cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The use of Endopep-MS to detect multiple subtypes of botulinum neurotoxins A, B, E, and F

Abstract Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) cause the disease botulism, which can be lethal if untreated. Rapid determination of exposure to BoNT is an important public health goal. Previous work in our laboratory focused on the development of Endopep-MS, a mass spectrometry-based endopeptidase method for detecting and differentiating BoNT A–G in buffer and BoNT A, B, E, and F in clinical samples. We introduce here the use of Endopep-MS to detect non-commercial subtypes of BoNT A, B, E, and F which have been associated with botulism outbreaks. We have now tested and successfully detected 15 of the 17 known subtypes of BoNT A, B, E, and F by Endopep-MS. Extraction of BoNT A and B from a complex mixture prior to analysis is accomplished by using monoclonal antibodies specific for the catalytically inactive heavy chain of the toxin. These antibodies have high-binding affinities and do not interfere with the catalytic activity of the light chain resulting in a lower limit of detection for BoNT A and B than previously reported. We also report for the first time limits of detection for BoNT A2, A3, B2, and bivalent B using Endopep-MS.
The Social Ecology of Marriage and Other Intimate Unions

This article provides an interdisciplinary framework for studying marital and other intimate relationships. Three levels of analysis are distinguished: (a) the society, characterized in terms of both macrosocietal forces and the ecological niches within which particular spouses and couples function; (b) the individual spouses, including their psychosocial and physical attributes, as well as the attitudes and beliefs they have about each other and their relationship; and (c) the marriage relationship, viewed as a behavioral system embedded within a larger network of close relationships. The discussion focuses primarily on the interplay between the spouses and their marriage, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing, both analytically and operationally, the individual from the dyadic (or group) levels of analysis. It is also argued that in order to appreciate how marriages work, social scientists must understand not only how these 2 levels of analysis interpenetrate each other but also how macrosocietal forces and the ecological niches within which couples live impinge on partners and their marital relationship.
T cell responses to Listeria monocytogenes

Owing to its unique intracellular biology that allows it to gain access to the host cell cytosol, Listeria monocytogenes induces potent, protective CD8 responses. The study of these responses has served as a paradigm to understand cell-mediated immunity to microbial pathogens. The availability of mutants specifically defective in unique aspects of the intracellular biology of this pathogen has greatly aided these studies. During the past few years, progress has been made to understand the contribution of the innate immune system and CD4 T cells in the generation of robust, long lasting CD8 responses to L. monocytogenes.
Nigral type I astrocytes release a soluble factor that increases dopaminergic neuron survival through mechanisms distinct from basic fibroblast growth factor

Our studies have been directed to the identification of local, naturally-occuring molecules that support substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic (DA) neuron survival. We have previously demonstrated that local Type I astrocytes selectively increase the dopaminergic population [30,31]. However, the mechanism of action remains to be defined. To determine whether survival is elicited through diffusible agents, Type I astrocyte conditioned medium (CM) was tested on SN dissociates. After 7 days of exposure to CM, DA neuronal integrity was monitored immunocytochemically with antibody to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the DA biosynthetic enzyme, or by TH catalytic assay. CM increased TH+ cell number greater than 2-fold, suggesting that a soluble factor(s) promoted neuron survival. Neurons cultured in serum free medium (SFM) are known to contain few, but detectable numbers of glia [34]. To examine whether CM affected neurons directly, or indirectly through glia, glial populations were stained with antibody against the glial marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We employed several approaches to define the potential role of glia. Initially, CM was compared to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a glial mitogen that reportedly enhances nigral DA neuron survival [7,11,32]. bFGF enhanced TH activity in our system, as well, but the effect was blocked by the mitotic inhibitor 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FDUR), which kills dividing glia. In parallel studies CM increased enzyme activity and TH cell number in cultures exhibiting GFAP+ cells. To define the role of these glial cells in the CM effect, we completely eliminated astrocytes in CM-treated cultures employing α-aminoadipic acid (AA; 10–30 μM), a specific gliotoxin. At a concentration of AA that eliminated detectable GFAP+ cells, CM continued to elicit a significant increase in TH cell number. These data suggest that, in contrast to effects of bFGF, the DA neurotrophic activity in CM acts directly on nigral neurons to enhance survival.
Ultrasound Evaluation of Cartilage Damage in Osteochondral Lesions of the Talar Dome and Correlation with Clinical Etiology: A Preliminary Report

Background: The current study aimed to determine whether the acoustic properties of living human cartilage during arthroscopy differ between damage from trauma and that from pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). Methods: Nine patients were evaluated with ultrasound during arthroscopy. As a quantitative index of cartilage quality, the percentage maximal magnitude (maximal magnitude of the measurement area divided by that of the intact cartilage; %MM) was selected. After ultrasound evaluation, the measurement points were divided into two groups on the basis of the etiologic findings (group T: cartilage damage from trauma and group P: cartilage damage from PVNS) and analyzed for the presence of significant differences in ultrasound analysis. Results: In the ultrasound findings, the %MM values ranged from 34.4% to 92.3%. According to the etiologic differences, the mean %MM was 81.0% in group T and 39.3% in group P, and significantly higher in group T than in group P (p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study show...
The Effects of Phosphorus at the SiO2/4H-SiC Interface

Phosphorous passivation of the SiO2/4H-SiC interface lowers the interface trap density and increases the field effect mobility for n-channel MOSFETs to twice the value of 30-40cm2/V-s obtained using standard NO nitridation. Passivation using P2O5 introduced with an SiP2O7 planar diffusion source (PDS) converts the oxide layer to phosphosilicate glass (PSG) which is a polar material. BTS (bias‐temperature‐stress) measurements with MOS capacitors and FETs show that the benefits of reduced interface trap density and increased mobility are offset by unstable flat band and threshold voltages. This instability can be removed by etching away the PSG oxide and depositing a replacement SiO2 layer. However, trap densities for etched MOS capacitors are "NO-like" (i.e., higher), which would lead one to expect a lower mobility if MOSFETs are fabricated with the PSG / etch / deposited oxide process.
Evaluating methods for combining rare variant data in pathway-based tests of genetic association

Analyzing sets of genes in genome-wide association studies is a relatively new approach that aims to capitalize on biological knowledge about the interactions of genes in biological pathways. This approach, called pathway analysis or gene set analysis, has not yet been applied to the analysis of rare variants. Applying pathway analysis to rare variants offers two competing approaches. In the first approach rare variant statistics are used to generate p-values for each gene (e.g., combined multivariate collapsing [CMC] or weighted-sum [WS]) and the gene-level p-values are combined using standard pathway analysis methods (e.g., gene set enrichment analysis or Fisher’s combined probability method). In the second approach, rare variant methods (e.g., CMC and WS) are applied directly to sets of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) representing all SNPs within genes in a pathway. In this paper we use simulated phenotype and real next-generation sequencing data from Genetic Analysis Workshop 17 to analyze sets of rare variants using these two competing approaches. The initial results suggest substantial differences in the methods, with Fisher’s combined probability method and the direct application of the WS method yielding the best power. Evidence suggests that the WS method works well in most situations, although Fisher’s method was more likely to be optimal when the number of causal SNPs in the set was low but the risk of the causal SNPs was high.
Cytoskeletal interactions regulate inducible L-selectin clustering.

L-selectin (CD62L) amplifies neutrophil capture within the microvasculature at sites of inflammation. Activation by G protein-coupled stimuli or through ligation of L-selectin promotes clustering o...
Effect of Shot Peening on the Oxidation Resistance of TP304H and HR3C Steels in Water Vapor

Oxidation behaviors of TP304H and HR3C steels with and without shot peening were investigated at 650 °C in water vapor. The oxide scales were studied with XRD, SEM and EDX. The results showed that the oxidation resistance of the steels was effectively improved by shot peening, especially for TP304H. The oxidation resistance of shot peened TP304H was even better than shot peened HR3C. The shot peening process produced an ultra-fine surface microstructure and plenty of slip bands which resulted in an enhanced Cr diffusivity to form Cr-rich oxides. The shot-peening process also induced martensite at the surface, which enhanced Cr diffusion and significantly affected the oxidation behavior of the TP304H steel.
Experimental glomerulonephritis induced by in situ formation of immune complexes in glomerular capillary wall.

Experimental glomerulonephritis induced by in situ formation of immune complexes in glomerular capillary wall. An experimental model of glomerulonephritis was produced by the in situ formation of immune complexes directly in the glomerular capillary wall. Perfusing the lectin concanavalin A (Con A) into the left renal arteries of rats led to its binding diffusely to the glycoproteins of the glomerular capillary wall of only that kidney in each animal. The subsequent reaction with anti-Con A antibody (either administered systemically or actively induced) resulted in an exudative and proliferative glomerulonephritis confined to the Con A perfused kidney. Immunofluorescence disclosed the diffuse deposition of immunoglobulin, Con A, and C3 in the perfused, but not the unperfused kidney. The quantitative relationship between antigen and antibody binding and histologic outcome was determined. Since lectins have been found in mammalian tissues, as well as in infectious agents that are pathogenic in man, a series of events conceptually similar to this in situ model may occur in some cases of glomerulonephritis in man. Glomerulonephrite experimentale determinee par la formation in situ de complexes immuns dans la paroi du capillaire glomerulaire. Un modele experimental de glomerulonephrite a ete produit par la formation in situ de complexes immuns dans la paroi du capillaire glomerulaire. La perfusion de concavaline A (Con A) dans les arteres renales gauches de rats entraine la liaison diffuse du produit aux glycoproteines de la paroi du capillaire glomerulaire seulement dans le rein injecte. Les reactions ulterieures avec un anticorps anti-Con A (soit administre par voie systemique, soit induit activement) ont pour consequence une glomerulonephrite exsudative et proliferative localisee au seul rein injecte. L'immunofluorescence montre des depots diffus d'immunoglobuline, de Con A, et de C3 dans le rein perfuse mais non dans le rein oppose. Les relations quantitatives entre la liaison et l'evolution histologique ont ete determinees. Du fait que des lectines ont ete trouvees aussi bien dans les tissus des mammiferes que dans des agents infectieux pathogenes pour l'homme, il est possible qu'une sequence d'evenements conceptuellement similaire a ce modele in situ puisse survenir dans certains cas de glomerulonephrite chez l'homme.
Antarctic Total Ozone in 1958

The Antarctic ozone hole results from catalytic destruction of ozone by chlorine radicals. The hole develops in August, reaches its full depth in early October, and is gone by early December of each year. Extremely low total ozone measurements were made at the Antarctic Dumont d'Urville station in 1958. These measurements were derived from spectrographic plates of the blue sky, the moon, and two stars. These Dumont plate data are inconsistent with 1958 Dobson spectrophotometer ozone measurements, inconsistent with present-day Antarctic observations, and inconsistent with meteorological and theoretical information. There is no credible evidence for an ozone hole in 1958.
Pulmonary hypertension in heart failure: measurable, but how meaningful?

See Related Article, page 329 In his biography, Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist, the author, Roger Lowenstein, writes “Buffett found it 'extraordinary' that academics studied such things. They studied what was measurable, rather than what was meaningful.” Surrogates in medicine are double-edged swords. Although important mechanistic insights and advances have resulted from the study of surrogates, their translation into clinically relevant end-points is less clear. This same challenge presents itself in pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to heart failure (HF), classified as World Health Organization (WHO) Group 2 PH. Elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in HF is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, in theory, elevated PAP and increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) should represent an attractive and meaningful target for therapeutic intervention. However, this has not been the case. Many of the currently available agents for PAH, namely prostacyclins, endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators (sGCs), have been studied in Group 2 PH but have shown no demonstrable definitive therapeutic benefit. HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become an increasingly recognized cause of Group 2 PH. However, in a larger, multicenter study of 216 patients with HFpEF, after 24 weeks of sildenafil vs placebo, there was no difference between groups in the primary end-point, change in peak VO2. 5 Unfortunately, a trial of tadalafil in Group 2 PH in HF with reduced ejection fraction was recently terminated by the funding agency (see http://www.Clinicaltrials.Gov/ct2/show/nct01910389). A prevailing theme among these trials of pulmonary vasodilators in Group 2 PH is that a reduction in PAP is not associated with improved clinical outcomes. Similarly, improvements in clinical outcomes in Group 2 PH have not been dependent on a reduction in PAP. The lack of benefit, in spite of the rigorous attempts to treat Group 2 PH, puts into question the relevance of even targeting PH in HF. It is in this context that a discussion of the merits and meaning of continuous PAP measurements in Group 2 PH
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) Therapy of Uterine Sarcoma without Surgery in an Elderly Patient

: A case is presented of primary endolymphatic stromal sarcoma of the uterus in a debilitated elderly patient. Surgical intervention was contraindicated. Radium therapy was unsuccessful. A 4-month course of treatment with doxorubicin (Adriamycin) resulted in disappearance of the tumor. The patient is living 19 months after the beginning of Adriamycin therapy.
Calcium Loading, Calcium Accumulation, and Associated Cardiovascular Risks in Dialysis Patients

Calcium and phosphate imbalances are important mutable risk factors for cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nearly all dialysis patients require phosphate binders. These include tr
Hunter, John E., & Schmidt, Frank L. (1990). Methods of Meta-Analysis: Correcting Error and Bias in Research Findings. Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 592 Pages, $38.00 (Paper)

(2000). Hunter, John E., & Schmidt, Frank L. (1990). Methods of Meta-Analysis: Correcting Error and Bias in Research Findings. Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 592 Pages, $38.00 (Paper) American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis: Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 81-82.
Validation of an HPLC Method for the Determination of Sodium in LY293111 Sodium, a Novel LTB4 Receptor Antagonist, Using Evaporative Light Scattering Detection

Abstract Analysis of inorganic ions such as sodium or chloride in pharmaceutical compounds has traditionally employed ion-chromatography (IC) with conductivity detection. A new quantitative method for the determination of sodium in LY293111 sodium, a novel LTB4 receptor antagonist, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) is discussed. The separation of sodium from other ions and interferences was achieved using a Zorbax 300 SCX cation-exchange column suitable for use with organic solvents. Acceptable levels of precision, linearity, recovery, selectivity and limit of detection were achieved during the validation of the method. The results of this method were within 99.8% agreement when compared to the theoretical amount of sodium in LY293111 sodium. HPLC coupled with evaporative light scattering detection offers a practical alternative to IC using conductivity detection in pharmaceutical compounds.
Menstrual phase-independent retrieval deficit in women with PMS

Memory and attention were evaluated in 19 women with prospectively documented premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and 17 women without PMS. Testing occurred during the late luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. Estrogen, progesterone, and FSH levels were obtained on testing days for 23 of the women, while mood measures were obtained for all of the women. Repeated measures analysis of variance yielded significant group differences on recall measures, with no differences noted on recognition indices. No significant session or interaction effects were observed. This pattern of results suggests impaired retrieval of learned information coincident with intact encoding. No significant effects were noted for any of the nonverbal memory, attention, or other neurocognitive variables. The obtained data support previous findings of a mild, phase-independent memory impairment in women with PMS and also contribute to a better understanding of the component memory processes involved.
Hawking radiation in the ghost condensate is nonthermal

We consider a Schwarzschild black hole immersed in a ghost condensate background. It is shown that the Hawking radiation in the quanta of small perturbations around this background is highly suppressed - in particular, it is not given by a thermal spectrum. This result is in accord with observations that such black holes can be used to violate the generalized second law of thermodynamics, and thus cannot have a standard entropy/area relation.
Partitioning of 14C-photoassimllates within seeds of Phaseolus coccineus (Lam.) and Phaseolus coccineus x Phaseolus vulgaris L.

The objective of this study was to determine partitioning within seeds of 14C-photoassimilates at three stages of seed development in two Phaseolus crosses — P. coccineus Lam. selfed, and P. coccineus x P. vulgaris L. Abortion of the interspecific embryos occurred when the seed reached 10 mm seed length. When expressed as sink strength (% dpm) or sink activity (% dmp/d.wt.) there were no differences in partitioning of 14C-photoassimilates when whole seeds were analyzed. If the seed was divided into seed coat, liquid endosperm, and embryo, the sink activity of the interspecific embryo was higher than that of the embryo in the selfed seed. Therefore, abortion of these interspecific Phaselus embryos appeared not to be caused by a lack of photoassimilates.
Stimulation of erythrocyte metabolism by menadione.

SummaryIn the human erythrocyte, menadione is capable of supporting oxygen consumption. In this respect, it can replace autoxidizable dyes such as methylene blue that have been previously used. Oxygen consumption, as a measure of the pentose pathway, is inhibited by dicumarol.
Evaluation of two types of estrogen inhibition with regard to effects on uptake and binding of (3H)-estradiol in the uterus.

Abstract A variety of anti-estrogenic substances have been examined for their direct and indirect effect on the binding of [3H]-estradiol with uterine cytoplasmic receptors. A distinct separation of the compounds into 2 classes of inhibitors was observed. The non-steroidal anti-estrogens and the C19 steroids, except Norgestrel, interacted with cytoplasmic binding sites. Testosterone, norprogesterone, the C21 steroids and Norgestrel did not suppress binding in vivo or in in vivo. These results demonstrate that interference with estradiol binding to uterine cytoplasmic receptor sites is not essential for the inhibition of estrogen responses by some of the most potent anti-estrogenic substances. [3H]-Estradiol uptake was enhanced by low doses of compounds which at higher doses inhibited uptake. This observation demonstrates the need for a dose response when examining this aspect of competition. Direct interaction with uterine cytoplasmic binding sites in a cell-free system was observed with agents which reduce [3H]-estradiol uptake in vivo. After in vivo injection of estradiol, uterine cytoplasmic binding capacity for [3H]-estradiol is reduced within the first 5 h, followed by a recovery phase. The dynamics of this process appear to be influenced by the dose of estrogen administered. Interference with the recovery phase is suggested as a possible mechanism of inhibition for compounds having no effect on cytoplasmic binding of estrogen.
Enhanced electroporation in plant tissues via low frequency pulsed electric fields: influence of cytoplasmic streaming.

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) are known to be effective at permeabilizing plant tissues. Prior research has demonstrated that lower pulse frequencies induce higher rates of permeabilization, but the underlying reason for this response is unclear. Intriguingly, recent microscopic observations with onion tissues have also revealed a correlation between PEF frequency and the subsequent speed of intracellular convective motion, i.e., cytoplasmic streaming. In this paper, we investigate the effect of cytoplasmic streaming on the efficacy of plant tissue permeabilization via PEF. Onion tissue samples were treated with Cytochalasin B, a known inhibitor of cytoplasmic streaming, and changes in cellular integrity and viability were measured over a wide range of frequencies and field strengths. We find that at low frequencies (f \ 1 Hz), the absence of cytoplasmic streaming results in a 19% decrease in the conductivity disintegration index compared with control samples. Qualitatively, similar results were observed using a microscopic cell viability assay. The results suggest that at low frequencies convection plays a statistically significant role in distributing more conductive fluid throughout the tissue, making subsequent pulses more efficacious. The key practical implication is that PEF pretreatment at low frequency can increase the rate of tissue permeabilization in dehydration or extraction processes, and that the treatment will be most effective when cytoplasmic streaming is most active, i.e., with freshly prepared plant tissues. V C 2012
Econometrics of Financial High-Frequency Data, by Nikolaus Hautsch

Econometrics of Financial High-Frequency Data, by Nikolaus Hautsch, Springer (2011). ISBN 978-3642219245. Nikolaus Hautsch extends and updates his earlier book on econometric models for financial t...
MC-Sim: an efficient simulation tool for MPSoC designs

The ability to integrate diverse components such as processor cores, memories, custom hardware blocks and complex network-on-chip (NoC) communication frameworks onto a single chip has greatly increased the design space available for system-on-chip (SoC) designers. Efficient and accurate performance estimation tools are needed to assist the designer in making design decisions. In this paper, we present MC-Sim, a heterogeneous multi-core simulator framework which is capable of accurately simulating a variety of processor, memory, NoC configurations and application specific coprocessors. We also describe a methodology to automatically generate fast, cycle-true behavioral, C-based simulators for coprocessors using a high-level synthesis tool and integrate them with MC-Sim, thus augmenting it with the capacity to simulate coprocessors. Our C-based simulators provide on an average 45times improvement in simulation speed over that of RTL descriptions. We have used this framework to simulate a number of real-life applications such as the MPEG4 decoder and litho-simulation, and experimented with a number of design choices. Our simulator framework is able to accurately model the performance of these applications (only 7% off the actual implementation) and allows us to explore the design space rapidly and achieve interesting design implementations.
Homothetic and Conformal Symmetries of Solutions to Einstein's Equations

We present several results about the nonexistence of solutions of Einstein's equations with homothetic or conformal symmetry. We show that the only spatially compact, globally hyperbolic spacetimes admitting a hypersurface of constant mean extrinsic curvature, and also admitting an infinitesimal proper homothetic symmetry, are everywhere locally flat; this assumes that the matter fields either obey certain energy conditions, or are the Yang-Mills or massless Klein-Gordon fields. We find that the only vacuum solutions admitting an infinitesimal proper conformal symmetry are everywhere locally flat spacetimes and certain plane wave solutions. We show that if the dominant energy condition is assumed, then Minkowski spacetime is the only asymptotically flat solution which has an infinitesimal conformal symmetry that is asymptotic to a dilation. In other words, with the exceptions cited, homothetic or conformal Killing fields are in fact Killing in spatially compact or asymptotically flat spactimes. In the conformal procedure for solving the initial value problem, we show that data with infinitesimal conformal symmetry evolves to a spacetime with full isometry.
A Scattering-Mediated Acoustic Mismatch Model for the Prediction of Thermal Boundary Resistance

Solid-solid thermal boundary resistance (R{sub b}) plays an important role in determining heat flow, both in cryogenic and room-temperature applications, such as very large scale integrated circuitry, superlattices, and superconductors. The acoustic mismatch model (AMM) and the related diffuse mismatch model (DMM) describe the thermal transport at a solid-solid interface below a few Kelvin quite accurately. At moderate cryogenic temperatures and above, R{sub b} is dominated by scattering caused by various sources, such as damage in the dielectric substrates and formation of an imperfect boundary layer near the interface making R{sub b} larger than that predicted by AMM and DMM. From a careful review of the literature on R{sub b}, it seems that scattering near the interface plays a far more dominant role than any other mechanism. Though scattering near the interface has been considered in the past, these models are either far too complicated or are too simple (i.e., inaccurate) for engineering use. A new model, called the scattering-mediated acoustic mismatch model (SMAMM), is developed here that exploits the analogy between phonon and radiative transport by developing a damped wave equation to describe the phonon transport. Incorporating scattering into this equation and finding appropriate solutions for a solid-solid interfacemore » enable an accurate description of R{sub b} at high temperatures, while still reducing to the AMM at low temperatures, where the AMM is relatively successful in predicting R{sub b}.« less
Oral and Written Symbol Comprehension Testing: The Benefit of Cognitive Interview Probing

Traditionally, symbol comprehension is tested using open-ended, written responses. However, responses are often so brief that they may fail to indicate a participant's true understanding of some sy...
Realizing microgravity flame spread characteristics at 1 g over a bed of nano-aluminum powder

Abstract Nanoscale aluminum (nAl) powders demonstrate relatively fast counter-flow flame spread rates compared to typical fuels such as Poly(methyl methacrylate) or cellulose at similar conditions. This allows for the dominant forward heat transfer mechanism to be through the solid fuel at higher applied oxidizer velocities, and flame structure characteristics typically observed in microgravity to be realized at 1 g conditions. Because of the porosity of the nAl powder, the gaseous oxidizer can diffuse into the bed and reactions within the solid phase become important. Using an energy balance applied to only the solid phase, an analytical model is developed which predicts the experiments for flame spread over a nAl bed. Moreover, an explanation for fingering phenomenon is established based on the effective Lewis and Damkohler numbers. This allows for an explanation of why flame spread over a bed of nAl will demonstrate this fingering instability in a quiescent, 1 g environment without a top plate to hinder buoyant flows.
The pelvic epithelium of the rat kidney: a scanning and transmission electron microscopic study.

The renal pelvis of the rat is characterized by extensions called specialized fornices that penetrate into the outer zone of the outer medulla (a type II as classified by Pfeiffer, 1968, 1970). The renal pelvic epithelium, therefore, covers areas of the kidney from the inner medulla, the inner and outer stripe of the outer medulla, and the cortex. The renal pelves of seven rats were studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The transitional epithelium on the nonparenchymal surface of the pelvis was three to four cell layers thick (zone 0–1). This epithelium became thinner where it covered the renal cortex (zone 1–2) or the outer medulla. Although the apical cells of the epithelium retained the asymmetric luminal unit-membrane plaques, the number of cytoplasmic fusiform vesicles decreased as one studied the epithelium progressing over the zones from cortex toward papilla. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated a small number of surface cells of a different morphology that were characterized by apical microvilli. The number of these microvillous lining cells increased as the epithelium covering the outer (zone 2–3) and inner (zone 3–4) stripe regions of the outer medulla was viewed, until the inner medulla was entirely covered by this cell type. In a reciprocal manner, the cells with the asymmetric apical plaques decreased in numbers and in their morphologic specialization in each successive region. The epithelium surrounding the inner medulla (zone 6–7) was completely devoid of this transitional cell type. Judging from the morphologic characteristics of the epithelia, one could surmise that little exchange of urea, water, and salts would occur with the extrarenal connective tissue or the cortical parenchyma. Recycling of urea might become more important physiologically with the outer stripe parenchyma, and even more so with the increased surfaces of the inner stripe parenchyma that lined the secondary pyramid, as well as with the epithelium lining the inner medulla.
Transformation superplasticity of super α2 titanium aluminide

Abstract Transformation superplasticity of an intermetallic Ti 3 Al-based alloy (Super α 2 ) is demonstrated by thermal cycling about the α 2 / β transformation temperature range under a uniaxial tensile biasing stress. Failure strains up to 610% were recorded at a stress of 3 MPa, compared with 110% for deformation by isothermal creep at the same stress. The strain increment produced during each half-cycle is determined as a function of applied biasing stress, thermal cycle amplitude, and cycling frequency. Since internal stresses are generated both by transformation mismatch and by thermal expansion mismatch between the two coexisting phases, an effective volume mismatch is defined to account for both contributions. Introduction of this parameter into existing continuum-mechanics models results in good agreement with experimental data in both the low-stress regime, where cycling strain rate and stress are proportional, and the high-stress regime where the stress sensitivity is increasing. Cycling strain increments at various temperature amplitudes and cycling frequencies are considered in terms of the equilibrium thermodynamics and transformation kinetics of Super α 2 . Finally, thermal cycling produces ratcheting, where texture and crystallographic orientation of the β / α 2 transformation front affect the direction of ratcheting strains.
Mechanism of Penicillin-Erythromycin Synergy on Antibiotic-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Clinically isolated strains of Staphylococcus aureus that are inducibly resistant to both erythromycin and penicillin were susceptible to a combination of the two antibiotics. The synergistic effect of the combination results from an inhibition of penicillinase induction by erythromycin, sparing penicillin and allowing this drug to inhibit growth. When resistance to erythromycin is constitutive rather than inducible, the combination is no longer synergistic.
pH effects on molecular adsorption and solvation of p-nitrophenol at silica/aqueous interfaces.

Resonance-enhanced second-harmonic generation (SHG) was used to examine the effects of solution pH and surface charge on para-nitrophenol (pNP) adsorption to silica/aqueous interfaces. During the early stages of monolayer formation, SHG spectra of interfacial pNP showed a single resonant excitation wavelength at approximately 313 nm regardless of solution pH. This resonance wavelength of adsorbed species is lower than the 318 nm excitation maximum of pNP in bulk aqueous solution. Experiments were performed at pHs of 1.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 10.5. Under these conditions, the silica surface carried a surface charge that ranged from slightly positive (pH = 1) to strongly negative (pH = 10.5) due to protonation/deprotonation of surface silanol groups. Over the course of 1–3 h, SHG spectra of pNP evolved so that spectra from interfaces fully equilibrated with solution pH showed two clear resonance features with wavelengths of approximately 310 and 330 nm. These wavelengths imply that adsorbed pNP samples two discret...
Change in Use of Gadolinium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Studies in Kidney Disease Patients After US Food and Drug Administration Warnings: A Cross-sectional Study of Veterans Affairs Health Care System Data From 2005-2008

Background Exposure to gadolinium in patients with kidney disease has been linked to risk of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings against the use of gadolinium in this population. We studied the impact of these warnings on the use of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (GE-MR) studies in patients with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the practice of measuring serum creatinine before gadolinium exposure. Study Design Cross-sectional study of patients who had undergone MR studies from October 2002 to September 2008. Setting & Participants Patients receiving medical care in the US Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Predictor Date of MR imaging, serum creatinine level, and eGFR using the 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation. Outcomes & Measurements The rate of MR studies performed with and without gadolinium from July 2005 to September 2008 in patients with different stages of kidney disease, defined using eGFR. The proportion of GE-MR studies with a screening serum creatinine level. Results There was a 71% decrease in the rate of GE-MR use in patients with GFR 2 2 years after the release of the first public health advisory, although studies continued to be performed in patients with stages 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease. The proportion of GE-MR studies with serum creatinine measured within 1 month before the study increased by 99%. Limitations Data available up to September 30, 2008. Indications for the GE-MR studies were not assessed. The accuracy of Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding was not assessed. Conclusion There was a large decrease in the use of GE-MR studies in patients with GFR 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and a large but not universal increase in the practice of measuring serum creatinine before GE-MR after the release of the FDA warnings.
Multi-Alkali Photo Cathodes

The quantum efficiency of a photoemitting material is determined by a combination of physical properties. It has been found that the requirements are met best by semiconductors of low work function surfaces. In the light of these general considerations, a short survey is given of the photocathodes available heretofore. A more detailed description will then be given of the new multi-alkali cathodes, particularly those of the composition of Sb-K-Na and Sb-K-Na-Cs. Their advantages for use in scintillation counters are discussed.
Failure to Induce Fetal Infection by Inoculation of Pregnant Immune Heifers with Bovine Parainfluenza 3 Virus

Ten pregnant heifers with serum neutralizing (SN) antibody to parainfluenza 3 virus were inoculated at midgestation with an isolate of bovine parainfluenza 3 (PI-3) virus recovered from an aborted bovine fetus. Eight of the heifers delivered healthy full-term calves with precolostral titers of SN antibody to PI-3 that were < 1:4 dilution. Two calves were dead at birth; virus was not isolated from the tissues, and they had no detectable precolostral antibody to PI-3 virus. All heifers responded immunologically, and the antibody formed apparently neutralized the inoculum of PI-3 virus, thereby avoiding transplacental infection. The fetuses of two heifers were inoculated in utero with the PI-3 fetal isolate as a positive control. The two calves were delivered alive within the normal duration of pregnancy, but were weak and unable to rise. One calf died 30 hr after birth, the second was killed 6 hr after birth. Both calves had elevated precolostral titers of SN antibody to PI-3 virus.
Gamma-Radiation Catalysis of the Oxidation by Air of Tri-Isopropyl Phosphite

From the infra-red examination of nominally pure samples of tri- isopropylphosphite labeled with phosphorus-32 it appeared that large amounts of pentavalent phosphorus compounds were present. Since under similar experimental conditions unlabeled tri-isopropyl is unaffected, it appeared that the oxidation must have been due to the radiation present. A series of exploratory experiments to test this hypothesis are reported. Results were inconclusive. (C.H.)
Saturation of the Magnetic Resonance Absorption in Dilute Inhomogeneously Broadened Systems

The existing theory due to Portis for the saturation of inhomogeneously broadened resonances is discussed and a new theoretical formulation of the problem is developmed using an expression for the transition probability first given by Rabi. For $\ensuremath{\gamma}{H}_{1}$ greater than both ${{T}_{1}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ and ${{T}_{2}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, the rf field interacts with spins precessing in the frequency interval $\ensuremath{\gamma}{H}_{1}$; this expression permits explicit calculation of the resulting magnetic loss. No assumption is made of the shape of the individual (homogeneously broadened) spin packets in weak exciting fields. For $F$ centers in alkali halides, the results are identical with those of Portis, but the underlying physical reasons differ.
Properties of the 4.403-MeV Excited State of Al 27

Using the Doppler-broadened 4.43-MeV gamma line from the reaction ${\mathrm{N}}^{15}(p,\ensuremath{\alpha}){\mathrm{C}}^{12*}$, the 4.403-MeV level in ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}$ has been excited by resonant absorption. The de-excitation of this level was found to lead to the 2.21-MeV (11%) and the 1.01-MeV (32%) excited states as well as directly to the ground state of ${\mathrm{Al}}^{27}$ (57%). From a self-absorption study, a value $g{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}=0.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03$ eV was obtained for the product of the statistical factor $g=\frac{(2{J}_{\mathrm{exc}}+1)}{(2{J}_{\mathrm{gs}}+1)}$ and the partial width ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}$ of the ground-state transition. The angular distribution of the 4.403-MeV resonance radiation was observed to be $W(\ensuremath{\theta})=1+(0.30\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05) {P}_{2}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})$, and that of the 3.39-MeV radiation to the 1.01-MeV state $W(\ensuremath{\theta})=1\ensuremath{-}(0.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.12) {P}_{2}(cos\ensuremath{\theta})$. Of the possible spin-parity assignments, only ${\frac{5}{2}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ and ${\frac{7}{2}}^{+}$ are compatible with the observed widths and the angular distributions, the most probable assignment being ${\frac{5}{2}}^{+}$, the least probable ${\frac{7}{2}}^{+}$. With a spin of $\frac{5}{2}$, the partial width for the 4.403-MeV ground-state transition becomes ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}=(0.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.03)$ eV, and the total width of the level $\ensuremath{\Gamma}=(0.42\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.06)$ eV. The fact that resonance scattering from the 4.504-MeV level was not observed points to a spin of either \textonehalf{} or $\ensuremath{\ge}\frac{9}{2}$ for that level.
Political Theology: Response to the Six

My response to the six reviewers of my book Politics and Passion focuses mostly on the outer limits of pluralism and toleration. I try to answer the question: How should the liberal state respond to illiberal groups—and especially to "totalizing" groups whose doctrines and practices are (by liberal standards) oppressive to some of their members? Citizenship, I argue, is a better standard than autonomy in defining the appropriate liberal response.
Too many chefs—an allegory

The following allegory on multiple-authored reports is based on personal experience. Some months back a friend from a local oil and gas service company phoned. He and a task force of coworkers were finishing an 18-month project and were about to write the final report. My friend was very concerned that they would write a weak report, upsetting his client and losing the follow-up work. He was calling for help. We set up a lunch meeting (if I didn't get a contract, at least I'd get a meal).
Galnt1 Is Required for Normal Heart Valve Development and Cardiac Function

Congenital heart valve defects in humans occur in approximately 2% of live births and are a major source of compromised cardiac function. In this study we demonstrate that normal heart valve development and cardiac function are dependent upon Galnt1, the gene that encodes a member of the family of glycosyltransferases (GalNAc-Ts) responsible for the initiation of mucin-type O-glycosylation. In the adult mouse, compromised cardiac function that mimics human congenital heart disease, including aortic and pulmonary valve stenosis and regurgitation; altered ejection fraction; and cardiac dilation, was observed in Galnt1 null animals. The underlying phenotype is aberrant valve formation caused by increased cell proliferation within the outflow tract cushion of developing hearts, which is first detected at developmental stage E11.5. Developing valves from Galnt1 deficient animals displayed reduced levels of the proteases ADAMTS1 and ADAMTS5, decreased cleavage of the proteoglycan versican and increased levels of other extracellular matrix proteins. We also observed increased BMP and MAPK signaling. Taken together, the ablation of Galnt1 appears to disrupt the formation/remodeling of the extracellular matrix and alters conserved signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation. Our study provides insight into the role of this conserved protein modification in cardiac valve development and may represent a new model for idiopathic valve disease.
Picrotoxinin and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate stimulate the secretion of multiple forms of somatostatin from cultured rat brain cells

: The molecular forms of somatostatin (SRIF) secreted by cultured fetal rat brain cells were resolved using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography followed by radioimmunoassay. Multiple forms of SRIF-like immunoactivity were detected in media from cells treated with either picrotoxinin, phorbol-12-myris- tate-13-acetate, or high potassium. For stimulated cells, elevated levels of an SRIF-28-like molecule, an SRIF-14-like molecule, and a hydrophobic SRIF-like molecule were observed compared to basal conditions. All three forms of SRIF-like molecules were also detected in acid extracts of whole cells. The data are consistent with the possibility that secretion of multiple SRIFs, including SRIF-28, may be regulated by multiple effectors and mechanisms.
Multidimensional Measurement of Religiousness/Spirituality for Use in Health Research in Cross-Cultural Perspective

This article explores difficulties that arise when culture is factored into the attempt to develop methods for both describing and measuring religiousness or spirituality as variables in health res...
Optimization of the laser irradiation pattern in a high frame rate integrated photoacoustic / ultrasound (PAUS) imaging system

To integrate real-time photoacoustics (PA) into ultrasound (US) scanners and accelerate clinical translation of combined PAUS imaging, we previously developed a system using a portable, low-cost, low pulse energy, high-repetition rate laser (∼1kHz) with a 1D galvo-mirror for rapid laser beam scanning over the imaging area. However, the frame rate and pulse energy are limited because of regulations on the radiance (1 W/cm2). Therefore, a laser scan scheme needs to be optimized to provide high frame rate within this safety limit. In addition, the laser light should be evenly distributed to minimize any artifacts caused by the scanning approach. In this paper, we calculated the laser light distribution using 3D Monte Carlo simulation and further developed the system to scan the laser beam in elevation as well as laterally using a 2-dimensional galvo-mirror scanner to achieve higher frame rates within the radiance safety limit. Insertion of a needle into chicken breast tissue was used to demonstrate our optimized scan scheme.
Patient Education Before Hip or Knee Arthroplasty Lowers Length of Stay

From April 2006 to May 2007, 261 patients undergoing primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty were offered voluntary participation in a one-on-one preoperative educational program. Length of stay (LOS) and inpatient data were monitored and recorded, prospectively. Education participants enjoyed a significantly shorter LOS than nonparticipants for both total hip arthroplasty (3.1 +/- 0.8 days vs 3.9 +/- 1.4 days; P = .0001) and total knee arthroplasty (3.1 +/- 0.9 days vs 4.1 +/- 1.9 days; P = .001).
Activating the Negative Image

In this article, I propose that scholars should strategically embrace the designation of “negative” that has long been assigned to disreputable images of blackness. I argue that these negative images engage in excess in a way that is inversely proportionate to the lack of any such contemplations of identity in respectable media texts. Activating the definition of “negative” as “expressing or containing negation or denial” reveals the ways that disreputable images such as those found in reality television disrupt hegemonic norms of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Viewed from this perspective, television shows like Love and Hip Hop exemplify the intersectional marginalization of black women. If the current post-racial, colorblind moment is really a color-mute one (to quote Linda Williams)—where identity is seen but cannot be uttered—then the negative image functions as the repository for those identities, experiences, and feelings that have been discarded by respectable media.