cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of mucosal immunity by airway epithelium: the interleukin-17A paradigm

Increasing evidence suggests that the airway epithelium plays an essential role in the modulation of airway innate and adaptive immune responses in addition to serving as a physical barrier against microbial infection and exterior insults. The nature of this modulation and the potential mediators involved are currently unresolved. Interleukin (IL)-17A has recently emerged as a potential candidate for directly modulating innate and adaptive immune responses. Our laboratory has recently shown that IL-17A is one of the most potent cytokines among a panel of 21 (IL-1α, -1β, -2–13, -15, -16, and -18, interferon-γ, granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-α) for stimulating the expression of human β-defensin (HBD)-2 and CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20)/macrophage inflammatory protein-3 by primary human airway epithelial cells. Using Affymetrix gene chips and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we identified the following IL-17A-induced genes in well-differentiated normal hum...
Water tribology on graphene

Classical experiments show that the force required to slide liquid drops on surfaces increases with the resting time of the drop, trest, and reaches a plateau typically after several minutes. Here we use the centrifugal adhesion balance to show that the lateral force required to slide a water drop on a graphene surface is practically invariant with trest. In addition, the drop’s three-phase contact line adopts a peculiar micrometric serrated form. These observations agree well with current theories that relate the time effect to deformation and molecular reorientation of the substrate surface. Such molecular re-orientation is non-existent on graphene, which is chemically homogenous. Hence, graphene appears to provide a unique tribological surface test bed for a variety of liquid drop-surface interactions.
Can anabolic steroids or human growth hormone affect the growth and maturation of adolescent athletes

University of VirginiaCan one grow more rapidly during childhood and early adolescence and to a taller than genetically-programmed adult height or to a more robust body composition (lean body mass, LBM, and bone mineral content) by receiv-ing anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) or recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I)? Does an increase in LBM permit an adolescent to reach his/her maximal athletic performance—whether faster (citius), higher in jumping events (altius), and stronger (fortius)? Why would one consider that possible? The more successful late childhood and early adolescent athletes are often more physically mature than their age peers (1). Early maturation seemingly permits these athletes to use the strength and power in athletic endeavors that their aver-age, but especially slowing maturing age-peers have not yet attained. An exception to this concept may be those athletes in the more esthetic sports in which flexibility and a lower center of gravity are more important than size and strength (1).Most sports for males require strength and power; however, at the higher levels of performance and com-petition technique is critical, as well for athletes must produce, control and efficiently use energy to maximize athletic performance. Examples include explosive power in some jumping events or overall technical skill in the pole vault.Early maturing children are taller and stronger than their age-peers. That may confer an athletic advantage at younger ages; however, sport-specific skills are important permitting some of the later-blooming adolescents to catch-up with their earlier-maturing peers in performance and likely overtake them, for they have had the discipline to attain sport-specific skills and are perhaps at lesser risk to “burn-out” and cease participation in that sport.We, as pediatricians, are now being asked to pre-scribe rhGH and AAS to attempt to make normally sized children and adolescents better athletes by making them bigger and stronger. The rationale for taking these ergo-genic effectors is that by bigger and stronger the athlete will perform better. Although the rationale is apparently logical, there are no data to show that such a course will produce more successful athletes when they are adults. In any experimental setting the study design is such that one evaluates the effects of a single agent with all other things being equal
Ruzyllo on Nanotechnology

The terms “nanoscience” and “nanotechnology” have become highly recognizable, but outside of scientific and technical communities these terms are often not fully understood symbols of everything that is ultimate in science and technology.
Origin of basaltic soils at Gusev crater, Mars, by aeolian modification of impact-generated sediment

[1] Textural properties of soils including grain size, sorting, modality, skewness, shape (quantified as sphericity and qualified as form), roundness, and grain size distribution, have been measured and calculated from Microscopic Imager (MI) high-resolution images from the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Spirit in Gusev crater. Soil targets were classified by grain size into five groups: fine to medium sand dark soil, medium sand to very fine pebble bed form armor, and very fine to medium pebble lithic fragments, a bimodal mixed soil, and an excavated soil trench. The abundance of submature, very poorly sorted, bimodal mixed soils indicates incomplete sorting by soil type. Probability distributions of excavated subsurface soil match crushed sediment analogs, indicating impact comminution, while all other soils show no direct evidence of an impact origin. If soils were produced primarily by impacts, then the evidence from probability distributions, angular shapes, and agglutinates have been reworked by postimpact surface activity. Soils in Gusev crater are continuously modified, reworked, and sandblasted. Textures of surface sediments are disconnected from subsurface textures and only reflect modern surficial aeolian processes. Models to reconstruct physical and chemical soil formation properties should not assume a static three-dimensional structure. A three-step model, initiated by the formation of basaltic crust and its alteration, followed by bolide impact, and finally modification by aeolian reworking is envisioned for the formation of soils. Such a scenario accounts for the potential that surface sediments may be compositionally and texturally distinct from the subsurface.
Volume versus surface origin of 1/f noise in metals.

We have examined the question of whether excess low-frequency (1/f) noise in metal films arises in the bulk or at the sample surface. We measured the noise in continuous Cr films with 80 A\r{}2600 A\r{}, where t is the film thickness. Establishing that the relative noise intensity ${S}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}$(f)/${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{2}$\ensuremath{\propto}1/t supports the hypothesis that the noise is produced throughout the bulk; here, f is the frequency, \ensuremath{\rho} is the resistivity, and ${S}_{\ensuremath{\rho}}$(f) is the power spectral density of fluctuations in \ensuremath{\rho}. By considering a model of noise from the surface shunted by an underlying noise-free conductor volume, we devised a quantitative test which we used to refute the possibility that the noise arises only at the surface of our metal films.
Altered gene expression for calpain/calpastatin system in motor neuron degeneration (Mnd) mutant mouse brain and spinal cord

The calcium-activated neutral proteases (CANP, calpains) have been implicated in both acute and chronic neurodegenerative processes. In the present study, we analyzed the in situ mRNA expression of calpain I and II and their endogenous inhibitor, calpastatin, in the motor neuron degeneration (mnd) mutant mouse, which exhibits progressive dysfunction of the spinal cord and brain. As the disease progresses, the mutants show increasingly pronounced motor abnormalities which coincide with swelling of the spinal motor neurons, neocortex, hippocampal CA regions and cerebellar Purkinje cells. In situ hybridization studies show that the mnd/mnd mice have a significantly higher level of calpain I, calpain II and calpastatin than the congenic controls in the following brain regions and cell types: hippocampal CA3 region, pyramidal cells, cerebellar Purkinje cells and spinal cord motor neurons. However, no differences in calpain or calpastatin mRNA levels are observed in glial and cerebellar granule cells of mnd/mnd (m/m) and control mice. Western blots and competitive RT-PCR analyses of brain and spinal cord homogenates are confirmative. Such altered gene expression in specific cell types of brain and spinal cord suggests the involvement of the calpain/calpastatin system.
Children with Physical Handicaps and Their Mothers: The Interrelation of Social Support, Maternal Adjustment, and Child Adjustment

Examined the interrelation of maternal adjustment, mother-child interaction, and child adjustment in 29 families of children with spina bifida and without mental retardation and in 28 families of children without handicaps. A multivariate, ecological model proposed that adjustment of mother and child depends on the adaptiveness of maternal response to the stress of the physical handicap and on the ability of mothers to create an optimal caregiving environment through mother-child interaction. Analyses examining the relationships among maternal social support, maternal psychological adjustment, and child adjustment are reported. Social support was found to be related to higher maternal psychological adjustment and to higher child adjustment, and maternal psychological adjustment was related positively to child adjustment in both groups. No significant differences were found between groups in the examined relationships or in the levels of resources and adjustment. Results underscore strengths of families of children with spina bifida in their adaptation to the stress of the handicap.
Building a state under occupation: the Palestinians and the living legacy of Oslo

The Palestine National Movement has been engaged in ‘state‐building’ in the absence of a state since 1969: in exile (1969–1993) and under Israel’s occupation since 1994. Whereas the pre‐Oslo ‘state in exile’ was a voluntary act that served several crucial functions including reinforcing Palestinian identity and entity, the post‐Oslo state‐building has been an obligatory exercise dictated by the terms of the Oslo interim agreements. This paper examines the framework of the post‐Oslo state‐building and highlights the inherent tensions between the function of the Palestinian Authority as a depository of the anticipated state and the tasks of ending occupation and nation‐building. It scrutinizes the international financial role (the post‐Oslo international aid program) and argues for a reassessment of international involvement.
Cupric chloride leaching of model sulfur compounds for simple copper ore concentrates

To learn more about the leaching characteristics of simple copper ore concentrates, the leaching behavior of cupric sulfide (CuS) and cuprous sulfide (Cu2S) was studied. These compounds serve as model compounds for covellite and chalcocite, respectively. With aqueous saline cupric chloride solutions above 100 °C, dissolution of both compounds is rapid, but does not proceed to completion on a stoichiometric basis. The course of the leaching can be explained with a solution model based on thermodynamic considerations and recognition of certain side reactions. The model is based on consideration of the complexes formed by various ionic species in solution and their effect on the observed extent of reaction near equilibrium. The leaching process was found to be enhanced by elevated temperatures, high chloride concentrations, and acidity. Limited leach times also were found to be advantageous. At dilute copper concentrations, leaching reactions could be driven closer to completion than with higher concentrations, as predicted by the model. For process reasons, it is desirable to convert all copper (II) in solution to copper (I). Routes for accomplishing this are reviewed.
An improved link-16/JTIDS receiver in pulsed-noise interference

Link-16 provides presumably secure and jam-resistant tactical information for land, sea, and air platforms. Its communication terminal, Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), is a hybrid direct-sequence/frequency-hopping spread spectrum system and features Reed-Solomon (RS) codes for channel coding, cyclic code-shift keying (CCSK) for 32-ary baseband symbol modulation, and minimum-shift keying (MSK) for waveform modulation. In this paper, a noise-normalization combining MSK chip demodulator and an errors-and-erasures RS decoder (EED) are proposed in the JTIDS receiver to replace the original MSK chip demodulator and errors-only RS decoder in order to enhance the anti-jam capability of JTIDS. The symbol error rate (SER) performances of the proposed JTIDS receiver are investigated in pulsed-noise interference (PNI) by a combination of analysis and simulation assuming perfect frequency de-hopping, sequence and chip synchronization, and de-scrambling. Given various fraction of time the jammer is on, the SER performances obtained with the proposed JTIDS receiver are compared to those obtained with the original JTIDS receiver. The results show that the proposed JTIDS receiver not only significantly outperforms the original system as the fraction of time the jammer is on is large, but completely eliminates the effect caused by PNI as the fraction of time the jammer is on is small.
Analysis of Coupled Bending-Torsional Vibration of Beams in the Presence of Uncertainties

Several methods are presented for the modeling and analysis of uncertain beams and other structural elements/systems. By representing each uncertain parameter as an interval number, the vibration problem associated with any uncertain system can be expressed in the form of a system of nonlinear interval equations. The resulting equations can be solved using the exact or a truncation-based interval analysis method. An universal grey number-based approach and an interval-discretization method are proposed to obtain more efficient and/or more accurate solutions. Specifically, the problem of the coupled bending-torsional vibration of a beam involving uncertainties is considered. It is found that the range of the solution (response) increases with increasing levels of uncertainty in all the methods. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the computational aspects of the methods presented and also to indicate the high accuracy of the interval-discretization approach in finding the solution of practical uncertain systems. The results given by the different interval analysis methods (including the universal grey number-based analysis) are compared with those given by the Monte Carlo method (probabilistic approach) and the results are found to be in good agreement with those given by the interval analysis-based methods for similar data.
The Kirby view: a radiographic view for flatfoot evaluation.

The authors reintroduce the anterior axial projection of the foot as described by Kirby et al (1) and how it can be used to better evaluate a flatfoot deformity when a medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy is contemplated. Over the years, although flatfoot surgery has become more sophisticated in both procedures and the selection of these procedures, many decisions are being made by the surgeon based on clinical examination and previous experiences without relying on a specific test to definitively determine the need for a specific surgical procedure. The use of the Kirby view when evaluating a flatfoot deformity will provide the surgeon with specific knowledge about location of the calcaneus relative to the tibiotalar joint (2–4). If a calcaneal osteotomy is needed, this radiographic view will allow the surgeon to determine, by the use of a preoperative template, how much medial displacement should be performed at the time of surgery.
Comparison of Hospital Charges for Balloon Angioplasty and Surgical Repair in Children With Native Coarctation of the Aorta

A retrospective review of hospital charges was performed in children > 1 year old with native coarctation of the aorta who underwent balloon angioplasty, primary surgical repair, or elective surgical repair after unsuccessful balloon angioplasty. Hospital charges were less overall in the balloon angioplasty group, although the failure rate was higher.
Serpentinization and heat generation: constraints from Lost City and Rainbow hydrothermal systems

Abstract The discovery of ultramafic hosted hydrothermal systems at Rainbow (36°N MAR) and Lost City, a vent site approximately 15 km west of the MAR at 30°N, provides unique perspectives on chemical and heat-generating processes associated with serpentinization at a range of chemical and physical conditions. Heat balance calculations together with constraints imposed by geochemical modeling indicate that significant changes in temperature are not likely to occur at either vent system as a result of the exothermic nature of olivine hydrolysis. At Rainbow, the relatively high temperatures in subseafloor reaction zones (in excess of 400°C), which must be linked to magmatic processes, inhibit olivine hydrolysis, effectively precluding mineralization-induced heating effects. Geochemical modeling of the Lost City vent fluids indicates temperatures in excess of those measured (40–75°C). The relatively high subseafloor temperatures (∼ 200 ± 50°C) requires conductive cooling of the fluids on ascent to the seafloor—a scenario in keeping with the mineralization of chimney structures actually observed. Although the intermediate temperatures predicted for subseafloor reaction zones at Lost City could be expected to enhance olivine to serpentine conversion, dissolved Cl, K/Cl and Na/Cl ratios of the Lost City vent fluids are virtually unchanged from seawater values and indicate little hydration of olivine, which is a necessary condition for exothermic heat generation by serpentinization. Apparently the fluid/rock mass ratio is too high or fluid residence times too low for this to occur to any significant extent. Thus, in spite of the off-axis location of the Lost City vents and apparent lack of a localized heat source, mineralization reactions likely play an insignificant role in accounting for hydrothermal circulation. It is more likely that tectonic processes associated with the slow spreading MAR, permit access of seawater to relatively deep and still hot lithospheric units and/or near axis magmatic heat sources, before venting. Additional chemical and physical (temperature, flow rate) data for Lost City and similar hydrothermal systems are needed to test key elements of the proposed model.
Decreased cytochrome oxidase activity in hepatic mitochondria after chronic ethanol consumption and the possible role of decreased cytochrome aa3 content and changes in phospholipids.

In ethanol-fed baboons, hepatic mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase activity and cytochrome aa3 content were significantly decreased by 58.3 and 50.5%, respectively, compared to their pair-fed controls. However, there was no significant correlation between the two, suggesting that other factors in addition to cytochrome aa3 may be responsible for the depression in cytochrome oxidase activity. The total phospholipid content of the mitochondrial membranes was significantly decreased (0.24 ± 0.03 μmol of phospholipid phosphorus/mg of protein vs. 0.32 ± 0.04 in controls). This change was accounted for, in part, by the significant decrease in the levels of phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin. In addition, the fatty acid pattern of the phospholipids was changed. There was a marked increase in the relative amounts of oleic and linoleic acid and a decrease in arachidonic acid. These changes were associated with an increase in the activity of phospholipase A2. The reactivation rate of phospholipid-depleted cytochrome oxidase by endogenous phospholipids from ethanol-fed baboons was significantly lower than that by phospholipid from pair-fed controls, when measured at an optimal phospholipid to protein ratio. Thus, it appears that alterations in the phospholipid composition of the mitochondrial membranes are responsible, at least in part, for the depression of cytochrome oxidase activity produced by chronic ethanol consumption.
How does trench coupling lead to mountain building in the Subandes? A viscoelastoplastic finite element model

[1] Subduction-induced crustal shortening is believed to be the primary cause of the Andean mountain building. The present-day crustal shortening in the Andes is clear from the GPS measurements, but the rate (30–40 mm/a) is higher than the geological shortening rate (<15 mm/a), suggesting that much of the present-day crustal shortening may recover during future earthquakes in the subduction zone. Using a two-dimensional viscoelastoplastic finite element model, we investigate here how the cyclic trench coupling leads to long-term mountain building, which has been concentrated in the Subandes in the past few million years. Our results show that much of the GPS-measured crustal shortening in the Andes can be explained by the interseismic and postseismic viscoelastic strain that does not contribute to mountain building. The apparently discordant GPS and geological data can be reconciled in the geodynamic model with a weakened crust in the Subandes, which allows accumulation of plastic strains that leads to mountain building. The localized crustal weakening and mountain building in the Subandes may have been a consequence of the uplifted High Andes, the accelerated westward drift of the South American plate, the possible delamination of mantle lithosphere under the Eastern Cordillera, and the increasing trench coupling.
A survey of aerobraking orbital transfer vehicle design concepts

The five existing design concepts of the aerobraking orbital transfer vehicle (namely, the raked sphere-cone designs, conical lifting-brake, raked elliptic-cone, lifting-body, and ballute) are reviewed and critiqued. Historical backgrounds, and the geometrical, aerothermal, and operational features of these designs are reviewed first. Then, the technological requirements for the vehicle (namely, navigation, aerodynamic stability and control, afterbody flow impingement, nonequilibrium radiation, convective heat-transfer rates, mission abort and multiple atmospheric passes, transportation and construction, and the payload-to-vehicle weight requirements) are delineated by summarizing the recent advancements made on these issues. Each of the five designs are critiqued and rated on these issues. The highest and the lowest ratings are given to the raked sphere-cone and the ballute design, respectively.
Distributed formation control of nonholonomic mobile robots without global position measurements

This paper proposes a new class of distributed nonlinear controllers for leader-following formation control of unicycle robots without global position measurements. Nonlinear small-gain design methods are used to deal with the problem caused by the nonholonomic constraint of the unicycle robot and yield simple conditions for practical implementation. With the proposed distributed controllers, the formation control objective can be achieved without assuming any tree sensing structures. More interestingly, the distributed controller is robust to position measurement errors and the linear velocities of the robots can be restricted to specific bounded ranges.
Cycloaddition reactions between 2 H-phosphole and phosphaketene: Ab initio examination of [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] pathways

Abstract Staudinger ([2 + 2]) and Diels—Alder ([4 + 2]) addition reactions between 2 H-phosphole and phosphaketene were examined at the MP4SDQ/6-31G*//MP2/6-31G* + ZPE level. Electronic structures were analyzed with topological electron density and NBO analyses. The Diels—Alder reaction is favored kinetically by 6 kcal mol−1 and thermodynamically by 4 kcal mol−1 over the Staudinger reaction. This is in contrast to the reaction between ketene and cyclopentadiene, for which the Diels—Alder reaction requires a 12 kcal mol−1 higher activation energy than the Staudinger reaction. In both Staudinger and Diels—Alder reactions phosphaketene reacts at P C rather than at C O, as does ketene in the parent Staudinger reaction. The transition structure of the phospha Staudinger reaction is a closed ring, but the second bond is formed employing the phosphaketene phosphorus lone pair rather than the former P C bond. The reaction mechanism is therefore not [π2s + π2a].
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis: A Review with Four Illustrated Cases:

Although paranasal fungal sinusitis is rare, an increased number of Aspergillus and non-Aspergillus related cases of allergic fungal sinusitis have been described since its first report in 1983. Th...
Preoperative predictors for complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy: impact of BMI and body fat distribution.

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the preoperative patient and radiographic factors that are associated with operative morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
A method for the preparation of mononuclear cells devoid of platelet contamination and its application to the evaluation of putative α-receptors in normal and asthmatic subjects

Receptor studies of human mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs) are complicated by the presence of contaminating platelets which have common receptors. A method was devised to produce MNLs free of platelets (less than 1%) and consists of sequential Ficoll-Hypaque gradients, a BSA gradient and a washing step. Lack of platelet contamination was confirmed by the following criteria: (a) microscopic evaluation using fluorescent dyes showed less than 1% platelets; (b) PGE1 stimulation of the leukocyte membrane adenylate cyclase required addition of exogenous GTP while the platelet cyclase did not; (c) immunoblots of the cells and membranes using antibodies strongly reactive against platelet membranes showed no reactivity against MNL membranes; (d) [3H]yohimbine showed no binding in MNL membranes under conditions where substantial binding to platelets was detected. MNLs were viable as judged by dye exclusion. PHA stimulation of lymphocytes was unimpaired. Plasma membranes of MNLs were prepared by brief sonication and fractionation on a sucrose step gradient. Binding studies using 3H-DHE, an alpha-receptor ligand, revealed no binding in MNLs from normal subjects (n = 6). By contrast, studies on cells from subjects with mild asthma with medication appropriately withheld (n = 8) showed low levels of binding (60-300 fmol/10(6) cells). The subtype and functionality of the putative alpha-receptors are being further evaluated.
Cosmetic Dermatology for Skin of Color

Murad Alam, Ashish Bhatia, Roopal Kundu, Simon Yoo, Henry Chan. Cosmetic Dermatology for Skin of Color. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008 ISBN-10: 007148776X ISBN-13: 978-0071487764 According to recent statistics published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the fastest growing demographic in aesthetics is people of color. This growth brings heightened patient expectations and a definite need for practitioners to enhance their understanding of the unique findings in this population. As I have a special interest in this topic, it is a pleasure for me to review the new book, Cosmetic Dermatology for Skin of Color . As the title suggests, Cosmetic Dermatology for Skin of Color is primarily a book written by dermatologists for dermatologists, but the text also has value that extends into general cosmetic medicine. The volume has 23 chapters and is relatively brief at only 178 pages, including pictures. It contains an overview of aesthetic enhancement in persons of color, starting with the defining terms and common cosmetic treatments and concluding with special considerations in several racial and ethnic groups. General topics covered include dyschromias, laser resurfacing, nonsurgical skin tightening, cosmeceuticals, acne treatment, scar pathology, and superficial peels. The editors admit that the book is meant to be concise, with many of the chapters …
Fluorescent Polymeric Nanoparticles: Aggregation and Phase Behavior of Pyrene and Amphotericin B Molecules in Nanoparticle Cores

The state of aggregation of compounds, especially drugs, in the cores of nanoparticles (NPs) formed by rapid precipitation is a significant unresolved issue. The state can control the dissolution kinetics from the NP, bioavailability, and chemical stability of the compound. A block-copolymer-directed rapid precipitation process is used to form ≈100 nm NPs comprising mixtures of hydrophobic species including fluorescent probe molecules. Fluorescence measurements are used to probe the state of aggregation and dynamics of rearrangement of pyrene (Py), Hostasol Yellow (HosY), and amphotericin B (AmpB) in NP cores. The Flory-Huggins theory of mixing is used to predict the miscibility or phase separation of the fluorophores from the host NP core material (polystyrene, cholesterol, or polycaprolactone). For Py, excimer fluorescence shows an initial microphase separation in the polystyrene core. Over time the Py redistributes more uniformly with a decrease in excimer and increase in monomer fluorescence. The Flory-Huggins theory predicts the miscibility. For HosY, the fluorescence quenching is not time-dependent, thus indicating stability of the microphase-separated fluorophores, which is consistent with the Flory-Huggins theory calculations. For the drug compound AmpB, the amphiphilic character of the molecule creates unusual "anti-Ostwald" ripening behavior in which the size distribution decreases and narrows over time, and the fluorescence demonstrates an increased ordering in the NP core over time--opposite to the behavior observed for Py.
A novel approach to β-lactam chemistry in vivo: Electron transfer and oxy radical formation by iminium

Abstract On binding to cell-wall enzyme, β-lactams form precursors of conjugated iminium species that apparently possess favorable reduction potentials based on studies with model compounds. The models used were iminium salts of Δ1-pyrroline-2-carboxylic acid and Δ3-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid. Reduction potentials of −0.76 to −0.92 V increased to −0.18 to −0.37V with decrease in pH. The potentials of the iminium species are similar to those of well-known electron transfer (ET) agents, such as quinones, nitroheterocycles, and metal complexes. Catalytic ET by these cations is discussed in relation to nephrotoxicity, antibiotic action, and cell culture redox potential. Reactions of penicillin at the binding site are addressed. We propose that the bactericidal effect involves various modes of action, including inactivation of cell-wall enzyme and electrochemical interference with normal electron transfer processes.
Familial Differences between Rapid Neuroleptic Response Psychosis and Delayed Neuroleptic Response Psychosis

Recent data suggest that latency of neuroleptic response may be used to separate distinct subtypes of psychotic disorders. In this preliminary study we contrast family patterns of illness of rapid neuroleptic response psychotics and delayed neuroleptic response psychotics. The data show that first-degree relatives of delayed neuroleptic response psychotics evidence higher levels of psychiatric disorder than rapid responders: relatives of delayed neuroleptic response psychotics evidenced a morbid risk for schizophrenic-spectrum disorder that was more than twice as high as the morbid risk for such disorders among relatives of rapid neuroleptic response psychotics. Relatives of delayed neuroleptic responders that received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorder evidenced significantly more residual impairment than schizophrenic-spectrum relatives of rapid neuroleptic responders. These preliminary data indicate the possibility that latency of therapeutic response to neuroleptic medication may be used to discriminate two familially distinct psychotic disorders and they suggest that delayed neuroleptic response may characterize a familially transmitted poor-outcome disease.
The Evolution of Standard Costing in the U.K. and U.S.: From Decision Making to Control

Decision making and control are two fundamental components of industrial management that are aided by accounting information. This article traces the evolution of standard costing in the U.K. and U.S. and describes how it has served these two purposes over time. At the start of the industrial revolution, standard costing, in the form of past actual costs, aided managers in make-or-buy, pricing, outsourcing and other routine and special decisions. In the late nineteenth century, as the mass production of homogeneous products became more common, predetermined, norm-based standard costs were promoted as the means to control operations and reduce waste. The use of predetermined costs was recommended by both academic and professional branches well into the twentieth century. Since the mid-1980s, norm-based standards have come under fire for not providing appropriate strategic signals in an era of global competition, continuous improvement and perpetual cost reduction. This article compares the nature of standard costing practices in the British Industrial Revolution with those that evolved in the U.S. under scientific management. The enquiry is not limited to double-entry systems and, like Miller and Napier (1993), the domain is broadened to include other forms of cost-keeping practices. We utilize primary and secondary sources to argue that the environment and rationales for standard costs have changed fundamentally over time. It is speculated that in the future standard costing will be used far less for individual accountability or operational control, but will return to its decision-making roots in the form of long-run cost targets that benchmark the success of continuous cost-reduction efforts.
Contextual dependencies: influence on response latency.

Abstract The present experiments were designed to examine the influence of contextual stimuli on perceptual-motor performance. Experiment 1 revealed that contextual dependencies can develop for simple perceptual-motor tasks. Furthermore, the extent of the dependency is mediated in part by whether the contextual information is removed or replaced with alternative contextual information at the time of test. Data from Experiments 2 and 3 showed that manipulating the potency of incidental contextual stimuli results in a systematic decrement or increment in subsequent performance, depending on whether the contextual stimuli during the test were changed or reinstated. To date, such an orderly influence of contextual stimuli is more commonly demonstrated in the animal learning literature than with human experimentation.
WHEN ARCHITECTURE DISABLES:TEACHING UNDERGRADUATES TO PERCEIVE ABLEISM IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

This article describes an exercise in which students analyze architectural barriers in campus buildings to understand that people with disabilities are excluded from everyday social interaction. Sociological concepts such as deviance and discrimination prove elusive to students when merely studied from a textbook. Through this active learning exercise, students link their experiential understanding of environmental obstacles with theories and concepts about conformity and non conformity. In their written work, students report about access in public spaces, an understanding of obstacles imposed on people with disabilities, a connection between the physical and social environments, and deviance as a failure to meet the demands of an environment built for able bodies.
Study on the oxidative induction test applied to medical polymers

This article continues our study published earlier on the application of the oxidative induction test to a wide variety of medical polymers. In a series of thermoplastic olefin elastomers (TPO), the extrapolated induction time on the Arrhenius plot was found to coincide with published results based on oven aging mechanical studies extending to much lower temperatures and times as long as nearly a year. This agreement indicates the potential of the OIT for long term durability prediction. For medical flexible PVC compounds, the traditional measure of extent of degradation by color formation was found to correlate to measured oxidative induction times. Furthermore, three distinct regimes were also detected, where in the first phase, little color changes can be detected. In a longer time, lower temperature study, effect of room temperature fluctuations was clearly detected, emphasizing the need for good environmental control for sensitive detections. These and other recent results will be presented to illustrate the utility of this versatile test.
Calculated tear oxygen tension under contact lenses offering resistance in series: piggyback and scleral lenses.

Abstract Background Models of oxygen delivery to the cornea with contact lens wear have considered the customary situation of one lens being worn on the cornea. However, two lenses, such as a rigid lens piggybacked on a soft lens, may be worn by patients with special ocular and visual needs. This paper extends existing single lens models to circumstances where two lenses offer resistance to oxygen in series. Methods Theoretical oxygen tensions are calculated for tear layers trapped beneath piggyback contact lens systems (and scleral lenses) and the anterior corneal surface with a simple single chamber corneal model using a personal computer software spreadsheet. Results Acceptable values are anticipated for contact lens materials of modern oxygen permeability values of approximately 60–100 Fatt Dk units under open eye conditions. Conclusions The results of this spreadsheet model of oxygen supply to the anterior corneal surface offer a useful guide to clinicians concerned about providing their patients with physiologically acceptable piggyback lens systems.
Structure of the Third Positive Group of CO Bands

THE third positive group of CO bands has been studied often before, but no satisfactory analysis of the bands seems to have resulted from it. Therefore we have photographed the bands in the second and third order of a 21-ft. concave grating with 20,000 lines per inch. So far, we have studied the bands 0.0 to 0.4 with heads at 2833, 2977, 3134, 3305, and 3493 A. The bands are due to a 3σ3II transition. The triplet separation of the 3σ state is unnoticeable for J<20. Under these conditions we must expect 15 branches if the resultant spin is not yet completely coupled to the rotational axis (transition from case a to case b). We found 13 of these branches arid traces of the remaining two, which are too faint to be observed among the strong main branches. The five heads which are characteristic for the bands under low dis-persion are the heads of the 03, 02, P3, P2, and P1 branches (in the simplified notation of case b). The initial level shows very strong perturbations from about K = 16 on, and slight irregularities also for very small K values. This fact makes an analysis of the higher lines of the bands much more difficult, and we have not yet completed this part entirely. The moment of inertia for the final state is 16.5 × 10-40, and for the initial state approximately 14.3 × 10-40. The character of the λ-doubling and the number of missing lines near the origin identifies the final ele-ctronic state as a regular 3II state.
A PRELIMINARY COMPARISON OF RESTRICTION FRAGMENT PATTERNS IN THE GENUS CAULERPA (CHLOROPHYTA) AND THE UNIQUE STRUCTURE OF THE CHLOROPLAST GENOME OF CAULERPA SERTULARIOIDES1

Comparisons of chloroplast DNA restriction fragments in four species of Caulerpa revealed that patterns between the species were different, with few and possibly no homologous bands. Two forms of Caulerpa sertularioides also revealed different patterns, and it is possible that the forms are separate species. The chloroplast genome in Caulerpa sertularioides f sertularioides (S. G. Gmelin) Howe is 131.4 kb in size and lacks large repeat units. The discovery of another green-algal chloroplast genome that lacks an inverted repeat indicates that this feature is either not ancestral to the Chlorophyceae or has been lost several times. Several gene clusters commonly found in chloroplast DNAs were found to occur in Caulerpa chloroplast DNA, for example, psbD/C, atpF/H, and psaA/B. The 16S and 23s rRNA, which are typically adjacent, contained in an inverted repeat, and cotranscribed, are over 40 kb apart. Genes rps12 and tufA, members of the str operon in eubacteria, are over 50 kb in distance from each other in Caulerpa. The gene order in Caulerpa is unlike any other chloroplast genome characterized to date.
Regional sources of pollution aerosol at Barrow, Alaska during winter 1979–1980 as deduced from elemental tracers

Abstract A seven-element tracer system for regional pollution aerosol has been applied to 100 daily samples of aerosol from Barrow, Alaska during winter 1979–1980, using regional signatures from eastern N America, Europe, and the Soviet Union. The results suggest that approximately 70% of most tracer elements came from the U.S.S.R., 25 % came from Europe, and the rest came from N America. The large contribution from the U.S.S.R. is consistent with large-scale atmospheric flow patterns for that winter, in which air came strongly and persistently from central Asia northward to the Arctic. The small contribution from eastern N America agrees with previous circumstantial evidence. Apportionment of sulfate between Europe and the Soviet Union suggested that each contributed roughly 50%, however. The greater contribution of Europe to sulfate than to tracer elements is consistent with other data, including emission inventories for SO 2 and elements in the Soviet Union and Europe.
Metabolism and the scaling of urine concentrating ability in mammals: Resolution of a paradox?

Currently accepted theories of the urine concentrating mechanism of the mammalian kidney predict that concentrating ability should increase with increasing length of the loop of Henle. However, larger mammals have longer nephrons than do smaller ones, yet concentrating ability declines with increasing body mass (M, in kg) as M−0·097. Greenwald & Stetson (1988, News Physiol. Sci. 3, 46–49) have suggested that the diminished concentrating ability of large mammals reflects their lower mass-specific metabolic rate. They propose that, because the urine concentrating mechanism depends upon the energy-dependent transport of sodium chloride, concentrating ability should be closely related to mass-specific metabolic rate. Examination of the allometric scalings with body mass of medullary thickness and metabolic rate indicate that the rate of increase in length of the loop of Henle with body size (M0·129) is insufficient to offset the decline in mass-specific metabolism (M−0·24). The residual product of these scalings (M−0·11) indicates that urine concentrating ability should be inversely related to body size and is similar to the observed allometry of concentrating ability (M−0·097). The decline in concentrating ability of the kidney with body size is probably not a result of inability of the kidney to adapt physiologically or structurally to changes in size, but rather reflects the scaling of the need to conserve water. Small mammals, because of their high rates of evaporative and respiratory water loss, have a much higher rate of water turnover than do large mammals (Vwater · kg−1 ∝ M−0·20). Because the need to concentrate the urine diminishes with increasing body size, the increase in loop length need only partially compensate for the simultaneous decline in metabolism.
Prospective predictors of the onset of anorexic and bulimic syndromes

Objective This study investigated prospective predictors of lifetime history diagnoses of partial- and full-syndrome anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (referred to as anorexic syndrome and bulimic syndrome.) Method Participants were 157 females who were studied initially in the 7th–10th grades (ages 12–16) and followed-up 2 and 8 years later in middle adolescence (ages 14–18) and young adulthood (ages 20–24), respectively. A telephone interview to determine lifetime history of anorexic and bulimic syndromes was conducted in young adulthood. Results In multivariate analyses controlling for initial eating symptoms, initial perfectionism and low body weight predicted young adult onset of anorexic syndrome, and initial negative emotion predicted young adult onset of bulimic syndrome. Discussion Our findings suggest that adolescent girls who are initially thin and also adhere to perfectionistic standards may be at risk for developing anorexic syndrome. For bulimia, negative affect may contribute to the development of the binge–purge cycle. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 32: 282–290, 2002.
Expected endings and judged duration.

In four experiments, the predictions of an expectancy/contrast model (Jones & Boltz, 1989) for judged duration were evaluated. In Experiments 1 and 2, listeners estimated the relative durations of auditory pattern pairs that varied in contextual phrasing and temporal contrast. The results showed that when the second pattern of a pair either seems to (Experiments 1 and 2) or actually does (Experiment 2) end earlier (later)than the first, subjects judge it as being relatively shorter (longer). In Experiment 3, listeners heard single patterns in which notes immediately preceding the final one were omitted. Timing of the final (target) tone was varied such that it was one beat early, on time, or one beat late. Listeners’ ratings of target tones revealed systematic effects of phrasing and target timing. In Experiment 4, listeners temporally completed (extrapolated) sequences of Experiment 3 that were modified to exclude the target tone. The results again showed that phrase context systematically influenced expectancies about “when” sequences should end. As a set, these studies demonstrate the effects of event structure and anticipatory attending upon experienced duration and are discussed in terms of the expectancy/contrast model.
Information processing: From file systems to cloud computing

Information processing has been the primary goal — whether it was being done manually or using sophisticated devices. Sometimes one gets the feeling that although we are drowning, we are not able to extract useful knowledge. What computing and computers have allowed us to do, over several decades, is to handle large volumes of raw data, in real-time as needed, to infer meaningful knowledge and facilitate decision making through actionable knowledge. This has come about due to various technological advances (both hardware and software) which have tremendously increased our ability to generate, collect, store, and process very large amounts of data. This is true whether it is data on the web, personal data, or data collected by enterprises.