cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) during reperfusion of ischemic spinal cord.

The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) participate in numerous signaling pathways and are abundantly expressed in the CNS. It has been proposed that ERK activation promotes survival in models of neuronal injury. Inhibition of MEK, the upstream kinase that activates ERK, however, leads to neuroprotection in models of cerebral ischemia and trauma, suggesting that in this context ERK activation contributes to cellular damage. The effect of ischemia and reperfusion on activity and expression of ERK was investigated using a reversible model of rabbit spinal cord ischemia. Active ERK was observed in naive animals, which decreased during 15 to 60 min of ischemia. Upon reperfusion, a robust activation of ERK was observed in animals occluded for 60 min that remained permanently paraplegic. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed increased staining of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) in glial cells and faint nuclear staining in motor neurons of animals occluded for 60 min and reperfused for 18 h. In contrast ERK activity did not increase in animals occluded for 15 min that regained motor function. No evidence of increased pERK immunoreactivity in motor neurons or nuclear translocation was noted in these animals. ERK1 was demonstrated to be identical to a p46 c-Jun/ATF-2 kinase previously shown to be activated by reperfusion after a 60-min occlusion. The results suggest that activation of ERK during reperfusion of ischemic spinal cord participates in the cellular pathways leading to neuronal damage.
A fully 3D adaptive finite simulation and prototype for gas flow in a porous media

Abstract This paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) adaptive finite element solution for gas flow in a porous media. The solution obtained is truly 3D and employs a dynamic h-adaptive refinement technique for efficiency. The adaptive procedure uses a new node-based storage mechanism [Wang GH, Tyler JM, Weltman JS, Callahan JD. Advances in Engineering Software including Computing Systems in Engineering 1999;30:31–41]. This node-based structure substantially reduces the memory necessary to store the finite element mesh. A prototype simulator, written in C++, has been implemented for Eugene Island block 305, a multi-well condensate reservoir off the coast of Louisiana to demonstrate the use of this adaptive procedure. Results, presented in this paper, show dramatic agreement with the actual production data. This prototype simulator uses Windows workstations to support a fully dynamic 3D mesh plus mesh generation.
A 10kW 97%-efficiency LLC resonant DC/DC converter with wide range of output voltage for the battery chargers in Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Battery chargers of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles require high efficiency operation. An LLC resonant DC/DC converter is an excellent choice to reach the high efficiency with reduced current stress. In this paper, a CoolMOS based 10kW full-bridge LLC resonant DC/DC converter with >97% efficiency is designed. CoolMOS model is utilized to analyze the system loss. Experimental results validate that this charger could charge the load at ∼97% efficiency @10kW with output voltage varying from 250V to 400V. When output voltage is between 400V and 450V, the experimental efficiency remains above 95%.
Advancing step by step

Restoring movement to paralyzed limbs by means of electrical stimulation has been a research goal for over 30 years. Recently, those efforts have borne commercial fruit in a system that gives some people who are paralyzed limited use of their legs. Still, before a large number of paralyzed people can achieve full dexterity and mobility, much work has yet to be done. Formidable multidisciplinary problems remain, challenging the diverse teams of engineers, physicians, and therapists who are at work on them. >
An Approach to Early-Phase Salt Selection: Application to NBI-75043

A strategy for the salt selection of NBI-75043 is presented and summarized in a decision-tree format. This is followed by the first scale-up of the process, confirmation of a new polymorph, and description of a method for its conversion to the initial form.
Female choice and polygyny in redwinged blackbirds

Abstract Mate choice by female redwinged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) was investigated. Females preferentially selected males holding territories on which the number of young fledged from successful nests was maximized. Predation rates, however, were high on the preferred territories. Thus females did not make the optimal choice in that expected reproductive success was not maximized. Furthermore, probably as a result of competition among females, the largest harems were not found on the preferred territories.
Chromategraphic fractionation of histones on Bio-Gel P

Abstract Chromatography of histones on columns of polyacrylamide beads (Bio-Gel P) was studied to determine what factors influence separations. The fractionation achieved on eluting with dilute HCl depends on the HCl concentration, the temperature, and a variable characteristic of the gel which is independent of its pore size and mesh. Somatic histone will be eluted in three, four, or five separate fractions, depending on these variables. Retardations of histones that apparently result from interactions between their charged groups and those of the gel have a strong influence on resolution between different types. Certain histones are retarded more than others when the HCl concentration or temperature is lowered or if the gel has been hydrolyzed. Increases in retardation lead to resolution of more fractions; but if too extreme, coelution of the most retarded fractions will occur.
PHYTOPLANKTON DYNAMICS IN A STABLY STRATIFIED ANTARCTIC LAKE DURING WINTER DARKNESS

Using automated overwinter sampling devices, we collected preserved phytoplankton samples from multiple depths in Lake Fryxell, a permanently icecovered lake in southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. Photosynthetic algae were maintained in a stable water column throughout winter darkness. The algal taxa overwintered in different ways in a species-specific manner. Typical vegetative cells were the most abundant form for all species found in the water column. Populations of one chlorophyte, Stichococcus sp., were observed in winter, but the species was absent in both summers. Two cryptophyte species were more abundant in winter than in summer. We interpret the increase in algal population size as evidence of heterotrophic growth in winter and of mixotrophic behavior throughout the year. For two chlorophyte species, some portion of the population had a distinctive morphology, for example, many Chlamydomonas subcaudata Wille. formed akinetes, whereas many Chlorella sp. contained a large amount of starch or other storage material. During winter, vegetative cells of the most abundant cyanobacterial species, Phormidium angustissimum West et West, occurred at the depth of the summer maximum and at depths below the oxycline. The presence of P. angustissimum below the oxycline may have resulted from the accumulation of settling cells at a depth with a greater density. In contrast to the settling of P. angustissimum , the general absence of the other algal species below the oxycline in winter indicated that these species were not influenced by overwinter settling.
Trans-sulphuration in primate brain: regional distribution of methionine-activating enzyme in the brain of the rhesus monkey at various stages of development.

—The regional distribution of methionine-activating enzyme (ATP:l-methionine S-adenosyltransferase; EC 2.4.2.13) in the brain of the Rhesus monkey was determined at various stages of development. Activity of the methionine-activating enzyme was highest in pituitary gland, cerebellum and occipital grey matter, and lowest in areas rich in white matter: spinal cord, subcortical white matter, corpus callosum and optic chiasm. There was no marked change in activity in any area during development from the first-trimester foetus to the juvenile animal. During the same period of development, activity of the methionine-activating enzyme in the liver increased approximately four-fold. The findings are discussed in relation to those transmethylating enzymes and/or methylated products which have been studied in mammalian brain. The presence of high activity of the methionine-activating enzyme in cerebellum and occipital grey matter suggests that previously unrecognized methylating processes may be important in the metabolism of these areas of brain.
Investigations on hardness of rf sputter deposited SiCN thin films

Abstract Thin films of amorphous silicon carbide nitride (a-SiC x N y ) were deposited in a rf magnetron sputtering system using a SiC target. Films with various compositions were deposited on to silicon substrate by changing the N 2 /Ar gas ratios during sputtering. Nano-indentation studies were performed to investigate the mechanical properties of the SiCN films. Surface morphology of the films was characterized by using Atomic Force Microscope. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) data indicated that the chemical status is highly sensitive to the nitrogen ratios during sputtering.
The effects of celecoxib augmentation on cytokine levels in schizophrenia

Celecoxib augmentation therapy has been reported to enhance the rate of clinical response for patients with schizophrenia. This may be due in part to an effect of celecoxib in the immune dysfunction associated with schizophrenia. Given concerns about the safety of COX-2 inhibitors, studies investigating cytokine levels in medicated patients with schizophrenia are of public health importance. Twenty-eight schizophrenia subjects stabilized on olanzapine or risperidone were randomized to receive 8 wk of celecoxib (400 mg/d) or placebo. Serum soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2r) and in-vitro PHA-stimulated whole-blood cytokine production levels were measured at baseline, 1 wk, and 8 wk. Celecoxib augmentation did not alter any of the cytokine parameters measured for the overall study group. However, 1 wk of celecoxib augmentation increased TNF-alpha and IL-2 production levels in olanzapine-treated subjects. These elevations did not persist by week 8. Overall, celecoxib does not significantly modify cytokine levels in medicated schizophrenia subjects.
A kinetic method for determining iron reducing activity released from plant roots

Abstract This paper describes the development and validation of a new method for determining the iron reducing activity of nutrient solutions supporting plant growth. The method depends on the rate at which an aliquot of nutrient solution reduces the iron of Fe3+‐nitrilotriacetate (NTA). The reduced iron is bound by bath‐ophenanthroline sulfonate (BPS) and the rate of Fe2+‐BPS formation is measured at 535 nm. Fe3+‐NTA was chosen as the test iron reagent, since it is susceptible to reduction, yet, nonpolymeric and stable in solution. Reducing agents showed a wide spectrum of activity in this test. The rate at which they reduce Fe3+‐NTA is not a function of their standard oxidation reduction potential alone. Use of the method is illustrated in a study of the release of iron reducing activity by the roots of a tomato plant. The test proved to be simple, fast, and precise. The advantages and limitations of the method are discussed.
Strategic Materials Shortages: Institutional and Technical Issues for the U.S.

Congress, the press and technical publications have recently become interested in the implications of U.S. dependence on imports for more than 20 nonfuel materials. This interest is reflected in new policies regarding the acquisition of materials for the National Defense Stockpile, the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980; and the Deep Seabed Hard Minerals Act. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the institutional and technical issues involved. Behind the renewed interest is the vulnerability of some of these materials to the sudden disruptions in price or supply that could arise because of cartels, war, or policies to deny materials to Western nations. Market forces alone may not protect the vital or defense interests of the nation, and Government policies to mitigate against such disruptions may be in order. Such policies could include incentives to develop lower-grade resources, to carry out research aimed at improving recovery techniques for lower-grade or...
Histopathology of solar lentigines of the face: A quantitative study*

Background: Solar lentigines are acquired pigmented lesions on sun-damaged skin that in general have both keratinocytic and melanocytic hyperplasia, but no melanocytic atypia and no nests of melanocytes. Most histopathologic studies of solar lentigines have been limited to sites other than the face and have not included a systematic and quantitative assessment of the diagnostic features. Objective: Our purpose was to systematically quantitate a variety of histologic parameters that may be useful in the diagnosis of facial solar lentigines. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 51 solar lentigines from 51 patients. This included a review of the hematoxylin-eosin, Mel-5 immunoperoxidase, and Fontana-Masson stains to quantify melanocytes (per millimeter), melanin content of the epidermis, and epidermal area by means of a computer-assisted image analysis program. Results: Lentigines from the face often had a flattened epidermis (25 of 51). They also had a mean 2.1-fold increase in melanocytes (p Conclusion: Facial solar lentigines had a statistically significant twofold increase in both epidermal area and number of melanocytes compared with facial skin with a similar degree of photodamage, but frequently lacked the rete ridge hyperplasia classically associated with lentigines from other anatomic sites. These morphologic data may be helpful in the evaluation of biopsy specimens from pigmented lesions on photodamaged facial skin.
Removal of Dissolved Organic Matter by Anion Exchange : Effect of Dissolved Organic Matter Properties

Ten isolates of aquatic dissolved organic matter (DOM) were evaluated to determine the effect that chemical properties of the DOM, such as charge density, aromaticity, and molecular weight, have on DOM removal by anion exchange. The DOM isolates were characterized as terrestrial, microbial, or intermediate humic substances or transphilic acids. All anion exchange experiments were conducted using a magnetic ion exchange (MIEX) resin. The charge density of the DOM isolates, determined by direct potentiometric titration, was fundamental to quantifying the stoichiometry of the anion exchange mechanism. The results clearly show that all DOM isolates were removed by anion exchange; however, differences among the DOM isolates did influence their removal by MIEX resin. In particular, MIEX resin had the greatest affinity for DOM with high charge density and the least affinity for DOM with low charge density and low aromaticity. This work illustrates that the chemical characteristics of DOM and solution conditions ...
Synthesis of (1,213C)‐2‐chloroethyl phenyl sulfide

Incorporation of a double 13 C label into the mustard 2-chloroethyl phenyl sulfide 2 is straightforward, but analysis is complicated by 13 C- 13 C coupling. An alternative is reported, in which the ease of scrambling of sulfur mustards is used to advantage to prepare precisely 50% (1, 2- 13 C) enriched 2, with each carbon of the ethyl chain labelled to provide optimal signal to noise in the 13 C spectrum.
Emergency Services: Part of the Safety Net?

Our political leaders in the United States have not yet come to terms with the notion that the right of access to timely and appropriate medical care is a human right. More than 6o% of US residents rely on employer-provided health insurance. There was a time when some political leaders and even leaders of industry looked with pride on this arrangement. But in recent years, most of the major labor disputes which have resulted in strikes have included the employers' desire to reduce payments for employee health insurance and transfer those costs to the employees. Many large service-sector employers do not provide health insurance as an employee benefit. As a result, many low-income employees have no health insurance. If their income is low enough, they can rely on Medicaid-publicly funded health insurance. But in many states, the income standard and means test for Medicaid eligibility are so low that even the lowest income employees do not qualify. As a consequence, more than 45 million citizens and legal residents of the US have no health insurance and, therefore, no guaranteed access to necessary health care. The growing number of undocumented immigrants adds to this dilemma. Health-care administrators have responded to the financial pressures of uncompensated health care in a variety of ways, including acceptance of the "safety net." Overlooked when they acquiesce in the patched together safety net concept is that many politicians comfortably believe that these make-shift arrangements are solving the problem and there is no need, therefore, for a real solution.
Behavioral effects of unilateral and bilateral septal lesions in rats.

Abstract Unilateral and bilateral septal lesions produced: (a) impaired reversal of a T-maze position habit; (b) changes in water consummatory behavior following deprivation; and (c) enhanced shuttle-box avoidance responding. The rats with unilateral lesions were superior to those with bilateral lesions in acquiring the avoidance response, but were intermediate to control rats and rats with bilateral lesions on the reversal task. Some brain mechanisms which could account for these data are discussed.
Evaluation of the reaction rate constants for chlorinated ethylene and ethane decomposition in attachment-dominated atmospheric pressure dry-air plasmas

Abstract Pseudo-first-order reaction rate constants for the decomposition of carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethane, trichlorethylene, dichloroethane, dichloroethene, ethyl chloride and vinyl chloride were determined experimentally in an electron beam generated plasma reactor. The chlorinated ethylenes and ethanes were decomposed in a dry-air based attachment-dominated plasma. The experimental results agree well a simple, steady-state calculation used to predict the active species concentrations in the plasma and the overall pseudo-first-order reaction rate constants. Dissociative electron attachment is the dominant mechanism of decomposition of the chlorinated molecules, though oxygen radical reactions play a role as well.
Monoclonal antibodies to human complement receptor (CR1) detect defects in glomerular diseases

Abstract The complement receptor for C3b of the epithelial cells of human glomeruli is structurally and functionally very similar or identical to CR1, the complement receptor for C3b and C4b present on the membrane of red cells and leukocytes. Four monoclonal antibodies directed against separate epitopes of CR1 react with an antigen in the glomeruli, which appears to be present on the epithelial podocytes. Moreover, the monoclonal antibodies very effectively inhibit the binding of C3b-bearing red cells to the glomeruli. The pattern of immunofluorescence of the receptor was normal or slightly altered in patients with minimal change disease, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN). or idiopathic membranous GN. Glomeruli with endocapillary proliferation showed some attenuation of staining. Glomeruli in which the capillary tuft architecture was altered, or of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, or of patients with diffuse diabetic nephropathy tended to have few foci or no staining for the receptor. No correlation was found between the intensities of staining of the C3b receptor and of C3 antigen deposited in the glomeruli.
Nursing assistants detect behavior changes in nursing home residents that precede acute illness: development and validation of an illness warning instrument.

BACKGROUND: Acute illness causes considerable morbidity and mortality in nursing home residents but is often difficult to recognize early. Nursing assistants often notice early signs of acute illness but do not methodically document or communicate their observations with medical staff. OBJECTIVE: To enhance nursing assistants' observation and documentation of signs of acute illness by developing a validated, standardized instrument for communication with medical staff. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Urban not-for-profit nursing home. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Candidate instrument items were generated in focus group interviews with nursing home staff. Twenty-three nursing assistants completed the instrument on 74 nursing home residents over 4 weeks. Acute illness, the primary outcome, was identified by nurse report and chart review and determined according to preset criteria. MEASUREMENTS: Predictive validity was assessed by determining the relationship between instrument responses and development of acute illness within 7 days. Interobserver agreement was calculated between morning and afternoon nursing assistants' responses. Convergent validity was assessed by comparing instrument responses with three standard status indicators. RESULTS: The instrument consisted of 12 items that assessed behavioral and functional status changes. Residents with an instrument-recorded change were more likely to develop an acute illness within 7 days than those with no change (risk ratio 4.1, 95% confidence interval 2.6, 6.3). A final five-item instrument had a sensitivity of 53% and a specificity of 93% for acute illness. Nursing assistants' documentation of signs of illness preceded chart documentation by an average of 5 days. Interobserver agreement between morning and afternoon nursing assistants was 76%. Correlation of responses with standard indicators of functional, mental, and global status was high. CONCLUSIONS: A new instrument developed for nursing assistants to document behavioral and functional status changes in nursing home residents demonstrates fair sensitivity and high specificity for acute illness. Close monitoring of patients with a positive instrument might avert morbidity and mortality from acute illness by allowing earlier treatment.
Arthrodesis as a Salvage for Failed Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty

Purpose To review the rate of fusion, complications, and subjective outcome measures of proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis after failed implant arthroplasty. Methods We conducted a retrospective review identifying patients from 1990 to 2009 who underwent proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis for implant arthroplasty failure. All types of implants were included. We reviewed clinical notes and radiographs identifying patient history, implant type, revisions before arthrodesis, method of arthrodesis, rate of union, time to union, and complications. We used the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire to assess patients' function and perceived clinical outcome. Results A total of 13 joints in 8 patients (6 female, 2 male) identified with an average clinical follow-up of 6.5 years (range, 1.0–12.3 y) were available for study. The average time from joint replacement to salvage for all implant types was 9.3 years (range, 1.6–32.2 y). Eight of the 13 fingers achieved union. The average time to union was 5.8 months (range, 1–11 mo). Eight of 13 fingers underwent removal of K-wires, tension band, or both. Excluding hardware-related problems, there were 4 additional complications in 4 patients. Conclusions Salvage of failed proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty remains a challenging clinical problem. Although achieving solid fusion with arthrodesis is not completely reliable or without complication, patients' subjective and functional outcomes demonstrate fair to good results. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Improved preparative electrochromatography column design

Improved chromatography column fittings were developed for the efficient and reliable application of an electric field to a preparative chromatography column (a process termed electrochromatography). The improved fittings contained electrodes in close proximity to the column packing media and allowed uniform electric fields to be applied. Membranes in the fittings prevented mixing of the electrode and the column eluent buffers. The membranes prevented gases and electrolytic products generated in the electrode chamber from entering the column eluent buffer. An electrode buffer solution was pumped through the electrode chamber to a large external container. The circulation of buffer through the electrode chamber removed the gases and electrolytic products and ensured a uniform electric field by helping to maintain a constant buffer composition. The membranes prevented macromolecules being separated on the column from coming in contact with the electrodes.
Mechanism of Margination in Confined Flows of Blood and Other Multicomponent Suspensions

Flowing blood displays a phenomenon called margination, in which leukocytes and platelets are preferentially found near blood vessel walls, while erythrocytes are depleted from these regions. Here margination is investigated using direct hydrodynamic simulations of a binary suspension of stiff ($s$) and floppy ($f$) capsules, as well as a stochastic model that incorporates the key particle transport mechanisms in suspensions---wall-induced hydrodynamic migration and shear-induced pair collisions. The stochastic model allows the relative importance of these two mechanisms to be directly evaluated and thereby indicates that margination, at least in the dilute case, is largely due to the differential dynamics of homogeneous (e.g. $s\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}s$) and heterogeneous ($s\mathrm{\text{\ensuremath{-}}}f$) collisions.
Centennial Bibliography: Annotated Selections on the History of the Petroleum Industry in the United States

This bibliography represents an effort to survey and evaluate selected literature dealing with the history of the petroleum industry in the United States. The goal has not been to include everything ever written, but rather, to produce a compact reference work that I hope will be useful to the industry, to students, and to the public.
Variations in Pituitary Responsiveness to a Luteinizing Hormone/Follicle Stimulating Hormone Releasing Factor (LH-RF/FSH-RF) Preparation During the Rat Estrous Cycle

Intravenous injection of a partially purified extract of ovine hypothalami into rats at various times during the estrous cycle caused significant LH release in vivo as indicated by elevations of plasma LH titers. Addition of the same extracts during in vitro incubation of pituitaries from similar rats resulted in increased release of both LH and FSH. Pronounced cyclic patterns of pituitary responsiveness to LH-RF/FSH-RF were noted for LH in vitro and in vivo and for FSH in vitro. Pituitary responsiveness to the releasing factor preparation attained a peak at. proestrus, declined somewhat at estrus and reached the lowest value at diestrus. Examination of adenohypophysial LH and FSH contents at the end of each incubation revealed a cyclic pattern similar to that observed for pituitary responsiveness. The changes in adenohypophysial sensitivity could not be attributed entirely to the variation in gonadotropin content since they were still apparent when the evoked LH and FSH releases were expressed as percent...
Microglia in the rat neurohypophysis increase expression of class I major histocompatibility antigens following central nervous system injury

An immunocytochemical study of the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II antigens by glial cells of the rat neurohypophysis was performed. Numerous cells with the appearance of microglia were found to constitutively express class I MHC antigens, while only rare cells expressed class II (Ia) antigens. Stereological analysis revealed that expression of class I MHC antigens increased significantly within 10 days after a unilateral hypothalamic lesion known to cause axonal degeneration and compensatory collateral axonal sprouting within the neurohypophysis. In addition, however, a brain lesion which did not affect the axonal population of the neurohypophysis also produced a significant increase in microglial expression of class I MHC antigens in this structure. Neither lesion affected the expression of class II MHC antigens in the neurohypophysis. Simultaneous immunofluorescent labeling for MHC I antigens and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a pituicyte marker) or for MHC I and the C3bi complement receptor (a microglial marker) confirmed that the MHC class I-reactive cells were microglia. MHC I-positive cells also bound Griffonia simplicifolia B4 isolectin (GSA I-B4), consistent with their identification as microglia. The majority of MHC class I-reactive microglia were located in close apposition to blood vessels. These results indicate that an unusually large proportion of microglia within the neurohypophysis constitutively express MHC I antigens. In addition, neurohypophysial microglia are capable of responding to penetrating brain injury by upregulation of MHC I antigens in the absence of local tissue degeneration, possibly because of the absence of a blood-brain barrier.
Reproductive costs of Chaoborus-induced polymorphism in Daphnia pulex

Although the Chaoborus-induced spined morph of Daphnia pulex survives attacks by Chaoborus over twice as frequently as the typical morph, the spined morph is never found in the absence of Chaoborus. This implies that a disadvantage is associated with the spined morph in the absence of Chaoborus predation. The present study tested the hypothesis that the typical morph has a higher intrinsic rate of increase than the spined morph, by measuring several life history characteristics in controlled laboratory experiments at constant temperature and unlimited food.
Role of cytokines in the monocyte-mediated augmentation of human natural killer cell activity☆

Abstract Previous work has shown that normal human monocytes can augment natural killer (NK) cell activity both when mixed with enriched null cells in the assay and when precultured with enriched null cells and removed prior to testing. The data presented here show that a 4-hr preculture period is superior to slightly longer periods (10–12 hr) for demonstrating the augmentation. The role of cytokines in the monocyte effect was then investigated using a variety of antibody and recombinant reagents. Both monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies to IL-1 and IL-2 inhibited the monocyte effect, whereas antibodies against IFN-α and IFN-γ from both sources had no effect. Of these cytokines, only IL-1 could be demonstrated (using a sensitive IL-1-dependent-IL-2 synthesis assay) in the supernatants of 4-hr cultures of monocytes plus null cells or null cells only. The ability to detect IL-1 was specifically inhibited by rabbit antibody to human IL-1 at 1:20 and 1:200 dilutions, but only the greater concentration inhibited the monocyte effect on NK activity. In contrast, the detection of soluble IL-1 was not inhibited by including monoclonal anti-IL-1 (1:20 dilution) in the 4-hr culture, although the same reagent abrogated the monocyte effect under these conditions. Recombinant IL-1 (up to 100 units/ml) did not augment NK activity either when added to the assay or when precultured for 4 hr with enriched null cells, whereas either recombinant IL-2 or monocytes were effective under these conditions. These results provide the first evidence for a cellular, and potentially physiologic, basis for the regulation of NK activity by IL-1 and IL-2, which had been previously known to act at pharmacologic levels in vitro
Deposition, diffusion, and aggregation of atoms on surfaces: A model for nanostructure growth

We propose a model that describes the diffusion-controlled aggregation exhibited by particles as they are deposited on a surface. The model, which incorporates deposition, particle and cluster diffusion, and aggregation, is inspired by recent thin-film-deposition experiments. We find that as randomly deposited particles diffuse and aggregate they configure themselves into a wide variety of fractal structures characterized by a length scale ${\mathit{L}}_{1}$. We introduce an exponent \ensuremath{\gamma} that tunes the way the diffusion coefficient changes with cluster size: if the values of \ensuremath{\gamma} are very large, only single particles can move, if they are smaller, all clusters can move. The introduction of cluster diffusion dramatically affects the dynamics of film growth. We compare our results with those of several recent experiments on two-dimensional nanostructures formed by diffusion-controlled aggregation on surfaces, and we propose several experimental tests of the model. We also investigate the spanning properties of this model and find another characteristic length scale ${\mathit{L}}_{2}$ (${\mathit{L}}_{2}$\ensuremath{\gg}${\mathit{L}}_{1}$) above which the system behaves as a bond percolation network of the fractal structures each of length scale ${\mathit{L}}_{1}$. Below ${\mathit{L}}_{2}$, the system shows similarities with diffusion-limited aggregation. We find that ${\mathit{L}}_{1}$ scales as the ratio of the diffusion constant over the particle flux to the power 1/4, whereas ${\mathit{L}}_{2}$ scales with another exponent close to 0.9.
Neurobehavioural testing in workers occupationally exposed to lead.

Whether or not low to modest levels of exposure to lead have a detrimental effect on cognition is an important issue given the growing attention, for example, in the United States, that has recently been paid towards potentially revising downward the levels of lead exposure allowed in the workplace. Thus, we read with interest the meta-analysis of studies on this topic that appeared in this journal by Goodman and colleagues.1 Unfortunately, we believe that the authors' conclusions are not valid. Specifically, the authors state that “the data available to date are inconsistent and are unable to provide adequate information on the neurobehavioural effects of exposure to moderate blood concentrations of lead”. We found no direct support for this conclusion in the publication. Moreover, numerous flaws in their method limit any specific inferences that can be made. In general, we found that the meta-analysis combined evidence from studies of widely varying quality and did not account for significant confounding within and between studies. Given these and other flaws, it was predictable that the authors did not find an association between blood lead levels and neurobehavioural test scores. Specific concerns that we had with the methods include: (1) The authors offer no evaluation of the quality of the evidence from available studies based on study design and analytical method. (2) The authors combine data from poorly done studies with data from well done studies, clouding any effects that are observable from the …
The Politics of Victimization: Social Pensioners and the German Social State in the Inflation of 1914–1924

Over the years, scholars have identified the Weimar period as among the most pivotal in the development of the German social state (Sozialstaat). Noting what appears to have been an almost unbroken pattern of expansion in the compass of social work since the late nineteenth century, social scientists and historians have recognized the 1920s as a time of especially acute growth in public assistance. Government expenditures from the First World War onward show a particularly marked increase in three areas: public housing, public health, and social insurance. Together, these three spheres constituted the primary sites of Weimar social interventionism. Analysts have found it more difficult, however, to agree on the historical significance of these interventions, with discussion largely centered on the question of whether, and to what extent, the social programs of the Reich and municipalities overburdened the social state and thus contributed to the demise of the Weimar political order.
Inter- and intramolecular effects of tyrosyl residues on flavin triplets and radicals as investigated by flash photolysis.

— Addition of tyrosine or derivatives to aqueous solutions of flavins does not significantly impede either formation of the flavin triplet or the rate of O2 oxidation of the flavin radical generated by reaction of triplet with the phenol. However, the rate of radical decay is decreased. There is only a modest effect that results from altering the nature of the group on alkyl side chains of the flavin when the substituent, e.g. phenylalanine, does not complex avidly with the isoalloxazine system. However, when a tyrosyl or O-methyltyrosyl residue is covalently attached to an alkyl side chain at the N10-position of the flavin, the considerable intramolecular complexing that results markedly decreases the formation of flavin triplet and, therefore, the radical yield. The rate of triplet decay is not much different than for noninternally complexed flavins, but extensive intramolecular radical decay occurs, and the rate of 02 oxidation of radical is decreased. A shorter alkyl chain is more effective than a longer one for decreasing triplet production, but the greater proximity of a photooxidiz-able tyrosyl residue to the flavin nucleus within the former allows a slightly higher intramolecular radical yield. Attachment of a tyrosyl residue by a short chain from the N3-position of the flavin has only a modest effect on the production of flavin triplet and its decay. There is less radical production from internal than from external tyrosyl residues, and the rate of O2 oxidation of the flavin radical generated by such intermolecular photoreductants as N-acetyl tyrosine ethyl ester or EDTA is somewhat decreased. The tyrosyl residue within the active-site peptide of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase is not so susceptible to photooxidation by the 8α-(S-L-cysteinyl)flavin involved, since the thioether linkage at this position severely reduces triplet production. Upon oxidation of the thioether to sulfone, however, the triplet yield is partially restored. Some flavin radical can then be generated from either the intra- or an intermolecular tyrosyl residue. Taken together, these results demonstrate that tyrosyl residues near the flavin-binding sites of flavo-proteins can become oxidized by the flavin triplet that is light-generated unless the proximity and steric disposition of the interactants is such as to allow dissipation of much of the energy as radiationless decay within a tight complex or unless an 8α-thioether linkage to the flavin coenzyme is involved. Also, flavin radicals, whether generated photochemically or by biochemical oxidation of substrate, are readily oxidized by O2 in the presence of tyrosyl functions unless tight complexing occurs. More remarkable, though, is the decreased rate of radical decay conferred by the association with a tyrosyl residue. This stabilization of reactive flavin radicals may have considerable consequence in the catalytic mechanism of such enzymes.
Interactions amongst rabies virus nucleoprotein, phosphoprotein and genomic RNA in virus-infected and transfected cells.

Previous in vitro studies have indicated that rabies virus (RV) phosphoprotein (P), by interacting with the nucleoprotein (N), confers the specificity of genomic RNA encapsidation by N. In this study, interactions amongst N, P and the genomic RNA in virus-infected as well as in transfected cells were studied. The results showed that when N was expressed alone, it bound non-specific RNA, particularly the N mRNA. When N and P were co-expressed, they formed N–P complexes that did not bind to non-specific RNA. When N and P were co-expressed together with (mini-)genomic RNA, N–P complexes preferentially bound the (mini-)genomic RNA. This demonstrated that RV P, by binding to N, does indeed confer specificity of genomic RNA encapsidation by N in vivo. Furthermore, the role of N phosphorylation in the N, P and RNA interactions was investigated. It was found that only N that bound to RNA was phosphorylated, while N in the N–P complex prior to RNA encapsidation was not, suggesting that RV P, by binding to nascent N, prevents the immediate phosphorylation of de novo-synthesized N. However, mutation at the phosphorylation site of N did not alter the pattern of N–P and N–RNA interactions, indicating that N phosphorylation per se does not play a direct role in N–P interaction and RNA encapsidation.
Two English motets on Simon de Montfort

The libraries of Jesus College and St John's College, Cambridge, preserve two fragmentary motets of thirteenth-century English origin which bear witness to the veneration in which Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester, was held by many in the years immediately following his death in 1265. One of these motets, Miles Christi from St John's, provides two new texts for Simon's hagiology, though they are both unfortunately incomplete. The other motet, Salve Symon from Jesus College, also incomplete, is a previously unnoticed setting of the Latin poem on Simon which is the last entry in the Evesham collection of Simon's miracula . These two motets are among the very few polyphonic compositions from England that refer directly to contemporary events of the later thirteenth century. The unusually precise terminus ante quem which they share provides the music historian with one of the few firm guideposts to the chronology of the contemporary musical repertory and its notation. In addition, the decoration of Simon's feast-day with polyphony, for which there is evidence here, emphasises not only the specific regard in which the earl was held by the religious establishment, but more generally the functional context of the English motet in the liturgy of services dedicated to the saints and Mary. These motets are also witnesses to the familiar insular patterns of preservation and destruction of polyphonic music from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
High-Voltage n-Channel IGBTs on Free-Standing 4H-SiC Epilayers

In this paper, we describe a process for fabricating high-voltage n-channel double-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) on free-standing 4H silicon carbide (SiC) epilayers. In this process, all critical layers are epitaxially grown in a continuous sequence. The substrate is then removed, and device fabrication takes place on the carbon face of a free-standing epilayer having a total thickness of about 180 ?m. For a drift layer with doping and thickness values capable of blocking 20 kV, the n-channel IGBT carries 27.3-A/cm2 current at a power dissipation of 300 W/cm2, with a differential on-resistance of 177 m?·cm2. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of device fabrication on free-standing SiC epilayers.
Theories of Logicians

Mill considers words to be names and “all names” according to him are “names of something, real or imaginary.”1 He regards expressions as different as “John,” “virtue,” “old age,” “humanity,” “God,” “man” or even definite descriptions such as “The king who succeeded William the Conqueror,” or “Caesar’s army” (his own examples) all as Names.
Analysis and optimization of accumulation-mode varactor for RF ICs

This paper presents a novel RF IC varactor implemented in a standard CMOS process. This device has shown a remarkable tuning range of 150%, sensitivity of 300%/V, and quality factor of 23 at 1 GHz. A physical model of the varactor is presented and confirmed with measured data. Using the model derived, optimization has shown that a Q as high as 200 can be achieved.
CARBON ALLOCATION IN MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (PHAEOPHYTA): INTRINSIC VARIABILITY IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION1

Measurements of net photosynthesis (PS, O2 evolution), dark respiration (R, O2 consumption), and light and dark carbon fixation (14C) were conducted on whole blades, isolated blade discs, sporophylls, apical scimitars and representative portions of stipe and holdfast of the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera L.C. Ag. On a dry weight basis, highest net PS rates were observed in apical scimitar segments and whole blades (3.81 and 3.07 mgC · g dry wt−1· h−1, respectively), followed by sporophylls (1.42 mgC·g dry wt−1· h−1) and stipe segments (0.15 mgC·g dry wt−1· h−1). No PS capacity was observed in holdfast material. Respiration rates showed similar ranking ranging from 1.22 mgC·g dry wt−1·h−1 for apical scimitar to 0.18–0.22 mgC·g dry wt−1· h−1 for holdfast material. Considerable within blade variability in both PS and R was also found. Steepest PS and R gradients on both an areal and weight basis were found within immature blades followed by senescent and mature blade material. Highest net PS rates were associated with the blade tips ranging from 3.08 (mature blades) to 10.3 mgC·dry wt−1·h−1 (immature blades). Highest rates of R generally occurred towards the basal portions of blades and ranged from 1.03–1.80 mgC·g dry wt−1·h−1 for immature blades. The variability within and between blades was high, with coefficients of variation approaching 50%. The observed patterns can be related to the decreasing proportionment of photosynthetic tissue and increasing proportionment of structural tissue as occurs from the blade tip to the blade base. Rates of light carbon fixation (LCF) revealed longitudinal profiles similar to oxygen measurements for the different blade types, with the absolute rates being slightly lower. Patterns of dark carbon fixation (DCF) were less easily interpreted. Highest rates of DCF (0.04–0.06 mgC·g dry wt−1·h−1) occurred at the basal portions of immature and senescent blades. Longitudinal profiles of total chlorophyll (a + c) on both an areal and weight basis were very similar to the profiles of PS. Normalized to chlorophyll a, PS displayed an unusual longitudinal profile in immature tissue; however, such profiles for mature and senescent tissues were similar to those for PS on an areal basis. It was demonstrated that it is difficult, if not impossible, to select single tissue discs that are representative of whole blades. The metabolic longitudinal profiles reveal a characteristic developmental pattern; the previous working definitions of immature, mature, and senescent blades, based on morphology and frond position thus have a physiological basis.
Critical behavior of thermal expansion and magnetostriction in the vicinity of the firs t order transition at the Curie point of Gd5(Si(subscript x)Ge(subscript 1-x))4

Thermal expansion (TE) and magnetostriction (MS) measurements have been conducted for Gds(SixGei_x)4 with a series of x values to study its critical behavior in the vicinity of transition temperatures. It was found that the Curie temperature of Gd5(SixGei.x)4 for x ~ 0.5 is dependent on magnetic field, direction of change of temperature (Tc on cooling was lower than Tc on heating), purity of Gd starting material, compositions, material preparation methods, and also can be triggered by the external magnetic field with a different dT/dB rate for different x values. For Gd^Sii.g^Gei.os), Gd^(Si^Ge^), Gd^(Si^Ge^), it was also found that the transition is a first order magneto-structural transition, which means the magnetic transition and crystalline structure transition occur simultaneously, and completely reversible. Temperature hysteresis and phase coexistence have been found to confirm that it is a first order transformation. While for Gd$(Sio ^Ges.g^), it is partially reversible at some temperature range between the antiferromagnetic and the ferromagnetic state. For Gd^(Si^Ge^) and Gd^(Si^Ge^), it was a second order transformation between the paramagnetic and ferromagnetic state, because no AT have been found. Giant magnetostriction was only found on Gd5(Sii.95Ge2.o5), Gd^(Si^Ge^), Gd^(Si^Ge^) in their vicinity of first order transformation. MFM images have also been taken on polycrystal sample Gd^Sii.ogGe, 9,) to investigate the transformation process. The results also indicates that the Curie temperature was lower and the thermally-induced strain higher in the sample made from lower purity level Gd starting materials compared with the sample made from high purity Gd metal.