cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrochemistry of conductive polymer. XIX. Oxidation of aniline at bare and polyaniline-modified platinum electrodes studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been used to study the oxidation of aniline at bare and polyaniline-modified platinum electrodes. Impedance measurements were used to construct a Tafel representation for the aniline oxidation. The measured (1 - α)n app value, where α and n app are the transfer coefficient and apparent number of electrons tranferred, was 0.80 for the oxidation of aniline at a platinum electrode in 1.0 M H 2 SO 4 . The polarization resistance reached a minimum at approximately 0.90 V. We estimate the formal potential for aniline oxidation at about 0.78 V vs. an Ag/AgCl (3 M NaCl) electrode. This result indicates that the aniline oxidation, and hence polymer growth, occurs prior to the cyclic voltammetric peak potential of the aniline oxidation. It was also shown from impedance measurements that the PAn film catalyzes the aniline oxidation, and thus polymerization, reaction. When the polymer film is overoxidized, it loses its ability to get reactivated by oxidizing aniline molecules, resulting in degradation.
What is Analytical Marxism

It is commonplace these days to speak of a crisis of Marxism. The evidence is easy enough to find
Expression of androgen receptor and prostate-specific antigen in male breast carcinoma

The androgen-regulated proteins prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate-specific acid phosphatase (PSAP) are present in high concentrations in normal prostate and prostatic cancer and are considered to be tissue-specific to prostate. These markers are commonly used to diagnose metastatic prostate carcinoma at various sites including the male breast. However, expression of these two proteins in tumors arising in tissues regulated by androgens such as male breast carcinoma has not been thoroughly evaluated. In this study we analyzed the expression of PSA, PSAP and androgen receptor (AR) by immunohistochemistry in 26 cases of male breast carcinomas and correlated these with the expression of other prognostic markers. AR, PSA and PSAP expression was observed in 81%, 23% and 0% of carcinomas, respectively. Combined expression of AR and PSA was observed in only four tumors. Although the biological significance of PSA expression in male breast carcinomas is not clear, caution should be exercised when it is used as a diagnostic marker of metastatic prostate carcinoma.
Phase II Study of Docetaxel, Estramustine, and Low-Dose Hydrocortisone in Men With Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer: A Final Report of CALGB 9780

PURPOSE: To investigate the combination of docetaxel, estramustine (EM), and low-dose hydrocortisone in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Combinations of EM with other antimitotic agents such as docetaxel are synergistic in vitro and show significant clinical activity in patients with HRPC. We studied intravenous administration of docetaxel 70 mg/m2, oral estramustine, and low-dose daily hydrocortisone in men with HRPC who demonstrated progression after initial hormone therapy. RESULTS: Of the 47 men enrolled onto this multicenter cooperative group study, 46 were assessable for response and/or toxicity. In the 24 patients with measurable disease, there were three complete and nine partial responses for a measurable disease response rate of 50% (12 of 24 patients; 95% confidence interval [CI], 27% to 73%). In the 44 patients in whom pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was elevated, 30 (68%) had a 50% or greater decrease, and 25 (57%) had a 75% or greater dec...
Transport and deposition of Suwannee River Humic Acid/Natural Organic Matter formed silver nanoparticles on silica matrices: the influence of solution pH and ionic strength.

The transport and deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) formed from Ag+ reduction by Suwannee River Humic Acid (SRHA) and Suwannee River Natural Organic Matter (SRNOM) utilizing a silica matrix is reported. The morphology and stability of the AgNPs was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements. The percentage conversion of the initial [Ag+] to [AgNPs] was determined from a combination of atomic absorption (AAS) and UV–Vis spectroscopy, and centrifugation techniques. The results indicate higher AgNP transport and consequently low deposition in the porous media at basic pH conditions and low ionic strength. However, at low acidic pH and high ionic strength, especially with the divalent metallic cations, the mobility of the AgNPs in the porous media was very low, most likely due to NP aggregation. Overall, the results suggest the potential for AgNP contamination of subsurface soils and groundwater aquifers is mostly dependent on their aggregation state, controlled by the soil water and sediment ionic strength and pH.
HIV gp120 alteration of DAMA and IL-1α induced chemotaxic responses in human and invertebrate immunocytes

Abstract The effects of a synthetic peptide fragment of human immunodeficiency virus gp120 (HIV gp120) on opioid ( D -ala 2 - D -met 5 enkephalinamide; DAMA) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) induced chemotactic responses in human granulocytes and monocytes and invertebrate ( Mytilus edulis ) immunocytes were studied. Both DAMA and IL-1 increased the velocity of cell migration from both species and the response is chemotactic (e.g. directed). Non-treated control cells move randomly or not at all. The addition of gp120 to DAMA or IL-1 treated human granulocytes or monocytes results in a slower movement which is chemokinetic (loss of directionality or random) in nature. A similar phenomenon occurs in the invertebrate immunocytes. If gp120 alone is added, it inhibits the movement of spontaneously active human granulocytes and Mytilus edulis immunocytes. In contrast, it stimulates chemokinesis of spontaneously active human monocytes. These responses occur immediately after addition of the peptide. Based on experiments with the selective calcium channel antagonist nimodipine, it appears that the gp120 causes its effects by irreversible binding to a calcium channel. Our results suggest a universal inhibitory mechanism is occuring since the invertebrate immunocytes must recognize HIV gp120 peptide to result in this effect, possibly through a CD4 or other type of surface determinant.
LUNG ISOLATION TECHNIQUES

Left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes should be the tube of choice for most cases in which lung isolation is required. A right-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube can be used effectively when a contraindication to placing a left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube exists. The method of choice to select left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tubes is based on chest radiograph or CT scan measurements of the trachea or bronchus. Based on clinical reports, Univents or WEB blockers may be a better choice for patients with difficult airways who require one-lung ventilation or for when a selective lobar blockade is needed. For all selective intubation, the method of choice for proper tube placement and bronchial blockade is fiberoptic bronchoscopy with the patient in a supine position at first or in a lateral decubitus position later, or if a malposition occurs.
Partial oxidation of olefins by molecular oxygen catalysed by (alumina)Rh(O2). Part 2

Abstract Selective partial oxidation of a series of olefins was accomplished using molecular oxygen, catalysed by (alumina)Rh(O2). Ketones were the major products; no allylic oxidation was noted, and little combustion or double-bond cleavage was observed. A mechanism involving a carbocationic intermediate is proposed; competitive trapping to either coordinated glycolate or coordinated epoxide is suggested to give the observed ketonic products.
Investigating the effectiveness of mental workload as a predictor of opportune moments for interruption

This work investigates the use of workload-aligned task models for predicting opportune moments for interruption. From models for several tasks, we selected boundaries with the lowest (Best) and highest (Worst) mental workload. We compared effects of interrupting primary tasks at these and Random moments on resumption lag, annoyance, and social attribution. Results show that interrupting at the Best moments consistently caused less resumption lag and annoyance, and fostered more social attribution. Results demonstrate that use of workload-aligned models offers a systematic method for predicting opportune moments.
The Chromospheric Magnetograph

Chromospheric photoelectric magnetograms with high resolution H alpha pictures for deriving magnetic field directly from filtergrams
Elastically Stretchable Insulation and Bilevel Metallization and Its Application in a Stretchable RLC Circuit

Stretchable electronics need stretchable wiring membranes that are equivalent to printed wiring boards but with elastically stretchable insulators and multilevel metallization. We have developed technology for elastically stretchable two-level metallization on an elastomeric membrane. Two levels of conductors were separated by a photopatternable elastomeric dielectric and connected through via holes. They were evaluated at uniaxial tensile strains of up to 30% and then used to create an elastomeric resistor–inductor–capacitor (RLC) circuit, whose alternating-current (AC) response was measured at biaxial tensile strains of up to 6%. We describe the fabrication process, morphology, and electrical performance of the bilevel metallization and the RLC circuit.
Longer ongoing task delay intervals exacerbate prospective memory deficits in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND)

The delay interval between encoding a future intention and detection of the retrieval cue is an essential feature of prospective memory (PM). McDaniel and Einstein's (2000) multiprocess theory posits that greater demands are placed on strategic monitoring processes as the delay interval lengthens. This hypothesis was examined in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), which are associated with strategic dyscontrol of PM, likely secondary to prefrontostriatal circuit pathology. Seventy-eight seronegative adults and 49 individuals with HAND comprised the study groups, which were comparable with regard to demographic, psychiatric, and substance use factors. As part of a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, participants were administered a well-validated PM measure that included short (2-min) and long (15-min) task delay interval scales that utilized a standardized word search as the ongoing task. Results revealed a significant interaction of group and delay interval, with significant effects ...
A parallel process growth model of avoidant personality disorder symptoms and personality traits

Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD), like other personality disorders, has historically been construed as a highly stable disorder. However, results from a number of longitudinal studies have found that the symptoms of AVPD demonstrate marked change over time. Little is known about which other psychological systems are related to this change. Although cross-sectional research suggests a strong relationship between AVPD and personality traits, no work has examined the relationship of their change trajectories. The current study sought to establish the longitudinal relationship between AVPD and basic personality traits using parallel process growth curve modeling. Parallel process growth curve modeling was applied to the trajectories of AVPD and basic personality traits from the Longitudinal Study of Personality Disorders (Lenzenweger, M. F., 2006, The longitudinal study of personality disorders: History, design considerations, and initial findings. Journal of Personality Disorders, 20, 645-670. doi:10.1521/pedi.2006.20.6.645), a naturalistic, prospective, multiwave, longitudinal study of personality disorder, temperament, and normal personality. The focus of these analyses is on the relationship between the rates of change in both AVPD symptoms and basic personality traits. AVPD symptom trajectories demonstrated significant negative relationships with the trajectories of interpersonal dominance and affiliation, and a significant positive relationship to rates of change in neuroticism. These results provide some of the first compelling evidence that trajectories of change in PD symptoms and personality traits are linked. These results have important implications for the ways in which temporal stability is conceptualized in AVPD specifically, and PD in general.
Searching for adaptive resource allocation strategies in Arabidopsis lyrata using genetic algorithms

The perennial plant Arabidopsis lyrata, whose genome has recently been sequenced, shows considerable adaptation to local climates, thus making it an ideal plant for analyzing the genetics of resource allocation. My research focuses on determining how resource allocation traits for reproduction and growth and maintenance may be controlled genetically in different populations. A simulation is developed to analyze the effectiveness of a particular resource allocation strategy, and a genetic algorithm is implemented to search through the strategy space and identify the most adaptive strategies for particular environments.
Binge self-administration and deprivation produces sensitization to the reinforcing effects of cocaine in rats

Behavioral procedures that incorporate dynamic changes in drug-maintained behavior are needed to model the development of cocaine addiction in humans. Because sensitization may occur to some aspects of drug administration during the addiction process, the objective of the present study was to define the critical features of self-administration histories that result in subsequent increases in the reinforcing efficacy of cocaine (measured using the progressive ratio (PR) schedule). Animals were trained to self-administer cocaine on a fixed ratio (FR) schedule, baseline performance on a PR schedule was determined, and animals were given various histories of cocaine self-administration and drug deprivation. PR performance was reassessed following this experience. Cocaine self-administration under a discrete-trials procedure (24 h/day) for 10 days, followed by a 7-day deprivation period resulted in sensitization to the reinforcing effects of cocaine as assessed by the PR schedule (increases in maximal breakpoints maintained by cocaine with no change in sensitivity at lower doses). Similar levels of daily cocaine intake on a FR schedule (typically completed within 6 h) coupled with a deprivation period failed to produce changes in breakpoint. Providing access to cocaine during the “deprivation period” by repeated testing on a PR schedule prevented the sensitization. These data suggest that these self-administration-induced changes in breakpoint reflect sensitization, and show that a drug-free deprivation period is necessary, but not sufficient, to produce this increase.
"On Denoting" and the Principle of Acquaintance

While Russell’s concerns in developing the theory of descriptions were primarily with his foundation of logic, he was aware of the epistemological uses of both the theory of denoting concepts and the 1905 theory of definite descriptions. At the end of “On Denoting” he suggests that the principle of acquaintance is a “result” of the new theory of denoting. In this paper I examine the relation between the theory of descriptions and the principle of acquaintance, and I reject two suggestions, one that Russell’s view commits him to the position that quantifiers range only over objects of acquaintance, the other that the principle of acquaintance plays a crucial role in the Gray’s Elegy argument. Russell’s earlier theory of denoting concepts went hand in hand with the principle of acquaintance, as Russell made clear in his “Points about Denoting”. So the principle of acquaintance was neither a motivator for the new account nor a special consequence of it. The new account of “On Denoting”, while dispensing with denoting concepts, preserved the connection that the older denoting theory had with the principle of acquaintance.
Limits on the Scalar Neutrino Mass From Single Photon Production in $e^+ e^-$ Annihilation

Abstract The process e + e − → γ v ≅v is calculated as a function of scalar neutrino ( v ) mass for a class of models, derivable from N = 1 supergravity, in which the scalar neutrino may be the lightest supersymmetric particle. Present limits on single photon production in e + e − annihilation from PEP at √ s = 30 GeV require M v ⪆ 10 GeV /c 2 in these models.
Measurement of the rotational g-factor (gR) for several nuclei

Abstract The g-factors of several excited states of nuclei have been measured by observing the rotation of the angular correlation for a source in a magnetic field. The results are: 122-keV state of Sm152(τ = 2.0 × 10−9sec) g = 0.28 ± 0.07; 123-keV state of Gd154 (τ = 1.7 × 10−9sec) g = 0.4 ± 0.5; 81-keV state of Er166 (τ = 2.4 × 10−9sec) g = 0.31 ± 0.06; 87-keV state of Dy160 (τ = 2.5 × 10−9sec) g = (0.28 ± 0.08); 118-keV state of Tm169 (τ = (9.0 ± 1.5) × 10−11sec) g = 0.20 ± 0.06. The assumptions used in deducing the g-factors from the observed rotations are discussed. A discussion of available evidence suggests that the rotational g−factor gR is less than Z/A. The g-factor of the 118-keV state of Tm169 is discussed on the basis of the Nilsson model.
Intrapartum rupture of the unscarred uterus

Objective: To examine risk factors and maternal and neonatal outcomes in ten cases of intrapartum rupture of the unscarred uterus. Methods: Uterine ruptures in women without previous cesarean deliveries were identified from an ongoing log for a 12-year period beginning January 1, 1983. Detailed information was obtained by review of hospital records. Results: From January 1, 1983, through December 31,1994, we identified 13 uterine ruptures in women without previous cesarean deliveries. Three resulted from motor vehicle accidents and were excluded from analysis. Ten occurred during labor and are the subjects of our report. The incidence of intrapartum rupture of an unscarred uterus was 1 in 16,849 deliveries. Associated factors included oxytocin use (four cases), prostaglandin use (three cases), use of vacuum or forceps (three cases), grand multiparity (two cases), and malpresentation (two cases). Intervention was prompted by fetal heart rate decelerations in seven cases and by severe hemorrhage in three. Uterine rupture was associated with acute abdominal pain in six cases, maternal tachycardia in five, and severe hypotension in two. Neonatal outcomes were normal in nine cases. There were no maternal or perinatal deaths. Conclusion: Intrapartum rupture of the unscarred uterus is a rare obstetric emergency. Maternal and perinatal outcomes are optimized by awareness of risk factors, recognition of clinical signs and symptoms, and prompt surgical intervention.
Comment on "Potential Flow around Axisymmetric Bodies: Direct and Inverse Problems"

T authors appreciate the interest shown in their work by Prof. Squire. We had, in fact, already tried his suggestion of recasting the expression for i/^ (an unnumbered equation on p. 245 of Ref. 1) into an equivalent form. Figure 1 shows the result of making the suggested change in the expression for \I/ij for an airfoil-type axisymmetric body of fineness ratio = 2.91. The figure shows that the exact solution and the solution obtained by linearly varying axial singularities are essentially the same. The results computed by the expression
New functional polymers, blocks and thermoplastic elastomers by living carbocationic polymerization

Systematic fundamental investigations have recently led to the discovery of living carbocationic polymerizations which in turn resulted in a variety of materials, specifically macromonomers, end-functionalized (telechelic) polymers, block copolymers and thermoplastic elastomers. This lecture will mainly focus on the synthesis principles used for the synthesis of well-defined telechelics such as allyl-terminated linear or three-arm radial polyisobutylenes, and polyisobutylene-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (PSt-PIB-PSt), and poly(indene-b-isobutylene-b-indene) (PIn-PIB-PIn).
Trapezial ridge fractures

Three patients with trapezial ridge fractures are reviewed. All three patients sustained a fracture of the palmar ridge of the trapezium from falls on the dorsiflexed wrist. They presented with symptoms of pain and tenderness over the base of the thenar eminence and thenar pain upon resisting wrist flexion. The fracture was demonstrated only when the carpal tunnel radiologic view of the wrist was obtained. A type I fracture at the base of the trapezial ridge healed with immobilization. Type II avulsion fractures of the tip of the ridge did not heal with immobilization.
THE METABOLIC EFFECTS OF ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC HORMONE (ACTH) IN A PATIENT WITH CUSHING'S SYNDROME AND ACROMEGALY*†

INCREASED function of the adrenal cortex in acromegaly has been suggested by the occurrence in this condition of osteoporosis, diabetes, enlarged adrenals and, occasionally, of hypertension, hirsutism and increased adrenal steroid excretion. The simultaneous development of classic Ciishing's syndrome and acromegaly in a patient has offered an unusual opportunity to investigate the relationship of these two endocrine abnormalities. The metabolic studies which were carried out on this patient form the subject of this paper.1 A detailed clinical description of the case has been published elsewhere (1). METHODS The patient was given a constant, low-calcium diet. Duplicate diets were analyzed at intervals throughout the study and the results averaged. Fifty per cent aliquots of each duplicate diet were homogenized and made up to volume. The butter (salt-free) was included to stabilize the homogenate, the volume of solids thus contributed being negligible. Feces were collected in six-day pools, using carmine to...
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF INHIBIN ON GONADOTROPIN STORES AND GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE BINDING TO PITUITARY CELLS FROM CYCLING FEMALE RATS

Numerous studies of rat pituitaries have reported that inhibin suppresses the synthesis and release of FSH and decreases the release of LH. The latter effect seems to be related to the down-regulation of receptors for GnRH. The studies reported here identified cellular changes behind the inhibitory effects of inhibin on gonadotropes to learn whether its effects are mediated by changes in subtypes of gonadotropes. Cell populations from diestrous day 2 and proestrous (morning) rats were collected, dispersed to single cell populations, and plated in medium containing either recombinant 32-kDa inhibin or porcine follicular fluid for 24 h. GnRH binding was detected by exposing the cells to a biotinylated analog (Bio-GnRH) for 10 min before fixation, followed by avidin-peroxidase labeling protocols to detect the biotin on the analog. In parallel fields, the cells were further identified by immunolabeling for LH or FSH beta-subunits or for GH with a different colored reaction product. The most striking changes were seen in cells from proestrous rats. Inhibin reduced the percentages of Bio-GnRH target cells in the population by 60% and the area and density of Bio-GnRH label on the remaining cells. Inhibin reduced the percentages of FSH cells by 30% and caused nearly a 60% reduction in the binding of Bio-GnRH by this cell type (from 83% of FSH cells to 32% of FSH cells). Inhibin also reduced the area of FSH cells and the density of FSH stores. Inhibin's effects on LH cells were limited to a reduction in the area of the cells and the density of LH stores, but not the number of LH cells. In addition, it reduced the percentages of LH cells with Bio-GnRH receptors from 84% to 40%. When cells with GH were analyzed, inhibin had no effect on their percentages, areas, or GH stores. In populations from proestrous rats, inhibin reduced the percentages of GH cells with Bio-GnRH binding from 38% to 21%. These data suggest that inhibin's target cell is the abundant multihormonal gonadotrope that contains LH, FSH, and GH and predominates during proestrus. Inhibin's effects are most severe on FSH cells, which suggests that it may either selectively affect FSH synthesis and stores in bihormonal gonadotropes and/or affect monohormonal FSH cells. Thus, mechanisms behind its inhibitory effects include 1) a reduction in the percentage of Bio-GnRH target cells, 2) a reduction in the area of Bio-GnRH-binding sites on individual cells, and 3) a reduction in the stores of FSH and the percentages of FSH cells. These last effects are consistent with known reductions in FSH synthesis. The effects of inhibin on LH secretion may be secondary to the effects on Bio-GnRH receptors in bihormonal gonadotropes.
An electrical impedance technique for recording oviductal and uterine activity.

A technique is described for the chronic measurement of oviductal and uterine activity in the unanaesthetised rabbit. Based on the measurement of electrical impedance changes, it allows simultaneous recording from multiple segments of the fallopian tube and/or uterus for periods of up to twelve weeks. The electrodes do not invade the lumen or distort the normal anatomic relationships. Data is presented to illustrate the changes of impedance seen with endogenous and exogenous hormone stimulation.
Activation of progestin receptors in female reproductive behavior: Interactions with neurotransmitters.

The steroid hormone, progesterone (P), modulates neuroendocrine functions in the central nervous system resulting in alterations in physiology and reproductive behavior in female mammals. A wide body of evidence indicates that these neural effects of P are predominantly mediated via their intracellular progestin receptors (PRs) functioning as “ligand-dependent” transcription factors in the steroid-sensitive neurons regulating genes and genomic networks. In addition to P, intracellular PRs can be activated by neurotransmitters, growth factors and cyclic nucleotides in a ligand-independent manner via crosstalk and convergence of pathways. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that rapid signaling events associated with membrane PRs and/or extra-nuclear, cytoplasmic PRs converge with classical PR activated pathways in neuroendocrine regulation of female reproductive behavior. The molecular mechanisms, by which multiple signaling pathways converge on PRs to modulate PR-dependent female reproductive behavior, are discussed in this review.
Influence of Strand Number on Antiparallel β-Sheet Stability in Designed Three- and Four-stranded β-Sheets

We describe experiments that probe whether antiparallel beta-sheet secondary structure becomes more stable as the number of strands increases. Several groups, including ours, have explored this issue with peptides designed to adopt three-stranded beta-sheet conformations, but the conclusions have not been consistent. In this study, we examine the effect on conformational stability of beta-sheet lengthening perpendicular to the strand direction via analysis of designed peptides that adopt three-stranded or four-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet conformations in aqueous solution. The findings reported here, along with the context provided by earlier studies, suggest that antiparallel beta-sheet does, in general, become more stable when the number of strands is increased from two to three. We show that this conclusion is not influenced by the rigidity of the loop segment used to link adjacent beta-strands (D-Pro-Gly versus Asn-Gly). We show that further extension, from three strands to four, leads to a further increase in antiparallel beta-sheet stability.
Accountability: A social check on the fundamental attribution error.

Previous attitude-attribution studies indicate that people are often quick to draw conclusions about the attitudes and personalities of others-even when plausible external or situational causes for behavior exist (an effect known as the overattribution effect or fundamental attribution error). This experiment explores whether accountability-pressures to justify one's causal interpretations of behavior to others-reduces or eliminates this bias. Subjects were exposed to an essay that supported or opposed affirmative action. They were informed that the essay writer had freely chosen or had been assigned the position he took. Finally, subjects either did not expect to justify their impressions of the essay writer or expected to justify their impressions either before or after exposure to the stimulus information. The results replicated previous findings when subjects did not feel accountable for their impressions of the essay writer or learned of being accountable only after viewing the stimulus information. Subjects attributed essay-consistent attitudes to the writer even when the writer had been assigned the task of advocating a particular position. Subjects were, however, significantly more sensitive to situational determinants of the essay writer's behavior when they felt accountable for their impressions prior to viewing the stimulus information. The results suggest that accountability eliminated the overattribution effect by affecting how subjects initially encoded and analyzed stimulus information.
PITFALLS IN DISTRIBUTED NONBLOCKING CHECKPOINTING

Coordinated checkpointing has low stable storage requirements and simplifies the recovery process by reserving a set of consistent global checkpoints. Unfortunately, most algorithms that were proposed either incurred a high communication overhead or blocked all processes. Then, a coordinated algorithm was presented which was nonblocking and which forced only a subset of all processes to participate in a checkpointing event. This algorithm was shown to create inconsistencies in some situations and new algorithms to take consistent checkpoints were proposed. However, we found that these algorithms can still result in inconsistencies when typical behavior in a distributed environment is considered, such as multiple forced checkpoints and multiple concurrent checkpoint initiations. In this paper we identify the inconsistencies that can occur and present an efficient nonblocking algorithm that collects consistent global checkpoints and avoids some of the pitfalls in distributed nonblocking checkpointing.
On hybrid semi-iterative methods

Given a large sparse system of linear algebraic equations in fixed point form ${\bf x} = T{\bf x} + {\bf c}$, one way to solve this system is to apply a semi-iterative method (SIM) to the basic iteration method ${\bf x}_m = T{\bf x}_{m - 1} + {\bf c}$. It is known that if the spectrum, $\sigma (T)$, of T is contained in some compact subset $\Omega $ of the complex plane (where $1 \notin \Omega $) then there are asymptotically optimal SIMs, associated with the basic iteration and $\Omega $ whose asymptotic rates of convergence are best possible for the class of all matrices T with $\sigma (T) \subseteq \Omega $, However, for a given compact set $\Omega $, an asymptotically optimal SIM for $\Omega $ is usually not well suited for efficient numerical computation unless this SIM can be generated from a k-step recurrence formula.In this paper, hybrid semi-iterative methods are investigated which consist of two independent steps: First, ${\bf x} = T{\bf x} + {\bf c}$ is transformed into a consistent linear syst...
Diffusion of heat and solute during freezing of salt solutions

Abstract An experimental and analytical investigation was made of salt redistribution phenomena which occur during the one-dimensional freezing of concentrated salt solutions. Sodium chloride solutions ranging in concentration from 0.25 to 4.0 m were frozen in a vertical test cell. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer was utilized to monitor the liquid phase concentration layer which developed ahead of the advancing solid-liquid interface. Approximate analytical solutions for the temperature and concentration distributions as well as the rate of phase change were obtained using the heat-balance integral and finite difference methods. It was found that relatively little solute is rejected from the solid-liquid interface at short times due to entrapment of the thin concentration layer by ice crystals of the advancing solid. The solute concentration at the interface is not constant but increases with time due to increased solute rejection as the opposing wall slows the interface motion. The common assumption of constant solute distribution coefficients utilized in semi-infinite domains is not valid for freezing in a region of finite thickness.
Recanalization of arterial occlusions: pathologic basis and contributing factors.

Safe and effective recanalization of totally occluded peripheral and coronary arteries has been the goal of interventional radiologists and cardiologists for over 25 years (1). Whereas angioplasty technology has changed considerably and new devices continue to be developed, an understanding of the basic pathologic mechanism of recanalization remains essentially the same as that proposed more than 10 years ago (2). After review of clinical angiograms and postmortem specimens, Dotter (2) developed early theories on the pathologic basis of recanalization and summarized the major factors that contributed to the success or failure of the procedure. With the clever use of some simple silk suture, Tobis et al. (3) provide definitive proof of these various pathways of recanalization in this issue of the Journal. The insight gained from this investigation in relation to existing knowledge helps explain how various factors contribute to the success or failure of recanalization attempts. In commenting on the safety of transluminal angioplasty, Dotter (2) wrote that “skill, better case selection, and improved techniques . . . can greatly reduce the risk.” In order of importance, these same three contributing factors, the lesion, the operator and the device, affect the likelihood of success as well as the incidence of complications.
Biology of a Ground Beetle, Harpalus pensylvanicus

Harpalus pensylvanicus De Geer (Coleoptera: Carabidae), samples of which have been collected in all of the contiguous 48 States and most of southern Canada, is the 2nd most common carabid species in cropland in South Dakota and specimens are active in fields during August and September. Oviposition occurs from early August to early October, the species overwinters in soil as 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-stage larvae, and many individuals survive as adults through the 2nd winter in soil and are able to oviposit again the following autumn. The adult beetles accept a variety of plant and animal matter as food; the larval food is not positively determined but may consist mostly of soil microorganisms. However, both adults and larvae were observed to eat various stages of western corn rootworms, Diabrotica virgifera, LeConte, in the laboratory. When the soil is moist, the larvae construct vertical burrows and push the excavated soil to the surface to form tumuli.
Heteroepitaxial growth of LiNbO3 single crystal films by ion plating method

Lithium niobate (LiNbO3) thin films were deposited on several different substrates such as glass (Corning 7059), α-Al2O3 (R- and Z-plate), MgO(111) and ZnO(001) by an ion plating method. The crystallinity and compositional fluctuation of the deposited films have been examined by X-ray diffraction, RHEED and SIMS. Consequently, it has been confirmed that the heteroepitaxial growth of LiNbO3 occurs on the above crystalline substrates, despite large lattice mismatches (≈8.2%). The orientation relationships between the epitaxial layers and the substrates are as follows: 1. (1) (012)LiNbO3⌈(012)α-Al2O3(R-plate), [100]LiNbO3⌈[100]α-Al2O3; 2. (2) (001)LiNbO3⌈(001)α-Al2O3(Z-plate), [100]LiNbO3⌈[100]α-Al2O3; 3. (3) (001)LiNbO3⌈(111)MgO,[110]LiNbO3⌈[211]MgO; 4. (4) (001)LiNbO3⌈(001)ZnO, [110]LiNbO3⌈[210]ZnO, respectively.
A framework for regional association rule mining and scoping in spatial datasets

The motivation for regional association rule mining and scoping is driven by the facts that global statistics seldom provide useful insight and that most relationships in spatial datasets are geographically regional, rather than global. Furthermore, when using traditional association rule mining, regional patterns frequently fail to be discovered due to insufficient global confidence and/or support. In this paper, we systematically study this problem and address the unique challenges of regional association mining and scoping: (1) region discovery: how to identify interesting regions from which novel and useful regional association rules can be extracted; (2) regional association rule scoping: how to determine the scope of regional association rules. We investigate the duality between regional association rules and regions where the associations are valid: interesting regions are identified to seek novel regional patterns, and a regional pattern has a scope of a set of regions in which the pattern is valid. In particular, we present a reward-based region discovery framework that employs a divisive grid-based supervised clustering for region discovery. We evaluate our approach in a real-world case study to identify spatial risk patterns from arsenic in the Texas water supply. Our experimental results confirm and validate research results in the study of arsenic contamination, and our work leads to the discovery of novel findings to be further explored by domain scientists.
Efficient Monte Carlo Procedure for Systems with Fermions

A new Monte Carlo approach applicable to systems with fermion and boson degrees of freedom is proposed. The main advantage of the method is its speed: For systems in one space and one time dimension (1 + 1) the calculation reduces to doing Monte Carlo computations on a two-dimensional classical system with local interactions. Here the potential of the method is illustrated by application to various (1 + 1)-dimensional systems.
Inverted Hockey Stick Method Quantifies Price Uncertainty in Petroleum Investment Evaluation

Abstract In this paper, we present a new method for quantifying the uncertainty of economic projections due to uncertainty in future oil prices. Traditionally, the petroleum industry has employed what are known as “hockey stick” price forecasts, i.e., monotonically increasing price profiles, in economic calculations to evaluate investment opportunities. Calculations are often run using most-likely, optimistic, and pessimistic price profiles in an attempt to quantify the uncertainty in the resulting economic indicators. These conventional hockey stick methods significantly underestimate uncertainty because they do not reproduce the volatility inherent in oil prices. Stochastic methods that attempt to model price volatility have been used successfully and indicate that there is considerably more uncertainty in oil and gas development projects than has been previously recognized. However, many operators do not use stochastic methods for modeling oil prices, most likely because they require more time and effo...
Solution algorithms for the parallel replacement problem under economy of scale

We consider the parallel replacement problem in which machine investment costs exhibit economy of scale which is modeled through associating both fixed and variable costs with machine investment costs. Both finite- and infinite-horizon cases are investigated. Under the three assumptions made in the literature on the problem parameters, we show that the finite-horizon problem with time-varying parameters is equivalent to a shortest path problem and hence can be solved very efficiently, and give a very simple and fast algorithm for the infinite-horizon problem with time-invariant parameters. For the general finite-horizon problem without any assumption on the problem parameters, we formulate it as a zero-one integer program and propose an algorithm for solving it exactly based on Benders' decomposition. Computational results show that this solution algorithm is efficient, i.e., it is capable of solving large scale problems within a reasonable cpu time, and robust, i.e., the number of iterations needed to solve a problem does not increase quickly with the problem size. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 45: 279–295, 1998
Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going? Views From the Presidents

The purpose of this paper was to determine what past presidents of TED believe about past, present, and future issues in the field of special education. Twenty-seven past presidents were contracted to participate in the study, and 19 responded (for a 70% response rate). Respondents were asked to comment on issues they believed would be and would not be important in the future and on trends in teacher education that concerned them. These data were analyzed using a content analysis procedure. Themes within the data are presented and synthesized.
Filtration-based culture methods improve recovery of fungal pathogens in respiratory specimens

We describe a filtration-based culture method to enhance sensitivity of routine culture for recovery of fungi from respiratory specimens. The new method resulted in an 8.3% (P = 0.0039) increase in recovery for all organisms and a 6.4% (P = 0.0391) for Candida species when compared to the conventional culture technique.
Separation of serum bilirubin species by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with direct sample injection.

Four major bilirubin species in serum were separated by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with 25 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 20 mM sodium tetraborate—boric acid buffer at pH 8.5. Due to the solubilization of the serum proteins by the SDS micelles, serum samples were injected directly into a 50 cm × 75 μm I.D. fused-silica capillary and complete separation of the four bilirubin species was accomplished within ca. 10 min without extensive sample pretreatment. Detection was performed by absorbance at 450 nm and average limit of detection was in the 6.0 μM concentration range. The usefulness of this method was demonstrated for the separation and detection of a number of bilirubin species present in pathological human serum samples.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia remission following extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy for urinary calculi

Herein we report on a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who entered a long-term remission following shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for a left proximal ureteral stone. In addition, we include data on the effect of SWL on in vitro and in vivo human lymphocyte subpopulations, and discuss the possible mechanisms of this observation.
Down-regulation of the transcriptional mediator subunit Med1 contributes to the loss of expression of metastasis-associated dapk1 in human cancers and cancer cells.

DAPK1, a ca+2/calmodulin regulated serine/threonine kinase, is a major tumor suppressor, whose expression is lost in multiple tumor types. However, the mechanisms contributing to it are unclear. We have recently shown that CCAAT/Enhancer binding protein-β (C/EBP-β) is required for the basal and interferon γ (IFN-γ)-induced expression of dapk1 in many cell types. C/EBP-β interacts with the transcriptional Mediator, a multisubunit complex that couples enhancer bound transcription factors to the basal transcriptional machinery in an IFN-γ dependent manner for regulating dapk1 expression. Specifically, the Med1 (TRAP220/PBP/DRIP220/CRSP220) subunit associates with the enhancer bound C/EBP-β at the CRE/ATF site of dapk1 in an IFN-γ dependent manner for stimulating gene expression. Therefore, we investigated if the mechanism responsible for the loss of dapk1 expression in human cancers involves a failure to recruit C/EBP-β and/or Med1 to the dapk1 promoter. We compared the relative occupancy of these factors at the dapk1 promoter at CRE/ATF sites in normal and cancer cell lines. A significantly lower binding of these factors to the CRE/ATF site of dapk1 promoter occurred in human cancer cell lines than in normal cells. We show that loss of Med1 expression correlates with a corresponding loss of dapk1 expression in a number of primary human lung carcinomas. Med1 levels were significantly lower in cancer cell lines than in normal controls. Importantly, we show that restoration of Med1 induces the expression of dapk1 in these cancer cells and also attenuates their metastatic potential in vivo. Our studies reveal a critical parameter limiting dapk1 expression in cancer cell lines. © 2009 UICC
Efficacy and safety of oral fosfomycin for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospitalized patients

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all inpatients who had received oral fosfomycin therapy for UTIs. Patients who were discharged within 48 hours of receiving fosfomycin were excluded. Charts were reviewed for demographics, comorbid conditions, urologic abnormalities, culture results, and clinical outcomes. UTI “cure” was defined as resolution of symptoms (dysuria, frequency, urgency) and signs (fever, elevated WBC), with no need for retreatment or re-isolation of the same organism within 30 days.
The sun rises (slowly) on Darwinian medicine

Charles Darwin considered the implications of evolution for understanding various aspects of human biology throughout his fourth book, The Descent of Man [1]. Since then, evolutionary thought has permeated the social arena, most notably with the tragedy of eugenics, as well as diverse academic disciplines from psychology to philosophy. Perhaps in part because of this history, evolutionary principles have been largely neglected in biomedical education, research and practice. Evolution receives scant attention on the U.S.
Alkaline Hydrogen Peroxide Treatment Unlocks Energy in Agricultural By-Products

Lignocellulosic residues (wheat straw, corncobs, and cornstalks) were treated with a dilute alkaline solution of hydrogen peroxide and suspended in cattle rumen in situ to measure microbial degradation. The rate and extent of dry matter disappearance were markedly increased as a result of the treatment. Results in vivo indicate that this treatment increases the fermentability of wheat straw structural carbohydrates such that this agricultural by-product may be considered an acceptable energy source for the ruminant animal. Treatment of wheat straw allowed more complete bacterial colonization and more rapid degradation of the cell wall.
Peroxynitrite Reductase Activity of Selenoprotein Glutathione Peroxidase: A Computational Study†

The peroxynitrite reductase activity of selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase (GPx) has been investigated using density functional theory calculations for peroxynitrite/peroxynitrous acid (ONOO-/ONOOH) substrates through two different “oxidation” and “nitration” pathways. In the oxidation pathway for ONOO-, the oxidation of GPx and the subsequent formation of the selenenic acid (E−Se−OH) occur through a concerted mechanism with an energy barrier of 4.7 (3.7) kcal/mol, which is in good agreement with the computed value of 7.1 kcal/mol for the drug ebselen and the experimentally measured barrier of 8.8 kcal/mol for both ebselen and GPx. For ONOOH, the formation of the E−Se−OH prefers a stepwise mechanism with an overall barrier of 6.9 (11.3) kcal/mol, which is 10.2 (11.2) kcal/mol lower than that for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), indicating that ONOOH is a more efficient substrate for GPx oxidation. It has been demonstrated that the active site Gln83 residue plays a critical role during the oxidation process, wh...
Antitumor Responses Induced by Transgenic Expression of CD40 Ligand

ABSTRACT Because CD40 ligand (CD40L) is a co-stimulator molecule for multiple components of the immune response, we wanted to determine whether transgenic expression of the molecule would increase ...
Some abalytical methods in neutron transport theory

Abstract In this paper, whose purpose is pedagogic, we discuss some distinctive features of neutron transport theory. The linearized transport equation is similar to those met in theories of gas dynamics and radiative transfer. We describe the analytical techniques that have been most successful in analyzing the neutron equation. Among these are: The method of separated solutions (in space and angle co-ordinates), and the construction of velocity-dependent collision models.