cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Transmembrane Tyrosine Phosphatase DLAR Controls Motor Axon Guidance in Drosophila

Abstract DLAR is a receptor-like, transmembrane protein-tyrosine phosphatase in Drosophila that is expressed almost exclusively by developing neurons. Analysis of Dlar loss-of-function mutations shows that DLAR plays a key role during motoneuron growth cone guidance. Segmental nerve b (SNb) motor axons normally exit the common motor pathway, enter the ventral target region, and then synapse on specific ventral muscles. In Dlar mutant embryos, SNb axons bypass their normal target region and instead continue to extend along the common pathway. SNd motor axons also make pathfinding errors, while SNa and SNc axons appear normal. Thus, DLAR controls the ability of certain motor axons to navigate specific choice points in the developing Drosophila nervous system.
Apparent hemolysis following intravenous antithymocyte globulin treatment in a patient with marrow failure and a paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria clone.

BACKGROUND: Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is a commonly used medication in the treatment of aplastic anemia. Although serum sickness has been described with the use of ATG, few cases of acute intravascular hemolysis have been reported. We report a case of apparent ATG-related hemolysis in a patient with aplastic anemia and a paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) clone. CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old, group A, RhoD+ man with aplastic anemia and an 11.6 percent glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein–negative population of red cells (RBCs), representing approximately 190 mL of his RBC volume, and 90 percent GPI-negative neutrophils were scheduled to receive equine ATG at 40 mg per kg per day for 4 days. After the first infusion, he developed a 1.6 g per dL decline in hemoglobin concentration and an increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase (normal, 113-226 U/L) from 284 to 1127 U per L. The hemolytic process was complicated by acute renal failure characterized by an increase in serum creatinine from 0.9 to 4.2 mg per dL and the appearance of dark-colored urine. Pre- and post-ATG direct antiglobulin tests were negative. CONCLUSION: The temporal association of intravenous ATG to lysis of complement-sensitive RBCs suggests a causal relationship. Although intravascular hemolysis after ATG administration appears to be uncommon, the clinical consequences may be severe, and determining the pathophysiology may yield clues to the mechanism of intravascular hemolysis.
Effect of a drag force due to absorption of solar radiation on solar sail orbital dynamics

Abstract While solar electromagnetic radiation can be used to propel a solar sail, it is shown that the Poynting–Robertson effect related to the absorbed portion of the radiation leads to a drag force in the transversal direction. The Poynting–Robertson effect is considered for escape trajectories, Heliocentric bound orbits and non-Keplerian bound orbits. For escape trajectories, this drag force diminishes the cruising velocity, which has a cumulative effect on the Heliocentric distance. For Heliocentric and non-Keplerian bound orbits, the Poynting–Robertson effect decreases its orbital speed, thereby causing it to slowly spiral towards the Sun. Since the Poynting–Robertson effect is due to the absorbed portion of the electromagnetic radiation, degradation of a solar sail implies that this effect becomes enhanced during a mission.
Influence of sucrose and NaCl on blood pressure of SHR and WKY rats

Abstract Immature male SHR and WKY rats were given demineralized water or solutions containing 1% NaCl, 5% sucrose or a solution containing both to drink over a period of 34 days. The consumption of each solution was greater than of water in both strains, and those containing sucrose were preferred over saline. Comparable volumes of sucrose and of sucrose-saline were consumed. The blood pressure of WKY was not influenced by any of the solutions, and none caused cardiac enlargement. Hypertension in SHR developed more rapidly and severely from the second week onward in those receiving sucrosesaline than in the other groups (which did not vary among themselves), and they displayed enhanced cardiomegaly. Heart rates tended to be faster in rats drinking sucrose solutions, but fell comparably among all groups as the animals grew. Neither sucrose nor saline alone increased blood pressure of SHR. The consumption of sucrose alone led to smaller adrenal and larger thymus glands.
A comparison of two response procedures for reaction time experiments

Response procedures in binary-classification reaction time experiments typically require that one of two keys or buttons be depressed, either with one finger used for both keys or with separate fingers used for each key. An experimental comparison of the one-finger and two-finger response procedures indicated that the variance in reaction time for one-finger responses was more than twice the variance for two-finger responses. It was concluded that the two-finger response procedure permits more sensitive experimental designs.
The Decline of Design Across the Curriculum

Design across the curriculum has been a cornerstone of mechanical engineering education for well over a decade. The movement was an attempt to balance the tendency of most programs to over-emphasize engineering science. Over the course of that decade, many public universities have undergone a 7%–10% reduction in the number of credits required for graduation; usually in response to legislative pressure or competitive market conditions. In some instances, these reductions were not reflected in the general education content. Although the number of technical electives within the curriculum may have been reduced, seldom have they been completely omitted. Engineering science is considered the analytical foundation upon which new knowledge and engineering design are based. In addition, new frontiers in mechatronics, nanotechnology and alternative energy sources are becoming “must teach” subjects so that the discipline can evolve. The indication is that the “Design Across the Curriculum” concept either is, or will soon be in decline. This paper will present some historical perspective, a small sample of both common “solutions,” and a few unique approaches for maintaining design across the curriculum. The primary objective, however, is to initiate a dialog among engineering educators to begin to address the balance between engineering science and engineering design.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Going Native: Savage Actors and the Play of Textuality in Melville’s Benito Cereno

This essay won the 2005 Literature Compass Graduate Essay Prize, American Section. This essay on Herman Melville’s Benito Cereno (1856) examines the author’s views on savagery not merely as ethnic composition but as a progression through the performative to become a product of language itself. Thus, locating the savage becomes less a task of highlighting cultural otherness than examining how one writes and speaks about the primitive. In Benito Cereno, Melville liberates the discourse of civilized versus savage from what today would be considered a strictly post-Colonial model – one which seems to fit Melville’s own encounters with the cultural outsider as documented in his early works Typee (1846), Omoo (1847), and Mardi (1849) – and places it in a linguistic sphere. Melville therefore introduces us to a savagery writ so large that only a system of signs becomes large enough to contain it. The critical figure in Benito Cereno is Babo, the mastermind behind a play of such monstrous proportions that even the reader becomes a savage actor in his infernal drama.
Congenital salivary gland anlage tumor of the nasopharynx.

Objective. Nasal and upper respiratory tract obstruction in the neonatal period can result from a variety of conditions, and may present with variable symptoms. In the absence of dysmorphic features or other abnormalities, causes of nasal obstruction may be difficult to differentiate on initial examination. We report an unexpected and potentially life-threatening condition arising during the work-up of this common neonatal complaint. Design. Case report with literature review. Results. A male neonate presented with complaints of nasal obstruction and feeding difficulties. A common diagnostic approach to neonatal nasal obstruction was performed, resulting in an unexpected and potentially life-threatening, albeit curative, result. Cannulation of the nasal cavity to rule out choanal atresia resulted in a burst of bleeding from the nose and mouth. A finger sweep of the oropharynx produced a dislodged mass lesion. Pathology revealed a salivary gland anlage tumor of the nasopharynx. Conclusions. The diagnosis of a nasopharyngeal mass lesion should be considered in neonates with nasal obstructive symptoms. It is wise to place an index finger in the oropharynx when passing catheters to rule out choanal atresia to feel a dislodged mass lesion before it can become an airway foreign body. Should passage of nasal catheters result in bleeding and/or respiratory distress, the possibility of a displaced mass lesion must be considered immediately to institute prompt intervention.
Compact Finite-Differencing and Filtering Procedure Applied to the Incompressible Navier-Stokes Equations

A high-order discretization and filtering procedure is applied to the solution of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations in a vorticity/stream-function formulation, which is implemented in curvilinear coordinates. Compact finite differencing is coupled with the use of a low-pass filtering operator to augment the stability of the scheme for high-Reynolds-number flows and/or low-resolution meshes. Advancement in time is done through either first- or second-order, backward Euler time integrations, which are supplemented with Newton-like subiterations. Temporal and spatial formal orders of accuracy are examined through exact solutions of the governing equations, where the theoretical orders of accuracy are achieved for up to sixth-order spatial and second-order temporal discretizations. The technique is also demonstrated on both steady and unsteady incompressible flow canonical problems, including the lid-driven cavity and unsteady flow over a cylinder. The advantage of the high-order scheme coupled with ...
Determination of the identity, position and orientation of the topmost object in a pile

Abstract In this paper, we first propose schemes for segmenting out the visible part of the topmost object from a pile of planar and curved objects. We then describe our work on using B -splines for the characterization of the topmost object surface when it is curved; the B -splines are used for deriving operators that yield the Gaussian and mean curvatures. This is followed by a description of our identification strategies which depend upon whether the topmost object is judged to be planar or curved. The identification strategy for planar objects revolves around the EGI representation of their visible surfaces and is a function of whether the number of visible planar surfaces is one, two, three, or more. In case the number of sufficiently visible planar surfaces is less than or equal to two, we have incorporated surface boundary information with angular relation between adjoining surfaces to improve the identification process. For curved objects, the identification strategy depends upon the signs of the Gaussian and the mean curvatures and the EGI. While these identification strategies are not guaranteed to work in every case, we expect them to be practically useful for a wide range of industrial objects.
Development of auxiliary optimization parameter system for smart AVC in Hebei grid

Proposing the optimal AVC coordinating parameters and comparing effects of different planning grid in an scientific manner is one of the functional characteristics of smart AVC. In this paper Auxiliary Optimization Parameter(AOP) system is developed in Hebei grid for this purpose. With the AOP system, the traditional AVC system can be developed to smart AVC system‥ The data of the system are taken from EMS. The state estimation is carried out periodically after obtaining real-time data. Taking state estimation results as the basic power flow and simulating AVC operations, the voltage variations and line loss analysis can be calculated for comparision. The structure, hardware configruation and data exchange of the system are illustrated. Finally, several analysis tools of the AOP system are introduced. With the system, it can be evaluated that effects of reducing line loss benefited from the AVC operations. It can propose coordinating priority of generators or on-load regulating transformers. Also it can provide the optimal AVC coordinating parameters and the optimal grid plans, which lead to better voltage control and better layout of reactive power compensation equipments.
The Requirement for Sulfur Amino Acid by Laying Hens as Influenced by the Protein Concentration

Abstract Two experiments were conducted with White Leghorn laying hens to determine the influence of the dietary CP concentration on the requirement for TSAA. Supplements of 0, .05, .1, or .15% of DL-methionine (Experiment 1) and 0, .025, .05, .075, .1, or .125% of DL-methionine (Experiment 2) were each added to corn-soybean meal diet with 13,16, or 19% CP. Experiment 1 was conducted for 4 wk (four groups of 10 hens, 32 wk of age per treatment). Experiment 2 was conducted for 5 wk (three groups of 9 hens, 59 wk of age per treatment). Methionine supplementation significantly improved egg production in Experiment 2, and in Experiment 1, the increase in egg production approached significance (P = .077). Egg production was highly significiantly improved by increasing the protein level in both experiments. Egg weight was increased by methionine supplementation at all protein levels. For Experiments 1 and 2, respectively, the estimated requirement for TSAA in order to achieve maximum egg mass (grams of egg per day) was .61 and .54% for 13% CP, .61 and .65% for 16% CP, and .68 and .73% for 19% CP. The methionine requirement for maximum egg mass in Experiment 2 was .29%, .36 and .41% for 13, 16, and 19% CP, respectively, but was not unproved in Experiment 1 by increasing the concentration of protein. Feed per gram of egg, but not feed per dozen eggs, was improved by methionine supplementation at all CP levels. Body weight gain generally increased along with the CP levels and with methionine supplementation, but the methionine requirement for maximum body weight did not appear to increase along with the increase in protein concentration. The results of the present study show that the concentration of dietary protein should be considered when determining the requirement of laying hens for TSAA.
TEXTURE ANALYSIS OF TEXTURED SOY PROTEIN PRODUCTS: RELATIONS BETWEEN INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY EVALUATION*

The Minnesota Texture Method, designed to differentiate objectively textural differences in commercial textured soy protein (TSP) products and their mixtures with ground beef, was correlated statistically with sensory evaluation. The results indicated substantial predictability of sensory evaluations from MTM on eight selected commercial TSP products and their mixtures with ground beef.
Photoluminescence of Strain-Engineered MBE-Grown GaN and InGaN Quantum Well Structures

The paper describes the influence of strain on the optical quality of GaN films grown by MBE on c-plane sapphire. The photoluminescence (PL) line width of the donor-bound exciton can be designed to be as narrow as 1.2 meV by actively utilizing hydrostatic and biaxial stress components. Unstrained p-type Mg-doped GaN films exhibit comparably narrow near band edge transitions. A sharp PL line at 3.261 eV in some of our films is identified as the donor bound exciton of the cubic phase. The formation of these cubic inclusions can be stimulated by a high III/V flux ratio at the growth temperature of T = 725°C. The PL spectrum of an InGaN multi quantum well structure is significantly broadened compared with the spectra of single quantum well structures. Combination of PL and TEM indicates that this effect relates to a progressive increase of the quantum well widths and their spacing along the growth direction. It is argued that strain affects the growth rate and the incorporation of Indium into the quantum well structures.
Purification of Xenopus laevis embryo and liver nuclei using metrizamide.

Abstract While the nuclei of many diverse types of tissue can be purified by centrifugation through dense sucrose solutions, Xenopus laevis embryo and liver nuclei present special purification problems due to the presence of large numbers of melanosomes in embryo and liver cells. These melanosomes were removed by isopycnic centrifugation in Metrizamide gradients. In Metrizamide, embryo nuclei banded at an average buoyant density of ρ5°C = 1.288 ± 0.003 g/cm3. Liver nuclei separated into two peaks, one containing nonparenchymal cell nuclei with an average buoyant density of ρ5°C = 1.274 ± 0.003 g/cm3 and the other peak containing parenchymal cell nuclei with an average buoyant density of ρ5°C = 1.284 ± 0.001 g/cm3.
ADHD drugs and cardiovascular risk.

On February 9, the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the FDA voted to recommend a “black-box” warning describing the cardiovascular risks of stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD. Dr. Steven Nissen explains why the advisory committee took decisive action.
Novel Alternative Splicing and Nuclear Localization of HumanRGS12 Gene Products

RGS proteins are GTPase-activating proteins for certain Galpha subunits, accelerating the shutoff mechanism of G protein signaling, and also may interact with receptors and effectors to modulate G protein signaling. Here, we report identification of 12 distinct transcripts of human RGS12 that arise by unusually complex splicing of the RGS12 gene, which spans 70 kilobase pairs of genomic DNA and contains 16 exons. These transcripts arise by both cis- and trans-splicing mechanisms, are expressed in a tissue-specific manner, and encode proteins ranging in size from 356 to 1447 amino acids. Both 5'- and 3'-splicing of two primary RGS12 transcripts occur to generate RGS12 mRNAs encoding proteins with four distinct N-terminal domains, three distinct C-terminal domains, and a common internal region where the semiconserved RGS domain is located. Confocal microscopy and subcellular fractionation of COS-7 cells expressing RGS12 proteins with three different N termini (brain (B), peripheral (P), and trans-spliced (TS)) and a shared short (S) C-terminal domain demonstrated exclusive nuclear localization of these proteins and an influence of the N-terminal region on the pattern of intranuclear distribution. Both native RGS12TS-S in HEK-293T cells and ectopically expressed RGS12TS-S localized to discrete nuclear foci (dots), a characteristic of various tumor suppressor proteins. Subnuclear localization of RGS12TS-S into nuclear dots was cell cycle-dependent. Native RGS12TS-S associated with the metaphase chromosome during mitosis, and ectopically expressed RGS12TS-S induced formation of abnormally shaped and multiple nuclei in COS-7 cells. Expression of RGS12 proteins with long and intermediate C-terminal domains was not observed in COS-7 cells, suggesting that 3'-splicing of RGS12 transcripts may influence the expression or stability of the encoded proteins. These results document extraordinary structural complexity in the RGS12 family and the role of alternative splicing and cell cycle-dependent mechanisms in expression and subnuclear targeting of RGS12 proteins.
Assessing the Effectiveness of a College Freshman Seminar Using Propensity Score Adjustments

Researchers investigated the impact that a first-year college experience course had on students’ first-year grade point averages (GPAs) and retention rates. A sample of 109 first-year students enrolled in the course was compared to a sample of 326 students from the same university who had not taken the course. The goals of the experience course were to reduce attrition, increase grade point averages, and enhance academic skills. Without accounting for selection bias, those who took the course had similar retention rates and lower GPAs than those who did not take the course. After matching on propensity scores, the negative effects of the program on GPA were nullified and those in the program were more likely to enroll for a second year. Although the benefits from the course were weak, the positive impact of the program was more apparent after accounting for individual differences.
Influence of Coil Power on the Etching Characteristics in a High Density Plasma Etcher

We present the effects of applied coil power on silicon etching in a high density inductively coupled plasma etcher in both the isotropic and anisotropic regimes. The experimentally obtained response surfaces were generated while changing four etching variables for the isotropic case and eight etching variables for the anisotropic case. The measured performance contained in this report serves as a guide to tailor etching conditions to produce isotropic profiles while etching with pure SF 6 , and also to optimize anisotropic profiles when using time multiplexed deep etching. The response surfaces contained herein are useful for micromachining high aspect ratio structures.
Assessing the relationship between intelligence and the PEAK relational training system

Abstract The Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge (PEAK) Relational Training System is an assessment and curriculum tool developed for basic and advanced skills using behavior analytic approaches. The current study evaluated the relationship between intelligence (as measured by IQ scores) and performance on the PEAK assessment with children with autism or other developmental and intellectual disabilities. Each child was administered the PEAK assessment from the Direct Training Module. Scores from this assessment were compared to IQ scores for all participants to assess the relationship between the two measures. Results indicated a strong, significant correlation between scores on standardized IQ tests and scores on the PEAK assessment (r = .759, p
Accessing Medicalized Donor Sperm in the US and Britain: An Historical Narrative

Extensive public debate has been held recently about the rights of British lesbians to access medically prepared donor sperm. Public statements by the head of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) indicate that this agency may be preparing to reconsider its objections to the acquisition of donor sperm by lesbians. By examining the evolution of sperm banking in the United States and Britain, this essay considers the consequences of open market versus state control over medicalized sperm for lesbians. It argues that sexuality alone does not determine the ability of lesbians to access sperm under either system and that officially ending the discriminatory practices of the HFEA may not guarantee access for all lesbians.
210Po-210Pb dating of recent volcanic eruptions on the sea floor

THE globe-encircling mid-ocean ridge system accounts for most of the Earth's volcanism and influences its heat budget, morphology and the composition of the oceans. It is therefore important to constrain the size, frequency and compositional variability of ridge eruptions, but this is made difficult by the remoteness of much of the sea floor and the paucity of applicable radioactive chronometers. Remote monitoring has provided indirect evidence for active ridge volcanism1–3, which in some cases has been strengthened by submersible observations4,5, but it has not been possible to date these eruptions directly. Here we present a new chronometer based on 210Po-210Pb radioactive disequilibrium, which allows us to date glassy eruption products within a few years of their eruption. Our first results, on lavas from 9° 50′ N on the East Pacific Rise, confirm that the ridge erupted only months before sample collection, and indicate that the eruptions extended over at least one year. The chronometer begins with Po volatilization during eruption (all glasses analysed were 75–100% degassed). A crystalline pillow interior was <20% degassed, however, implying that the flow surface may control Po degassing during deep submarine eruptions. Although the 210Po-210Pb chronometer is useful for only a short time-frame, it should prove valuable for dating recent but unobserved submarine eruptions and determining details of eruptive sequences.
Preparation and characterization of radioactive Co/188Re stents intended for lung cancer treatment using an electrodeposition method

A procedure for electroplating a Co/188Re alloy layer on metal coils (stents) at room temperature was developed. The electroplating of the Co/188Re alloy layer was carried out at a current density of 93 A m−2 and produced a physically strong Co/188Re alloy layer that adhered well to a thin gold strike layer on top of the stent material. The final gold layer was also stable. An empirically-found equation correlates the radioactive electroplating efficiency factor to the concentration of the radioisotope and was used to deposit predetermined amounts of radioactivity on the stent surface. Radioactive stents can be prepared and quality control performed within 2 hours using an automated electroplater and dosimetric quality control system. The radioactivity was homogeneously distributed on the stent surface. The in vitro stability in human plasma at 37°C was found to be greater than 95% for both Wallstent and Ultraflex stent after 72 hours of incubation. A clinical pilot trial is planned after successful compl...
SEISMIC TESTING OF A BUILDING STRUCTURE WITH A SEMI-ACTIVE FLUID DAMPER CONTROL SYSTEM

This paper describes shaking table tests of a multi-storey scale-model building structure subjected to seismic excitation and controlled by a semi-active fluid damper control system. The semi-active dampers were installed in the lateral bracing of the structure and the mechanical properties of the dampers were modified according to control algorithms which utilized the measured response of the structure. A simplified time-delay compensation method was developed to account for delays within the control system. The results of the shaking table tests are presented and interpreted and analytical predictions are shown to compare reasonably well with the experimental results. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimized Processing Condition for a Photocrosslinkable Stable Nonlinear Optical Polymer

The optimum processing condition for a photocrosslinking Nonlinear Optical(NLO) polymeric system was established. Parameters such as change in heat capacity at glass transition temperature, rate of decrease of absorbance of residual uncrosslinked chromophores, and measurement of mass loss upon heating were used to set up the optimum condition. Poly(vinyl cinnamate) was used as the photocrosslinkable polymer and 3- cinnamoyloxy-4-[4-(N, N-diethylamino)-2-cinnamoyloxy phenyl azo] nitrobenzene was used as the NLO molecule. Poling at 70°C for 5 minutes followed by photocrosslinking with a dose of 2.5 mW/cm 2 for 10 minutes results in a stable second order nonlinear optical material.
Inhibition of Coccidioides immitis In Vitro and Enhancement of Anticoccidioidal Effects of Amphotericin B by Polymyxin B

Growth of the spherule phase of Coccidioides immitis in liquid glucose-mineral salts medium was suppressed for 13 days by 5 to 10 mug of polymyxin B per ml. Inhibition of growth was also noted when filter paper disks containing polymyxin B were placed on the surface of arthrospore-seeded defined medium solidified with refined agar. The antibiotic evidently damaged the cytoplasmic membrane inasmuch as spherules suspended in distilled water containing 10 mug of polymyxin B per ml rapidly lost nucleotides. Leakage of nucleotides was prevented by 0.1 M Ca(2+). The anticoccidioidal activity of amphotericin B (0.02 to 0.08 mug/ml) was enhanced by 2.5 mug of polymyxin B per ml. Colistin (polymyxin E) methanesulfonate did not inhibit spherule growth at concentrations as high as 50 mug/ml. This may be because colistin, though structurally similar to polymyxin B, is not cationic because its gamma-amino groups are masked by methanesulfonate radicals.
Biosynthesis of fatty acids in the free-living nematode, Turbatrix aceti

Abstract The free-living nematode, Turbatrix aceti , in axenic culture, has the ability to synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids de novo. Experiments with labeled fatty acids have provided some insight into the metabolic pathways involved. Of particular interest is the synthesis of 8, 11, 14, 17-eicosatetraenoic acid in greater quantities than the more common 5, 8, 11, 14 isomer (arachidonic acid).
Differential synthesis of lens proteins in the presence of m7 G(5′)pppG and cleavage product m7 GMP in an embryonic chick lens cell lysate

The effect of m7 GMP release from m7 GMP-containing mRNA cap sequence m7 GpppG by the embryonic chick lens m7 GpppN-pyrophosphatase activity on the synthesis of lens proteins was examined in a newly developed homologous translation system derived from 15-day embryonic chick lenses. The synthesis of total lens polypeptides and delta-crystallin polypeptides, the major translation product, was inhibited 84% and 88%, respectively, by 0.5 mM m7 GpppG; m7 GMP (0.5 mM) inhibited total synthesis by 63% but was 33% less inhibitory toward delta-crystallin synthesis; GppG and GMP were not inhibitors. m7 GpppG inhibited met-tRNAinffsupmet incorporation into 80S initiation complexes.
Biosynthesis of functionally active heparin cofactor II by a human hepatoma-derived cell line

Abstract Human plasma heparin cofactor II (HCII) inhibits thrombin by rapidly forming a stable, equimolar complex in the presence of heparin or dermatan sulfate. Cultured human hepatoma-derived cells ( PLC PRF-5 ) secreted (≈200 ng/ml in 3 days) a protein of MW - 72 kD that was immunoisolated and immunoblotted with anti-HCII, co-migrated on SDS-PAGE with human plasma HCII, and formed covalent complexes with thrombin (MW - 101 kD) in the presence but not absence of heparin or dermatan sulfate; these complexes co-migrated with those obtained by incubating thrombin with human plasma under the same conditions. HCII was not detectable (
Electron irradiation damage in natural quartz grains

The effect of electron irradiation on defects in natural quartz grains has been studied using strong-beam and weak-beam transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Damage is visible soon after the sample is exposed to the electron beam. The defect centers grow with increased irradiation, but the density of centers is independent of electron dose. Dislocation images also widen during irradiation; the rate of widening is independent of Burgers vector and dislocation nodes widen without constriction. Both of these observations indicate that the widening of dislocation images is related to vitrification of the material in the vicinity of the dislocations rather than irradiation-assisted separation of partial dislocations. This interpretation is supported by observations on grain boundaries.
TERAHERTZ TRANSPORT IN SEMICONDUCTOR QUANTUM STRUCTURES

Photon assisted transport, dynamic localization and absolute negative conductance appear in the terahertz photoconductivity in semiconductor quantum structures and are close analogs of quasi-particle transport in microwave irradiated superconducting junctions. By embedding superlattice devices in quasi-optical arrays and integrating them into terahertz cavities, the dynamical conductance of electrically biased superlattices can be measured. Models including the complications of electric field domains can account for the results in a semi quantitative manner. Uniform electrically biased superlattices appear to be potentially important as a terahertz gain medium.
Assessment of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy by tomographic electrocardiogram-gated equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography compared with electron beam computed tomography

Successful thromboendarterectomy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension promptly improves right ventricular (RV) function by decreasing RV volume and increasing ejection fraction (EF). Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography (ERNA) has been validated as a measure of RV and left ventricular (LV) volume and EF. Nine patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension underwent electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) and SPECT ERNA cardiac studies before and after thromboendarterectomy. EBCT and SPECT ERNA measures of RV and LV volume and EF were compared. Before thromboendarterectomy, EBCT and SPECT ERNA RV and LV volumes and RV EF were similar. LV EF was within the normal range with both methods but was slightly greater (P ± .004) when measured by EBCT (mean ± SD, 0.61 ± 0.08) compared with SPECT ERNA (0.54 ± 0.10). Thromboendarterectomy measured by EBCT and SPECT ERNA produced marked similar and significant decreases in RV end-systolic (±72 ± 59 mL vs ±58 ± 25 mL) and end-diastolic (±75 ± 85 mL vs ±76 ± 32 mL) volumes and similar slight increases in RV EF (0.12 ± 0.07 vs 0.05 ± 0.06). Slight decreases in mean LV end-systolic (±19 ± 23 mL vs ±5 ± 13 mL, P ± .05) and end-diastolic (±32 ± 53 mL vs ±9 ± 31 mL, P ± .21) volumes occurred, with little change in mean LV EF (0.05 ± 0.07 vs 0.00 ± 0.10). SPECT ERNA is an accurate method for measuring RV and LV volume and EF before and after thromboendarterectomy.
ATP-loaded liposomes for treatment of myocardial ischemia.

A major obstacle to drug therapy for treatment of potential myocardial infarction is the limited access to the ischemic myocardium by drugs in an active form. Encouraging results have been reported with liposomes loaded with ATP in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models. We describe methods for optimized encapsulation of ATP in liposomes, enhancement of their effectiveness by increasing circulation time, and targeting of injured myocardial cells with surface attached antimyosin. In isolated ischemic rat hearts, ATP-loaded liposomes and ATP-loaded immunoliposomes effectively protected myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion damage as measured by systolic and diastolic functional improvements. In vivo, in rabbits with induced localized myocardial ischemia, liposomal encapsulation of ATP significantly diminished the proportion of ventricular muscle at risk that was irreversibly damaged during reperfusion. Therefore, ATP encapsulated in liposomes can provide an effective exogenous source for in vivo application which can protect ischemically damaged hearts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Hypertensive and Acute Aortic Syndromes

Acute aortic syndromes are among the most lethal of the cardiovascular diseases. Delays in recognition, diagnosis, and treatment are associated with increases in mortality. Signs and symptoms are sometimes subtle and atypical, and a high index of suspicion is useful to guide the diagnostic evaluation. Uncontrolled hypertension remains the most significant treatable risk factor. Immediate management involves blood pressure reduction. β-Blockers are the first drugs of choice. Although future directions should involve the evolution of operative and endovascular techniques and the development of sophisticated risk prediction tools, risk factor modification by addressing the burden of uncontrolled hypertension cannot be overlooked.
SERUM THYROXINE (T4), FREE T4 (FT4) AND TSH IN PREMATURE INFANTS LESS THAN 1000 GRAMS DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF LIFE

SERUM THYROXINE (T4), FREE T4 (FT4) AND TSH IN PREMATURE INFANTS LESS THAN 1000 GRAMS DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF LIFE
Genetic Relationships in Advanced Generation Hybrids Derived from Crosses between Texas ( Poa arachnifera ) and Kentucky ( Poa pratensis ) Bluegrass Using ISSR Markers

Fertile, advanced generation hybrids derived from crosses between Texas (Poa arachnifera Torr.) and Kentucky (Poa pratensis L.) bluegrass have been selected. The hybrids are currently being evaluated for low-input turf potential. Since they are derived from hand-harvested seed from first-generation hybrids located in field nurseries their exact genetic origin is unknown. This experiment was conducted to determine if there are still genetic relationships among the advanced generation hybrids and some of the Texas and Kentucky parents in their pedigrees. Four Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primer combinations resolved on 6% nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels resulted in 179 polymorphic bands that were scored to create a genetic similarity matrix and dendrogram based on Jaccard’s coefficient. The clustering of the advanced generation hybrids was generally in agreement with what would be expected based on their pedigrees and indicated it was more likely to select a fertile hybrid from an advanced generation, rather than the F1 generation.
Superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a patient with cerebral palsy

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome involves compression of the third part of the duodenum due to narrowing of the area between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). We will describe the case of a 34-year-old with cerebral palsy who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss and was diagnosed with SMA syndrome via CT-imaging. With failure of conservative measures, our patient underwent a duodenojejunostomy after which improvement in her weight as well as relief of her abdominal symptoms was noted. Given the rarity of this syndrome, physicians need to keep a high index of suspicion in order to prevent the damaging consequences.
A Relationship Between the Helical Twist of DNA and the Ordered Positioning of Nucleosomes in all Eukaryotic Cells

A large number of measurements of nucleosome repeat lengths are analyzed and are found to exhibit preferential quantization to a set of values related by integral multiples of the helical twist of DNA. This implies that the nucleosomal DNA content is preferentially quantized, which in turn implies that linker DNA lengths are preferentially quantized. This study confirms and extends previous observations in the literature that had suggested, but not firmly established, that linker lengths might be quantized. The quantization of repeat lengths applies even for very long repeat lengths. This suggests a model for the origin of the quantization, in which the quantization arises from the requirements of higher-order chromatin structure.
Understanding validity issues in test-based models of school and teacher evaluation

Purpose – This policy brief, the second AERI-NEPC eBrief in the series “Understanding validity issues around the world”, focuses on validity as it applies to test-based models of evaluation employed for schools, instructional programs, and teachers around the world. It discusses validity issues that could arise when data from student achievement test administrations and other sources are used for conducting personnel appraisals, program evaluations, or for external accountability purposes, suggesting solutions and recommendations for improving validity in such applications of test-based information. Design/methodology/approach – This policy brief is based on a synthesis of conference proceedings and review of selected pieces of extant literature. It begins by summarizing perspectives of an invited expert panel on the topic. To that synthesis, the authors add their own analysis of key issues. They conclude by offering recommendations for test developers and test users. Findings – The authors conclude that ...
Modeling Protein Stability

We will present our recent model of protein thermodynamics to better understand the role of different forces in determining the origin of protein stability. A long standing question in the field of protein biochemistry has been how does a protein achieve enhanced stability. This has lead to careful thermodynamic studies of several thermophilic proteins to understand the origin of high stability in these proteins. However, conclusions have often been contradictory. Our recent model elucidates thermodynamics of these proteins and comparison of thermophilic and mesophilic protein thermodynamics indicates a possible general strategy that proteins may employ to gain high stability. Our analysis is based on several thermophilic and mesophilic proteins with different fold and sequence. We compare relative roles of enthalpy, entropy and specific heat in stability determination. Our model qualitatively explains experimental data and also provides an explanation for apparently conflicting findings from different experimental studies. Furthermore, we predict stability based on our model and demonstrate quantitative agreement with experimental data.
A rare case of endobronchial amelanotic melanoma.

Currently, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in American men and the sixth most common in American women. In 2009, an estimated 68,720 individuals were diagnosed with melanoma, and 8650 died of the disease in the United States.1 Cutaneous and ocular melanoma comprise the majority of the cases, but mucosal melanoma is relatively rare. Mucosal melanoma arises from melanocytes in mucosal epithelium lining the alimentary, genitourinary, and respiratory tracts. Mucosal melanoma accounted only for 1.3% of all melanoma cases in National Cancer Database over a 10-year period.2 Compared with cutaneous melanoma, patients with mucosal melanoma are older and are more likely to be female and black.3
Types and tokens in transsaccadic object identification: Effects of spatial position and left-right orientation

What types of representations support our ability to integrate information acquired during one eye fixation with information acquired during the next fixation? In Experiment 1, transsaccadic integration was explored by manipulating whether or not the relative position of a picture of an object was maintained across a saccade. In Experiment 2, the degree to which visual details of a picture are coded in a position-specific representational system was explored by manipulating whether or not both the relative position and the left—right orientation of the picture were maintained across a saccade. Position-specific and nonspecific preview benefits were observed in both experiments. Only the position-specific benefits were influenced by the number of task-relevant pictures presented in the preview display (Experiment 1) and the left—right orientation of the picture presented in the preview display (Experiment 2). The results support a model of transsaccadic integration based on two independent representational systems. One system codes abstract, prestored object types, and the other codes episodic tokens consisting of stimulus properties linked to scene- or configuration-based position markers.
Whose needs are we meeting? Results of a consumer satisfaction survey of persons with developmental disabilities in Colorado.

Abstract Results of one state's attempt to survey consumers and/or their families regarding their level of satisfaction with existing services, their needs for alternative or additional services, and their perceptions of overall quality of life are presented. Two hundred forty-seven individuals with developmental disabilities ranging in age from 0–72 years were interviewed. Information on consumer satisfaction and levels of integration, productivity and independence were measured for the following services: case management, residential, education, vocational, health, individual support, transportation, and caregiver support.
A Method of Functional Estimation for Stationary Processes

The problem of predicting the value of a linear function of future values of a stationary process when its past and present are known is considered. The estimator of a studied function is constructed which is expressed-through the set of canonical variables.
Reconfigurable Hilbert antennas using high speed pin codes

A low-profile antenna based on a Hilbert space filling curve of order n=2 was designed, simulated, fabricated and measured to show the range of reconfigurability options of this type of space-filling curve conformal antenna. PIN diodes were used for reconfigurability and the antenna exhibited two resonant frequency bands. The upper band showed a 16% VSWR ≪ 2 bandwidth with a center frequency of 875 MHz for the four switch states. The lower band in the range of 250 to 450 MHz showed two narrower resonance bands of approximately 20% each. The simulated return loss results showed excellent agreement with measured return loss results on the antenna, validating the concept of reconfigurable Hilbert antennas as a way to widen the bandwidth of these antennas.
Comparisons and Limitations of Current Definitions of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia for the Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program.

Rationale: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common morbidity of prematurity, but the validity and utility of commonly used definitions have been questioned.Objectives: To compare three commonly used definitions of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in a contemporary prospective, multicenter observational cohort of extremely preterm infants.Methods: At 36 weeks postmenstrual age, the following definitions of bronchopulmonary dysplasia were applied to surviving infants with and without imputation: need for supplemental oxygen (Shennan definition), National Institutes of Health Workshop definition, and “physiologic” definition after a room-air challenge.Measurements and Main Results: Of 765 survivors assessed at 36 weeks, bronchopulmonary dysplasia was diagnosed in 40.8, 58.6, and 32.0% of infants, respectively, with the Shennan, workshop and physiologic definitions. The number of unclassified infants was lowest with the workshop definition (2.1%) and highest with the physiologic definition (16.1%). After assi...
Photo Quiz: A 45-Year-Old Male with Rash, Fever, and Diarrhea

A 45-year old male was admitted with profuse watery diarrhea, rash, and a fever. His present illness began approximately 1 week prior to admission, when he noticed a fever, chills, headache, cough, nausea, vomiting, and profuse watery diarrhea. He also developed a rash that began on his face and