cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incidence and outcomes of contralateral breast cancers.

Abstract Background The significance of a contralateral breast cancer is largely unknown, making prophylactic mastectomy controversial. Methods Differences between stages of initial and contralateral cancers were determined by t test. Survival distributions were compared by log-rank analyses and compared with Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results data for unilateral cancers. Results Metachronous contralateral cancers occurred at a rate of .13% per year and were of significantly lower stage. Metachronous cancers adversely impacted survival for patients with low-stage initial cancers, but the interval between cancers was less than 36 months. Synchronous tumors occurred in 2.3% of patients; survival was worse than for patients with metachronous cancers. Conclusions Prophylactic mastectomy is unlikely to be beneficial because of the lower stages and low incidence of second cancers, even for patients with initial low-stage cancers.
GENDER, CAMPAIGN FINANCE, AND ELECTORAL SUCCESS IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Despite high success rates when they run for office, women are still underrepresented in federal, state, and local elective office. Past research has explored factors that contribute to the scarcit...
RNAi-mediated Gene Knockdown and In Vivo Diuresis Assay in Adult Female Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

This video protocol demonstrates an effective technique to knockdown a particular gene in an insect and conduct a novel bioassay to measure excretion rate. This method can be used to obtain a better understanding of the process of diuresis in insects and is especially useful in the study of diuresis in blood-feeding arthropods that are able to take up huge amounts of liquid in a single blood meal. This RNAi-mediated gene knockdown combined with an in vivo diuresis assay was developed by the Hansen lab to study the effects of RNAi-mediated knockdown of aquaporin genes on Aedes aegypti mosquito diuresis. The protocol is setup in two parts: the first demonstration illustrates how to construct a simple mosquito injection device and how to prepare and inject dsRNA into the thorax of mosquitoes for RNAi-mediated gene knockdown. The second demonstration illustrates how to determine excretion rates in mosquitoes using an in vivo bioassay.
Gubernatorial Leadership: Testing a preliminary model

Abstract This article provides an empirical test of a model of gubernatorial leadership. The model includes personal, political, institutional and environmental factors that leadership theorists have asserted are important to leadership success. Utilizing a longitudinal design, ordinary least squares regression is employed to relate these variables to two distinctive measures of leadership success: one quantitative, one perceptual. The explanatory value of the model varies with the measure of gubernatorial success: it is a better predictor of perceived success than it is of success with the state legislature. One variable, gubernatorial skill and experience enters both models successfully. Gubernatorial personality, the nature of the strategy employed by the governor when announcing his policy priorities, and electoral margin also explain some of the variance in perceived success.
Mass balance assessment of triclosan removal during conventional sewage treatment

Abstract The antimicrobial agent triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol; TCS) is a member of a larger group of polychlorinated binuclear aromatic compounds frequently associated with adverse environmental and human health effects. Whereas the structure and function of TCS would suggest significant resistance to biotransformation, biological wastewater treatment currently is considered the principal destructive mechanism limiting dispersal of and environmental contamination with this compound. We explored the persistence of TCS in a typical full-scale activated sludge US sewage treatment plant using a mass balance approach in conjunction with isotope dilution liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ID-LC-ESI-MS) for accurate quantification. Average influent and effluent concentrations (mean ± SD) of 4.7 ± 1.6 and 0.07 ± 0.06 μg l−1, respectively, revealed an apparent (liquid-phase) removal efficiency of 98 ± 1%. However, further analyses demonstrated that the particle-active TCS (80 ± 22% particle-associated in influent) was sequestered into wastewater residuals and accumulated in dewatered, digested sludge to concentrations of 30 000 ± 11 000 μg kg−1. Overall, 50 ± 19% (1640 ± 610 g d−1) of the disinfectant mass entering the plant (3240 ± 1860 g d−1) remained detectable in sludge, and less than half of the total mass (48 ± 19%) was biotransformed or lost to other mechanisms. Thus, conventional sewage treatment was demonstrated to be much less effective in destroying the antimicrobial than the aqueous-phase removal efficiency of the plant would make believe. Furthermore, study findings indicate that the common practice of sludge recycling in agriculture results in the transfer of substantial quantities of TCS to US soils used, in part, for animal husbandry and crop production.
Arginine restores nitric oxide activity and inhibits monocyte accumulation after vascular injury in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Abstract Objectives. This study sought to determine whether the alterations in vascular function and structure after balloon injury in hypercholesterolemic rabbits could be inhibited by dietary arginine. Background. Administration of arginine (the nitric oxide [NO] precursor) restores vascular NO activity in hypercholesterolemic animals. We and other investigators have shown that enhancement of vascular NO activity can inhibit myointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury in normocholesterolemic animals. Methods. Twenty-eight New Zealand White rabbits received either normal rabbit chow, 0.5% cholesterol diet or 0.5% cholesterol diet plus l -arginine hydrochloride (2.25% wt/vol) in the drinking water. After 6 weeks of dietary intervention, the left iliac artery of each animal was subjected to a balloon injury. Four weeks later, the iliac arteries were harvested for vascular reactivity studies and immunohistochemical analysis. Results. Vascular injury induced intimal thickening that was largely composed of vascular smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix. In the setting of hypercholesterolemia, vascular injury induced an exuberant myointimal lesion that was augmented by the accumulation of lipid-laden macrophages. Dietary arginine reduced intimal thickening in the injured vessels of hypercholesterolemic animals and substantially inhibited the accumulation of macrophages in the lesion (from 28% to 5% of the lesion area, p Conclusions. We report that lesions induced by vascular injury in hypercholesterolemic animals are markedly reduced by oral administration of arginine. Moreover, we find that the nature of the lesion is altered, with a striking reduction in the percentage of macrophages comprising the lesion.
Analytic Properties of Transition Amplitudes in Perturbation Theory

The analytic properties of two-particle transition amplitudes as functions of both energy and momentum transfer are examined in perturbation theory. The modified Nambu representation previously proposed by the author for expressing these properties is discussed in a little more detail. It is shown that, as long as the masses do not satisfy certain inequalities connected with the existence of anomalous thresholds, the fourthorder terms, calculated in the usual manner, satisfy the representation. The spectral functions are calculated explicitly for spinless particles. The proof can be extended to the sixth order, but is not worked out here. The modifications necessary when there exist anomalous thresholds are mentioned.
PHENOMENOLOGY OF NEUTRON OSCILLATIONS

Abstract We have recently argued that gauge models with spontaneously broken local B − L symmetry can lead to large ΔB = 2 nucleon transition amplitudes for processes such as n − n oscillations and n + p → pions. We discuss the phenomenology of neutron oscillations both in vacuum and in the presence of external fields. These considerations indicate that neutron oscillation experiments can be much more sensitive to the ΔB = 2 amplitude than tests of nucleon instability.
Futures trading in less ‘noisy’ markets

Abstract The Itayose-hoh auction system used on many Japanese commodity futures markets produces futures prices which are less ‘noisy’ than those generated on the open outcry auction system used on most U.S. futures markets. This affords a test of some propositions Black (1986) advances concerning the influence of ‘noise’ on the behavior of speculative prices. Data on Tokyo Grain Exchange azuki or red bean futures prices are used to examine Black's hypotheses.
Fourier transform of Bernstein-Bézier polynomials

Explicit formulae, in terms of Bernstein–Bezier coefficients, of the Fourier transform of bivariate polynomials on a triangle and univariate polynomials on an interval are derived in this paper. Examples are given and discussed to illustrate the general theory. Finally, this consideration is related to the study of refinement masks of spline function vectors.
Parallel Simulations of CO2 Sequestration Using a Non-Isothermal Compositional Model

This paper describes an efficient and parallel numerical scheme for multiphase compositional flow. The underlying theory is first presented followed by a brief description of the equation of state (EOS) and the two-phase flash implementation. An iterative “implicit-pressure and explicit-concentrations” (IMPEC) algorithm is then applied to enforce a non-linear volume balance (saturation) constraint. The pressure system is solved using a mixed finite element method, while the concentrations are updated explicitly in a manner that preserves local mass balance of every component. A major application of this scheme is in the modeling of field scale CO2 sequestration, as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process or for storage in deep saline aquifers. Thermal energy transfer also plays an important role in such problems since it can effect the phase properties dramatically. Hence, accurate and locally conservative methods are desirable to model the thermal effects. To this end, the paper also presents a time-split scheme for modeling thermal energy transfer which is sequentially coupled to flow. Finally, some numerical results are presented for challenging benchmark problems.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
RAPID DISAPPEAEANCE OF PROGESTERONE FROM OILY SOLUTIONS INJECTED INTRAPERITONEALLY IN MICE1

Seventy-five to 22,500 µg. of progesterone dissolved in 1.5 ml. sesame oil were injected intraperitoneally into ovariectomized adult CHI mice. They were exsanguinated two and one-half minutes to eight hours later, and the gestagen levels in the plasma and in the oil recovered from the peritoneal cavities were determined by bio-assay. Concentrations in the plasma were found to have risen quickly and to have declined within an hour. Concentrations in the recovered oil fell to 60µg. or less within 10 minutes and to about 12 µg. in 30 minutes, regardless of the original concentration of the injected solution.
Economics of nerve block pain management after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: potential hospital cost savings via associated postanesthesia care unit bypass and same-day discharge.

BackgroundAnterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a complex outpatient surgical procedure often associated with pain. Traditionally, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia and often requires the use of the PACU. Refractory pain and/or nausea/vomiting occasionally leads to an unplan
The Total Synthesis of (±)-Ginkgolide B

The total synthesis of the potent PAF antagonist ginkgolide B has been accomplished. The complex architecture of ginkgolide B which includes six rings, eleven stereogenic centers, ten oxygenated carbons, and four contiguous fully substituted carbons is a daunting challenge for chemical synthesis. The synthesis of ginkgolide B was accomplished through a stereoselective intramolecular photocycloaddition of enone 5 to construct the congested core of the molecule. The photocycloaddition substrate was prepared through technology for the construction of carboalkoxycyclopentenones previously reported from these laboratories. Regioselective cyclobutane fragmentation and further functionalization of the photoadduct 4 provided the key pentacyclic intermediate. Acid-catalyzed rearrangement and epoxide opening were key transformations in the production of ginkgolide B from the pentacyclic intermediate.
Temperature dependence of the linewidths of the Raman-active phonons of YBa2Cu3O7: Evidence for a superconducting gap between 440 and 500 cm-1.

The linewidths and frequencies of three Raman-active phonons have been measured in twin-free single crystals of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7}$. Below ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$, the phonon at 340 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ sharpens dramatically, the phonon at 440 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ sharpens slightly, and the phonon at 500 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ broadens. The temperature dependence of the phonon linewidths places the superconducting energy gap (2\ensuremath{\Delta}) between 440 and 500 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, or 2\ensuremath{\Delta}=6.8${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{B}}$${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$--7.7${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{B}}$${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$. Based upon the observed change in linewidth, the electron-phonon coupling strength of the 340-${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ phonon is estimated to be between 0.6 and 0.8.
Multiphysics extension to physically based analyses of pipes with emphasis on frost actions

Pipes, especially buried pipes, in cold regions generally experience a rash of failures during cold weather snaps. However, the existing heuristic models are unable to explain the basic processes involving frost actions. This is because the frost action is not a direct load but one that causes variations in pipe-soil interactions resulting from the coupled thermo- hydro-mechanical process in soils. This paper developed and implemented a holistic multiphysics simulation model for freezing soils and extended it to the analysis of pipe-soil systems. The theoretical framework was implemented to analyze both static and dynamic responses of buried pipes subjected to frost actions. The multiphysics simulations reproduced phenomena commonly observed during frost actions, e.g., ice fringe advancement and an increase in the internal stress of pipes. The influences of im- portant design factors, i.e., buried depth and overburden pressure, on pipe responses were simulated. A fatigue cracking criterion was utilized to predict the crack initialization under the joint effects of frost and dynamic traffic loads. The frost effects were found to have detrimental effects for accelerating fatigue crack initialization in pipes.
White dwarf radii and boundary-layer constraints in three dwarf novae.

Des courbes de lumiere d'eclipses avec un rapport signal-sur-bruit eleve et des courbes de lumiere synthetiques sont utilisees pour etudier la structure de la naine blanche et de la couche limite au centre du disque d'accretion dans 3 novae naines quiescentes Z Cha, OY Car, et HT Cas.
Production of chemokines, interleukin-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, during monocyte: endothelial cell interactions

The extravasation of leukocytes from the lumen of the vessel to a site of inflammation requires specific binding events. The interaction of leukocytes with endothelium, via specific receptors, may provide intracellular signals that activate extravasating cells. In the present study, we have investigated the production of chemokines, interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) during monocyte: endothelial cell interactions. Both unstimulated and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-prestimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) produced low constitutive levels of IL-8 and MCP-1. The addition of enriched monocytes with unstimulated HUVEC resulted in synergistic increases in production of both IL-8 and MCP-1. Monocytes cultured with IFN-gamma-preactivated HUVECs demonstrated little additional increase in IL-8 and MCP-1 production in coculture assays compared with unstimulated HUVEC. Northern blot analysis paralleled the protein data, demonstrating upregulated expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA in stimulated and unstimulated coculture assays. Culture of enriched monocytes and endothelial cells in transwells demonstrated no increases in IL-8 or MCP-1, indicating the necessity for cellular contact for chemokine production. In previous investigations, we have demonstrated that increased monocyte-derived MIP-1 alpha production was induced by intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) interactions on activated HUVECs. In contrast, addition of anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) did not diminish the production of IL-8 and MCP-1 in the present study. Furthermore, neither antibodies to IL-1 nor tumor necrosis factor (TNF) diminished the production of either IL-8 or MCP-1. However, when soluble matrix proteins were added to the coculture to block cellular interactions, the chemokine protein and mRNA levels were significantly decreased. IL-8 production was decreased by both soluble collagen and fibronectin, whereas MCP-1 was decreased by only soluble collagen, suggesting differential activation pathways. These results indicate that IL-8 and MCP-1 production are increased during monocyte and endothelial cell interactions in part due to matrix protein binding mechanisms. This mechanism may serve a role in cell activation, production of chemokines, as well as extravasation and recruitment of additional leukocytes during inflammatory responses.
Transition state in atomic physics

The transition state is fundamental to modern theories of reaction dynamics: essentially, the transition state is a structure in phase space that all reactive trajectories must cross. While transition-state theory (TST) has been used mainly in chemical physics, it is possible to apply the theory to considerable advantage in any collision problem that involves some form of reaction. Of special interest are systems in which chaotic scattering or half-scattering occurs such as the ionization of Rydberg atoms in external fields. In this paper the ionization dynamics of a hydrogen atom in crossed electric and magnetic fields are shown to possess a transition state: We compute the periodic orbit dividing surface (PODS) which is found not to be a dividing surface when projected into configuration space. Although the possibility of a PODS occurring in phase space rather than configuration space has been recognized before, to our knowledge this is the first actual example: its origin is traced directly to the presence of velocity-dependent terms in the Hamiltonian. Our findings establish TST as the method of choice for understanding ionization of Rydberg atoms in the presence of velocity-dependent forces. To demonstrate this TST is used to (i) uncover a multiple-scattering mechanism for ionization and (ii) compute ionization rates. In the process we also develop a method of computing surfaces of section that uses periodic orbits to define the surface, and examine the fractal nature of the dynamics.
An association of congenital mid-tracheal stenosis with Down syndrome

DOWN SYNDROME (TRISOMY 21) is one of the most common human chromosome abnormalities, occurring in approximately 1 of every 660 live births.1 This results in a characteristic cluster of physical findings, including dysmorphic facial features, a flat nasal bridge, epicanthal folds, and generalized hypotonia. Infants with Down syndrome also have a high incidence of congenital heart and gastrointestinal abnormalities, but an association of Down syndrome with congenital tracheal stenosis has been infrequently observed: It has been reported in fewer than 10 patients.2-6 In a 15-year period, we have treated 5 infants with Down syndrome and coexistent congenital mid-tracheal stenosis, all of whom have similar lesions and clinical presentations.
Effect of the fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana, on the lysozyme activity in Spodoptera exigua larvae

Abstract The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua , injected with the bacterial endotoxin (LPS), can be induced to produce relatively high titer (approx. 1 mg lysozyme/ml) of lysozyme activity. This enzyme, like other insect lysozyme is heat stable under acid conditions and has a M r of 15 kDa. Infection of S. exigua by Beauveria bassiana , disrupts the host cellular defense but does not induce lysozyme activity nor interfere with the ability of S. exigua to synthesize lysozyme in response to LPS challenge. The S. exigua humoral components induced by LPS challenge, although possessing antibacterial activity, do not have any observable effect on the in vivo development of B. bassiana .
Trending now: Using big data to examine public opinion of space policy

Abstract This article addresses a timely and widespread issue, that of public opinion and the rise of “big data.” Analysts of US space policy have consistently noted the role that public opinion plays in setting the directions for US space exploration. However, the tools that have been used to measure public opinion suffer from serious shortcomings in terms of timing and lack of available data. This paper introduces two new measures of public opinion, Google Trends and Twitter, and details how they can be used to assist in measuring interest in space policy in the American public.
Interferometric Bell-state preparation using femtosecond-pulse-pumped spontaneous parametric down-conversion

We present a theoretical and experimental study of preparing maximally entangled two-photon polarization states, or Bell states, using femtosecond-pulse-pumped spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC). First, we show how the inherent distinguishability in femtosecond-pulse-pumped type-II SPDC can be removed by using an interferometric technique without spectral and amplitude postselection. We then analyze the recently introduced Bell-state preparation scheme using type-I SPDC. Theoretically, both methods offer the same results, however, type-I SPDC provides experimentally superior methods of preparing Bell states in femtosecond-pulse-pumped SPDC. Such a pulsed source of highly entangled photon pairs is useful in quantum communications, quantum cryptography, quantum teleportation, etc.
A simplifier based on efficient decision algorithms

We describe a simplifier for use in program manipulation and verification. The simplifier finds a normal form for any expression over the language consisting of individual variables, the usual boolean connectives, the conditional function cond (denoting if-then-else), the integers (numerals), the arithmetic functions and predicates +, - and ≤, the LISP constants, functions and predicates nil, car, cdr, cons and atom, the functions store and select for storing into and selecting from arrays, and uninterpreted function symbols. Individual variables range over the union of the rationals, the set of arrays, the LISP s-expressions and the booleans true and false. The constant, function and predicate symbols take their natural interpretations.The simplifier is complete; that is, it simplifies every valid formula to true. Thus it is also a decision procedure for the quantifier-free theory of rationals, arrays and s-expressions under the above functions and predicates.The organization of the simplifier is based on a method for combining decision algorithms for several theories into a single decision algorithm for a larger theory containing the original theories. More precisely, given a set S of functions and predicates over a fixed domain, a satisfiability program for S is a program which determines the satisfiability of conjunctions of literals (signed atomic formulas) whose predicates and function signs are in S. We give a general procedure for combining satisfiability programs for sets S and T into a single satisfiability program for S ∪ T, given certain conditions on S and T. We show how a satisfiability program for a set S can be used to write a complete simplifier for expressions containing functions and predicates of S as well as uninterpreted function symbols.The simplifier described in this paper is currently used in the Stanford Pascal Verifier.
Strong uniform stability and exact discretizations of a model singular perturbation problem and its finite-difference approximations

This paper is concerned with stability with respect to norms like @?u@?"@e @? @?u@?"~ + @e@?u'@?"~, uniformly in @e, for the operator L"@eu @? -@eu + a(x)u' + b(x)u (with a(x)>= a 0) and compact finite-difference discretizations of it. Strong uniform stability of the continuous problem is established for all @e 0 sufficiently small. Strong stability of the discrete operators is analyzed using the general stability results of Niederdrenk and Yserentant [Numer. Math., 41 (1983), pp. 223-253] as well as from the stand-point of exact discretizations. Examples illustrating some of the anomalous behavior associated with these problems-schemes can be compact and uniformly consistent but not uniformly stable, for instance-are presented.
Story Problem Formats: Drawn versus Verbal versus Telegraphic.

Eight story problems in a drawn format, eight matching problems in a verbal format, and eight matching problems in a telegraphic format were administered to 854 students in tests at each grade from 3 to 7. Scoring was based on the choice of correct operations to solve the problem. Readers of high ability, as measured by a reading test, chose correct operations more often than low-ability readers. The drawn format was easier than the other two formats. A significant format-by-reading-ability interaction revealed that the advantage of the drawn format was greater for low readers than for high readers.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Eustachian Tube Function Tests in Adults

Importance The study demonstrates the utility of eustachian tube (ET) function (ETF) test results for accurately assigning ears to disease state. Objectives To determine if ETF tests can identify ears with physician-diagnosed ET dysfunction (ETD) in a mixed population at high sensitivity and specificity and to define the interrelatedness of ETF test parameters. Design, Setting, and Participants Through use of the forced-response, inflation-deflation, Valsalva, and sniffing tests, ETF was evaluated in 15 control ears of adult subjects after unilateral myringotomy (group 1) and in 23 ears of 19 adult subjects with ventilation tubes inserted for ETD (group 2). Data were analyzed using logistic regression including each parameter independently and then a step-down discriminant analysis including all ETF test parameters to predict group assignment. Factor analysis operating over all parameters was used to explore relatedness. Exposures ETF testing. Main Outcomes and Measures ETF parameters for the forced response, inflation-deflation, Valsalva, and sniffing tests measured in 15 control ears of adult subjects after unilateral myringotomy (group 1) and in 23 ears of 19 adult subjects with ventilation tubes inserted for ETD (group 2). Results The discriminant analysis identified 4 ETF test parameters (Valsalva, ET opening pressure, dilatory efficiency, and percentage of positive pressure equilibrated) that together correctly assigned ears to group 2 at a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 83%. Individual parameters representing the efficiency of ET opening during swallowing showed moderately accurate assignments of ears to their respective groups. Three factors captured approximately 98% of the variance among parameters: the first had negative loadings of the ETF structural parameters; the second had positive loadings of the muscle-assisted ET opening parameters; and the third had negative loadings of the muscle-assisted ET opening parameters and positive loadings of the structural parameters. Conclusions and Relevance These results show that ETF tests can correctly assign individual ears to physician-diagnosed ETD with high sensitivity and specificity and that ETF test parameters can be grouped into structural-functional categories.
Mitochondrial transport in neurons: impact on synaptic homeostasis and neurodegeneration

Mitochondria have a number of essential roles in neuronal function. Their complex mobility patterns within neurons are characterized by frequent changes in direction. Mobile mitochondria can become stationary or pause in regions that have a high metabolic demand and can move again rapidly in response to physiological changes. Defects in mitochondrial transport are implicated in the pathogenesis of several major neurological disorders. Research into the mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial transport is thus an important emerging frontier.
Hydro-Roll: A Novel Bearing Design with Superior Thermal Characteristics

A novel journal bearing design, called hydro-roll, which combines a hydrodynamic journal bearing with a rolling-element bearing in series, is presented. The hydro-roll principally operates as a rolling-element bearing at low speeds and as a hydrodynamic bearing at high speed. When properly designed, the hydro-roll can offer superior performance over the conventional hydrodynamic bearing in terms of both wear and thermal characteristics. The hydro-roll prevents the severe wear which occurs during the start-up of hydrodynamic journal bearings since it operates as a rolling-element bearing whenever the sliding friction is too high. This characteristic has the important advantage of reducing the risk of catastrophic failure by bearing seizure. At a steady high speed, the hydro-roll operates as a hydrodynamic journal bearing while the sleeve together with the inner race of the rolling-element bearing turn at a low speed. This study focuses on the thermal analysis of a journal bearing with a rotating sleeve in ...
A novel Dictyostelium gene encoding multiple repeats of adhesion inhibitor-like domains has effects on cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion.

The Dictyostelium protein AmpA (adhesion modulation protein A) is encoded by the gene originally identified by the D11 cDNA clone. AmpA contains repeated domains homologous to a variety of proteins that influence cell adhesion. The protein accumulates during development, reaching a maximal level at the finger stage. Much of the AmpA protein is found extracellularly during development, and in culminants, AmpA is found in association with anterior-like cells. Characterization of an ampA- strain generated by gene replacement reveals a significant increase in cell-cell clumping when cells are starved in nonnutrient buffer suspensions. Developing ampA- cells are also more adhesive to the underlying substrate and are delayed in developmental progression, with the severity of the delay increasing as cells are grown in the presence of bacteria or on tissue culture dishes rather than in suspension culture. Reintroduction of the ampA gene rescues the developmental defects of ampA- cells; however, expression of additional copies of the gene in wild-type cells results in more severe developmental delays and decreased clumping in suspension culture. We propose that the AmpA protein functions as an anti-adhesive to limit cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion during development and thus facilitates cell migration during morphogenesis.
Singlet oxygen-triplet organic molecule annihilation fluorescence in polymer matrices

Abstract This communication reports the discovery of a molecular oxygen induced fluorescence of aromatic hydrocarbons in polymer matrices which conclusively establishes the central idea of the singlet oxygen feedback mechanism postulated by Bolton, Kenner and Khan. Admission of air to a phosphorescing sample gives rise to a burst of light with the same emission spectrum as the normal fluorescence of the organic molecule. This identifies the phenomenon as singlet oxygen-triplet organic molecule annihilation fluorescence .
Low-dose restriction in Ir-gene control reflects susceptibility to tolerance induction.

Abstract Low-dose restriction has been demonstrated in the Ir-gene-controlled response to a variety of antigens. With regard to the murine antibody response to low (1 μg) doses of DNP-BGG in A1(OH) 3 : strains A, CBA, and SJL are responders; DBA/1, C57BL/6, and BALB/c are nonresponders. In at least the last two strains, that nonresponsive state results from induction of tolerance. Although genetic factors play a role in determining susceptibility to induction of that tolerant state by the antigen in low doses, the type of adjuvant used with it is of fundamental importance. Thus, BALB/c mice, which are resistant to tolerance induction by ultracentrifuged BGG, are readily tolerized by administration of DNP-BGG in Al(OH) 3 or as an alum precipitate with DPT.
Best laboratory practices for respiratory cultures

Abstract Respiratory specimens for culture are one of the most common test requests received in the clinical microbiology laboratory and often the most difficult to evaluate. Samples are frequently contaminated with resident upper airway flora, and it is often difficult to determine which organisms represent potential pathogens. These challenges often result in time and resources being spent to assess and report cultures that may provide little clinical value. In addition, working up and reporting results from mixed cultures may generate clinically misleading information that leads to inappropriate and unnecessary antimicrobial therapy. This article discusses the evaluation and reporting of results on respiratory samples beginning with the direct specimen Gram stain through culture. It describes a clinically relevant interpretation and reporting scheme for direct specimen Gram stains, reviews the use of the direct Gram stain to guide respiratory culture workup, and provides several logical and easy-to-follow strategies that can be employed in the laboratory to ensure that results are clinically relevant and culture examination and work up are consistent among technologists.
Generalized and specific expectancies: Sequential mediators of interpersonal behavior1

Two experiments confirmed sequential mediation of social interaction by investigating the effects of generalized expectancies on specific expectancies and the effects of specific expectancies on performance. Both experiments used a simulated tutoring task in which the subject took the role of tutor while a confederate took the role of student. In Experiment 1 subjects combined generalized expectancies about the effectiveness of certain tutoring responses with specific situational information to produce specific expectancies about the results of the tutoring responses under the experimental circumstances. Experiment 2 replicated this finding and showed that specific expectancies of the relative effectiveness of different responses influenced which response was performed more. Results were discussed in terms of cognitive motivation theory and social learning theory.
Effect of dietary fiber on E. coli O157:H7 shedding in lambs

Abstract Ruminants are reservoirs of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7, a food-borne pathogen implicated in several human disease outbreaks in the US. Our objective was to compare the influence of dietary acid-detergent fiber (ADF) concentration on fecal shedding of the pathogen and meat production efficiency of lambs. Following oral inoculation with 1010 colony forming units (CFU) of E. coli O157: H7, 14 growing-finishing Suffolk ram lambs averaging 28±1.3 kg in body weight were arranged in two 7×7 (seven lambs×seven diets) Latin squares with 1-week adaptation and 2-weeks of fecal sample collection. Lambs were fed diets with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 35% ADF corresponding to 0:100, 10:90, 33:67, 40:60, 67:33, 70:30 and 98:2% forage to concentrate ratio, respectively. Diets were fed at the rate of 1.4 kg/head per day. Fecal samples were collected weekly and analyzed for E. coli O157:H7 using modified tryptic soy broth with novobiocin as a pre-enrichment broth and cefixim tellurite-sorbitol MacConkey agar (CT-SMAC) as a selective media. E. coli O157:H7 was confirmed by its reaction with O157 and H7 antisera. The 5% ADF (100% concentrate) diet resulted in significantly higher (P 0.05) in E. coli O157:H7 shedding. Lamb growth rate and gain:feed ratio were significantly reduced (P
Pharmacology of alkyl and hydroxyalkylpyrazines

The following by-products formed in the ammoniation of glucose were studied pharmacologically: pyrazine; 2-methylpyrazine; 2-hydroxymethylpyrazine; 2,3-dimethylpyrazine; 2,5-dimethylpyrazine; 2,6-dimethylpyrazine; 2-hydroxy-5-methylpyrazine; 2-methyl-5-arabotetrahydroxybutylpyrazine; 2-methyl-6-arabotetrahydroxybutylpyrazine; 4(5)-methylimidazole (4-me-I); 4-hydroxymethylimidazole; and 4-arabotetrahydroxybutylimidazole. Of these and other by-products, only 4-me-I had convulsant activity and the ability to induce in laboratory animals the signs observed in cattle fed toxic ammoniated molasses. Other derivatives of imidazole (hydroxymethyl and arabotetrahydroxybutyl) were pharmacologically inactive at a dose of 2 g/kg in mice. With the exception of 4-me-I, all compounds in this series were relatively nontoxic. Mono- and dimethylpyrazines showed weak central nervous depressant activity (hypnotic and anticonvulsant). 2,3-Dimethylpyrazine was the most potent in this regard, but had only approximately 113 of the hypnotic activity of phenobarbital sodium and 121 of the anticonvulsant potency of phenobarbital against 4-me-I-induced seizures. Pyrazines with either OH, CH2OH or (CHOH)3CH2OH substituents were inactive as hypnotics and anticonvulsants and, in addition, were relatively nontoxic.
Long-range attraction in aqueous colloidal suspensions

Long-range attractions in aqueous suspensions were observed between polymeric microspheres and also between microspheres and a gel bead. Attractive displacements were consistently seen even between like-charged entities, and they were observed over spans as large as 2 mm. Such behaviors are unexpected, and may reside in a long-range attraction mechanism.
Colorectal cancer: Update on the clinical management of Lynch syndrome

The leading clinical investigators from the European community, the so-called “Mallorca group”, have recently published revised guidelines for the clinical management of Lynch syndrome. Their paper provides an important update on the identification, education and management of Lynch syndrome, but further investigation is still warranted.
Some relationships between behavioral and traditional assessment

Psychometric principles and procedures were developed within the context of traditional approaches to assessment. In order to illustrate the frequent, if not uniform, applicability of these principles to behavior assessment, we first discuss the differences and similarities between traditional and behavioral assessment. We then point out ways in which, given the nature of behavior assessment, attention to certain psychometric principles and procedures would expedite the development of more adequate behavior assessment devices and procedures.
Can Federalism Stabilize Iraq

Federalism offers the only viable possibility for preventing ethnic conflict and secessionism as well as establishing a stable democracy in Iraq. Not just any kind of federal system can accomplish this, however; three principles must shape Iraq's future.
Intramolecular features of individual C60 molecules on Si(100) observed by STM

Abstract Intramolecular features (IMF) of a variety of individual C 60 molecules adsorbed on an Si(100)-(2 × 1) surface have been imaged by scanning tunneling microscopy under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Features of individual C 60 molecules clearly show the local density of states superimposed on their cage structure. Both physisorbed (pre-annealed) and chemisorbed (post-annealed) species have been imaged on the same surface, exhibiting characteristics that depend on their bonding nature. Intramolecular features of a physisorbed C 60 molecule and of two chemisorbed molecules are presented.
Clinical features of the pre-ictal state: mood changes and premonitory symptoms.

article i nfo Identifying the pre-ictal state clinically would improve our understanding of seizure onset and suggest opportunities for new treatments. In our previous paper-diary study, increased stress and less sleep predicted seizures. Utilizing electronic diaries, we expanded this investigation. Variables were identified by their association with subsequent seizure using logit-normal random effects models fit by maximum likelihood. Nineteen subjects with localization-related epilepsy kept e-diaries for 12-14 weeks and reported 244 eligible seizures. In univariate models, several mood items and ten premonitory features were associated with increased odds of seizure over 12 h. In multivariate models, a 10-point improvement in total mood decreased seizure risk by 25% (OR 0.75, CI 0.61-0.91, p=004) while each additional significant premonitory feature increased seizure risk by nearly 25% (OR 1.24, CI 1.13-1.35, pb001) over 12 h. Pre-ictal changes in mood and premonitory features may predict seizure occurrence and suggest a role for behavioral intervention and pre-emptive therapy in epilepsy.
Gender, sex steroid hormones, and Alzheimer's disease

Age-related loss of sex steroid hormones is a established risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in women and men. While the relationships between the sex steroid hormones and AD are not fully understood, findings from both human and experimental paradigms indicate that depletion of estrogens in women and androgens in men increases vulnerability of the aging brain to AD pathogenesis. We review evidence of a wide range of beneficial neural actions of sex steroid hormones that may contribute to their hypothesized protective roles against AD. Both estrogens and androgens exert general neuroprotective actions relevant to a several neurodegenerative conditions, some in a sex-specific manner, including protection from neuron death and promotion of select aspects of neural plasticity. In addition, estrogens and androgens regulate key processes implicated in AD pathogenesis, in particular the accumulation of β-amyloid protein. We discuss evidence of hormone-specific mechanisms related to the regulation of the production and clearance of β-amyloid as critical protective pathways. Continued elucidation of these pathways promises to yield effective hormone-based strategies to delay development of AD.
In vitro human leukocyte labeling with 64Cu: an intraindividual comparison with 111In-oxine and 18F-FDG

Abstract We investigated labeling human leukocytes [white blood cells (WBCs)] in vitro with copper-64 (Cu) comparing labeling efficiency, viability and stability of Cu-WBCs with 111 In-oxine (In) WBCs and 18 F-FDG (FDG) WBCs. Methods Leukocytes from 10 volunteers were labeled with Cu, In and FDG. Forty milliliters of venous blood was collected and leukocyte separation was performed according to standard methods. In-WBCs and FDG-WBCs were labeled according to published methods. For Cu-WBCs, tropolone initially was used as a single chelating agent. Because of poor intracellular Cu retention (54±4% at 3 h and 24±5% at 24 h), the fluorinated, membrane-permeable divalent cation chelator quin-MF was added. WBCs were incubated in 5 ml saline containing 100 μl of 1mM quin-MF/AM in 2% dimethyl sulfoxide and 74–185 MBq Cu-tropolone for 45 min at 37°C. Labeling efficiencies; in vitro cellular viabilities at 1, 3 and 24 h; and in vitro stabilities at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 24 h (except FDG-WBCs) were determined. Results Mean Cu-WBCs (87±4%) and In-WBCs (86±4%) labeling efficiencies were comparable and were significantly higher than FDG-WBCs (60±19%, P 64 Cu-WBCs at 3 and 24 h. Intracellular retention of activity was always significantly higher for In-WBCs than for Cu-WBCs and FDG-WBCs. At 24 h, intracellular retention was 88±4% for In-WBCs and 79±6% for Cu-WBCs. Conclusion Cu-WBC labeling efficiency and viability were comparable or superior to In-WBCs and significantly higher than FDG-WBCs. Although significantly more activity eluted from Cu-WBCs than from In-WBCs, Cu-WBC probably is adequate for imaging. These data suggest that further investigation of in vitro copper-64-labeled leukocytes for PET imaging of infection is warranted.
Fine-grain real-time reconfigurable pipelining

In many computations, average data rates are often significantly lower than the peak rate possible. Consequently, VLSI systems capable of processing data at a maximum specified rate can be excessively dissipative when data rates are low. Such inefficiencies are particularly pronounced in heavily pipelined designs, in which registers account for the bulk of energy dissipation in a system. This paper describes a novel methodology for designing reconfigurable pipelines that achieve very low power dissipation by adapting their resources to their computational requirements. In our fine-grain reconfigurable pipelines, energy is saved by disabling and bypassing an appropriate number of pipeline stages whenever data rates are low. In contrast, coarse-grain approaches, such as dynamic voltage scaling, are often unable to capture savings from short- time-scale variations in throughput requirements because of the long time needed to reconfigure the voltage. To evaluate our methodology, we designed an inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) module for MPEG-2. Our IDCT included pipelined multipliers that were dynamically reconfigurable on the basis of the number of nonzero coefficients per block and picture size. In comparison with conventional multipliers in corresponding IDCT implementations, our reconfigurable multipliers dissipated about 12-65% less power.
Linear expected-time algorithms for connectivity problems

Abstract This paper describes fast average-time algorithms for four graph connectivity problems. Algorithms that run in O(n) average time on n-vertex graphs are developed for finding connected components, strong components, and blocks. An O(m)-time algorithm to find a minimum spanning forest in an m-graph is also presented. The analysis of these algorithms uses the random graph model of Erdos and Renyi. All the algorithms are optimum to within a constant factor.
Case report: artificial elevation of prothrombin time by telavancin.

Background Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections are a well-documented risk of surgery and are becoming increasingly difficult to treat owing to continued acquired resistance. A new antibiotic for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus is telavancin.
The Effect of 2000 r of X-rays on the Acid and Alkaline Phosphatase of Mouse Tibiae

SummaryThe effect of 2000 r of 200 kvp x-rays on the acid and alkaline-phosphatase content of mouse tibiae up to 80 weeks after irradiation is described. The enzymes were demonstrated histochemically using the coupling azo dye method. The alkaline phosphatase content was diminished within 24 hours after irradiation, due mainly to the loss of mesenchymal cells from the metaphysis and the disorganization of the epiphyseal plate. The amount of enzyme present further diminished with time compared with controls, except where nests of apparently normal cartilage cells appeared in the epiphyseal plate. These eventually gave rise to a new epiphyseal plate which was relatively normal in structure and enzyme content. The articular cartilage cells contained apparently normal amounts of alkaline phosphatase throughout the period of observation and the periosteum and endosteum made good recovery.The acid phosphatase content was not so markedly affected by irradiation. After an initial transient increase there was a re...
Revising Earnings Per Share Forecasts: An Empirical Test

In this study, we postulate that forecasters desire to improve their performance by studying their past forecasting errors. To improve performance, forecasters may measure their past mistakes and revise their forecasts by forecast revision techniques. In an empirical test, forecasts of fifty firms' EPS were prepared by seven forecasting models. The initial forecasts were corrected by the Theil optimal linear correction technique and a Bayesian revision adjustment. Results indicate that the optimal linear correction technique is superior to not correcting for past forecast error.