cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Monitoring of Hydrogen Elimination Processes in Pulsed-Gas PECVD Using in Situ Mass Spectroscopy

In situ mass spectroscopy is used to monitor and analyze the hydrogen elimination reaction products during cyclical exposure of thin films of amorphous silicon to a flux of atomic deuterium. Mass spectroscopy results that atomic deuterium etches deposited silicon forming SiD4 and abstracts hydrogen bonded to silicon in the film to form HD. The relative signal intensities show that abstraction is the primary hydrogen elimination mechanism. The energy of activation for the abstraction reaction is obtained from the mass spectroscopy signals through a first order kinetic analysis and is found to be approximately zero, indicating that abstraction is not thermally activated.
Use of a rapid progesterone assay in a beef cattle estrus synchronization program

Abstract The use of a rapid plasma progesterone enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) to select nonlactating beef cows for prostaglandin treatment in an estrus synchronization program was evaluated. Plasma from 73 Angus X Hereford cows was evaluated for progesterone (P4) weekly. Cows with P4 > 5 ng/ml were injected either intramuscularly (I.M.) with 25 mg dinoprost tromethamine or subcutaneously with 1 mg of fenprostalene and then bred by artificial insemination (AI) by appointment at 72 and 96 h. Cows with plasma P4 0.05).
Algernon B. Reese: A biographical sketch

The contributions of Algernon B. Reese to the understanding of ophthalmic pathology are well known. This biographical sketch combines a historical summary of Reese's many accomplishments with a warm and personal view of Reese as master, teacher, and friend.
Experience report on using object-oriented design for software maintenance

We experimented with modifying the existing object-oriented (OO) design and C++ code of a software reliability model. Our purpose was to assess the efficacy of OO methods for performing maintenance on mathematical software, using a real-world system (NASA Space Shuttle flight software) to illustrate the approach. In this process, we used variants of UML diagrams to modify our design. We found that although a top-down approach to software maintenance is normally a good idea, it was still necessary to modify the design once the realities of what could be accomplished in the C++ code came to light. As reliability and maintenance are intimately related, we developed reliability risk analysis to show how maintenance changes to our design and code could be used to measure risk. Another maintenance enhancement to the design and code is the use of reliability parameter analysis to assess, in the advance of prediction, the reliability of a set of software releases. We believe this is the first evaluation of software maintenance using OO methods.
Measurement of Human Ankle Stiffness Using the Anklebot

In this paper we present initial results using a novel ankle robot to estimate human ankle stiffness. This lower-extremity robotic therapy module was developed at MIT to aid recovery of ankle function. Given the importance of the ankle during locomotion, an accurate estimate of ankle stiffness would be a valuable asset for locomotor rehabilitation, potentially providing a measure of recovery and a quantitative basis to design treatment protocols. We show that the ankle robot provides accurate measurement of ankle configuration and present a simple protocol to estimate ankle stiffness. Our initial ankle stiffness estimates compare favorably with previously published work, indicating that this method may serve as an efficient clinical measurement tool.
Abstract 1569: Antitumor activity of SR16388 against human multiple myeloma in vitro and in vivo

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the cancer of plasma cells that derive from a clonal disorder of terminally differentiated B cells in the bone marrow. MM is generally thought to be refractory against chemotherapeutics and is incurable. Development of novel agents for the treatment of this disease is urgently needed. Previous studies have indicated that MM cells express estrogen receptors (ERs), and anti-estrogens such as ICI 182,780 and Tamoxifen have demonstrated inhibitory effects on proliferation of MM cell lines as well as on MM cells isolated from patients. MM cells also over-express proangiogenic factors such as VEGF to induce angiogenesis and support their growth and survival. At SRI International, we have developed a steroidal anti-angiogenic molecule (SR16388) that potently inhibits angiogenesis in lung and prostate cancers, and it also binds to ER-α and ER-s with high affinities in the nanomolar range. In this study, we examined the in vitro and in vivo effects of SR16388 on growth of MM cells. In RPMI-8226 multiple myeloma cells, SR16388 inhibited cell proliferation with an IC50 value of 0.9 µM. Cell cycle analysis revealed that SR16388 arrested the RPMI-8226 cells in G2 phase. In an in vivo murine xenograft model, SR16388 significantly inhibited the growth of RPMI-8226 tumors at the dose levels of 50 and 100 mg/kg with P Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1569.
Ethnographic Writing Is as Good as Ten Mothers

Ethnography and ethnographic writing are celebrated as means of exploring and rendering our understandings of human interactions via creative modes of expression. The article stresses the importance of writing during all phases of ethnography from data collection to reporting. Specifically, the author seeks to demonstrate how ethnography and playwriting can work together as both research and art. The author has been writing plays inspired by ethnographic research and getting them produced at small professional theatres for about 20 years and hopes to pass on some of what she has learned in the form of general principles. Excerpts from her latest play, The Fabulous Ruins of Detroit (2009), are included to illustrate points addressed in the article.
Distributed computing research issues in grid computing

Ensembles of distributed, heterogeneous resources, or Computational Grids, have emerged as popular platforms for deploying large-scale and resource-intensive applications. Large collaborative efforts are currently underway to provide the necessary software infrastructure. Grid computing raises challenging issues in many areas of computer science, and especially in the area of distributed computing, as Computational Grids cover increasingly large networks and span many organizations. In this paper we briefly motivate Grid computing and introduce its basic concepts. We then highlight a number of distributed computing research questions, and discuss both the relevance and the short-comings of previous research results when applied to Grid computing. We choose to focus on issues concerning the dissemination and retrieval of information and data on Computational Grid platforms. We feel that these issues are particularly critical at this time, and as we can point to preliminary ideas, work, and results in the Grid community and the distributed computing community. This paper is of interest to distributing computing researchers because Grid computing provides new challenges that need to be addressed, as well as actual platforms for experimentation and research.
Prophylactic lymphadenectomy for B16 melanoma in C57/BL6 mice: survival based on size and heterogeneous variant of the primary.

Survival following prophylactic lymphadenectomy by hip disarticulation in mice with three B16 melanoma variants was studied. C57/BL6 mice inoculated with viable tumor cells (F1, F10, and BL6) into the left hind foot pad were randomized to wide excision (WE) of the primary tumor alone or wide excision plus prophylactic lymphadenectomy (WE plus PL) at 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-mm primary tumor sizes (each group, N = 6). Overall survival time was improved by WE plus PL. A significant survival advantage and cure was apparent for the F1 and F10 variants with primary tumor sizes of 2 and 3 mm (F1, 2 and 3 mm, P < 0.001; F10, 2 mm, P < 0.006; 3 mm, P < 0.001), but not for the BL6 variant. Prophylactic lymphadenectomy provides a therapeutic advantage in mouse melanomas of intermediate size in two of the three variants of B16.
Immunity to pulmonary berylliosis in guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs respond to intradermal injections of BeSO4 with development of delayed hypersensitivity, and a study was conducted to clarify the correlation of this factor to pulmonary berylliosis. A colony of guinea pigs was divided into 3 equal groups. In one group, delayed hypersensitivity to BeSO4 was produced as stated. The second group received low levels of BeSO4 in the drinking water for the purpose of producing a state of immuno-suppression. The third group of guinea pigs remained untreated. All groups were then subjected to the inhalation of BeSO4 aerosol at selected atmospheric concentrations, and the histopathologic and hematologic response was determined at periodic necropsies. The typical response in the lungs was pneumonitis with occasional granulomas, fibrotic nodules, and alveolar epithelial hyperplasia. The severity of these lesions was dependent on the extent of exposure, but in each exposure group the intradermally treated animals showed an alleviated tissue reaction. There was no difference between the orally dosed and untreated animals. Lung weight/body weight ratios showed significant inverse correlation to the size of the delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction in individual animals. These results suggest that an association exists between the immune status of the host and its vulnerability to beryllium inhalation.
Externalities, and technology transfer through multinational corporations A theoretical analysis

Abstract This paper examines the optimal behavior of a multinational firm's subsidiary in a host country when learning of its production techniques by its native rivals occurs. In a dynamic framework, it is shown, among other things, that (a) it is worthwhile for the subsidiary to import better technology from its parent firm and that (b) such technology transfer may not benefit the firms of the host country despite their learning, while the host country as a whole does benefit.
Influence of stress rate on water loss, matrix deformation and chondrocyte viability in impacted articular cartilage

Abstract The biomechanical response of articular cartilage to a wide range of impact loading rates was investigated for stress magnitudes that exist during joint trauma. Viable, intact bovine cartilage explants were impacted in confined compression with stress rates of 25, 50, 130 and 1000 MPa/s and stress magnitudes of 10, 20, 30 and 40 MPa. Water loss, cell viability, dynamic impact modulus (DIM) and matrix deformation were measured. Under all loading conditions the water loss was small (∼15%); water loss increased linearly with increasing peak stress and decreased exponentially with increasing stress rate. Cell death was localized within the superficial zone (⩽ 12% of total tissue thickness); the depth of cell death from the articular surface increased with peak stress and decreased with increasing stress rate. The DIM increased (200–700 MPa) and matrix deformation decreased with increasing stress rate. Initial water and proteoglycan (PG) content had a weak, yet significant influence on water loss, cell death and DIM. However, the significance of the inhomogeneous structure and composition of the cartilage matrix was accentuated when explants impacted on the deep zone had less water loss and matrix deformation, higher DIM, and no cell death compared to explants impacted on the articular surface. The mechano-biological response of articular cartilage depended on magnitude and rate of impact loading.
Molecular mechanisms and kinetics during the self-assembly of surfactant layers

Abstract The process of adsorption or “self-assembly” of surfactant monolayers and bilayers from solution onto molecularly smooth mica surfaces was monitored as a function of time. The time evolution of the molecular and ionic composition and densities of the layers were measured using XPS (ESCA); ionic concentrations were measured using an ion selective electrode (ISE); the structure and solution interactions of the layers were measured using the surface forces apparatus (SFA) technique; and the wettability and adhesive properties of the layers were measured via contact angle measurements. It was found that the adsorption or self-assembly of a monolayer or bilayer from solution always occurs in two distinct stages: a fast initial nonequilibrium stage, followed by a much slower phase involving slow molecular and ionic rearrangements toward the final equilibrium state. In the case of cationic surfactants adsorbing onto the anionic surface of mica, XPS measurements show that most of the surfactant molecules initially adsorb as dipoles (i.e., carrying their negatively charged counterions with them) onto the mica surface, which also partially retains its (positively charged) counterion. Following this, the oppositely charged counterions unite to form an ion pair that proceeds to slowly diffuse out of the headgroup region through the hydrophobic layer into the bulk solution, leaving behind headgroups that are now bound to the surface much more strongly via Coulombic (ionic) bonds rather than dipolar bonds. The effects of counterions, pH, and surfactant concentration on the mechanisms and kinetics of self-assembly were studied. In some cases the time needed to attain equilibrium was many months—the rate limiting step being the diffusion of the hydrophilic headgroups, ions, and ion pairs through the hydrophobic layers. Both the final equilibrium state and the various dynamic processes of self-assembly (toward that state) are interdependent and determined by a need to satisfy local electroneutrality conditions and not only by hydrophobic and molecular-packing considerations. The relevance of our findings to other surfactant adsorption systems, including Langmuir—Blodgett deposition, and self-assembly mechanisms in general is discussed.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method for mebendazole and its metabolites hydroxymebendazole and aminomebendazole in sheep liver.

A quantitative liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of mebendazole and its hydrolysed and reduced metabolites in sheep liver has been developed and validated. The benzimidazole substances were extracted with ethyl acetate after the sample mixture had been made alkaline. The HPLC separation was performed on a reversed-phase C18 column with gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile. The analytes were detected after atmospheric pressure electrospray ionization on a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer in MS-MS mode. The components were measured by the MS-MS transitions of the molecular ion to the two most abundant daughter ions. The detection limits are lower than 1 μg kg−1. For this application, the validation limit was set at 50 μg kg−1. The examined validation parameters were in accordance with the permitted tolerances ranges stipulated in the proposed new European validation criteria for residue surveillance. For the three analytes, the overall recovery was higher than 90%. The RSD for the repeatability ranged from 5 to 11%. The range for the within-laboratory reproducibility was between 2 and 17%. The decision limits for mebendazole, the hydrolysed and the reduced metabolite were 56.6, 61.8 and 64.2 μg kg−1, respectively. The detection capabilities for these substances were 60.0, 86.1 and 90.9 μg kg−1, respectively.
Geometry of the physical phase space in quantum gauge systems

Abstract The physical phase space in gauge systems is studied. Simple soluble gauge models are considered in detail. Effects caused by a non-Euclidean geometry of the physical phase space in quantum gauge models are described in the operator and path integral formalisms. The projection on the Dirac gauge invariant states is used to derive a necessary modification of the Hamiltonian path integral in gauge theories of the Yang–Mills type with fermions that takes into account the non-Euclidean geometry of the physical phase space. The new path integral is applied to resolve the Gribov obstruction. Applications to the Kogut–Susskind lattice gauge theory are given. The basic ideas are illustrated with examples accessible for non-specialists.
Low health literacy is associated with HIV test acceptance.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proposed increasing the proportion of people who learn their HIV serostatus. The health care setting represents a logical site to accomplish this goal. However, little is known about factors that determine acceptability of HIV testing in health care settings, particularly patients’ health literacy.
A lipoglycoprotein from hemolymph of healthy and diseased larvae of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica

Abstract The major protein in the hemolymph of third-instar Popillia japonica larvae is a lipoglycoprotein (LGP). This protein was isolated from healthy larvae and larvae infected with Bacillus popilliae , a cause of milky disease. The LGP was separated by density gradient centrifugation and partially purified by exhaustive dialysis. During the course of milky disease, the concentration of LGP decreases markedly. Lipids associated with the LGP were extracted and characterized by thin-layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography. Fatty acids detected in significant amounts were palmitic (C 16 ), stearic (C 18 ), oleic (C 18:1 ), linoleic (C 18:2 ), and lignoceric (C 24 ). The relative concentration of palmitic acid was significantly reduced in LGP isolated from diseased larval hemolymph. Carbohydrate constituents released from LGP by hydrolysis were determined by gas-liquid chromatography of the trimethylsilylated derivatives. Mannose, glucose, and a trace of galactose were present in LGP from hemolymph of normal larvae; however, only trace quantities of any of these carbohydrates could be detected in the LGP from hemolymph of infected larvae. Amino acids present in the greatest amounts in the LGP were aspartic and glutamic acids. Appreciable quantities of tyrosine, leucine, and threonine were also present. The amino acid composition of LGP in hemolymph from healthy larvae did not differ significantly from that in diseased larvae.
Neighborhood monotonicity, the extended Zermelo model, and symmetric knockout tournaments

In this paper, neighborhood monotonicity is presented as a natural property for methods of ranking generalized tournaments (directed graphs with weighted edges). An extension of Zermelo's classical method of ranking tournaments is shown to have this property. An estimate is made of the proportion of ordered pairs that all neighborhood-monotonic rankings of symmetric knockout tournaments have in common. Finally, numerical evidence for the asymptotic behavior of the extended Zermelo ranking of symmetric knockout tournaments is presented.
Relations among parental divorce, identity status, and coping strategies of college age women

Relations among parental divorce, identity status, and coping strategies were examined in a sample of emerging adult women. Two hundred forty college age women between the ages of 18 and 23 were asked to report whether they had experienced parental divorce and were administered the Coping Strategies Inventory and the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status-II. Correlational analyses indicated that identity diffusion in the interpersonal domain was associated with emotion focused coping strategies, whereas identity achievement in both sets of domains was associated with greater use of problem focused coping strategies. Structural equation modeling analyses indicated that, for both the ideological and interpersonal identity domains, divorce was positively related to emotion focused coping and negatively related to both diffusion and foreclosure. Tests of mediation did not produce any significant mediating pathways for either domain. These findings are discussed in relation to current research and ...
A myosin II ATPase inhibitor reduces force production, glucose transport, and phosphorylation of AMPK and TBC1D1 in electrically stimulated rat skeletal muscle

Contraction-stimulated glucose transport by skeletal muscle appears to be caused by the cumulative effects of multiple inputs [potentially including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Ca2+ flux, ...
Surgical Treatment of Congenital Aortic Stenosis

Experience with 169 patients less than 25 years old and operated on at the Mayo Clinic for congenital aortic stenosis is reviewed. Aortic valvotomy is primarily a palliative procedure, allowing adequate relief of the transaortic valve gradient in only 56 percent of patients and leaving a severe gradient in 20 percent. A low operative mortality justifies its use in patients having valid cardiac disability and left ventricular "strain" on the electrocardiogram or even in asymptomatic younger patients in whom the gradient is 75 mm Hg or greater. Infants who have cardiac failure should also be operated on, the risk apparently not being significantly greater in this age group (no deaths in seven operations). The results of valvotomy in older patients (over 16 years of age) were poorest, and operation on asymptomatic patients in this age group seems unwarranted. The objective of aortic valvotomy should be to achieve as great an opening as possible by incision of fused commissures but avoiding incision of raphae because of the risk of producing aortic insufficiency. Supravalvular aortic stenosis and localized fibromuscular subaortic stenosis can be relieved more adequately and permanently by operation than can valvular aortic stenosis, and operation is therefore indicated even in asymptomatic patients if the gradient is about 50 mm Hg or greater.
Long-term estrogen replacement therapy is associated with improved exercise capacity in postmenopausal women without known coronary artery disease.

Abstract Background Short-term estrogen administration improves vasodilation and has been shown to improve exercise capacity. However, it is unknown whether long-term estrogen replacement therapy is associated with improved exercise capacity in postmenopausal women without known coronary artery disease. Methods and Results We studied 248 postmenopausal women without known coronary artery disease (mean age 63.5 years); 158 (64%) were current or past hormone replacement therapy (HRT) users and 108 (44%) were current users of HRT. Attributes potentially affecting exercise capacity and cardiac risk factors were carefully measured. These included duration of estrogen replacement therapy, all variables in the Framingham risk index, physical activity level, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, presence of osteoporosis, and family history of heart disease. We measured maximal oxygen uptake (MVO 2 ) and anaerobic threshold as objective markers of exercise capacity. The relation between exercise capacity and use of HRT was analyzed with the use of logistic regression, controlling for confounding variables. We found that fitness, as measured by MVO 2 and anaerobic threshold, was significantly greater in women who had used HRT currently or in the past compared with women who had never used HRT. This difference in fitness was not confounded by age or physical activity level. Conclusions Estrogen replacement therapy is associated with increased exercise capacity as measured by MVO 2 and anaerobic threshold in postmenopausal women without coronary artery disease. This finding is consistent with the beneficial effect of short-term estrogen administration on improved endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilation.
Surface-Chemical Studies on Chlorhexidine and Related Compounds: II. Interactions with Monomolecular-Film Systems

Interactions of chlorhexidine and structurally related biguanides with selected monomolecular-film systems (that is, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, and N-octadecylacetamide) were explored. The data reflected the significance of ionic associations between the compounds and stearic acid films and, in the instance of the biguanide analogs, indicated that the length of the alkyl chain was an important factor in the penetration process.
The maldi mass spectra of carbosilane-based dendrimers containing up to eight fixed positive or 16 negative charges

Abstract Large, spherical dendrimers based on carbosilane chemistry that carry four, eight and 16 end-groups, respectively, varying from non-polar to basic and to fixed positive or negative charges were investigated by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. It was found that those ending in tertiary amino groups are easily detected as their [M + H]+ ions, whereas non-polar dendrimers ending in chloroalkyl groups required the addition of silver trifluoroacetate to produce [M + Ag]+ ions. Those with SO3Na end-groups could be analyzed as [M − H]− ions after conversion to the corresponding poly-ammonium salts. However, dendrimers terminating in four or eight trimethylammonium chlorides and iodides, respectively, generated complexes of the tetra- and octa-cations with three and seven, respectively, matrix anions, such as 2,5-dihydroxybenzoate or 5-chlorosalicylate anions. From the m / z value of the resulting mono-positively charged ion, the molecular weight of the dendrimer polycation can be deduced.
Measurement of gradients of absorbed light in spinach leaves from chlorophyll fluorescence profiles

Profiles of chlorophyll fluorescence were measured in spinach leaves irradiated with monochromatic light. The characteristics of the profiles within the mesophyll were determined by the optical properties of the leaf tissue and the spectral quality of the actinic light. When leaves were infiltrated with 10 -4 M DCMU [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl-urea] or water, treatments that minimized light scattering, irradiation with 2000 μmol m -2 s -1 green light produced broad Gaussian-shaped fluorescence profiles that spanned most of the mesophyll. Profiles for chlorophyll fluorescence in the red (680 ± 16 nm) and far red (λ> 710 nm) were similar except that there was elevated red fluorescence near the adaxial leaf surface relative to far red fluorescence. Fluorescence profiles were narrower in non-infiltrated leaf samples where light scattering increased the light gradient. The fluorescence profile was broader when the leaf was irradiated on its adaxial versus abaxial surface due to the contrasting optical properties of the palisade and spongy mesophyll. Irradiation with blue, red and green monochromatic light produced profiles that peaked 50, 100 and 150 μm, respectively, beneath the irradiated surface. These results are consistent with previous measurements of the light gradient in spinach and they agree qualitatively with measurements of carbon fixation under monochromatic blue, red and green light. These results suggest that chlorophyll fluorescence profiles may be used to estimate the distribution of quanta that are absorbed within the leaf for photosynthesis.
4-DEFECT REPAIR OF GRADE 4 CYSTOCELE

AbstractPurpose: The 4-defect repair of grade 4 cystocele corrects discrete and severe deficiencies of vesicourethral support. We describe this technique used during pelvic reconstruction in 130 women.Materials and Methods: During a 3-year period 130 patients (age range 35 to 96 years) underwent repair of grade 4 cystocele using the 4-defect repair technique. Cystocele repair had been performed in 60 patients (46%) and hysterectomy had been performed in 85 (65%). A “goalpost incision” is used in the vaginal wall to facilitate separation of the wall from underlying perivesical fascia, entry into the retropubic space, and exposure of the urethropelvic ligament, cardinal ligament and perivesical fascia. The 4 polypropylene sutures are used to provide an anterior vaginal wall sling which is modified to incorporate perivesical fascia and cardinal ligaments. Central defect repair is achieved by approximation of the cardinal ligaments and midline plication of the perivesical fascia over absorbable mesh.Results: ...
Heterogeneity in leukocyte preparations: Effects on defining eicosanoid metabolism by human lymphocytes and monocytes

The capacity of preparations of human monocytes and lymphocytes to generate lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid is largely attributable to platelet and occasionally to neutrophil contamination. Removal of platelets by several techniques eliminates the lipoxygenase activity of lymphocytes and substantially diminishes that of monocytes. The definition of profiles of lipoxygenation for each type of leukocyte will increase the meaning of studies of cell-cell interactions.
Consistency of Findings Produced by Two Multidisciplinary Research Teams

This article examines the consistency of research findings between two multidisciplinary research groups, which conducted independent analyses of interviews with 63 middle school students about their beliefs related to violence. The question addressed by this methodological study was: Is the consensus process so robust that it transcends disciplines (i.e. individuals from different disciplines inter-acting in multidisciplinary teams) to produce consistent findings? One group analyzed transcripts of interviews. Another group analyzed audiotapes (without typed transcripts). In spite of the different methods used by the two groups, and differences in the structure of the descriptive outcomes of each group's analysis, the content of findings was consistent. This suggests that there was internal reliability even with the diverse disciplinary perspectives involved in the analysis and interpretation of data.
The number of three-dimensional convex polyhedra

A convex polyhedron, or polytope, is the bounded intersection of closed half-spaces. The problems of determining the number of three dimensional convex polyhedra as a function of the number of faces or edges or both have been around for over 150 years. Except for Steinitz's conversion of polyhedra to "planar maps", little was done on the problem until the work on "rooted" planar maps in the 1960's. Recently the original (unrooted) questions have been answered asymptotically. We will retrace the steps that led to this result. Convex polyhedra (also called polytopes) are the analogues to convex polygons in higher dimensions. We can define a convex polyhedron as a bounded intersection of closed half-spaces. Alternatively, we could define a convex polyhedron to be the convex hull of a finite set of points. We will be concerned exclusively with three-dimensional polyhedra: those that lie in 3-space but do not lie in a plane. In the future, "polyhedra" will always mean "three-dimensional convex polyhedra." Cubes, tetrahedra, and prisms are all examples of polyhedra. In an obvious way, polyhedra have vertices, edges, and faces. (These can be described formally, but we need not do so here.) We will use the notation P0, P1, and P2 for the numbers of vertices, edges, and faces, respectively, of a polyhedron P. Euler's famous theorem (1752) states that
Characterization of zeta (ζ): a new opioid receptor involved in growth

Endogenous opioid systems (i.e., opioids and opioid receptors) are known to play a role in neural cancer. Using [3H]-[Met5]enkephalin, a potent ligand involved in growth, specific and saturable binding was detected in homogenates of S20Y neuroblastoma transplanted into A/Jax mice; the data fit a single binding site. Scatchard analysis yielded a Kd of 0.49 nM and a binding capacity of 5.32 fmol/mg protein. Binding was dependent on protein concentration, time, temperature, and pH, and was sensitive to Na+ and guanine nucleotides. Optimal binding required protease inhibitors, and pretreatment of the tumor homogenates with trypsin markedly reduced [3H]-[Met5]enkephalin binding, suggesting that the binding site was proteinaceous in character. Displacement experiments indicated that [Met5]enkephalin was the most potent displacer of [3H]-[Met5]enkephalin; other ligands selective for mu, delta, kappa, epsilon, and sigma were not highly competitive. Given the functional significance of [Met5]enkephalin as a potent regulator of normal and abnormal growth, and that the receptor recognized by [Met5]enkephalin does not resemble any previously described, the present study has demonstrated the presence of a new opioid receptor termed zeta (zeta) (from the Greek 'Zoe', life) related to the proliferation of cells and tissues.
Antitoxin's effect on tetanus toxin induced sphincter pupillae paralysis in the rabbit.

The effectiveness of antitoxin in preventing tetanus toxin's blockage of acetylcholine release from the cholinergic nerves of the rabbit iris was tested by injecting purified tetanus toxin into the anterior chamber, and by injecting horse antitoxin at various time intervals either into the anterior chamber, intravenously, or into the anterior chamber and intramuscularly. The results indicate that antitoxin is ineffective in preventing the development of sphincter pupillae paralysis once it is induced by tetanus toxin, prior to appearance of the symptoms. The efficacy of antitoxin treatment depends on the administration of an optimal therapeutic dose. Neither the rate of development, nor the rate of recovery from the maximal pupillary paralysis are altered by antitoxin treatment. The severity, the duration, and the time of complete recovery from the paralysis are directly related to the time antitoxin treatment begins.
Modeling and recognizing hyperspectral textures under unknown conditions

We present a method for identifying hyperspectral textures composed of a set of given materials. The algorithm is invariant to illumination and atmospheric conditions as well as the spatial sampling of the texture. Only the spectral reflectance functions for the materials in the texture are required by the algorithm. A texture analysis method based on minimizing the squared error between a pixel spectrum and a synthetic spectral mixture allows pixels to be ranked according to consistency with the texture model. Experimental results using HYDICE imagery demonstrate the use of the method to identify hyperspectral textures under different conditions.
Ab initio surfaces of singlet and triplet methylene

Ab initio minimum energy hypersurfaces of singlet and triplet methylene (CH2) are examined using SCSCF. SCSCF + CI, and MCSCF methods with a double-zeta plus polarization basis.
Kin availability and the living arrangements of older women

This paper models the distribution of older women across household types, taking account of variations in the availability of kin, as well as other explanatory variables such as income and race. Household types are distinguished by the presence or absence in the household of siblings, parents, children, or others, including unrelated individuals. A modified multinomial logit model is used to represent the simultaneous effects of kin availability and other variables on the probability of living in each household type. The results indicate that while income is related to the propensity to live alone, the relationship appears to operate solely through the effect of income upon the propensity to share a household with close relatives. Older black women are shown to be more likely to live in extended-family households, holding constant both income and the availability of kin.
Fertility and the Easterlin hypothesis: an assessment of the literature.

Focusing just on the fertility aspects of the Easterlin hypothesis, this paper offers a critical assessment – rather than just a selective citation – of the extensive fertility literature generated by Easterlin, and a complete inventory of data and methodologies in seventy-six published analyses. With an equal number of micro- and macro-level analyses using North American data (twenty-two), the „track record” of the hypothesis is the same in both venues, with fifteen providing significant support in each case. The literature suggests unequivocal support for the relativity of the income concept in fertility, but is less clear regarding the source(s) of differences in material aspirations, and suggests that the observed relationship between fertility and cohort size has varied across countries and time periods due to the effects of additional factors not included in most models.
SET-VALUED PSEUDOMONOTONE MAPS AND DEGENERATE EVOLUTION INCLUSIONS

We develop the theory of evolution inclusions for set-valued pseudomonotone maps. The problems we investigate are where B=B(t) is a linear operator that may vanish and A is a set-valued pseudomonotone operator. We prove the existence of unique solutions of such, possibly degenerate, problems. We apply the theory to the problem of dynamic frictional contact with a slip dependent friction coefficient and prove the existence of its unique weak solution. This theory opens the way for the investigation of sophisticated dynamical models in mechanics and frictional contact problems.
Antenna minimization with active and passive matching circuits

In this work we present the advantages of passive and active matching to lower the operational frequency of VHF/UHF antennas. A multi-segment passive matching circuit is designed via formal optimization to improve the lower frequency of a broadband planar dipole by 25%. Implementation of active networks shows that an impressive matched behavior is also possible. Measurements and simulations are presented.
Technology-dependent transformations for low-power synthesis

We propose a methodology for applying gate-level logictransformations to optimize power in digital circuits.Statisticallysimulated switching information, gate delays,signal arrival patterns, and signal probabilities are consideredin reducing the switching activity-capacitance products.Power reduction up to 45.4% (acerage 12.4%) is achieved,with considerable improvements in area and delay, in pre-optimizedbenchamarks.Also the effect of transformationson the random pattern testability of the circuits is studied.
Cytochrome-oxidase blobs and intrinsic horizontal connections of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in primate V1.

Pyramidal neurons in superficial layers of cerebral cortex have extensive horizontal axons that provide a substrate for lateral interactions across cortical columns. These connections are believed to link functionally similar regions, as suggested by the observation that cytochrome-oxidase blobs in the monkey primary visual cortex (V1) are preferentially connected to blobs and interblobs to interblobs. To better understand the precise relationship between horizontal connections and blobs, we intracellularly labeled 20 layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in tangential living brain slices from V1 of macaque monkeys. The locations of each cell body and the cell's synaptic boutons relative to blobs were quantitatively analyzed. We found evidence for two cell types located at characteristic distances from blob centers: (1) neurons lacking long-distance, clustered axons (somata 130-200 microm from blob centers) and (2) cells with clustered, long-distance axon collaterals (somata 200 microm from blob centers). For all cells, synaptic boutons close to the cell body were located at similar distances from blob centers as the cell body. The majority of boutons from cells lacking distal axon clusters were close to their cell bodies. Cells located more than 200 microm from blob centers were in interblobs and had long-distance clustered axon collaterals selectively targeting distant interblob regions. Cells located less than 130 microm from blob centers were found within both blobs and interblobs, but many were close to traditionally defined borders. The distant synaptic boutons from these cells were generally located relatively near to blob centers, but the neurons closest to blob centers had synaptic boutons closer to blob centers than those farther away. There was not a sharp transition that would suggest specificity for blobs and interblobs as discrete, binary entities. Instead they appear to be extremes along a continuum. These observations have important implications for the function of lateral interactions within V1.
Analysis of the keratocyte apoptosis, keratocyte proliferation, and myofibroblast transformation responses after photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that (1) there are quantitative differences in the cellular responses in the corneal stroma after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for low myopia compared to high myopia and (2) there are both qualitative and quantitative differences in the cellular responses in the corneal stroma after PRK for high myopia and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for high myopia. METHODS: PRK for low myopia (-4.5 diopters [D]), PRK for high myopia (-9.0 D), and LASIK for high myopia (-9.0 D) were performed in rabbit eyes, and corneas were obtained for examination at 4, 24, and 72 hours, 1 and 4 weeks, and 3 months after surgery. A total of 144 rabbits were included in the study. Stromal apoptosis, necrosis, mitosis, myofibroblast generation, and inflammatory cell infiltration were evaluated by immunohistochemical methods and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Keratocyte apoptosis/necrosis and the subsequent proliferation and density of myofibroblasts were qualitatively and quantitatively different in PRK for high myopia compared to either PRK for low myopia or LASIK for high myopia. Significant inflammatory cell infiltration was noted in both PRK and LASIK but appeared to be greater in PRK for high myopia. CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative and quantitative differences in the cellular wound healing response after PRK for high and low myopia and LASIK for high myopia are likely determinants of the clinical differences in refractive outcome and some of the complications, such as regression and haze, seen after these procedures.
Macular and serum carotenoid concentrations in patients with malabsorption syndromes.

The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are believed to protect the human macula by absorbing blue light and quenching free radicals. Intestinal malabsorption syndromes such as celiac and Crohn’s disease are known to cause deficiencies of lipid-soluble nutrients. We hypothesized that subjects with nutrient malabsorption syndromes will demonstrate lower carotenoid levels in the macula and blood, and that these lower levels may correlate with early-onset maculopathy. Resonance Raman spectrographic (RRS) measurements of macular carotenoid levels were collected from subjects with and without a history of malabsorption syndromes. Carotenoids were extracted from serum and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subjects with malabsorption (n = 22) had 37% lower levels of macular carotenoids on average versus controls (n = 25, P < 0.001). Malabsorption was not associated with decreased serum carotenoid levels. Convincing signs of early maculopathy were not observed. We conclude that intestinal malabsorption results in lower macular carotenoid levels.
XSearch: A unified search and cross-reference detection engine for the ISS Mission Control Center

At the International Space Station (ISS) Mission Control Center, flight controllers and mission support staff utilize a large number of web-based applications to perform mission operations and crew support tasks. Although access to these applications is through a common web portal, they are separate systems, developed independently and in isolation from one another. To integrate information across these stove-piped systems, we developed XSearch, a system designed to provide a unified search and browse interface for performing full-text, cross-application searches. In addition to locating search results, XSearch performs both citation mining and similarity detection to find ancillary records related to the primary results. These related records provide useful context for understanding and interpreting the search results. XSearch has been in daily use within the Mission Control Center since July 2008. This paper describes the system design goals and functionality, sketches the evolution of its architecture, and discusses lessons learned in developing and deploying a complex search and integration application in a dynamic mission-support environment.12
Effect of gemifloxacin on viability of Chlamydia pneumoniae (Chlamydophila pneumoniae) in an in vitro continuous infection model

Persistent infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae (Chlamydophila pneumoniae) has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis, asthma and other chronic diseases. However, data on treatment of C. pneumoniae infections are limited. Microbiological failure of antimicrobial therapy has been described, even after prolonged courses of treatment with azithromycin, doxycycline and erythromycin. Gemifloxacin is an enhanced-affinity fluoroquinolone with excellent activity against most common respiratory pathogens, including C. pneumoniae. The effect of prolonged treatment with gemifloxacin, compared with azithromycin, on viability of C. pneumoniae was investigated in a continuous infection model. Gemifloxacin at final con-centrations of 0.25 and 2.5 mg/L reduced the viability of C. pneumoniae by 5 log(10), which was similar to the effect of azithromycin. However, both antimicrobials failed to completely eliminate C. pneumoniae from continuously infected cells, even after 30 days of treatment. Both antibiotics decreased levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in this model, but this effect appeared to be secondary to the antichlamydial activity, as the cytokine levels correlated with the concentrations of microorganisms.
Sympathetic influences on electrical and mechanical alternans in the canine heart

Objective: The aim was to investigate the influence of the sympathetic nervous system on the induction of mechanical and electrical alternans in the intact canine heart. Methods: Experiments were performed on 8 open-chest dogs anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. A micromanometer-tipped catheter was used to measure left ventricular pressure, dp/dt and the time constant of isovolumic relaxation. Rapid atrial pacing was used to induce alternans and the left stellate ganglion was stimulated electrically to alter sympathetic tone. The longest pacing cycle length that showed a significant alternation in peak systolic pressure was defined as the alternans threshold. Electrical alternans was detected by comparing the ST-T area in the surface ECG (lead II) on alternate beats. Results: The alternans threshold was 305(s.e.m. 10.4) ms under control conditions and decreased to 271(12.1), 225(33.4), and 177(6.2) ms, as the frequency of left stellate stimulation was increased to 1, 2, and 5 Hz, respectively ( P < 0.001). Tau and peak −dp/dt began to alternate at the same pacing cycle length as peak +dp/dt and peak systolic pressure. Electrical alternans was only observed during mechanical alternans and the ST-T area of the strong beat was 243(143)% greater than the ST-T area of the weak beat ( P < 0.001). Timolol (1 mg · kg−1) blocked the effect of left stellate stimulation (1 and 2 Hz) on mechanical and electrical alternans. Conclusions: Left sympathetic activation causes a frequency-dependent reduction in the threshold cycle length for global mechanical and electrical alternans. Alternation in relaxation occurs at the same pacing cycle length as does alternation in contraction. Repolarization alternans in the surface ECG appears to reflect underlying mechanical events.