cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of a transfer plate with supporting frame for increased accuracy and efficiency in fluorometric microplate methods for mass screening

Abstract Introduction: Although the fluorometric method for galactosemia screening established by Yamaguchi et al. (Clin Chem 1989; 35: 1962) is an excellent method, it requires many pipette manipulations which increase the possibility of human errors. Method: We developed a novel technique using a transfer plate combined with a supporting frame (Fujimoto et al., in: Neonatal Screening in the Nineties, Australia: Kelvin Press, 1991; p. 359). Results: This method simplified the manipulative procedures, thereby causing less human error and increasing accuracy. Discussion: This technique can be applied to improve other microplate systems which have been introduced for mass screening as well as to improve the microplate fluorometric method for galactosemia screening.
Identification of the pro-oncogene stathmin/op18 mRNA in the brain of mitochondrial Mn-superoxide dismutase-deficient mice by a modified differential display PCR

Differential gene expression plays a critical role in many biological processes. To facilitate the screening of the entire mRNA species for cloning differentially expressed genes, we have made an effort to merge two polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods, differential display (DD) and arbitrarily primed RNA fingerprinting (APR-FP), with some modifications. Using this modified method to screen the mRNAs of the brain tissues of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD)-deficient mice, we found several differentially expressed mRNA species. One mRNA species that was further analyzed by Northern hybridization and sequencing, and was confirmed to be induced only in the brain of MnSOD-deficient mice, encoded stathmin/op18. The MnSOD deficiency causes oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, the induction of stathmin/op18, a gene linked with microtubule catastrophe (disassembly) and often upregulated in neoplastic tissues and proliferating cells, may provide some understanding of the pathological changes in the brain of MnSOD-deficient mice.
Photon interaction with beam-plasma induced electromagnetic turbulence

Photon interaction with plasma turbulence induced by relativistic beam-plasma instability is studied by 2 and 1/2 D particle simulation code MAGIC. A relativistic beam with a typical Lorentz factor of /spl gamma/=10 to 40 and a beam density of n/sub b/=0.02n/sub o/ is used to induce the beam-plasma instability in a collisionless plasma (n/sub o/=1/spl times/10/sup 18/ m/sup -3/, T/sub c/=10 keV). The relativistic beam induces the instability through coupling between the beam-plasma mode and an electromagnetic mode resulting in electromagnetic turbulence. The observed growth rate of the instability, as a function of beam velocity and wavevector, agrees well with linear theory. Photon-plasmon interaction is studied by injecting a photon, with frequency on the order of /spl omega//sub pe/, into the plasma turbulence. The interaction between the injected photon and the plasma turbulence is analyzed in the frequency domain as well as wavevector domain. The beam-plasma induced turbulence generates wavevector modes which can couple into the photon field. Energy from the plasma turbulence has been transferred to the photon increasing the photon frequency to 2/spl omega//sub pe/. The energy absorbed is a fraction of the incoming photon energy. The interaction is found to depend on the beam-plasma instability, disappearing when the beam-plasma instability is suppressed.
Adsorption and Desorption of Zn, Cu, and Cr by Sediments from the Raisin River (Michigan)☆

Metal adsorption by Raisin River sediments in vitro depended linearly on soluble metal concentration to adsorption densities of 6,000–9,000 μg/g with 48 hr partition coefficients of approximately 50, 30, and 25 L/g for Cu, Cr, and Zn, respectively. Partition coefficients computed from field data spanned a comparatively wider range of values in a manner consistent with the often reported adsorbent concentration effect, but other factors likely contributed, too. Desorption of Zn was complete and rapid (24–48 hr) in contrast to Cr, which was incomplete and much slower; Cu desorption was intermediate to Zn and Cr. A reversible-resistant equilibrium model (DiToro et al. 1986) could not describe the observations as Cu and Cr had not reached metastable desorption equilibria after 24 days. Metal desorption, however, could be described kinetically by distributing sorbed cations between either of two classes: rapidly desorbing and slowly desorbing cations. Sequential and simultaneous desorption models gave similar predictions. Aqueous chemical considerations suggested precipitated as well as adsorbed species could give rise to the observations, but available data did not permit adequate tests of this hypothesis. The extent to which kinetic constraints rather than irreversible reactions account for the desorption-resistant binding signifies a potentially greater metal mobility or bioavailability than would otherwise be assumed.
Identification of ligand binding sites on integrin alpha4beta1 through chemical cross-linking.

We have used chemical cross-linking to identify sequences in integrin α4β1 that are involved in its interactions with ligands. A recently described leucine-aspartic acid-valine (LDV)-based small mo...
ECTOPIC GROWTH HORMONE RELEASING FACTOR STIMULATES GROWTH HORMONE RELEASE FROM HUMAN SOMATOTROPH ADENOMAS IN VITRO

The effects of an ectopic growth hormone releasing factor (E-GHRF) from a carcinoid tumor were studied in three human GH-secreting pituitary adenomas in monolayer culture. GH release by the adenomas was stimulated by 55 +/- 10%, 57 +/- 8%, and 59 +/- 17% during a 4 h exposure to E-GHRF at concentrations of 3, 0.8, and 24 Units/ml, respectively. Two of the tumors also secreted prolactin (PRL) and in one, E-GHRF (0.8 Units/ml) stimulated PRL release by 48 +/- 8%. GH and PRL release were both suppressed by somatostatin (10(-8)M) in two of the adenomas. These results 1) demonstrate for the first time E-GHRF stimulation of GH release from human pituitary tissue in vitro, 2) support an etiologic role for E-GHRF in the development of acromegaly, and 3) indicate that GH-secreting adenomas retain the capability of responding to GHRF.
Translation, rotation and scaling invariant object and texture classification using polyspectra

The problem addressed in this paper is the detection and classification of deterministic objects and random textures in a noisy scene. An energy detector is developed in the cumulant domain, by exploiting the noise insensitivity of higher-order statistics. An efficient implementation of this detector is described, using matched filtering. Its performance is analyzed using asymptotic distributions in a binary hypothesis testing framework. Object and texture classifiers are derived using higher-order statistics. They are minimum distance classifiers in the cumulant domain, and can be efficiently implemented using a bank of matched filters. Further, they are robust to additive Gaussian noise and insensitive to object shifts. Extensions, which can handle object rotation and scaling are also discussed. An alternate texture classifier is derived from an ML viewpoint, that is more efficient at the expense of complexity. The application of these algorithms to texture modeling is shown and consistent parameter estimators are obtained. Simulations are shown for both the object and the texture classification problems.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prevalence, quality of care, and complications in long term care residents with diabetes: a multicenter observational study.

Background Few studies have reported on the quality of diabetes care and glycemic control adjusted for medication use in long term care (LTC) facilities. Methods This observational study analyzed diabetes prevalence and management and the impact of glycemic control on clinical outcome in elderly subjects admitted to 3 community LTC facilities. Results Among 1409 LTC residents (age 79.7 ± 12 years), the prevalence of diabetes was 34.2%. Subjects with diabetes were either on no pharmacological agents (10%) or were treated with sliding scale regular insulin (SSI, 25%), oral antidiabetic drugs (OAD, 5%), insulin (34%), or with combination of OAD and insulin (26%). Patients with diabetes had a mean daily BG of 156 ± 39 mg/dL and a mean admission HbA1c of 6.7% ± 1.1%. Compared with nondiabetes, residents with diabetes had higher number of complications (54% vs 45%, P < .001), infections (26% vs 21%, P = .036), emergency room (ER) and hospital transfers (37% vs 30%, P = .003), but similar mortality (15% vs 14%, P = .56). A total of 43% of residents with diabetes had a BG less than 70 mg/dL, and those with hypoglycemia had longer median length of stay (LOS, 52 vs 29 days, P < .001), more ER or hospital transfers (56% vs 69%, P = .005), and mortality (20% vs 10%, P = .002) compared with residents without hypoglycemia. Conclusion Diabetes is common in LTC residents and is associated with higher resource utilization and complications. Hypoglycemia is common and is associated with increased need of emergency room visits and hospitalization and higher mortality. Our findings emphasize the need for randomized trials evaluating the impact of different approaches to glycemic management on clinical outcome in LTC residents with diabetes.
Perceptions of the Economic Crisis in Europe: Do Adults in Households with Children Feel a Greater Impact?

More than 5 years since the outbreak of the global financial crisis, a flurry of evidence is emerging on the effects of the ensuing economic downturn on unemployment and poverty rates in rich countries, but less is known about cross-country differences in subjective assessments of the crisis and whether adults in households with children were affected to a greater extent. This paper investigates differences in the perceived impact of the economic crisis between adults in households with and without children in 17 European countries, using data from the Life in Transition Survey 2010 in a multilevel modelling framework. It also explores differences in the coping strategies that households adopted to deal with the decline in income or economic activity. Everything else being equal, perceptions of the crisis were more widespread in countries with higher rates of child poverty, lower economic growth and lower GDP per capita. Across countries, perceptions of the crisis closely trailed subjective indicators of financial difficulties from other international surveys conducted in 2010. Adults in households with children were more likely to report an impact of the crisis, with larger differences in countries with higher rates of monetary child poverty. Adults in households with children also adopted a greater variety of coping strategies than the rest, prioritizing expenditure on basic necessities, while cutting back on luxuries and holidays. Nevertheless, many still reported reduced consumption of staple foods as a result of economic difficulties.
Service Learning in Maryland: Making Academics More Relevant.

Maryland is the first state in the nation to require every student to per form service as a condition of receiving a high school diploma. During the last 15 years, a strong support system for service learning has emerged in Maryland. The diversity of opportunities for service are broad, challenging, and inviting.
Multimodal Interneurones in Cockroach Cerebrum

BY means of stainless steel microelectrodes, we have recorded multimodal interneurones in the protocerebrum of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana. At least two basic types of interneurone were recorded; one was excited by visual and a variety of mechanical stimuli, while the other was excited by visual stimuli and inhibited when abdominal movements occurred. Interneurones similar to one or the other of these two types have previously been reported in the optic lobe and protocerebrum of the migratory locust, where they also showed auditory responses1, in the optic nerve of decapod crustaceans2, and in moth protocerebrum3. In spite of these similarities, however, the cockroach units also showed certain distinct properties of their own.
Descriptive assessment of information policy initiatives: the government information locator service (GILS) as an example

This article demonstrates the use of a descriptive assessment of an information policy initiative using the Government Information Locator Service (GILS) as an example. The techniques discussed in the article include historical perspective, review of the key policy instrument, descriptive modeling, side by side analysis, review of related policy instruments, literature review, and key issues. These techniques for information policy analysis provide a powerful means to assess a particular policy initiative. The approach is especially useful as a means to inform methodology and data collection techniques for empirical policy research.
How environmental stress affects starch composition and functionality in cereal endosperm

Stressful environments can alter starch biosynthesis in cereal endosperm. The aim of this review is to carefully examine how starch functional properties are altered when plants encounter environmental parameters outside of the normal range. This is important because while growers and processors require grain yield stability and product uniformity this will be challenging in an era of variable weather patterns. Being able to predict the general physico-chemical nature of the starch as a result of growth status is a step towards the precise agriculture required for the 21st century. Variations in soil moisture and nutrient availability, ambient temperature, and atmospheric composition were all shown to affect starch functionality. Elevated temperature led to the most significant changes in both tropical and temperate cereals and amylose content was the most sensitive parameter under various environmental conditions. Genotypic variation appears to be a primary contributor for the response of cereal starches to environmental stress. Nonetheless, while a large amount of data from single controlled environmental stress experiment is currently available, comparably little is known about whether similar results would be achieved in multifactorial and large-scale settings. The challenges in terms of the need for more detailed experimental descriptions to lessen the study-to-study discrepancies of data and to enhance their interpretability were also discussed. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Geothermal anomalies along the Rio Grande rift in New Mexico

Heat-flow data suggest that there are regions along the Rio Grande rift where crustal temperatures are above those in neighboring areas. Magma bodies at 15 to 30 km, as predicted by several investigators, seem to provide reasonable sources of heat that could increase heat-flow values from 1.8 to about 2.5 HFU and somewhat higher. However, heat-flow values of 6.0 to 16.0 HFU occur at four locations along the Rio Grande rift; these values occur within geologic environments such as recent volcanic centers and the intersections of cauldron boundaries with large normal faults where upward heat transport by magmatic and/or ground-water movement is plausible. Test drillings of several kilometres are necessary to confirm the continuity with depth of these very high geothermal gradients and to relate them to their possible sources in the upper crust.
The relationship between arterial pulse-wave velocity and pulse frequency at different pressures

Pulse-wave velocity was measured in isolated canine common carotid arteries using sinusoidal frequency pulses of 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 Hz at 50,100 and 150 mmHg. It was found that the pulse-wave velocity was independent of frequency and dependent on pressure. Using the Moens-Korteweg equation, the predicted pulse-wave velocity (y) was compared with measured pulse-wave velocity (x). A good correspondence was found (y = 1.063x — 0.337, with a correlation coefficient of 0.963). The propagation velocity of the significant harmonic components of the pulsatile pressure waveform is the same for heart rates up to 120 beats/min.
On an improved algorithm for decentralized extrema finding in circular configurations of processors

This note presents a more efficient algorithm for finding the largest element in a circular list of processors when messages can be passed in either direction. It passes 2N*floor(lg N) + 3N messages in the worst case, compared to Chang and Roberts' N(N + 1)/2 and Hirschberg and Sinclair's 8N + 8*ceiling(N lg N) messages. The technique is a selective elimination of possible processes, which then merely relay future messages between the remaining contenders.
The impact of gestational age on the sonographic detection of aneuploidy.

Objective The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of gestational age on the detection of sonographic markers of aneuploidy. Study design Using a retrospective chart review, cases of trisomy 13, 18, and 21 with fetal ultrasounds between 14 1/7 and 36 4/7 weeks' gestation were identified. Sonographic markers were subdivided into major abnormalities and "soft" sonographic markers: nuchal thickening ≥5 mm, humerus or femur length Results Fifteen fetuses with trisomy 13, 32 with trisomy 18, and 49 with trisomy 21 were identified. There was no difference in the prevalence of ultrasound markers by gestational age ( P =.40). Soft markers were more common in the second trimester of pregnancy ( P =.006) with a trend toward increased prevalence of major anomalies with advancing gestation ( P =.22). Conclusion Although sonographic markers change with gestational age, these markers are present throughout gestation and can provide clinically useful information to guide patient counseling.
Effect of mechanical ventilation on the pulmonary expression and production of elastin in nitrofen-induced diaphragmatic hernia in rats.

Background/Purpose: Hypolastic lung in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) shows markedly thickened alveolar walls, increased interstitial tissue, and markedly diminished alveolar air space, showing morphologic immaturity. Decrease in lung compliance and distensibility often is seen in human CDH as well as experimentally produced CDH. Collagen and elastin, critical components of the lung connective tissue, have been suggested to have important influence on lung compliance and maximal expansion. The barotrauma caused by mechanical ventilation is known to produce structural changes in the pulmonary architecture. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and production of elastin in the lung in newborn rats with CDH during mechanical ventilation. Methods: CDH was induced in rat embryos after administration of nitrofen to pregnant dams on day 9.5 of gestation. Cesarean section was performed on day 21 of gestation. The newborn rats were intubated using a 24-gauge Teflon catheter. After ligation of the umbilical cord, the intubated animals were transferred immediately to a warm plate and connected to a modified ventilator. Ventilation was continued for a maximum of 6 hours. The relative amount of soluble elastin in the lung was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to evaluate the relative amount of tropoelastin mRNA expression in the lung. Results: Elastin mRNA in the CDH lung was increased significantly (P <.01) at one hour after ventilation compared with ventilated controls. Elastin protein significantly increased in the CDH lung at one hour (P <.01) and 6 hours (P <.01) after starting ventilation compared with controls. Conclusion: The data show that during mechanical ventilation, elastin production is increased significantly in the CDH lung, and this may further affect lung compliance. J Pediatr Surg 37:1253-1257. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Analysis of a High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor Powered High Temperature Electrolysis Hydrogen Plant

An updated reference design for a commercial-scale high-temperature electrolysis (HTE) plant for hydrogen production has been developed. The HTE plant is powered by a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) whose configuration and operating conditions are based on the latest design parameters planned for the Next Generation Nuclear Plant (NGNP). The current HTGR reference design specifies a reactor power of 600 MWt, with a primary system pressure of 7.0 MPa, and reactor inlet and outlet fluid temperatures of 322°C and 750°C, respectively. The reactor heat is used to produce heat and electric power to the HTE plant. A Rankine steam cycle with a power conversion efficiency of 44.4% was used to provide the electric power. The electrolysis unit used to produce hydrogen includes 1.1 million cells with a per-cell active area of 225 cm2. The reference hydrogen production plant operates at a system pressure of 5.0 MPa, and utilizes a steam-sweep system to remove the excess oxygen that is evolved on the anode (oxygen) side of the electrolyzer. The overall system thermal-to-hydrogen production efficiency (based on the higher heating value of the produced hydrogen) is 42.8% at a hydrogen production rate of 1.85 kg/s (66 million SCFD) and an oxygen production rate of 14.6 kg/s (33 million SCFD). An economic analysis of this plant was performed with realistic financial and cost estimating The results of the economic analysis demonstrated that the HTE hydrogen production plant driven by a high-temperature helium-cooled nuclear power plant can deliver hydrogen at a competitive cost. A cost of $3.03/kg of hydrogen was calculated assuming an internal rate of return of 10% and a debt to equity ratio of 80%/20% for a reactor cost of $2000/kWt and $2.41/kg of hydrogen for a reactor cost of $1400/kWt.
Failure Mechanisms of Advanced Metal Evaporated Tape in an Advanced Linear Tape Drive

Demand for increased data storage has resulted in the development of various types of magnetic tape. To achieve higher recording density, tape manufacturers are developing thin-film tapes, such as advanced metal evaporated (AME) tape, for use in linear tape drives. The structure of AME tape is fundamentally different from metal particulate (MP) tape. The goal of this study was to determine the methods and mechanisms associated with failure of AME tapes as well as to investigate the effect of tape cupping and initial edge quality on tape durability in an advanced linear tape drive. It is shown that AME tape exhibits a slightly lower coefficient of friction than the MP. The negatively cupped AME tape demonstrated a greater value of lateral tape motion peak-to-peak amplitude than both of the positively cupped AME samples as well as the MP tape sample. It was found that poor initial tape edge condition plays a large role in debris generation. For these reasons, positively cupped AME tapes with good initial re...
The Impact of Anger on the Intimate Partner Violence Decision-Making Process

McFall’s (1982, 1989) Social Information Processing (SIP) model outlines different stages in cognitive processing and decision-making that may be deficient in men who engage in interpersonal violence (IPV). A decision-making task was developed to assess the utility of abusive and nonabusive behaviors among 32 men who engage in mild IPV, 32 maritally distressed men, and 32 nondistressed men. Because anger impacts appraisal and decision-making (e.g., Lerner and Tiedens in Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, 19, 115-137, 2006), all participants were randomly assigned to an anger induction or neutral induction condition. As hypothesized, the perceived utility for abusive behavior was greater for angry abusive men and the perceived utility of control appeared to significantly contribute to this difference. Specific deficits in the IPV group were found, supporting a SIP model of IPV, aiding in understanding the function of violent behavior. Despite study limitations, these findings have implications for enhancing specific skill training components of treatment for abusive men.
LaRuxFe1−xO3 perovskites

Abstract To complete a study of LaRuO 3 -based phases, a series of LaRu x Fe 1− x O 3 solid solutions was prepared with the orthorhombic GdFeO 3 -type perovskite structure. Electrical, magnetic, crystallographic, and Mossbauer data were taken. Metallic conductivity is destroyed by substitution of as little as 10% Fe for Ru. Mossbauer and magnetic data show the presence of only high-spin octahedral Fe 3+ . At the Fe-rich end, Ru decreases T N of LaFeO 3 by ≈ 100°C for every 10% of Ru.
Vulnerable salvation: Evangelical Protestant leaders and institutions, drug use and HIV and AIDS in the urban periphery of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract This analysis focuses on the evangelical Protestant responses to drug use and HIV prevention, treatment and care in the urban periphery of Rio de Janeiro. We question how religious institutions, and the positions of pastors, create or reduce various elements of societal illness and vulnerability. We aim to show that the views of pastors may symbolise a form of social regulation that may have a meaningful social impact on drug use and HIV and AIDS. The interviews of 23 evangelical religious leaders were collected. Two case studies of evangelical drug rehabilitation centres (DRC) are derived from five qualitative interviews. Evangelical DRC generally reflects pastors’ discourses of reintegration into social networks including marriage, family and employment. We found important differences in the discourses and practices in private versus state-funded rehabilitation centres that may reveal ways social and programmatic vulnerabilities may affect the efficacy of public health interventions.
The Reproducibility of the 133Xe Inhalation Technique in Resting Studies: Task Order and Sex Related Effects in Healthy Young Adults

Repeated applications of the 133Xe inhalation technique for measuring regional CBF (rCBF) were made during consecutive resting conditions in a sample of young healthy subjects. Subjects were grouped by order and by sex [nine had resting studies as the initial two measurements in a series of four measurement (six men, three women) and six had these measurements later (two men, four women)]. Three flow parameters were examined: f1 (fast flow) and IS (initial slope) for gray matter CBF, and CBF-15 for mean CBF (gray and white matter over 15-min integration), as well as w1, the percentage of tissue with fast clearing characteristics. With all groups combined, there were no significant differences between the two resting measurements, and high test-retest correlations were obtained for the flow parameters and w1. Analyses by order and sex grouping revealed, for the flow parameters, significant interactions of test-retest difference with order. Repeated initial studies showed reduced CBF from the first to secon...
Magneto-optical study of the I2 bound exciton in ZnTe☆

Abstract The 1L0-phonon replica of the I2 bound exciton in ZnTe at 2.374 eV is fully resolved into a quintet at fields of 130 kG. Analysis of the data shows that the I2 complex consists of an exciton bound to an ionized donor or acceptor; the electron and hole gyromagnetic ratios deduced, g h = ⊣ 1.2 and ge = ± 1.7, are in excellent agreement with the values determined from recent spin-flip scattering experiments, viz. gh = 1.07 ± 0.1, ge = 1.74 ± 0.05.
A hybrid observer for the full-speed-range sensorless control of interior permanent magnet motor drives

This paper presents a method for the sensorless control in full speed range for an interior permanent-magnet synchronous motor (IPM). At standstill and very low speed region, high frequency (HF) injection technique is used to detect the rotor initial position. A hybrid observer is applied to realize a smooth transition from low to high speed. When the rotor speed goes up to a certain value where back EMF can provide adequate information, a back EMF observer will dominate. The hybrid observer is verified through simulation and experimental results using a three-phase 1-kW IPM motor drive.
From Thought to Deed: Understanding Abortion Activism1

Many people have opinions on abortion, but relatively few contribute a substantial amount of time and effort to actively support their causes. This study investigated factors associated with level of activism in the abortion movement. The issue was addressed from a cost-benefit framework based on theory and research from other social movements. In a sample drawn from pro-life and pro-choice organizations, activism was related to attitude salience, attitude polarization, social ties to abortion activists, and agentic self-esteem. Potential constraint variables (e.g., employment) and social approval from important others showed little relation to activism. Factors affecting activism were similar for pro-choice and pro-life activists. Findings were generally consistent with studies of political activism for other social causes.
Congenital teratoid cyst of the floor of the mouth

Erich’ first used the term “dysontogenetic,” meaning disturbance in embryologic development, in referring to the origin of dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth. Several mechanisms have since been reported in the literature concerning the embryologic basis for their occurrence. Eppley3 listed four mechanisms. These included: 1) submergence of ectodermal cells that were pinched off at the time of closure of the anterior neuropore; 2) entrapment of ectodermal rests during closure of the first and second branchial arches at the midline position; 3) remnants of the anterior tongue precursor, the tuberculum impar; and 4) misplacement of the adjacent embryologic tissues (i.e., foregut). The term dermoid cyst appears frequently in the literature and Meyer4 suggested retaining its use for all types of developmental cysts of the mouth floor. In a review of the literature, Eppley3 states that two types of congenital floor of the mouth cysts exist; the dermoid and heterotopic gastrointestinal cysts. Gorlin,’ in a review of the literature, described 13 cases of the choriostomatic cyst of gastric or intestinal epithelium. He theorized that mixtures of endodermal and ectodermal tissue could give rise to cysts containing both germ layers. Dermoid cysts of the floor of the mouth are rare but well-documented in the literature. Erich and New6 reported 1495 dermoid cysts. In this population, 103 (6.9%) were located in the head and neck. Twenty-five percent of the head and neck dermoids were present in the oral
Characterization of chloramphenicol- and 8-azaguanine-resistant mutants isolated from a continuous rat-liver epithelial cell line

2 non-tumorigenic, chloramphenicol- and 8-azaguanine-resistant strains have been isolated from the rat-liver cell line K-22, by a 2-step mutagenesis procedure. Their chromosome composition and growth properties have been characterized. Failure of chloramphenicol to inhibit mitochondrial protein synthesis in one of the clones, F1, strongly suggests that resistance to the antibiotic in this strain is due to a mutation in mitochondrial DNA.
Acute toxicity of dimethylnitrosamine in the presence of inhibitors of DMN demethylase

The LD50 of DMN was determined in groups of mice in the presence of inhibitors of DMN demethylase. Piperonyl butoxide, dibutylnitrosamine and nitrososarcosine had no effect on the acute toxicity of DMN. Diethylnitrosamine and DMN were markedly synergistic. All mice treated with 100 mg/kg diethylnitrosamine and 10.7 mg/kg DMN died. These results suggest that DMN demethylase may not be involved in theaacute toxicity of DMN.
Platinum-rhodium carbonyl clusters: new structures and new types of dynamical activity.

The reaction of Rh4(CO)12 with Pt(PBut3)2 in CH2Cl2 at room temperature yielded three new complexes: Rh4(CO)4(μ-CO)4(μ4-CO)(PBut3)2[Pt(PBut3)], 10, Rh2(CO)8[Pt(PBut3)]2[Pt(CO)], 11, and Rh2(CO)8[P...
Playing with heart and soul…and genomes: sports implications and applications of personal genomics.

Whether the integration of genetic/omic technologies in sports contexts will facilitate player success, promote player safety, or spur genetic discrimination depends largely upon the game rules established by those currently designing genomic sports medicine programs. The integration has already begun, but there is not yet a playbook for best practices. Thus far discussions have focused largely on whether the integration would occur and how to prevent the integration from occurring, rather than how it could occur in such a way that maximizes benefits, minimizes risks, and avoids the exacerbation of racial disparities. Previous empirical research has identified members of the personal genomics industry offering sports-related DNA tests, and previous legal research has explored the impact of collective bargaining in professional sports as it relates to the employment protections of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). Building upon that research and upon participant observations with specific sports-related DNA tests purchased from four direct-to-consumer companies in 2011 and broader personal genomics (PGx) services, this anthropological, legal, and ethical (ALE) discussion highlights fundamental issues that must be addressed by those developing personal genomic sports medicine programs, either independently or through collaborations with commercial providers. For example, the vulnerability of student-athletes creates a number of issues that require careful, deliberate consideration. More broadly, however, this ALE discussion highlights potential sports-related implications (that ultimately might mitigate or, conversely, exacerbate racial disparities among athletes) of whole exome/genome sequencing conducted by biomedical researchers and clinicians for non-sports purposes. For example, the possibility that exome/genome sequencing of individuals who are considered to be non-patients, asymptomatic, normal, etc. will reveal the presence of variants of unknown significance in any one of the genes associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), long QT syndrome (LQTS), Marfan’s syndrome, and other conditions is not inconsequential, and how this information is reported, interpreted, and used may ultimately prevent the individual from participation in competitive sports. Due to the distribution of genetic diversity that reflects our evolutionary and demographic history (including the discernible effects of restricted gene flow and genetic drift associated with cultural constructs of race) and in recognition of previous policies for “leveling” the playing field in competitive sports based on “natural” athletic abilities, preliminary recommendations are provided to discourage genetic segregation of sports and to develop best practice guidelines for genomic sports medicine programs that will facilitate player success, promote player safety, and avoid genetic discrimination within and beyond the program.
Adoptive protection from experimental myasthenia gravis with T cells from mice treated nasally with acetylcholine receptor epitopes

Nasal administration of synthetic CD4(+) epitopes of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) prevents experimental myasthenia gravis (EMG) in C57Bl/6 mice, but not in IL4-deficient C57Bl/6 (IL4(-/-)) mice. Here we verify that nasal tolerance requires IL4, by showing that CD4(+) cells from C57Bl/6 mice treated nasally with a pool of AChR CD4(+) epitopes protected IL4(-/-) mice from EMG and caused a reduced production of anti-AChR antibody. CD4(+) cells from C57Bl/6 mice treated with unrelated peptides or sham-treated did not induce protection. CD4(+) cells from C57Bl/6 mice treated with just one AChR peptide protected IL4(-/-) mice from EMG without affecting antibody synthesis.
The Effect of Posture on Hypertension Induced by Sympathomimetic Amines in Man

After atropine the hypertension induced by Arterenol in man is abolished by tilting to the vertical position. This does not occur with equipressor doses of Arterenol or with atropine alone. Arterenol and atropine in combination could not be shown to have a blocking action at sympathetic ganglions in animal experiments, nor was there blockade of the carotid sinus reflex pathways. The failure to maintain Arterenol-induced hypertension after atropine was thus unexplained. Further experiments on the clinical implications of this phenomenon were performed.
Side effect profiles of atypical antipsychotics, typical antipsychotics, or no psychotropic medications in persons with mental retardation.

Abstract Antipsychotic medications have been used to treat a variety of behavioral and psychiatric disturbances in persons with mental retardation. Given the well-documented side effects of traditional antipsychotics, newer “atypical” antipsychotics have been well received in this population due to initial reports of a more favorable side effect profile. We compared the side effect profiles of both the typical and atypical antipsychotics using a comprehensive instrument, the Matson Evaluation of Drug Side Effects (MEDS) scale. Participants taking atypical antipsychotics did not differ in overall side effects from a matched control group taking no psychotropic medication, and both groups showed significantly fewer overall side effects than participants taking typical antipsychotics. Subscales designed to measure involuntary movements (e.g., akathisia, tardive dyskinesia) detected differences between participants taking either atypical or typical antipsychotics with respect to akathisia only. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Evil Twins Alternate with Odious Twins

(2009). Evil Twins Alternate with Odious Twins. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 82, No. 1, pp. 57-62.
A protocol for improving mapping and assessing of seagrass abundance along the West Central Coast of Florida using Landsat TM and EO-1 ALI/Hyperion images

Abstract Seagrass habitats are characteristic features of shallow waters worldwide and provide a variety of ecosystem functions. Remote sensing techniques can help collect spatial and temporal information about seagrass resources. In this study, we evaluate a protocol that utilizes image optimization algorithms followed by atmospheric and sunglint corrections to the three satellite sensors [Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM), Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) Advanced Land Imager (ALI) and Hyperion (HYP)] and a fuzzy synthetic evaluation technique to map and assess seagrass abundance in Pinellas County, FL, USA. After image preprocessed with image optimization algorithms and atmospheric and sunglint correction approaches, the three sensors’ data were used to classify the submerged aquatic vegetation cover (%SAV cover) into 5 classes with a maximum likelihood classifier. Based on three biological metrics [%SAV, leaf area index (LAI), and Biomass] measured from the field, nine multiple regression models were developed for estimating the three biometrics with spectral variables derived from the three sensors’ data. Then, five membership maps were created with the three biometrics along with two environmental factors (water depth and distance-to-shoreline). Finally, seagrass abundance maps were produced by using a fuzzy synthetic evaluation technique and five membership maps. The experimental results indicate that the HYP sensor produced the best results of the 5-class classification of %SAV cover (overall accuracy = 87% and Kappa = 0.83 vs. 82% and 0.77 by ALI and 79% and 0.73 by TM) and better multiple regression models for estimating the three biometrics ( R 2 = 0.66, 0.62 and 0.61 for %SAV, LAI and Biomass vs. 0.62, 0.61 and 0.55 by ALI and 0.58, 0.56 and 0.52 by TM) for creating seagrass abundance maps along with two environmental factors. Combined our results demonstrate that the image optimization algorithms and the fuzzy synthetic evaluation technique were effective in mapping detailed seagrass habitats and assessing seagrass abundance with the 30-m resolution data collected by the three sensors.
An X-ray interferometer with a large and variable path length difference

The first chromatic hard X-ray interferometer with a large and variable path length difference has been built and successfully tested. Interference fringe visibility was measured as a function of the path length difference. Based on the measurements, fringe visibility analysis was performed to give the transmitted beam coherence lengths. The results agree very well with expected coherence values based on the angular and spectral acceptances of the interferometer.
Photoswitching-Free FRAP Analysis with a Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Tag

Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is a widely used imaging technique for measuring protein dynamics in live cells that has provided many important biological insights. Although FRAP presumes that the conversion of a fluorophore from a bright to a dark state is irreversible, GFP as well as other genetically encoded fluorescent proteins now in common use can also exhibit a reversible conversion known as photoswitching. Various studies have shown how photoswitching can cause at least four different artifacts in FRAP, leading to false conclusions about various biological phenomena, including the erroneous identification of anomalous diffusion or the overestimation of the freely diffusible fraction of a cellular protein. Unfortunately, identifying and then correcting these artifacts is difficult. Here we report a new characteristic of an organic fluorophore tetramethylrhodamine bound to the HaloTag protein (TMR-HaloTag), which like GFP can be genetically encoded, but which directly and simply overcomes the artifacts caused by photoswitching in FRAP. We show that TMR exhibits virtually no photoswitching in live cells under typical imaging conditions for FRAP. We also demonstrate that TMR eliminates all of the four reported photoswitching artifacts in FRAP. Finally, we apply this photoswitching-free FRAP with TMR to show that the chromatin decondensation following UV irradiation does not involve loss of nucleosomes from the damaged DNA. In sum, we demonstrate that the TMR Halo label provides a genetically encoded fluorescent tag very well suited for accurate FRAP experiments.
A Geometric Chemistry Challenge

We would like to invite you to participate in the ‘Analytical Challenge’, which is a series of puzzles to entertain and challenge our readers. The special ABC feature ‘Analytical Challenge’ has established itself as a truly unique quiz series, with a new scientific puzzle published every second month. Readers can access the complete collection of published problems with their solutions on the ABC homepage at http://www.springer.com/journal/00216. Test your knowledge and tease your wits in diverse areas of analytical and bioanalytical chemistry by viewing this collection. In the present Challenge chemistry history is the topic. And please note: there is a prize to be won (a Springer book from our catalogue up to a value of € 75.-). Please read on...
Efficacy of low-temperature high hydrostatic pressure processing in inactivating Vibrio parahaemolyticus in culture suspension and oyster homogenate

Culture suspensions of five clinical and five environmental Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains in 2% NaCl solution were subjected to high pressure processing (HPP) under various conditions (200-300MPa for 5 and 10 min at 1.5-20°C) to study differences in pressure resistance among the strains. The most pressure-resistant and pressure-sensitive strains were selected to investigate the effects of low temperatures (15, 5 and 1.5°C) on HPP (200 or 250MPa for 5 min) to inactivate V. parahaemolyticus in sterile oyster homogenates. Inactivation of V. parahaemolyticus cells in culture suspensions and oyster homogenates was greatly enhanced by lowering the processing temperature from 15 to 5 or 1.5°C. A treatment of oyster homogenates at 250MPa for 5 min at 5°C decreased the populations of V. parahaemolyticus by 6.2logCFU/g for strains 10290 and 100311Y11 and by >7.4logCFU/g for strain 10292. Decreasing the processing temperature of the same treatment to 1.5°C reduced all the V. parahaemolyticus strains inoculated to oyster homogenates to non-detectable (<10CFU/g) levels. Factors including pressure level, processing temperature and time all need to be considered for developing effective HPP for eliminating pathogens from foods. Further studies are needed to validate the efficacy of the HPP (250MPa for 5 min at 1.5°C) in inactivating V. parahaemolyticus cells in whole oysters.
Stretch-activated ion channel blockade attenuates adaptations to eccentric exercise.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that stretch-activated ion channel (SAC) function is essential for the repeated bout effect (RBE) in skeletal muscle. Specifically, we investigated if daily injections of streptomycin (a known SAC blocker) would abrogate the muscle's adaptive resistance to the damaging effects of eccentric exercise over a 4-wk period. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the lack of an RBE would be due to the lack of functional adaptations that typically result from repeated bouts of eccentric exercise, including increased peak isometric torque, muscle hypertrophy, and rightward shift of the torque-angle relationship. Methods: Twelve New Zealand white rabbits were each subjected to 12 bouts of eccentric exercise over a 4-wk period while receiving either daily injections of streptomycin or sham injections. Results: Although blocking the SAC function completely eliminated the expected adaptive response in biomechanical parameters during the exercise regimen, there remained evidence of an acquired RBE, albeit with an attenuated response when compared with the muscles with intact SAC function. Conclusion: Blocking sarcolemmal SAC eliminates functional adaptations of muscle after eccentric exercise. In the absence of SAC function, muscles subjected to chronic eccentric exercise still exhibit some degree of the RBE. As such, it appears that the signaling cascade that results in functional, biomechanical adaptations associated with the RBE during eccentric exercise is dependent upon intact SAC function
Approximating the Behavior of Nonstationary Single-Server Queues

This paper presents computationally efficient techniques for approximating several behavioral aspects of the Mxt/EY/1 queue. The nonstationary arrival stream allows demands for service to follow different distributions over different time intervals. Specific performance characteristics evaluated are the first two moments of queue length, virtual waiting time, and system utilization. These are based on approximating the distribution of Qt at the time points E[Tn] by the distribution of Qn, where Tn is the epoch of the nth departure and Qn = QTn + 0. The results are in agreement with those obtained by simulation but require much less computing time. Sample results are presented for both stationary and nonstationary examples.
The need for a systems perspective in control theory and practice

Control systems have had a profound impact on society as theories, techniques, and algorithms have migrated from the laboratory to thousands of products. As the control community continues to improve its solutions, ideas are being generated for a new era of applications that are fundamentally different from their predecessors. Where applications once employed control systems for greater performance, new applications require control systems for their very existence. Examples of these types of systems are ultra-agile military aircraft, large-space-structure observatories, and formation-flying spacecraft constellations. This control-enabled class of systems (also called high-performance systems) is changing the role of control science in engineering. We examine the new role of control science in high-performance systems and its implication for control theory. We describe the traditionally serial role of control science in systems design and the evolving iterative system-control design process used for high-performance systems. Next, we discuss several high-performance systems that use this iterative design process. Then, we describe past work that is related to systems-control analysis-synthesis (S-C-A-S), followed by an examination of fundamental control theory concepts that may be extended as part of an S-C-A-S theory. Finally, we present conclusions.