cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The ultrastructure of osteosarcoma. A review of twenty cases.

The ultrastructural features of 20 cases of osteosarcoma are discussed. Characteristically, the malignant cells (osteoblasts) contained large quantities of dilated, anastomosing rough endoplasmic reticulum, often forming large lakes. Mitochondria were sparse. Similar features are seen in osteoblasts in normal developing bone. Marked ultrastructural similarities of cells from chondrosar-comatous, fibrosarcomatous and typical osteosarcomatous areas of these tumors strongly supports the concept that these neoplastic cells all arise from the same progenitor cell. Malignant giant cells were readily differentiated from benign osteoclasts. The most significant ultrastructural findings were the varying degrees of calcification in the intercellular areas (osteoid), ranging from an extensive dense deposition of hydroxyapatite crystals which obscured the underlying collagen fibers, to focal collections, or puffs, of slender needle-shaped hydroxyapatite crystals deposited on or along collagen fibers. The earliest apparent evidence of calcification was the presence of small electron-dense particles on or in collagen fibers.
Scaffold topologies. 2. Analysis of chemical databases.

We have systematically enumerated graph representations of scaffold topologies for up to eight-ring molecules and four-valence atoms, thus providing coverage of the lower portion of the chemical space of small molecules (Pollock et al. J. Chem. Inf. Model., this issue). Here, we examine scaffold topology distributions for several databases: ChemNavigator and PubChem for commercially available chemicals, the Dictionary of Natural Products, a set of 2742 launched drugs, WOMBAT, a database of medicinal chemistry compounds, and two subsets of PubChem, “actives” and DSSTox comprising toxic substances. We also examined a virtual database of exhaustively enumerated small organic molecules, GDB (Fink et al. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 1504−1508), and we contrast the scaffold topology distribution from these collections to the complete coverage of up to eight-ring molecules. For reasons related, perhaps, to synthetic accessibility and complexity, scaffolds exhibiting six rings or more are poorly represented. ...
Test of Impacts of Gender Equality and Economic Development on Sexual Violence

Austin and Kim (International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology 44, 204–221, 2000) tested the relationship between gender equality and rape victimization by employing an international data set. The current study advances Austin and Kim’s (International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology 44, 204–221, 2000) work by employing more variables, such as absolute measures of female socioeconomic status and Muslim and Latin American regional indicators. Additionally, the current work utilizes a larger and updated international data set from The United Nations’ Surveys on Crime Trends and the Operations of Criminal Justice Systems. The results of multiple regression analyses partially support backlash hypotheses, but not the amelioration hypothesis. An interesting finding of this work is that developed countries display a higher level of sexual violence than their developing counterparts, which is inconsistent with the perspective of the civilizing process on violence. Additionally, Muslim countries register lower sexual violence than non-Muslim ones, while Latin American countries exhibit higher sexual violence than non-Latin American ones.
Progressive Heart Failure Secondary to a High Output State

A high cardiac output state has been an infrequent but previously reversible cause of heart failure in patients with hemodialysis fistulas. A patient with two proximal upper extremity fistulas was found to have progressive depression in his left ventricular function and a high output state. His symptoms did not respond to the removal of the most prominent fistula, suggesting that chronic volume overload from the high output state may irreversibly depress left ventricular function.
Degradation pathways of lamotrigine under advanced treatment by direct UV photolysis, hydroxyl radicals, and ozone

Abstract Lamotrigine is recently recognized as a persistent pharmaceutical in the water environment and wastewater effluents. Its degradation was studied under UV and ozone advanced oxidation treatments with reaction kinetics of lamotrigine with ozone (≈4 M−1 s−1), hydroxyl radical [(2.1 ± 0.3) × 109 M−1 s−1] and by UV photolysis with low and medium pressure mercury vapor lamps [quantum yields ≈0 and (2.7 ± 0.4) × 10−4 respectively] determined. All constants were measured at pH 6 and at temperature ≈20 °C. The results indicate that lamotrigine is slow to respond to direct photolysis or oxidation by ozone and no attenuation of the contaminant is expected in UV or ozone disinfection applications. The compound reacts rapidly with hydroxyl radicals indicating that advanced oxidation processes would be effective for its treatment. Degradation products were identified under each treatment process using accurate mass time-of-flight spectrometry and pathways of decay were proposed. The main transformation pathways in each process were: dechlorination of the benzene ring during direct photolysis; hydroxyl group addition to the benzene ring during the reaction with hydroxyl radicals; and triazine ring opening after reaction with ozone. Different products that form in each process may be to a varying degree less environmentally stable than the parent lamotrigine. In addition, a novel method of ozone quenching without addition of salts is presented. The new quenching method would allow subsequent mass spectrometry analysis without a solid phase extraction clean-up step. The method involves raising the pH of the sample to approximately 10 for a few seconds and lowering it back and is therefore limited to applications for which temporary pH change is not expected to affect the outcome of the analysis.
Functional Characterization of the Microbial Community in Geothermally Heated Marine Sediments

The microbial population of geothermally heated sediments in a shallow bay of Vulcano Island (Italy) was characterized with respect to metabolic activities and the putatively catalyzing hyperthermophiles. Site-specific anoxic culturing media, most of which were amended with combinations of electron donors (glucose or carboxylic acids) and acceptors (sulfate), were used for selective enrichment of metabolically defined subpopulations. The mostly archaeal chemoautotrophs produced formate at rates of 3.25 and 0.46 fmol cell−1 day−1 with and without sulfate, respectively. The glucose fermenting heterotrophs produced acetate (18 fmol cell−1 day−1) and lactate (2.6 fmol cell−1 day−1) and were identified as predominantly Thermus sp. and coccoid archaea. These archaeal cells also metabolized lactate (5.6 fmol cell−1 day−1), but neither formate nor acetate. The heterotrophic culture enriched on formate/acetate/propionate/sulfate utilized mainly formate (27 fmol cell−1 day−1) and lactate (89–195 fmol cell−1 day−1), and consumed sulfate (38–68 fmol cell−1 day−1). These formate or lactate consuming sulfate reducers were dominated by Archaeoglobales (7% in situ) and unidentified Archaea. The in situ benthic community comprised 15% Crenarchaeota, a significant group only in the autotrophic cultures, and 3% Thermus sp., the putatively predominant group involved in fermentative metabolism. The role of Thermoccales (4% in situ) remained undisclosed in our experiments. This first comprehensive data set established plausible links between several groups of hyperthermophiles in shallow marine hydrothermal systems, their metabolic function within the benthic microbial community, and biogeochemical turnover rates.
A strong law of large numbers for harmonizable isotropic random fields

The class of harmonizable fields is a natural extension of the class of stationary fields. This paper considers a strong law of large numbers for the spherical average of a harmonizable isotropic random field.
Response and Stability Analysis of Periodic Delayed Systems With Discontinuous Distributed Delay

In this paper, the analysis of delay differential equations with periodic coefficients and discontinuous distributed delay is carried out through discretization by the Chebyshev spectral continuous time approximation (ChSCTA). These features are introduced in the delayed Mathieu equation with discontinuous distributed delay which is used as an illustrative example. The efficiency of stability analysis is improved by using shifted Chebyshev polynomials for computing the monodromy matrix, as well as the adaptive meshing of the parameter plane. An idea for a method for numerical integration of periodic DDEs with discontinuous distributed delay based on existing MATLAB functions is proposed. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4005925]
Deep-sea sediments and their geological record

Summary The more common types of deep-sea sediments are pelagic clays and calcareous or siliceous lutites rich in the remains of planktonic Protozoa and Protophyta. Accumulation of the various biogenous and mineral elements may take place by settling from the water column above; by transport along the bottom by submarine solifluction, slumping and turbidity currents; by transport and redeposition by gentle bottom currents; and by chemical and biochemical precipitation on the ocean floor. The regional oceanographic setting, rate of supply, bottom morphology, and post-depositional solution control the mode and rate of accumulation. Occasionally, these conditions combine to provide continuous and undisturbed sediment sections. Such sections are invaluable for the study of many geological, geochemical and biological parameters and their variations through time. Using 14 C, 231 Pa/ 230 Th, and 230 Th/ 232 Th dating methods, a time scale extending from the present to about 150,000 years ago has been established; and using the 18 O/ 16 O isotopic method of temperature analysis, the temperature variations during the past 400,000 years have been reconstructed. The surface temperature in the tropical seas appears to have oscillated between 21–22°C (glacial minima) and 26–27°C (interglacial maxima) with a periodicity of about 40,000 years. Rigorous application of classical methods of temperature analysis, based on the relative abundances of different species of pelagic Foraminifera and the ratio of warm to temperate or cold-water species, give results internally consistent and in general agreement with the isotopic method. No correlation between the accepted Plio-Pleistocene boundary, based on the classic Italian sections, and the deep-sea sediments has yet been made. It is most likely that none or few of the continuous and undisturbed deep-sea cores of Globigerina -ooze facies so far collected include sediments as old as those deposited at the Plio-Pleistocene boundary in Italy. It has been suggested by some that the Plio-Pleistocene boundary should be re-defined on the basis of events recognizable in deep-sea sediments, especially extinctions of pelagic organisms. Some of the extinctions observed happen to coincide with the last reversal of the earth's magnetic field, which has been dated at about 700,000 years ago by the 40 K/ 40 Ar method.
Long term consequences of the female athlete triad

a b s t r a c t In the past 40 years, female sports participation, particularly at the high school level, has significantly increased. Physical activity in females has numerous positive benefits, including improved body image and overall health. Unfortunately, a select population of exercising females may experience symptoms related to the female athlete triad, which refers to the interrelatedness of energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. Clinically, these conditions can manifest as disordered eating behaviors, menstrual irregularity, and stress fractures. Triad symptoms are distributed along a spectrum between optimal health and disease; all of the components of the triad may not be affected simultaneously. The female athlete triad was first identified in 1992. Since that time, a vast amount of research related to the identification, management and prevention of this condition has been published. More recently, research related to the long term effects of triad components has come into light. Women who were diagnosed with female athlete triad syndrome as adolescents and young adults in the 1990s are now in their 30s and 40s; negative long term effects of the female athlete triad, such as low bone mineral density, are now starting to manifest. Women of all ages should be assessed for triad components during routine annual physical examinations; appropriate measures to treat any current triad components should be implemented. In addition, women in their 30s, 40s and early 50s should be screened for a history of the female athlete triad.
Decision making performance of interacting groups: an experimental investigation of the effects of task type and communication mode

Research on the effectiveness of computer-mediated communication (CMC) has begun to explore the interaction between task type and communication mode. This study investigates the interaction between communication process goals and communication modes using teams with a shared history performing two tasks: idea-generation, requiring the conveyance of information, and problem-solving, requiring convergence on the best solution. Results reveal a significant interaction between communication mode and communication process goals. When the goal of the communication process was conveyance of information, CMC teams and face-to-face teams performed equally well. However, when the communication process goal involved convergence, face-to-face communication resulted in better performance than CMC.
Regulatory aspects of the glutamylation of methotrexate in cultured hepatoma cells.

Abstract The glutamylation of methotrexate has been evaluated in H35 hepatoma cells in vitro as a function of the conditions of culture. Glutamylation yields methotrexate polyglutamate with two to five additional glutamate residues and is a saturable process. The rate of glutamylation increases little above 10 μ m extracellular methotrexate which corresponds to an intracellular concentration of approximately 4 μ m . The rate of glutamylation measured over a 6-h period was stimulated by a reduction in cellular folates and prior incubation of the cells with insulin. Glutamylation was also more rapid in dividing cultures than in confluent cells. The combination of insulin inclusion and folate reduction, which was additive, caused approximately a fourfold increase in the rate of glutamylation over control cells under the conditions tested. The maximal rate of methotrexate glutamylation, which was 100 nmol/g/h, occurred in folate-depleted, insulin-supplemented cells. Supplementing folate-depleted cells with reduced folate coenzymes caused the glutamylation to be reduced by more than 90%. The turnover of methotrexate polyglutamates in cells saturated with these derivatives occurred at approximately one-half the rate of net synthesis and was stimulated to nearly the same extent by folate depletion and insulin. In addition to showing that folates can modify the rates of methotrexate polyglutamate formation, data are presented suggesting that methotrexate polyglutamates can regulate their own synthesis. The consequences of the formation of these retained forms of methotrexate in H35 hepatoma cells ( M. Balinska, J. Galivan, and J. K. Coward (1981) Cancer Res. 41 , 2751–2756 ) and the effects of potential regulators of this process are discussed in terms of the glutamylation of folates in the cells and the chemotherapeutic effects of antifolates.
The soft X-ray background as a supernova blast wave viewed from inside: Solar abundance models

A model of the soft X-ray background is presented in which the Sun is assumed to be inside an active supernova blast wave. The blast wave evolves in a preexisting cavity. The broad band surface brightnesses is explained by such a blast wave with an explosion energy of E sub approx. 5 x 10 to the 50th power ergs and radius 80 to 100 pc, using solar abundances. An approach to treating the problem of large anisotropies in the ambient medium is also explored, accommodating the observed anticorrelation between the soft X-ray surface brightness and the 21 cm column density. It is found that only for post shock temperatures below 10 6 K a shock propagating into a density enhancement will be dimmer than a similar shock in a lower density region.
Atom Movement and Binding on Surface Clusters: Pt on Pt(111) Clusters

Binding and diffusion of single platinum atoms adsorbed on platinum clusters on Pt(111) have been explored using helium-cooled field ion microscopy. Pt atoms deposited on Pt(111) clusters at $T\ensuremath{\sim}20$ K are found at both fcc and hcp sites. At hcp sites, atoms are more weakly bound; after annealing at temperatures as low as 45 K, they occupy fcc sites exclusively. The cluster surface itself is not uniform, however. An empty zone separates the central region from the cluster edges: Atoms in the center have to overcome an energy barrier just to cross this empty zone and reach the cluster edges.
Comparison of two methods to transmit clinical history information from referring providers to radiologists.

Purpose At many institutions, clerical personnel manually enter clinical histories into radiology information systems during the process of scheduling examinations. For outpatients, radiologists use this information as their primary source of clinical histories. The purpose of this study was to determine the discrepancy rate between these manually recorded clinical histories and paper request slips, thereby assessing the accuracy of the clinical information used by radiologists at the time of interpretation. Materials and Methods A total of 129 imaging request slips for CT scans were randomly selected from 7 days in February and March 2007. The clinical history on each request slip was compared with the clinical history manually entered into the radiology information system. Discrepancies between paper request slips and the electronic information available to radiologists were placed into 4 categories: 1) no discrepancy, 2) electronic or paper history incomplete, 3) disagreement between electronic and paper information, and 4) other. Incomplete or discrepant histories were further subcategorized on the basis of whether they were clinically significant. Results Thirty-eight percent of studies (49 of 129) had no discrepancies between the paper request slips and the manually entered electronic information. The remaining 62% of studies (80 of 129) had incomplete or discrepant clinical histories. Forty-nine percent of studies (63 of 129) had incomplete electronic or paper information. Greater than half of those incomplete histories (36 of 63) were clinically significant. Ten percent of cases (13 of 129) showed frank disagreements between paper and electronic information. Sixty-nine percent of these (9 of 13) were clinically significant. Three percent of studies (4 of 129) showed other discrepancies whose clinical significance could not be categorized. Conclusion The manual entry of clinical information introduces a high rate of discrepancies, most of which are clinically significant. These discrepancies highlight the need for better communication between referring providers and radiologists.
Conversion of ABO Blood Groups

Progress is being made toward producing erythrocytes similar to native group O cells from A and B donors. Blood group A and B antigens are known to be carbohydrate in nature. The antigenicity is conferred by different terminal sugars. Removal of these sugars by specific exoglycosidases produces the H antigenic structure that is the determinant found on group O cells. Conditions have been developed that allow for the removal of these antigens while maintaining the metabolic and membrane viability of the red cell. Following successful autologous transfusions with gibbons, appropriately treated human group B erythrocytes are now being used in preclinical studies with normal healthy human volunteers. Results indicate that such treated cells have normal in vivo life spans in both group A and O recipients. However, the latter exhibit a transitory increase in anti-B antibody titer, the significance of which is not yet known. Similar exoglycosidic treatment of group A erythrocytes does not remove all serologically detectable A antigens. This is probably due to the presence of a second internal A antigenic site adjacent to the usual terminal A antigen on some structures. Several approaches are being used to address this problem, including projected treatment with a combination of pertinent exoglycosidases and a search for an endoglycosidase that will cleave the polysaccharide chain at a site upstream from both A antigens.
Time-resolved anisotropic two-photon spectroscopy

Abstract Two-photon excitation (TPE) in a randomly oriented liquid sample generates an anisotropic distribution of excitations that can be probed by a secondary spectroscopic transition, e.g. fluorescence or transient absorption. The orientation dependence of the secondary transition dipole (and therefore of the fluorescence or transient-absorption signal) can be exploited to generate information on molecular symmetry and orientation that is not available in two-photon absorption alone. A theoretical formalism is developed here for the orientationally averaged two-photon absorptivity taking into account the orientation of the secondary transition dipole. Spherical tensor formalism is employed to distinguish isotropic and anisotropic components of the two-photon absorptivity, and several two-photon anisotropy parameters are defined. The theory describes time-resolved detection of TPE by transient-absorption or fluorescence decay measurements. Time-resolved measurements with time-resolution that is fast relative to the rotational correlation times are shown to provide new information, including the two-photon anisotropies. Applications to TPE fluorescence anisotropy measurements and TPE induced anisotropic transient absorption are described, and illustrated by experimental measurements on bacteriorhodopsin.
Design of 60 GHz contactless probe system for RDL in passive silicon interposer

A probe design for detecting discontinuities of a redistribution layer (RDL) on TSV silicon interposer is presented in this paper. The probe is a 60 GHz contactless system based on a quarter-wavelength directional coupler, using the capacitive coupling effects between two signal traces. The probes consists of one ground plane and one signal trace embedded in BCB, low dielectric constant insulator. The length, width, and thickness of the contactless probe are 749.3 um, 100.584 um, and 10.414 um, respectively. A time-domain reflectometery (TDR) pulse with 10 ps rise time makes it possible to obtain high resolution. A variation of the probe's TDR signal through two capacitance coupling effects indicates the location of the open or short circuit fault where RDL has. Reaching a peak and dip of the probe's TDR signal represents the open and short circuit sites, respectively.
Chaotic moving striations in inert gas plasmas

Abstract Three distinct data acquisition systems (photo-diode, hybrid video camera/rotating mirror, and high-speed video camera) are utilized to study the behavior of a contemporary geissler plasma discharge tube. The geometry of the tube is responsible for the large changes that occur in the plasma current density over a short distance. The three techniques utilized reveal details of the plasma behavior in a complementary manner. The value of the fractal capacity dimension of the attractor depends on the voltage applied across the tube.
Intelligent Techniques for Planning Distributed Generation Systems

Including distributed generation (DG) in distribution systems often requires in-depth analysis and planning. This panel paper will present a few issues related to the planning of distributed generation, and will describe how intelligent systems methods can be used to help solve these issues. Investment and operating cost minimization, capacity determination and siting of distributed generators, islanding of power systems with DG, coordination of voltage regulators and capacitors with distributed generators in regulating feeder voltage profiles are a few subjects discussed in the paper.
Transient Left Ventricular Aneurysm in a Patient with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis

Left ventricular wall motion abnormalities, aneurysm formation, and progression to global hypokinesis have been described in patients with myocarditis and in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We document a case of reversible aneurysm formation, cardiogenic shock, and complete recovery in a patient with myocarditis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of myocardial injury and recovery are discussed.
CATALYTIC PRODUCTION OF GRAPHITIC NANORODS VIA THE GAS PHASE DECOMPOSITION OF ETHYLENE OVER SUPPORTED NICKEL

The catalytic growth of high aspect ratio carbon nanorods by ethylene decomposition over nickel/silica is presented as a viable low-cost selective route to a high-value product. This study focuses on the role of catalyst preparation in determining carbon yield and structural characteristics and considers the application of a 10% w/w Ni loading prepared by impregnation and precipitation/deposition. The latter is characterized by a narrower dispersion of smaller Ni particles (average diameter = 2.4 nm) but lower carbon yields. Doping this catalyst with KBr resulted in a 40-fold increase in carbon production with >95% having rod diameters <10 nm; doping the impregnated catalyst had little effect on catalyst performance. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and temperature programmed oxidation were employed to characterize the catalysts and the carbon product; the effect of temperature (673–873 K) on carbon yield is also reported.
A pulsed-gradient multiple-spin-echo NMR technique for measuring diffusion in the presence of background magnetic field gradients☆

Abstract A pulsed-gradient multiple rf pulse spin-echo NMR technique for measuring diffusion in the presence of nonuniform background magnetic field gradients is discussed. The amplitude of one echo in the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) echo train is measured as the spacing, Δ, is varied between two fixed-amplitude field-gradient pulses inserted into the echo train. It is shown by calculation and experiment that the dependence of this echo amplitude upon Δ and upon the diffusion coefficient is independent of background gradients or their distribution in the sample. This technique is applicable to diffusion measurements of atomic species in systems in which there exists a random variation of the magnetization, causing a distribution of magnetic field gradients which makes diffusion measurements by other pulsed-gradient spin-echo techniques impractical. The technique is illustrated by measurement of diffusion coefficients (∼ 10−5 cm2/sec) for hydrogen in powdered NbH0.55 in which random gradients ∼20 G/cm exist.
On the determination of monolayer coverage by Auger electron spectroscopy. Application to carbon on platinum

Abstract A simple technique to utilize the Auger spectrum to determine the coverages and growth mechanisms of deposits is described. This method consists of plotting the Auger peak-to-peak signal intensity from the substrate against the similar signal from the adsorbate. This technique enables one to study the growth of deposits of any adsorbate-substrate system. We apply this method to the calibration of coverage of carbon deposits on platinum.
Effects of inorganic and organic additives on the adsorption of nonionic polyacrylamide on hematite

Abstract The effects of inorganic anions such as chloride, sulfate, and phosphate on the adsorption of nonionic polyacrylamide on hematite are studied. Adsorption of the polymer is reduced in all cases, with complete depression by phosphate. The relative effectiveness of these anions in reducing polymer adsorption increases in the order chloride
Equality in Cyberdemocracy? Gauging Gender Gaps in On‐Line Civic Participation*

Objectives. This study examines gender gaps in civic participation by describing gaps in on-line participation and by explaining whether socialization, situation, or structure best account for gaps. Methods. Cross-tabulations and OLS regression were used to analyze 2000 GSS data, which show that men are more likely to have used a computer or the web and to use the web or chat rooms more. Results. Few gender differences exist in on-line civic participation. Men more frequently use government information websites and discuss political views, the economy, foreign affairs, and taxes on the web. Women tend to visit websites to better understand issue complexities and to discuss or learn about gender or women's issues. Marital or work situations do not influence discussion, but the structural variable of education specifies some on-line civic participation. Conclusion. Social status is better than gender at explaining civic participation in general, political information source gathering, and versatility of political interests pursued on-line.
Testing for Change in the Frequency of El Niño Events

Abstract This note describes and applies a test for trend in the frequency of El Nino events over the period 1525–1987. Although there appears to have been a significant increase in frequency over this period, this result is consistent with an overall increase in the completeness of the historical record. When the analysis is repeated for the later part of the period and for strong events alone, no significant trends are found.
Effect of Gender on Peripheral Blood Phagocytic Cell Function of Newborn Infants 1489

It is now well recognized that the newborn infant has an increased susceptibility to serious bacterial infections and that these infections occur to a greater degree in male infants (Washburn, T.C. et al Pediatr.35: 57, 1965). The purpose of the present studies was to compare the functions of peripheral blood PMNs obtained from heel prick specimens(separated by dextran sedimentation) of 1-3 day old normal female infants with those of normal male infants. Chemotaxis of PMNs (CTX) to activated serum(C5a) was evaluated in a group of 9 infants, 5 females and 4 males. Production of superoxide (SOX) and hydrogen peroxide (HPOX) by phorbol myristate acetate stimulated PMNs, PMN adherence (AHC) and non-opsonic bacterial binding by PMNs(NOBB) were evaluated in a second group of 18 infants, 9 females and 9 males. The results are summarized in the following table and are reported as: CTX (# PMNs /high power field (HPF); SOX (nM/105 PMNs; HPOX (μM/105 PMNs; AHC (PMNs/10 HPF); NOBB (# infants with PMNs exhibiting ability to non-opsonically bind group B streptococcus or L. monocytogenes / total # infants) and significant differences are indicated by * (p ≤0.05). The results indicate that the PMNs from female infants had greater overall activity than those from males. This was particularly pronounced in assays of non-opsonic bacterial binding. Collectively, these studies suggest a gender-related difference in PMN function which could contribute to the increased susceptibility of the male infant to infections. This may derive, in part, from the modulation of PMN function resulting from elevated levels of hormones found in male infants at birth, e.g. testosterone.
Rac1 is essential in cocaine-induced structural plasticity of nucleus accumbens neurons

Repeated cocaine administration increases the dendritic arborization of nucleus accumbens neurons, but the underlying signaling events remain unknown. Here, we show that repeated cocaine negatively regulates the active form of Rac1, a small GTPase that controls actin remodeling in other systems. We show further, using viral-mediated gene transfer, that overexpression of a dominant negative mutant of Rac1, or local knockout of Rac1 from floxed Rac1 mice, is sufficient to increase the density of immature dendritic spines on nucleus accumbens neurons, whereas overexpression of a constitutively active Rac1 mutant, or light activation of a photoactivatible form of Rac1, blocks the ability of repeated cocaine to produce this effect. Downregulation of Rac1 activity in nucleus accumbens likewise promotes behavioral responses to cocaine, with Rac1 activation producing the opposite effect. These findings establish an important role for Rac1 signaling in mediating structural and behavioral plasticity to cocaine.
The presentation and management of vascular rings: an otolaryngology perspective.

Summary Objective To review the presentation and natural history of children with vascular rings and present management guidelines. Methods Retrospective study of tertiary care pediatric medical center charts from 1991 to 2002. Results There were 37 males and 27 females with a diagnosis of vascular rings. At presentation, 91% of patients had airway symptoms and 47% had esophageal symptoms. Airway symptoms included stridor (63%), recurrent respiratory infections (47%), respiratory distress (19%), and cough (17%). The most common esophageal symptom was dysphagia (27%). Pre-operative studies included: echocardiography (96%), chest X-ray (93%), barium swallow (75%), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (60%), and computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest (59%). Surgical management included open (n = 25) and thoracoscopic (n = 39) approach. Complications included recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in five patients (8%). Conclusion Children with vascular rings present with respiratory and/or feeding difficulty. The evaluation should include chest X-ray, echocardiography, and barium swallow. Direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy are recommended to assess the degree of compression of the airway and/or esophagus, tracheomalacia, and vocal fold motion prior to intervention. Indication for surgical release is given when the diagnosis is made and can be assisted by advanced radiology studies. Surgical options include minimally invasive techniques involving either thoracoscopic or robotic-assisted repairs, as well as open procedures involving thoracotomy.
The role of neutrophils and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

Intravesical Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy is a highly effective treatment for carcinoma in situ of the bladder, as well as high-risk nonmuscle invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. Despite over 30 years of clinical experience with BCG, the therapy's mechanism has remained enigmatic. Observations regarding the role of neutrophils in BCG immunotherapy have led to exciting discoveries regarding the potential role of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in creating the therapeutic benefit of BCG immunotherapy. In this paper, we will review the scope of the disease, highlight our understanding of the role for BCG in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, explain the recent discoveries regarding the role of neutrophils and TRAIL in therapy, and theorize on potential future areas of research.
Unbiased quantitative testingof conventional orthodontic beliefs

Abstract This study used a preexisting database to test in hypothesis form the appropriateness of some common orthodontic beliefs concerning upper first molar displacement and changes in facial morphology associated with conventional full bonded/banded treatment in growing subjects. In an initial pass, the author used data from a stratified random sample of 48 subjects drawn retrospectively from the practice of a single, experienced orthodontist. This sample consisted of 4 subgroups of 12 subjects each: Class I nonextraction, Class I extraction, Class II nonextraction, and Class II extraction. The findings indicate that, relative to the facial profile, chin point did not, on average, displace anteriorly during treatment, either overall or in any subgroup. Relative to the facial profile, Point A became significantly less prominent during treatment, both overall and in each subgroup. The best estimate of the mean displacement of the upper molar cusp relative to superimposition on Anterior Cranial Base was in the mesial direction in each of the four subgroups. In only one extraction subject out of 24 did the cusp appear to be displaced distally. Mesial molar cusp displacement was significantly greater in the Class II extraction subgroup than in the Class 11 nonextraction subgroup. Relative to superimposition on anatomical "best fit" of maxillary structures, the findings for molar cusp displacement were similar, but even more dramatic. Mean mesial migration was highly significant in both the Class II nonextraction and Class II extraction subgroups. In no subject in the entire sample was distal displacement noted relative to this superimposition. Mean increase in anterior Total Face Height was significantly greater in the Class II extraction subgroup than in the Class II nonextraction subgroup. (This finding was contrary to the author's original expectation.) The genera lizability of the findings from the initial pass to other treated growing subjects was then assessed by retesting modified hypotheses against a second database stored sample that earlier had been drawn randomly from two other orthodontic practices. The implications of the author's study strategy to the design of future shared digital databases is discussed briefly.
When a National Cap-and-Trade Policy with a Carve-out Provision May Be Preferable to a National CO2 Tax

Copyright © 2015 by the IAEE. All rights reserved. We analyze the effect of various combinations of state and national emissions policies on national emissions of a global pollutant, specifically, greenhouse gas emissions. We highlight the effect of unintended increases in out-of-state emissions on the efficacy of overlapping state policies. We show that emission taxes do not necessarily prevent a completely offsetting increase in out-of-state emissions when states add a state-level emissions tax to the national emissions tax. In particular, states small relative to their market will be unable to reduce national emissions with a state-level CO 2 tax or a system of tradable permits. However, under a national cap-and-trade regime that allows states to be carved out, a state of any size can reduce national emissions by setting a tighter state cap. This combination yields a lower total cost than the equivalent combination of national and state CO 2 taxes (if one exists) but increases the cost to consumers outside the market.
Micro-pillar plasticity: 2.5D mesoscopic simulations

The plastic behavior of micro- and nano-scale crystalline pillars is investigated under nominally uniform compression. The transition from forest hardening to exhaustion hardening dominated behavior is shown to emerge from discrete dislocation dynamics simulations upon reduction in the initial source density. The analyses provide new insight into the scaling of flow stress with specimen size and also highlight the connection between individual dislocation mechanisms, collective phenomena and overall behavior.
Particle growth in model supported metal catalysts—II. Comparison of experiment with theory

Abstract The growth of platinum particles supported on flat alumina substrates has been measured in the temperature range 600–800°C, in two different oxidizing atmospheres having oxygen partial pressures of 2 and 20 kPa respectively. Comparison of the measured growth kinetics with predictions of classical ripening models does not yield satisfactory agreement. However, good agreement is obtained when the data are compared with predictions of a model of nucleation inhibited growth.
Asymmetrical hyperpolyglot potential in women? – Looking at linguistic chauvinism in the twenty-first century

This article focuses on renditions of hyperglossia in a recently published popular linguistics text entitled Babel No More. The article aims to examine in detail the seemingly asymmetrical portrayal of female polyglot prowess relative to spotlighted male linguistic proficiency in the extensive diachronic and synchronic case studies presented in the text and presents historical evidence of female polyglot contributions – past and present – to fill a perceived gap in the proffered record in this widely circulating twenty-first-century text. The seeming contrast of awe for language accumulators versus doubt for actual multilingual competence in a book bearing the subtitle The Search for the World’s Most Extraordinary Language Learners it is argued needs discoursal scrutiny both for what is says and for its brilliant use of covert linguistic strategies to revive and reconstruct eighteenth-century accounts of global asymmetry in women’s cognitive potential 300 years later. By examining three brilliantly crafte...
Assessing Patient Preferences for Treatment Options and Process of Care in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Critical Review of Quantitative Data

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), consisting of both Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestinal tract. As there is no cure for either CD or UC, patients with these conditions face numerous treatment decisions regarding their disease. The aim of this review is to evaluate literature regarding quantitative studies of patient preferences in therapy for IBD with a focus on the emerging technique of stated preference and its application in IBD. Numerous simple survey-based studies have been performed evaluating IBD patients’ preferences for medication frequency, mode of delivery, potential adverse events, etc., as well as variations in these preferences. These studies are limited, however, as they are purely descriptive in nature with limited quantitative information on the relative value of treatment alternatives. Time trade-off and standard-gamble studies have also been utilized to quantify patient utility for various treatment options or outcomes. However, these types of studies suffer from inaccurate assumptions regarding patient choice behavior. Stated preference is an emerging robust methodology increasingly utilized in health care that can determine the relative utility for a therapy option as well as its specific attributes (such as efficacy or adverse side effects). Stated preference techniques have begun to be applied in IBD and offer an innovative way of examining the numerous therapy options these patients and their providers face.
Puromycin-induced retention deficit in goldfish as a function of attained training performance level

Goldfish received either 20 or 50 active avoidance training trials followed by puromycin (or no-treatment) and 10 retraining trials either 1 or 7 days following training. While 50 trials resulted in significantly more training avoidances than 20 trials, the groups which received puromycin showed equivalent retention deficits on Day 7. A within-group comparison of fish whose training performance was high or low further revealed that the degree of the retention deficit was independent of achieved training performance level. These data support the hypothesis that puromycin interferes with a memory fixation process that is initiated only upon completion of the training session.
Putative Microcircuit-Level Substrates for Attention Are Disrupted in Mouse Models of Autism

Abstract Background Deep layer excitatory circuits in the prefrontal cortex represent the strongest locus for genetic convergence in autism, but specific abnormalities within these circuits that mediate key features of autism, such as cognitive or attentional deficits, remain unknown. Attention normally increases the sensitivity of neural populations to incoming signals by decorrelating ongoing cortical circuit activity. Here, we investigated whether mechanisms underlying this phenomenon might be disrupted within deep layer prefrontal circuits in mouse models of autism. Methods We isolated deep layer prefrontal circuits in brain slices then used single-photon GCaMP imaging to record activity from many (50 to 100) neurons simultaneously to study patterns of spontaneous activity generated by these circuits under normal conditions and in two etiologically distinct models of autism: mice exposed to valproic acid in utero and Fmr1 knockout mice. Results We found that modest doses of the cholinergic agonist carbachol normally decorrelate spontaneous activity generated by deep layer prefrontal networks. This effect was disrupted in both valproic acid-exposed and Fmr1 knockout mice but intact following other manipulations that did not model autism. Conclusions Our results suggest that cholinergic modulation may contribute to attention by acting on local cortical microcircuits to decorrelate spontaneous activity. Furthermore, defects in this mechanism represent a microcircuit-level endophenotype that could link diverse genetic and developmental disruptions to attentional deficits in autism. Future studies could elucidate pathways leading from various etiologies to this circuit-level abnormality or use this abnormality itself as a target and identify novel therapeutic strategies that restore normal circuit function.
Shock-Induced Chemistry in Hydrocarbon Molecular Solids

Shock waves produced by an impact cause transient pulse of high pressure and high kinetic energy or high temperature, as they propagate through condensed phases. This chapter summarizes some of the recent molecular dynamics studies of shock-induced chemistry in condensed-phase hydrocarbon systems. The experimental study of such systems can be difficult because of the short time scales and extremely small spatial extent of the reaction zones involved. These conditions are well-suited to the technique of molecular dynamics simulations, which are currently limited by computational constraints to systems on the order of a few millions of atoms and a few tens of picoseconds. The AIREBO potential used in the simulations described in the chapter is much faster to evaluate than first-principle methods, enabling the simulation of many thousands of molecules for chemically relevant time periods of several picoseconds. The discussions presented here limit the potential to hydrocarbons, primarily because the inclusion of other atom types with substantially different electro-negativities would require the addition of electrostatic terms. The chapter provides further references to other resources.
Biology meets engineering: the structural mechanics of fossil and extant shark teeth.

The majority of studies on the evolution and function of feeding in sharks have focused primarily on the movement of cranial components and muscle function, with little integration of tooth properties or function. As teeth are subjected to sometimes extreme loads during feeding, they undergo stress, strain, and potential failure. As attributes related to structural strength such as material properties and overall shape may be subjected to natural selection, both prey processing ability and structural parameters must be considered to understand the evolution of shark teeth. In this study, finite element analysis was used to visualize stress distributions of fossil and extant shark teeth during puncture, unidirectional draw (cutting), and holding. Under the loading and boundary conditions here, which are consistent with bite forces of large sharks, shark teeth are structurally strong. Teeth loaded in puncture have localized stress concentrations at the cusp apex that diminish rapidly away from the apex. When loaded in draw and holding, the majority of the teeth show stress concentrations consistent with well designed cantilever beams. Notches result in stress concentration during draw and may serve as a weak point; however they are functionally important for cutting prey during lateral head shaking behavior. As shark teeth are replaced regularly, it is proposed that the frequency of tooth replacement in sharks is driven by tooth wear, not tooth failure. As the tooth tip and cutting edges are worn, the surface areas of these features increase, decreasing the amount of stress produced by the tooth. While this wear will not affect the general structural strength of the tooth, tooth replacement may also serve to keep ahead of damage caused by fatigue that may lead to eventual tooth failure. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.