cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitation of antigen-specific immune responses in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals by limiting dilution analysis.

The lymphocyte proliferative response to recall antigens is lost following HIV infection. We sought to devise a means by which the functional immune status of persons in the early stages of HIV infection could be monitored quantitatively. The response to tetanus toxoid was examined in 45 HIV-infected individuals and 11 controls using conventional lymphocyte proliferative assays concurrently with limiting dilution analysis utilizing the secretion of interleukin-2 as the measure of a response. Our data show that the limiting dilution analysis detects tetanus toxoid-reactive T cells in 80% of those tested, as compared to only 44% by proliferation. However, the frequency of tetanus-reactive T cells in HIV-infected individuals (median frequency = 1/59,156) is decrease five-fold as compared to seronegative controls (median frequency = 1/11,599). Longitudinal studies demonstrated a time-dependent decrease in the frequency of tetanus-specific T cell responses in the HIV-infected individuals. Thus, the limiting dilution analysis is a quantitative approach for detecting antigen-specific T cells in HIV-infected individuals, and may be used to monitor changes in T cell function in HIV infection.
An introductory COBOL course with structured programming

ORIS 316 was designed as a core course to teach COBOL programming language and Business Information Systems to students majoring in Business Computer Information Systems. Students from other areas such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Marketing, Accounting, Management, etc., take this course to enhance their employment opportunities. Most of the students who take this course have some knowledge of some computer programming language, especially in FORTRAN. In the last four years, I have taught this course eight times. In the beginning, perhaps like many other instructors have done, I took the normal path to teach this course. This path was more or less influenced or determined by some textbooks or manual references. These text and manual references have different approaches; however, to teach the COBOL language, all of them agree on one point, namely, to present the PERFORM statement, the tool of structured programming in COBOL, in the late sections of their texts. And of those sources which I'm familiar with, none had the structured programming approach.Because of the popularity of structured programming especially in the business data processing environment, and since many of our students start their professional work as a programmer or as a systems analyst, it was determined that the structured programming technique and modular programming concept should be introduced as early as possible in the semester. This has been done in the last three offerings of the course and the results have been impressive. Students' evaluations of the same instructor and the same course were considerably higher than before and their response to the new approach has been encouraging.
Data + Art: science and art in the age of information

Data + Art exhibit, January 2008–April 2009, Pasadena Museum of California Art, Los Angeles The intersection between science and art was displayed wonderfully at the Pasadena Museum of California Art’s (PMCA) Data + Art exhibit. Curators and scientists Dan Goods and David Delgado from the
Norepinephrine-induced phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis in intact rat aorta.

Abstract The present study tests whether norepinephrine induces the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) in intact vascular smooth muscle. Norepinephrine and the phorbol ester, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), increased the formation of choline and phosphorylcholine in rat aorta. The norepinephrine-induced PC hydrolysis was inhibited by the protein kinase C (PKC) antagonist, 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methyl-piperazine (H7). These results suggest that the diacyclglycerol formed during the sustained phase of the contractile response to norepinephrine may be derived, at least in part, from PC hydrolysis. The hydrolysis may be mediated through PKC activation of phospholipase C and D.
Magmatic infiltration and melting in the lower crust and upper mantle beneath the Cima volcanic field, California

Xenoliths of lower crustal and upper mantle rocks from the Cima volcanic field (CVF) commonly contain glass pockets, veins, and planar trains of glass and/or fluid inclusions in primary minerals. Glass pockets occupy spaces formerly occupied by primary minerals of the host rocks, but there is a general lack of correspondence between the composition of the glass and that of the replaced primary minerals. The melting is considered to have been induced by infiltration of basaltic magma and differentiates of basaltic magma from complex conduits formed by hydraulic fracturing of the mantle and crustal rocks, and to have occurred during the episode of CVF magmatism between ∼7.5 Ma and present. Variable compositions of quenched melts resulted from mixing of introduced melts and products of melting of primary minerals, reaction with primary minerals, partial crystallization, and fractionation resulting from melt and volatile expulsion upon entrainment of the xenoliths. High silica melts ( >∼60% SiO2) may result by mixing introduced melts with siliceous melts produced by reaction of orthopyroxene. Other quenched melt compositions range from those comparable to the host basalts to those with intermediate Si compositions and elevated Al, alkalis, Ti, P, and S; groundmass compositions of CVF basalts are consistent with infiltration of fractionates of those basalts, but near-solidus melting may also contribute to formation of glass with intermediate silica contents with infiltration only of volatile constituents.
INCREASED FREQUENCY OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH HUNTINGTON'S CHOREA

Abstract Six of ten patients with documented Huntington's chorea had an unusual form of diabetes mellitus characterised by marked hyperglycaemia, resistance to ketosis, absence of glycosuria, and markedly elevated insulin levels in response to the administration of glucose or arginine. Four patients (group I) had normal fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels and a normal response to the glucose-tolerance test (G.T.T.). The other six (group II) had normal fasting glucose levels but slightly elevated fasting insulin levels; the G.T.T. was abnormal. In group I arginine resulted in normal glucose and insulin rise, and peak insulin at 30 minutes was 44·0±6·1 μU. per ml. In group II, despite a similar degree of glucose elevation after arginine, peak insulin at 30 minutes was 96·3±21·3 μU. per ml. Clinically no correlation other than duration of disease could be made with the metabolic findings. Whether these data may be explained by an abnormal genetic linkage between Huntington's chorea and carbohydrate intolerance, or by a primary imbalance of biogenic amines, is not yet established.
A critical history of 2012 mythology

The notion that December 21, 2012 will bring physical catastrophes, a transformation of consciousness, or even a New Age is an unanticipated and unintentional consequence of early speculation by credentialed academic experts. It has grown as a result of its subsequent interpretation through the lens of speculative, counterculture metaphysics by individuals with both academic and non-academic backgrounds. This article provides a historical review of the most significant contributions to the emergence of the 2012 phenomenon.
Attenuation of suxamethonium myalgias. Effect of midazolam and vecuronium.

Summary We studied the incidence of fasciculations and postoperative myalgias in 100 female outpatients who had laparoscopy under thiopentone, N2O, isoflurane anaesthesia. Four groups of 20 patients each were pretreated with saline (group 1), tubocurarine 0.05 mg/kg (group 2), vecuronium 0.006 mg/kg (group 3), or midazolam 0.025 mg/kg (group 4), followed by suxamethonium 1.5 mg/kg. Group 5 received only vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg as relaxant (no suxamethonium). Fasciculations were graded, and postoperative myalgias rated on the first and third postoperative days. In groups 1–5 the incidence of fasciculations was 95, 15, 25, 95 and 0%; the incidence of myalgias on the first day after operation was 70, 45, 65, 75 and 60%, and on the third day after operation 20, 5, 20, 20, and 5%, respectively. We conclude that pretreatment with vecuronium, but not midazolam, decreases the incidence of fasciculations after suxamethonium (p < 0.05) and that in this patient population, postoperative myalgias appear to be unrelated to the use of suxamethonium.
Huntingtin regulates Ca2+ chemotaxis and K+-facilitated cAMP chemotaxis, in conjunction with the monovalent cation/H+ exchanger Nhe1, in a model developmental system: Insights into its possible role in Huntington׳s disease

Abstract Huntington׳s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, attributable to an expanded trinucleotide repeat in the coding region of the human HTT gene, which encodes the protein huntingtin. These mutations lead to huntingtin fragment inclusions in the striatum of the brain. However, the exact function of normal huntingtin and the defect causing the disease remain obscure. Because there are indications that huntingtin plays a role in Ca 2+ homeostasis, we studied the deletion mutant of the HTT ortholog in the model developmental system Dictyostelium discoideum, in which Ca 2+ plays a role in receptor-regulated behavior related to the aggregation process that leads to multicellular morphogenesis. The D. discoideum htt − -mutant failed to undergo both K + -facilitated chemotaxis in spatial gradients of the major chemoattractant cAMP, and chemotaxis up a spatial gradient of Ca 2+ , but behaved normally in Ca 2+ -facilitated cAMP chemotaxis and Ca 2+ -dependent flow-directed motility. This was the same phenotypic profile of the null mutant of Nhel, a monovalent cation/H + exchanger. The htt − - mutant also failed to orient correctly during natural aggregation, as was the case for the Nhel mutant. Moreover, in a K + -based buffer the normal localization of actin was similarly defective in both htt − and nhe1 − cells in a K + -based buffer, and the normal localization of Nhe1 was disrupted in the htt − mutant. These observations demonstrate that Htt and Nhel play roles in the same specific cation-facilitated behaviors and that Nhel localization is directly or indirectly regulated by Htt . Similar cation-dependent behaviors and a similar relationship between Htt and Nhe1 have not been reported for mammalian neurons and deserves investigation, especially as it may relate to Huntington׳s disease.
Outline and comparison of the possible effects present in a metal--thin--film--insulator--semiconductor

The advantages possible with the insertion of a thin-film insulating or semi-insulating layer between a metal and a semiconductor to form the MIS photovoltaic device have been presented previously in the literature. This MIS configuration may be considered as a specific example of a more general class of photovoltaic devices: electrode-thin-film-insulator-semiconductor devices. Since the advantages of the configuration were pointed out, there has been considerable experimental interest in these photovoltaic devices. Because the previous analysis showed that the introduction of the insulator layer could produce several different but advantageous effects, this paper presents a further outline giving a comparison of these effects together with their ramifications.
Tötung von Hefen durch Strahlungen des menschlichen Körpers

Bei vier Personen, zwei mannlichen und zwei weiblichen, konnte eine Emanation aus den Fingerspitzen festgestellt werden, welche eine bestimmte Hefenart (Saccharomyces Mycoderma punctisporus Guill.) in kurzer Zeit totete.
Dendritic Growth of Succinonitrile in Terrestrial and Microgravity Conditions as a Test of Theory

Dendritic growth is the common mode of solidification encountered when metals and alloys freeze under low thermal gradients. The growth of dendrites in pure melts is generally acknowledged to be controlled by the transport of latent heat from the moving crystal-melt interface into its supercooled melt. The Ivantsov formulation solves the equation of heat flow from a paraboloidal dendrite tip for the case of diffusive heat transport. However, this formulation is incomplete, and the physics of an additional selection rule, coupled to the Ivantsov solution, is necessary to predict the dendrite tip velocity and radius of curvature as a unique function of the supercooling. Unfortunately, the experimental evidence is not definitive because dendritic growth can be complicated by buoyancy-induced convection, which is normally unavoidable under terrestrial conditions. Recent experiments performed in the microgravity environment of the space shuttle Columbia (STS-62) show quantitatively that convection alters the tip velocities and radii of curvature of dendrites in both terrestrial and microgravity conditions. In addition, these data can be used to evaluate both how well the Ivantsov diffusion solution and the selection rule (the product of the dendrite tip velocity and the tip radius of curvature squared is a constant) match the dendritic growth data under microgravity conditions.
MEASUREMENT OF COGNITIVE PROCESSES1

The data for the .study were gathered using two tests especially built for the purpose. Each was a reading comprehension test consisting of a series of items about the content of a 900 word reading passage dealing with science content. One passage described Mendeleef's construction of a periodic table of atomic structure. The other dealt with the relationships among surface area, cross-section, and weight. The passages were carefully chosen to provide unfamiliar content at a reading difficulty appropriate for secondary school students. The test on atomic structure, hereafter noted as AS, consisted of 36 multiplechoice items equally divided among the major categories of the Taxonomy --knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. The test on "right size", hereafter noted as RS, consisted of 36 multiple-choice and three free-response items, nearly equally distributed over the six major categories of the Taxonomy. Both tests were administered in preliminary form to eliminate obviously poor items, clarify directions, etc.
Role of ultraviolet A in phototherapy for psoriasis

Multiple studies have demonstrated that the doses of ultraviolet A (UVA) (320-400 nm) achieved with ultraviolet sources presently used for phototherapy for psoriasis are inadequate to induce coal tar phototoxicity (as manifested by delayed erythema). Some centers still use a phototherapy protocol that combines UVA, ultraviolet B (UVB), and tar for the treatment of generalized psoriasis. We designed a bilateral comparison study to determine whether the addition of UVA to one side, in doses sufficient to induce an immediate burning or smarting sensation in tar-treated skin, would add to the beneficial effects of UVB. The psoriasis of ten of thirteen ambulatory patients cleared in a mean of 26.1 treatments. Despite a mean cumulative UVA dose of 130.8 joules/cm2, none of the thirteen patients showed a better response on the side that received additional UVA. A "nonaggressive" inpatient protocol was designed to maximize the chances of demonstrating a beneficial effect of UVA. The psoriasis of eight of twelve patients cleared in a mean of 21.0 treatments. Despite a mean cumulative UVA dose of 40.3 joules/cm2, the twelve patients showed no difference in clearing between sides. The threshold for smarting increased throughout the treatment and provided a convenient guide to the delivery of increasing doses of UVA. In doses sufficient to induce coal tar phototoxicity manifested by the smarting reaction, UVA does not add to the known benefits of UVB phototherapy.
Variability in azygospore production among Entomophaga maimaiga isolates.

This study describes in vitro and in vivo azygospore production by nine isolates of Entomophaga maimaiga, a fungal pathogen of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar. The three E. maimaiga isolates that consistently produced azygospores in vitro were also strong producers of azygospores in vivo. However, two additional isolates that were strong azygospore producers in vivo did not produce azygospores in vitro. Isolates that produced azygospores in vitro produced both conidia and azygospores more frequently in vivo than isolates not producing azygospores in vitro. In vitro azygospore production varied over time as well as by isolate. After >2 years of cold storage, while three isolates continued in vitro azygospore production, three isolates no longer produced azygospores in vitro.
Bionik und Wirtschaftlichkeit: Versuch einer Annäherung

Die Befragung von Produktentwicklern zeigt, dass fur bionische Produkte durchaus ein Marktpotenzial vorhanden ist. Jedoch sind weitere Anstrengungen erforderlich, um diese innovative und zukunftsweisende Methode zur Produktentwicklung in Ausbildung und wirtschaftlicher Anwendung zu festigen. Strukturierte Entwicklungsanleitungen wie die Ahnlichkeitsmatrix konnen helfen, ein systematisches, bionisches Entwickeln zeiteffizient und fehlertolerant zu steuern. Vernetztes Denken in komplexen Systemen ist hierzu ein Schlusselelement und kann durch eine so genannte “Korrespondenz des Lernens" gefordert werden.
Influence of cell sources, stimulating agents, and incubation conditions on release of interleukin-1 from chicken macrophages.

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the cell source, stimulating agents, and incubation conditions that maximize interleukin-1 (IL-1) release by chicken macrophages/monocytes. Thymocyte co-mitogen proliferation was used to assay IL-1 activity of conditioned or partially purified supernatants. Monolayers of a transformed chicken macrophage cell line, HD11, released greater amounts of IL-1 than adherent cells isolated from peripheral blood, peritoneal cavity, or spleen. E. coli endotoxin and heat-killed S. aureus induced greater release of IL-1 by HD11 and splenic macrophages than latex or a super induction protocol with mezerien. Blocking macrophage eicosanoid synthesis with indomethacin did not influence IL-1 release from HD11 macrophages. Removing low molecular weight compounds from conditioned supernatants by dialysis did not influence IL-1 activity. IL-1 release was increased by incubating macrophages at 42 C compared to 39 C. Thymocyte co-mitogenic activity of IL-1 was increased by incubating thymocytes at 42 C compared to 39 C. Species cross reactivity between chicken and mammalian IL-1 was also investigated. Chicken IL-1 had slight co-stimulation activity on murine thymocytes, but murine and human IL-1 were without activity on chicken thymocytes.
Overview Of Data Acquisition And Processing For Three-Dimensional Display Of Internal Structures

This overview is the first presentation in a Session devoted to 3-D display of internal structures. In the following presentations different modalities for 3-D display of internal structures are discussed. For each modality a leading worker in the field gives an oveview of that modality with an emphasis of his own practical work. In just about all cases to be discussed, the data which we input to the 3-D display process have been acquired and processed by some sort of computerized tomography device. This overview describes the data acquisition and processing by such devices. While the medical application is used for illustration, emphasis is placed on the fact that nearly identical pro-cedures are applicable in many other fields, including non-destructive testing.
Optimization of Separated Spacecraft Interferometer Trajectories in the Absence of A Gravity-Well

Spacecraft trajectories for providing adequate image plane (u-v)coverage for NASA's Deep Space 3 (DS3) mission have been proposed. Due to the high cost of time and fuel in synthesizing images using DS3, this paper addresses time and fuel optimal trajectories. Using the Point Spread Function (PSF) of a densely-filled coverage as the basis for comparison, the locations of a given number of u-v points are selected to best replicate this reference PSF. Subsequently, the minimum time and fuel in a 'Stop and Stare' mode are determined. Finally, these result are compared to several other trajectory options.
Dialytic removal of particulate matter from coal conversion products

Abstract A dialytic procedure which is effective for the removal of microparticulate and colloidal-sized suspended matter from coal-derived liquids is described. The method involves passing the sample, dissolved in methylene chloride, through a latex rubber membrane. The dialytic procedure appears promising as a convenient method for production of large, particulate-free samples of coal conversion products. Application of the technique is illustrated by separation of a high particulate (≈30wt% insoluble materials) stripper bottom sample from the SRC-II process and subsequent analysis of the organic composition and metals content of the dialysate. The material which traverses the membrane, the dialysate, is shown to be a representative sample of the soluble organic portion of the material being dialysed and found to be essentially free of metals. The true solubility of the dialysate renders it easier to characterize via instrumental methods than the original sample containing large amounts of insoluble materials.
Glucose-6-phosphatase is a key metabolic regulator of glioblastoma invasion

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most aggressive primary brain cancer in adults. Similar to other cancers, GBM cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to promote proliferation and survival. Glycolytic inhibition is widely used to target such reprogramming. However, the stability of glycolytic inhibition in GBM remains unclear especially in a hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In this study, it was determined that glucose-6–phosphatase (G6PC/G6Pase) expression is elevated in GBM when compared with normal brain. Human-derived brain tumor–initiating cells (BTIC) use this enzyme to counteract glycolytic inhibition induced by 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) and sustain malignant progression. Downregulation of G6PC renders the majority of these cells unable to survive glycolytic inhibition, and promotes glycogen accumulation through the activation of glycogen synthase (GYS1) and inhibition of glycogen phosphorylase (PYGL). Moreover, BTICs that survive G6PC knockdown are less aggressive (reduced migration, invasion, proliferation, and increased astrocytic differentiation). Collectively, these findings establish G6PC as a key enzyme with promalignant functional consequences that has not been previously reported in GBM and identify it as a potential therapeutic target. Implications: This study is the first to demonstrate a functional relationship between the critical gluconeogenic and glycogenolytic enzyme G6PC with the metabolic adaptations during GBM invasion. Visual Overview:http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/12/11/1547/F1.large.jpg. Mol Cancer Res; 12(11); 1547–59. ©2014 AACR.
Numerical study of mixing and segregation in a biomass fluidized bed

Abstract Due to its renewable characteristics, biomass is potentially important to energy conversion processes. Fluidized beds are involved in many processes related to energy conversion of biomass. Hence, detailed insight on the hydrodynamics of biomass fluidized beds is crucial for successful energy conversion as well as to better design and scale-up of fluidized bed reactors. The present work focuses on modeling the mixing and segregation behavior of biomass mixtures in a fluidized bed. Different effects, such as mixture composition, particle size, and superficial gas velocity, on the mixing and segregation are simulated and the results are compared to measurements obtained using X-ray computed tomography. Furthermore, side injection of biomass particles into a fluidized bed is also studied and compared with visual observations. A comparison between the numerical simulations and measurements shows good agreement.
Airborne wind profiling algorithms for the pulsed 2-micron coherent doppler Lidar at NASA Langley Research Center

Two versions of airborne wind profiling algorithms for the pulsed 2-micron coherent Doppler lidar system at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia are presented. Each algorithm utilizes different number of line-of-sight (LOS) lidar returns while compensating the adverse effects of different coordinate systems between the aircraft and the Earth. One of the two algorithms APOLO (Airborne Wind Profiling Algorithm for Doppler Wind Lidar) estimates wind products using two LOSs. The other algorithm utilizes five LOSs. The airborne lidar data were acquired during the NASA's Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) campaign in 2010. The wind profile products from the two algorithms are compared with the dropsonde data to validate their results.
A possible synoptic source of water for alluvial fan formation in southern Margaritifer Terra, Mars

Abstract The morphometry and occurrence of crater-bound fans in southern Margaritifer Terra that were active from around the Hesperian–Amazonian boundary into the Early Amazonian is consistent with emplacement related to synoptic precipitation. Precipitation, possibly occurring as snow, may have been locally influenced by topography and (or) orbital variations. It is not known how much of the total sediment inventory in the fans relates to this late activity versus possible earlier events where water may have been available from alternate sources such as impact-related melting of ground ice. Winds may have concentrated late occurring precipitation into existing relief and (or) preexisting alcoves that facilitated physical weathering to produce fine sediments later incorporated into fans. Two of the craters containing fan deposits, Holden and Eberswalde, were finalists for the MSL landing site. Results suggest that exposed and accessible fan sediments at both crater sites may record a late period of colder, drier conditions relative to early Mars that was punctuated by ephemeral water-driven activity.
Change in choroidal thickness and axial length with change in intraocular pressure after trabeculectomy.

Background/aims We studied the change in choroidal thickness (CT) and axial length (AL) after intraocular (IOP) changes produced by trabeculectomy. Methods Twenty-one eyes of 20 patients were studied preoperatively, and then postoperatively at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months. Variables measured included IOP, AL, keratometry, refractive error, central corneal thickness, and average CT in the posterior 6 mm centred on the fovea using enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results OCT images in 17 eyes (58 images, preoperatively and postoperatively) were of sufficient quality to determine CT. In every patient, CT increased with IOP lowering postoperatively. For each 1 mm Hg decrease in IOP, there was a mean increase of 3.4 µm in CT (p Conclusions The dynamic relationship between change in IOP and the state of sclera and choroid was confirmed by sequential measurements in postoperative trabeculectomy patients, providing estimates of the magnitude of choroidal swelling and scleral volume decrease with IOP lowering.
The cohort feedback model with symmetric net maternity.

Demographic cohort feedback models were introduced by Ronald D. Lee in 1974. In these non‐linear models, a cohort's net reproduction ratio responds inversely to cohort size at birth, while the shape of the net maternity function remains constant. For certain response strengths such a model leads to sustained cycles in the trajectory of births. Suppose that the net maternity function is symmetric under reflection around some mean age of childbearing. I prove that the model then has cyclic solutions with period exactly equal to twice the mean age of childbearing not merely in a neighborhood of equilibrium but for a range of parameter values which is unbounded in a certain suitable sense. Sobolev space methods are introduced for the theorem's proof. This “global”; bifurcation theorem for the cohort feedback model with symmetric net maternity provides a benchmark case for understanding the characteristics of non‐linear population waves of realistic size.
THE ERROR TERM IN THE COUNT OF ABUNDANT NUMBERS

A natural number $n$ is called abundant if the sum of the proper divisors of $n$ exceeds $n$ . For example, $12$ is abundant, since $1+ 2+ 3+ 4+ 6= 16$ . In 1929, Bessel-Hagen asked whether or not the set of abundant numbers possesses an asymptotic density. In other words, if $A(x)$ denotes the count of abundant numbers belonging to the interval $[1, x] $ , does $A(x)/ x$ tend to a limit? Four years later, Davenport answered Bessel-Hagen’s question in the affirmative. Calling this density $\Delta $ , it is now known that $0. 24761\lt \Delta \lt 0. 24766$ , so that just under one in four numbers are abundant. We show that $A(x)- \Delta x\lt x/ \mathrm{exp} (\mathop{(\log x)}\nolimits ^{1/ 3} )$ for all large $x$ . We also study the behavior of the corresponding error term for the count of so-called $\alpha $ - abundant numbers .
Nanodesigning of Multifunctional Ceramic Composites

Nanodesigning of multifunctional ceramic composites with colloids is discussed from a fundamental point of view. We start with one-component systems, where packing density is the primary concern. Then we extend the discussion to binary systems and deal with the problem of homogeneity. We show that the structure is controlled by the nature of bonding between the particles and by the particle-particle interaction. Surfactants are used to modiy these properties, by, first, protecting the active particle surfaces to prevent solid bond formation, and, second, altering the interparticle interaction to provide a “lubricating” effect. In weakly attractive multicomponent systems, not only are we able to achieve high-density packing through restructuring, but we can also control the scale of homogeneity.
Reduction in BNP levels with treatment of decompensated heart failure and future clinical events.

Abstract Background Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels correlate with outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). We sought to compare the relationship between absolute and relative changes in BNP with future clinical events, and whether serial BNP measurements add prognostic information in patients treated for decompensated HF. Methods and Results In 203 patients treated for HF, increasing tertiles of BNP levels after treatment had a hazard ratio of 1.4 (1.1-1.7, P P = .005), respectively, for the combined end point of total mortality or readmission for HF. Higher baseline BNP levels did not decrease to lower BNP levels as often as lower BNP levels ( P Conclusions These results suggest that both lower absolute BNP levels and greater percentage reduction in BNP with treatment of decompensated HF are associated with better event-free survival. Advocating a threshold BNP to which patients should be treated may not be possible given that high BNP levels tend not to decrease to levels associated with better outcomes during the short period of treatment. More BNP measurements do not add prognostic information beyond that provided by a single BNP level after treatment.
Large variation exists among expert clinicians in determining the likelihood of future periodontal disease risk

Abstract Original Article Persson CR, Mancl LA, Martin J, Page RC. Assessing periodontal disease risk: a comparison of clinicians' assessment versus a computerized tool. J Am Dent Assoc 2003;134:575–82. Level of Evidence 5d Purpose To evaluate variation among dentists in the assignment of future periodontal disease risk scores Source of Funding Dental Medicine International, Philadelphia, PA Type of Study/Design Case series
Making Correction a Community Agency

Correctional systems are in great need of cooperation from other health and welfare agencies in order to achieve their goals of rehabilitation and reduction of recidivism. Such cooperation has not been forthcoming because of the stigma attached to correc tional work; the low success rate in dealing with criminals; the lack of funds and other resources; the self-sufficient orientation of correctional systems; the poor quality of correctional staff; the difficulties of communicating with, and resentment against, other agencies; and the defensiveness about criticism prevalent in cor rectional circles.
Female Mice Delay Reproductive Aging in Males

Reproductive aging of the male is characterized by decreasing fertility; however, factors that protect against reproductive aging in the male are largely unknown. Previous work has demonstrated that both female presence and aging have a dramatic effect on fertility in the male; yet, the effect of female presence on fertility in the aging male mouse is unknown. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of long-term isolation or cohabitation with females on fertility in aged male mice. Male mice were housed with or without females until between 16 and 32 mo of age. Males were subjected to fertility tests at specific ages, after which serum and testes were isolated for radioimmunoassay and histological analysis. We show that male mice continuously housed with females remain fertile longer (∼20% of the reproductive lifespan) than male mice housed alone. Fertility became significantly reduced 6 mo sooner for males housed alone compared with males housed with females; however, the rate of decline was the same for males housed with or without females once fertility began to decrease. Testis weight decreased as the mice aged, and a nearly significant positive effect of female presence was observed. Additionally, histological analysis indicated that abnormal spermatogenesis occurred sooner in isolated males, suggesting that defects in spermatogenesis may play a role in the greater decrease in fertility in isolated males. These results have significant implications for the maintenance of male fertility in wildlife, livestock, and human populations.
Venture capitalist quality and IPO certification

Abstract The opportunity cost of going public is directly related to the level of information asymmetry associated with the issuing firm. Independent third parties, such as underwriters and venture capitalists, are believed to mitigate this asymmetry through certification, thereby reducing this cost. Existing studies illustrate that higher quality underwriters provide increased certification value; however, current research is essentially mute with regard to the effect of venture capitalist quality. We fill this gap, finding that higher quality venture capitalists also provide incremental certification value relative to those of lower quality. Additionally, we suggest that the most appropriate measure of venture capitalist quality is a simple binary variable that captures prior experience as the lead of an IPO venture capital syndicate.
Automatic temperature controller for multielement array hyperthermia systems

This paper concerns the optimization and performance analysis of an automatic control algorithm for managing power output of large multielement array hyperthermia applicators. Simulation and corresponding measurement of controller performance in a solid tissue equivalent phantom model is utilized for analysis of controller response to dynamically varying thermal load conditions that simulate clinical treatments. The analysis leads to an optimum controller which demonstrates the ability to achieve a uniform and stable temperature profile over a large surface area regardless of surrounding thermal load. This paper presents several advancements to the performance of a previously published control routine, including: 1) simplified simulation techniques for thorough characterization of controller performance; 2) an optimization procedure leading to an improved hybrid control algorithm for maintaining optimal performance during periods of both "rising" and "steady-state" temperature; 3) performance analysis of a control algorithm tailored for large area hyperthermia treatments with a mulitelement array applicator. The optimized hybrid controller is applied to the conformal microwave array (CMA) hyperthermia system previously developed for heating large area surface disease such as diffuse chestwall recurrence of breast carcinoma, and shown to produce stable, uniform temperatures under the multielement array applicator for all thermal load conditions.
Relevance of laboratory testing for the diagnosis of primary immunodeficiencies: a review of case-based examples of selected immunodeficiencies

The field of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) is one of several in the area of clinical immunology that has not been static, but rather has shown exponential growth due to enhanced physician, scientist and patient education and awareness, leading to identification of new diseases, new molecular diagnoses of existing clinical phenotypes, broadening of the spectrum of clinical and phenotypic presentations associated with a single or related gene defects, increased bioinformatics resources, and utilization of advanced diagnostic technology and methodology for disease diagnosis and management resulting in improved outcomes and survival. There are currently over 200 PIDs with at least 170 associated genetic defects identified, with several of these being reported in recent years. The enormous clinical and immunological heterogeneity in the PIDs makes diagnosis challenging, but there is no doubt that early and accurate diagnosis facilitates prompt intervention leading to decreased morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of PIDs often requires correlation of data obtained from clinical and radiological findings with laboratory immunological analyses and genetic testing. The field of laboratory diagnostic immunology is also rapidly burgeoning, both in terms of novel technologies and applications, and knowledge of human immunology. Over the years, the classification of PIDs has been primarily based on the immunological defect(s) ("immunophenotype") with the relatively recent addition of genotype, though there are clinical classifications as well. There can be substantial overlap in terms of the broad immunophenotype and clinical features between PIDs, and therefore, it is relevant to refine, at a cellular and molecular level, unique immunological defects that allow for a specific and accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic testing armamentarium for PID includes flow cytometry - phenotyping and functional, cellular and molecular assays, protein analysis, and mutation identification by gene sequencing. The complexity and diversity of the laboratory diagnosis of PIDs necessitates many of the above-mentioned tests being performed in highly specialized reference laboratories. Despite these restrictions, there remains an urgent need for improved standardization and optimization of phenotypic and functional flow cytometry and protein-specific assays. A key component in the interpretation of immunological assays is the comparison of patient data to that obtained in a statistically-robust manner from age and gender-matched healthy donors. This review highlights a few of the laboratory assays available for the diagnostic work-up of broad categories of PIDs, based on immunophenotyping, followed by examples of disease-specific testing.
RBX (band X SAR): Analysis and calibration of Tx/Rx modules

This paper describes the design and simulation of the Transmitter and Receiver module, a part of the advanced prototype X band, linear frequency modulated (LFM), Synthetic Radar Aperture (SAR) being developed at INTA's Radar Laboratory (RBX). The system includes onboard calibration, which allows measurement of the effects of the sensor's components.
Work in Progress: Retention of Freshmen Computer and Electronics Engineering Students

Retaining freshman students within a challenging engineering program can often be a considerable challenge for an institution and its faculty. At the University of Nebraska's Peter Kiewit Institute, in Omaha Nebraska, the number of students who either withdraw or fail the first semester freshmen Computer and Electronics Engineering (CEEN) fundamentals course has historically been about 30%. For the Fall 2005 semester the department decided to implement a multi-faceted retention effort to try to reduce this number. The measures implemented were 1: an off-campus overnight retreat prior to the start of classes, 2: assignment of students to small learning groups called "pods" which were led by upper class students, 3: hiring a graduate student as a Counseling Assistant (CA), and 4: implementing immediate feedback from the course instructor to the counseling assistant while identifying students who needed guidance. This paper describes the efforts and preliminary retention results.
Selmer Groups and Congruences

We first introduce Selmer groups for elliptic curves, and then Selmer groups for Galois representations. The main topic of the article concerns the behavior of Selmer groups for Galois representations with the same residual representation. We describe a variety of situations where this behavior can be studied fruitfully. Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). Primary 11G05, 11R23; Secondary 11G40, 11R34.
Word wars and tobacco control: saying what needs saying that we don't yet know how to say, or saying it better

To help officially launch the Tobacco Control Blog, this month's Editorial has also been posted to the blog and is ready for your comments. The aim of this blog is to stimulate debate, generate ideas and explore new and, at times, controversial ideas. Increasing the opportunities for interaction between readers, authors, and editors is essential to ensuring that the journal remains on the leading edge in today's world of instant and constant digital communication. In keeping with this theme, editor Ruth Malone raises the issue of how important language is in defining and framing the tobacco pandemic and challenges readers to share their own creative ideas for "language weapons." To entice you to join the conversation and make a suggestion, the best idea will win a one-year online subscription to Tobacco Control. The TC blog can be found here: http://blogs.bmj.com/tc/ We look forward to meeting you there. Tobacco Control Editorial Team.
Toward governance of emergent processes and adaptive organizations

We propose to treat software development processes and software development organizations as adaptive and emergent entities: ones whose properties are not decidable a priori, but rather, which result from ongoing and continuous response to external stimuli, such as evolving requirements, new enterprise priorities, and changes in available resources. In this paper, we present a view of some important issues that must be addressed to govern such organizations. We provide what we think are interesting starting points for a discussion, as well as a few important questions to address during the workshop.
Fetal cyclic motor activity in diabetic pregnancies: sensitivity to maternal blood glucose.

Spontaneous fetal movement in the last third of human gestation is dominated by irregular oscillations on a scale of minutes (cyclic motility, CM). The core properties of these oscillations are stable during the third trimester of gestation in normal fetuses, but disrupted by poorly controlled maternal diabetes. Here we investigated whether fetal CM is linked to short-term instabilities in maternal glucose metabolism. The fetuses of 40 mothers with type I (n = 28) or gestational (n = 12) diabetes were studied one to six times between 27 and 40 postmenstrual weeks of gestation. Fetal movement and maternal blood glucose concentration were measured during two separate periods of fetal activity in each session. Fetal CM was quantified with spectral analysis. Early in the third trimester, changes in the rate of oscillation in fetal CM between the two periods of activity were inversely related to changes in maternal blood glucose levels. Fetal CM was unrelated to concurrent maternal blood glucose levels at any point in the third trimester. The pattern of results suggests that disruption of the temporal organization of spontaneous fetal motor activity in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes represents an acute response to fluctuations in the metabolic environment rather than an alteration of CM development.
Antibacterial Functions of Macrophages in Experimental Protein-Calorie Malnutrition. I. Description of the Model, Morphologic Observations, and Macrophage Surface IgG Receptors

An experimental protein-calorie malnutrition was produced in weanling Sprague-Dawley rats. The model resembles human malnutrition with respect to weight loss, inanition, angular stomatitis, anemia, lymphopenia, hypoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia, and marked thymic involution. In addition, systemic invasion by gram-negative rods was documented. However, no edema was produced, and animals did not survive for longer than six weeks on the protein-deficient diet. One percent glycogen was found to be a satisfactory nonprotein stimulus for induction of a peritoneal exudate consisting primarily of young macrophages. Electron microscopy showed that morphologic events of phagocytosis and degranulation proceeded normally in macrophages from protein-deficient animals. In addition, cell surface receptors for IgG were preserved under these experimental conditions. These data indicate that weanling rats may be employed as a small animal model for servere, fulminant protein-calorie malnutrition in humans.
Inflammatory Monocyte Mobilization Decreases Patient Survival in Pancreatic Cancer: A Role for Targeting the CCL2/CCR2 Axis

Purpose: To determine the role of the CCL2/CCR2 axis and inflammatory monocytes (CCR2 + /CD14 + ) as immunotherapeutic targets in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Experimental Design: Survival analysis was conducted to determine if the prevalence of preoperative blood monocytes correlates with survival in patients with pancreatic cancer following tumor resection. Inflammatory monocyte prevalence in the blood and bone marrow of patients with pancreatic cancer and controls was compared. The immunosuppressive properties of inflammatory monocytes and macrophages in the blood and tumors, respectively, of patients with pancreatic cancer were assessed. CCL2 expression by human pancreatic cancer tumors was compared with normal pancreas. A novel CCR2 inhibitor (PF-04136309) was tested in an orthotopic model of murine pancreatic cancer. Results: Monocyte prevalence in the peripheral blood correlates inversely with survival, and low monocyte prevalence is an independent predictor of increased survival in patients with pancreatic cancer with resected tumors. Inflammatory monocytes are increased in the blood and decreased in the bone marrow of patients with pancreatic cancer compared with controls. An increased ratio of inflammatory monocytes in the blood versus the bone marrow is a novel predictor of decreased patient survival following tumor resection. Human pancreatic cancer produces CCL2, and immunosuppressive CCR2 + macrophages infiltrate these tumors. Patients with tumors that exhibit high CCL2 expression/low CD8 T-cell infiltrate have significantly decreased survival. In mice, CCR2 blockade depletes inflammatory monocytes and macrophages from the primary tumor and premetastatic liver resulting in enhanced antitumor immunity, decreased tumor growth, and reduced metastasis. Conclusions: Inflammatory monocyte recruitment is critical to pancreatic cancer progression, and targeting CCR2 may be an effective immunotherapeutic strategy in this disease. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3404–15. ©2013 AACR .
Sequence Of Phase Formation In Ni/Ai Contrasted With Ni/Si

We have investigated the interactions of Al/Ni, NiAl3/Ni, and Ni2Al3/Ni thin films between 350 and 500°C. Sequential layer deposition and coevaporation were used to prepare the films which were then vacuum annealed and analyzed by Rutherford backseattering and X-ray diffraction. Initially, NiAl3 is formed, followed by the more Ni-rich phases. All four intermetallic phases were formed.