cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Candida albicans Als2p and Als4p adhesins suggests the potential for compensatory function within the Als family.

The ALS (agglutinin-like sequence) gene family encodes eight large cell-surface glycoproteins. The work presented here focuses on Als2p and Als4p, and is part of a larger effort to deduce the function of each Als protein. Both ALS4 alleles were deleted from the Candida albicans genome and the phenotype of the mutant strain (als4Δ/als4Δ; named 2034) studied. Loss of Als4p slowed germ tube formation of cells grown in RPMI 1640 medium and resulted in decreased adhesion of C. albicans to vascular endothelial cells. Loss of Als4p did not affect adhesion to buccal epithelial cells, biofilm formation in a catheter model, or adhesion to or destruction of oral reconstituted human epithelium (RHE). Although deletion of one ALS2 allele was achieved readily, a strain lacking the second allele was not identified despite screening thousands of transformants. The remaining ALS2 allele was placed under control of the C. albicans MAL2 promoter to create an als2Δ/PMAL2-ALS2 strain (named 2342). Real-time RT-PCR analysis of strain 2342 grown in glucose-containing medium (non-inducing conditions) showed that although ALS2 transcript levels were greatly reduced compared to wild-type cells, some ALS2 transcript remained. The decreased ALS2 expression levels were sufficient to slow germ tube formation in RPMI 1640 and Lee medium, reduce adhesion to vascular endothelial cells and to RHE, decrease RHE destruction, and impair biofilm formation. Growth of strain 2342 in maltose-containing medium (inducing conditions) restored the wild-type phenotype in all assays. Real-time RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that in maltose-containing medium, strain 2342 overexpressed ALS2 compared to wild-type cells; however no overexpression phenotype was apparent. Microarray analysis revealed little transcriptional response to ALS4 deletion, but showed twofold up-regulation of orf19.4765 in the glucose-medium-grown als2Δ/PMAL2-ALS2 strain. orf19.4765 encodes a protein with features of a glycosylated cell wall protein with similarity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ccw12p, although initial analysis suggested functional differences between the two proteins. Real-time RT-PCR measurement of ALS2 and ALS4 transcript copy number showed a 2·8-fold increase in ALS2 expression in the als4Δ/als4Δ strain and a 3·2-fold increase in ALS4 expression in the als2Δ/PMAL2-ALS2 strain, suggesting the potential for compensatory function between these related proteins.
High Power silicon MMIC design for wireless base stations

This article presents the specificities of high power silicon MMIC, intended for wireless base station applications. Motorola's LDMOS technology, and its integrated version (HVIC), are presented, with emphasis on the particularities of high power functions. The technical problems linked to the design of multistages power amplifiers, of 1OW and 30W output power are listed, and solutions are proposed. Two power amplifier circuits, a 900 MHz 3stages 30W and a 1800MHz 3 stages 10W and their associated performances demonstrate the validity of these solutions.
Guillaume Postel and the world state: Restitution and the universal monarchy

(1983). Guillaume Postel and the world state: Restitution and the universal monarchy. History of European Ideas: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 299-323.
CA 125 Levels in Chromosomally Abnormal Pregnancies

CA 125 levels have been measured in the amniotic fluid of 86 gravidas between 14 and 20 weeks gestation as well as in 18 women at term, all carrying chromosomally normal fetuses; in 36 gestations, the samples were paired with maternal serum specimens. These controls were then compared with the amniotic fluid values in pregnancies of karyotype trisomy 21 (n = 24), trisomy 18 (n = 7), sex chromosome trisomy (n = 5), and sex chromosome monosomy (n = 2), and in the maternal serum of 4 trisomy 21 pregnancies, in an effort to determine if CA 125 could act as a marker for these chromosomal anomalies. Results indicated no significant difference in the amniotic fluid measurements at the time of genetic amniocentesis in normal gestations (5,064 U/ml) and trisomy 21 gestations (4,864 U/ml). The sex chromosome anomalies, too, were not different. Alternatively, the values in trisomy 18 pregnancies were significantly lower (3,154 U/ml; P < 0.05) than controls. There appeared to be no significant correlation between the...
Detailed Study of Potassium Solvation Using Molecular Dynamics Techniques

Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to examine the solvation properties and the ion-solvation shell exchange process of the K+ ion in liquid water, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. The solvent molecules are found to form well-defined solvation shells around the K+ ion and show a preferred orientational order toward the ion. The induced dipole moment distribution of K+ becomes broader and shifts to a larger average value from chloroform to carbon tetrachloride to water. It is observed that the K+ ion diffuses more rapidly in the aqueous phase than in liquid chloroform and carbon tetrachloride. We have also evaluated both ion and first solvent shell velocity autocorrelation functions and the residence time autocorrelation functions for the ion in water, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride. The residence time is found to be 9.4 ps for water and about 30 ps for both chloroform and carbon tetrachloride. By use of a constrained molecular dynamics technique, the first solvation shell exchange pr...
Surgeon's role in the management of solitary renal cell carcinoma metastases occurring subsequent to initial curative nephrectomy: an institutional review.

Background: Solitary metastases from a primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occur in <10% of patients with metastatic RCC. To date, the benefit of surgically resecting such apparently solitary lesions has not been well documented. Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients (25 men, 16 women) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated by surgical excision of solitary metastases (1970–1990) were retrospectively reviewed. They comprised 9% of patients with metastatic hypernephroma seen during this period. All patients had undergone previous curative nephrectomy with a median disease-free interval of 27 months. Patients with skeletal, spinal cord, and lymph node metastases were excluded. Results: Mevtastases were intrathoracic (n=20), intracranial (n=7), and intraabdominal or in the extrapleural chest wall soft tissue (n=10). Three patients had metastases to the thyroid gland and one had a solitary metastasis to an index finger. Median follow-up was 3.2 years. Complete resection was possible in 36 patients (88%) with a single lesion excised in 23 of these 36 patients (64%). There was no operative mortality. Predicted survival from the date of complete resection of metastases was 77%, 59%, and 31% at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively, with a median survival of 3.4 years. One patient is alive without evidence of recurrent tumor 93 months from the first of 12 complete surgical resections. Varying adjuvant therapy was used in 50% of the patients. An increased histological tumor grade of the metastatic lesion relative to the original RCC was the only significant prognostic indicator identified. Disease-free interval and number of resected lesions were not significantly associated with patient survival. Conclusion: A small fraction of renal cell carcinoma patients are candidates for potentially curative surgical resection of solitary metastatic lesions. Excision of such lesions may contribute to prolonged survival in selected instances.
Evidence for persistent 7000- and 3500-year geomagnetic oscillations

[1] A 14,500-year record of atmospheric 14C contains evidence for 7000- and 3500- year oscillations. Since the Holocene archaeomagnetic record also contains features consistent with a 7000-year cycle, a likely explanation is that the 14C data are recording modulation of cosmogenic isotope production due to variations in geomagnetic shielding. A longer-term 36Cl record contains evidence for similar periodicities, suggesting that these geomagnetic variations may have been present for tens of millennia.
Possible seasonal variability of mesospheric water vapor

Ground-based spectral line measurements of the 22.2 GHz water vapor line in atmospheric emission were made at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which have been used to deduce the mesospheric water vapor profile. The measurements were made nearly continuously in the spring and early summer of 1984. The results indicate a temporal increase in the water vapor mixing ratio in the upper mesosphere from April through June. At 75 km, this increase is nearly by a factor of 2. Comparison of the present results with the results of a similar series of measurements made at the Haystack (radio astronomy) Observatory indicate that this temporal increase is part of a seasonal variation.
Use of Combination Chemotherapy for Treatment of Granulomatous and Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GLILD) in Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)

Purpose A subset of patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) develops granulomatous and lymphocytic interstitial lung disease (GLILD), a restrictive lung disease associated with early mortality. The optimal therapy for GLILD is unknown. This study was undertaken to see if rituximab and azathioprine (combination chemotherapy) would improve pulmonary function and/or radiographic abnormalities in patients with CVID and GLILD.
Three-body effects in the fragmentation of D 2 by slow, highly-charged xenon

Kinematically complete data and five-body classical trajectory Monte Carlo calculations are presented for fragmentation of ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ by slow ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{26+}$ ions. For strongly perturbing collisions, two types of three-body effects are identified. The largest, due to interactions between the undissociated molecule and the dipole field of the projectile, is compatible with a two-step fragmentation picture. A smaller effect, due to quadrupolelike and higher multipole interactions between the dissociating fragments and the projectile field, extracts internal energy from the exploding molecule and is incompatible with a two-step picture.
Dual functioning flat plate thermal solar collector

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the cost effectiveness of a self-constructed and installed flat plate solar energy collector. The report analyzes the theoretical energy output of the solar collector, the experimental measured energy output and the theoretical insulation properties of the collector as constructed and installed. The results obtained indicate the collector is cost effective because of its insulation property when installed inside a single glazed window. The collector produces a relatively small energy income as a solar energy collector.
Effects of Gaussian-beam averaging on phase conjugation and beat-frequency spectroscopy

The effects of Gaussian-beam averaging with various apertures are derived for three-wave mixing in nonlinear two-level media. The model studies the phase transition from plane-wave to pure Gaussian saturation. Applications to phase conjugation, beat-frequency spectroscopy, and laser–optical-bistability instability phenomena are considered. The Gaussian beams are seen to reduce or wash out dynamic Stark splittings observed for plane-wave saturation. For strong saturation, the side-mode gain/absorption coefficient versus detuning yields slightly larger gain for the homogeneously broadened laser instability but substantially curtailed gain for the corresponding absorptive optical-bistability instability.
Scattering of Electromagnetic Waves from a Half-Space of Randomly Distributed Discrete Scatterers and Polarized Backscattering Ratio Law.

The effective-medium approximation is applied to investigate scattering from a half-space of randomly and densely distributed discrete scatterers. Starting from vector wave equations, an approximation, called effective-medium Born approximation, a particular way, treating Green's functions, and special coordinates, of which the origin is set at the field point, are used to calculate the bistatic- and back-scatterings. An analytic solution of backscattering with closed form is obtained and it shows a depolarization effect. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental measurements in the cases of snow, multi- and first-year sea-ice. The root product ratio of polarization to depolarization in backscattering is equal to 8; this result constitutes a law about polarized scattering phenomena in the nature.
Aluminum induces neurofilament aggregation by stabilizing cross-bridging of phosphorylated c-terminal sidearms.

Abstract Exposure to neurotoxin aluminum neurotoxicity is accompanied by the perikaryal accumulation of tangles of phosphorylated neurofilaments (NFs). We examined their formation and reversibility under cell-free conditions. AlCl3 induced dose-dependent formation of NF aggregates, ultimately incorporating 100% of detectable NFs. The same concentration of CaCl2 induced approximately 25% of NFs to form longitudinal dimers and did not induce aggregation. AlCl3 induced similar percentages of aggregates in the presence or absence of CaCl2, and CaCl2 could not reduce pre-formed aggregates. CaCl2-induced dimers and AlCl3-induced aggregates were prevented by prior NF dephosphorylation. While CaCl2-induced dimers were dissociated by phosphatase treatment, AlCl3-induced aggregates were only reduced by approximately 50%, suggesting that aggregates may sequester phosphorylation sites. Since phosphatases regulate NF phosphorylation within perikarya, inhibition of NF dephosphorylation by aluminum would promote perikaryal NF phosphorylation and foster precocious phospho-dependent NF–NF associations. These findings are consistent with the notion that prolonged interactions induced among phospho-NFs by the trivalent aluminum impairs axonal transport and promotes perikaryal aggregation.
Application of spatial-domain convolution/deconvolution transform for determining distance from image defocus

This paper describes the application of a new Spatial-Domain Convolution/Deconvolution transform (S transform) for determining distance of objects and rapid autofocusing of camera systems using image defocus. The method of determining distance, named STM, involves simple local operations on only a few (about 2 to 4) images and it can be easily implemented in parallel. STM has been implemented on an actual camera system named SPARCS. Experiments on the performance of STM and their results on real-world objects are presented. The results indicate that STM is useful in practical applications. The utility of the method is demonstrated for rapid autofocusing of electronic cameras. STM is computationally more efficient than other methods, but for our camera system, it is somewhat less robust in the presence of noise than a Fourier transform based approach. STM is a useful technique in many applications such as rapid autofocusing.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abstract ES08-2: Predicting tumor response by functional imaging, PET imaging as a functional predictive biomarker

The ability to measure biochemical and molecular processes to guide breast cancer treatment represents a significant advance in individualized breast cancer treatment. These assays have traditionally been performed by analysis of cell culture or tissue samples. More recently, functional and molecular imaging allows in vivo assay of biochemistry and molecular biology that is highly complementary to tissue-based assay. Molecular imaging can help inform drug trial of targeted breast cancer treatment and clinical decision making by (1) measuring regional expression of the therapeutic target, (2) testing the ability of drugs to interact with their intended targets, and (3) by measuring cancer response early in the course of treatment. This talk will review basic principals of molecular imaging in breast cancer, with an emphasis on those methods that have been tested in patients. The talk will review the current state of molecular imaging in breast cancer patients, including methods in routine clinical use, those undergoing advanced clinical trials, and those in early-phase testing. Current trials and future directions will be highlighted. The session is designed for a broad audience, ranging from breast cancer translational scientists to practicing physicians caring for breast cancer patients. References 1. Mankoff DA. Molecular imaging as a tool for translating breast cancer science. Breast Cancer Res. 2008;10 Suppl 1:S3. 2. Specht JM, Mankoff DA. Advances in molecular imaging for breast cancer detection and characterization. Breast Cancer Res. 2012 Mar 16;14(2):206. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr ES08-2.
Chemical Unsaturation of Rubbers Vulcanized with Polynitro Compounds and Benzoyl Peroxide, and Its Possible Bearing on Vulcanization

Abstract STUDIES on the chemical unsaturation of ordinary vulcanized rubber show that vulcanization has caused no change in the unsaturation of the rubber hydrocarbon beyond that which can satisfactorily be accounted for by the chemical combination of sulfur on the basis of one atomic equivalent of sulfur to a C5H8 group. If such is the case with sulfur vulcanization, it becomes very desirable to know whether there is any change in the unsaturation when rubber is vulcanized with substances other than sulfur, namely, polynitro compounds and benzoyl peroxide.
Research uses of the gamma field and related radiation facilities at Brookhaven national laboratory

Abstract The gamma sources used at Brookhaven for genetical, botanical and ecological studies are listed and described briefly. They include a 60 c Co 60 hot cell source, a 9 c Co 60 greenhouse source, a 3160 c Co 60 field source, a 9500 c Cs 137 forest source and a 400 c Cs 137 pit source. (Sources completed since this material was presented are described in an addendum.) The pit source is set up to simulate fallout decay, i.e. exposure rates can be decreased as desired by means of programmed changes in shielding. Described or listed are some of the more important recent experiments, observations and conclusions covering many areas of investigation in which use has been made of the various radiation facilities listed above. These include: ( a ) studies in radiation cytology and genetics elucidating certain aspects of the dose-rate effects problem; ( b ) studies on somatic mutations in many species (a list of useful mutations is also given); ( c ) studies of morphological and histological changes induced by irradiation; ( d ) studies on differences in radiosensitivity among numerous plant species with reference to the significance of nuclear volume and chromosome size as affecting radiosensitivity and a derived method of predicting radiosensitivity (predicted responses are given for 33 species of higher plants); ( e ) studies on the diploid vs. polyploid radiosensitivity problem as related to the so-called “protective effect of polyploidy”; ( f ) studies on the relationship between radiosensitivity and the estimated DNA content per chromosome; and ( g ) studies on the responses of plant species in an old field community and ecology forest subjected to chronic irradiation. Where results or experiments are not fully described, adequate lists of references are given which cover those aspects mentioned.
Desorption of Spontaneously Adsorbed and Electrochemically Readsorbed 2-Mercaptoethanesulfonate on Au(111)

The desorption of 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MES) spontaneously adsorbed on Au(111) has been studied by using both potential-step and voltammetric experiments. From the amount of gold oxide formed during the oxidation sweep in the fingerprint region it is shown that the adsorption process induces structural changes of the gold surface. It is also shown that together with the reductive desorption of MES ions a concomitant faradaic process occurs. The results suggest that this process is connected to the reduction of solvent on the structurally modified gold electrode. The reductive desorption process of MES undergone at more negative potentials is characterized by a single peak in the voltammetric response and the presence of a maximum in the chronoamperogram. It is shown that the logarithm of the maximum current, the time at which the maximum current appears, and the peak width at half height depend linearly on potential. An experimental protocol for the desorption/readsorption of MES based on a potential...
A generalised life-expectancy model for a population

In a recent paper, it was shown that the life-expectancy behaviour for homogeneous and non-homogeneous population differs markedly for moderately high and low ages. One therefore has two curves for each of these regions and the problem is how to construct a single life-expectancy curve which blends these two curves together in a satisfactory way. This note offers a simple mathematical and analytical model which is useful in estimating an acceptable life expectancy under all severities of life situation. A simple numerical example is given to illustrate the application of the method.
Theory of time-correlated tunneling of density wave solitons

We discuss a model in which an applied field induces quantum nucleation of soliton-antisoliton (S-S') pairs in a pinned charge or spin density wave. Coulomb blockade prevents pair creation until the electric field exceeds a sharp threshold value, which can be much smaller than the classical depinning field. Above threshold, the pair creation events become correlated in time, by analogy to time-correlated single electron tunneling. We compute the phase polarization and find that, depending on parameters, the predicted phase polarization can either be extremely small below threshold, as observed in NbSe 3 , or quite substantial, as observed in blue bronze. The lack of significant phase polarization below threshold in NbSe 3 , indicated by several experiments, suggests that the measured threshold field is a quantum S-S' pair creation threshold rather than a classical depinning field.
The semiclassical--classical path theory of direct electron--ion dissociative recombination and e- + H3+ recombination

Abstract The theory of dissociative recombination (DR) is reviewed. A new semiclassical—classical path theory of DR is presented. It is applicable to DR with or without curve crossing between the potential energy surfaces associated with molecular ion AB− and neutral AB∗ dissociative states. A new mechanism is proposed for e-H3+ recombination. Rydberg molecules are first formed and the periodic interaction of the Rydberg electron with the ionic core causes accumulative rotational and vibrational excitation until dissociation occurs. Recombination is completed via a simultaneous one-electron jump to the ion of the dissociating pair.
Transduction of Hepatic Allografts Achieves Local Levels of Viral IL-10 Which Suppress Alloreactivity in Vitro

The application of gene therapy in transplantation might be targeted at immunoregulation within the donor graft. Viral IL-10 (vIL-10) down-regulates antigen presenting cells (APC) and effector functions in in vitro and in vivo models of alloreactivity. In the current study, we have constructed a replication-defective adenovirus bearing the cDNA encoding viral IL-10 and examined the level and chronicity of its expression in rat liver allografts up to 7 days after orthotopic transplantation. The results demonstrate that liver allografts may be efficiently transfected with adenovirus expressing viral IL-10. Detection of the recombinant viral cytokine was limited to the allograft without measurable levels in peripheral blood. In parallel, the effect of vIL-10 on mixed leukocyte reaction is also assessed using peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from naive donor and recipient animals. Equivalent levels of viral IL-10 (5-10 ng/ml) achieved after adenovirus-mediated gene transfer suppress the in vitro alloreactivity of peripheral blood lymphocytes up to 70%. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of viral IL-10 offers the promise of effectively and favorably altering the alloreactive immune response.
On the nature of electron correlation in C60.

The ground state restricted Hartree Fock (RHF) wave function of C60 is found to be unstable with respect to spin symmetry breaking, and further minimization leads to a significantly spin contaminated unrestricted Hartree Fock (UHF) solution (〈S2〉 = 7.5, 9.6 for singlet and triplet, respectively). The nature of the symmetry breaking in C60 relative to the radicaloid fullerene, C36, is assessed by energy lowering of the UHF solution, 〈S2〉, and the unpaired electron number. We conclude that the high value of each of these measures in C60 is not attributable to strong correlation behavior as is the case for C36. Instead, their origin is from the collective effect of relatively weak, global correlations present in the π space of both fullerenes. Second order perturbation (MP2) calculations of the singlet triplet gap are significantly more accurate with RHF orbitals than UHF orbitals, while orbital optimized opposite spin second order correlation (O2) performs even better.
Libraries, Librarians, and Library Associations in the United States in 2001: Making a Difference in the Knowledge Age:

L'article fournit une vue d'ensemble de bibliotheques aux Etats-Unis et presente de quelle facon des bibliotheques, des bibliothecaires et des associations professionnelles confrontent les defis de l'âge de la connaissance. Il existe plus de 120 000 bibliotheques aux USA. L'auteur souligne le role du gouvernement federal concernant les bibliotheques ainsi que le travail de deux agences federales : l'Institut des musees et services de bibliotheque (IMLS) et la Commission nationale sur les bibliotheques et sciences de l'information (NCLIS) qui distribuent des budgets federaux et conseillent sur les besoins de bibliotheques du pays. Les USA ont plus de 1400 bibliotheques parlementaires et gouvernementales ; les activites des deux plus grandes bibliotheques : la Bibliotheque du Congres et la Bibliotheque nationale de medecine, sont mises en relief. Le role d'agences de bibliotheque d'Etat et des systemes de bibliotheque sont decrits brievement. Plus de 1300 bibliotheques universitaires et publiques ont ete construites ou renovees au cours des six dernieres annees. Chaque semaine 20 millions de personnes environ visitent une des 8976 bibliotheques publiques aux Etats-Unis. L'article fournit un apercu sur l'utilisation des bibliotheques publiques et met l'accent sur quelques-uns des services fournis pour repondre aux besoins des differents utilisateurs. Plus de 16 millions d'etudiants se rendent dans des bibliotheques universitaires chaque semaine. Il y a 3 408 bibliotheques universitaires aux Etats-Unis ; le developpement rapide de bibliotheques numeriques est une particularite de l'ensemble des bibliotheques academiques. Chaque semaine, plus de 35 millions d'etudiants vont dans les 98169 bibliotheques scolaires publiques et privees. On denombre environ 11000 bibliotheques specialisees servant des entreprises, academies (instituts), les gouvernements et les usagers, environ 3 000 bibliotheques medicales et plus de 2 000 bibliotheques legislatives. En decembre 2000, il y avait cinquante huit programmes d'etudes de bibliotheconomie et sciences de l'information aux USA et au Canada accredites par l'American Library Association. Le nombre d'etudiants des ecoles de bibliothecaires en Amerique du Nord a augmente de 27 pour cent entre 1989 et 1999. Les activites de quelques principales associations nationales de bibliothecaires sont succintement decrites, parmi elles : l'Association americaine de bibliotheques legislatives (AALL), L'Association americaine des bibliothecaires (ALA), l'Association de formation en bibliotheconomie et sciences de l'information (ALISE), l'Association de bibliotheques de recherche (ARL), l'Association de bibliotheques medicales (MLA) et l'Association de bibliotheques specialisees (SLA). Les questions clefs actuelles pour les bibliotheques aux Etats-Unis sont : l'apprentissage de l'information ; le franchissement du gouffre numerique ; le droit d'auteur et son utilisation legale ; la liberte d'expression et le filtrage sur internet.
Region-Specific Gene Expression Profiling: Novel Evidence for Biological Heterogeneity of the Human Amnion

The amnion plays an important role during pregnancy and parturition. Though referred to as a single structure, this fetal tissue is regionally divided into placental amnion, reflected amnion, and umbilical amnion. Histological differences between placental amnion and reflected amnion led us to hypothesize that the amnion is biologically heterogeneous. The gene expression profiles of placental amnion and reflected amnion were compared in patients at term with no labor (TNL; n = 10) and in labor (TIL; n = 10). Real-time quantitative RT-PCR revealed a higher expression of IL1B mRNA in reflected amnion than in placental amnion in TNL cases but not in TIL cases. Extended screening using microarrays showed differential expression of 17 genes in labor, regardless of the region. Interestingly, 839 genes were differentially expressed between placental amnion and reflected amnion. Pathway analysis identified 19 signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase and transforming growth factor beta pathways, associated with region. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of the amnion explants showed more robust activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) in placental amnion of TNL but not in TIL cases. Placental amnion from TNL and TIL cases showed a significant difference in the amplitude of IL1B mRNA induction by LPS. We report that the anatomical region has a substantial impact on the transcriptional program and the biological properties of the amnion. Labor-associated switching to a proinflammatory signature is a feature particular to placental amnion. The novel observations herein strongly suggest that the seemingly homogeneous amnion is biologically heterogeneous and compartmentalized, with implications for the physiology of pregnancy and parturition.
Morphology of the aqueous outflow pathway

The anterior chamber angle is formed by the approximation of the root of the iris and the peripheral cornea. The importance of the anterior chamber angle lies in the fact that the main drainage pathway of the aqueous humor is located in this region, represented by the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Water management by early people in the Yucatan, Mexico

The Yucatan Peninsula is a coastal plain underlain by permeable limestone and receives abundant rainfall. Such hydrogeologic conditions should provide major supplies of water; however, factors of climate and hydrogeology have combined to form a hydrologic system with chemical boundaries that limits the amount of fresh water available. Management of water resources has long had a major influence on the cultural and economic development of the Yucatan. The Mayan culture of the northern Yucatan developed on extensive use of groundwater. The religion was water oriented and the Mayan priests prayed to Chac, the water god, for assistance in water management, primarily to decrease the severity of droughts. The Spaniards arrived in 1517 and augmented the supply by digging wells, which remained the common practice for more than 300 years. Many wells now have been abandoned because of serious problems of pollution. A historical perspective of a paper such as this provides insight into the attitudes concerning water of early people and perhaps provides insight into current attitudes concerning water. Hydrogeologists possess the expertise to generate relevant information required by water managers to arrive at management programs to achieve sustainable development.
A methodology for evaluation and selection of nanoparticle manufacturing processes based on sustainability metrics

A set of sustainability metrics, covering the economic, environmental and sociological dimensions of sustainability for evaluation of nanomanufacturing processes is developed. The metrics are divided into two categories namely industrial engineering metrics (process and safety metrics) and green chemistry metrics (environmental impact). The waste reduction algorithm (WAR) is used to determine the environmental impact of the processes and NAIADE (Novel Approach to Imprecise Assessment and Decision Environments) software is used for evaluation and decision analysis. The methodology is applied to three processes used for silica nanoparticle synthesis based on sol-gel and flame methods.
Abortion: a Jewish view.

A practicing physician reviews the contribution of Jewish ethics, as it relates to the structure of Jewish law, to the issue of abortion. The topics approached include the status of the fetus, the relationship of fetus to mother, abortion and murder, therapeutic abortion, and the rights of the mother. The discussion describes rabbinic answers to abortion requests and is followed by a summary of the Jewish attitudes toward termination of fetal life. An appendix is provided, dealing with central aspects of Jewish ethics, the structure of Jewish law, their relationship, and a note on abortion legislation in Israel.
Metal-semiconductor rectifiers and transistors☆

Abstract A phenomenological model for injecting hot electrons from a semiconductor into a metal is presented. The model applies to metal-semiconductor rectifiers and transistors.
Development history of the Space Shuttle Main Engine

The development of the Space Shuttle Main Engine has provided a high performance, reusable component for the Space Transportation System. A discussion of how ground testing identified problems and their resolution paved the way for certification of the engine for flight. A launch summary and a discussion of launch anomalies are included. Continuing improvements and established overhaul criteria are described which will extend the operating life and allow each engine to be used efficiently.
The bias of the mle of box's degrees of freedom correction factor for correlation in anova

Approximate expressions for the mean and variance of the MLE of Box's 2-way ANOVA degrees of freedom factor are given for the case when the usual F test for column effects is appropriate even though there is correlation across columns. A simulation study is performed showing the approximations are good for a variety of numbers of rows and columns. The results confirm that the estimated degrees of freedom factor is badly biased when no factor at all should be used.
Protestant Work Ethic Endorsement among Anglo Americans, Chicanos, and Mexicans: A Comparison of Factor Structures:

The cross-cultural appropriateness of the Mirels and Garrett (1971) Protestant Work Ethic (PWE) scale was assessed by comparing the factor structures of Anglo American, Chicano, and Mexican samples. The model derived from the Anglo American sample was not statistically acceptable in its entirely for either the Chicano or the Mexican samples. However, examination of specific discrepancies showed considerable similarity across the samples on several factors, namely honor, success, and effort. The factor structure of the Mexican sample was more similar to the Anglo American sample than that of the Chicano sample. Contrary to predictions based on acculturation theory, comparisons using the full scale indicated PWE endorsement in the following order: Mexicans, Chicanos, and Anglo Americans. The findings are discussed in terms of cultural differences in orientation towards work and leisure.
Treatment of the elderly with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors: focus on drug interactions.

With the aging of the population, death from coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke has become more prevalent. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus increase with age as well. Recent secondary-prevention studies have established the positive effect of statins in decreasing the risk of CHD mortality through the lowering of cholesterol. Statins have an excellent safety record, at least with users under age 65, and provide a cheaper alternative to more costly medical options. The most serious side effect associated with their use is myopathy, which is infrequent. Drug interactions have been found with drugs that compete for the same CYP450 isoenzymes as statins. Several drugs have been shown to significantly inhibit the CYP3A4 pathway; in combination with statins such as lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, and cerivastatin, they have been shown to elevate serum concentrations of these statins, or may increase the risk of myopathy. Alternatively, o...
Self systems, cultural idioms of distress, and the psycho-bodily consequences of childhood suffering.

In this article, I examine the effects of childhood suffering in two cases – one from my anthropological fieldwork in the central highlands of Sulawesi in Indonesia and one from my psychotherapeutic practice in Los Angeles. I argue that although people will always carry with them the psycho-bodily signature of their past social experience, these signatures are affected by the cultural idioms of distress into which they are woven and from which psycho-bodily attention is channeled and given meaning (or not). However, I also suggest that past social experiences are related to life trajectories in very complicated ways. For example, while the enactment of a cultural idiom of distress may help to resolve or give meaning to a form of illness or distress, it also may cause or exacerbate other forms of suffering – depending on how it is used and articulated by any given individual.
Quantifying dispersal rates and distances in North American martens: a test of enriched isotope labeling

Advances in the application of stable isotopes have allowed the quantitative evaluation of previously cryptic ecological processes. In particular, researchers have utilized the predictable spatial patterning in natural abundance of isotopes to better understand animal dispersal and migration. However, quantifying dispersal via natural abundance alone has proven to be of limited utility for species exhibiting short- or mid-distance dispersal events, including most mammalian species. In previous experimental work, we demonstrated that consumption of 1 dose of isotopically enriched baits elicited a distinct ‘‘mark’’ in hair of captive martens (Martes spp.). Herein, we report findings from a field test of our isotopic enrichment approach to mark freeranging animals and quantify dispersal of martens across forest stands at sites in southeastern Alaska and northern British Columbia. In the field, we supplemented bait used in single-capture hair traps with the amino acid glycine artificially enriched in 2 H, 13 C, or 15 N. By applying unique combinations of artificially enriched isotopic markers within discrete forest stands, the isotopic signature of collected hair reflected the forest patch where the individual originated. From our isotopic marks, we were able to infer dispersal events between forested stands and, thus, estimate rates and approximate dispersal distances. Our findings demonstrate that isotopic enrichment can be a cost-effective method to mark the hair of midsized mammals for the quantification of dispersal.
A Hankel matrix approach to singular system realization theory

A Hankel matrix approach to singular system realization theory is presented. The focus is exclusively on discrete-time or descriptor systems. Based on definitions of reachability and observability, the notion of a system Hankel matrix is first defined. The system Hankel matrix is then shown to have reachability-observability matrix factorizations which can be used to solve the realization synthesis problem. The notion of a balanced realization for singular systems is derived using the singular value decomposition of the system Hankel matrix. The theory is applied to synthesizing realizations which have minimum parametric sensitivity properties. It is demonstrated that such realizations are related to the notion of balancing. >
Effect of loss of CheC and other adaptational proteins on chemotactic behaviour in Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis has a more complex mechanism of chemotaxis than does the paradigm organism, Escherichia coli. In order to understand better the role of the novel chemotaxis proteins – CheC, CheD and CheV – mutants in which increasing numbers of the corresponding genes had been deleted were studied as tethered cells and their biases and sometimes durations of counterclockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) flagellar rotations in response to addition and removal of the attractant asparagine were observed. The cheC mutant was found to have considerably reduced switching frequency (that is, prolonged CCW and CW rotations) without a significantly different prestimulus CCW bias, compared with wild-type. This result may indicate that in absence of CheC the switch might be in a conformation less resembling the transition state than in presence of CheC. Conversely, the cheB (methylesterase) mutant showed considerably increased switching frequency without affecting CCW bias, compared with wild-type. Removal of all known adaptation systems – the methylation, CheC and CheV systems – resulted in a mutant (cheRBCDV) that still retained some adaptation following the addition of attractant.
Predicted compositions for high‐density hydrous magnesium silicates

Recent studies of high-pressure hydrous magnesium silicates have revealed a wide variation of structures and chemistries. These materials are composed of layers of octahedra that have “rock-salt” topology modified by vacancies and silicon replacing magnesium, and by layers with octahedral magnesium, tetrahedral silicon and olivine-humite series stoichiometry. There are two ways to form a close-packed oxygen substructure from these types of layers. One scheme has a 1∶1 ratio of the two layers and a four-unit or 9.4A repeat. The second stacking sequence has two olivine-series layers for each octahedral unit and a six-layer or 14A repeat. A general formula for the compositions of these phases is , where mod(n,2) is the remainder when n is divided by 2; n = 1,2,3,4, ∞; and m = 1,2, ∞. This formula has been used to predict compositions and room pressure-temperature densities. These phases have mixed tetrahedral and octahedral coordination for silicon and could be important constituents of the mantle transition zone.
Consumer fraud and Latino immigrant consumers in the United States

Disadvantaged consumers are often the victims of consumer fraud; low-income Latinoa immigrants are especially likely to be victims due to their lack of English proficiency and inexperience in the local marketplace. A qualitative research study using purposeful sampling was conducted to identify areas of consumer fraud experienced by 45 Latino immigrants. Types of unscrupulous practices are identified, including sales of automobiles, prepaid telephone cards and counterfeit documents. Problems with fraud are discussed in terms of a model of disadvantaged consumers and implications for education are suggested to counteract the identified problems.
Complex permittivity and permeability of hexaferrite and carbonyl iron powders using rectangular waveguide technique from 8.0-40.0 GHz

Waveguide transmission-reflection technique is employed to determine the complex permittivity and permeability of hexaferrite powders and carbonyl iron powders in the microwave range from 8.0-40.0 GHz. It is shown that hexaferrite powders are very weak microwave dielectric and magnetic absorbers. Furthermore, both their dielectric and magnetic properties show little change in the investigated range. The carbonyl iron powders are all strong magnetic absorbers within the X-band range. However, the strength of their imaginary permeability dwindles rapidly by the time the KA-band is reached. Unlike hexaferrite powders, both the dielectric and magnetic properties of the carbonyl irons change considerably within the same frequency range.
US rail equipment crashworthiness standards

AbstractIn 1999 the US Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued new regulations and the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) issued new standards for rail passenger equipment crashworthiness. These new regulations and standards include conventional strength-based requirements for equipment used below 200km/h (125 mile/h), crashenergy management for equipment used above 200km/h (125 mile/h) and dynamic sled testing of occupant seats.
Examining the Root Cause of Surrogate Conflicts in the Intensive Care Unit and General Wards

This study is an analysis of surrogate-focused ethics consultations in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the general wards (Ward) of a large community hospital in Northern California. We identified the major themes of surrogate-focused ethics consultations to better understand the root cause of surrogate conflicts, and identified the similarities and differences between surrogate-based conflicts in the two settings. Consults requested because the surrogate had desires that conflicted with the physicians medical opinion of ‘best interest’, or cases involving surrogates not upholding a patient’s known values reflected the root cause of the majority of surrogate conflicts (72.7% ICU, 83.3% Ward).
Patterns of conifer tree regeneration following an autumn wildfire event in the western Oregon Cascade Range, USA

Abstract We investigated the effect of fire severity and environmental conditions on conifer tree regeneration 11 years after an autumn wildfire in the western Oregon Cascade Range. Conifer tree seedlings, including those of Pseudotsuga menziesii, established promptly and at high densities following fire, in contrast to long establishment periods documented for many other sites. P. menziesii, Tsuga heterophylla and Thuja plicata comprised 99.0% of the seedlings measured in the study. Pseudotsuga seedling density was greater on sites that had burned with moderate and high severity compared to low fire severity. Tsuga seedling density was greater on north aspects than on south aspects. Tsuga and Thuja seedling densities were correlated with pre-fire conspecific basal area. Coexistence of the three principal conifer species was more likely on sites that burned with moderate severity. We attribute the rapid initial establishment of Pseudotsuga observed in this study to the persistence of a canopy seed bank—a biological legacy not normally associated with Pseudotsuga forests. Environmental factors, fire severity and disturbance timing influence seedling establishment patterns, shaping future stand composition and development.
Persistent Histamine Excitation of Glutamatergic Preoptic Neurons

Thermoregulatory neurons of the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) represent a target at which histamine modulates body temperature. The mechanism by which histamine excites a population of MnPO neurons is not known. In this study it was found that histamine activated a cationic inward current and increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, actions that had a transient component as well as a sustained one that lasted for tens of minutes after removal of the agonist. The sustained component was blocked by TRPC channel blockers. Single-cell reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed expression of TRPC1, TRPC5 and TRPC7 subunits in neurons excited by histamine. These studies also established the presence of transcripts for the glutamatergic marker Vglut2 and for the H1 histamine receptor in neurons excited by histamine. Intracellular application of antibodies directed against cytoplasmic sites of the TRPC1 or TRPC5 channel subunits decreased the histamine-induced inward current. The persistent inward current and elevation in intracellular Ca2+ concentration could be reversed by activating the PKA pathway. This data reveal a novel mechanism by which histamine induces persistent excitation and sustained intracellular Ca2+ elevation in glutamatergic MnPO neurons.