 6.52, or 8.05% dietary protein, casein plus methionine, for a 5-week period. Body weight change was maintained in older animals at 6.52% dietary protein and in younger animals at 4.98% dietary protein. Older animals consuming the two diets highest in protein had a greater percent body fat and less percent body protein than younger animals. Significant effects of diet and the interaction of diet and age on serum protein were also observed. As dietary protein level increased, serum protein increased gradually in younger rats, but only between 3.41 and 4.98% dietary protein in older rats. Lean body mass and total carcass protein increased as dietary protein level increased, but there were no significant differences due to age or the interaction of diet and age. Changes in body weight indicate a greater protein requirement for 18-month-old rats compared with 11-month-old rats, although complicated by greater food intake and fat deposits in older animals. Measures of body protein indicate that age has some influence on protein needs for maintenance purposes.
Direct extraction of rate-dependent traction–separation laws for polyurea/steel interfaces

Abstract Polyurea coatings on steel form tough, flexible and chemically resistant surfaces, making them ideal for a variety of applications. An important issue for polyurea coatings in some cases is their adhesion to steel under various loading conditions in aggressive environments. In this paper, adhesion was examined using steel/polyurea/steel sandwich specimens and interfacial fracture mechanics. The mode 1 and mode 2 interfacial fracture behaviors were characterized by two independent traction–separation laws. The traction–separation laws were measured directly by recording the J-integral and the end-opening displacement in the directions normal and tangential to the steel/polyurea interface. In each case, the traction was initially nonzero, increased with increasing separation, reached its peak value and then decreased with further increasing opening. Strong rate-dependent effects were found for both modes of fracture and were attributed to the interfacial behavior. Porosity introduced during the processing of the polyurea affected the traction–separation laws and associated fracture mechanisms.
Successful induction of stress urinary incontinence in mice by vaginal distension does not depend on the estrous cycle.

Objective To determine if the performance of vaginal distension (VD) in different estrous cycle phases affects the successful induction of stress urinary incontinence in mice. Methods Female virgin C57BL/6 mice were distributed into 4 groups according to their estrous cycle phase: proestrus, estrus, metestrus, or diestrus. The estrous cycle was staged by examining vaginal smears, and the method was corroborated by histologic examination of the vagina in a subset of each group. Each group was divided into 4 subgroups for measurement of 24-hour micturition behavior and the leak point pressure (LPP) 4 or 20 days after VD or sham VD. Results Voiding events increased and mean void volume decreased 4 days, but not 20 days after VD, and the LPP was decreased 4 days, but not 20 days after VD compared with the corresponding sham group, regardless of the estrous cycle phase when VD was performed. There were no differences in 24-hour micturition behavior or LPP among the 4 different estrous cycle phases either in sham or VD group. Conclusion Successful induction of reversible stress urinary incontinence in mice is not dependent on the estrous cycle.
Dermacentor tick attached to tympanic membrane

In June, 2008, a 47-year-old woman presented to us with a 1-day history of crackling sensations in her left ear. On otoscopic examination, a tick was seen on the left tympanic membrane (fi gure). An otorhinolaryngologist removed the tick with endoscopic-guided forceps. There was no bleeding, perforation, hearing loss, or other sequelae. The crackling sensations resolved immediately. The tick was identifi ed as Dermacentor variabilis, commonly known as the American dog tick. Our patient lived in a rural area of Minnesota, USA where the tick-borne diseases lyme and human anaplasmosis are endemic. She denied any known tick exposure, but reported that her dog often slept in her bedroom at night. Fortunately, Dermacentor variabilis is not a primary vector for Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which cause lyme disease and human analasmosis respectively. D variabilis is a known vector of rocky mountain spotted fever and tularaemia, neither of which are common in Minnesota.
Pulsed Doppler sonography as an aid in ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy

Six cases demonstrating the utility of pulsed Doppler sonography as an aid in avoiding complications of aspiration and biopsy are presented. Duplex sonography combined with ultrasound needle guidance was helpful in identifying the vascular nature of masses in 3 cases and positively identifying and avoiding vascular structures within the needle path in 3 cases. The selective use of duplex sonography prior to aspiration biopsy provides information that should serve to minimize further the risks of hemorrhage associated with modern biopsy techniques.
Double-sided cooling design for novel planar module

A novel packaging structure for medium power modules featuring power semiconductor switches sandwiched between two symmetric substrates that fulfill electrical conduction and insulation functions is presented. Large bonding areas between dies and substrates allow this packaging technology to offer significant improvements in electrical, thermal performance. Double-sided cooling system was dedicatedly analyzed and designed for different applications.
Psychophysiologic reactions in the neonate

Summary The case of a difficult, unreachable newborn infant is presented, with an estimate of the effect on the mother-child relation-ship. The value of reliable observation of innate characteristics of the neonate and the value of their predictive use in relieving maternal anxiety are stressed.
The roles of interrogation, perception, and individual differences in producing compliant false confessions

This study utilized an experimental design to examine the amount of variance in false confessions that was explained by three types of variables. These variable sets were interrogation tactics, per...
Asymptotic estimates for rational linear spaces on hypersurfaces

We develop a repeated efficient differencing procedure for estimating mean values of certain multidimensional exponential sums over smooth numbers. As a consequence, we obtain asymptotic lower bounds for the number of linear spaces of fixed dimension up to a given height lying on the hypersurface defined by an additive equation.
Intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of autoimmune neuromuscular diseases: present status and practical therapeutic guidelines.

This review summarizes the current status of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the treatment of autoimmune neuromuscular disorders and the possible mechanisms of action of the drug based on work in vivo, in vitro, and in animal models. Supply of idiotypic antibodies, suppression of antibody production, or acceleration of catabolism of immunoglobulin G (IgG) are relevant in explaining the efficacy of IVIg in myasthenia gravis (MG), Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), and antibody-mediated neuropathies. Suppression of pathogenic cytokines has putative relevance in inflammatory myopathies and demyelinating neuropathies. Inhibition of complement binding and prevention of membranolytic attack complex (MAC) formation are relevant in dermatomyositis (DM), Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), and MG. Modulation of Fc receptors or T-cell function is relevant in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), GBS, and inflammatory myopathies. The clinical efficacy of IVIg, based on controlled clinical trials conducted in patients with GBS, CIDP, multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), DM, MG, LEMS, paraproteinemic IgM anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) demyelinating polyneuropathies, and inclusion body myositis is summarized and practical issues related to each disorder are addressed. The present role of IVIg therapy in other disorders based on small controlled or uncontrolled trials is also summarized. Finally, safety issues, risk factors, adverse reactions, spurious results or serological tests, and practical guidelines associated with the administration of IVIg in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders are presented.