cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-consistent semi-relativistic energy band structure of fcc and tetragonal Ni metal

Abstract The electronic structure of paramagnetic and ferromagnetic fcc Ni and tetragonal Ni has been determined by means of self-consistent semi-relativistic linear muffin-tin orbital (LMTO) energy band studies. The paramagnetic studies used the local density exchange-correlation potential of Hedin et al. whereas the ferromagnetic spin-polarized calculations used the local spin-density exchange-correlation potential of Gunnarson et al. The magnetic moments (0.54 μ B ), magnetization density, Fermi contact hyperfine fields and Fermi surface areas are found to agree with experiment and with other theoretical calculations, notably those of Wang and Callaway. For tetragonal Ni, distorted along the [111] direction similar to the local strain of Ni layers between Cu layers in modulated structures, the magnetic moment (0.46 μ B ) and resultant hyperfine fields are reduced substantially from that determined for fcc Ni.
Growth hormone and prolactin response to methylphenidate in children with attention deficit disorder.

Utilizing a double-blind, drug-placebo design, we examined growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (Pro) response to oral administration of methylphenidate (MPH) in 14 boys (ages 7.0-12.4 years) with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Four conditions representing three different MPH doses (0.3 mg/kg O.D., 0.3 mg/kg B.I.D., 0.6 mg/kg O.D.) and Placebo were compared in each subject, each condition lasting for a period of 3 weeks. GH and Pro response were measured both as maximum peak GH (DGH) or nadir of Pro (DPro) as well as area under the curve for the first four hours after MPH administration (AUCGH, AUCPro). Behavioral measures included parent ratings on the Yale Children's Inventory and teacher ratings on the Yale and Conners Behavior Rating Scales and Kagan's Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT). Prolactin response as measured by AUCPro was significantly increased after MPH compared to placebo (t = 2.04, p less than 0.05, placebo vs all doses MPH). This difference observed for AUCPro between placebo and MPH was evident as well when we considered the number of times AUCPro declined after MPH as compared to placebo (p = .018, Fisher's exact test). Within-subjects analysis of covariance demonstrated significant correlations between the improvement in reaction time on the MFFT and 1) GH response (AUCGH, r = .58, p less than .001) and 2) prolactin response (AUCPro, r = .40, p less than .05) and between improvement in attention as measured on the Yale BRS and GH response (AUCGH, r = .57, p less than .05). Our findings suggest that measures other than GH and prolactin may be more desirable measures of brain catecholaminergic functioning.
Life events as stressors with gifted adolescents

The present study investigated the perceived stressfulness of life events by 53 gifted adolescents in a rural southeastern area. In comparison to previous samples, these youths rated life events as similar except for items related to achievement, social status, and career aspirations, which they rated as more stressful. Pressure to perform was rated as stressful, but actually being labeled gifted was rated as a relatively low stressful event.
Thermal Rectification by Ballistic Phonons

In analogy to the asymmetric transport of electricity in a familiar electrical diode, a thermal rectifier transports heat more favorably in one direction than in the reverse direction. One approach to thermal rectification is asymmetric scattering of phonons and/or electrons, similar to suggestions in the literature for a sawtooth nanowire [1] or 2-dimensional electron gas with triangular scatterers [2]. To model the asymmetric heat transport in such nanostructures, we have used phonon ray-tracing, focusing on characteristic lengths that are small compared to the mean free path of phonons in bulk. To calculate the heat transfer we use a transmission-based (Landauer-Buttiker) method. The system geometry is described by a four-dimensional transfer function that depends on the position and angle of phonon emission and absorption from each of two contacts. At small temperature gradients, the phonon distribution function is very close to the usual isotropic equilibrium (Bose-Einstein) distribution, and there is no thermal rectification. In contrast, at large temperature gradients, the anisotropy in the phonon distribution function becomes significant, and the resulting heat flux vs. temperature curve (analogous to I-V curve of a diode) reveals large thermal rectification.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
SOME IMPLICATIONS OF SOCIAL CHANGE FOR DEPENDENCY AMONG LOWER‐CLASS FAMILIES*

Scientific and technologic advance have produced an “affluent” society for many, but have generated stress and family disorganization for increasing numbers of our lower-class citizenry. The effects of this change come into focus through an analysis of a national sample of Negro and white families involved in Aid to Dependent Children. The outlook for families such as these is not hopeful. To counteract the mounting pressures they are now experiencing, programs national in scope must move beyond good intentions or patchwork measures into meaningfully coordinated health, welfare, education, job training and counseling services in all the nation's communities.
Psychoanalysis, Terror and the Theater of Cruelty

This is an article about terrorism and about what clinical psychoanalysis might contribute to a discussion of its causes, its effects, and our efforts to combat it. The article views terrorism as constitutively theatrical, its acts of destruction calculated less for their potential to harm particular victims than to affect a mass audience that will witness its images on television and via the media. Because terrorism's aim is to strike psychologically at its enemies' sense of self-definition and cohesion, it is likened to Artaud's theater of cruelty. The article also argues that because psychoanalysis is constituted by the staging of the transference relation, it too might be likened to theater, even to a theater of cruelty inasmuch as it cures by forcing the analysand to remember what he prefers to forget. The clinical experience that is seen as providing the psychoanalyst with knowledge that might bear quintessentially on the question of terrorism is that gained by the treatment of traumatized patients ...
Skin necrosis and venous thrombosis from subcutaneous injection of charcoal lighter fluid (naptha)

A 33-year-old white man injected approximately 4 cc of charcoal lighter fluid (99.4% naptha/0.6% inert ingredients) subcutaneously into his left antecubital fossa. The injection resulted in the toxic necrosis of his volar forearm skin extending proximally to mid-humerus and distally to the metacarpophalangeal joints of the left hand dorsally over a 6-day period. The patient ultimately required extensive surgical debridement, secondary operative closure, and approximately 150 cm2 of split-thickness skin grafting. This case demonstrates the potential for widespread, delayed toxic necrosis of the skin resulting from subcutaneous injection of naptha. This patient's case appears to represent the most severe and widespread case of toxic necrosis of the skin resulting from the subcutaneous injection of hydrocarbons reported in the literature. This case also demonstrates extensive toxic thrombophlebitis not reported in prior cases involving subcutaneous injection of hydrocarbons.
Non-covalent surface integration: optimising a novel technique for preparing targeted polymeric nanoparticles for cancer therapeutics

Targeting anticancer drugs to their specific molecular targets is a major challenge in cancer therapy. However, advances in biomedical and protein engineering have led to novel nanoparticle targeting approaches. In this study, we used a novel non-covalent insertion of a homo-bifunctional spacer for targeted delivery of drugs to various cancer cells. Functionalised blank nanoparticles for antibody (targeting agent) conjugation were prepared using different cross-linking spacers (bis[sulphosuccinimidyl] suberate (BS3), Disuccinimidyl glutarate (DSG) and sulpho-N-[e-maleimidocaproyloxy] sulphosuccinimide ester (s-EMCS)). The concentration of the spacers and the concentration of antibody used for conjugation were optimised using flow cytometry. The optimised and functionalised nanoparticles thus obtained were characterised for percent yield, mean particle size, surface morphology and percent antibody attachment. Our studies showed the formation of smooth and spherical functionalised poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles which could be successfully conjugated to an antibody, Anti-Annexin A2, for targeting to breast cancer cells. The functionalisation of PLGA nanoparticles for antibody attachment was effectively optimised leading to high percent attachments of 92.8% achieved with BS3. Antibody conjugated PLGA nanoparticles were then evaluated for their targeting potential. Robust intra-cellular uptake of the targeted nanoparticles was observed in breast cancer cell line and in mouse xenograft tumour studies. Our results thus validate that such a novel technique of surface integration may be used for preparing targeted polymeric nanoparticles for cancer therapeutics.
Patterns of competition in banking

Abstract Shortcomings of the structure–conduct–performance (SCP) hypothesis have rendered newer empirical methods crucial for assessing competition in banking markets. Here, we briefly review the earlier literature, comprehensively review two extensively applied newer methods, propose several minor improvements to one of those methods, and illustrate those improvements using a new sample of highly concentrated banking markets. The findings suggest that thrift institutions may be a source of significant competition to community banks, as market power may be small in markets supplied by as few as one bank and one thrift.
PERCEPTIONS OF SALESPERSONS' APPEARANCE AND EVALUATION OF JOB PERFORMANCE

This experimental study was designed to examine social perceptions and attitudes about nonobese and obese salespeople. Specifically, it focused on subjects' desire to work with nonobese and obese salespeople, and it also investigated subjects' evaluations of the effectiveness of these salespersons' job performance. The data indicate that subjects' evaluations of obese salespeople were influenced by negative stereotypes of obese people and that these unfavorable perceptions diminished their desire to work with them and led to a belief that these persons would be less effective in their jobs than nonobese salespersons. Sex differences in subjects' responses are noted, and implications regarding consumers' decision making are discussed.
An accurate reference system for historadiography.

A simplified method for preparing the reference system used in quantitative historadiography has been described. Glass slides are dipped into a standard dye-Parlodion-acetate solution and then dried. Squares are cut on the dried surface and the foils stripped from the slide by immersing it into water. The foils are lifted onto the preparation disc, one at a time and a wedge constructed. By measuring light absorption of the dyed wedge it is possible to calculate foil thickness. The procedure is quick, accurate, and requires no apparatus other than the microdensitometer used for density measurements on the historadiograph.
Regulation of the oxidative NADP‐enzyme tissue levels in Drosophila melanogaster. II. The biochemical basis of dietary carbohydrate and D‐glycerate modulation

When cultured on a series of casein-synthetic diets constituting a dietary sucrose gradient, the tissue levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.43) in the third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster paralleled the dietary sucrose concentration. The tissue level of malic enzyme (EC 1.1.1.40) was increased only by very high concentrations of dietary sucrose; whereas, the tissue level of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.42) was negatively correlated with the dietary sucrose concentration. Dietary supplements convertible to the intermediates of the initial steps of glycolysis stimulated high tissue levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; D-glycerate was the most effective inducer. Dietary sucrose increased the tissue concentrations of the intermediates of glycolysis that yield lipid substrate. As a result, lipid synthesis, pentose shunt activity and the tissue levels of the oxidative pentose shunt enzymes were elevated. In contrast, D-glycerate increased the concentrations of the intermediates of the initial part of glycolysis and stimulated high tissue levels of the oxidative shunt enzymes without concurrent increases in pentose shunt activity or lipid synthesis. Thus, the activity of the pentose shunt is a function of lipid synthesis; whereas, the tissue levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase are dependent on the concentrations of one or more metabolites derived from the initial part of glycolysis.
Distribution functions in Ising patches: a test case for protein denaturation

Abstract Many proteins exhibit a sharp maximum in the heat capacity as a function of temperature as a result of the denaturation process. We have recently shown that the temperature dependence of the heat capacity can be converted into a finite set of moments of the enthalpy distribution for the protein. Using the maximum-entropy method one can then use these moments to construct approximations to the enthalpy distribution function, the more moments used the better the approximation. We find that for many proteins the enthalpy distribution is bimodal when one expands the heat capacity in the neighborhood of the maximum in this function reflecting the presence of two distinctly different populations of molecules. In the present paper we analyze a soluble model system to test the accuracy of the approximate distribution functions obtained from the maximum-entropy method using a finite set of moments. For this purpose we pick the two-dimensional Ising model near the critical point, treating finite patches of lattice sites. In the finite system there is no true phase transition, but there is a sharp change in density and enthalpy in the neighborhood of the critical point. The distribution functions for the Ising model are in fact very similar to those for proteins. For the Ising model, we can then compare the exact distribution functions with those calculated using a finite number of moments and the maximum-entropy method and we find that the latter give excellent agreement with the exact results thus lending credibility to similar results obtained for distribution functions describing protein denaturation.
A computer-controlled, continuously circulating, hot irrigating system for endometrial ablation.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of a computer-controlled thermal catheter system to ablate endometrium by use of 5 to 15 ml of hot saline solution. STUDY DESIGN: Five in vivo sheep uteri and 32 freshly excised human uteri were studied by inserting a self-contained heater catheter equipped with thermocouples and circulating hot saline solution for 15 minutes within the uteri at various temperature settings ranging from 60° C to 80° C. The uteri were grossly examined and microscopically evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-diaphorase stains for degree of acute destruction, depth of thermal injury, and predicted viability. RESULTS: All 80° C sheep treatments resuled in complete loss of viability at mucosal, submucosal, and myometrial levels. In human uteri temperatures ≥80° C produced grossly recognizable thermal damage to the endometrium. Full-thickness irreversible damage was seen in the endometrium. Loss of viability was also demonstrated 1 to 3 mm deep in the superficial myometrium. Intrauterine pressure was demonstrated to range from 20 to 40 mm Hg, with a mean of 26 mm Hg. No leakage of fluid from the oviducts was observed. CONCLUSION: The data presented here demonstrate that a simple technique coupled with a sophisticated monitoring control system could successfully ablate the endometrium without the vagaries associated with individual operator skill levels.
A cluster of neurological signs and symptoms in soil fumigators.

Methyl bromide (CH 3 Br) is a practically odourless, highly toxic and penetrating volatile aliphatic hydrocarbon derivative that has been widely used in agriculture as a fumigant against rodents, insects, mites, and a range of pathogenic organisms in soil, compost, and timber. According to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, it should have been phased-out of from use in developed countries by 1 January 2005. However, since an effective substitute does not exist, and its elimination would cause many problems in agricultural industries that are still heavily reliant on its use , it is still being employed for many purposes. Methyl bromide exposure can cause skin, kidney, and respiratory, liver and neurological damage in workers. Fatal and non-fatal poisoning accidents have been reported since 1948 and are still common both in developed 5) and in developing countries . Long-lasting neurological consequences resulting from occupational accidents are also well known and . To our knowledge, however, no long-term prospective study of exposed workers has ever been published, and the effects of prolonged, low-dose occupational exposure are seldom reported. Regular medical examination of exposed workers has been obligatory in Italy since 1956, and exposure assessment and biological monitoring of workers in compliance with European directives, have been required only since 2002. These regulations are not, however, always fully enforced in agriculture. Here we report a cluster of cases of neurological signs and symptoms of varying severity, in a sample of farm workers from the same company who were employed as fumigators to vaporising CH 3 Br in greenhouses or open fields.
Diet and aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rats

Abstract The effects of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) in rats are markedly influenced by diet. Fischer and Sprague-Dawley male rats were fed either a complete synthetic diet or a synthetic diet marginally deficient in lipotropes, which had enhanced AFB 1 carcinogenesis in earlier studies. Deficient rats of both strains were resistant to the toxicity of a single dose of AFB 1 (7 or 9 mg/kg), which killed 60–100% of rats fed the complete diet. In contrast, the deficient rats were more sensitive to the acute toxicity of repeated small doses of AFB 1 . The dietary influence may be explained by the low resting levels of the hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes and by the failure of the enzyme levels to respond to repeated doses of AFB 1 in the livers of deficient rats.
Mechanical and electrical property enhancement in exfoliated graphene nanoplatelet/liquid crystalline polymer nanocomposites

Abstract A liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) poly(benzoyl-1,4-phenylene)-co-(1,3-phenylene)], nanocomposite was prepared with exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) to achieve both high mechanical modulus and electrical conductivity. The fabrication technique and the dispersion of nanoplatelets have been shown to be critical to achieve high mechanical modulus at low filler loading. A loading of only 1 vol.% of the GnP particles improved the modulus of the LCP nanocomposite by 25% and 55% at a loading of 5 vol.%. The electrical conductivity the non-conductive LCP improved to a very high value of 4.5 × 10 −4 S/cm with the addition of 5 vol.% of GnP nanoparticles.
Firearm ownership in households with children

Abstract Background/Purpose: Increased morbidity and mortality rates in children injured by firearms has been well documented during this past decade. The aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic factors affecting firearm ownership in families with children living in suburban/rural versus inner-city environments, and to identify predictors of firearm ownership in these families. Methods: Parents of children less than 19 years old seen in a suburban (n = 751) or inner-city hospital (n = 406) anonymously completed a questionnaire regarding firearm ownership. Results: Firearm ownership was 54% in rural locations, versus 18% among inner-city residents ( P P P P P Conclusions: Firearm ownership is higher in rural, caucasian versus inner-city African-American residents and is significantly less in households with lower income and educational levels. Significant predictors for firearm ownership were number of parents in households, educational level of parents, and population of residence.
The atmospheres of mars and venus

[1] Kundt, W.: Z. Physik 163, 77 (I961).---Robinson, I., Trautman, A.: Proc. Roy. Soc. A z6s, 463 (1962). Kundt, W., Trtimper, M. : Akad. Wiss. Mainz, Abh. math.-nat. K1. Nr. 12, 980 (1962).-Pirani, F. A. E., in : Trautman, A., Pirani, F. A. E., Boudi, H. : Brandeis Summer Inst. inTheor. Phys. 1964. Vol. 1. New Jersey: prentice Hall I965. [2] Kundt, W., Thompson, A.: C.R. 2S4, 4257 {1962). [3] Sachs, R. K.: Proe. Roy. Soe. A 270, 103 (1962). Sachs, R. K., in: Relativity, Groups and Topology. Ed. by C. de Witt and B. de Witt. New York: Gordon&Ereach 1964. [4] Thorne, K. S.: Phys. Rev. Letters 21, 320 (t968). Thorne, K. S., in: Varenna Summer School Lectures, Course XLVI[ (1969) on Relativity and Cosmology. Hrsg. yon der Italienischen Physikalisehen GeselIschaft. [5] Isaacson, R. A.: Phys. Rev. t66, t272 (1968). [6l Sinsky, J.: Phys. Rev. 167, I145 (1968). Sinsky, J., Weber, J.: Phys. Rev. Letters 18, 795 ( 1 9 6 7 ) . [7] Weber, J. : General Relativity and Gravitational Waves. Chap. 8. New York: Interscienee 1961. [8] Weidemann, V. : Naturwissenschaften s6, 3~3 (1969). [9] Kundt, W. : Springer Tracts in Modern Physics 47, 111 (1968). It0] Grewiug, M., Rohlfs, K.: Naturwissensehaften 56, I4 (1969) . [1 t] Boynton, P. E., Groth, E. J., Partridge, R. B., Wilkinson, D. T. : Precisiort Measurement of the Frequency Decay of the Crab Nebula Pulsar NP 0532. Vorabdruek Princeton Universit~it, August 1969. Ferrari, A., Ruffini, R.: Theoretical Implications of the Second Time Derivative of the Period of the Pulsar NP 0532. Vorabdruck Princeton Universitftt, August 1969. [12] Weber, J.: Phys. Rev. Letters 22, 1320 (1969). Weber, J.: Anisotropy and Polarization in the Gravitational Radiation Experiments. Vorabdruck Universit/it von Maryland, August 1969. [13] Kundt, W.: Die gegenwfirtige Situation in der Kosmologie. Fachbericht auf der 34. ()sterreich.-dtsch. Physikertagung. Salzburg, Sept. 1969. [14] Sciama, D. W.: Beitrag zum ESRO-Colloquium on the Significance of Space Researe5 for Fundamental Physics, Interlaken, 4. Sept. 1969. [15] Robinson, D.C., Winieour, J.: Phys. Rev. Letters z2, ~98 1969).
Assessment of lead toxicity to Desulfovibrio desulfuricans G20: influence of components of lactate C medium

Abstract The bioavailability and toxicity of lead (Pb) to Desulfovibrio desulfuricans G20 is greatly influenced by aqueous phase chemical composition. Apparent Pb toxicity is reduced by precipitation and complexation with chemicals found in standard growth media for sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). To determine the influence of medium composition on observed Pb toxicity, a new medium was developed to more accurately assess the toxicity of Pb to Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. The new medium, metal toxicity medium (MTM), eliminates abiotic Pb precipitation and minimizes formation of Pb complexes in solution. Significant growth of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans was observed on MTM in the absence of Pb, while no measurable growth was observed at 3 mg/l Pb as PbCl 2 . For comparison, in Lactate C medium ( Burlage et al., 1998 ) abiotic Pb precipitation was apparent, and the specific growth rate at 100 mg/l Pb was only reduced by 8.1% compared to the Pb-free control. Toxicity was measured in terms of longer lag times and slower growth rates (including no growth) as compared to Pb-free controls. This report describes the effects of specific medium components on Pb toxicity to Desulfovibrio desulfuricans and provides a better baseline for comparison of natural and industrial waters for observing heavy metal toxicity on SRB.
Surgical pitfalls in patients with Ehlers–Danlos type IV: A case of spontaneous sigmoid perforation in a 17-year-old male

Summary Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of well described connective tissue disorders in which collagen production is impaired. The surgical management of affected individuals remains challenging, with no general consensus. We report a case of spontaneous sigmoid perforation in a 17-year-old Eurasian male, in whom we subsequently established the diagnosis of EDS type IV (EDS-IV). We review the literature to discuss the clinical features and diagnosis, and the recommended therapeutic management.
The dosimetric impact of heterogeneity corrections in high-dose-rate 192Ir brachytherapy for cervical cancer: Investigation of both conventional Point-A and volume-optimized plans

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the dosimetric impact of heterogeneity corrections on both conventional and volume-optimized high-dose-rate (HDR) 192 Ir brachytherapy tandem-and-ovoid treatment plans. Methods and Materials Both conventional and volume-optimized treatment plans were retrospectively created using eight unique CT data sets. In the volume-optimized plans, the clinical target volume (CTV) and organs-at-risk (rectum, bladder, and sigmoid) were contoured on the CT data sets by a single physician. For each plan, dose calculations representing homogeneous water medium were performed using the Task Group (TG-43) formalism and dose calculations with heterogeneity corrections were performed using a commercially available treatment planning system. Results For the conventional plans, the change in dose between TG-43 and heterogeneity-corrected calculations was assessed for the following points: Point-A (left and right) and International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) 38 defined rectum and bladder points. It was found that the dose to the ICRU bladder decreased the most (−2.2 ± 0.9%), whereas ICRU rectum (−1.7 ± 0.8%), Point-A right (−1.1 ± 0.4%), and Point-A left (−1.0 ± 0.3%) also showed decreases with heterogeneity-corrected calculations. For the volume-optimized plans, the change in dose between TG-43 and heterogeneity-corrected calculations was assessed for the following dose–volume histogram parameters: D 90 of the CTV and D 2cc of the rectum, bladder, and sigmoid. It was found that D 90 of the CTV decreased by −1.9 ± 0.7% and D 2cc decreased by −2.6 ± 1.4%, −1.0 ± 0.4%, and −2.0 ± 0.6% for the rectum, bladder and sigmoid, respectively, with heterogeneity-corrected calculations. Conclusions Heterogeneity corrections on high-dose rate plans were found to have only a small dosimetric impact over TG-43-based dose calculations for both conventional Point-A and volume-optimized plans.
Hybrid III/V silicon photonic source with integrated 1D free-space beam steering

A chip-scale optical source with integrated beam steering is demonstrated. The chip was fabricated using the hybrid silicon platform and incorporates an on-chip laser, waveguide splitter, amplifiers, phase modulators, and surface gratings to comprise an optical phased array with beam steering across a 12° field of view in one axis. Tuning of the phased array is used to achieve 1.8°(steered axis)×0.6°(nonsteered axis) beam width with 7 dB background suppression for arbitrary beam direction within the field of view.
Operomics: molecular analysis of tissues from DNA to RNA to protein

The identification of coding sequences in a number of species, including human in the near future, has ushered in the post-genome era. In this era, technologies are becoming available that allow the profiling of tissues and cell populations at the genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic levels. The molecular analysis of tissues at all three levels has been referred to as operomics. This review covers some basic technologies for operomics and their application to some lymphoid disorders. It is proposed that no one type of analysis is fully informative and that information that can be derived from the different compartments encompassed in operomics is complementary. Prospects for introducing such profiling technologies into the clinical laboratory will depend on their robustness, their user friendliness and the clinical relevance of the added information they provide, which cannot be captured through other technologies in use in the clinical laboratory.
Fetal lung maturation IV: the release of phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase and phospholipids into the human amniotic fluid.

Fetal Lung Maturation IV: The Release of Phosphatidic Acid Phosphohydrolase and Phospholipids into the Human Amniotic Fluid
Automatic inference of stationary fields: a generalization of java's final fields

Java programmers can document that the relationship between two objects is unchanging by declaring the field that encodes that relationship to be final. This information can be used in program understanding and detection of errors in new code additions. Unfortunately, few fields in programs are actually declared final. Programs often contain fields that could be final, but are not declared so. Moreover, the definition of final has restrictions on initializationthat limit its applicability.We introduce stationary fields as a generalization of final. A field in a program is stationary if, for every object that contains it, all writes to the field occur before all the reads. Unlike the definition of final fields, there can be multiple writes during initialization, and initialization can span multiple methods.We have developed an efficient algorithm for inferring which fields are stationary in a program, based on the observation that many fields acquire their value very close to object creation. We presume that an object's initialization phase has concluded when its reference is saved in some heap object. We perform precise analysis only regarding recently created objects. Applying our algorithm to real-world Java programs demonstrates that stationary fields are more common than final fields: 44-59% vs. 11-17% respectively in our benchmarks.These surprising results have several significant implications. First, substantial portions of Java programs appear to be written in a functional style. Second, initialization of these fields occurs very close to object creation, when very good alias information is available. These results open the door for more accurate and efficient pointer alias analysis.
Backbone and side chain assignment strategies for multiply labeled membrane peptides and proteins in the solid state.

Abstract We demonstrate that the SPECIFIC CP technique can be used to obtain heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) spectra of peptide backbones with greater efficiency than conventional HETCOR methods. We show that similar design principles can be employed to achieve selective homonuclear polarization transfer mediated through dipolar or scalar couplings. Both approaches are demonstrated in a tripeptide with uniform 15N and 13C labeling, and with uniform 15N labeling and natural abundance 13C. In other applications, the high efficiency of the heteronuclear SPECIFIC CP transfer allows discrimination of single amide signals in the 248-residue membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin (bR). In particular, variations are detected in the ordering of the Ala81–Arg82 peptide bond among the photocycle intermediates of bR and SPECIFIC CP is used to correlate 15N and 13C signals from the three Val–Pro peptide bonds.
Endogenous ocular nocardiosis.

Nocardia species are gram-positive, filamentous soilborne aerobic bacteria found in decaying matter. Nocardial infections in humans result from direct contamination of an open wound or, more commonly, by inhalation of the organism. Ocular infection from Nocardia species is extremely rare. Isolated cases of nocardial keratitis and scleritis have been reported after trauma, corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, scleral buckle procedure, and laser in situ keratomileusis. 1 Endogenous nocardial endophthalmitis tends to occur in debilitated or immunosuppressed individuals. 2,3 Inhalation of Nocardia species results in localized infection of the lungs. This may spread hematogenously to the eye via the choroidal circulation and result in endophthalmitis or choroidal abscess. 2-4
923 HETEROGENEITY OF ALLELIC EXCLUSION IN WISKOTT-ALDRICH SYNDROME CARRIERS

Further studies on the carriers of the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome were performed. Three carriers (mothers) of this X-linked disorder were found who were heterozygous for the A and B isoenzymes of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Major cell types of their peripheral blood were purified; then the presence of the G6PD isoenzymes A and B was determined by an electrophoretic assay and compared to similarly prepared cells from normal control G6PD heterozygotes. There are two different patterns of allelic exclusion in the carriers studied. The pattern in carrier #1 shows allelic exclusion in platelets and T lymphocytes, whereas carriers #2 and #3 in addition show exclusion in erythrocytes. This finding is consistent with one of two conclusions: either there is variable phenotypic expression of the Wiskott-Aldrich defect among carriers or, alternatively, more than one genetic defect can cause the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome.
Role of IGF-I signaling in regulating osteoclastogenesis.

We showed that IGF-I deficiency impaired osteoclastogenesis directly and/or indirectly by altering the interaction between stromal/osteoblastic cells and osteoclast precursors, reducing RANKL and M-CSF production. These changes lead to impaired bone resorption, resulting in high BV/TV in IGF-I null mice. Introduction: Although IGF-I has been clearly identified as an important growth factor in regulating osteoblast function, information regarding its role in osteoclastogenesis is limited. Our study was designed to analyze the role of IGF-I in modulating osteoclastogenesis using IGF-I knockout mice (IGF-I−/−). Materials and Methods: Trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), osteoclast number, and morphology of IGF-I−/− or wildtype mice (IGF-I+/+) were evaluated in vivo by histological analysis. Osteoclast precursors from these mice were cultured in the presence of RANKL and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) or co-cultured with stromal/osteoblastic cells from either genotype. Osteoclast formation was assessed by measuring the number of multinucleated TRACP+ cells and pit formation. The mRNA levels of osteoclast regulation markers were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Results: In vivo, IGF-I−/− mice have higher BV/TV and fewer (76% of IGF-I+/+) and smaller osteoclasts with fewer nuclei. In vitro, in the presence of RANKL and M-CSF, osteoclast number (55% of IGF-I+/+) and resorptive area (30% of IGF-I+/+) in osteoclast precursor cultures from IGF-I−/− mice were significantly fewer and smaller than that from the IGF-I+/+ mice. IGF-I (10 ng/ml) increased the size, number (2.6-fold), and function (resorptive area, 2.7-fold) of osteoclasts in cultures from IGF-I+/+ mice, with weaker stimulation in cultures from IGF-I−/− mice. In co-cultures of IGF-I−/− osteoblasts with IGF-I+/+ osteoclast precursors, or IGF-I+/+ osteoblasts with IGF-I−/− osteoclast precursors, the number of osteoclasts formed was only 11% and 48%, respectively, of that from co-cultures of IGF-I+/+ osteoblasts and IGF-I+/+ osteoclast precursors. In the long bones from IGF-I−/− mice, mRNA levels of RANKL, RANK, M-CSF, and c-fms were 55%, 33%, 60%, and 35% of that from IGF-I+/+ mice, respectively. Conclusions: Our results indicate that IGF-I regulates osteoclastogenesis by promoting their differentiation. IGF-I is required for maintaining the normal interaction between the osteoblast and osteoclast to support osteoclastogenesis through its regulation of RANKL and RANK expression.
B-LINK: A Hemicentin, Plakin, and Integrin-Dependent Adhesion System that Links Tissues by Connecting Adjacent Basement Membranes

Summary Basement membrane (BM), a sheet-like form of extracellular matrix, surrounds most tissues. During organogenesis, specific adhesions between adjoining tissues frequently occur; however, their molecular basis is unclear. Using live-cell imaging and electron microscopy, we identify an adhesion system that connects the uterine and gonadal tissues through their juxtaposed BMs at the site of anchor cell (AC) invasion in C. elegans . We find that the extracellular matrix component hemicentin (HIM-4), found between BMs, forms punctate accumulations under the AC and controls BM linkage to promote rapid invasion. Through targeted screening, we identify the integrin-binding cytolinker plakin (VAB-10A) and integrin (INA-1/PAT-3) as key BM-BM linkage regulators: VAB-10A localizes to the AC-BM interface and tethers hemicentin to the AC while integrin promotes hemicentin punctae formation. Together, plakin, integrin, and hemicentin are founding components of a cell-directed adhesion system, which we name a B M- LINK age (B-LINK), that connects adjacent tissues through adjoining BMs.
Spin-Wave Scattering of Phonons in Antiferromagnets

The matrix elements calculated by Upadhyaya and Sinha for one-phonon interactions with spin waves have been used to calculate the phonon relaxation time. It is found that for wave number q, ${{\ensuremath{\tau}}_{q}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{\propto}T{q}^{4}$. For such a Rayleigh-type scattering, coupled with contributions from external boundaries and point defects, the thermal-conductivity integral can readily be evaluated exactly in the approximation of isotropic, acoustic phonons, and for temperatures much less than the Debye temperature. The resulting analytic expression has been fitted to measurements by Slack on single crystals of Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, Co${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, and MnO. A very good fit is found only for Mn${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, for which experiment and theory agree from 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K to the maximum at 14.7\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K where three-phonon processes take over. In Co${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$, high impurity content led to low-temperature resonances, and agreement was found only at the lowest temperatures and near the maximum. The magnetic fitting parameter obtained in this way, however, agrees as to order-of-magnitude with theoretical estimates. In MnO, agreement was poor and few conclusions could be drawn.
Calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition disease: Preparation and characterization of crystals

Abstract Biologically relevant crystals involved in the arthritic calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease may be synthesized simply, relatively quickly and usually in controllable ranges of sizes for use in further in vitro and in vivo studies. These crystals include: calcium dihydrogen pyrophosphate, triclinic calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, monoclinic calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate, and orthorhombic calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. While preparing these crystals, a hexagonal calcium pyrophosphate was also formed and has been characterized. X-ray powder diffraction patterns, lattice constants, optical birefringence, and crystal growth morphologies have been determined.
Empirical analysis of the impact of cigarette excise taxes on cigarette consumption: estimates from recent state-level data

The adverse health effects from cigarette smoking account for an estimated 443,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Given this circumstance, this study has two objectives. First, it uses a state-level panel data set for a recent time frame to investigate the impact of federal plus state cigarette excise taxes (along with a variety of other factors) on the aggregate consumption of cigarettes. The study adopts a state-level panel data series spanning the period 2002 through 2007, which is the most recent panel for which data for all of the variables are available. Consistent with a number of previous studies, the PLS estimates in this study find that the higher the cigarette excise tax, the lower the aggregate volume of cigarettes consumed. Of course, this outcome does not address the practical problem of the substitution of high nicotine cigarettes for low nicotine cigarettes in the presence of a significant cigarette tax hike. This circumstance leads to the second objective of this study, namely, to propose a general template for a different kind of cigarette excise tax, one that is tied directly to each cigarette brand’s nicotine and tar content.
Common framework of subsurface sensing and imaging

Subsurface sensing and imaging problems arise in a variety of contexts: underground, underwater, inside the human body, and inside a cell or a collection of cells. All of these problems require reconstruction of internal structures or functions from a highly distorted probe or wave sampled outside of an obscuring surface. There is an emerging common framework of physics-based signal processing which will allow progress in any of these areas to be applied to create advances in the other areas. The recognition of the essential similarity of these problems and the development of the common framework is a key to the next generation of environmental and biomedical imaging systems.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Distance measure for attributed fuzzy tournaments

Attributed fuzzy tournaments (AFTs) are a special type of attributed fuzzy graph that are useful to represent uncertainties inherent to many real-world problems. A new distance measure between two AFTs is defined. Useful applications of the proposed distance measure can be found in scene matching, where the nodes of an AFT represent the objects in the scene and the arcs represent the relationships among the objects. Uncertainties of the scene are represented by fuzzy membership values associated with the nodes and arcs. Examples illustrating the usefulness of the distance measure in pattern matching are shown through handwritten English character recognition.
A Critical Look at Experimental Evaluations of EBL

A number of experimental evaluations of explanation-based learning (EBL) have been reported in the literature on machine learning. A close examination of the design of these experiments reveals certain methodological problems that could affect the conclusions drawn from the experiments. This article analyzes some of the more common methodological difficulties, and illustrates them using selected previous studies.
The vascular renin-angiotensin system contributes to blunted vasodilation induced by transient high pressure in human adipose microvessels

Increased intraluminal pressure can reduce endothelial function in resistance arterioles; however, the mechanism of this impairment is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of local renin-angiotensin system inhibition on the pressure-induced blunting of endothelium-dependent vasodilation in human adipose arterioles. Arterioles (100–200 μm) were dissected from fresh adipose surgical specimens, cannulated onto glass micropipettes, pressurized to an intraluminal pressure of 60 mmHg, and constricted with endothelin-1. Vasodilation to ACh was assessed at 60 mmHg and again after a 30-min exposure to an intraluminal pressure of 150 mmHg. The vasodilator response to ACh was significantly reduced in vessels exposed to 150 mmHg. Exposure of the vessels to the superoxide scavenger polyethylene glycol-SOD (100 U/ml), the ANG II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan (10−6 mol/l), or the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (10−5 mol/l) prevented the pressure-induced reduction in ACh-dependent vasodilation observed in untreated vessels. High intraluminal pressure had no effect on papaverine-induced vasodilation or ANG II sensitivity. Increased intraluminal pressure increased dihydroethidium fluorescence in cannulated vessels, which could be prevented by polyethylene glycol-SOD or losartan treatment and endothelial denudation. These data indicate that high intraluminal pressure can increase vascular superoxide and reduce nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation via activation of the vascular renin-angiotensin system. This study provides evidence showing that the local renin-angiotensin system in the human microvasculature may be pressure sensitive and contribute to endothelial dysfunction after acute bouts of hypertension.
Effect of hospital volume of thyroidectomies on outcomes following substernal thyroidectomy.

Substernal thyroidectomy (ST), as compared to conventional, cervical thyroidectomy, is a technically demanding procedure that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We tested the hypothesis that outcomes following ST are improved at centers that perform a high volume of thyroidectomies. Patients who underwent ST from 1998 to 2004 were extracted from the New York State Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. Hospital volume of thyroidectomies was divided into low (<33 per year), middle (33–99 per year), and high (≥100 per year) volumes. Outcome variables included hospital length of stay (LOS), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, hypoparathyroidism, postoperative bleeding, respiratory failure, blood transfusion, and mortality. A total of 1153 STs were analyzed; 372 (32.2%) were performed at low-volume centers, 388 (33.7%) at middle-volume centers, and 393 (34.0%) at high-volume centers. Linear associations were observed between increasing hospital volume of thyroidectomies and decreasing age (p = 0.003), increasing co-morbidity (p < 0.0001), increased likelihood of total versus subtotal thyroidectomy (p < 0.0001), and increased likelihood of thyroid malignancy (p < 0.0001). Despite this, increasing hospital volume of thyroidectomies predicted a decreased likelihood of overall complications (p = 0.005), postoperative bleeding (p = 0.01), blood transfusion (p = 0.04), respiratory failure (p = 0.04) and mortality (p = 0.004), as well as a trend toward a decreased LOS (p = 0.06). The overall complication rate and the mortality rate remained significantly associated with volume group by multivariate analysis. Despite more extensive surgery on patients with greater co-morbidity, LOS, morbidity, and mortality were all decreased when ST occurred at hospitals that perform a high volume of thyroidectomies.
Independent effects of denervating the cricothyroid muscle and stenting on the anterior cricoid split: canine model.

Abstract The anterior cricoid split (ACS) has gained in popularity since its introduction in 1980, for the treatment of the difficult to extubate child. The procedure allows a successful extubation and avoids a tracheotomy about 75% of the time. How the ACS allows extubation remains poorly understood. Animal research has shown that in the canine model the ACS results in a gap in the cricoid cartilage with a subjective increase in the Subglottic space (Senders and Eisele, 1987). This gap in the cricoid cartilage develops whether or not an endotracheal tube stent is used. This experiment was designed to quantitatively evaluate the effect of the ACS on the subglottic space with or without the use of the stent, and to evaluate the effect of the cricothyroid muscle on the ACS procedure. The results show that the ACS does result in an increase in the subcricoid space, and that the use of an endotracheal tube stent does result in a larger increase. The cricothyroid muscle has a strong immediate effect on the gap in the cricoid cartilage, which is eliminated by sectioning the external laryngeal nerve. The long-term effects of sectioning the external laryngeal nerve on the gap in the cricoid cartilage were not conclusive.