cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aeroallergen-specific IgE changes in individuals with rapid human immunodeficiency virus disease progression

Background Progression of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is associated with elevated total IgE; however, previous cross-sectional studies have differed in their assessment of concurrent changes in allergic disease prevalence. Objective Assessment of changes in aeroallergen-specific IgE during progression from early to late HIV disease. Methods Total IgE, aeroallergen-specific IgE (rye grass, ragweed, Alternaria, dust mite, and cat), IFN-gamma, IL-4, and soluble CD23 (sCD23) were measured in a longitudinal study of 20 subjects who had progressed from early-HIV infection (mean CD4 lymphocyte count of 650/mm 3 ) to AIDS (mean CD4 lymphocyte count of 40/mm 3 ) over an average of 4 years. Results Prevalence of positive aeroallergen specific-IgE assays in early HIV disease (11 subjects with 13 positives) decreased with progression to late disease (five subjects with nine positives, P = .057), while total IgE increased from a median of 69 to 116 IU/mL. Interferon-gamma and IL-4 were unchanged, while sCD23 decreased from a median of 72 to 9 U/mL ( P = .0005) with disease progression in the full cohort. In contrast to other subjects, the subgroup of individuals with total IgE > 150 IU/mL in both early and late HIV disease demonstrated an increased frequency of aeroallergen-specific IgE. Conclusions The elevation of total IgE associated with rapid HIV-1 disease progression was unexplained by concurrent changes in aeroallergen-specific IgE, IL-4, IFN-gamma, or sCD23. Overall, aeroallergen-specific IgE expression was less prevalent with HIV-1 progression, except in those individuals with elevated total IgE both before and after progression to AIDS.
Silylcarbodiimide. IV. Sila-polycarbodiimide

Die Reaktion von Disilber-cyanamid mit Diorgano-dichlor-silanen fuhrt zu Sila-polycarbodiimiden, uber deren physikalische und chemische Eigenschaften berichtet wird. The reaction of disilver cyanamide and diorganodichlorosilanes leads to sila-polycarbodiimides, the physical and chemical properties of which are reported.
Health care utilization among young adult injection drug users in Harlem, New York.

Abstract Purpose: This cross-sectional study investigated the predictors for and patterns of health care utilization among young adult injection drug users (IDUs). Methods: The subjects were 206 IDUs, ages 18–29, who were street-recruited from Harlem, New York. Participants were interviewed about their drug use, health conditions, and use of services such as health care, needle exchange programs (NEPs), and drug treatment in the preceding 6 months. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Health insurance was associated with use of health care both among NEP users [AOR (adjusted odds ratio) 10.66] and non-NEP users (AOR 2.45). Use of health care was independently associated with drug treatment (AOR 2.58), being gay/bisexual (AOR 3.86), and negatively associated with injecting cocaine (AOR 0.56). Half the participants (49%) had used health care in the previous 6 months; 48% were uninsured. Many participants who did not use health services reported a condition that would have warranted medical care. Implications: Health insurance was strongly associated with use of health care, particularly among those who attend NEPs. Young adult IDUs may benefit from increased efforts to help them arrange and maintain health insurance coverage, potentially at NEPs. NEPs may be connecting young IDUs with health insurance to medical care through referrals.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Piperacillin/Tazobactam in Critically Ill Young Children

Introduction:Piperacillin/tazobactam is a frequently prescribed antibiotic in pediatric intensive care units, but pharmacokinetic data to justify the optimal piperacillin/tazobactam dosing regimen are sparse in critically ill children.Methods:Blood samples (2–4 per child) were collected from 13 chil
Academic computing at Atlanta University Center-a consortium of six predominantly black institutions

Atlanta University Center is the largest private institution of Black higher education in the world and the second oldest consortium of schools in the nation. When the Center began offering an undergraduate degree in computer science in 1969, it was the first institution in Georgia to do so. Now there are 50 majors, and each semester the Center-Coordinated Computer Science Department teaches approximately 250 students for the six institutions comprising the Atlanta University Center. In this paper the computer science curriculum is described and programs and services provided by this department are detailed.
Effects of upright posture on atrioventricular nodal reentry and dual atrioventricular nodal pathways.

Abstract The electrophysiologic effects of upright posture (45 ° upright tilt) were studied in 17 patients with dual atrioventricular (AV) nodal pathways, AV nodal reentry or both. Discontinuous AV nodal conduction curves were observed in 16 patients while supine, but in only 11 patients while upright. Fast pathway refractoriness was shortened: the anterograde fast pathway effective refractory period decreased from 360 ± 22 to 275 ± 14 ms (mean ± standard error of the mean), the anterograde fast pathway block cycle length shortened from 448 ± 28 to 348 ± 20 ms and the retrograde fast pathway block cycle length shortened from 425 ± 29 to 338 ± 24 ms (all p
Solubility of dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II) in supercritical carbon dioxide

The solubility of dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)nickel(II) in supercritical carbon dioxide was determined using a dynamic method. Solubility isotherms were obtained at (308, 318, and 328) K in the pressure range (10.8 to 27.9) MPa. Solubilities increased linearly with increasing density at constant temperature and increased with increasing temperature at constant density.
Application of the Reich iodoso syn-elimination for the preparation of an intermediate appropriate for the synthesis of both hexacyclic steroidal units of cephalostatin 7

Abstract Hecogenin acetate 5 was converted to an intermediate suitable for construction of both “North” and “South” hexacyclic spiroketals present in cephalostatin 7. The key chemical transformations involved are: (1) the Reich iodoso syn-elimination of iodide 18; (2) Rhodium [II] catalyzed intermolecular oxygen alkylation of secondary neopentyl alcohol 21; and (3) Intramolecular Wadsworth-Emmons reaction to provide the ester precursor of aldehyde 4.
Supported Extractant Membranes for Americium and Plutonium Recovery

Abstract Solid supported liquid membranes(SLM) are useful in transferring and concentrating americium and plutonium from nitrate solutions. Specifically, DHDECMP (d ihexyl-N, N-diethylcarbamoyImethylphosphonate) supported on Accurel or Celgard polypropylene hollow fibers assembled in modular form transfers >95% of the americium and >70% of the plutonium from high nitrate (6.9 M), low acid (0.1 M) feeds into 0.25 M oxalic acid stripping solution. Membranes supporting TBP (tri-n-butylphosphate) also transfer these metal ions. Maximum permeabilities were observed to be 1 × 10−3 cm sec−1, similar to the values for other systems. The feed:strip volume ratio shows an inverse relationship to the fraction of metal ion transferred. Cation exchangers may be used to concentrate americium from the strip solution.
Christiansen filters for the ultra-violet.

Gaydon and Minkoff have described a Christiansen filter designed to isolate the 2537 A. resonance line of mercury. We have been working for some time upon the general problem of the design of Christiansen filters for the isolation of various spark and discharge tube lines to be used in ultra-violet microscopy. We have amplified the work of Kohn and von Fragstein, and developed a series of filters employing benzene—alcohol mixtures with fused quartz chips, which can span the region 3000–4000 A.
It took a RedBull to unmask Brugada syndrome.

The SCN5a gene encodes the sodium channels present on the myocardium. A mutation of the SCN5a gene results in a dysfunctional sodium channel that has been linked to the Brugada syndrome. The Brugada syndrome frequently presents in males with a syncopal episode secondary to arrhythmias. Substances such as medications, alcohol, and more recently noted caffeine and taurine can have a deleterious effect on the sodium channels, increasing the risk of arrhythmias. Here we present a patient who was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome after experiencing a syncopal episode due to ventricular arrhythmia following ingestion of Red Bull energy Drink. The Brugada syndrome is a result of a mutation the SCN5a gene that encodes for sodium channels in the myocyte [1–4]. Dysfunction of the sodium channels can result in arrhythmias, which could potentially be fatal. Certain drugs affect the ability of the sodium channels to function appropriately, increasing the risk of arrhythmias within this patient population [5–7]. These drugs include antiarrhythmics, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and antipsychotics [2,8–12]. Additionally, it has been suggested that common beverage ingredients such as caffeine, and to a lesser degree taurine, may also negatively affect the function of sodium channels [13–15]. These ingredients are present in energy drinks, which have gained in popularity in recent years. In this report, we present a patient with Brugada syndrome who developed arrhythmias secondary to ingestion of an energy drink combined with alcohol. We present a case of a 24 year old male with no previous medical history who was celebrating a play opening at a local bar. The patient was consuming a Red Bull energy drink containing 80 mg caffeine
Theory and methodology of appliance standards

Abstract Interest in appliance energy efficiency standards is spreading from North America and Europe to many other countries around the world. This article discusses two basic methodologies for performing energy and economic analyses that are used to develop energy efficiency standards. Procedures for setting standards that are based upon those analyses are also discussed. Additionally, the future direction of appliance standards is briefly discussed.
Role of Pulse Phase and Direction in Two-Dimensional Optical Spectroscopy

This paper examines the parallels between magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy, with the goal of determining to what extent the benefits of 2DNMR might be extended into the optical regime. Precise optical analogues of the simplest 2DNMR sequences (collinear pulse sequences with phased laser pulse generation, phase sensitive detection, and phase cycling) are now feasible, and we demonstrate that they do generate cross-peaks which reveal common energy levels, even when averaged over the distribution of pulse flip angles expected in most optical experiments. One enormous difference between laser and NMR experimentsthe use of pulses in different directions in opticscan be exploited to eliminate much of the phase cycling required in NMR. Phase control does permit rotating-frame detection, which is likely to be a substantial practical advantage. Finally, we point out optical analogues of the simplest 2DNMR sequences (COSY and NOESY) will likely add little to our understanding of ultrafast dynamics. Optic...
Spectroscopy of water vapor in the 720-nm wavelength region - Line strengths, self-induced pressure broadenings and shifts, and temperature dependence of linewidths and shifts

Abstract A high-resolution spectrometer incorporating a narrow linewidth tunable dye laser and two long pass absorption cells has been used to provide measurements of water vapor absorption line parameters in the 720-nm wavelength region. Measurements were made of line strengths, self-induced pressure broadenings and shifts, and broadening and shift temperature dependences in the range 300–400 K for 270 water vapor lines between 13 550–13 950 cm −1 . Deviations resulting from the Dicke narrowing effect were observed between the measured profiles and the standard Voigt profile. The corresponding collision narrowing coefficients were computed using both the soft and hard collision profiles. Self-induced pressure shift coefficients were found to range between −0.08 and +0.05 cm −1 /atm. The temperature dependence exponent for self-broadening was found to be J -dependent with an average value of 0.75 and the average temperature exponent for line-shifting was measured to be 1.57.
The cellular interaction of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin in a human colon carcinoma cell line

The combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (CDDP) has been shown to have synergistic cytotoxicity in human tumours, but the biochemical mechanism for this interaction remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of 5-FU and CDDP in a human colon carcinoma cell line, NCI H548. A 24 h exposure to 5-FU resulted in a 5-FU IC50 value of 24.2 +/- 4.5 microM, Dm 22.6 microM; exposure to CDDP for 2 h resulted in a IC50 value of 20.8 +/- 8.0 microM, Dm 21.9 microM. When cells were exposed simultaneously to 5-FU for 24 h and CDDP for the initial 2 h, or when cells were treated with CDDP for 2 h followed by various concentrations of 5-FU for 24 h, no greater than additive cytotoxicity was observed. In contrast, when cells were treated with 5-FU for 24 h prior to CDDP for 2 h, a greater than additive interaction was noted (5-FU IC50 1.2 +/- 0.6 microM, Dm 1.3 microM, CI 0.45). Thymidine 10 microM partially reversed the growth inhibitory effects of the 5-FU/ CDDP combination. Using both immunological and biochemical assays, no notable differences in the total amount of TS enzyme or the fraction of bound TS enzyme could be detected in the absence or presence of CDDP. No notable differences could be detected in intracellular reduced folate pools, FdUMP or FUTP pools, or 5-FU incorporation into RNA or DNA with the addition of CDDP to 5-FU. DNA fragmentation studies revealed that the combination of 5-FU followed by CDDP demonstrated a greater degree of single-stranded DNA fragments in parental (P = 0.024) and newly synthesised DNA (P = 0.025) compared with the administration of CDDP prior to 5-FU or either drug alone. The increase in smaller DNA fragment size was reversed with the addition of thymidine (10 microM). These findings suggest that the interaction of 5-FU and CDDP is associated with a greater degree of fragmentation of both nascent and parental DNA.
Experimental visualization of temperature fields and study of heat transfer enhancement in oscillatory flow in a grooved channel

An experimental study was conducted of incompressible, moderate Reynolds number flow of air over heated rectangular blocks in a two-dimensional, horizontal channel. Holographic interferometry combined with high-speed cinematography was used to visualize the unsteady temperature fields in self- sustained oscillatory flow. Experiments were conducted in the laminar, transitional and turbulent flow regimes for Reynolds numbers in the range from Re = 520 to Re = 6600. Interferometric measurements were obtained in the thermally and fluiddynamically periodically fully developed flow region on the ninth heated block. Flow oscillations were first observed between Re = 1054 and Re = 1318. The period of oscillations, wavelength and propagation speed of the Tollmien–Schlichting waves in the main channel were measured at two characteristic flow velocities, Re = 1580 and Re = 2370. For these Reynolds numbers it was observed that two to three waves span one geometric periodicity length. At Re = 1580 the dominant oscillation frequency was found to be around 26 Hz and at Re = 2370 the frequency distribution formed a band around 125 Hz. Results regarding heat transfer and pressure drop are presented as a function of the Reynolds number, in terms of the block-average Nusselt number and the local Nusselt number as well as the friction factor. Measurements of the local Nusselt number together with visual observations indicate that the lateral mixing caused by flow instabilities is most pronounced along the upstream vertical wall of the heated block in the groove region, and it is accompanied by high heat transfer coefficients. At Reynolds numbers beyond the onset of oscillations the heat transfer in the grooved channel exceeds the performance of the reference geometry, the asymmetrically heated parallel plate channel.
Diffusion in Mg 2 SiO 4 polymorphs and chemical heterogeneity in the mantle transition zone

DIFFUSION in silicates plays a key role in a number of processes in the Earth's mantle, including viscous flow1–4, electrical conductance5–8 and the homogenization of chemical heterogeneities. Although cation diffusion rates have been measured in olivine at high pressures9,10, no data exist on the chemical transport properties of the silicate phases thought to predominate in the transition zone of the mantle (from 400 to 700 km depth). Here we present measurements of cation diffusion in the α-olivine phase and high-pressure β- and γ-spinel phases of Mg2SiO4 at pressures up to 14 GPa. We find that diffusion rates in both high-pressure phases are about three orders of magnitude faster than that of olivine. When coupled with convective thinning, these faster diffusion rates suggest that the transition zone is more efficient at mixing chemical heterogeneities than the olivine-dominated upper mantle. Furthermore, we calculate that the minimum size of chemical heterogeneities in the transition zone should be of the order of metres.
Optical Computing And Logic Using Sagnac Interferometric Switches

A, new optical switching device, the two-port Sagnac interferometric switch (TPSIS) is proposed. The TPSIS uses a polarizing beam splitter and half-wave plate to auto-isolate beam retroreflections. Since the polarizing beam splitter separates the interferometer input and output signals the TPSIS can be used as a two-port ultrafast optical logic device. The applications of TPSIS to binary, and multiple-valued,logic and arithmetic all-optical computation are discussed. Using the TPSIS, various Post, Residue and Webb multi-valued logic and arithmetic functions can be optically implemented. A number of implementation examples are presented.
Russian power in the new Eurasia

This article considers the consequences of Russian concentration on its so‐called “near abroad,” even as it withdraws from the wider world where it continues to have real but unenforceable interests. These new border regions offer Russia challenges of their own, which require Russia to expend real resources to manage them. Russia's dilemma is that this engagement close to home is at the expense of eventual political and military influence beyond the former Soviet Union.
Quantification of melanocytes in sun-damaged skin.

Background The density of melanocytes varies by anatomic site and degree of sun damage. Objective To determine the density of melanocytes and frequency of confluence in specimens adjacent to nonmelanoma skin cancers. Methods Two hundred final layer specimens from Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinomas were analyzed by using MART-1. Results Data for 162 skin specimens from the head demonstrated an average keratinocyte to melanocyte ratio of 7.12 and 8.19 for epidermis and adnexal structures, respectively. The 23 specimens from the trunk demonstrated respective ratios of 7.54 and 7.46, and 13 specimens from extremities demonstrated ratios of 8.69 and 12.38. Limitations Margins from Mohs micrographic surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancers were utilized as a proxy for chronically sun-damaged skin. Conclusion Our results suggest that chronically sun-exposed skin demonstrates increased melanocytic density, but confluence of melanocytes is rare. Occasionally intraepidermal pagetoid scatter and isolated melanocytic nests were rarely noted. These findings alone should not support an unequivocal diagnosis of melanoma in situ.
Glucose effects on a continuous performance test of attention in adults

Increases in plasma blood glucose levels modulate memory, mood, and, to some extent, attention in adults. Participants in the present study were administered glucose (10, 100, and 500 mg/kg, or 50 g) or placebo (23.7 mg saccharin) shortly prior to completing the test of variables of attention (TOVA), a continuous performance test (CPT) commonly used to assess attention for diagnostic purposes. There were significant increases in blood glucose levels for the 500 mg/kg and 50 g groups, but only the 100 mg/kg group showed significant changes in behavior in comparison to the saccharin group. Specifically, the 100 mg/kg group performed worse on measures of commission errors, post-commission responses, and post-commission response time variability. There were no differences among the groups on other major variables of attention, including omission errors, response time, and response time variability. The results of this study demonstrate that large doses of glucose which increase blood glucose levels do not influence attention, but that a moderate dose (100 mg/kg) selectively impairs measures of impulsivity or disinhibition. Practitioners and researchers should maintain an awareness of dietary effects on attention and continue to examine micronutrients as potential confounds on diagnostic tests of cognition and behavior.
Resource Needs and Pedagogical Value of Web Mapping for Spatial Thinking

AbstractWeb mapping involves publishing and using maps via the Internet, and can range from presenting static maps to offering dynamic data querying and spatial analysis. Web mapping is seen as a promising way to support development of spatial thinking in the classroom but there are unanswered questions about how this promise plays out in reality. This article examines the resource demands and pedagogical value of Web mapping for geographical education for the case of an undergraduate introductory geography course designed to develop spatial thinking in students. Web mapping can be effective but is subject to a range of pedagogical, institutional, and technological caveats and corollaries.
Supine Body Position Reduces Neural Response to Anger Evocation

Body movements affect emotional processes. For example, adopting the facial expressions of specific emotions (even via unobtrusive manipulations) affects emotional judgments and memories (Laird, 2007). Manipulated body postures can affect behavior: slumped postures lead to more ‘‘helpless behaviors’’ (Riskind & Gotay, 1982). Simple body postures may also affect other emotive responses and the neural activations associated with them. Lying flat on one’s back may be antithetical to approach motivation (i.e., the urge to move toward something). We sought to address this issue, which has implications not only for the study of embodiment, but also for the study of neural processes, because some neuroscience techniques rely on individuals being in supine positions. More than 15 studies using electroencephalographic (EEG) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) methods have suggested that the left prefrontal cortex is more activated than the right prefrontal cortex during the experience of anger, particularly anger associated with approach motivational inclinations (Carver & Harmon-Jones, 2009; van Honk & Schutter, 2006). Tomarken and Zald (2009), however, questioned these effects when they reviewed some functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies that failed to find greater relative left prefrontal cortical activations during anger. One possible explanation of the divergence of the EEG-rTMS and fMRI studies on anger is that the fMRI studies did not evoke anger associated with approach motivation. Research has shown that mild anger cues only evoke greater relative left frontal cortical activation when approach motivation is also activated (Harmon-Jones, Lueck, Fearn, & Harmon-Jones, 2006). Another possibility for the diverging findings is that the EEGrTMS studies test participants in an upright body position, whereas fMRI studies test participants in a supine body position. We measured relative left frontal EEG activity to an angerinducing insult while participants were upright or reclined. We expected the reclined position to produce less relative left frontal cortical activation than the upright position because a supine position may be antithetical to approach motivation.
Reduced matrix elements of two-electron double-vector operators for f4and f5

Tables are preserted for the reduced matrix elements of eight two- electron operators that all possess ranks of 1 in both spin and orbital spaces. These eight operators are required when the spinother-orbit interaction is decomposed irto its group-theoretical parts. However, in presenting the tables, it is intended that each the eight parts should be parametrized separately, thereby owing various species of configuration interaction to be included in the analysis. The range of the tables extends over all states of the configurations f/sup 4/ and F/sup 5/. (auth)
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF QUOTA RENTS IN A DYNAMIC INTERNATIONAL TRADE MODEL

This paper considers the implications of allowing quota rents to become capitalized. Capitalized quota rents crowd out physical capital in savers’portfolios, reducing the capital stock. Capitalization of quota rents also makes removal of the quota politically more difficult, since those currently alive may not be able to fully compensate the losers before the losers die. I use an overlapping generations model to provide examples which illustrate the difficulty of removing a quota once its rents have been fully capitalized. This work has implications for any policy which could lead to capitalized rents.
A Modified Protocol to Maximize Differentiation of Human Preadipocytes and Improve Metabolic Phenotypes

Adipose stromal cells proliferate and differentiate into adipocytes, providing a valuable model system for studies of adipocyte biology. We compared differentiation protocols for human preadipocytes and report on their metabolic phenotypes. By simply prolonging the adipogenic induction period from the first 3 to 7 days, the proportion of cells acquiring adipocyte morphology increased from 30-70% to over 80% in human subcutaneous preadipocytes (passages 5-6). These morphological changes were accompanied by increases in the adipogenic marker expression and improved adipocyte metabolic phenotypes: enhanced responses to β-adrenergically stimulated lipolysis and to insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism into triglyceride (TG). Confirming previous studies, fetal bovine serum (FBS) dose-dependently inhibited adipogenesis. However, in subcutaneous preadipocytes that differentiate well (donor-dependant high capacity and subcultured fewer than two times), the use of 7d-induction protocols in both 3% FBS and serum-free conditions allowed >80% differentiation. Responsiveness to β-adrenergically stimulated lipolysis was lower in 3% FBS. Rates of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake were higher in adipocytes differentiated with 3% FBS, whereas the sensitivity to insulin was almost identical between the two groups. In summary, extending the length of the induction period in adipogenic cocktail improves the degree of differentiation and responses to key metabolic hormones. This protocol permits functional analysis of metabolic phenotypes in valuable primary human adipocyte cultures through multiple passages.
Adaptive Quality-Based Performance Prediction and Boosting for Iris Authentication: Methodology and Its Illustration

Three practical methods to improve performance of a single biometric matcher based on vectors of quality measures associated with biometric data are described. The first two methods adaptively select probe biometric data and matching scores based on predicted values of Quality of Sample (QS) index (defined here as d-prime) and Confidence in matching Scores (CS), respectively. The third method, Quality Sample and Template features (QST), treats quality measures as weak but useful features for discriminating between genuine and imposter matching scores. The unifying theme for the three methods consists in learning a nonlinear mapping between vectors of quality measures and QS, CS, and QST for each of the three methods, respectively. For the first method, learning requires a small set of input data in the form of a vector of quality metrics per each biometric image and the output data in the form of QS estimated per image. For the second method, learning requires a small set of input data in the form of two vectors of quality metrics per each matching pair and the output data in the form of CS estimated per matching score. For the third method, learning requires a small set of input data in the form of biometric feature vector (template) concatenated with a vector of quality metrics and a set of output data in the form of matching labels. The proposed methodology is generic and is suitable for any biometric modality and for any choice of a nonlinear mapping between vectors of quality measures and QS, CS, and QST. The experimental results (obtained by means of neural nets) show significant performance improvements for all three methods when applied to iris biometrics.
Dynamic modeling of AC insulator flashover characteristics

This paper investigates the feasibility of using dynamic arc modeling of polluted insulators to characterize approaching flashover. The leakage current (LC) simulation results are compared to the measured leakage current, digitized during flashover test. It was observed that the harmonic content of the leakage current changes as the flashover approaches. This phenomenon could be explained by the mathematical analysis of the polluted insulator flashover. The results indicate the feasibility of assessment of pollution severity and flashover prediction, using the proposed methods.
Theoretical Considerations on Millimeter Wave Generation by Optical Frequency Mixing

The generation of radiation by miing optical maser signals is one possible method for closing the gap between microwaves and infrared. The conversion efficiency attainable with different types of nonlinear media is considered. It is shown that lossless nonlinear media, such as dielectrics, have very low conversion efficiency properties, regardless of the way they are used. Nonlinear resistive media, on the other hand, have efficiencies up to 25 per cent, independently of the frequency conversion ratio. Consequently, in order to generate wavelengths in the nillimeter range by mixing optical maser outputs, the materials used should involve nonlinear dissipative processes.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Studies of Cu-AI alloy/SiO2 Interfaces

Cu-Al alloys have been recommended for application as the diffusion barriers/adhesion promoters for advanced copper based metallization schemes. In this study interfacial reaction between Cu-Al alloy/SiO 2 is investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A set of thin Cu-Al alloy films, about 30A in thickness, are deposited on SiO 2 substrates. These were directly examined by XPS. This is followed by a study of the interface formation during bias temperature stressing (BTS) of metal/dielectric interfaces in Cu/Cu-5at.%AI/SiO 2 subjected to the electrical testing. Core-level spectra of silicon and aluminum obtained indicate that the reduction of silicon dioxide initiates at room temperature when the aluminum concentration in the copper alloys reaches about 5 atomic percent. The silicon diffusion into metal or vice versa is found to be suppressed during the low temperature anneal (300°C) by the Al 2 O 3 interfacial layer. Also, a difference is present in the observed chemical states and interfacial reaction progressing between sputter and electron-beam deposited films. The films of Cu doped with Al appear to act as a suitable diffusion barrier and adhesion promoter between SiO 2 and Cu.
Domoic acid-producing diatom blooms in Monterey Bay, California: 1991-1993.

During the autumn of 1991, numerous seabird fatalities in Monterey Bay, California, led to the discovery of a new domoic acid-producing diatom, Pseudonitzschia australis. Since this initial event, sizable populations of P. australis, as well as other likely toxin producers, P. pungens f. multiseries and P. pseudodelicatissima, have occurred biannually in Monterey Bay. Using the highly sensitive FMOC-HPLC method, we detected domoic acid whenever Fseudonitzschia australis was found in the plankton, even at densities as low as 4.0 × 103 cells/L. Based on correlations of domoic acid and P. australis abundances and the overwhelming biovolume dominance of P. australis, we conclude that P. australis has been the major domoic acid producer during the period of our study. Our study suggests that P. australis cells may always be toxic in natural populations and that toxin concentrations on a per-cell basis have no statistically significant relationship to population density or to nutrient concentrations other than silicate. Cellular levels of domoic acid were positively correlated with silicate concentrations, which is at variance with reports from prior culture experiments. These conclusions must be tentative because of the limited extent of our sampling. Nevertheless, these preliminary data indicate that further investigations of environmental conditions affiliated with cell growth and toxin production in P. australis are warranted. As a practical matter, domoic acid in the pelagic environment cannot be reliably or consistently detected by monitoring domoic acid levels in intertidal mussels. Direct measurement of domoic acid using sensitive HPLC methods is probably the most cost-effective and accurate approach for an ongoing phycotoxin monitoring program. © 1994 wiley-Liss, Inc.
DELETERIOUS MUTATION AND THE EVOLUTION OF EUSOCIALITY

Certain arguments concerning the evolution of eusociality form a classic example of the application of the principles of kin selection. These arguments center on the different degrees of relatedness of potential beneficiaries of an individual's efforts, for example a female's higher relatedness to her sisters than to her daughters in a haplodiploid system. This type of reasoning is insufficicnt to account for the evolution and maintainence of sexual reproduction, because parthenogenic females produce offspring that are more closely related to them than are offspring produced sexually. Among the forces invoked to explain sexual reproduction is deleterious mutation. This factor can be shown to favor eusociality as well, because siblings produced by helping carry fewer deleterious alleles on average than would offspring. The strength of this effect depends on the genomewide deleterious mutation rate, U, and on the selection coefficient, s, associated with deleterious alleles. For small s, the effect depends approximately on the product Us. This phenomenon illustrates that an assumption implicit in some analyses-that the relatedness of an individual to an actor is all that matters to its value to that actor-can fail for the evolution of eusociality as it does for the evolution of sex.
Methane concentrations in natural gas: the genetic implications

The current controversy over the origin of non-biogenic gas (i.e. thermal or catalytic) might be resolved if original gas composition were known. For example, if it were about 50% methane, as typically seen in thermal cracking, then there could be little doubt about the conventional view that natural gas is thermal in origin. If, on the other hand, it were closer to 80% methane, a composition seen in produced gas but rarely seen in thermal cracking, a thermal origin would then be in doubt. Unfortunately, original composition is obscured by fractionation during generation and migration. Thus, gas composition in any one deposit (e.g. in source rocks, reservoir rocks, oils, waters, and so on) need not reflect original composition. However, an accurate mass balance of all gas deposits including dispersed and escaped gas could reflect original composition. The mass balance presented here suggests an original composition close to 74% methane, a composition that cannot be explained by thermal cracking alone. It calls for methane enrichment, perhaps through catalytic input or mixing with biogenic gas.
Oxidative stress, inflammation, and diabetic vasculopathies: the role of alpha tocopherol therapy.

The diabetic state confers an increased propensity to accelerated atherogenesis. In addition to the established risk factors, there is evidence for increased oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes. Increased oxidative stress is manifested by increased lipid peroxidation (e.g. increased F2-isoprostanes) and increased DNA damage. Evidence for increased inflammation includes increased monocyte superoxide and pro-inflammatory cytokine release (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha), increased monocyte adhesion to endothelium and increased levels of plasma C-reactive protein, the prototypic marker of inflammation. Most importantly, alpha tocopherol therapy, especially at high doses, clearly shows a benefit with regards to LDL oxidation, isoprostanes and a decrease in inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, pro-inflammatory cytokines and PAI-1 levels. Thus, it appears that, in diabetes, alpha tocopherol therapy could emerge as an additional therapeutic modality.
Oxidation and Reduction: Too Many Definitions?

IUPAC gives several different definitions of oxidation: loss of electrons, increase in oxidation state, loss of hydrogen, or gain of oxygen. Most introductory or general chemistry textbooks use all of these definitions at one time or another, which can lead to some confusion in the minds of first-year chemistry students. Some paradoxical “exceptions” to these definitions of oxidation include (i) real electrons are not always lost in oxidations; (ii) some hydrogen and oxygen transfer reactions are not redox reactions; and (iii) in oxidations that involve gain of oxygen, the oxygen atom is not always the oxidant. The “increase in oxidation state” definition of oxidation is the only one that has no exceptions; furthermore, only by identifying oxidation state changes can students balance redox equations and count the number of electrons transferred. Accordingly, oxidation state changes should be the primary definition that we use in introductory or general chemistry to teach the concept of redox reactions.
The Frequency Analysis of the Crankshaft’s Speed Variation: A Reliable Tool for Diesel Engine Diagnosis

The speed variation of the crankshaft may be easily and accurately measured using a shaft encoder and counting the pulses of the internal clock of the data acquisition system. If the crankshaft would be a rigid body, the variation of its angular speed could be directly correlated to the total gas-pressure torque. Actually, the variation of the crankshaft's speed has a complex nature being influenced by the torsional stiffness of the cranks, the mass moments of inertia of the reciprocating masses and the average speed and load of the engine. Analyzing only the lower harmonic orders of the speed variation spectrum can filter out the distortions produced by the dynamic response of the crankshaft. The information carried by these harmonic orders permits to establish correlations between measurements and the average gas pressure torque of the engine, and to detect malfunctions and identify faulty cylinders.
OPTIMIZATION VERSUS SUBOPTIMIZATION

SUMMARY This paper defines optimum as the condition most favouring factors which influence certain objectives and the achievement of those objectives. Factors which may influence certain objectives can be classified as (a) alternate strategies, (b) states of nature, (c) time, (d) costs related to the achievement of the objectives. A suboptimum may occur as the result of one or more of the following actions. (1) Exclusion of one or more of the possible strategies (not based on economic consideration). (2) Exclusion of one or more of all states of nature (not based on economic consideration). (3) Inconsistency in the time intervals involved in the decision problem. (4) Neglect of the costs related to the achievement of the objectives. (5) Optimization of one objective resulting in a lower degree of attainment of other objectives. Examples of these categories are given and the paper discusses approaches to be taken in decision problems to eliminate the danger of a suboptimum.
Fiber-optic video study of the post-laryngectomized voice.

Simultaneous video-fluoroscopy and fiber-optic video laryngoscopy was carried out on a series of eight laryngectomees. Previous concepts supported by an earlier report1 indicated that the folds of the rebuilt cricopharyngeal sphincter were seen to represent the primary source of sound vibration for voice production. Fold vibration was envisioned as an essential for sound production. Present findings present a challenge to the older concept. The fluoroscopic studies showed a considerable variation in the vertical thickness of the sphincteric area — from several millimeters to as many as 10 centimeters. Mucus bubbles in rapid motion were easily visible immediately above the narrowest portion of the reconstructed cervical esophagus. Ingestion of barium only enhanced the visualization of this bubbling. Vibration of a long vertical area of the thin anterior and thicker posterior esophageal walls well above and well below this point was regularly noted. Fiber-optic visualization failed to show actual fold vibration at any time. Momentary opening of the food tract during air injection or intake, immediately prior to the onset of phonation, was seen on many occasions. During phonation, routinely, the anticipated pseudoglottic opening was obscured by bubbles of mucus or barium. These findings suggest that the air, when accumulated below the narrowest spot in the hypopharyngeal-esophageal tract and when forced upward through a narrow opening, sets the accumulated mucus, not the mucous membrane, into vibration; further, that this vibration is of sufficient amplitude to transmit itself to both the anterior wall and the posterior wall of an extensive vertical portion of the neck.
Comparison of culture, polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescent in situ hybridization for detection of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and “Brachyspira hampsonii” in pig feces:

Swine dysentery is characterized by mucohemorrhagic diarrhea and can occur following infection by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae or “Brachyspira hampsonii ”. A definitive diagnosis is often based on the isolation of strongly beta-hemolytic spirochetes from selective culture or by the application of species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays directly to feces. While culture is highly sensitive, it typically requires 6 or more days to complete, and PCR, although rapid, can be limited by fecal inhibition. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) has been described in formalin-fixed tissues; however, completion requires approximately 2 days. Because of the time constraints of available assays, a same-day FISH assay was developed to detect B. hyodysenteriae and “B. hampsonii ” in pig feces using previously described oligonucleotide probes Hyo1210 and Hamp1210 for B. hyodysenteriae and “B. hampsonii”, respectively. In situ hybridization was simultaneously compared with culture and PCR on feces spiked w...
Chemical Spill in West Virginia Triggers More Studies to Understand Contaminants

Although a major chemical spill that contaminated the water supply for nearly 300,000 people living near the Elk River in and around Charleston, W.Va., took place more than a month ago, experts at a 10 February congressional hearing still were not willing to definitively state that the water is safe to use again.
When more isn't better: Information and common-property resources

This paper compares steady-state equilibria in model fisheries with stochastic population dynamics where fishermen have either no knowledge or perfect knowledge of the fish population size. For reasonable parameter values, the provision of information about population size in a common-property fishery can reduce the steady-state value of the fishery.
Absorption and emission spectra of Ca2 in solid krypton

Abstract The calcium van der Waals molecule, Ca 2 , has been formed by codepositing calcium and krypton atoms on a substrate at 12 K. Absorption spectra revealed a structured band at 666 nm with 117 ± 2 cm − spacings. Calcium-44 isotopic spectra confirmed the assignment and located the band origin at 14 432 ± 4 cm −1 . Emission spectra, pumping the 11 ← 0 absorption, exhibited a very strong 14 000 cm −1 band with 78 ± 2 cm −1 spacings to the band origin and unrelaxed emission with 78 ± 2 and 117 ± 2 cm −1 spacings above the band origin from v ′ levels up to 6. The transition 1 ∑ + u ( 1 S + 1 P) ← 1 ∑ + g ( 1 S + 1 S) and the bonding in ground and excited Ca 2 states fit a simple molecular orbital model.
Research note and erratum

This note points out an incorrect quotation of the theory of codeswitching outlined in various publications of Carol Myers-Scotton as cited by Boussofara-Omar (2003). In addition, the issue is raised whether the type of multi-lectal situation encountered in the varieties of Arabic spoken in Tunisia should be analyzed with a model designed to deal with ‘classic’ codeswitching.
Arousal and short-term memory: Effects of caffeine and trial spacing on delayed-alternation performance

Two experiments tested the prediction of Kesner’s (1973) parallel memory-stores theory that arousal reduces retention in short-term memory. Using rats as subjects, the effect of caffeine on delayed-alternation performance in a spatial discrimination was investigated. Trial spacing was also manipulated, both alone and in combination with the drug variable. The results showed that, with massed trials, caffeine facilitated alternation at the short delay and inhibited it at the longer delays tested. Using spaced trials, caffeine decreased alternation at all delays. Spaced trials produced overall superior performance as compared with massed trials. This pattern of results is consistent with the view that caffeine reduces short-term retention but, paradoxically, can also increase performance under massed trials by decreasing proactive interference (i.e., retention) from earlier trials.
The Case of the Disappearing Filipino American Houseboy: Speculations on Double Indemnity and United States Imperialism

The creations of a new cultural formation, US imperialism, development, and globalization are traced in this article by the use of James M. Cain’s 1936 pulp novella-turned-film Double Indemnity. Representations of the Fil-Am houseboy, his disappearance and re-appearance in the texts, provide an impetus for discovering the cultural transitions from the colonial to the postcolonial periods.
Abdominal desmoid in familial adenomatous polyposis presenting as a pancreatic cystic lesion

A 17-year-old male with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) presented with chest pain and significant weight loss. An abdominal CT scan detected a cystic pancreatic lesion of unknown etiology. The patient therefore underwent surgical resection of the distal pancreas, which included the lesion, because of the known association of pancreatic cancer with FAP. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen showed a benign pancreatic cyst and fibrous plaque with desmoid fibromatosis adherent to the surface of the pancreas, serosa of the stomach, and colon. The fibrous plaque was histologically identical to the fibrous mesenteric plaque known to occur in FAP and associated mesenteric fibromatosis. We present pathologic evidence that the pancreatic cyst formation was induced by FAP-associated desmoid invasion. Desmoid growth should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a pancreatic cystic mass lesion in patients with FAP or its Gardner syndrome variant. This case report provides the first pathologic evidence for benign epithelial cyst formation in the pancreas caused by fibromatosis invasion of that organ as a part of FAP.