cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐E‐T‐66: Phase‐Sensitive Microcalorimetry for Activity and Dosimetry of Low‐Level Sources

Purpose: To study the effectiveness of phase‐sensitive detection to improve the sensitivity of a microcalorimeter for activity measurements and the dosimetry of compact x‐ray sources and brachytherapy seeds. Methods: A commercial isothermal microcalorimeter, originally customized for use as a primary‐standard for activity measurements of radionuclides, has been coupled to a periodic Joule‐heating source to investigate its thermal frequency response and thereby determine whether better sensitivity could be achieved via periodic modulation of radiation sources being measured. Frequency of input power to the sample cell was varied from 0.2 mHz to 2 mHz, and waveforms acquired over periods ranging from several hours to several days were analyzed both for noise content and attenuation due to intrinsic, instrumental time constants. Results: Power spectral density of the noise floor was found to decrease from a peak of ∼10 mW/sqrt(Hz) at dc to ∼5 nW/sqrt(Hz) at frequencies above 10 mHz. Attenuation of a 400‐nW periodic heat input was found to vary from 1 at 0.2 mHz to 0.1 at 2 mHz; at 0.25 mHz, S/N was found to be ∼50:1 after 32 hours of acquisition. Conclusion: When operated as it was originally designed, without modulation, the instrument has been used to measure radioactivity from sources with power output of order 100 mW, yielding a precision of 0.1% over 2–3 days of continuous acquisition; thus, by working at 0.25 mHz, where the noise floor is much lower, we have realized ∼50x higher sensitivity. A further reduction of the noise floor at frequencies above 10 mHz suggests that pW‐level sensitivity is achievable if the attenuation can be overcome (by comparison, LDR brachytherapy seeds emit 10–100 mW). Work is underway to eliminate attenuation from inefficient coupling of heating resistors to absorber material and to develop an actuator for controlled movement of sources to/from the sample cell.
Currency Translation's Effects on Reported Earnings and Equity: An Instructional Case

ABSTRACT: As globalization increases and companies expand their foreign operations, their reported results, such as earnings per share, are increasingly affected by the volatility of daily foreign currency exchange (FX) rate fluctuations. The case provides a series of requirements to alert students to the effect that FX rate fluctuations have on reported operating results of a hypothetical company whose accounting records are kept in multiple currencies. The hypothetical company is based on a composite of four comparable real companies. Subsidiaries are located in the Euro Zone and China to highlight the difference between a floating currency experiencing volatility and a managed currency. These currencies allow students to address the uncertainties of sovereign debt crises and changing currency policies by governments. Students research applicable standards, obtain disclosures from Form 10-Ks, obtain FX rates, complete Excel worksheets to translate monthly income into U.S. dollars, observe how reported ...
The Effect of Response Mode on Finger Localization Errors

Summary Four different administrations of a finger localization test were given to each of 18 non-defective first-grade school children; the order of administration was varied over subjects in a manner designed to minimize practice effects. In all administrations the subject's hand was hidden from view, but a two-dimensional model of the hand was in view just above his hand. In two administrations (one with a model that bore numbers on the fingers and one with a model that had no numbers) the subject responded verbally by saying the number of the finger touched; in the other two administrations (again, one with numbered model and one with unnumbered model) the subject responded nonverbally by pointing to the corresponding finger on the model. It was found that subjects made significantly lower error scores when responding verbally than when pointing. Type of model, whether numbered or not, had no discernible process.
Abstract 4002: C-terminal phosphorylation of human GSTP1 by EGFR and site-directed mutation allows JNK reactivation in glioma cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC In malignant gliomas, the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway regulates tumor growth and resistance to apoptosis, and correlates with histologic grade and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase expression. We recently reported that glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), a major metabolizing and stress response signaling protein that is frequently overexpressed in brain tumors, is a downstream target of EGFR and undergoes EGFR-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation, in vitro and in vivo, resulting in an enhancement of its enzymatic function and increased drug resistance. Although the dimeric GSTP1 exists in a reversible equilibrium with its monomeric form, the monomeric GSTP1 binds to JNK and acts as an endogeneous JNK inhibitor. In our previous study, the EGFR-phosphorylation of GSTP1 shifted the GSTP1 dimer-monomer equilibrium toward the monomeric state and the c-Jun phosphorylation by JNK was enhanced by phosphorylated-GSTP1 and suppressed by unphosphorylated-GSTP1. EGFR activation resulted in dissociation of GSTP1 from the GSTP1-JNK1 complex in a cell-free system and in glioma cells. The C-terminal domain of GSTP1 is reported to be involved in the interaction with JNK. Accordingly, we synthesized the C-terminal domain peptides of human GSTP1 containing the phospho-acceptor Tyr198, unique to hominidae among species, by EGFR (Y198WT) and its phenylalanine-replaced mutant peptide (Y198F). Both the C-terminal domain peptides significantly suppressed the c-Jun phosphorylation by JNK1 in a cell-free system. The binding assay using the synthetic peptides showed that the C-terminal domain peptides of human GSTP1 bound to JNK1 with a lower affinity when Tyr 198 was phosphorylated by EGFR than when it was unphosphorylated. Mutagenesis in human glioma cells revealed that the EGF-induced c-Jun phosphorylation by JNK decreased in the GSTP1-Y198F mutant, whereas increased in the phospho-mimic GSTP1-Y198D mutant, compared with vector control. Together these results indicate that in malignant glioma cells the C-terminal tyrosine phosphorylation of human GSTP1 by EGFR leads to dissociation of GSTP1 from the GSTP1-JNK1 complex. Thus, the GSTP1-JNK1 direct interaction rather than JNK upstream signaling elicits reactivation of JNK. This regulation of JNK signaling function by the EGFR-GSTP1 crosstalk, defines a novel signaling network with a potential to regulate the biology and therapeutic outcome in malignant gliomas. Supported by NIH grants RO1 CA127872, RO1 CA 112519, P50CA108786 and P30-CA14236. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4002.
Third molar management: A case for routine removal in adolescent and young adult orthodontic patients

The role of the orthodontist is to treat patients to optimal function, aesthetics, and long-term stability. The controversy surrounding third molars has focused on the pathologic problems they may cause and the risk/benefits of their removal. Although malocclusion is not considered a disease, it is unreasonable to ignore the orthodontic issues related to third molars, especially in patients who make the investment to achieve an ideal occlusion. Part of a complete orthodontic treatment plan is a recommendation regarding third molars. The plan should include a rationale and recommendation for their removal based on the orthodontic treatment objectives.
Assessing the Denominational Identity of American Evangelical Colleges and Universities, Part III: The Student Experience

As the conclusion to a three-part series assessing the denominational identity of American evangelical colleges and universities, this article presents findings from Phase III of the CCCU Denominational Study. Data for this research were gathered via an online survey that was completed by 3,160 full-time undergraduate students attending 16 denominationally affiliated evangelical Christian colleges. Similar to national trends, the results indicate that more students identify as nondenominational than any other particular Christian denomination. In addition, most students view their denomination as having little importance to their faith lives, and are likely to base their college choice on an institution's Christian identity, not its denominational identity. Nevertheless, students do not have negative views of their denomination and typically hold similar beliefs to the denomination of their institution. These results are discussed in light of their implications for Christian higher education, followed by ...
Japan‐Russia Pediatric Society

In March 1990, medical interchange between Japan and the Soviet Union began with a letter from the local health bureau of Khabarovsk. We visited Khabarovsk three times and Kamchatka once, and saw many hospitals and patients. Russian doctors of pediatrics visited Japan. Medical information was exchanged and discussed. The Japan-Russia Pediatric Society was established to perform interchange of medical information, technology and staff such as doctors, nurses and technicians between Japan and Russia, especially the Far East district of Russia. The Society meeting has been held three times: Tokyo (1991), Khabarovsk (1992) and Niigata (1993). It is necessary to continue the interchange between the two countries.
Purification and properties of an erythrocyte hemoprotein with a unique prosthetic group.

1. 1.|A unique hemoprotein has been isolated from a hemolysate of normal human erythrocytes by a procedure which involves (NH4)2SO4 precipitation and chromatography on Amberlite CG-50, DEAE-cellulose, Bio-Gel P-60, and Bio-Gel P-30. 2. 2.|The purified hemoprotein appeared homogeneous on ultracentrifugation although small amounts of impurities were detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight was estimated to be 21 000 by gel filtration. Absorption maxima were located at 416 mμ for the oxidized form, 430 mμ for the CN− complex of the oxidized form, 434 mμ for the reduced form, and 425 mμ for the CO derivative of the reduced form. The reduced pyridine hemochrome of the isolated prosthetic group has maxima at 434, 540, and 579 mμ, clearly indicating that the protein possesses a previously unrecognized heme.
Behavioral variables and myocardial infarction in the southeastern Connecticut heart study.

The potential etiologic role of sociological and psychological variables defined as stressful in the production of myocardial infarction (MI) was studied in 114 surviving hospitalized MI subjects, 114 subjects free of cardiovascular disease but hospitalized for a different serious illness, and 145 ‘normal’ subjects. All were white males aged 35–64 who were interviewed in their homes, the sick groups during convalescence. Hypotheses based on previous research relating to the following variables were not supported: situational stress, Syme's cultural mobility, religious affiliation, commitment to social norms, feminine psychosexual identification, anxiety, alienation and psychopathological tendencies. However, MI's scored higher than both the other sick and normal subjects on an original scale designed to measure Rosenman and Friedman's Behavior Pattern A and on a scale of somatization, i.e. the tendency to translate conflict and affect into bodily symptoms. The principal conclusion is that what counts in the production of MI may not be the amount of situational or intrapsychic stress a person is subjected to but the way he copes with it—is defensive style.
Cohesive zone modeling of interface fracture in elastic bi-materials

Some basic issues regarding the cohesive zone modeling of interface fracture between two dissimilar elastic materials are studied. The dependence of the cohesive energy density on the phase angle is first discussed under small scale cohesive zone conditions. It is then shown that in general the stress singularities in tension and shear cannot be simultaneously removed at the cohesive zone tip if a single cohesive zone length is adopted for both tensile and shear fracture modes. Finally, the energy dissipation at the tip of a prescribed cohesive zone is examined using a bilinear cohesive zone model under the uncoupled tension/shear conditions.
Reasonable hope: Kant as critical theorist

L'A. elabore une reponse kantienne aux objections postmodernes opposees a l'idee critique d'un progres ou d'une raison dans l'histoire. Le jugement kantien de l'histoire reaffirme la necessite existentielle d'un espoir envers l'avenir qui repose sur trois elements: 1)l'origine de l'histoire (la nature humaine), 2) la fin de l'histoire (projet de paix perpetuelle), 3) les moyens de proges (guerre, publicite, commerce)
Physicians practicing in methadone treatment programs: Who are they and what do they do?

Abstract Objective. This study examines the characteristics and roles of physicians practicing in methadone maintenance treatment programs (MTPs). Methods. Physicians and clinic directors at 172 MTPs in the United States completed surveys. MTPs were selected for study participation based on their locations (large urban, urban, or nonurban area) owner ship status (for profit and non—profit), and size (patient capacity of 1–100, 101–300, and 300+). Weighted data were analyzed with descriptive and multivariate methods. Results. Physicians were primarily white males aged 45 or older; 44% had 10 or more years of experience working in methadone treatment. Physicians reported spending 26% of their time completing administrative tasks. Most reported that they determine dosing levels on an individual patient basis. Average maintenance dose was 69 mg/day. Conclusions. Physicians' treatment practices play a major role in overall treatment, treatment retention, and outcomes. Physicians at for—profit and large urban M...
Measurement of spin-exchange rate constants between 129Xe and alkali metals

By measuring the relaxation rates of the nuclear spin polarization of Xe-129 in the presence of alkali-metal vapor at different densities, we have extracted the spin-exchange rates between Xe-129 and the three alkali metals K, Rb, and Cs. By studying the alkali-metal-Xe-129 spin-exchange rates as functions of the cell number density from 0.2 to 0.7 amagat, the binary collision and van der Waals molecular terms are separated, and constants governing both mechanisms are determined. The results from our work can be used to optimize the parameter space for polarizing Xe-129, a promising agent for magnetic resonance imaging and other applications.
Predicting author h-index using characteristics of the co-author network

The objective of this work was to test the relationship between characteristics of an author's network of coauthors to identify which enhance the h-index. We randomly selected a sample of 238 authors from the Web of Science, calculated their h-index as well as the h-index of all co-authors from their h-index articles, and calculated an adjacency matrix where the relation between co-authors is the number of articles they published together. Our model was highly predictive of the variability in the h-index (R 2 = 0.69). Most of the variance was explained by number of co-authors. Other significant variables were those associated with highly productive co-authors. Contrary to our hypothesis, network structure as measured by components was not predictive. This analysis suggests that the highest h-index will be achieved by working with many co-authors, at least some with high h-indexes themselves. Little improvement in h-index is to be gained by structuring a co-author network to maintain separate research communities.
Enhanced Heat Transfer/Pressure Drop Measured From a Flat Surface in a Grooved Channel

In the present work, the effect of passive flow destabilization on augmenting the heat transfer/pumping power performance of a rectangular channel is studied experimentally. The goal is to determine how shear layers that span transverse grooves on one wall trigger flow instabilities and effect heat transfer from the opposite surface. This technical note addresses the potential effectiveness of destabilization in gas flows. Pressure drop measurements are made to allow comparisons of different passage configurations on an equal pumping power basis, and measurements are made in the fully developed as well as developing thermal regimes.
The implementation of federally funded multijurisdictional drug task forces: organizational structure and interagency relationships

Abstract Recent years have witnessed significant growth in the number of federally funded multijurisdictional drug task forces. Indeed, over 800 such task forces are now operating in the United States. The task forces represent an explicit attempt to build interagency relationships among law enforcement organizations. As such, they provide an opportunity to study interorganizational relationships in criminal justice. This article is based on an evaluation of two drug task forces, and it examines the perceived extent of the implementation of the task forces and their success in establishing interagency relationships. The findings suggest that while the task forces may lead to improved communication and coordination among law enforcement agencies, the organizational structure of the task force is a key element in implementation. Specifically, task force structures that promote the participation of key actors and the perception of mutual benefit lead to more effective interagency relationships and more effective implementation.
The Use of Capacity Ratios in Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences

Objective. To describe the use of capacity ratios following the assignment of introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs) to a rising third-year pharmacy (P3) class. Methods. Practice experience availability for IPPEs was collected by means of preceptor response to requests. Following assignment of IPPEs to the rising P3 class, capacity ratios from the IPPEs available across the entire state and within each of 4 geographic zones were calculated. Capacity ratios for both community pharmacy and institutional pharmacy also were calculated. Results. The capacity ratio for IPPEs across the entire state was 2.11, which documents solvency. When the capacity ratios were calculated individually for community pharmacy and institutional pharmacy, solvency was also achieved. Likewise, IPPE capacity ratios were solvent in all 4 geographic zones. Conclusions. Capacity ratios are helpful in evaluating IPPE availability as they can be used to determine practice experience need in either type of practice experience or geographic zone.
Nanowire sensor array for wireless detection and identification of bio-hazards

This paper presents the design and development of passive wireless sensors for bio-hazard vapors in wireless sensing network, based on reflected-wave phase monitoring. Composite thin film with functionalized carbon nanotubes (f-CNT) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is employed as a sensing material on a coplanar waveguide. Resistance increase with absorption of dichloromethane gas into composite thin film is observed by resistance measurement. Phase measurement of reflected wave from resistive loads demonstrates high sensitivity using a network analyzer. Based on the radio frequency characteristics, wireless gas sensing network integrated with a circulator and two antennae is tested. Measurement results of sensors and reference loads using the wireless sensing network shows large differential phase shifts which is sufficient to monitor bio-hazards material in real-time with high sensitivity.
Generalised partitioned-charge-based bipolar transistor modelling methodology

A generalised formulation of the partitioned-charge-based (PCB) non-quasi-static (NQS) bipolar junction transistor (BJT) model is developed. The methodology, derived by taking moments of the hole (electron) continuity equation, allows the use of arbitrary weighting functions to partition the excess charge in the quasi-neutral base (QNB) to obtain an optimal NQS BJT model within the PCB equivalent network representation.
A class of shrinkage priors for the dependence structure in longitudinal data

We review a general class of priors for the dependence in longitudinal (temporal) data in settings where a parametric form is often assumed and place them in the context of the literature. The idea is to embed priors on the parameters of the structure within a richer, more flexible class of priors. These priors are shown to contain standard objective priors for structured and unstructured dependence models as special cases under certain conditions and parameterizations. Recommendations and specific details regarding their use are provided.
Metal Cation Micelle Mediated Hydrolysis of Phosphonic Acid Esters

p-Nitrophenyl methylphosphonate (PNPMP, 3) and p-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonate (PNPPP, 4) are rapidly hydrolyzed in acidic solutions (pH 3.5−6.0) at 37 °C by excess Zr4+, Ce4+, or Th4+ cations. Brij-35 micelles are employed in the Ce4+ and Th4+ cases. Second-order rate constants (M-1 s-1) with PNPMP are 115 (Zr4+), 53.9 (Ce4+), and 16.9 (Th4+), while for PNPPP they are, respectively, 76.8, 16.1, and 13.1. Relative to water (k2 = 3.6 × 10-11 M-1 s-1 at 30 °C, pH 7.6), kinetic advantages with Zr4+ or Ce4+ exceed 1012.
Polarized light examination and photography of the skin.

• Light reflected from skin has two components: regular reflectance, or "glare" arising from the surface, and light backscattered from within the tissue. The regular reflectance contains the visual cues related to surface texture, whereas the backscattered component contains the cues related to pigmentation, erythema, infiltrates, vessels, and other intracutaneous structures. Unlike the backscattered component, regular reflectance preserves the plane of polarization of polarized incident light. Thus, viewing skin through a linear polarizer, under linearly polarized illumination, separates the two components of tissue reflectance. Thirty patients were examined and photographed in this manner. When the planes of polarization are parallel, images with enhanced surface detail are obtained. When the planes are orthogonal, wrinkles and surface detail disappear, and an enhanced view of vasculature and pigmented lesions is obtained. Simple, clinically useful techniques are presented. ( Arch Dermatol. 1991;127:1000-1005)
Multiple Repeat Cesareans and the Threat of Placenta Accreta: Incidence, Diagnosis, Management

Placenta accreta is a significant source of obstetric morbidity and mortality. Its incidence is increasing as a direct consequence of the increasing cesarean section rate, which reflects increased rates of maternal obesity, increased numbers of multiple gestations secondary to assisted reproductive technology, physician concern about litigation for adverse obstetric outcome, and a decline in the use of operative vaginal delivery for both cephalic and breech presentations. Optimum management for most cases requires elective cesarean hysterectomy, ideally performed at about 34 weeks' gestation. A multidisciplinary approach produces the best outcomes.
Adjacent needle streamer synchronicity in argon-acetylene atmospheric pressure weakly ionized plasma

Summary form only given. Atmospheric pressure weakly ionized plasma (APWIP) is utilized at Washington State University to explore plasma-polymerized film deposition. Gas composition greatly affects the streamer properties. Here we present research into the correlation between needle streamers for an argon acetylene environment.
Iron accumulation in aging: modulation by dietary restriction

Male Fischer 344 rats fed ad libitum or dietary restricted (maintained on 60% of ad libitum food intake) were sacrificed at 6, 12 and 24 months of age. Portions of kidney, liver and brain were removed for total iron content analysis and oxidative stress assessment. Total iron content was measured directly and lipid peroxidation (LPO) was assayed as an index of oxidative stress. Tissue total iron content was shown to increase significantly with age in animals fed ad libitum (AL). At 24 months, these animals showed comparable iron content increases in the liver and kidney, but were significantly greater than measurements found in brain. This age-related iron accumulation, however, was found to be markedly suppressed by dietary restriction (DR) in all tissues. Similarly, LPO measurements increased in an age-related, tissue-specific fashion. At 24 months of age, measurements of LPO in AL rats brain and liver exceeded measurements in kidney. Again, we found DR to markedly suppress age-related LPO in all tissues. Reported here are our findings on the ability of DR to modulate iron status at the tissue level. Consistent with the proposed anti-oxidative mechanism of DR, these findings further suggest that the modulation of tissue total iron content is an important component of that mechanism.
A novel, practical synthesis of 18-norsteroids.

Eine einfache Synthese von 18-Nor-Pregnan-Derivaten durch die Decarboxylierung eines 12-Keto-18-Saure-Lactons (→-20) wird beschrieben.
Collision Warning System in Dynamic Cooperative Environment with Alamouti STBC Algorithm

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) accident notification time is often delayed in areas with sparse cellular coverage and non-periodic communication access points. It is possible to mitigate such coverage gaps using cooperative communication which, by its distributed nature, does not rely on fixed base stations in remote areas. In the event of a collision EMS notification can be relayed through surrounding cellular equipped vehicles. This paper proposes a cooperative environment using Amplify and Forward (AF) protocol to communicate with the nearest accessible base station to transmit a collision message or even video for the first responders. The intent of the paper is to analyze the performance of different modulation techniques in this dynamic surrounding using Alamouti Space-Time Block coding (STBC) scheme for achieving spatial diversity. Use of multiple relay antennas is used to improve the diversity. Data is encoded using a space-time block code, and then split into n streams which are simultaneously transmitted using n transmit antennas. The paper examines if the cooperative relaying technique outweighs the advantages of a fixed relay system due to the dynamic nature of the highway.
Stress-Strain Analysis of a Taper-Taper Adhesive-Bonded Joint Under Cylindrical Bending

A model of a taper-taper adhesive-bonded joint under cylindrical bending has been derived using first-order laminated plate theory. Shear correction factors were used to account for transverse shear deformation. A FORTRAN program was written to integrate the resulting system of twelve simultaneous, linear, first-order, differential equations with variable coefficients. The Linear Shooting Method was used to solve the model. A finite element model was developed using the COSMOS/M commercial finite element package to verify the analytical model for a cross-ply laminate. The analytical model results agreed well with the finite element models and predicted peak adhesive stresses within about 2% of the finite element model.
Identifying the organizational in NEBIC theory's choosing capability

The net-enabled business innovation cycle (NEBIC) was offered by Wheeler (2002) as a subjective understanding of how firms can gain competitive advantage through enabling and emerging technologies (ET). NEBIC consists of four capabilities that lead a firm from choosing ET, to matching ET with business opportunities, executing for growth, and assessing customer value. The first capability of NEBIC is the choosing capability. Using institutional theory and diffusion of innovation theory, the current study offers a theoretically-based conceptualization of the choosing construct. By utilizing a strong theoretical foundation, this conceptualization offers sample hypotheses and empirical indicators for future measurement and instrument development around this important construct.
Pathways and roadblocks in muscarinic receptor-mediated growth regulation

In some cell systems muscarinic receptor stimulation can induce proliferation or transformation. This phenomenon is subtype-specific (only m1 and m3 receptors are effective) and cell type dependent. In 1321N1 astrocytoma cells activation of m3 receptors stimulates phospholipase C, but does not induce DNA synthesis. In contrast the thrombin receptor, which also couples to phospholipase C, is strongly mitogenic and induces AP-1-dependent gene expression. Various experimental findings indicate that this discrepancy is not due to muscarinic receptor desensitization or blockade of growth stimulatory pathways. Muscarinic receptor number may be limiting, in particular for receptor coupling to the pertussis toxin-insensitive G-protein G12. This G-protein is required for thrombin-induced mitogenesis in 1321N1 cells and may couple selectively to the thrombin versus muscarinic receptor. In cardiomyocytes hypertrophic cell growth is induced by heterologously expressed m1 or m3 receptors but not by the endogenous m2 receptors. Studies using chimeric receptors confirm that induction of hypertrophy requires signalling through phospholipase C, but indicate that additional signals are needed to induce the morphological features of this response. We suggest that small G-proteins of the Rho subfamily, in addition to G12, mediate growth responses to G-protein-coupled receptors.
Circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 in cystic fibrosis.

To assess the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated growth failure/cachexia and lung disease we measured height, weight, triceps skin fold, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and plasma levels of TNF, interleukin-1-alpha (IL-1α), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), and alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) in 12 patients with CF, and in 12 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The patients as a group had significantly lower values for the anthropomorphic measurements and lung function parameters as compared to controls. They also had higher circulating levels of A1AT than controls. TNF, however, was detected less frequently in patients than in controls. Neither group had detectable levels of circulating IL-1α or IL-1β, which is consistent with the observation that CF patients infrequently present with fever. Potential explanations for these findings include compartmentalization of secreted TNF/IL-1, altered regulation of TNF/IL-1 secretion as a result of the chronic inflammatory state seen in CF, or increased degradation of TNF/IL-1, also a result of chronic inflammation. The role of these cytokines in the pathophysiology of CF remains unclear, but should be explored further; however it seems unlikely that circulating TNF plays a role in the growth failure/cachexia associated with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol 1991; 10:86–91.
Effect of chronic melatonin administration on the duration of hibernation in Spermophilus tridecemlineatus

Abstract 1. 1. The chronic administration of melatonin, via silicone rubber implants, fails to induce consistent alterations in the mean duration of hibernation in the 13-lined ground squirrel.
Only membrane-associated RSV src proteins have amino-terminally bound lipid

The product of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) transforming gene, src, is a phosphoprotein of molecular weight (Mr) 60,000 (pp60src)1 that interacts with cellular membranes via an 8,000 Mr amino-terminal hydrophobic domain2–6, possibly after post-translational modification5,7,8. Recently, it has been demonstrated that fatty acid is tightly associated with some membrane-bound proteins9–15, including pp60src (ref. 16). The fatty acid attachment site is located within the membrane-embedded region of the vesicular stomatitis and Sindbis virus glycoproteins11,13–15. To test for a similar modification of the ammo-terminal domain of pp60src, we measured the incorporation of 3H-palmitic acid into pp60src of cells that had been transformed by wild-type RSV or recovered avian sarcoma viruses (rASVs)6,17, some of which have variant forms of pp60src. We report here that membrane-associated pp60src proteins encoded by either wild-type RSV or rAS V14416,17 contain bound lipid. However, pp60src proteins with amino-terminal size variations encoded by two different rASV isolates, rASV 157 and rASV 170217, that behave as soluble, cytoplasmic proteins6, contain no detectable lipid. Furthermore, we observed that lipid association is temperature sensitive in cells infected with RSV mutant tsNY6818, whose pp60src membrane association is temperature sensitive19–21. These data support the role of lipid binding in the membrane association of pp60src and suggest that the amino-terminal 8,000 Mr of pp60src contains the lipid attachment site.
Differentiating Sexual Aggressives With Penile Measures

Evaluating how a client is doing in therapy is a problem faced by all therapists. This is an especially important issue when the client is a rapist or child molester, since not knowing that his control is poor or that he has failed to respond to treatment may jeopardize the safety of others. Therapists have traditionally relied on the client's self-report to evaluate how he is doing. This traditional method of assessment in some cases is quite efficient and provides the therapist with extensive details that assist in outlining further treatment plans for the offender. In working with sexual deviates, however, it is quite apparent that in many cases this self-report is totally unreliable. As a consequence, the therapist must rely on other methods to assess his client's progress. For a number of years, penile transducer measures have been used to assess the sexual arousal of various sexual deviates. This is accomplished by the use of a small penile transducer which encircles the penis and records erection responses during the presentation of various sexual stimuli. In recent years, this method has been applied to the assessment of child molesters and sexual aggressives. Abel, Blanchard, Becker, and Djenderedjian summarize their recent work on the use of penile transducers with child molesters and rapists. The correlation of such measures with the sexual aggressive's history of sexual aggressive behavior, the frequency of that behavior, the likelihood of excessive force being used during the commission of a sexual assault, the likelihood of the client being a sadomasochist, and age of the aggressive's preferred victim is discussed. Preliminary data indicate that these physiologic measures have tremendous potential for assisting the therapist in assessing not only the treatment needs of the sexual aggressive, but also his response (or failure to respond) to treatment. Language: en
Identification and analysis of distinct features in imaging thin-film solar cells

Electroluminescence and photoluminescence (EL and PL) are two imaging techniques employed at NREL that are used to qualitatively evaluate solar cells. In this work, imaging lab-scale CdTe and CIGS devices provides information about small-area PV response, which will aid in determining the effects of non-uniformities on cell performance. EL, PL, and dark lock-in thermography signatures are first catalogued. Their responses to varying conditions are then studied. Further analysis includes acquiring spectral data, making microscopy measurements, and correlating luminescence to device performance. The goal of this work is to quantitatively determine non-uniformity effects on cell performance using rapid imaging techniques.
Impact of sequence choice on flow measurement by phase contrast in the ascending aorta: breath hold and non breath hold

Application of PCVM to the assessment of aortic flow is useful as part of a routine cardiac MRI functional assessment. PCVM can be performed as either a breath hold (BH) or non breath hold (NBH) acquisition. Some authors have suggested that NBH represents the preferred approach to phase contrast flow assessment. The impact of CMR sequence choice on PCVM of aortic flow in a clinical setting is not known.
Robust stabilization of tone reproduction curves for the xerographic process

The stabilization of a single color tone reproduction curve (TRC) is critical for high fidelity color printing. A TRC controller uses a small number of actuators and a small number of measurements to stabilize the potentially high dimensional TRC. The overall least squares deviation of the TRC from the ideal nominal TRC is minimized in the face of the many disturbances and uncertainty in the system description. The control design consists of the steps of: 1) determining a robust optimally performing static controller, and 2) realizing a causal controller. Simulations and experiments showed that the proposed controllers perform superiorly, in terms of robustness, disturbance and noise rejection, compared to integral controllers.
THE PROCESS OF ORGANIZING PERSONAL INFORMATION

This paper presents preliminary results from an ongoing research study, which explores the process of organizing personal information from a cognitive sociological perspective. Participants were asked to keep a diary for a week whenever they save or organize information in digital forms, and two post diary semi-structured interviews were conducted to ask how and why they organized information files. The initial analysis of the results showed that there are five stages in the process of personal information organization. The findings from this study will deepen our understanding about information organizing behavior and contributes to the development and design of various personal information strategies, devices, and interfaces that support individuals’ organizing their information.
Not up for debate: U.S. news coverage of hunger in Africa

This article explores how the U.S. news media construct the topic of hunger in Africa for U.S. audiences. Specifically, the article addresses how newspapers define and delimit the relationship between U.S. citizens and foreign sufferers. Through a framing analysis and critical discourse analysis of randomly sampled newspaper stories, the author finds that while news articles covering hunger in the United States usually frame the problem as pertinent to the public sphere, the victim as worthy of political action, and the reader as political agent, articles covering hunger in Africa frame the issue as irrelevant to the public sphere, the victim as removed from political action, and the reader as politically impotent. Interviews with journalists are used to understand why discrepancies occur.
Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis with diffuse spread leading to cerebral ischemia.

AbstractIntroduction: Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare disease with many etiologies and a diffuse array of initial presentation leading to high mortality.Case: A 25-year-old male with a history of a nasal furuncle presents with an acute onset of fixed and dilated pupils, bilateral exophthalmos, hemorrhagic chemosis, elevated intraocular pressures, restricted extraocular motility, and unresponsiveness. A retinal septic emboli in the left eye is present on dilated fundoscopic exam while an exudative retinal detachment is present in the right eye. MRI/MRV revealed extensive thrombosis of cavernous sinuses, distal sigmoid dural sinuses, and proximal internal jugular veins with associated cerebral edema and multifocal areas of venous infarction. Blood cultures grew Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the patient suffered multi-system organ failure. Despite treatment with full dose systemic anticoagulation and broad spectrum antibiotics the patient suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest ...
Unified model for analysis of light amplification in rare-earth doped fibers

This paper discusses a unified method for modeling and simulating signal light amplification in rare-earth doped optical fiber amplifiers. The model accounts for gain saturation, spontaneous emission, dispersion, and nonlinear effects along the length of the distributed gain medium. Simulations based on the unified model are shown to compare favorably with experimental results. The new model can be used to provide guidance in the design and construction of a variety of fiber-based optical amplifiers. Furthermore, it is suitable for analyzing the performance of high-power amplifiers in a wide range of operating conditions.
Glucocorticoid regulation of human pulmonary surfactant protein-B (SP-B) mRNA stability is independent of activated glucocorticoid receptor

Adequate expression of surfactant protein-B (SP-B) is critical in the function of pulmonary surfactant to reduce alveolar surface tension. Expression of SP-B mRNA is restricted to specific lung-airway epithelial cells, and human SP-B mRNA stability is increased in the presence of the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX). Although the mechanism of SP-B mRNA stabilization by DEX is unknown, studies suggest involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We developed a dual-cistronic plasmid-based expression assay in which steady-state levels of SP-B mRNA, determined by Northern analysis, reproducibly reflect changes in SP-B mRNA stability. Using this assay, we found that steady-state levels of SP-B mRNA increased greater than twofold in transfected human-airway epithelial cells (A549) incubated with DEX (10−7 M). DEX-mediated changes in SP-B mRNA levels required the presence of the SP-B mRNA 3′-untranslated region but did not require ongoing protein synthesis. The effect of DEX on SP-B mRNA levels was dose dependent, with maximal effect at 10−7 M. DEX increased levels of SP-B mRNA in cells lacking GR, and the presence of the GR antagonist RU486 did not interfere with the effect of DEX. Surprisingly, other steroid hormones (progesterone, estradiol, and vitamin D; 10−7 M) significantly increased SP-B mRNA levels, suggesting a common pathway of steroid hormone action on SP-B mRNA stability. These results indicate that the effect of DEX to increase SP-B mRNA stability is independent of activated GR and suggests that the mechanism is mediated by posttranscriptional or nongenomic effects of glucocorticoids.
Microsatellite Instability in Hematologic Malignancies

Malignant transformation in humans occurs via different mechanisms including the activation of oncogenes and/or loss of tumor suppressor genes. Recently, DNA mismatch repair defects manifest as genome wide microsatellite instability have been described as an additional mechanism of tumorgenesis in humans. Tumors exhibiting widespread microsatellite instability as first described in studies of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) are referred to as having a mutator or replication error (RER+) phenotype. Until recently, the occurrence of microsatellite instability has been primarily characterized in solid neoplasms. Several reports have now identified this mutator phenotype in a number of leukemias and lymphomas as well. This loss of DNA replication repair function may lead to increased mutations in genes critical to normal cell growth regulation and ultimately tumor initiation and/or progression.
Interleukin 10 acts on regulatory T cells to maintain expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 and suppressive function in mice with colitis

Regulatory T cells (T(reg) cells) that express the transcription factor Foxp3 suppress the activity of other cells. Here we show that interleukin 10 (IL-10) produced by CD11b(+) myeloid cells in recombination-activating gene 1-deficient (Rag1(-/-)) recipient mice was needed to prevent the colitis induced by transferred CD4(+)CD45RB(hi) T cells. In Il10(-/-)Rag1(-/-) mice, T(reg) cells failed to maintain Foxp3 expression and regulatory activity. The loss of Foxp3 expression occurred only in recipients with colitis, which indicates that the requirement for IL-10 is manifested in the presence of inflammation. IL-10 receptor-deficient (Il10rb(-/-)) T(reg) cells also failed to maintain Foxp3 expression, which suggested that host IL-10 acted directly on the T(reg) cells. Our data indicate that IL-10 released from myeloid cells acts in a paracrine manner on T(reg) cells to maintain Foxp3 expression.
Is The Einstein Radiation Factor h a Constant

K-Series of characteristic X-rays; theory assuming orbital motion of the radiating electron.---By combining the equation for orbital motion of an electron about a central positive charge and the Einstein photoelectric equation with the following equation for the nuclear charge, $q=2e(N\ensuremath{-}3.6)$, the author gets an equation of the form of Moseley's equation, which gives values of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ for the elements from bromine (35) to cerium (58) which agree closely with the observed wave-lengths of the K-radiation. In this calculation, however, $\frac{{h}^{3}}{m}$ is assumed constant. Now since the mass of the electron $m$ varies with the speed, if $h$ is constant the ratio $\frac{{h}^{3}}{m}$ is not constant and the measured wave-lengths can no longer be computed from the above equation. Deduction. The author presents this as evidence that the quantum constant $h$ varies with the frequency.Relation between the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays of RaB; theory.---Assuming the speed of the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rays is their orbital speed before emission and that the Einstein photoelectric equation gives the relation between the energy of a $\ensuremath{\beta}$-ray and the frequency of the corresponding $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-radiation, the author computes the wave-lengths of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays corresponding to the various $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rays of RaB. The values differ according to whether $h$ or $\frac{h}{m}$ is assumed to be constant. The agreement between calculated and observed wave-lengths is not striking in either case, but is better if $\frac{h}{m}$ is constant. Deduction. This suggests that the quantum constant h varies with the frequency. The author does not discuss the discrepancy between the conclusions derived respectively from X-ray and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray data, though it is obvious that $\frac{{h}^{3}}{m}$ and $\frac{h}{m}$ cannot both be constant.
Arterial smooth muscle Determinants of mechanical performance

The mechanical performance of arterial smooth muscle can be represented in terms of two measures: force development at constant muscle length and shortening at constant transmural pressure. In general, changes in the contractility of arterial smooth muscle are manifest as parallel changes in both measures of performance. In some instances, however, an apparent uncoupling exists in these two measures. This indicates that they are influenced by two different sets of factors. The mechanical properties of passive wall elements functionally connected in series with the contractile apparatus (series elasticity) is one factor influencing the relation between force development and shortening. The relative wall thickness of arteries also can influence these factors by controlling the effectiveness of outer medial layer in changing lumen dimensions. Collagen also is involved in this process in some manner as treatment of arteries with purified collagenase results in a progressive, linear reduction in active force development. Correlation of mechanical performance with contractile protein content of arteries has identified two important regulatory factors. Force development by arteries from different anatomical sites can be related to the myosin content of the sites. Changes in force development at a given site can be related to a change in the ratio of actin-to-myosin content at that site (as occurs in hypertension). Thus, the potential exists for numerous factors to contribute to the determination of mechanical performance of arterial smooth muscle.