cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Equilibrium Stability and the Geometry of Bifurcation Graphs for a Class of Nonlinear Leslie Models

For nonlinear scalar difference equations that arise in population dynamics the geometry of the graph obtained by plotting the population growth rate as a function of inherent fertility leads to information about the number of positive equilibria and about the local stability of positive equilibria. Specifically, equilibria on decreasing segments of this graph are always unstable. Equilibria on increasing segments are stable in two circumstances: when the equilibrium is sufficiently close either to 0 or to a critical point on the graph. These geometric criteria are shown to hold for a class of nonlinear Leslie models in which (age-specific) survival rates are population density independent and fertilities are dependent on a weighted total population size. Examples are given to show how this geometric method can be used to identity strong Allee and hysteresis effects in these models.
Testicular Seminoma Presenting with Bilateral Blindness: Looking Beyond the Eye

Cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR) is a rare cause of vision loss that was first reported in 1976. It is reported that the retinopathy associated with cancer occurs due to antibodies against the tumor antigens that cross-react with retinal cell layers. We present the case of a young male who came to the emergency department with sudden onset of bilateral vision loss. He had a large-sized testicular seminoma with metastatic retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Several primary ophthalmological and systemic conditions were considered. He had multiple, positive anti-retinal antibodies. The cancer was felt to be the cause of the vision loss based on the clinical presentation and the presence of anti-retinal antibodies. He was treated with intravenous steroids, plasmapheresis, and curative chemotherapy, but there was no improvement in vision. Unfortunately, he died due to multiorgan failure. Our case is the second on seminoma-associated retinopathy in the literature.
Extremism Grows in the Dark: Political Non-Profits, Disclosure and Ideological Interest Group Spending

Following the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC, independent expenditures have grown dramatically both in terms of raw dollars and as a percentage of spending in elections. A large and growing portion comes from political nonprofits—so called “dark money” groups—named because the terms of their incorporation allow them to partially obscure the sources of their income. I posit that the pathways for anonymous giving that emerged from the Citizens United decision allowed ideologically motivated interest groups to aggressively challenge more established factions of political parties in way previously unfeasible. Testing this theory, I find strong support that dark money groups back more extremist candidates—especially during primary elections—than either formal party organizations or access-oriented interest groups. These results indicate that the anonymous pathway to giving offered by dark money has created a new font for ideologically motivated interest groups to spend in American elections.
2D numerical modeling of two dam-break flood model studies in an urban locality

The increasing frequency of urban flooding episodes is a cause for concern for urban management and deciders. In this research, two benchmark urban flood inundation modeling (FIM) studies under the European Union-funded IMPACT Project are modeled with the 2D Sedimentation and River Hydraulics model, SRH2D. The two studies are “the model city flooding experiment” and the “isolated building” test case. The model result comparison with the measured datasets are carried out in terms of time series of flow depths at gauge locations as well as the surface flow velocity maps over the whole domain. The model is also assessed for different building treatments in the computational mesh. The model performed admirably in reproducing the flow depths at the gauge locations with a mean Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency value of 0.89. The model discrepancy is mostly due to 3D effects, which are predominant, right after the dam-break flow release from the reservoir. The second case study investigates dam-break flow around a single building as opposed to the first case study, which is focused on a locality exposed to flood. The study points to the promise held by the 2D shallow water equation-based FIM models in tracking the flood progression and providing a reliable spatiotemporal numerical dataset for the flow depths and discharges, which is a key ingredient that goes into the generation of flood hazard maps.
The Power of Perception: Lived Experiences with Diagnostic Labeling in Mental Health Recovery without Ongoing Medication Use

The recovery movement in mental health emphasizes holistic and individualized treatment through many pathways to recovery, though the majority of mental health treatment and existing literature emphasize pharmacotherapy and medication adherence for major mental health conditions. The reimbursement system and research literature are oriented around formal diagnostic categories based in a biomedical perspective of mental health problems, but diagnostic labels also carry stigma and influence how clients perceive themselves and their mental health problems. To investigate the influence of labeling and perception in alternate pathways to recovery, this qualitative study explores the lived experience of diagnostic labeling and self-perception among persons in sustained recovery without ongoing medication use. The study used a grounded theory approach to analyze data from in-depth interviews with 19 participants. Participants had previously received diagnoses of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and/or major depression, met criteria for functional recovery, and were no longer taking psychotropic medications for 12 months. The participants identified positive perceptions—externalization of the problem and hope for an external “cure”—and negative perceptions—stigma and powerlessness—following a diagnostic label. Notably, the theme of powerlessness related to the initially positive themes as the diagnosis placed the problem outside their control and some participants experienced treatments as unhelpful. Participants succeeded in overcoming powerlessness by finding internalized solutions and redefining their mental health experience as transformative. Rather than pressing clients to accept their diagnosis or “illness,” mental health providers can support multiple pathways to recovery by emphasizing empowerment and personal meaning-making in the recovery process.
Interleukin-37 Suppresses CNS Autoimmunity by Stimulating an Amphiregulin-IL-10 Axis

Interleukin (IL)-37, a novel member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, has anti-inflammatory properties. It was shown that IL-37 suppresses innate immunity and allergic reactions by modulating dendritic cells (DCs) and mast cells and interfering with the mTOR pathway. Although multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have increased serum levels of IL-37; it is currently unknown whether IL-37 has a protective role in autoimmune neuroinflammation. Here we show that IL-37 suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the prototypical animal model of MS, by ultimately inducing IL-10+ B cells. B cell-derived IL-10 was critical for EAE suppression when mice were treated with IL-37; however, IL-37 did not directly induce IL-10 in B cells. Instead, IL-37 triggered the mTORC2 pathway in DCs, leading to production of the tissue repair-associated cytokine amphiregulin (Areg), which stimulated CD4+ T cells to produce IL-21 and DCs to produce IL-27. Blockade of Areg, IL-21 and IL-27 revoked the protective effects of IL-37 by precluding an increase in the frequency of IL-10+ B cells. Our results describe an IL-37-Areg-IL-10 transcellular circuit that suppresses CNS autoimmune inflammation that can be further explored in future therapies for MS and other neuroinflammatory conditions.
Comparison of growth characteristics, functional qualities, and texture of hydroponically grown and soil-grown lettuce

Abstract Hydroponics has become one of the most popular approaches in today's agricultural production. Yet it is questionable whether hydroponics produce vegetables with comparable quality to soil-grown vegetables. In this study, hydroponically and soil-grown lettuce were compared for morphology, texture, antioxidant capacity, and functional quality. Giant Caesar lettuce was grown in laboratory-constructed hydroponic or soil systems for 35 days. Above-ground plant size, biomass, and leaf size of hydroponic lettuce were not significantly different from soil-grown lettuce. Hydroponic lettuce had significantly (p β -carotenes, and total phenolics was found in freeze-dried lettuce. However, all compounds analyzed were significantly higher in soil-grown lettuce based on fresh weight. Antioxidant capacity of soil-grown lettuce was significantly higher on both dry- (15.32%) and wet-basis (41.20%). Hydroponic lettuce had softer leaves and firmer midribs; potentially linked to increased lignin (24.18%) in plant cell walls. This represents the first comprehensive side-by-side growth study demonstrating that lettuce grown hydroponically is not the same quality as that grown in soil.
Faith leaders’ perceptions of needle exchange programs in the rural Illinois Delta Region: Religion as a social determinant of health

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Despite increasing drug use in rural communities, potentially life-saving harm reduction interventions, such as needle exchange programs (NEPs), remain underutilized. Religion is an integral component of the rural culture that has been shown to influence health, yet no studies to date have explored rural faith leaders' perceptions of harm reduction strategies. METHODS An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among rural faith leaders (n = 133) in the rural Illinois Delta Region. RESULTS While most of the respondents felt that drug abuse was an issue in their communities, support was mixed regarding whether they were in favor of NEPs with the majority of respondents having never heard of an NEP before this survey. While the majority believed that NEPs would help decrease bloodborne disease transmission, it was also perceived that NEPs would increase drug use. Significant differences in perceptions based on race, marital status, and political party also exist. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE Congruent with previous harm reduction literature, many rural faith leaders have varied perceptions of NEPs. Rural faith leaders could benefit from education about NEPs, including the possible positive and negative impacts they can have on the community. Future studies should explore contextual differences among rural faith leaders. To date, no studies have examined faith-based organizations' perceptions of NEPs. The findings have the potential to increase the current body of knowledge and provide data to support recommendations for engaging faith-based organizations in behavioral health service delivery.
An Efficient Ghost Fluid Method to remove overheating from material interfaces in compressible multi-medium flows

ABSTRACT The Ghost Fluid Method (GFM) and its derivatives represent powerful techniques in the numerical simulation of compressible, multi-medium flows, but are nonetheless afflicted by so-called overheating errors at and near material interfaces. These errors take the form of local overshoots and undershoots, and cause the numerical solution to deviate from the exact solution. Overheating errors are commonly addressed by an isobaric fix (or an isentropic fix), where the values at the cells next to the fluid interface are corrected to reduce the numerical diffusion stemming from overheating. These approaches however, do not completely remove overheating, and numerical inaccuracies persist near the interface. In this article, we propose a new version of the GFM called the Efficient Ghost Fluid Method (EGFM) capable of completely eliminating overheating errors, leading to highly accurate solutions near the interface. The EGFM approach has been implemented in IMPACT, a multi-medium, shock physics code, and has been validated against a wide range of 1D and 2D test cases, including problems with surface tension. These include single- as well as multi-medium shock tube problems, various shock-interface interactions, and shock-driven instabilities.
The Rise of Gay Rights and the Fall of the British Empire: Liberal Resistance and the Bloomsbury Group

This book argues that there is an important connection between ethical resistance to British imperialism and the ethical discovery of gay rights. It examines the roots of liberal resistance in Britain and resistance to patriarchy in the USA, showing the importance of fighting the demands of patriarchal manhood and womanhood to countering imperialism. Advocates of feminism and gay rights are key because they resist the gender binary's role in rationalizing sexism and homophobia. The connection between the rise of gay rights and the fall of empire illuminates questions of the meaning of democracy and universal human rights as shared human values that have appeared since World War II. The book casts doubt on the thesis that arguments for gay rights must be extrinsic to democracy and reflect Western values. To the contrary, gay rights arise from within liberal democracy, and its critics polemically use such opposition to cover and rationalize their own failures of democracy.
Intracranial Injection of Neurotransmitters and Hormones and Feeding in Sheep

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the effects of injections of putative neurotransmitters directly into hypothalamic tissue and of sex steroids into the cerebral ventricles. Sheep prepared with cannula guides directed towards the hypothalamus were used to study the effects of intra hypothalamic injections of drugs on food intake. Each experiment involved 5–8 sheep. Castrated male sheep were prepared under general anesthesia with 6 guide tubes, 3 on each side of the midline, directed towards anterior, medial, and lateral hypothalamus, using a modification of the X-ray technique of Tarttelin. In other sheep with lateral ventricular cannula guides, estradiol benzoate intraventricularly stimulated feeding at low doses but depressed intake at higher doses. These results show several differences from those of similar experiments with rats but the extent to which there exists a real dichotomy between the ruminant and the rodent in the central control of feeding is not yet known.
Nearby Nature and Long-Term Care Facility Residents

Abstract As the population in North America continues to age, long-term care facilities for housing the elderly are likely to become even more important. Because one of the primary foci of these facilities is on sustaining and enhancing quality of life while eventually helping patients and families cope with the dying process, both the physical and social environments are critical to the facilities' success and the users' well-being. Healing, or restorative gardens and other designed green spaces have been suggested by many academics and practitioners as important components of these environments, yet there has been relatively little systematic research on the use and benefits of nature in this context. Do elderly residents of long-term care facilities benefit from access to outdoor areas? What are the design characteristics that are most important for this unique population? Forty elderly residents of three different urban long-term care facilities were interviewed about the importance of outdoor green s...
MOPITT data and tools available from the Atmospheric Sciences Data Center

The Measurements Of Pollution In The Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument measures carbon monoxide and methane in the troposphere over the entire globe. It was launched onboard the NASA Earth Observing System (EOS) Terra satellite in December 1999. MOPITT data products are archived and distributed by the Atmospheric Sciences Data Center (ASDC) at NASA's Langley Research Center. Available MOPITT data products include Level 1 radiances and Level 2 derived carbon monoxide total column and mixing ratio profiles at a horizontal resolution of about 22 km at nadir and a vertical resolution of about 4 km. The ASDC also makes available tools that aid in the visualization and analysis of the MOPITT Level 2 data products. The MOPITT L2 Viewer software package plots images from the MOPITT Level 2 data files. Sample read software extracts data from a MOPITT Level 2 HDF-EOS formatted file and outputs the data in ASCII. The software also allows subsetting by latitude and longitude. Detailed information about the MOPITT data products, tools and documentation is available from the ASDC web site.
Expression and assay of autophosphorylation of recombinant protein kinases.

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the various factors that must be considered while designing an experimental system to study recombinant protein kinases. The expression of recombinant protein kinases in Escherichia coli is a simple and inexpensive way to produce milligram amounts of an active protein kinase from a cloned gene. These recombinant enzymes are useful tools to examine the biochemical properties of any cloned protein kinase. To facilitate purification, fusion proteins are constructed using commercially available expression vectors. These fusion proteins contain a protein tag that allows that recombinant enzyme to be purified by affinity chromatography. Fusion proteins are not only easy to purify but the addition of a well-characterized protein tag often helps the solubility and stability of the recombinant protein. To further enhance the recovery of these recombinant enzymes host strains that are protease deficient and growth conditions that favor the recovery of soluble fusion protein are used. To ensure that the catalytic properties of the expressed proteins are not unduly influenced by the affinity tag or its purification, the activities of two different recombinant fusion proteins that have the same protein kinase catalytic domains are compared. These analyses demonstrate that the protein kinase fusions have essentially identical enzymatic properties. The availability of large amounts of protein kinase allows determining the intrinsic biochemical properties and sites of autophosphorylation of a plant protein kinase.
Building a Dynamic Data Driven Application System for Hurricane Forecasting

The Louisiana Coastal Area presents an array of rich and urgent scientific problems that require new computational approaches. These problems are interconnected with common components: hurricane activity is aggravated by ongoing wetland erosion; water circulation models are used in hurricane forecasts, ecological planning and emergency response; environmental sensors provide information for models of different processes with varying spatial and time scales. This has prompted programs to build an integrated, comprehensive, computational framework for meteorological, coastal, and ecological models. Dynamic and adaptive capabilities are crucially important for such a framework, providing the ability to integrate coupled models with real-time sensor information, or to enable deadline based scenarios and emergency decision control systems. This paper describes the ongoing development of a Dynamic Data Driven Application System for coastal and environmental applications (DynaCode), highlighting the challenges of providing accurate and timely forecasts for hurricane events.
Making Catalytic DNAs

Although cells routinely use enzymes based on RNA and protein, catalytic DNAs are valuable enzymes that seem to have been ignored by Nature. Enzyme engineers, however, have no intention of ignoring catalytic DNAs (or deoxyribozymes as they are known) and are busy synthesizing them in the laboratory and finding applications for them in biotechnology and therapeutics, as Ronald Breaker reveals in his Techview article.
Changes in Managerial Pay Structures 1986-1992 and Rising Returns to Skill

We examine the relationship between wages and skill requirements in a sample of over 50,000 managers in 39 companies between 1986 and 1992. The data include an unusually good measure of job requirements and skills that can proxy for human capital. We find that wage inequality increased both within and between firms from 1986 and 1992. Higher returns to our measure of skill accounts for most of the increasing inequality within firms. At the same time, our measure of skill does not explain much of the cross-sectional variance in average wages between employers, and changes in returns to skill do not explain any of the time series increase in between-firm variance over time. Finally, we find only weak evidence of any declines in the rigidity of internal wage structures of large employers.
Comparison of growth–climate relationships between northern red oak and white oak across eastern North America

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth–climate associations for northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) across much of its geographic range in eastern North America and to compare these ass...
Comparative study of phototactic and photophobic receptor chromophore properties in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The motile, unicellular, eukaryotic alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii exhibits two distinct behavioral reactions to light stimuli, phototaxis and the photophobic response. Both are mediated by retinal-containing receptors. This paper focuses on a direct comparison of the two photoresponses and the chromophore requirements for their photoreceptor(s). Using computerized motion analysis assays for phototaxis and photophobic responses by the same populations of cells, we measured the ability of various isomers and analogues of retinal to reconstitute photobehavior in the pigment-deficient mutant FN68. The results indicate that photophobic and phototaxis responses each require chromophores with an all-trans polyene chain configuration, planar ionone ring/polyene chain conformation, and the ability to isomerize around the retinal C13-C14 double bond. One difference between the two behaviors is that the photophobic response becomes highly desensitized after light stimuli to which the phototaxis response does not become desensitized, indicating the existence of at least one distinct step in the photophobic response pathway. A second difference is that the retinal regeneration of the photophobic response but not of phototaxis is inhibited by a 5-membered ring 13-trans-locked analogue. While showing close similarity in the chromophore structural requirements of the two behaviors, the results indicate that differences exist between the two responses at the level of their photoreceptor proteins and/or in their transduction processes.
Intracoronary stenting compared with conventional therapy for abrupt vessel closure complicating coronary angioplasty. A matched case-control study

Abstract Objectives. A case-control analysis was performed to compare clinical outcome after intracoronary stenting with that after conventional therapy for abrupt vessel closure. Background. Previous studies have demonstrated that stenting after abrupt vessel closure results in marked angiographic improvement and preservation of coronary flow, leading to the anticipation of similar improvement in clinical outcome. Methods. Sixty-one of 92 consecutive patients treated at two clinical sites by intracoronary stenting for abrupt vessel closure were matched, according to angiographic features of closure and estimated left ventricular mass threatened by ischemia, with patients treated conventionally during the 18 months before stent availability. In 33 pairs of matched patients, vessel closure was established; in 28 pairs, it was threatened (coronary dissection or worsening stenosis with preservation of normal anterograde flow). Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were comparable in the two matched groups. Patients with indeterminate mechanisms of total occlusion (31%) or dissections 15 mm long (18%) were infrequently represented. Stents were successfully deployed in 60 of 61 patients at a median of 52 min (range 3 to 269) after the onset of closure. Results. When compared with conventional treatment, stenting resulted in less residual stenosis (26% vs. 49% diameter stenosis, p Conclusions. Although early treatment of established vessel closure by intracoronary stenting was associated with a low incidence of both myocardial infarction and emergency bypass surgery, the likelihood or severity of infarction was not reduced among those in whom stents were implanted later. Patients with threatened vessel closure could not be shown to benefit from stent treatment. These data provide preliminary indications for stent placement in the acute period to be validated in larger randomized studies.
Psychotherapy in a mental hygiene clinic

1. Psychotherapy in a mental hygiene clinic faces many problems not encountered in private practice. One of the greastest problems is that of poor motivation for treatment on the part of the patient as well as lack of sufficient enthusiasm on the part of the therapist. 2. Outpatient clinic psychotherapy is a necessity largely “supportive” in nature. This is nevertheless sound, in that, by this means, patients get relief from their anxieties as well as support, so that at the very least they may remain employable and socially functioning. 3. Mental hygiene clinics reduce the need for hospitalization in many instances. 4. In an outpatient situation, analytically-trained and oriented therapists apparently do not provide any better therapy or produce better results than therapists not so trained or qualified. 5. Formal residency training in psychiatry appears not to have produced better therapists as far as the experience of this clinic is concerned. 6. Intangible factors such as the personality of the therapist and the latter's attitude toward the effectiveness of his treatment, are vital elements leading to good results. 7. Psychotherapy isa medical function and responsiblity.
Genetic “lnc”-age of noncoding RNAs to human disease

The list of functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human tissues is rapidly growing. To further underscore their critical role in human health, two reports in this issue of JCI associate altered expression of novel lncRNAs with the heritable syndromes HELLP and brachydactyly type E.
Deconfining phase transition in lattice QCD

We present the first results obtained from the sixteen-processor version of the parallel supercomputer being built at Columbia. The color-deconfining phase transition has been studied fo pure SU(3) gauge theory on lattices with a spatial volume of 16/sup 3/ sites and temporal sizes of 10, 12, and 14 sites. The values found for the critical coupling are 6.07, 6.26, and 6.36, respectively. These results are in agreement with the perturbative predictions of the renormalization group, suggesting that lattice QCD calculations with the parameter ..beta.. at least as large as 6.07 may approximate the continuum limit.
Hydrogen production by methanol reforming in supercritical water: Catalysis by in-situ-generated copper nanoparticles

Abstract Hydrogen is produced by reforming of methanol in supercritical water in a stainless steel 316 tubular reactor at 700 ∘ C and 276 bar. The reactor yields hydrogen directly at high pressures in less than 1 min of reaction time. The reactions are catalyzed by copper nanoparticles which are continuously generated in situ from cupric acetate, which is fed along with methanol. The newly generated nanoparticle surface is highly catalytic, and this novel reactor scheme provides for the continuous supply of new and the removal of used particles. The X-ray diffraction pattern of nanoparticles confirms the presence of metallic copper along with cuprous and cupric oxides. Based on dynamic light scattering analysis, the copper nanoparticles are ∼ 140 nm in mean diameter. The effect of various operating parameters such as the presence of catalyst, temperature and pressure on the H2 yield is studied. Since the new catalytic area is continuously supplied, this reactor scheme can use the feeds without sulfur removal. The sulfur tolerance of the copper nanoparticles is tested by adding thianaphthene to the methanol feed.
Direct solution of two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations for static aeroelasticity problems

A new method has been developed to calculate the steady flow and structural deformations for fluid/structure interaction problems. The discretized fluid dynamic and structural equations are regarded as a single set of coupled, nonlinear, algebraic equations. The equilibrium solution is directly obtained using Newton's method. The governing equations used for the fluid flow are the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations, and a finite element model is used to represent the structure. This paper describes the analytical method and presents sample calculations demonstrating the technique. The results show rapid convergence and good agreement with experimental data. Nomenclature BW = half bandwidth of tangent matrix D = set of structural displacement variables E - set of governing equations for the aeroelastic system F = flux vector in x direction G = flux vector in y direction h = distance from nozzle throat to centerline / = number of fluid dynamic control volumes in streamwise direction J = number of fluid dynamic control volumes in cross-stream direction L = reference length, total length of nozzle N = total number of variables in system p = pressure pe = exit static pressure pt - total pressure R = system residual R = magnitude of residual r - radius at nozzle throat T = tangent matrix (system Jacobian) t = wall thickness U = set of fluid dynamic variables X = set of variables for the aeroelastic system AX = change in system variables during a Newton iteration x = streamwise coordinate y = cross-stream coordinate
Particle exhaust modeling for the collaborative DIII-D advanced divertor program

A principal objective of the collaborative DIII-D Divertor Program (ADP) is to achieve density control in H-mode discharges with edge biasing and with continuous particle exhaust at a rate determined by the external fueling sources (typically 20 Torr{center dot}L/s). The divertor baffle-bias ring system has been optimized for pumping speeds {approx}50,000 L/s with the neutral transport code DEGAS. With an entrance slot conductance of 50,000 L/s, a pumping speed of the same order is required to remove half of the {approx}40 Torr{center dot}L/s that enters the baffle chamber for typical H-mode discharges. Increasing the exhaust fraction with higher pumping speed is self-limiting, owing to the attendant reduction of the recycling flux. The effects of pumping on the plasma core, scrape-off layer (SOL), and divertor have been estimated with a model that self-consistently couples the transport in these regions. The required {approx}50,000 L/s pumping speed can be achieved with either titanium getter pumps or cryopumps. Evaluation of both systems has led to the conclusion that cryopumps will be more compatible with the environment of the DIII-D divertor. 8 refs., 7 figs.
Forming stable timescales from the Jones-Tryon Kalman filter

This is a study of three timescales formed from a Kalman filter operating on a model of a clock ensemble. The raw Kalman scale is unstable at short averaging times. The Kalman-plus-weights and reduced Kalman scales are stable at all averaging times. An optimality property is proved for the reduced Kalman scale.
Magnetic circularly polarized luminescence (MCPL) spectra of EuCl3 and Eu(NO3)3 in solution

Abstract Magnetic circularly polarized luminescence (MCPL) spectra are reported for EuCl3 and Eu(NO3)3 dissolved in a series of protic and non-protic solvents. These spectra span the 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 0,1,2) emission regions of europium(III) and they were all obtained at room temperature with the sample subjected to an applied magnetic field of 4.2 T. The 5D0 → 7F1 MCPL spectra show very little differentiation between the various systems investigated. However, the 5D0 → 7F2 MCPL spectra and total emission intensities exhibit striking variations among the systems. The MCPL spectra are discussed in terms of their qualitative features, but detailed spectra structure correlations are not presented in this paper.
Syntheses with isotopically labelled carbon. Methyl iodide, formaldehyde and cyanide.

Abstract Many of the uniquely labelled synthetic precursors currently employed in the design of sophisticated radiolabelled compounds have their origins in the field of hot atom chemistry. Particularly, the development during the past few years of automated, on-line synthetic procedures which combine the nuclear reaction, hot atom and classical chemistry, and rapid purification methods has allowed the incorporation of useful radionuclides into suitable compounds of chemical and biochemical interest. The application of isotopically labelled methyl iodide, formaldehyde, and cyanide anion as synthetic intermidiates in research involving human physiology and nuclear medicine, as well as their contributions to other scientific methodology, is reviewed.
The National Transonic Facility: A Research Retrospective

An overview of the National Transonic Facility (NTF) from a research utilization perspective is provided. The facility was born in the 1970s from an internationally recognized need for a high Reynolds number test capability based on previous experiences with preflight predictions of aerodynamic characteristics and an anticipated need in support of research and development for future aerospace vehicle systems. Selection of the cryogenic concept to meet the need, unique capabilities of the facility, and the eventual research utilization of the facility are discussed. The primary purpose of the paper is to expose the range of investigations that have used the NTF since being declared operational in late 1984; limited research results are included, though many more can be found in the references.
Cyclic AMP and butyrate modulate melatonin synthesis in Y79 human retinoblastoma cells.

: Melatonin is synthesized by cultured Y79 human retinoblastoma cells and is secreted into the medium. Activity of the two key enzymes involved in the synthesis of melatonin, N-acetyltransferase (NAT) and hydroxyindole-O-methyl-transferase (HIOMT), are present in retinoblastoma cells. The activity of these enzymes and the resulting synthesis and release of melatonin are modulated by the addition of a cyclic AMP analogue and butyrate to the culture medium. Melatonin levels increase dramatically over control levels after the addition of dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP), whereas melatonin levels decrease after butyrate treatment. HIOMT activity is inhibited by both dbcAMP and butyrate, and NAT activity is stimulated by both of these differentiating agents, suggesting that the rise in melatonin levels in response to dbcAMP is the result of increased activity of NAT, whereas the decline in melatonin levels in response to butyrate may be due to a drop in HIOMT activity. Melatonin synthesis is dose- and time-dependent, and the effect of dbcAMP is readily reversible, whereas the effect of butyrate does not appear to be reversible. These effects probably reflect basic differences in the regulatory mechanisms of the inducing agents.
Using an inhibitor to combat erosion-corrosion in carbon steel piping -- How much does it help?

When sand, water, and CO{sub 2} gas are produced along with other production fluids, erosion-corrosion can occur in carbon steel piping and fittings. Metal loss rates in erosion-corrosion can be extremely high. The term ``threshold velocity`` is sometimes used to define a limiting flowstream velocity above which erosion-corrosion takes place. Threshold velocities depend on a number of factors such as temperature, solution composition (including pH), sand size, and pipe size. Sometimes desired production velocities are above threshold velocities and costly erosion-corrosion is a risk. But, in some cases, using a corrosion inhibitor can prevent erosion-corrosion damage by shifting threshold velocities to above production velocities. This paper describes how a laboratory flow loop and an erosion prediction model have been used to quantify the effect that using a corrosion inhibitor can have on the threshold velocity. Several examples of how the results of this research can be applied to oilfield problems are provided.
Disseminated nocardiosis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy: Quick and accurate diagnostic approach

Nocardia is an uncommon pathogen in immunocompetent patients; however, it has been increasingly recognized as a significant opportunistic pathogen in organ transplant patients. Diagnosis of Nocardiosis is usually made by microbiologic culture or cytologic examination of pulmonary specimens including, sputum, and brushing/washings or by histologic evaluation of tissue biopsy material. We report a case of subcutaneous Nocardiosis diagnosed by Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). The patient is a 66-year-old man with a history of lung transplantation and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder who presented with subcutaneous masses in the right upper arm and the left shoulder. FNA was performed in an outpatient clinic setting, with immediate morphologic assessment revealing filamentous branching organisms suspicious for Nocardiosis. Subsequent examination with special stains and microbiologic culture confirmed the diagnosis. The quick and accurate diagnosis by FNA led to emergent and appropriate treatment.
Gliogenic and neurogenic progenitors of the subventricular zone: Who are they, where did they come from, and where are they going?

The subventricular zone (SVZ) of the perinatal forebrain gives rise to both neurons and glia. The mechanisms governing the phenotypic specification of progenitors within this heterogeneous germinal zone are unclear. However, the characterization of subpopulations of SVZ cells has given us a better understanding of the basic architecture of the SVZ and presents us with the opportunity to ask more detailed questions regarding phenotype specification and cell fate. Recent work demonstrating the embryonic origins of SVZ cells is summarized, and a model describing the formation of the perinatal SVZ, noting contributions of cells from pallial as well as subpallial germinal zones, is presented. We further address differences among classes of SVZ cells based on molecular profile, phenotype, and migration behavior and present a model summarizing the organization of perinatal SVZ cells along coronal, sagittal, and horizontal axes. A detailed description of the SVZ in the adult, outlining classes of cells based on morphology, molecular profile, and proliferative behavior, was recently reported by Doetsch et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 93:14895–14900, 1997). Potential relationships among cells within the perinatal and adult SVZ will be discussed. GLIA 43:52–61, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The design of stirred reactors with hollow fiber catalysts for Michaelis‐Menten kinetics

A method of calculating the conversion in Rony's hollow fiber reactor is outlined. It, is assumed that, the kinetics are of Michaelis-Menten type and that diffusion within the hollow fiber, as well as through its wall, should be taken into account. The normalization of the Thiele modulus suffices to unify the treatment of internal diffusion and the pseudosteady state hypothesis is found to be valid under almost all conditions.
Three cases of familial hairy cell leukemia

In a 10-year interval, a total of 12 cases of familial hairy cell leukemia have been published. They were noted in first degree relatives, mostly in men. In some instances, when the HLA type was performed, a specific HLA type was found in the studied family, but a different haplotype was seen in other families. It appeared that familial cases of hairy cell leukemia were not associated with a “specific HLA antigen” and other factor(s) such as environmental, or some kind of occupational exposure, were suggested to play a role in the familial occurrence of hairy cell leukemia. We add three more familial hairy cell leukemia cases which are different from other published cases, showing a female predominance. The HLA typing revealed interesting findings. The HLA type shared by case 1 and 3 was A2, A30/31(19), B27, Bw4, Bw6. From these, HLA A2, Bw4, and Bw6 were previously reported (Ward FT, Baker J, Krishnan J, Dow N, Kjobech CH: Cancer 65:319–321, 1990). Case 2, shared with the other two the antigen Bw6. Its specific HLA type was A3 and B7, the type previously reported in a family (Begley CG, Tait B, Crapper RM, Briggs RG, Brodie GN, Mackay IR: Leuk Res 11:1027–1028, 1987). Based on these observations, we may conclude that a “specific HLA type,” A2, Bw4, Bw6 and A3, B7 might have a role in the genetic predisposition for hairy cell leukemia. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Political and interpersonal aspects of ethics consultation

Previous papers on ethics consultation in medicine have taken a positivistic approach and lack critical scrutiny of the psychosocial, political, and moral contexts in which consultations occur. This paper discusses some of the contextual factors that require more careful research. We need to know more about what prompts and inhibits consultation, especially what factors effectively prevent house officers and nonphysicians from requesting consultation despite perceived moral conflict in cases. The attitudes and institutional power of attending medical staff seem important, especially where innovative interventions raise ethical questions. Ethics consultants also need to address the thorny problems of the origin(s) of the consultant's authority, whistleblowing, conflicts of interest that affect the consultant, persistently poor communications in hospitals, systemic inequity in the availability or quality of services for some, and the standing of the consultant's recommendations, including their appearance in the patient's medical record.
Visual and auditory processing of common pattern class structure

Visual and auditory classification of equivalent class structured patterns were examined. Underlying patterns from two classes were translated into auditory tone sequences and visual polygons. All Ss classified 50 visual patterns and their direct auditory analogs. Visual classification accuracy exceeded auditory accuracy (p < .01); however, auditory accuracy improved when auditory classification was preceded by the visual task (p < .01). Based on group data, classification strategies appeared similar across modalities, with accuracy of classification of individual patterns predicted to the same degree by common measures of physical class structure across modalities. Ss’ drawings of the prototypes also suggested a common strategy across modalities. While group data suggest some consistency of classification strategy across modalities, individual Ss were not at all consistent in their visual and auditory classifications.
Diffusion of Antibiotics through the PilQ Secretin in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Occurs through the Immature, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Labile Form

ABSTRACT In strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae harboring the mtr and penB determinants that decrease permeation of antibiotics into the periplasm, mutation or deletion of the PilQ secretin of type IV pili increases resistance to penicillin by ∼3-fold, indicating a role for PilQ in antibiotic permeation. In this study, we examined spontaneously arising mutants with decreased susceptibility to penicillin. One class of mutants had a phenotype indistinguishable from that of a previously characterized pilQ2 mutation that interfered with the formation of SDS-resistant PilQ multimers. A second class of mutants contained frameshift mutations in genes upstream of pilQ in the pilMNOPQ operon that increased resistance to levels similar to those of the pilQ2 mutation. In-frame deletions of these genes were constructed, but only the frameshift mutations increased antibiotic resistance, suggesting that the mutations had polar effects on PilQ. Consistent with this result, titration of wild-type PilQ levels revealed a direct correlation between resistance and expression levels of PilQ. To determine which form of PilQ, the monomer or the multimer, was responsible for antibiotic permeation, we manipulated and quantified these forms in different mutants. Deletion of PilW, which is responsible for the maturation of PilQ into SDS-resistant multimers, had no effect on resistance. Moreover, Western blot analysis revealed that while SDS-resistant multimer levels were decreased by 26% in frameshift mutants, the levels of PilQ monomers were decreased by 48%. These data suggest that immature, SDS-labile complexes, not mature, SDS-resistant PilQ complexes, serve as the route of entry of antibiotics into the periplasm. IMPORTANCE The capacity of antibiotics to reach their target is crucial for their activity. In Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the PilQ secretin of type IV pili plays an important role in antibiotic influx when diffusion of antibiotics through porins is limited (e.g., in most resistant strains). On Western blots, PilQ exists both as a mature higher-order multimer and an immature, SDS-labile monomer. In this study, we examined spontaneously arising mutations in PilQ and in the genes upstream of PilQ in the pilMNOPQ operon that increase resistance to penicillin. We provide evidence that PilQ monomers associate by mass action to form immature multimers and that these complexes likely mediate the diffusion of antibiotics across the outer membrane.
How often are spectacles prescribed to “normal” preschool children?

Abstract Introduction Legislation to require formal eye examination prior to school entry is being considered in several states and is supported by optical trade organizations. Pediatric ophthalmologists cite anecdotal cases that suggest children receive spectacles unnecessarily, but data to support this are lacking. Methods Eye examination results from children referred to local eye doctors following a statewide preschool photoscreening program were reviewed to determine how often glasses were prescribed for children who did not have amblyogenic factors (those with false-positive screenings). Results Of 102,508 preschool children screened, 890 children did not have amblyogenic factors (false-positive screenings). Nevertheless, spectacles were prescribed for 174 (19.5%) of these children. Only 5/272 children (1.8%) were prescribed glasses following examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist, while glasses were prescribed for 24/205 children (11.7%) examined by comprehensive ophthalmologists and 145/413 (35.1%) of children seen by optometrists (P Conclusions While some preschoolers without amblyogenic factors may require spectacle correction, a significant percentage of children are probably prescribed glasses unnecessarily. Extrapolation of these data to the United States population suggests that a single mandatory eye examination prior to school entry could cost over $200,000,000 yearly for unnecessary spectacles. Vision screening programs with high referral rates, and health policy proposals supporting comprehensive preschool eye exams, must consider these unnecessary costs.
Existence of normal subgroups in finite p-groups

Abstract Suppose p is a prime, S is a finite p-group, and B is a subgroup of S of order p n and class at most c. Does S possess a normal subgroup of order p n and class at most c? J. Alperin showed that the answer is negative in general. In this article, we show that the answer is affirmative if n is sufficiently small relative to p.