cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lengths of carbon fibers grown from iron catalyst particles in natural gas

Carbon fibers produced by pyrolysis of hydrocarbons require submicron-sized metallic particles which act as catalytic nuclei for fiber growth. We have investigated the carbon fiber length distributions produced by particles from five different types of iron-containing catalyst materials. The average particle diameters among these five materials ranged from 12 to 71 nm. Under the lengthening conditions selected for this experiment (6.25% natural gas at 1054°C for 30 min), the distribution of fiber lengths obtained from each catalyst were statistically indistinguishable. A detailed analysis of the aggregate data set of all fibers longer than 0.3 mm showed that the distribution of fiber lengths is an exponential function in which the number of fibers n having a given length l is proportional to exp( − cl). The constant c depends on the conditions under which the fibers grow. The above length distribution allows easy calculation of several important parameters which characterize fiber growth. The distribution is consistent with a mechanism in which filaments grow linearly with time until the cessation of growth, and the probability per unit time of growth cessation is a constant independent of the duration of growth.
Determining the Gamma-Ray Burst Distance Scale: Observational Prospects

The BATSE instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory has demonstrated that we live near the center of an isotropic but bounded distribution of gamma-ray burst sources but has left unsettled whether the bursts occur in our own Galaxy or at cosmological distances. Because a distance and energy scale is crucial to constraining burst models, this distance ambiguity must be resolved. The key experiment that would distinguish the possibilities is a search for bursts from the halo of M31 or other nearby galaxies. We discuss the observational prospects for this test, showing that no telescope now in orbit or scheduled for launch can settle the debate, but that an experiment could be done with a low-cost, dedicated instrument.
Tensor Product Representations of General Linear Groups and Their Connections with Brauer Algebras

Abstract For the complex general linear group G = GL(r, C ) we investigate the tensor product module T= (⊗p V)⊗(⊗q V) of p copies of its natural representation V = C r and q copies of the dual spare V* of V. We describe the maximal vectors of T and from that obtain an explicit decomposition of T into its irreducible G-summands. Knowledge of the maximal vectors allows us to determine the centralizer algebra C of all transformations on T commuting with the action of G, to construct the irreducible C -representations, and to identify C with a certain subalgebra B (r)p,q of the Brauer algebra B (r)p+q.
Formulation of a cohesive zone model for a Mode III crack

Abstract Cohesive zone models have been proven effective in modeling crack initiation and propagation phenomena. In this work, a possible form for a Mode III cohesive zone model is formulated from elastic stress and displacement fields around a crack with a cohesive zone ahead of the crack tip. A traction–separation relation for the model is derived as a direct consequence of the formulation, which establishes some intrinsic connections between properties of the cohesive zone and those of the bulk material. Interestingly, this model states that the von Mises effective stress in the cohesive zone is constant, which may be related to the bulk material’s yield stress and is consistent with the assumption made in conventional strip-yield elastic–plastic solutions.
Activation of low molecular weight fragment of antihaemophilic factor (factor VIII) by thrombin

THE precise molecular function of plasma antihaemophilic factor (AHF, factor VIII), a glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 2 × 106, is unknown. Recent experiments suggest that this function may be carried out by a low molecular weight (LMW) fragment which can be dissociated from plasma AHF by increased salt concentration1–3. The LMW fragment retains procoagulant activity, but is not reactive in immunoprecipitation assays for AHF-related antigen4. A high molecular weight (HMW) fragment, also identified using high salt conditions, has no procoagulant activity but retains AHF-related antigen in immunoprecipitation assays and von Willibrand factor activity in washed platelet assays4,5. We have now found that the LMW fragment, as well as AHF6–9, is susceptible to activation by thrombin. This observation suggests that the LMW fragment is not a product of thrombin activation of AHF and verifies the proposed role of the LMW fragment in AHF procoagulant activity.
Using UV photography to reduce use of tanning booths: a test of cognitive mediation.

Two laboratory studies were conducted in which a new type of intervention was used to reduce ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure from tanning booth use among college students (Time 1 Ns = 70 and 134). The intervention uses UV photography to highlight the damage to facial skin caused by previous UV exposure. When the authors controlled for baseline measures of booth use, students in both studies who viewed their UV photographs reported less booth use at a follow-up session 3-4 weeks later than did students not shown a copy of their photograph. Also, in both studies, the decline in use was significantly mediated by a Tanning Cognition Index composed of variables suggested by the prototype-willingness (prototype) model of health risk: tanning attitudes, tanner prototypes, and willingness to engage in risky UV exposure.
HYPOXIA INDUCES MATURATIONAL CHANGES IN NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE (NOS) IN THE RAT CAROTID BODY (CB) |[dagger]| 1183

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as an inhibitory neuronal messenger in the CB via both the chemorceptor cells and their blood vessels. We studied the effect of intermittent and chronic hypoxia on the endothelial (eNOS) and neuronal (nNOS) isoforms of the catalytic enzyme for NO. Three litters of rats and their dams were housed in chambers and exposed to 21% 02 (control), 12% 02(chronic hypoxia), or 10% 02 for 8 hours daily (intermittent hypoxia) beginning after birth. On days 7 and 14, pups from each litter (n=27) were weighed, sacrificed and the CB were excised. CB tissue slices were incubated with antibody against eNOS, nNOS or control sera, followed by incubation with fluorescein thiocyanate-conjugated secondary antibody, and were analyzed for fluorescence intensity. Significant differences in weight gain were noted between controls and the pups exposed to intermittent and chronic hypoxia (p<0.001). Increased NOS was found on Day 7 in the hypoxic-exposed groups, with eNOS consistently showing the greatest intensity. By Day 14, eNOS was significantly less in hypoxic-exposed pups compared to controls. Within the first postnatal week of exposure to hypoxia increased NOS is found, while a decrease may result from continued exposure. The eNOS isoform appears to play the major role in the CB.
Energetics of high surface area silicas

Abstract The energetics and structure of high surface area, amorphous silicas prepared by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD), flame hydrolysis and sol-gel were studied by high temperature transposed temperature drop calorimetry and solution calorimetry. Utilizing appropriate thermodynamic cycles, the total stored energy (measured as ‘fast’ energy release during drop experiments and as ‘slow’ energy release during solution experiments) of impurity free amorphous silicas relative to fused silica glass was determined. The ‘fast’ energy release involves the healing of point defects, reduction of surface area, release of strain, rearrangement of 2- and 3-fold rings by pore collapse or annealing of 2-fold rings (in conjunction with an appropriate concentration of 3- and 4-fold rings). The ‘slow’ energy release differences in the distribution of 3-fold and higher rings in annealed silica relative to fused silica glass. LPCVD film silicas had been deposited at 0.4 Torr pressure by the reaction of SiH 4 and excess O 2 and 523, 643 and 703 K. The total stored energy of 22 to 44 kJ/mol is mainly due to the presence of 2- and 3-fold rings, consistent with Raman and infrared spectra of films and diffraction studies on related ‘snows’. The metastability of the LPCVD films decreases with increasing temperature of deposition due to the increased capacity to anneal metastable siloxane bonds. This trend continues to higher temperatures. An amorphous silica prepared by flame hydrolysis at 1073 K by the combustion of SiCl 4 in O 2 shows little or no stored energy and is energetically almost identical to fused silica glass. Acid- (pH ∼ 1) and base- (pH ∼ 11) catalyzed dry silica gels were prepared by mixing TEOS : ethanol: water in molar proportion 1 : 4 : 4, then aged at 333 K for 24 h and dried at 423 K for 2–3 days. ‘Fast’ energy release accounts for most of the total stored energy of 7.3 kJ/mol for acid-catalyzed and 66.2 kJ/mol for base-catalyzed dry silica gel. It is unlikely that high concentrations of 2- and 3-fold rings percontact with the aqueous medium during the sol-gel process. Therefore, the total stored energy arises predominantly from structural relaxation and rearrangement in the base-catalyzed gel and rearrangement of surface siloxane by pore collapse during volatile loss in the acid-catalyzed gel. The creation of metastable siloxanes from the rapid condensation of monomers (present due to the high solubility of silica in the basic solution) during the drying of the base-catalyzed gel may be the source of its extremely large metastability.
The expression of SV40 large T-antigen in embryonal carcinoma--SV40 transformed somatic cell hybrids.

Abstract SV40 infection of most murine cell types leads to the production of only the viral early proteins, T-and t-antigens. These SV40 early proteins are not produced in murine embryonal carcinoma cells which are the stem cells of teratocarcinomas. To help elucidate the nature of the host cell range restriction to SV40 early gene expression in embryonal carcinoma cells, somatic cell hybrids were constructed between SV40 transformed cells expressing the viral T-antigen and the embryonal carcinoma cell line, F9. All four independently isolated and cloned somatic cell hybrid cell lines produced the SV40 large T-antigen. The host range restriction to SV40 in embryonal carcinoma cells thus behaves as a recessive property, lacking the required cellular functions for SV40 early gene expression.
Analysis of perioperative factors associated with increased cost following abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR).

Ventral hernias are a common, challenging, and expensive problem for both the general and reconstructive surgeons; therefore, the aim of this study is to critically assess perioperative factors related to cost in abdominal wall reconstructions (AWR). A retrospective review of AWR patients from 2007 and 2012 was performed. Analysis of perioperative factors associated with total cost of reconstruction was performed. Linear regression analyses were used to assess independent predictors of total cost. 134 consecutive AWR performed by a single surgeon over a 5-year period at an academic teaching center were included. The average total cost of AWR was $61,251 ± 55,624. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that diabetes (P = 0.026), increased American Society of Anesthesiologists score (P = 0.002), preoperative anemia (P = 0.001), and hernias derived from trauma (P = 0.015) were independently associated with added cost in AWR when controlling for confounding variables. In addition, patients requiring intra-abdominal procedures (P = 0.012) and those receiving an AWR using Acellular Dermal Matrix (P = 0.015) accrued significantly greater cost. Interestingly, preoperative placement of an epidural (P = 0.011) was independently associated with significant cost savings and reduced medical morbidity. Major surgical complications (P < 0.001) and length of stay (P < 0.001) were independently associated with increased cost following AWR. We present a critical assessment of cost in AWR at a major academic teaching hospital and quantify the impact of reconstruction in the setting of medical morbidities and reconstructive complexities. The data from this study can be used to adjust reimbursement schemes and to critically assess the cost–benefit of performing AWR.
THE PUBLISHER AND OUR CONSCIENCE

Author's summary.— Begging for complimentary copies of texts should be frowned on, and publishers should be warned against their unfructuous overhead caused by too many agents, and other unwise expenditures, which increase cost of texts for indigent students.
Primordial Nucleosynthesis in Light of WMAP

Abstract Big bang nucleosynthesis has long provided the primary determination of the cosmic baryon density Ω B h 2 , or equivalently the baryon-to-photon ratio, η. Recently, data on CMB anisotropies have become increasingly sensitive to η. The comparison of these two independent measures provides a key test for big bang cosmology. The first release of results from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) marks a milestone in this test. With the precision of WMAP, the CMB now offers a significantly stronger constraint on η. We discuss the current state of BBN theory and light element observations (including their possible lingering systematic errors). The resulting BBN baryon density prediction is in overall agreement with the WMAP prediction, an important and non-trivial confirmation of hot big bang cosmology. Going beyond this, the powerful CMB baryometer can be used as an input to BBN and one can accurately predict the primordial light element abundances. By comparing these with observations one can obtain new insight into post-BBN nucleosynthesis processes and associated astrophysics. Finally, one can test the possibility of nonstandard physics at the time of BBN, now with all light elements available as probes. Indeed, with the WMAP precision η, deuterium is already beginning to rival 4He's sensitivity to nonstandard physics, and additional D/H measurements can improve this further.
On the correlation between the morphology of α and its crystallographic orientation relationship with TiB and β in boron-containing Ti–5Al–5Mo–5V–3Cr–0.5Fe alloy

While the role of borides on the microstructure of titanium alloys has been discussed in many previous reports, this paper presents the first experimental evidence of (i) the three-dimensional geometry of α precipitates confirming their equiaxed morphology, as determined by reconstruction of serially sectioned scanning electron microscopy images; and (i) the influence of the crystallographic orientation relationship between β, TiB and α phases on the morphology of α precipitates, investigated via detailed orientation microscopy studies on a boron-containing version of the commercial Ti–5Al–5Mo–5V–3Cr–0.5Fe alloy Ti5553.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ranitidine in renal impairment.

Objective: The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of ranitidine were examined in subjects with varying degrees of renal function to determine the effect of this condition on acid-antisecretory activity.
Effects of fire on abundance of Eragrostis intermedia in a semi-arid grassland in southeastern Arizona

Eragrostis intermedia (Plains lovegrass) is a mid- height perennial bunchgrass native to semi-arid grasslands of the southwestern USA, that becomes an abundant and domi- nant component of these grasslands in areas long protected from livestock grazing. Substantial mortality of plains lovegrass occurred on a large livestock exclosure in southeastern Ari- zona, after a period of declining precipitation, but only in areas that had not burned in the previous three years. Lovegrass abundance subsequently increased on both undisturbed and burned sites, but remained substantially higher on the burned area. Long-term abundance of plains lovegrass may depend on episodic fire, particularly during periods of reduced precipita- tion.
The relationship of age to performance on the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery

The effect of age upon the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB) was studied by administering the LNNB and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale to three groups of subjects: A group aged 17–30, a group aged 50–55, and a group aged 65 and older. No subject had any history of brain pathology or psychotic emotional disturbance. Two of the Luria- Nebraska subtests, the Motor and Visual, showed a significant sex-effect in that males performed better than females. Age was related significantly to performance on 11 of 16 Luria Nebraska subscales; older subjects rather consistently showed poorer performance than younger subjects. When intelligence (i.e., Wechsler IQs) and education were controlled statistically, partial correlations still revealed that age had significant effects upon 13 of 16 Luria-Nebraska subscales. These results closely parallel earlier data that concern age-effects on the Luria-Nebraska Battery.
Prostate-specific antigen coordinated with digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasonography in the detection of prostate cancer.

In a aptient population, coordinated use of digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen can alert the physician as to the possible existence of prostate cancer. If both are used as first-line studies, abnormality of either can then direct the need for further study by transrectal ultrasonography and, in selected instances, prostatic biopsy. Such sequential use of these tests in a programmed manner results in an increased level of cancer detection as compated with use of the digital rectal examination alone.
Dimensional anisotropy during phase transformations in a chemically banded 5140 steel. Part I: experimental investigation

Dimensional anisotropy associated with chemical banding was investigated via quench dilatometry. The material used in this research was fabricated by roll bonding alternately stacked sheets of a standard 5140 steel and a modified 5140 with a higher manganese content. The resulting plate had a well defined manganese banding pattern with a known segregation bandwidth. Cylindrical dilatometer specimens were machined with the axial direction aligned parallel and perpendicular to the segregation planes. The banded steel was thermally cycled so that the material alternated between austenitic and martensitic structures. Results for multiple thermal cycles revealed that tensile plastic deformation occurs normal to the segregation plane and compressive plastic deformation occurs parallel to the segregation plane. An examination of the transformations associated with heating and cooling showed that an exaggerated apparent transformation strain was measured in the direction perpendicular to the segregation layers and a suppressed apparent transformation strain was measured parallel to the segregation layers.
Transcription in yeast mitochondria: analysis of the 21 S rRNA region and its transcripts.

Abstract The transcription unit containing the yeast mitochondrial 21 S rRNA gene was analyzed by hybridizing purified 21 S rRNA and its precursors to restriction enzyme digests of mitochondrial DNA. The 21 S rRNA gene and several precursors were localized in a detailed restriction enzyme map of the 12-kb mitochondrial genome of petite F11. This petite contains a region of the mitochondrial genome encompassing the 21 S rRNA gene and five tRNA genes. The full transcription unit includes two 21 S exons (totaling 3.7 kb), an 0.8-kb intron, and a 1.0-kb extension on the 3′-end. The 3′-extension extends through the tRNA thr gene and probably also includes the tRNA his and tRNA cys genes. This transcription unit is surrounded by large nontranscribed regions; two additional F11 genes, for tRNA gln and tRNA leu , are not part of this transcription unit. Hybridization of total mitochondrial RNA indicates no difference between grande and petite yeast in the overall pattern of mitochondrial transcription from this region of the genome.
Development of head organizer of the mouse embryo depends on a high level of mitochondrial metabolism

Mouse genetic studies have defined a set of signaling molecules and transcription factors that are necessary to induce the forebrain. Here we describe an ENU-induced mouse mutation, nearly headless (nehe), that was identified based on the specific absence of most of the forebrain at midgestation. Positional cloning and genetic analysis show that, unlike other mouse mutants that disrupt specification of the forebrain, the nehe mutation disrupts mitochondrial metabolism. nehe is a hypomorphic allele of Lipoic acid Synthetase (Lias), the enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of lipoic acid, an essential cofactor for several mitochondrial multienzyme complexes required for oxidative metabolism. The defect in forebrain development in nehe mutants is apparent as soon as the forebrain is specified, without a concomitant increase in apoptosis. Two tissues required for forebrain specification, the anterior visceral endoderm and the anterior definitive endoderm, develop normally in nehe mutants. However, a third head organizer tissue, the prechordal plate, fails to express markers of cell type determination and shows abnormal morphology in the mutants. We find that the level of phosphorylated (active) AMPK, a cellular energy sensor that affects cell polarity, is up-regulated in nehe mutants at the time when the prechordal plate is normally specified. The results suggest that the nehe phenotype arises because high levels of energy production are required for the specialized morphogenetic movements that generate the prechordal plate, which is required for normal development of the mammalian forebrain. We suggest that a requirement for high levels of ATP for early forebrain patterning may contribute to certain human microcephaly syndromes.
Some recent new applications of glass technology

Abstract Currently, at Corning Glass Works we are involved in several new, interesting applications of glass technology, which have the potential of impacting a wide diversity of applications. Three such areas presently under investigation will be reviewed, viz., molded optics, dental restorative materials, and inorganic paper. The common denominator relating these three examples is the fact that each relies on a unique glass composition as the starting material. The first development is a special area of glass composition capable of being molded directly into optical elements without grinding and polishing. The second involves a new castable micaceous ceramic dental material derived from special glass compositions for application in several phases of restorative dentistry. Finally, the third development relates to a ceramic paper based upon a mica-like crystal, which is precipitated from glass. The current status of the technology will be discussed for each in the context of the potential applications.
AN ANALYSIS OF EMBRYONIC TRAPPING IN THE GERMAN COCKROACH

The relationship between embryonic lethals from translocation heterozygotes and sterility from embryonic trapping in oothecae of the German cockroach has been analyzed. A modified constrained regression gives a means of predicting the expected hatch from lethality caused by high genetic loads, as in double translocation heterozygotes. Complete sterility is predicted at about 82.1% lethality. RESUME ANALYSE DU PHENOMENE “EMBRYONIC TRAPPING” OU NON EMERGENCE DE L'OOTHEQUE CHEZ LES EMBRYONS DE BLATTELLA GERMANICA Ce travail analyse les rapports entre la lethalite embryonnaire provenant de translocations chez des heterozygotes et la sterilite apparente due a la non emergence des embryons de l'ootheque (= embryonic trapping). Une analyse de regression modifiee, permet de prevoir le pourcentage d'eclosions que l'on peut attendre dans le cas de lethalite causee par de lourds fardeaux genetiques, comme chez les heterozygotes a double translocation. La sterilite complete des ootheques est a prevoir pour environ 82,1% de lethalite chez les embryons.
Small neurons in the vestibular nerve root project to the marginal shell of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus in the cat

Abstract We injected biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) into marginal shell regions of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) of the cat. These injections led to retrograde labeling of cells including small cells (median soma area = 111 μm 2 , equivalent diameter = 11.9 μm) in the vestibular nerve root (VNR), just ventral to an anterior part of the AVCN. This is an unexpected new finding. The cells were scattered among BDA-labeled fibers and were oriented parallel to the course of the VNR fibers. We suggest that the small neurons of the VNR might serve as second-order vestibular neurons conveying information from vestibular end organs to the cochlear nucleus (CN) and/or act as interneurons between the olivocochlear fibers in the VNR and the CN.
Characterization and growth kinetics of the formation of intermetallic compounds in the liquid state during soldering with lead-free solders

The research described in this paper developed the experimental techniques necessary for promoting intermetallic layer growth throughout the melting and solidification cycle of the solder and then measuring the thickness of these layers. Most of the literature to date reported on aged soldered joints to investigate in-service intermetallic layer growth. To observe intermetallic compound (IMC) growth during the liquid state of soldering required an experimental setup that quickly raises the temperature of the solder joint followed by fast cooling (comparable to the actual joint conditions). Temperatures at increments of 25° above the soldering temperature and times of 2, 5, and 8 s for growth were carefully controlled. After the experiments, the copper substrate/solder alloy interface was examined using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM-EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy). As expected, intermetallic phases such as Cu6Sn5, Cu3Sn, and Ag3Sn were observed, with Cu6Sn5 being the major phase. Statistical analysis was performed for the IMC thickness data obtained from the long profile analysis. Empirical equations capable of predicting the IMC layer thicknesses were determined. Using Arrhenius analysis, the activation energy for intermetallic layer growth was calculated to be approximately 7 kCal/mol. This value is significantly lower than the value of approximately 24 kCal/mol reported in the literature for Cu6Sn5. Even considering the presence of Cu3Sn (counted together with Cu6Sn5) which has about 15 % higher activation energy of formation than Cu6Sn5, the experimentally measured values were still lower. The discrepancy was attributed to the fact that the values reported in the literature were mostly based on solid-state transformations while the measurements and calculations in this work were limited to the intermetallic layer formation from liquid state followed by growth.
Critical Duration, the Differential Luminance Threshold, Critical Flicker Frequency, and Visual Adaptation: A Theoretical Treatment*

A quantitative model formally analogous to an electrical filter containing a cascade of RC elements with output-controlled variation of time constant (parametric feedback) is shown to predict the relations between the differential luminance threshold, critical duration, critical flicker frequency, and adapting luminance in human psychophysical data; the model also treats some of the properties of frequency-response characteristics for sinusoidally-modulated flicker. Critical duration in human luminance discrimination and membrane resistance recorded from eccentric cells in Limulus both follow the same decreasing function of adapting luminance that is predicted by the model. Fitting the model to luminance discrimination and to CFF data requires a constant increment of peripheral neural response at threshold rather than a constant ratio to ongoing peripheral activity. A hypothesis regarding central neural adaptation provides a bridge between the latter result and signal/noise theories of visual discrimination.
Developmental disabilities modification of the Children's Global Assessment Scale.

Background Interventions for pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) aim to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning. To measure global functioning in treatment studies, the Children’s Global Assessment Scale was modified and psychometric properties of the revised version (DD-CGAS) were assessed in children with PDD. Methods Developmental disabilities–relevant descriptors were developed for the DD-CGAS, and administration procedures were established to enhance rater consistency. Ratings of clinical case vignettes were used to assess inter-rater reliability and temporal stability. Validity was assessed by correlating the DD-CGAS with measures of functioning and symptoms in 83 youngsters with PDD. Sensitivity to change was assessed by comparing change from baseline to post-treatment with change on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist–Irritability and Clinical Global Impressions–Improvement subscale scores in a subset of 14 children. Results Inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .79) and temporal stability (average ICC = .86) were excellent. The DD-CGAS scores correlated with measures of functioning and symptoms with moderate to large effect sizes. Changes on the DD-CGAS correlated with changes on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist–I (r = −.71) and Global Impressions Scale–I (r = −.52). The pre-post DD-CGAS change had an effect size of .72. Conclusions The DD-CGAS is a reliable instrument with apparent convergent validity for measuring global functioning of children with PDD in treatment studies.
Diagnostic advances in defining erythropoietic abnormalities and red blood cell diseases.

Abstract The majority of clinical applications of flow cytometry begin with various approaches to remove red blood cells (RBCs) from the clinical sample. However, multiparameter cytometry has and will continue to contribute much to the understanding of the pathophysiology and diagnostic accuracy in the clinical evaluation of human diseases affecting erythroid cells. This review summarizes the diagnostic advances relating to erythroid cells in the areas of immunohematology, laboratory hematology, and infectious disease with particular emphasis on medical evaluation of the anemic patient and fetomaternal hemorrhage.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic predictors of time to clinical resolution in patients with acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis treated with a fluoroquinolone

Forty nine subjects with acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (ABECB) treated with grepafloxacin were evaluated for parameters predictive of clinical outcome. Signs and symptoms associated with ABECB were serially collected and evaluated for changes. Coughs per day, sputum volume and the percentage of sputum neutrophils were associated with clinical outcome. A by groups analysis, based on clinical success was performed using Cox regression analysis to determine factors associated with time to clinical success and time to reduction in sputum volume, coughs per day and sputum neutrophil percent. Factors evaluated included AUIC (AUC/MIC), isolate species, years and type of underlying lung disease, alcohol use, smoking history and number of ABECB within the previous 12 months. AUIC 212 (mg h/l)/mg/l (P 576 (mg h/l)/mg/l (P<0.02) and decreasing days to sputum volume reduction and coughs per day, respectively. A diagnosis of mild bronchiectasis prolonged the time to reduce coughs per day (P<0.03) and neutrophil percentage (P<0.01). Patients with mild bronchiectasis were found to have an increase in the time to clinical success, coughs per day improvement and sputum neutrophil percent improvement. AUIC is an important PK/PD parameter predictive of successful outcome in ABECB, even in subjects with mild bronchiectasis. Grepafloxicin has been withdrawn from sale since these studies were carried out. This work is published to illustrate the relationship between pharmacodynamics and clinical efficacy and the use of AUIC as a valuable predictive parameter for fluoroquinolones.
Effects of Vasopressin, Theophylline and Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate on Short-circuit Current across Isolated Rabbit Ileal Mucosa

VASOPRESSIN causes rapid, equal increases in short-circuit current (Isc) and rate of transport of sodium when added to the serosal surface of frog skin or toad bladder1,2. Several investigators have presented convincing evidence that this alteration in the active transport of sodium is primarily, if not entirely, a consequence of increased passive permeability of the mucosal surface to sodium, as well as to other small hydrophilic solutes3–5. Adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and theophylline have been shown to mimic the effects of vasopressin on Isc and osmotic water flow across toad bladder6. It has been suggested that cyclic AMP is the more direct mediator of the permeability change and that vasopressin and theophylline exert their effects by increasing the concentration of cyclic AMP in the epithelial cells7.
Decompressive Hemicraniectomy in a 19-Month-Old Female after Malignant Cerebral Infarction

Malignant cerebral infarction is a life-threatening condition with case fatality rates of approximately 80% in adults with malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery. No medical treatment has
The use of epidemiology in the regulation of dioxins in the food supply

Residues of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (TCDD) were detected recently in several species of freshwater fish from various areas of the Great Lakes. Concern for the potential human health risk associated with the consumption of these fish prompted the Food and Drug Administration to assess epidemiological and toxicological TCDD data in order to determine the need for regulatory action. In the assessment, pertinent animal and human data and data for the TCDD residues in the freshwater fish, for the amounts of the different fish species consumed and for the number of individuals sho consumed the fish, were evaluated. The various methods of evaluation used to reach a regulatory decision are described.
Dominance relations in computing systems

This paper discusses various kinds of dominance relations that may hold among parts of computing systems, and between computers and people. That computers enter into "social relations" seems clear. Four models prevalent in thinking about computers are discussed: the Master-Slave, the Egalitarian Workgroup, the Division of Labor, and the Clamoring Children models. To help explicate the claim that "dominance" in a computing system may vary both in type and over time, steps towards a formal treatment of interacting devices are suggested, involving possible sequences of influenced behavior. Several varieties of dominance are then outlined, such as competition for resources, or attentional dominance for interrupts. Finally the matter of computer intentions is noted.
Water vapor adsorption by sodium montmorillonite at −5°C

Abstract A large amount of interest has recently been expressed pertaining to the quantity of physically adsorbed water by the Martian regolith. Thermodynamic calculations based on experimentally determined adsorption and desorption isotherms and extrapolated to subzero temperatures indicate that physical adsorption of more than one or two monomolecular layers is highly unlikely under Martian conditions. Any additional water would find ice to be the state of lowest energy and therefore the most stable form. To test the validity of the thermodynamic calculations we have measured adsorption and desorption isotherms of sodium montmorillonite at −5°C. To a first approximation it was found to be valid.
A HISTORICAL VIEW OF CONTENT AREA READING INSTRUCTION

Abstract This article follows content area reading instruction as it originates in the early 1900's. The debate between oral reading versus silent reading was an important factor leading to the development of content area reading instruction. In the early programs of content area reading, researchers and administrators were extremely enthusiastic about this new approach. During the 1940's and 1950's, they made tremendous changes in their philosophy of reading and in the reading practices incorporated schoolwide. Once the topic of content area reading instruction became prevalent, it was met with resistance. Studies in the 1960's and 1970's examined teacher education programs and found part of the problem was in the preparation of preservice teachers. A second problem in the integration of reading instruction in the content areas was discovered through classroom observations and interviews in the 1980's. Very little reading was assigned in the content area textbook. In 1990, a third problem, in the resista...
Another approach to a hybrid particle-finite element algorithm for high-velocity impact

This article presents a hybrid particle-finite element algorithm for high-velocity impact. In the hybrid approach, both finite elements and meshless particles represent the same material simultaneously. The initial hybrid concept was introduced and developed by Fahrenthold and others. It is based on a Hamiltonian formulation for both the particles and elements, and it has used a structured arrangement for the finite elements. The work presented here is based on the Generalized Particle Algorithm, and it can be used with a variety of element types and arrangements. A finite element mesh is generated as it would be for a traditional finite element computation (except that contact surfaces do not need to be defined), and the hybrid algorithm simply becomes another option for the user. The hybrid algorithm of Fahrenthold computes the compressive pressure at the nodes (particles), with the strength and tensile pressure computed in the elements. This approach allows large distortions and fragmentation to be represented, it eliminates tensile instabilities in the particles, and it allows the contact to be performed within the particle algorithm. There are additional advantages and disadvantages of the hybrid approach when compared to other techniques, such as the automatic conversion of distorted finite elements into meshless particles, and these are discussed. The new hybrid algorithm is demonstrated in both 2D and 3D geometries with a range of example computations. Comparisons to computations performed with a conversion (of elements into particles) algorithm are also presented.
Functional reconstitution of the integral membrane enzyme, isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase, in synthetic bolalipid membrane vesicles.

Three bipolar archaeal-type diglycerophosphocholine tetraether lipids (also known as bolalipids) have been prepared to determine (1) the influence of molecular structure on the physical properties of bolalipid membranes and (2) their impact on the functional reconstitution of Ste14p, a membrane-associated isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Three bolalipids were synthesized: C20BAS, C32BAS, and C32phytBAS. These bolalipid structures differ in that the C20BAS derivative has a short sn-1 glyceryl diether C20H40 transmembrane alkyl chain and two ether-linked sn-2 n-decyl chains, whereas the C32BAS and C32phytBAS derivatives have a longer sn-1 diether C32H64 membrane-spanning chain and two ether-linked sn-2 n-hexadecyl or phytanyl chains, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and temperature-dependent 31P NMR was used to determine the gel-to-liquid crystalline phase transition temperatures of the bolalipids (C32BAS Tm > 85 °C; C32phytBAS Tm = 14 °C; and C20BAS...
History: Shut up and calculate!

Practical, interdisciplinary ways of working forged during the Second World War had a lasting impact on a generation of physicists and their findings, says David Kaiser.
A sesquiterpene dilactone from Helianthus maximiliani

Abstract A new sesquiterpene dilactone, maximileolide, has been isolated from Helianthus maximiliani and its structure determined by high field NMR spectroscopy with the aid of difference spectroscopy techniques.
Characterization and comparison of the estrogen and androgen receptors from the R-3327 rat prostatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract The estrogen and androgen receptors found in the high-speed supernatant (cytosol) fraction of the Dunning R-3327 rat prostatic adenocarcinoma have been characterized and their properties compared. [ 3 H]-17β-Estradiol is bound to a macromolecule which sediments at 8.3 S after sucrose density gradient centrifugation in low salt buffer, whereas [ 3 H]-R1881 (methyltrienolone, a synthetic androgen) binds to a macromolecule sedimenting at 7.8 S. Competitive binding studies distinguish the two receptors and indicate that they are unique and distinct proteins. The dissociation constants for 17β-estradiol and R-1881 binding to their receptors are 8 × 10 −10 and 3 × 10 −9 , respectively. Both Scatchard plots are linear, suggesting a single class of high-affinity binding sites for each receptor. Steroid binding for both receptors was saturable and of low capacity. Estrogen receptor levels varied from barely detectable to 300 fmol/mg cytosol protein and androgen receptor levels ranged from barely detectable to 300 fmol/mg cytosol protein depending on tumor pathology. Tumors with large amounts of fibrous stroma had low receptor levels, whereas those tumors that were mostly epithelial in nature contained significantly higher levels of the receptors. Both the estrogen and androgen binding proteins satisfy criteria which clearly distinguish them from other (plasma) steroid binding proteins and classify them as true steroid hormone receptors.
X-ray photoemission spectra of the 4d levels in rare-earth metals

Abstract High resolution photoemission spectra of the 4d levels in the rare-earth metals are reported. The metals with partially filled 4f shells display very complicated structure due to multiplet splitting, while those with the 4f 0 or 4f 14 configuration exhibit only spin-orbital splitting. A detailed analysis is given for the 4f 7 metals europium and gadolinium.
Cetuximab improved overall survival in colorectal cancer patients in whom other treatments had failed

Source Citation Jonker DJ, O’Callaghan CJ, Karapetis CS, et al. Cetuximab for the treatment of colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:2040-8. 18003960
Addressing Early Learning Standards for All Children Within Blended Preschool Classrooms

Preschool teachers working in blended classrooms are faced with identifying which children need intensive instruction as well as being responsible for directly linking individualized learning outcomes with state or federal early learning standards. The series of studies presented were designed to illustrate how teachers working in blended preschool programs provided intensive instruction on individual skills that were related to a common early learning standard (i.e., prewriting). Results suggest that embedding intensive instruction during daily activities is not only effective but also efficient given the relatively short amount of time it took for children to acquire individualized skills. Future research should examine interventions that produce effective and efficient results given the constraints imposed by the schedule of publicly funded blended preschools.
Genomic and phenotypic evidence for probiotic influences of Lactobacillus gasseri on human health

Certain lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the capacity to occupy mucosal niches of humans, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. Among commensal, LAB are species of the acidophilus complex, which have proven to be a substantial reservoir for microorganisms with probiotic attributes. Specifically, Lactobacillus gasseri is an autochthonous microorganism which has been evaluated for probiotic activity based on the availability of genome sequence and species-specific adaptation to the human mucosa. Niche-related characteristics of L. gasseri contributing to indigenous colonization include tolerance of low pH environments, resistance to bile salts, and adhesion to the host epithelium. In humans, L. gasseri elicits various health benefits through its antimicrobial activity, bacteriocin production, and immunomodulation of the innate and adaptive systems. The genomic and empirical evidence supporting use of L. gasseri in probiotic applications is substantiated by clinical trial data displaying maintenance of vaginal homeostasis, mitigation of Helicobacter pylori infection, and amelioration of diarrhea.
Effect of Heating on the Mechanical Properties of Insole Materials

Background: The most common method of customizing shoe insoles to the shape and surface of the foot is to heat and then mold the materials. The effect of heating on the mechanical properties of these materials is unknown. Methods: The prop- erties of individual and common combinations of insole mate- rials were tested before and after heating. Individual materials tested were soft Plastazote (SP), medium Plastazote (MP), Puff (F), and Nickelplast (N); combinations of materials that were tested were SP + Fa nd MP+ F, each with and without Poron (P). Three samples of each were tested five times. Materials were heated and then compressed with an MTS servohydraulic device. Load transmission and percent compression at maximal load were measured on single materials and their combina- tions. Stress-strain curves were measured. Results: Compared to unheated material, the heated material transmitted higher forces. After heating, the combinations transmitted maximal load at a lower percentage of compression (i.e., became stiffer). Heating also changed the stress-strain curves of the three- material combinations, causing them to transmit maximal pres- sure at a lower strain. Conclusion: Heating insole materials changed their mechanical properties. The materials became stiffer and less effective in the attenuation of applied forces. Clinical Relevance: The common practice of heating insole mate- rials to improve their contact with the foot reduced the pressure- reducing properties of the materials, which may decrease their clinical effectiveness.
Stigma perspective of siblings of children with a major childhood burn injury

PURPOSE: To understand the stigma perspective of siblings of children with major burn injury. DATA SOURCES: A mixed method, qualitative-dominant study was conducted. The life story method was used for the qualitative portion. Only narratives from those family members describing the sibling's appearance change were used (N = 18 participants). CONCLUSIONS: Stigma experienced by siblings was first described by parents or noninjured siblings; they described how the sibling with changed appearance was stared at, ridiculed, or teased when they entered a new social situation. Only when specifically asked did the children with burn injury talk about their problems, saying, "This always happens when I go somewhere new." IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Children with changed appearance focused on normalizing their lives in a positive way. Oftentimes, it was a parent or noninjured sibling who would describe manifestations of stigma and ways they tried to protect the child with burn injury. Language: en
Benefit and Pricing of Spatio-Temporal Information in Mobile Peer-to-Peer Networks

In this paper we examine the dissemination of reports about resources in mobile peer-to-peer networks, where moving objects communicate with each other via short-range wireless transmission. Each disseminated report represents information about a spatial-temporal resource, such as the availability of a parking slot at a particular time and location. We introduce an architecture and a data model for dissemination of such reports. We develop an analytical model to quantify the benefit of report dissemination, where the benefit is measured in terms of time-saving. We further propose an incentive mechanism for participation in resource dissemination, and a method of pricing the resource information.¹