cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing disease with orbital inflammation in a 12-year-old girl

Immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing disease is a rare but potentially debilitating cause of orbital inflammation, with a predilection for older males. We report the case of a 12-year-old African girl with immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing disease, including possible extraorbital involvement. Because of an escalating severity of illness leading to oculomotor nerve palsy and cavernous sinus thrombosis that was resistant to steroids, systemic immunosuppressive therapy with rituximab was used to achieve disease remission. The diagnosis was histologically confirmed with a tissue biopsy.
Retinoid-induced epidermal hyperplasia is mediated by epidermal growth factor receptor activation via specific induction of its ligands heparin-binding EGF and amphiregulin in human skin in vivo.

Retinoids are widely used in the treatment of photoaging to stimulate dermal repair. However, retinoids also induce epidermal hyperplasia, which can lead to excessive scaling. Scaling is the major deterrent to topical retinoid therapy. Keratinocyte growth is strongly stimulated via ligand activation of EGFR. We examined regulation of EGFR ligands by retinoids and the role of EGFR in retinoid-induced hyperplasia in human skin in vivo. Topical treatment of human skin with all-trans retinoic acid (tRA) induces EGFR ligands heparin-binding (HB)-EGF and amphiregulin (AR), and reduces betacellulin mRNA levels. Laser capture microdissection-coupled real-time reverse transcription-PCR reveals that tRA increases HB-EGF mRNA throughout the epidermis, whereas AR induction is limited to basal keratinocytes. Topical tRA activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) downstream EGFR effectors in human skin in vivo. tRA increases the soluble forms of AR and HB-EGF proteins, and induces epidermal hyplasia, in human skin organ culture. Neutralization of HB-EGF or AR with specific antibodies strongly reduces tRA-induced epidermal hyperplasia. Finally, inhibition of EGFR activation by genistein reduces epidermal hyperplasia caused by topical retinoid treatment. These data demonstrate the central role of EGFR activation in retinoid-induced epidermal hyperplasia, and suggest that EGFR inhibitors can mitigate retinoid-induced scaling.
Auctioned oil import licenses

Three times in recent years American Presidents have tried to levy a tax on imported oil in order to decrease the quantity. Three times, the U.S. Congress has blocked the policy, demonstrating that a tax is politically infeasible. As an alternative, we propose an auctioned import license policy, in which the President would have discretion over the quantity of petroleum sold each month. The quantity might be chosen to maintain a certain differential between the domestic and international prices of oil. Under this strategy, licenses would have economic characteristics very similar to those of a tax. The political characteristics, however, would be quite different. Sections of the public would be less likely to perceive licenses as transferring revenues from households to the government and more likely to perceive them as effective in reducing imports. Alternatively, oil import licenses could be used to negotiate with OPEC and other importing nations.
A Pyrrhonist Interpretation of Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion

L'A. propose une interpretation pyrrhoniste d'un ouvrage de Hume, Dialogues sur la religion naturelle. Il s'agit de dechristianiser l'hermeneutique habituelle employee au sujet de cette œuvre philosophique anglaise. L'A. s'attache a deceler les traces du pyrrhonisme antique dans la premiere partie et la conclusion de ce dialogue
Decontamination of chemical protective clothing.

This study explored decontamination procedures for removing some organic solvents from protective clothing. The permeation experiments were performed on new and decontaminated specimens in seven polymer/chemical pairs. The decontamination methods investigated were thermal decontamination and air drying at room temperatures followed by detergent washing. Breakthrough time and steady-state permeation rate were determined by two different methods for new and decontaminated materials. The results showed that unless the contamination is limited to the outside surface of an elastomer (a material found in most barrier fabrics used in chemical protective clothing) or the chemical has a very large diffusion coefficient in the material, aeration and washing with detergent may not be an effective decontamination procedure for the type of solvent studied. On the other hand, thermal decontamination was shown to be effective in removing the contaminant from the matrix of the elastomers, and the decontaminated materials...
Optically controlled reflection modulator using GaAs–AlGaAs n-i-p-i/multiple-quantum-well structures

An optically controlled reflection modulator has been demonstrated that consists of a combination of a GaAs-AlGaAs n-i-p-i doping structure with a multiple-quantum-well structures on top of a distributed Bragg reflector, all grown by MBE. A modulation of approximately 60 percent is obtained on the test structure, corresponding to a differential change of absorption coefficient in the quantum wells of approximately 7500/cm. Changes in reflectance can be observed with a control beam power as low as 1.5 microW. This device structure has the potential of being developed as an optically addressed spatial light modulator for optical information processing.
Elution Kinetics of Lysine from a Strong Cation-Exchange Resin with Ammonia Water

The elution mechanism of lysine with ammonia water was investigated. In alkaline pH regions of the liquid phase, the effect of Donnan membrane equilibrium on the elution of lysine adsorbed onto the resin was found to be a predominant factor in determining the equilibrium kinetics in terms of the mass action law for adsorption.
Design of Cantilevered Overhead Sign Supports

The AASHTO 2001 Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals include revised wind load provisions and new criteria for fatigue design. These provisions and criteria differ considerably from those in previous editions of the specifications, and their impact on the design of cantilevered overhead sign supports has not been fully studied. This study assesses the effect of these provisions and criteria on the design of cantilevered overhead sign support structures with the horizontal support composed of a four-chord truss. Wind and fatigue load design calculations of typical structures, located at sites across the United States, were performed with the design provisions of the 2001 supports specifications and compared with design in accordance with the previous edition of the specifications. The induced forces in the primary members of the cantilevered sign support structure were calculated, and corresponding member sizes and weights were estimated. The results of the study demonstrated the effect of the wind and fatigue load provisions on the design of cantilevered overhead sign support structures.
Rapid Precision Wave Number Measurements from Fabry-Perot Interferograms*

In order to obtain the more accurate wave numbers needed for studies of the very rich heavy element spectra, a new measuring and calculating procedure has been developed. A modern sharp line source, such as a hollow cathode discharge or an electrodeless metal-halide lamp, is used to illuminate a vacuum Fabry-Perot interferometer (5, 10, or 20 mm spacer). The interferometer is crossed with a spectrograph resolving the free spectral range of the interferometer. The resulting interferogram is measured with a two-coordinate photoelectric comparator. The measurements are punched on IBM cards, and vacuum wave numbers are directly calculated with a high-speed digital computer. Only one standard line is needed and the index of refraction of air correction is used only to obtain air wavelengths. The phase change correction is obtained from measurements with two different spacers or from measurements on several standard lines. Only a few minutes reading time are needed for each line. This procedure is being used for a further study of the uranium spectrum with sources containing separated uranium isotopes. Over 8000 lines near 4100 A have been measured with a precision better than 0.005 cm−1.
2-Methoxyethyl (methyl) carbonate-based electrolytes for Li-ion batteries

Abstract 2-Methoxyethyl (methyl) carbonate (MOEMC) has been identified as a useful solvent for rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The conductivity–temperature and viscosity–temperature data for Li salt solutions in MOEMC can be fitted to the Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher (VTF) equation. The electrolytes formulated in MOEMC are characterized by the appearance of glass-transition temperatures without encountering freezing points, and this unique low-temperature behavior has allowed us to experimentally determine their glass-transition temperatures. This in turn has enabled us to experimentally demonstrate the application of the VTF theory to explain the conductivity–temperature data of these electrolytes. The results support a solvent-assisted ion conduction mechanism attributable to the strong interactions between the solvent molecules and Li ions. There appears to be no strong interaction between solvent molecules and the anions, but because of ion-pairing, the anion conduction is indirectly assisted by solvent fluctuations. Strong interactions between the solvent and Li + have been verified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared (IR) spectroscopic data. The electrolytes formulated in MOEMC have been tested for their electrochemical stability and Li cycling performance of the graphite anode and the LiCoO 2 cathode, thereby demonstrating their utility for Li-ion battery development.
Some equivariant k-theory of affine algebraic group actions

(1987). Some equivariant k-theory of affine algebraic group actions. Communications in Algebra: Vol. 15, No. 1-2, pp. 181-217.
Creating domain-specific modeling languages using by-demonstration technique

Domain-Specific Modeling Languages (DSMLs) have been widely used in several domains (e.g., finance, combat simulation, and image manipulation) because they aid to improve productivity and quality by reducing the gap between domain abstractions and computational expression within specific domains. However, DSMLs are developed when they are absolutely necessary because DSMLs engineered by iterating complex and mundane language creation tasks and DSML development requires domain knowledge and language development expertise. To tackle the challenges of DSML development, this poster abstract outlines a new approach for specifying and generating the abstract and concrete syntax of a DSML based on user demonstration. The goal of the proposed research is to develop the underlying science and tool support to enable end-users to assist in designing a DSML for their domain, while minimizing the typical mundane tasks of DSML development involving many accidental complexities.
Immune surveillance and sunlight-induced skin cancer

Immune surveillance poses the existence of a recirculating pool of lymphocytes that migrate randomly through somatic tissues. Upon recognition of neoantigens on malignantly transformed cells, lymphocytes proceed to attack and destroy degenerate cells before a tumor emerges. Here, J. Wayne Streilein and colleagues review the effects of ultraviolet B irradiation on the induction of cutaneous immunity in the skin of mice and humans. Furthermore, they discuss the possibility of a genetic predisposition to skin cancer, mediated by a defect in the normal process by which contact hypersensitivity, and therefore immunogenicity, is elicited.
Comparison of tensile and compressive characteristics of vinyl ester/glass microballoon syntactic foams

Abstract The present study is focused on the synthesis and characterization of vinyl ester/glass microballoon syntactic foams. Tensile and compressive properties of vinyl ester matrix syntactic foams are characterized. Results show that the compressive strength and moduli of several syntactic foam compositions are comparable to those of the neat matrix resin. Due to the lower density of syntactic foams, the specific compressive properties of all compositions are higher than those of the neat resin. Similar trends are observed in the tensile properties. Mechanical properties of vinyl ester matrix syntactic foams are compared to well-documented mechanical properties of epoxy matrix systems. The comparison shows that low cost vinyl ester resins, which are extensively used in marine applications, can result in syntactic foams with comparable performance to epoxy matrix systems. In addition, tensile modulus is found to be 15–30% higher than the compressive modulus for all syntactic foam compositions. This difference is related to the possibility of particle fracture in the stress range where modulus is calculated in the compressive stress–strain curves.
A Calculation of Mass Scattering Coefficients

By means of graphical integration, the mass scattering coefficients of the substances carbon, aluminum, iron, tin and gold have been calculated over the wave-length range $\ensuremath{\lambda}=0.4\mathrm{A} \mathrm{to} 1.1\mathrm{A}$. The results show: (1) the mass coefficients obtained agree reasonably well with those obtained experimentally by Coade, Mertz, Hewlett, Statz and Allen; (2) the mass scattering coefficients may be expressed by the relation $\frac{\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\ensuremath{\rho}}=0.0230{Z}^{1.16}\ensuremath{\lambda}$, over a wave-length range $\ensuremath{\lambda}=0.4\mathrm{A} \mathrm{to} 1.1\mathrm{A}$ and upwards from atomic number 12; (3) the part of the scattering coefficient due to incoherent scattering averages 20 percent lower than that value expressed by the Dirac or the Klein-Nishina formula.
Two-photon activation of o-nitrobenzyl ligands bound to gold surfaces

We report on the use of two-photon absorption to photocleavage o-nitrobenzyl-based ligands bound to a gold surface with thiol groups. Ablation of ligands occurs at high power densities, but this can be largely avoided by reducing the optical power level, at which point two-photon mediated reactions still occur on a time scale of tens of seconds. This means that photoactive ligands can be activated at wavelengths where plasmon resonances in gold and silver nanoparticles can easily be achieved, which will allow the surface properties at the hot spots on plasmonic nanostructures to be chosen differently from the rest of the structure, with possible applications in high-efficiency Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and bottom-up nanoassembly.
Endovascular management of nonmalignant iliocaval venous lesions.

Background Iliocaval venous lesions produce a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild swelling to venous ulcerations. In this study we examine the management and outcomes of these patients at our center. Methods In this study we performed a retrospective analysis of patients with symptomatic iliocaval venous stenoses, occlusions, or venous compression syndromes, who were treated with endovascular intervention during the period 2006–2010. Results Of the 36 patients evaluated, mean age was 43.0 years; prior deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and hypercoaguable states were present in 55.5%, 25.0%, and 44.4%, respectively. Patients were stratified by the presence (group I, n = 22) or absence (group II, n = 14) of underlying May–Thurner (MT) syndrome. In group I, 11 patients had nonocclusive MT-related stenoses and 11 had acute DVT with underlying MT, causing pain/swelling (100%), venous claudication (66.7%), or CEAP class 3 (95%) or 6 (5%). Female preponderance was 2.1:1. Eighteen patients had successful intervention (angioplasty/stent with or without lysis), with clinical improvement in 94.4% and a decrease in CEAP score in 83.3%. All group II patients had chronic iliocaval occlusions causing: pain (100%); swelling (88.9%); venous claudication (44.4%); or CEAP class 3 (58%), 4 (25%), or 6 (8%). Recanalization was attempted in all patients and was successful in 71.4%. Successful recanalization was associated with clinical improvement in 88.9% and a decrease in CEAP score in 44.4%. Complications included 2 early reocclusions, 2 hematomas, and no cases of PE or death. Primary and secondary 1-year patency was 86% and 100% overall (mean follow-up 9.6 months). Primary 1-year patency for groups I and II was 87.5% and 83.3%, respectively. Conclusions Percutaneous intervention for chronic iliocaval venous lesions is associated with excellent 1-year patency rates and a significant reduction in symptoms and decrease in CEAP score.
Chemical and structural characteristics of statoliths from the short-finned squid Illex illecebrosus

Statoliths of the short-finned squid Illex illecebrosus were chemically analyzed to define their chemical composition and surveyed by scanning electron microscope to differentiate internal structural patterns. X-ray diffraction data demonstrated that I. Illecebrosus statoliths were composed principally of CaCO3 in the aragonite crystal form. The crystals occurred in a protein matrix to form incremental patterns which radiated from the nucleus to the edge of the statoliths. The protein matrix comprised approximately 5% of the statolith by weight. The protein was principally composed of acidic amino acids. A high abundance of aspartic acid in the protein matrix indicated that the matrix would function as a template in the initiation and acceleration of the crystal growth of CaCO3. The rhythmic microstructural patterns, constructed of aragonite crystals in the protein matrix, were suggested to be daily in formation and subsequent growth estimations were in agreement with known life history information. The stable isotopic composition of the carbonate of I. illecebrosus statoliths suggested that oxygen may be deposited in isotopic equilibrium with the surrounding environment while carbon appeared to be related to biological processes. The information recorded in the statoliths as incremental growth and stable isotopic composition could provide valuable insights into the ecological history of squid.
The spallation neutron source is taking shape

The spallation neutron source (SNS) is rapidly taking shape at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the SNS is being designed and built by six DOE laboratories: Argonne (instruments), Brookhaven (accumulator ring), Lawrence Berkeley (ion source), Los Alamos (warm linac and radio-frequency systems), Thomas Jefferson (cold linac), and Oak Ridge (target). Concrete foundations are being poured, and steel beams are piercing the sky above the ridge where the facility is being built. Instrument approval and development is progressing well, with prototypes undergoing testing and procurements beginning for approved instruments. The SNS and High Flux Isotope Reactor User Group Executive Committee are working to ensure consistent policies between the two Oak Ridge facilities. The project has sponsored and is continuing to sponsor several neutron-science-related workshops. In addition, project staff are participating in educational programs to encourage student interest in neutron science.
Influence of Severe Underlying Pathology and Hypovolemic Shock on the Development of Acute Pancreatitis in Children

Acute pancreatitis in children is a little known and poorly defined disease, and thus rarely considered in the diagnosis of pediatric abdominal pain. In the past 14 years, the authors treated 21 children who had acute pancreatitis. Trauma was the cause of the disease in 29% of the patients. One third (33%) had hypovolemic shock-related pancreatitis (mostly after either cardiopulmonary bypass or severe gastrointestinal bleeding). Furthermore, a major proportion (38%) had severe underlying organic disease. The clinical presentation was unremarkable; most patients (83%) had abdominal pain, especially in the epigastrium, and vomiting was the only other clinical sign exhibited by more than 50%. The Glasgow score (a severity grading system based on eight laboratory values and calculated within the first 48 hours after admission) had good specificity but poor sensitivity. Amylasemia had no predictive value. More than half our patients (57%) had complications, mainly pseudocysts (24%) and relapse (14%), and about one quarter (24%) had severe pancreatitis. There were two deaths (10%), and all surviving children (90%) eventually were symptom-free. Treatment was conservative in the majority of cases; eight patients (38%) required surgery. Hypovolemic shock and a severe underlying pathology were identified as risk factors for the occurrence of severe pancreatitis (P < .005) or death (P < .001), but not for the development of complications.
Analytical Techniques for Post-Imaging Evaluation of NMR Tissue Contrast

Computational techniques allow the simulation of NMR images as well as the construction of tools for evaluating the impact of changing parameters. Use of these tools assumes the acquisition of a minimal set of patient data from which the tissue properties T1, T2 and hydrogen density H, can be taken. Changes in technique, imaging parameters such as TE, TR or TI, and field can be simulated and examined individually as well as concurrently for their effects on the contrast between a lesion and its surrounding tissue. This evaluation is done by plotting the absolute difference in signal intensities as a function of the imaging parameters of the technique. Retrospective calculations of intensity images at new values of the pulse timing parameters may show improved diagnostic utility.
Receptor signaling: Dimerization and beyond

It is has been proposed that hormone receptors which have only a single transmembrane sequence mediate signaling via hormone-induced monomer-to-dimer transitions. But recent studies of analogous receptors in bacteria indicate that dimerization may be only a prerequisite for signaling.
Competition and Cost Accounting

Introduction. The Strategic Value of Transfer Prices. Cost Allocations and Endogenous Costs. Conclusions. References. Appendix.
Excitation of multiple surface-plasmon polariton waves at metal/chiral sculptured thin film interfaces

We excited multiple surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) waves guided by the interface of a metal and a chiral sculptured thin film (STF). Chiral STFs made by thermally evaporating NaF and either 3, 4, or 5 periods in thickness were deposited on a metal film by oblique angle deposition accompanied by substrate rotation, each period being 300 nm, for plasmonic investigations in the Turbadar-Kretschmann-Raether (TKR) configuration. Reflectances were measured for a range of incidence angles for both p- and s-polarization states of the incident monochromatic light. Several reflectance minimums independent of the thickness of the chiral STF were obtained, indicating that multiple SPP waves had been excited.
Characterization of GAVAA receptor-mediated 36chloride uptake in rat brain synaptoneurosomes

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor-mediated 36chloride (36Cl-) uptake was measured in synaptoneurosomes from rat brain. GABA and GABA agonists stimulated 36Cl- uptake in a concentration-dependent manner with the following order of potency: Muscimol greater than GABA greater than piperidine-4-sulfonic acid (P4S)greater than 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo-[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP) = 3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (3APS) much greater than taurine. Both P4S and 3APS behaved as partial agonists, while the GABAB agonist, baclofen, was ineffective. The response to muscimol was inhibited by bicuculline and picrotoxin in a mixed competitive/non-competitive manner. Other inhibitors of GABA receptor-opened channels or non-neuronal anion channels such as penicillin, picrate, furosemide and disulfonic acid stilbenes also inhibited the response to muscimol. A regional variation in muscimol-stimulated 36Cl- uptake was observed; the largest responses were observed in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus, moderate responses were obtained in the striatum and hypothalamus and the smallest response was observed in the pons-medulla. GABA receptor-mediated 36Cl- uptake was also dependent on the anion present in the media. The muscimol response varied in media containing the following anions: Br- greater than Cl- greater than or equal to NO3- greater than I- greater than or equal to SCN- much greater than C3H5OO- greater than or equal to ClO4- greater than F-, consistent with the relative anion permeability through GABA receptor-gated anion channels and the enhancement of convulsant binding to the GABA receptor-gated Cl- channel.
Pyroelectric anemometry: Frequency, geometry and gas dependence

Abstract A series of detailed experiments was conducted on two different types of pyroelectric anemometers: a two-electrode element, 3.8 mm × 3.8 mm × 200 μm, and a six-electrode element, 7.8 mm × 3.8 mm × 200 μm. An a.c. heating current provided a symmetric thermal signal to the electrodes and the differential response yielded an a.c. signal that depends on the flow of gas over the device. The behavior of the amplitude and phase of the differential response to frequency, gas composition, and geometry was measured. Aside from its value as a mass-flow sensor, the pyroelectric structure is a promising structure for more general studies of heat-transfer processes between fluids and solids.
Detection of high-field superconducting phase in CeCoIn 5 with magnetic susceptibility

We measure the ac susceptibility of single-crystal CeCoIn${}_{5}$ in dc field parallel to the $c$ axis. We find further evidence for a high-field phase transition within the superconducting phase in this orientation. We apply up to 2.3 kbar uniaxial pressure along the $c$ axis and find that the high-field phase boundary tracks the upper critical field ${H}_{c2}$. We also report the behavior of ${H}_{c2}$ under uniaxial pressure for field along $c$.
Systematic design of three-stage op-amps using split-length compensation

Over the past decade CMOS technology has been continuously scaling which has resulted in sustained improvement in transistor speeds. However, the transistor threshold voltages do not decrease at the same rate as the supply voltage (V DD ). Besides, the open-loop gain available from the transistors is diminishing. This trend renders the traditional techniques, like cascoding and gain boosting, less useful for achieving high DC gain in nano-scale CMOS processes. Thus, horizontal cascading (multi-stage) must be used in order to realize high-gain op-amps in low-V DD processes. This paper presents a design procedure for op-amp design using split-length compensation. A reversed-nested split-length compensated (RSLC) topology, employing double pole-zero cancellation, is illustrated for the design of three-stage op-amps. The RSLC topology is then extended to the design of three-stage fully-differential op-amps.
Nonintubated uroflowmetry as a predictor of normal pressure flow study in women with stress urinary incontinence

Abstract Objectives To determine whether a normal nonintubated uroflowmetry test (NIF) is predictive of a normal pressure flow study (PFS) in women with stress urinary incontinence. Methods Women evaluated with multichannel urodynamics from December 1998 to October 2002 who had urodynamic stress urinary incontinence, an NIF with voided volume of at least 150 mL, no more than grade 2 cystocele, and a PFS were included (n = 92). Voiding parameters obtained in the NIF performed without catheterization were compared with those obtained after catheterization and mechanical bladder filling. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of using a normal NIF to predict a normal PFS were calculated. Results No statistically significant differences were found in the mean volume voided and postvoid residual volume between the NIF obtained spontaneously and the NIF obtained after mechanical bladder filling. The mean maximal urinary flow rate, however, was greater in the spontaneous NIF group than in the mechanical fill group (23.9 mL/s versus 19.6 mL/s, P = 0.041). A strictly defined normal NIF resulted in a normal PFS in 57.7% of cases in women who had no history of urethral or bladder surgery and in 42.9% of women who had such a prior surgical history. Conclusions The low positive predictive value for both groups of women suggests that a normal NIF cannot exclude an abnormal PFS in this patient population. NIF and PFS should, therefore, be interpreted with caution and should always be compared with one another when assessing voiding dynamics in women with stress urinary incontinence.
The Behavioral and Distributional Implications of Aid for College

Subsidizing the cost of education is one of the most common, and expensive, activities of governments. While primary and secondary schooling is available tuition-free in the United States, among post-secondary students the direct cost of schooling is quite heterogeneous. First, tuition prices vary widely across schools. During the 2000-2001 academic year, college tuitions varied from zero at some community colleges to over $27,000 at Ivy League institutions. Second, institutions heavily discount these "sticker" prices for many students, using detailed information on family finances and academic merit to engage in finely tuned price discrimination.' Third, the federal and state governments provide individual subsidies, such as the Pell Grant and low-interest Stafford loan, that are portable across institutions. The standard model of human capital clearly predicts that such cost subsidies will raise the optimal level of schooling. While the theoretical predictions are clear, it is an empirical question how much a given dollar of subsidy affects behavior. Answering this empirical question is a challenge, since eligibility for subsidies is certainly not random and, in fact, is likely to be correlated with many other determinants of schooling. As a result, estimates based on the cross-sectional correlation of aid eligibility with schooling are subject to multiple sources of bias. This paper examines work that has used quasi-experimental methodology to isolate exogenous sources of variation in schooling costs in order to determine their effect on schooling decisions.
Leiomyosarcoma of renal vein

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the renal vein has not been previously reported in the urologic literature. A case report with long-term survival is described and the literature reviewed.
Non-ablative subsurface remodeling: clinical and histologic evaluation of a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser.

BACKGROUND: Laser resurfacing in the treatment of facial rhytids has traditionally involved ablative methods with their associated complications and limitations. Rhytid improval requires dermal collagen remodeling. Dermal remodeling can occur without epidermal ablation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and histologic changes occurring after treatment with a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser. METHODS: Ten subjects with class I-III rhytids and Fitzpatrick skin types I-II were treated four times with a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser. Subjects were evaluated for degree of clinical improvement and histologic evidence of new collagen formation six months after their final treatment. RESULTS: Eight subjects showed subjective improvement in the quality of their skin. All ten subjects showed histologic evidence of new upper papillary dermal collagen formation. CONCLUSION: 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser irradiation can lead to new collagen formation and associated clinical improvement. Such improvement can occur withou...
Chest Radiography in Patients With Early Stage Prostatic Carcinoma : Effect on Treatment Planning and Cost Analysis

Study objective An evaluation of the impact of routine preoperative chest radiographs was retrospectively undertaken in a pilot group of 292 patients with prostatic carcinoma who were part of a prospective study of prostate specific antigen screening for prostate carcinoma. Design Retrospective. Setting Hospital-based outpatients. Patients and participants A cost-effectiveness model was used to assess the value of routine chest radiography in this patient population. Chest radiography findings were categorized into four groups based on follow-up and impact. Measurements and results Forty-three patients (15 percent) had a total of 45 positive findings on their chest radiographs. No patient had intrathoracic metastases from prostatic carcinoma. Only two patients (both with unsuspected second neoplasms) had findings that impacted on their treatment and one avoided retropubic radical prostatectomy. Total cost was $2,000 (based on Medicare reimbursement), or $14,000 (based on physician and hospital charges). Conclusion Although benefit is small in terms of number of patients affected, clinical impact, in the two patients with significant findings, was great. Although cost-effectiveness cannot be confirmed on the basis of this series, further evaluation of its utility for this application should be undertaken.
An optimal completion of the product limit estimator

It is well known that the product limit estimator is undefined beyond the largest observation if it is censored. Some completion methods are suggested in the literature (see e.g. [Efron, 1967. The two sample problem with censored data. Proceedings of the 5th Berkeley Symposium] and [Gill, 1980. Censoring and stochastic integrals. Mathematical Centre Tract No. 124, Mathematisch Centrum, Amsterdam]). In this note, we propose a completion method that is optimal in the sense that the expected value of the integrated squared error loss function is minimized. This method yields an estimator that falls between the above two extremes and possesses the same large sample properties. New bounds for the biases are also derived for the above-mentioned cases.
Diffusive Transport of Permanganate during In Situ Oxidation

The transport of permanganate in low permeability media (LPM) and its ability to degrade trichloroethylene (TCE) in situ was studied through diffusive transport experiments with intact soil cores. A transport cell was developed to measure the effective diffusion coefficient (\iD\Deff\N) of a Br tracer through intact cores of silty clay LPM obtained from a field site and enable calculation of the apparent tortuosity (τ\d\ia) of the medium. Then, 5000 mgL\U-1\N of KMnO\d4 was added to the cell and diffusive transport and soil matrix interactions were observed. After three months, the soil cores were dissected for morphologic examination and characterization of matrix ions, total organic carbon, MnO\d4, and manganese oxides (MnO\d2). The experiment was then repeated after 2 μL of pure phase TCE were delivered into the center of each of two intact cores. Permanganate transport was observed for one month and then an extraction of the entire soil core was made to determine the extent of TCE degradation. This research demonstrated that permanganate can migrate by diffusion and yield reactive zones that can be predicted based on the properties of the LPM and the oxidant source. Under the experimental conditions examined, permanganate had little effect on the LPM’s pore structure or continuity, and appreciable soil organic matter remained even after 40-60 days of exposure to the oxidant. MnO\d2 solids, an oxidation by-product, were observed in the LPM, but not at levels sufficient to cause pore filling or alter the apparent matrix tortuosity, even when TCE was present. During diffusive transport of permanganate, TCE in the silty clay LPM was degraded by 97%.
The Electrical Conductivity and Luminosity of Flames Containing Salt Vapours

When the vapour of an alkali salt is present in a Bunsen flame the vapour becomes luminous and also increases the electrical conductivity of the flame. The fraction of the salt molecules which are luminous is probably very small, and unless the concentration of the salt vapour is very small the fraction of the salt molecules which are charged electrically, or are ionised, is also very small. Any particular salt molecule enters the flame at the bottom and moves up the flame with the velocity of the flame gases which is of the order of 200 cm. per second. The molecule is therefore in the flame for only a small fraction of a second, but this time interval is probably long enough for a state of equilibrium to be established between the several states in which the molecules can exist. For example, in the case of sodium chloride there is probably an equilibrium between NaCl, NaOH, Na2O, Na, H2O, HCL, and possibly other bodies such as CO, CO2, and Na2CO3.
After the fall: the impact of government regulation on church attendance in Eastern Europe, 1990–2004

Previous literature modeling the demand for religion has identified socioeconomic factors, religious human capital and religious market structure as being the fundamental determinants of the level of participation in religious services and practices. Building on the existing literature, this study analyzes the effect of government regulation and intervention on religious activity. Using religion-related data as well as demographic and economic data from 22 Eastern European countries after the fall of Communism, the existence of any form of religious restrictions is found to reduce church attendance rates.
THE FINE STRUCTURE OF SPOROGENESIS IN THE XANTHOPHYCEAN ALGA PSEUDOBUMILLERIOPSIS PYRENOIDOSA1,2

SUMMARY The fine structure of vegetative cells, sporogenesis, and zoospores of the xanthophycean alga Pseudo-bumilleriopsis pyrenoidosa is described. Cleavage in sporogenesis closely resembles that of certain aquatic fungi.
Review of The Syntax of American Sign Language

Book reviewed in this article: The Syntax of American Sign Language: Functional Categories and Hierachical Structure by Carol Neidle, Judy Kegl, Dawn MacLaughlin, Benjamin Bahan and Robert G. Lee
The distribution, incidence and general ecology of saurian malaria in Middle America

Abstract The distribution, incidence and general ecology of saurian malaria in Middle America. International journal for Parasitology 7: 299–314. A study of blood smears from 2452 lizards of 61 species obtained in Middle America demonstrated 16 Plasmodium species among 1142 haemoparasite infections; nine parasitize iguanid hosts, two each are in teiids, scincids and gekkonids; one occurs in a sphaerodactylid. All non-iguanid species range from Panama into Venezuela or Brasil; three iguanid parasites range as far south as Brasil, while two occur only north of Panama. The greatest diversity of species, 14, occurs in Panama, and is attributed to isolation of host-parasite ancestral stocks in two centers of speciation, Mesoamerica and South America, from Eocene into Pliocene as a consequence of the open Panamanian Portal. Intermingling has occurred subsequent to closure of the Portal. A new species is described in Sceloporus teapensis and S. variabilis , ranging from Belize to Costa Rica. The distribution of saurian malaria in Wet Tropical Forest appears to be continuous, with variations in incidence correlated to relative proportions of several host species in samples. It is suggested that ‘spotty’ distribution of saurian malaria reflects absence of critical microhabitat requirements for vectors, rather than limited dispersal capacity of vertebrate hosts. Seasonal incidence indicates that Plasmodium tropiduri and P. floridense are continuously transmitted while P. balli transmission is largely confined to September–December in central Panama. Among 1016 haemoparasite infections from 1876 Panamanian lizards, Plasmodium comprised 65%, Trypanosoma 5%, haemogregarines 6%, haemococcidia 17%, and microfilariae 7 %. Sixty percent of 802 haemoparasite infections found in seven species of Panamanian Anolis were mixed infections. Frequency of association among haemoparasite species and comparative effectiveness of initial vs repeated examinations of blood smears are discussed.
On the distinction between radical chemistry and Gif chemistry

Abstract Normalized data for cyclooctane and for cyclododecane are compared with cyclohexane as unity. In radical chemistry cyclooctane is 2–3 times more reactive per hydrogen, whereas in Gif chemistry cyclohexane is more reactive than cyclooctane or cyclododecane. Thus by simple competitive experiments a distinction between radical chemistry and Gif chemistry can be made.
Immunogenic Display of Purified Chemically Cross-Linked HIV-1 Spikes

ABSTRACT HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) spikes are prime vaccine candidates, at least in principle, but suffer from instability, molecular heterogeneity and a low copy number on virions. We anticipated that chemical cross-linking of HIV-1 would allow purification and molecular characterization of trimeric Env spikes, as well as high copy number immunization. Broadly neutralizing antibodies bound tightly to all major quaternary epitopes on cross-linked spikes. Covalent cross-linking of the trimer also stabilized broadly neutralizing epitopes, although surprisingly some individual epitopes were still somewhat sensitive to heat or reducing agent. Immunodepletion using non-neutralizing antibodies to gp120 and gp41 was an effective method for removing non-native-like Env. Cross-linked spikes, purified via an engineered C-terminal tag, were shown by negative stain EM to have well-ordered, trilobed structure. An immunization was performed comparing a boost with Env spikes on virions to spikes cross-linked and captured onto nanoparticles, each following a gp160 DNA prime. Although differences in neutralization did not reach statistical significance, cross-linked Env spikes elicited a more diverse and sporadically neutralizing antibody response against Tier 1b and 2 isolates when displayed on nanoparticles, despite attenuated binding titers to gp120 and V3 crown peptides. Our study demonstrates display of cross-linked trimeric Env spikes on nanoparticles, while showing a level of control over antigenicity, purity and density of virion-associated Env, which may have relevance for Env based vaccine strategies for HIV-1. IMPORTANCE The envelope spike (Env) is the target of HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies, which a successful vaccine will need to elicit. However, native Env on virions is innately labile, as well as heterogeneously and sparsely displayed. We therefore stabilized Env spikes using a chemical cross-linker and removed non-native Env by immunodepletion with non-neutralizing antibodies. Fixed native spikes were recognized by all classes of known broadly neutralizing antibodies but not by non-neutralizing antibodies and displayed on nanoparticles in high copy number. An immunization experiment in rabbits revealed that cross-linking Env reduced its overall immunogenicity; however, high-copy display on nanoparticles enabled boosting of antibodies that sporadically neutralized some relatively resistant HIV-1 isolates, albeit at a low titer. This study describes the purification of stable and antigenically correct Env spikes from virions that can be used as immunogens.
Interlaminar fracture toughness: the long and winding road to standardization

Abstract The on-going efforts to achieve internationally accepted test standards for interlaminar fracture toughness over the past two decades will be reviewed. The status of current efforts to obtain an ISO standard for the Double Cantilever Beam test for mode I interlaminar fracture toughness will be highlighted. Current round robin activity underway to develop standards for mode II, mode III, and mixed-mode interlaminar fracture toughness will also be discussed. Differences in the interpretation of interlaboratory “round robin” test results will be highlighted. The influence of the different roles of standardization bodies in the US, Europe, and Japan on achieving international standards for interlaminar fracture toughness will be discussed.
Performance of the invasive weevil Polydrusus sericeus is influenced by atmospheric CO2 and host species

Natural forest systems constitute a major portion of the world's land area, and are subject to the potentially negative effects of both global climate change and invasion by exotic insects. A suite of invasive weevils has become established in the northern hardwood forests of North America. How these insects will respond to increasing CO2 or O3 is unknown. 2 The present study examined the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and O3 on the invasive weevil Polydrusus sericeus Schaller at the Aspen Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) site near Rhinelander, Wisconsin. A performance assay was conducted in the laboratory during the summer of 2007 using mated pairs of P. sericeus fed a combination of aspen, birch and maple foliage. We recorded leaf area consumption, oviposition and adult longevity. We also conducted visual abundance surveys in the field from 2004 to 2007 on aspen and birch at Aspen FACE. 3 Elevated CO2, but not O3, significantly affected P. sericeus performance. Female, but not male, longevity was reduced under elevated CO2. Polydrusus sericeus also produced fewer eggs under elevated CO2 conditions compared with ambient conditions. Adult P. sericeus strongly preferred birch over both aspen and maple, regardless of fumigation treatment. 4 The effects of elevated CO2 on P. sericeus populations at Aspen FACE were minimal, and varied among years and host tree species. Polydrusus sericeus abundance was significantly greater on birch than aspen. Over the long term, elevated CO2 may reduce adult female longevity and fecundity of P. sericeus. Further studies are needed to evaluate how this information may scale to ecosystem impacts.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 Mediates Activation of Tap-2 by Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1

Transporter associated with antigen processing 2 (Tap-2) is responsible for ATP-dependent transport of peptides from the cytosol to the endoplasmic reticulum, where peptides bind to newly synthesized human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules, which are essential for cellular immune responses. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) has been shown to induce the expression of Tap-2. In this study, the induction of endogenous Tap-2 by LMP-1 is shown to be associated with and requires the expression of interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7). In DG75 Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells, in which LMP-1 induces the expression of IRF-7, LMP-1 induced endogenous Tap-2, and ectopic expression of IRF-7 could enhance the induction. In Akata BL cells, in which LMP-1 could not induce IRF-7, LMP-1 could not induce Tap-2. Addition of IRF-7, which complements the defect in Akata cells, could stimulate the expression of Tap-2. Furthermore, LMP-1 and IRF-7A but not other IRF-7 splicing variants could activate endogenous Tap-2. A Tap-2 promoter reporter construct could be activated by the overexpression of IRF-7A. The activation could be specifically enhanced by LMP-1 and was dependent on an intact interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) present in the Tap-2 promoter. Also, IRF-7 can bind to the Tap-2 promoter under physiological conditions in vivo, as shown by formaldehyde cross-linking, as well as to the Tap-2 ISRE in vitro, as shown by gel mobility shift assays. Furthermore, LMP-1 facilitates the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF-7. These data point to the role of IRF-7 as a secondary mediator of LMP-1-activated signal transduction for Tap-2 as follows: LMP-1 stimulates the expression of IRF-7 and facilitates its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, and then the activated IRF-7 mediates the activation of the cellular Tap-2 gene. The induction of Tap-2 by IRF-7 and LMP-1 may have an important implication for the immune response to EBV and its persistence in vivo.