cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antifungal Mechanisms of Leukocytes

The ablity of phagocytic leukocytes to kill ingested microorganisms arises from two general mechanisms. One of these depends on the phagocyte's ablity to assemble and activate a multicomponent oxidase system that generates superoxide anion (O-2) by oxidizing its substrate, NADPH. The resultant superoxide anions are converted to other reactive oxygen derivatives (RODs), whose precise chemical nature is influenced by the biochemical composition of the phagocyte. In normal human neutrophils (PMN), these secondary RODs include H2O2, hydroxyl radical, hypochlorous acid and chloramines, all of which are considerably more microbicidal than superoxide itself.In addition to undergoing an oxidative attack by RODs, ingested microbes are exposed to antimicrobial constituents normally contained within the phagocyte's cytoplasmic granules. Among these antimicrobial factors are cathepsin G and “defensins”. The microbicidal activity of cathepsin G against bacteria and Candida species occurs independently of its neutral protease activity. Defensins are a recently-defined family of antimicrobial peptides whose members appear to be important effectors of ROD-independent antimicrobial activity by PMN and certain macrophages. The activity spectrum of human and rabbit defensins encompasses both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, many fungi, certain viruses and even tumor cells. Defensins constitute 30-50% of the total protein in azurophil granules and account for approximately 6% of the total protein in human PMNs. They exert potent activity against C. albicans, an important agent of opportunistic fungal infection. Human defensins permeabilize microbial membranes, but only the bioenergized membranes of metabolically active microbial targets appear to be susceptible to these effects.Although the clinical syndromes associated with deficiencies of myeloperoxidase and NADPH oxidase activity have been recognized for several years, abnormalities of leukocyte defensins and cathepsin G have been detected only recently. Neutrophils from patients with “specific granule deficiency” lack defensins, whereas PMN in Chediak-Higashi syndrome are deficient in neutral proteases, including cathepsin G.
Effect of Electrolytes on CO−Water Mass Transfer

The influence of various electrolytes such as sulfate, nitrate, and chloride on CO−water mass transfer was investigated in this study. The results indicate that the enhancement in the CO−water volumetric mass-transfer coefficient ranged from 1.5 to 4.7 times that of a baseline system without electrolytes, depending on electrolyte type and concentration. For those electrolytes with the same anions, copper-containing electrolytes provided stronger enhancement, whereas for those electrolytes with the same cations, sulfate-containing electrolytes showed stronger enhancement. By measuring both the CO−water volumetric mass-transfer coefficient (kLa) and the mass-transfer coefficient (kL), it was found that the electrolytes inhibit gas bubble coalescence. This leads to an increase in the gas−liquid interfacial area, resulting in CO−water mass-transfer enhancement. In contrast, when MCM41 nanoparticles with or without functionalized mercaptopropyl groups were added to water, the mass-transfer coefficient and CO−w...
The case for explantation of the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Abstract We cared for a patient whose malignant ventricular arrhythmia improved as a result of a remission of the underlying cardiac disease. Based on a thorough re-evaluation, we recommended not replacing her pulse generator after battery depletion. This case illustrates the importance of periodic re-evaluation of the need for device therapy.
A Distributional Approach to the Boundary Layer Theory

We present a distributional approach for solving problems in the boundary layer and singular perturbation theories. We discuss the asymptotic expansions in the inner and outer regions and their matching in the overlapping domain by our theory. This technique is illustrated with various examples from the initial value and boundary value problems. From this discussion we find that the distributional approach not only simplifies the analysis but also widens the scope of applications.
Physician Alert Suggesting Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Testing in Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) Results

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is under-recognized by clinicians, with long diagnostic delays between patients' first symptom and initial diagnosis. Recent recommendations by official societies encourage testing for AATD in all symptomatic adults with spirometric evidence of COPD, though compliance with this recommendation has been variable. For 6 months, the following physician alert was added to PFT reports of patients with airflow obstruction of GOLD Stage II or higher: "The American Thoracic Society recommends testing for AATD in all patients with FEV1 GOLD Stage II and 11 (6%) were tested for AATD. In contrast, during the "Physician Alert" intervention period, 689 spirometry tests were performed on 689 unique patients, of whom 140 (20%) satisfied criteria for > GOLD II airflow obstruction; AAT testing was done more frequently (18 [13%], p = 0.04). The overall rate of misclassifying patients' reports for testing by the respiratory therapists was very low (3.3%). An analysis of "number needed to test" suggests that 98-290 patients must be tested to have 95% certainty to identify a single patient with severe AATD. In conclusion, implementing a physician alert on PFT reports of patients with COPD can increase physicians' testing for AATD. The incomplete rate of testing suggests the need for additional strategies to enhance clinicians' detection of individuals with AATD.
Rheology of diallyl phthalate polymers below the gel point

The analysis of molding operations for thermosetting polymers requires information on the reaction rates and rheology of the materials. The purpose of this research was to measure kinetic and rheological data on diallyl phthalate resins and to develop models describing the flow behavior. The rheological data were measured with a mechanical spectrometer equipped with eccentric rotating discs. For the region below the gel point of the polymer, the elastic modulus and viscosity were correlated with molecular weight, temperature and shear rate through fairly simple models. By combining kinetic and rheological correlations, the viscosity of a reacting thermoset can be predicted as a function of time, temperature and shear rate.
Elites and the Diffusion of Foreign Models in Russia

Globalization has sparked renewed interest in the diffusion of ideas and norms across boundaries. Although much work has focused on diffusion at the macro-level and on the groups that transmit idea...
Adsorption and thermal decomposition of [Rh(CO)2Cl]2 on oxidized Al(100)

Abstract The adsorption and decomposition of [Rh(CO) 2 Cl] 2 on oxidized Al(100) was studied with XPS, TPD, and AES. Al(100) was oxidized with 1700 L of O 2 at 200°C to form an 18 A amorphous Al 2 O 3 overlayer. [Rh(CO) 2 Cl] 2 adsorbed molecularly on oxidized Al(100) at - 165°C to form a multilayer deposit. Multilayer [Rh(CO) 2 Cl] 2 desorbed at - 22°C with zero-order desorption kinetics and no evidence of a monolayer desorption peak. Decomposition of monolayer [Rh(CO) 2 Cl] 2 was indicated by CO evolution at 100°C. The decomposition process deposited 5×10 14 Rh atoms per cm 2 on the Al 2 O 3 substrate. CO and H 2 chemisorption measurements indicate the formation of 120 A Rh particles at 350°C. XPS data confirm the formation of zero valent Rh particles on the oxidized Al(100) substrate after decomposition.
Parallel Program Schemata and Maximal Parallelism I. Fundamental Results

The phenomenon of maximal parallelism is investigated in the framework of a class of parallel program schemata. Part I presents the basic properties of this model. Two types of equivalence relation on computations are presented, to each of which there corresponds a concept of determinacy and equivalence for schemata. The correspondence between these relations is shown and related to other properties of schemata. Then the concept of maximal parallelism using one of the relations as a basis is investigated. A partial order on schemata is defined which relates their inherent parallelism. The results presented are especially concerned with schemata which are maximal with respect to this order, i.e. maximally parallel schemata. Several other properties are presented and shown to be equivalent to the property of maximal parallelism. It is then shown that for any schema of a certain class, there exists a unique equivalent schema which is maximally parallel. We call such a schema the “closure” of the original schema.
Photoreceptor degeneration during infection with various strains of the scrapie agent in hamsters

Hamsters were inoculated intracerebrally with the 22C, 79A, and ME7 strains of the scrapie agent to compare the effects on the retina with those caused by strain 263K. The animals developed clinical signs of encephalopathy. Photoreceptor degeneration occurred in all experimental animals. The changes were similar to those seen in animals infected with the 263K strain of scrapie although somewhat more variable and less extensive.
Differences in surface molecules of motor axon terminals correlated with cell–cell recognition

The cell-cell interactions leading to the formation of synaptic connections among cells in the nervous system may be mediated by cell surface macromolecules. In the cockroach the specific reformation of the original innervation pattern of a set of leg muscles during axonal regeneration indicates a significant contribution from cell-cell recognition. Macromolecules mediating such a process would be expected to be distributed differentially among the axon terminals of the various motor neurons. Monoclonal antibodies have been isolated that selectively bind to the surfaces of axon terminals of some motor neurons and not others. Preliminary biochemical characterization indicates that these antigens are glycoproteins and are good candidates for consideration as recognition macromolecules.
On kernel estimators of density for reversible Markov chains

Abstract In this paper we investigate the kernel estimator of the density for a stationary reversible Markov chain. The proofs are based on a new central limit theorem for a triangular array of reversible Markov chains obtained under conditions imposed to covariances, which has interest in itself.
Mucocele-like tumor and columnar cell hyperplasia of the breast occurring in a morphologic continuum

Mucocele-like tumor was originally described in 1986 as a benign breast proliferation consisting of multiple dilated cysts lined by cytologically bland, flat to cuboidal cells. Subsequent reports described the coexistence of, including the morphologic inter-transitions between, mucocele-like tumor and a variety of other breast proliferations, including intraductal carcinoma, invasive carcinoma, atypical ductal hyperplasia, and hyperplasia of the usual type. The spectrum of breast alterations characterized by variably enlarged terminal-ductal lobular units lined by variably hyperplastic and variably atypical columnar cells has been the subject of significant discussion in the recent literature. In one scheme, these lesions may be classified into four groups, that is, columnar cell change with and without atypia and columnar cell hyperplasia with and without atypia. Morphologic and molecular observations suggest an association, perhaps in a nonobligate precursor role, between some columnar cell lesions and a variety of other neoplastic lesions. We describe the case of a 43-year-old woman whose breast tumor contained areas diagnostic of mucocele-like tumor and columnar cell hyperplasia, with morphologic transitions in between. Our case represents the second broadly similar case that has been reported, and suggests a potential relationship between these two enigmatic lesions.
Schottky diode clamping in silicon integrated circuits and distress caused by thermal processing

Aluminum-silicon junctions, such as those used in Schottky T2L and I2L technologies are shown to be sensitive to the heat treatments (HT) encountered in the I.C. processing. The barrier height of Al- nSi clamping diodes φ bn increases with the heat treatment while that of Al- p Si (ohmic) contacts φ bp decreases. The magnitudes of the barrier height changes are dependent upon the HT temperature, Al thickness and cooling rate and can be several tenths of an eV. In-depth Auger analysis of the HT contacts reveals the formation of an o Al-rich (p+) surface layer (of \simeq 100-200 A) which is responsible for the barrier height changes.
On the genesis of the Earth's magnetism

Few areas of geophysics are today progressing as rapidly as basic geomagnetism, which seeks to understand the origin of the Earth's magnetism. Data about the present geomagnetic field pours in from orbiting satellites, and supplements the ever growing body of information about the field in the remote past, derived from the magnetism of rocks. The first of the three parts of this review summarizes the available geomagnetic data and makes significant inferences about the large scale structure of the geomagnetic field at the surface of the Earth's electrically conducting fluid core, within which the field originates. In it, we recognize the first major obstacle to progress: because of the Earth's mantle, only the broad, slowly varying features of the magnetic field within the core can be directly observed. The second (and main) part of the review commences with the geodynamo hypothesis: the geomagnetic field is induced by core flow as a self-excited dynamo. Its electrodynamics define 'kinematic dynamo theory'. Key processes involving the motion of magnetic field lines, their diffusion through the conducting fluid, and their reconnection are described in detail. Four kinematic models are presented that are basic to a later section on successful dynamo experiments. The fluid dynamics of the core is considered next, the fluid being driven into motion by buoyancy created by the cooling of the Earth from its primordial state. The resulting flow is strongly affected by the rotation of the Earth and by the Lorentz force, which alters fluid motion by the interaction of the electric current and magnetic field. A section on 'magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) dynamo theory' is devoted to this rotating magnetoconvection. Theoretical treatment of the MHD responsible for geomagnetism culminates with numerical solutions of its governing equations. These simulations help overcome the first major obstacle to progress, but quickly meet the second: the dynamics of Earth's core are too complex, and operate across time and length scales too broad to be captured by any single laboratory experiment, or resolved on present-day computers. The geophysical relevance of the experiments and simulations is therefore called into question. Speculation about what may happen when computational power is eventually able to resolve core dynamics is given considerable attention. The final part of the review is a postscript to the earlier sections. It reflects on the problems that geodynamo theory will have to solve in the future, particularly those that core turbulence presents.
Marked Decline in Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Concentrations During the Paleogene

The relation between the partial pressure of atmospheric carbon dioxide (pCO2) and Paleogene climate is poorly resolved. We used stable carbon isotopic values of di-unsaturated alkenones extracted from deep sea cores to reconstruct pCO2 from the middle Eocene to the late Oligocene (approximately 45 to 25 million years ago). Our results demonstrate that pCO2 ranged between 1000 to 1500 parts per million by volume in the middle to late Eocene, then decreased in several steps during the Oligocene, and reached modern levels by the latest Oligocene. The fall in pCO2 likely allowed for a critical expansion of ice sheets on Antarctica and promoted conditions that forced the onset of terrestrial C4 photosynthesis.
Diving Depths of the Weddell Seal

Dives as deep as 350 meters have been recorded for the Weddell seal in the waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. It is suggested that Weddell seals possess a well-developed navigational system which enables them to swim long distances under thick ice shelves where light and breathing holes are limited.
Total Continence Reconstruction: A Comparison to Staged Reconstruction of Neuropathic Bowel and Bladder

Purpose: Surgical treatment for neuropathic bowel and bladder has become an essential tool in maximizing the quality of life in patients with myelomeningocele. We present our results comparing results in patients who underwent total continence reconstruction of the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts to patients who underwent a separate or single operation.Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with myelomeningocele at our institution who underwent reconstruction with a cutaneous catheterizable urinary channel or Malone antegrade continence enema. We compared outcomes with regard to surgical revisions of the channel between patients who underwent the construction of each simultaneously, that is total continence reconstruction, to outcomes in those with a single channel or who underwent reconstruction at 2 or more operations.Results: Most of our patients underwent genitourinary and gastrointestinal reconstruction, and few desired surgical intervention for only a si...
Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Eyelid as an Indicator of Multifocal Malignancy

Of 30 consecutive patients with ocular adnexal basal cell carcinoma, 18 (60%) had at least one additional unsuspected foci of basal cell carcinoma. The patients most likely to have additional basal cell skin cancer were women, those with previous basal cell carcinoma, and those whose eyelid lesions were recurrent, located at the medial canthus, or of the sclerosing cell type. Using a slit lamp helped us to identify suspicious lesions on the face, but we often required the assistance of a dermatologist to diagnose sclerosing lesions. Comprehensive treatment of basal cell carcinomas should include eradication of the initial lesion, examination for coexisting lesions, prophylaxis for solar exposure, and follow-up examinations for recurrent or new lesions.
Infant colic and maternal depression.

The combined impact of infant colic and maternal depression on infant, parent, and family difficulties was examined. The sample included 93 consecutive patients seen at an outpatient Colic Clinic. Most mothers had private insurance and completed high school. Infants were approximately 2 months of age. Questionnaires completed by the mother prior to treatment onset were used to measure depressive symptoms in the mothers, infant cry, sleep and temperament, characteristics, parenting stress, maternal self-esteem, social support, and family function. Moderate to severe depressive symptoms were reported by 45.2% of the mothers. More severe depressive symptoms in the mothers were related to fussy/difficult infant temperament, more parenting stress, lower parental self-esteem, and more family-functioning problems. Pediatric health care providers need to be aware that the combined effects of colic and maternal depression can be problematic for the family. ©2005 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health.
Radiation treatment parameters in the adjuvant postoperative therapy of gastric cancer

Radiation therapy will be used much more commonly in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the stomach because of the results of the Intergroup Trial demonstrating an advantage to adjuvant postoperative chemoradiation therapy. Previous descriptions of radiation fields have not emphasized the variation in local spread patterns between tumors located in different portions of the stomach and the varying extent of the primary tumor and lymph node spread. Based on data obtained from surgical and pathologic series, we have recommended a variation in the radiation fields from those routinely applied at the present time. Tumors located primarily in the region of the gastric cardia have the highest risk of nodal involvement in the pericardial region and along the lesser and greater curvature, as well as risk of spread into the periesophageal tissue. However, there is a lower risk of involvement in the distally located nodes, especially in the gastric antrum, periduodenal, and porta hepatis regions. For a patient who has been well evaluated both surgically and pathologically, and found to be node negative, it may not be necessary to treat the nodes in these lower risk sites. Similarly, tumors that originate in the distal stomach, in the region of the gastric antrum, have a high likelihood of spread to the periduodenal, peripancreatic, and porta hepatis nodes, and a lower likelihood of spread to the nodes near the cardia of the stomach, the periesophageal and mediastinal nodes, or to the splenic hilar nodes. Any tumor originating in the stomach has a high propensity of spread to nodes along the greater and lesser curvature, although they are most likely to spread to those sites in close anatomic proximity to the primary tumor mass. Based on such information, we have described the nodal and primary sites that should be treated for different T- and N-stage tumors located in the cardia, body, or antrum of the stomach. These should be used as guides for defining appropriate field arrangements for the adjuvant postoperative therapy of gastric cancer.
Histologic Analysis of the Irradiated Anal Sphincter

PURPOSE: There is accumulating evidence, both quantitative and qualitative, that pelvic irradiation adversely affects anorectal function. However, histologic evidence of sphincter injury has not been demonstrated. This study was designed to perform histologic assessment of collagen deposition and nerve alteration in the internal anal sphincters of rectal cancer patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection after adjuvant chemoradiation therapy and to correlate the degree of histologic changes with the time interval between chemoradiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection. METHODS: Anal canal specimens were prospectively collected in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection. Representative slides were cut transversely at the level of the dentate line. Using trichrome and S-100 protein staining, a single pathologist blinded to the patients’ treatment assessed collagen deposition and nerve fiber densities in the internal anal sphincter, respectively. RESULTS: Twelve patients received radiation for rectal cancer (chemoradiotherapy group) and six were treated by surgery alone, including four patients with rectal cancer (1 leiomyosarcoma) and two with Crohn’s disease (control group). There was a trend toward increased fibrosis (replacement of >10 percent of normal structures by collagen) and nerve density in the chemoradiotherapy group compared with the control group (P = 0.08 and P = 0.05, respectively). Nerve density significantly increased as chemoradiotherapy to abdominoperineal resection interval increased (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic irradiation results in damage to the myenteric plexus of the internal anal sphincter of patients with rectal cancer; these alterations seem to be time-dependent. A trend toward increased collagen deposition also was observed. Together, these results provide a morphologic basis, which concurs to previously described physiologic and clinical alterations in the anal sphincter of patients irradiated for rectal cancer.
Self-energy-limited ion transport in subnanometer channels.

The current-voltage characteristics of the ! -Hemolysin protein pore during the passage of singlestranded DNA under varying ionic strength C are studied experimentally. We observe strong blockage of the current, weak superlinear growth of the current as a function of voltage, and a minimum of the current as a function of C. These observations are interpreted as the result of the ion electrostatic self-energy barrier originating from the large difference in the dielectric constants of water and the lipid bilayer. The dependence of DNA capture rate on C also agrees with our model.
Mesoscale response of diatom populations to a wind event in the plume of the Hudson River

Abstract Effects of a southwest wind event on distributions of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and diatom biomass are described and evaluated in terms of interactions between circulation, static stability of the water column, and the suspension and growth of diatom populations. A diatom bloom, dominated by Skeletonema costatum , developed in response to upwelling as a consequence of the vertical transport of biomass from the aphotic zone (deduced from distributions and rate measurements), a decrease in sinking rate from 1.0 to 0.3 m d −1 (from sediment trap collections), and lower dilution rates (from hydrography). Carbon-specific growth rate of diatoms showed little variability based on measurements made before and during the bloom, i.e., variations in diatom production were primarily due to variable loss rates rather than to growth. The influence of diatom production associated with the coastal plume of the Hudson River (areas 1000 km 2 ) was observed to extend ca. 100 km seaward of the zone of most active production. Episodes of cross-shelf transport and onshore accumulation of phytoplankton biomass appear to alternate with periods of high surface production in the plume.
Parasitism and ant protection alter the survival of the lycaenid Hemiargus isola

Abstract. 1. Although the majority of lycaenid–ant associations is facultative, few studies have documented the protection benefits provided by ants to lycaenids that are tended facultatively (Pierce & Easteal, 1986; Peterson, 1993). 2. Larvae of Hemiargus isola (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) feeding on Dalea albiflora are tended facultatively by several species of ant. In 1999 and 2000, the levels of parasitism and the identities of attendant ants were determined for larvae of H. isola. In addition, the presence of ants was manipulated experimentally to determine the efficacy of protection provided by attendant ants to H. isola. 3. Lycaenids were parasitised by a braconid wasp, Cotesia cyaniridis (Riley), and a tachinid fly, Aplomya theclarum (Scudder). In 1999 and 2000, 62 and 65% of larvae were parasitised; the percentage of the population parasitised did not differ significantly between years. In both 1999 and 2000, parasitism by the braconid wasp C. cyaniridis accounted for > 99% of all parasitism events. 4. Four species of ant, Crematogaster sp., Dorymyrmex sp., Forelius sp., and Formica sp., were associated with 88–99% of the tended lycaenids collected in both 1999 and 2000. For both years, there was a single, numerically dominant species associated with >80% of the tended larvae collected, but the identity of this numerically dominant ant differed between years. 5. Experimental exclusion of ants from D. albiflora plants resulted in 78% larval mortality as a result of parasitism, nearly twice that of larvae that were tended by ants on unmanipulated plants.
Oral Health in the Pediatric Practice Setting: a Survey of Washington State Pediatricians

Background: Pediatric health care providers may be the only source of preventive oral health education for families of young children who lack access to professional dental care. Objective: We surveyed Washington State pediatricians in order to characterize their oral health-related educational needs and anticipatory guidance practices. Methods: A 38-question survey was mailed to all 606 general pediatricians in Washington State. Topics included anticipatory practices and confidence in oral health-related activities. Results: Of 483 eligible participants, 271 returned completed surveys (response rate: 57%). A median of 30 percent of the well-child visit was devoted to providing anticipatory guidance. A majority (83.7%) of respondents reported providing anticipatory guidance on oral health. Conclusion: Washington State pediatricians are already involved in providing oral health anticipatory guidance. Certain factors are identified that should be addressed to allow pediatricians to promote oral health more effectively.
Enumerating by pointing to locations: a new method for measuring the numerosity of visual object representations

The fast and accurate enumeration of a small set of objects, called subitizing, is thought to involve a different mechanism from other numerosity judgments, such as those based on estimation. In this report, we examine the subitizing limit using a novel enumeration task that obtained the perceived locations of enumerated objects. Observers were shown brief masked displays (50, 200, and 350 ms) of 2–9 small black discs randomly placed on a gray screen and then asked to place a marker where each disc had been located. The number of these markers provided an estimate of the number of items processed. This “pointing” methodology enabled observers to accurately “enumerate” displays containing up to six items in contrast with the four-item limit typically found when using standard reporting methods (and replicated here in Experiment 2). These results suggest a different account of the limits found in most subitizing and enumeration studies.
Memory impairment in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy.

• Verbal memory was compared in 12 patients with progressive supranuclear palsy and 12 healthy control subjects matched for age, sex, and education. Learning, consolidation, and retrieval were significantly impaired in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy. Information scanning, which requires the use of short-term memory processes, remained intact. Duration of symptoms and degree of motor dysfunction correlated with intrusions during learning. No relation between central dopamine metabolism and memory dysfunction could be established.
Adenosine induced immunosuppression: The role of the adenosine receptor-adenylate cyclase interaction in the alteration of T-lymphocyte surface phenotype and immunoregulatory function

Abstract Adenosine (1 μM at 37°C) rapidly modulates the expression of T-lymphocyte surface antigens (OKT4 and OKT8) and Fcγ receptors, and increases T-suppressor activity for pokeweed mitogen driven in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis. The adenosine induced increased OKT8 expression developed more slowly; increased Fcγ expression was maximal at 30 min after initiation of incubation with adenosine. Adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine and adenosine in the presence of nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI) induced the decrease in OKT4 expression. In contrast only adenosine induced the enhancement of OKT8 and Fcγ receptor expression. Neither 2-chloroadenosine, a poorly transported analog, nor adenosine in the presence of the adenosine transport inhibitor NBTI were capable of enhancing OKT8 or Fcγ receptor expression. Adenosine was shown to cause a rapid biphasic increase cAMP, while 2-chloroadenosine and adenosine with NBTI induces a prolonged elevation to cAMP. Similarly isoproteranol which induces a sustained elevation in cAMP suppressed the adenosine induced increases in OKT8 and Fcγ receptor expression. Incubation of T-helper/inducer lymphocytes with 1 μM adenosine for 30 min at 37°C caused the loss of T-helper function; this loss of T-helper activity has previously been shown to result from the activation of T-suppressor cells. The loss of T-helper function was blocked by the simultaneous addition of (1) isobutylmethylxanthine, an R site adenosine receptor antagonist, or (2) NBTI, an adenosine transport inhibitor. Moreover, 2-chloroadenosine could not induce loss of T-helper function. These data indicate that the loss of OKT4 expression induced by adenosine is caused by the rapid rise in cAMP due to adenosine interaction with Ra stimulatory adenosine receptors. Exogenous cAMP was found to cause a maximal loss in OKT4 expression at 10 −12 M. In contrast adenosine enhanced expression of OKT8 and Fcγ receptors was inhibited by persistent cAMP elevation and required entry to adenosine into the cell as well as a decline in cAMP. The development of immunosuppressive activity was shown to require both stimulation of the Ra site, as well as entry of adenosine into the cell.
Conflict-free channel assignment for an optical cluster-based shuffle network configuration

A passive optical realization of large expandable shuffle networks is considered, where the general (p, k) shuffle function interconnects star-coupled clusters of time and/or wavelength multiplexed nodes. This configuration enables network partitioning into independent subnetworks that can emulate various indirect cube topologies on a virtual point-to-point basis. Node transmitters are assigned fixed channels and reconfiguring the partition and/or the individual sub-network topologies is achieved by monitoring the appropriate channels. The considered network configuration can function as a general-purpose optical interconnect for a variety of heterogeneous traffic sources, such as multicomputers and ATM network interface units, communicating independently within logically defined subnetworks. The paper derives a conflict-free channel partition and assignment map for a general (p, k) cluster shuffle using a minimal number of channel sets.
Conflict and assessment in a predator-prey system: ground squirrels versus rattlesnakes.

Abstract Adult California ground squirrels,Spermophilus beecheyi beecheyi, actively confront and harass northern Pacific rattlesnakes,Crotalus viridis oreganus, which are the principal predator of ground squirrel pups. In this report we examine the roles of risk (snake size) and context (location of encounter and squirrel reproductive category) in rattlesnake assessment by ground squirrels. In interpreting the results, we borrow heavily from the well-developed conceptual framework applied in the analogous case of intraspecific conflict. Large and small snakes were tethered near the home burrows of male ground squirrels, and maternal and nonmaternal female ground squirrels. Ground squirrels appeared to employ assessment strategies which served to mediate the level of risk associated with confronting larger snakes. The results suggest that ground squirrels exercise greater caution when dealing with large snakes and invest more in monitoring the snake from a safe distance. Maternal squirrels, which have more at stake reproductively, spent more time and effort in snake-directed activities than did squirrels from other reproductive categories. Mothers also differentiated more strongly between large and small snakes, perhaps reflecting the greater vulnerability of their pups to larger snakes. Finally, ground squirrels discriminated between snakes found close to their home burrow and those encountered further abroad. At the home burrow, squirrels monitored the snake from a closer distance, displayed a greater willingness to confront the snake, and escalated to more dangerous levels of harassment. This assessment strategy may reflect a higher payoff to squirrels that persist in driving snakes out of the home area, thereby reducing the risk of future ambush.
Gender Differences in Publication Productivity, Academic Position, and Career Duration Among Current Academic Radiation Oncology Faculty

Scholastic Activity Among Radiation Oncology Residents at US Academic Institutions: A Benchmark Analysis of H-Index S. Rana, E.B. Holliday, C.D. Fuller, R. Jagsi, L. Wilson, M. Choi, and C.R. Thomas; The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, Oregon Health Science Center Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, OR
Solid solubility of Ge, Si, and Mg in Fe2O3 and photoelectric behavior

Abstract Solid solutions of GeO2 in Fe2O3 were prepared by mechanically mixing the solids and firing at 1000°C in air, and from a gel obtained by the addition of an alcohol solution of germanium ethoxide to iron dissolved in HNO3. The dried gel was then heated at 1000°C. The solubility limit is 5 mole% GeO2, Fe1.95Ge0.05O3. Similar procedures were used to prepare solid solutions with Si and the solubility limit is greater than 4 mole% SiO2. Firing of mixtures or gels of Fe2O3 containing Mg produces a spinel phase even at the lowest detectable concentrations. The resistivity of pressed pellets of Fe2−xGexO3 varies from about 106 ohm-cm for x = 0 to about 10−1 ohm-cm for x = 0.05. The photoassisted electrolysis of water at Ge-doped Fe2O3 electrodes is demonstrated. The Fe 2 O 3 (Ge) 0.7 M Fe(CN) 4− 6 , 0.05 M Fe(CN) 3− 6 Pt photoelectrochemical cell showed a 0.29-V open-circuit voltage, 1.2-mA/cm2 short-circuit current, 0.31 fill factor, and 0.06% power efficiency.
Smoking cessation and bone healing: optimal cessation timing

Smoking is a worldwide epidemic. Complications related to smoking behavior generate an economic loss around $193 billion annually. In addition to impacting chronic health conditions, smoking is linked to increased perioperative complications in those with current or previous smoking history. Numerous studies have demonstrated more frequent surgical complications including higher rates of infection, poor wound healing, heightened pain complaints, and increased pulmonary morbidities in patients with a smoking history. Longer preoperative cessation periods also seem to correlate with reduced rates. At roughly 4 weeks of cessation prior to surgery, complication rates more closely reflect individuals without a smoking history in comparison with those that smoke within 4 weeks of surgery. In the musculoskeletal system, a similar trend has been observed in smokers with higher rates of fractures, nonunions, malunions, infections, osteomyelitis, and lower functional scores compared to non-smoking patients. Unfortunately, the present literature lacks robust data suggesting a temporal relationship between smoking cessation and bone healing. In our review, we analyze pseudoarthrosis rates following spinal fusion to suggest that bone healing in the context of smoking behavior follows a similar time sequence as observed in wound healing. We also discuss the implications for further clarity on bone healing and smoking cessation within orthopedics including improved risk stratification and better identification of circumstances where adjunct therapy is appropriate.
Conditioning arbitrary stimuli to cigarette smoke intake: A preliminary study

This study represents an attempt to classically condition arbitrary stimuli to cigarette smoke intake. A smoker either smoked or mock-smoked a cigarette in two discriminative contexts for 20 sessions. The contingencies were reversed during an additional last two sessions. Measures of heart rate, skin temperature, and puff duration were monitored during all sessions. Results suggested that both manipulations of smoke delivery and context cues were related to puff duration. The pattern of psychophysiological reactivity was mixed and not easily interpreted. This experimental paradigm may be useful in the investigation of conditioning factors underlying addictive behaviors.
Helping behaviour and regard for others in capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)

Altruism is an evolutionary puzzle. To date, much debate has focused on whether helping others without regard to oneself is a uniquely human behaviour, with a variety of empirical studies demonstrating a lack of altruistic behaviour in chimpanzees even when the demands of behaving altruistically seem minimal. By contrast, a recent experiment has demonstrated that chimpanzees will help a human experimenter to obtain an out-of-reach object, irrespective of whether or not they are offered a reward for doing so, suggesting that the cognitions underlying altruistic behaviour may be highly sensitive to situational demands. Here, we examine the cognitive demands of other-regarding behaviour by testing the conditions under which primates more distantly related to humans—capuchin monkeys—help an experimenter to obtain an out-of-reach object. Like chimpanzees, capuchin monkeys helped human experimenters even in the absence of a reward, but capuchins systematically failed to take into account the perspective of others when they stood to obtain food for themselves. These results suggest an important role for perspective taking and inhibition in altruistic behaviour and seem to reflect a significant evolutionary development in the roots of altruism, and specifically in other-regarding behaviour, between the divergence of New World monkeys and apes.
Detection and Characterization of Coal and Char Particle Ignitions

We report the development of a novel experimental technique that combines video microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis to optimize the detection of coal and char particle ignitions. This technique is particularly effective for detecting ignitions occurring in coal or char samples containing multiple particles, where other commonly used techniques fail. The new approach also allows for visualization of the ignition mechanism. Devolatilized char particles appear to ignite heterogeneously, while coal particles may ignite homogeneously, heterogeneously, or through a combination of both mechanisms.
Photodarkening effect in Cux(As0.4Se0.6)1−x and Cux(As0.4S0.6)1−x

Abstract The photodarkening (PD) effect has been essentially eliminated in Cux(As0.4Se0.6)1−x with x ⪖ 5% and in Cux(As0.4S0.6)1−x with x ⪖ 1% when the glasses are quenched from the melt. A structural model for this class of chalcogenide glasses is outlined to interpret the results. A well annealed film of glassy Cu5(As0.4Se0.6)95 has a larger band gap than the bulk and shows a reversible PD effect of ΔE ≅ 0.075 eV under the same experimental conditions. This fact indicates that the film has a different structure from the bulk sample.
Factors confounding impedance catheter volume measurements in vitro.

Abstract The impedance catheter allows continuous measurement of ventricular volume. External influences have been described as causing parallel shifts in impedance-measured volumes; however, factors affecting impedance measurements in a nonparallel manner have not been fully characterized. Accordingly, an impedance catheter was placed inside a latex balloon into which known volumes of normal saline solution were injected. Conductive and noncenductive materials were individually placed within the balloon. Impedance was measured with materials touching (T) or not touching (NT) the catheter. Impedance-measured volumes were plotted versus actual volumes. Compared with the line of identity (LID), a statistical difference ( p T = 1.32, m NT = 1.29 versus m LID = 1.00), titanium (T) (m T = 1 68 versus m LID = 1.00), and aluminum (NT) (m NT = 0.72 versus m LID = 1.00). These changes in slope indicate nonparallel effects on impedance that confound the ability of the impedance catheter to determine volumes in vitro. These observations imply that serial calibration of both the slope constant (α) and the intercept (parallel conductance) of impedance may be necessary for in vivo measurements of ventricular volume based on impedance in the presence of metallic objects.
Activation and mechanism of Clostridium septicum alpha toxin

Clostridium septicum produces a single lethal factor, alpha toxin (AT), which is a cytolytic protein with a molecular mass of approximately 48 kDa. The 48 kDa toxin was found to be an inactive protoxin (ATpro) which could be activated via a carboxy-terminal cleavage with trypsin. The cleavage site was located approximately 4 kDa from the carboxy-terminus. Proteolytically activated ATpro had a specific activity of approximately 1.5 x 10(6) haemolytic units mg-1. The trypsin-activated toxin (ATact) was haemolytic, stimulated a prelytic release of potassium ions from erythrocytes which was followed by haemoglobin release, induced channel formation in planar membranes and aggregated into a complex of M(r) > 210,000 on erythrocyte membranes. ATpro did not exhibit these properties. ATact formed pores with a diameter of at least 1.3-1.6 nm. We suggest that pore formation on target cell membranes is responsible for the cytolytic activity of alpha toxin.
Numerical Methods for the Prediction of the Bilge Keel Effects on the Response of Ship-Shaped Hulls

This paper addresses the hydrodynamic interaction and response of typical FPSO/FSO and LNG hull-forms with bilge keels. The hull-forms are assumed to be slender with the longitudinal length-scale exceeding the other two physical dimensions. This assumption allows the modeling of the flow around the hull-form in a 2-D strip-wise manner. A Finite Volume Method (FVM) based numerical model is developed to analyze the flow around the 2-D hull-sections, with and without bilge keels. The effect of the bilge keels in the damping of hull motions is presented with the application of the numerical scheme to a hull in forced roll motion, and its transient response in roll and heave decay.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Surface-relief fiber Bragg gratings for sensing applications

We present a new type of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) in which we etch the grating into the flat surface of a D-shaped optical fiber. Instead of being written in the core of the fiber, as are standard FBGs, these surface-relief FBGs are placed in the cladding above the core. These gratings are a viable alternative to standard FBGs for sensing applications. We describe the fabrication process for etching Bragg gratings into the surface of D-fibers and demonstrate their performance as temperature sensors.
Evaluation of toxicity test procedure for screening treatability potential of waste in soil

A toxicity procedure has been developed and proposed for use in establishing acceptable initial loading rates and detoxification potentials for hazardous industrial waste when combined with soil. The procedure involves conducting toxicity screening and toxicity reduction experiments using selected waste-soil combinations. These experiments employ a bacterial bioluminescence assay (MicrotoxTM) to determine acute toxicity of organic contaminants contained in the water soluble fraction (WSF) of waste-soil mixtures. Toxicity screening test results are used to establish a range of loading rates acceptable for use in subsequent waste-soil treatability studies. Toxicity reduction experimental results are used to determine soil detoxification potentials over time for soluble toxic organics contained in the waste-soil loading combination selected. A major factor in determining acceptability of any test procedure is whether or not different investigators can achieve reproducible and comparable results. This paper describes the proposed procedure and reports results from toxicity experiments conducted concurrently by two laboratories using aliquots from the same soil and waste samples. Comparability of results was reported to be a function of the similarity of waste sample aliquots used in the toxicity experiments. Toxicity screening results for uniform technical grade creosote aliquots were highly comparable between the two laboratories, while results for highly variable creosote wood preserving waste (WPC) aliquots were much less comparable. Toxicity reduction experimental results for the WPC waste also indicated significant variation between laboratories for initial (Day 0) samples; however, the same patterns of detoxification over time were observed by each laboratory with toxicity results at the end of the experimental period (Day 42) being similar. Although the research described in this article has been funded wholly or in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it has not been subjected to the agency's peer and administrative review and therefore may not necessarily reflect the views of the agency and no official endorsement should be inferred.