cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucuronidation in the polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

Polar bears bioaccumulate lipophilic pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), into their bodies from their exclusive diet of marine organisms. Hydroxylated PCB metabolites (OH-PCBs) have been found in plasma, presumably due to CYP-dependent biotransformation of PCBs in liver. Little is known about the phase 2 metabolism of hydroxylated xenobiotics in polar bears. The objective of this study was to examine UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) activity with OH-PCBs and a hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 3-hydroxy-benzo(a)pyrene (3-OH-BaP), in polar bear liver. Samples of frozen polar bear liver were used to prepare microsomes. UGT activity with 3-OH-BaP in Brij-treated microsomes, measured by a fluorescence assay, was readily measurable with protein concentrations in assay tubes of up to 10 g/ml, but dropped off very sharply at higher protein concentrations. The apparent Km for 3-OH-BaP was 1.71 +/- 0.04 microM, and Vmax 1.26 +/- 0.16 nmol/min/mg protein (mean +/- SD, n=3). UGT activities with a model tetrachloro-OH-PCB (4'-OH-CB72) and a model hexachloro-OH-PCB (4'-OH-CB159) were assayed with [14-C]-UDPGA and separation of the [14-C]-glucuronide by ion-pair extraction and thin-layer chromatography. [14-C]-glucuronide conjugates were readily formed by polar bear liver microsomes in the absence of added substrate, apparently from contaminants present in liver. This phenomenon was not observed using hepatic microsomes from laboratory-held catfish. Glucuronidation efficiency was much higher with 4'-OH-CB72 (Km 7.3 microM; Vmax 1.55 nmol/min/mg) than 4'-OH-CB159 (Km 16.1 microM; Vmax 0.46 nmol/min/mg). The identities of the aglycones present in polar bear liver are not known, but could include OH-PCBs or hydroxylated metabolites of other persistent organic pollutants. This study demonstrates that UGT with high activity for 3-OH-BaP and other substrates is present in polar bear liver.
Asymptotic solution of the aerosol general dynamic equation for small coagulation

Abstract The aerosol general dynamic equation is solved in the limit of small coagulation. The solution includes particle growth by gas-phase diffusion, surface and volume reaction, particle production, and loss by deposition to surfaces.
Assessment of in vivo attachment/phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are recognized as an important first line of celular host defense within the lung. Although mechanisms underlying AM response to microorganisms or particulates are well characterized in vitro, experimental approaches to the study of AMs in vivo are limited. To circumvent these limitations, a new assay was developed using fluorescently labelled liposomes or Pneumocystis carinii (PC) organisms which were administered intratracheally into mechanically ventilated rats. After 30 min, the lungs were lavaged and the percentage of administered liposomes or PC bound to AMs was determined by quantifying fluorescence. Factors known to enhance attachment/phagocytosis by AMs in vitro were assayed to determine their effect in vivo. For example, vitronectin (VN)-coated liposomes increased attachment from 25.2 ± 2.4% to 47.2 ± 3.0% (p < 0.001), while addition of VN increased the binding of PC to AMs from 16.5 ± 1.7% to 24.5 ± 2.2% (p < 0.05). Confocal laser microscopy of cells obtained by lavage provided morphologic evidence of attachment/phagocytosis by AMs. This model will permit the quantitative assessment of the interaction of fluorescently labelled liposomes or microorganisms with AMs in the lower respiratory tract of living animals.
Remembering the May Events

In May of 1968 ten million French workers transformed a student protest into a revolutionary movement by joining it in the streets. In the short space of a month France was overthrown and restored, but not without suffering a shock which resounds to this day. Like many an unsuccessful revolution before it, the May Events triumphed in the political culture of the society that defeated it in the streets. In the perspective of ten years, it now appears that May '68 inaugurated a new era in French political life, which still continues.
Radial nerve compression due to lipoma.

A lipoma is a benign lump composed of clumps of fat cells which form under the skin or deeper, within or between muscles. Lipomas are common across a broad age spectrum, but appear predominantly in...
Inconstancy of Taylor'sb: Simulated sampling with different quadrat sizes and spatial distributions

Taylor's power law,s 2 =am b , provides a precise summary of the relationship between sample variance (s 2 ) and sample mean (m) for many organisms. The coefficientb has been interpreted as an index of aggregation, with a characteristic value for a given species in a particular environment, and has been thought to be independent of the sample unit. Simulation studies were conducted that demonstrate that the value ofb may vary with the size of the sample unit in quadrat sampling, and this relationship, in turn, depends on the underlying spatial distribution of the population. For example, simulated populations with hierarchical aggregation on a large scale produced values ofb that increased with the size of the sample unit. In contrast, for a simulated population with randomly distributed clusters of individuals, the value ofb eventually decreased with increasing quadrat size, as sample counts became more uniform. A single value ofTaylor'sb, determined with a particular sample unit, provides neither a fixed index of aggregation nor a complete picture of a species' spatial distribution. Rather, it describes a consistent relationship between sample variance and sample mean over a range of densities, on a spatial scale related to the size of the sample unit. This relationship may reflect, but not uniquely define, density-dependent population and behavioral processes governing the spatial distribution of the organism. Interpretation ofTaylor'sb for a particular organism should be qualified by reference to the sample unit, and comparisons should not be made between cases in which different sample units were used. Whenever possible, a range of sample units should be used to provide information about the pattern of distribution of a population on various spatial scales.
Water-core waveguide for pollution measurements in the deep ultraviolet

A fiber optic system for water analysis with high transparency in the deep-UV region (lambda >/= 190 nm) is presented. The system consists of special UV-improved silica fibers and a liquid-core waveguide (LCW) as an optical cell. The apertures of both light guides, the silica fiber and the LCW, are matched. The optical losses of the device are investigated experimentally and compared with theory, especially with a standard free-space geometry. The performance of the system with respect to UV absorption spectroscopy is demonstrated for nitrate and chlorine pollution in pure water. For a 203-mm-long LCW the detection limits have been determined to be as low as 22 mug/L for nitrate and 26 mug/L for chlorine.
From Demand for Asiatic Labor to Importation of Indentured Chinese Labor: Race Identity in the Recruitment of Unskilled Labor for South Africa's Gold Mining Industry, 1903–1910

Despite international protests against bonded labor, the flow of indentured laborers during the 19th and early decades of the 20th centuries was extensive compared to the earlier centuries. The focus of this article is on the particularity of the “Chinese coolies experiment” in South Africa's gold mining industry which commenced in 1904. This 20th-century episode of indentured labor is notable for several reasons, and it serves as a springboard for the discussion of some fundamental issues in capitalist development, labor and identity formation. This article emphasizes the last, examining how a “Chinese” identity was formed through the development of the gold fields and, in turn, how this formation reinforced a nascent white labor aristocracy. It discusses two dimensions of this labor “experiment” in South Africa: (1) the heady debate on the decision to look to China for cheap labor and (2) desertion by the indentured Chinese laborers from various mining compounds in the Witwatersrand.
Selection of regenerable maize callus cultures resistant to 5-methyl-DL-tryptophan, S-2-aminoethyl-L-cysteine and high levels of L-lysine plus L-threonine

Tissues resistant to lethal levels of equimolar L-lysine plus L-threonine (LT), 5-methyl-DL-tryptophan (5MT, a tryptophan analog), or S-2-aminoethyl-L-cysteine (AEC, a lysine analog) were selected from maize callus capable of plant regeneration (H99 and W77-R3019 genotypes).
Gazetracker: software designed to facilitate eye movement analysis

The Eye-gaze Response Interface Computer Aid (ERICA) is a computer system developed at the University of Virginia that tracks eye movement. Originally developed as a means to allow individuals with disabilities to communicate, ERICA was then expanded to provide methods for experimenters to analyze eye movements. This paper describes an application called Gaze Tracker™ that facilitates the analysis of a test subject's eye movements and pupil response to visual stimuli, such as still images or dynamic software applications that the test subject interacts with (for example, Internet Explorer).
Effect of the supporting electrolyte and beam diameter on probe beam deflection experiments

Abstract The effects of the presence of supporting electrolyte and the beam diameter on probe beam deflection experiments were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. A mass-transfer limited potential step experiment with the ferricyanide/ ferrocyanide redox couple is used to illustrate these effects. Although the supporting electrolyte does not react, the transference number of the supporting electrolyte is close to unity, which results in concentration gradients forming in the supporting electrolyte. We show here that these concentration gradients should not be neglected. Analytic solutions for a potential step and fast kinetics are developed both with and without considering the concentration gradients in the supporting electrolyte. The model agrees qulititatively with experiments performed in K 2 SO 4 , KCl, and KOH. Typical probe beams are too large in diameter to be approximated as an infinitely thin ray. The models include consideration of the finite diameter of the probe beam. The results show that a 200 μm diameter probe beam is too large to detect unique features of the potential step experiment and that a 100 μm diameter probe beam should be able to detect these features. The difficulties of determining diffusion coefficients from the probe beam deflection are discussed. It is concluded that it is impossible to determine the diffusion coefficients of the reactant and product from the extremum of the probe beam deflection. A non-linear regression of the model to experimental data is possible in theory, but is susceptible to error.
Separating gender biases in screening and selecting candidates for hiring and firing

A 2-stage procedure (consideration set formation and final choice) was used to track the emergence of gender biases in hiring and firing decisions. Participants were allowed to select their own strategy for narrowing choice options (which candidates to retain or which candidates to delete). Each of the 2 experiments included a condition where job candidates were considered for hiring and a condition where current employees were considered for firing. Candidate features varied across experiments but the initial set always included 18 females and 18 males with comparable credentials. In both experiments male and female respondents selected candidates of their own sex for hiring and both males and females selected mostly male candidates for firing. In each experiment the bias showed up only in the final-choice stage.
Strip tillage width effects on sunflower seed emergence and yield

Abstract Strip tillage is a conservation practice in which narrow strips, generally totaling less than 50% of the field area, are tilled. We hypothesized that strip tillage would be beneficial for long-term soil quality improvement, erosion control, and environmental protection because it also protects crop residues so they can cover and continuously protect the soil surface. A two-year field experiment with three replicates was conducted to quantify effects of three strip widths on selected soil physical properties, seed emergence and yield of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ). A powered row crop rotary hoe which is a group of narrow rotary tillers spaced evenly along the width of the toolbar and powered by the tractor power take-off was used to till soil in strips. The rotary hoe was equipped with C-type blades and was used to till strip widths of 37.5, 30 and 22.5 cm by changing the blade position and number of flanges on each row of the rotary hoe. A constant rotor rotational speed (370 rpm), forward tractor speed (5.4 km h −1 ) and tillage depth (10 cm) were used to create the three strip widths that corresponded to tilled zones encompassing 50, 40, and 30% of the field area, respectively. A pneumatic seeder with 75 cm row intervals was used for planting. The results show that as strip width increased, soil temperature increased but soil moisture content decreased due to evaporation loss from the tilled surface of the strips. Sunflower seed emergence ranged from 67 to 93%, with the lowest levels occurring with 22.5 cm strips. Plant length and stalk diameter also increased as strip width increased. Seed yields for the two years also increased with strip width, averaging 4.4, 4.1, and 3.9 Mg ha −1 for the 37.5, 30 and 22.5 cm strip widths, respectively. Based on these results, although seed yield was least for the 22.5 cm strip width, tractor fuel efficiency was greatest for that width and the soil tended to retain more moisture for that width, compared to the 30 and 37.5 cm widths, so the 22.5 cm strip width is recommended to the eastern Turkey.
A place at the policy table? Behavior genetics and estimates of family environmental effects on IQ

Abstract The knowledge generated in behavior genetic studies is not often made a part of social policy deliberations. The argument of this article is that behavior genetics belongs at the social policy table. Perhaps ironically, behavior genetics is one of the best methods for understanding environmental influences. Behavior genetic studies can reveal which traits are most influenced by shared environment and, thus, which are most malleable through changes in shared environments. The current consensus of behavior genetic studies is that IQ is not a particularly melleable trait, especially after childhood. Furthermore, for working- to-middle-class families, the shared environmental effects on IQ in childhood seem to be temporary rather than lasting. Behavior genetics also can estimate genetic and family environmental components of racial differences in IQ because quantitative genetic models now permit the simultaneous analysis of group means and individual variation. Although not as directly relevant to policy as targeted research on specific policy options, behavior genetics clearly deserves representation.
Modern Paleoecological Techniques: An Evaluation of Role of Paleoecology in Gulf Coast Exploration: ABSTRACT

In recent years there has been a great increase in interest in ecology and paleoecology and in the use of paleoecological data to define ancient environments. This is true especially in the petroleum industry where success in exploration is dependent upon the accurate correlation of strata. During the last 2-3 decades, several hundred papers dealing with this subject have been published, creating a formidable mass of paleoecological literature. The historical background of paleoecological study is reviewed. The basic principles, the limitations of paleoecology, and some of the common problems are discussed. Because benthonic and planktonic faunas are distinct and separate in nature, a review of modern literature studies involving benthonic faunas is considered first, followed by studies of planktonic faunas. Planktonic/benthonic ratios, paleotemperature indicators, and the relation of live/total ratios to sedimentation rates are discussed and evaluated. End_of_Article - Last_Page 2320------------
Epitaxial growth of β-SiC on Si by low-temperature chemical vapor deposition

In this paper we report the growth of β–SiC films on Si(100) substrates by low-temperature chemical vapor deposition. Single crystals of β–SiC are grown at temperatures as low as 1150 °C. Low-temperature growth β–SiC is achieved using a SiH4–C3H8–H2–Ar gas system. The growth rate of films grown at 1150 °C is 1 μm/h. Transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction results indicate that the β-SiC films grown at and above 1150 °C are single crystals. Films grown at temperatures lower than 1150 °C are polycrystalline.
The surface photoeffect

Angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy coupled with the polarized continuum of synchrotron radiation has been used to identify unambiguously a large enhancement in the photoexcitation from A(100) due to the surface photoeffect. This large enhancement in the cross section occurs only when the excitation field has a component perpendicular to the surface and is due to the dielectric response in the surface region, i.e., to the spatially varying electromagnetic field at the metal surface. An absolute determination of the differential photoionization cross section for excitation of Fermi-energy electrons shows quantitative agreement with Feibelman's self-consistent calculation. A simple picture of the surface photoeffect will be presented.
B-wave currents in the frog retina.

Abstract B -wave current flow was analyzed using resistance values and b -wave amplitudes measured as a function of depth within the vitreous, retina and choroid of the frog eyecup. This current arose from a proximal current source which was restricted to a narrow region bordering the inner limiting membrane, and a diffuse current sink, which had two prominent peaks, one in the distal retina and the other in the proximal retina. This source density distribution suggests that Mu¨ller cells are involved in the establishment of the b -wave response.
Generation of angiotensins in cultured pheochromocytoma cells

Abstract Cultured rat pheochromocytoma cells, PC-12, were found to contain renin-like activity. The activity which was inhibited by monospecific antibodies to rat renal renin showed a pH optimum between 6 and 7, indicating that it was a specific renin. The cells also contained angiotensin I and angiotensin I converting enzyme. Angiotensin II III were also detected in lysate. These findings indicated an intrinsic pathway of angiotensin formation in pheochromocytoma. The formation of angiotensins in pheochromocytoma cells suggests modulating functions of angiotensin on neurotransmitter release from adrenal medulla.
Sexual selection and variation: a multivariate approach to species-specific calls and preferences

We examined geographical variation in a signal–receiver system within and between the two species of field crickets Gryllus texensis and G. rubens. We found that none of the three univariate male calling song parameters (pulse rate, trill length and intertrill interval) could separate species in allopatry, in contrast to previous reports that pulse rate is species specific. Using a multivariate measure of all three song parameters for each male, we were able to separate species in allopatric populations. In sympatry, we were not able to clearly delineate species because we found a continuous and nonbimodal distribution of both univariate and multivariate call measures. We also found males in sympatry with unique combinations of calling song parameters that do not occur in either allopatric population. We conducted playback experiments to females of both species collected in allopatry. For two kinds of tests, the species differed significantly in their strength of preference and in the direction of preferring their own species' multivariate calling song. All calling song parameters were highly repeatable, while female mate choice behaviours were not. All calling song parameters varied with season (spring versus autumn) in these bivoltine species. Additional analysis to understand the variation in calling song revealed differences in male call dominant frequency.
Morphology and formation of the eggshell in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineloaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae).

Abstract Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the morphology and formation of the eggshell in the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris . Eggs are bean-shaped, with an operculum at the anterior end surrounded by a row of 36–40 respiratory horns. Three micropylar openings are on the operculum, and are sealed in oviposited eggs. The chorion consists of the chorion proper and the innermost chorionic layer. An air layer composed of colonnades is present in the chorion. The innermost chorionic layer is homogeneous and electron lucent. The follicle cells secrete electron dense materials that later coalesced into the reticulated vitelline membrane. This is followed by the deposition of the innermost chorionic layer by the follicle cells. After the primordial innermost chorionic layer is formed, follicle cells at the anterior pole of the oocyte secrete the scaffold for the colonnades in the air layer. Later, the primordial scaffold matrix is redistributed and localized at the lateral and posterior end of the oocyte where it becomes secondarily modified. At the end of choriogenesis, follicle cells at the anterior pole secrete the operculum and respiratory horns.
Real-time feature extraction for high speed networks

With the onset of Gigabit networks, current generation networking components will soon be insufficient for numerous reasons: most notably because existing methods cannot support high performance demands. Feature extraction (or flow monitoring), an essential component in anomaly detection, summarizes network behavior from a packet stream. This information is fed into intrusion detection methods such as association rule mining, outlier analysis, and classification algorithms in order to characterize network behavior. However, current feature extraction methods based on per-flow analysis are expensive, not scalable, and thus prohibitive for large-scale networks. In this paper, we propose an accurate and scalable feature extraction module (FEM) based on sketches. We present the details of the FEM design on an FPGA and show that using FPGAs we can achieve significantly better performance compared to existing software and ASIC implementations. Specifically, the optimal FEM configuration achieves 21.25 Gbps throughput and 97.61% accuracy.
Motions and relaxations of confined liquids

When a liquid is confined in a narrow gap (as near a cell membrane, in a lubricated contact between solids, or in a porous medium), new dynamic behavior emerges. The effective shear viscosity is enhanced compared to the bulk, relaxation times are prolonged, and nonlinear responses set in at lower shear rates. These effects are more prominent, the thinner the liquid film. They appear to be the manifestation of collective motions. The flow of liquids under extreme confinement cannot be understood simply by intuitive extrapolation of bulk properties. Practical consequences are possible in areas from tribology and materials processing to membrane physics.
Fas-mediated cytotoxicity induces degradation of vesicular stomatitis virus RNA transcripts and reduces viral titer.

Abstract Several investigators have recently examined the effect of Fas (CD95)-mediated apoptotic cell death on target cells (TC). The effect of Fas-mediated death on viral RNA within the TC, however, has not been explored. In this study, we investigated the ability of the Fas pathway to mediate pre-lytic degradation of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) RNA and TC RNA. We show that engagement of Fas antigen on VSV-infected Jurkat cells induces pre-lytic degradation of VSV RNA transcripts, whereas full-length VSV genome RNA, known to be tightly associated with viral proteins, is not degraded. Cellular RNA, including β-actin and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase mRNAs, is also degraded by Fas-mediated cytotoxicity. In addition, Fas-mediated cytotoxicity reduced the yield of VSV plaque-forming units (PFU) from Jurkat by an average of 82.0%. An antiFas blocking Ab inhibited the RNA degradation and restored the number of VSV PFU to near control levels. These data indicate that the Fas lytic pathway could play a role in the elimination of viruses through degradation of intracellular viral RNA.
Equity Impacts of Environmental Policy

This article surveys recent literature on the equity impacts of environmental policy. We focus on studies that look at the distribution of costs and benefits of alternative environmental policies. We also examine potentially important trade-offs between efficiency and equity that arise in the context of environmental policy, as well as transition effects. In many of the applications surveyed here, environmental policies can be regressive. Strategies are discussed to reduce this regressivity through the use of revenues from certain policy instruments. With regard to the distribution of the benefits of environmental policy, we conclude that there is a need for more spatially disaggregated studies that simultaneously capture the spatial and socioeconomic impacts of environmental policy.
Percutaneous intervention of large bladder calculi in neuropathic voiding dysfunction

Purpose: To report our results and rationale for treating large bladder calculi in patients with neuropathic voiding dysfunction (NVD) using percutaneous cystolithalopaxy. Materials and Methods: Ten patients with a previously diagnosed NVD presenting with a large stone burden were identified from our department database and a retrospective review of case notes and imaging was performed. Results: Percutaneous access to remove bladder stones (range 8x7 to 3x2 cm) had a mean surgery length of 150 min and blood loss of 23 mL. Six of the seven patients treated percutaneously were discharged on the day of surgery and suffered no complications, while one patient experienced poor suprapubic tube drainage and required overnight admission with discharge the following day. Transurethral removal of stone burden (range 4x4 to 4x3 cm) had a mean surgery length of 111 min and blood loss of 8 mL. Each of these three patients were under our care for less than 23 hours, and one patient required a second attempt to remove 1x0.5 cm of stone fragments. There was no statistical difference between mean operative times and estimated blood loss, p = 0.5064 and p = 0.0944 respectively, for the two treatment methods. Conclusion: In this small series, percutaneous cystolithalopaxy was a safe, effective, and often preferred minimally invasive option for removal of large calculi in patients with NVD. We suggest possible guidelines for best endoscopic approach in this population, although a larger and prospectively randomized series will be ideal for definitive conclusions.
Rapid uptake of glucose and lactate, and not hypoxia, induces apoptosis in three-dimensional tumor tissue culture

The spatial arrangement of cellular metabolism in tumor tissue critically affects the treatment of cancer. However, little is known about how diffusion and cellular uptake relate to intracellular metabolism and cell death in three dimensions. To quantify these mechanisms, fluorescent microscopy and multicellular tumor cylindroids were used to measure pH and oxygen profiles, and quantify the distribution of viable, apoptotic and necrotic cells. Spheroid dissociation, enzymatic analysis, and mass spectrometry were used to measure concentration profiles of glucose, lactate and glutamine. A mathematical model was used to integrate these measurements and calculate metabolic rate parameters. It was found that large cylindroids, >500 μm in diameter, contained apoptotic and necrotic cells, whereas small cylindroids contained apoptotic but not necrotic cells. The center of cylindroids was found to be acidic but not hypoxic. From the edge to the center, concentrations of glucose, lactate and glutamine decreased rapidly. Throughout the cell masses lactate was consumed and not produced. These measurements indicate that apoptosis was the primary mechanism of cell death; acidity was not caused by lactic acid; and cell death was caused by depletion of carbon sources and not hypoxia. The mathematical model showed that the transporter enzymes for glucose and lactate were not saturated; oxygen uptake was limited by intracellular metabolism; and oxygen uptake was not limited by membrane-transport or diffusion. Unsaturated transmembrane uptake may be the cause of both proliferative and apoptotic regimes in cancer. These results suggest that transporter enzymes are excellent targets for treating well oxygenated tumors.
Survival Advantage Associated with Treatment of Injury at Designated Trauma Centers A Bivariate Probit Model with Instrumental Variables

This article analyzes the effectiveness of designated trauma centers in Florida concerning reduction in the mortality risk of severely injured trauma victims. A bivariate probit model is used to compute the differential impact of two alternative acute care treatment sites. The alternative sites are defined as (1) a nontrauma center (NC) or (2) a designated trauma center (DTC). An instrumental-variables method was used to adjust for prehospital selection bias in addition to the influence of age, gender, race, risk of mortality, and type of injury. Treatment at a DTC was associated with a reduction of 0.13 in the probability of mortality.
Bispecific T-cell engagers for cancer immunotherapy

Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) are a new class of immunotherapeutic molecules intended for the treatment of cancer. These molecules enhance the patient's immune response to tumors by retargeting T cells to tumor cells. BiTEs are constructed of two single-chain variable fragments (scFv) connected in tandem by a flexible linker. One scFv binds to a T-cell-specific molecule, usually CD3, whereas the second scFv binds to a tumor-associated antigen. This structure and specificity allows a BiTE to physically link a T cell to a tumor cell, ultimately stimulating T-cell activation, tumor killing and cytokine production. BiTEs have been developed, which target several tumor-associated antigens, for a variety of both hematological and solid tumors. Several BiTEs are currently in clinical trials for their therapeutic efficacy and safety. This review examines the salient structural and functional features of BiTEs, as well as the current state of their clinical and preclinical development.
Modeling vanadium dioxide phase transition due to continuous-wave optical signals

Vanadium dioxide (VO(2)) is a material that undergoes thermal phase transition resulting in drastic changes in its material properties. The phase change can also be brought on by optical pumping. Several experimental results have been presented in the literature dealing with such phase transitions brought on by optical pumping. In this manuscript we present a theoretical framework, which addresses this problem by self consistently solving the electromagnetic problem and the thermodynamic problem using a multiphysics approach when such transitions are thermally mediated, as is the case with continuous-wave optical pumps. Such an analysis provides us with insights into the transition process and also helps explain the conditions under which some of the observed experimental results like bistability takes place. Such optically induced phase transition materials also present the intriguing possibility of ultrahigh nonlinearity where the input optical signal essentially converts a dielectric into a plasmonic material. These materials can find significant applications in nonlinear metatronics.
Atrial and Ventricular Enlargement

The third major application of electrocardiography, after analysis of impulse formation and conduction, and the differential diagnosis of chest pain, is for recognition of hemodynamic lesions. Here, as elsewhere, the nomenclature is inconsistent, and quantitative standards for even such basic concepts as enlargement, dilatation, hypertrophy, and strain are not always agreed on. Nevertheless, it is often possible to point to one or more chambers as the seat of disproportionate hemodynamic burden.
The effect of introducing important incremental innovations on market share and business survival

Incremental product innovation is a critically important competitive factor in established industries. Firms in the cardiac pacemaker industry often benefit by bringing incremental innovations to market even though the new products may cannibalize the sales of existing profitable products. The more often an industry incumbent was among the first to introduce important incremental product innovations the greater its market share in the industry, while adopting innovations that had been introduced by competitors had a small positive relationship with greater market share. The greater the number of competitors that introduced similar products, the greater the market share of firms that were first to market. Greater market share, in turn, reduced the likelihood of business dissolution, while introducing important incremental innovations provided little or no reduction in the likelihood of business dissolution net of the effects of the market share that the firm achieved. The results apply most directly to industries in which buyers incur moderate switching costs.
The Content of Effective Teamwork Mental Models in Self-Managing Teams: Ownership, Learning and Heedful Interrelating

A growing stream of theory and research suggests that overlap in team member mental models (i.e. socially constructed theories about systems and their expected behavior) has a positive influence on team processes and outcomes. In this article we argue that for self- managing work teams (SMWTs), the content of those shared mental models is also important. We begin by reviewing theory on SMWT effectiveness to determine the content of effective teamwork mental models in SMWTs. These are proposed to include: (1) psychological ownership of team processes and outcomes; (2) a need for continuous learning; and (3) a need for heedful interrelating. We then conduct content analyses of four published longitudinal studies of SMWTs to uncover the opportunities and challenges to developing and sustaining these mental models in dynamic organizations. Results suggest these mental models flourish when organizational supports back up their existence. However, since mental models are fluid and adapt to explicit and implicit...
Proteomics inference of genes involved in host adaptation of Mycoplasma gallinarum

Different from most other host-specific mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma gallinarum has been isolated from various hosts, such as poultry, pig, cattle, and sheep. The wide distribution among different hosts, the low pathogenesis, and the weak host immunological responses suggest this mycoplasma has a unique host adaptation mechanism. In this study, we applied two-dimensional liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (2D LC–MS/MS) to characterize the protein profiling of M. gallinarum. Our results suggest that M. gallinarum possesses homologs of cytadhesin proteins found in other mycoplasmas lacking an organized tip organelle. Our results showed that there are possibly multiple aminopeptidase gene homologs present in M. gallinarum, which might be involved in nutrient acquisition of M. gallinarum. The information present here would be useful for future studies to identify genes responsible for the colonization and host adaptation properties of M. gallinarum.
The Influence of Surface Roughness on Nucleate Pool Boiling Heat Transfer

The effect of surface roughness on pool boiling heat transfer is experimentally explored over a wide range of roughness values in water and Fluorinert ™ FC-77, two fluids with different thermal properties and wetting characteristics. The test surfaces ranged from a polished surface (Ra between 0.027 m and 0.038 m) to electrical discharge machined (EDM) surfaces with a roughness Ra ranging from 1.08 m to 10.0 m. Different trends were observed in the heat transfer coefficient with respect to the surface roughness between the two fluids on the same set of surfaces. For FC-77, the heat transfer coefficient was found to continually increase with increasing roughness. For water, on the other hand, EDM surfaces of intermediate roughness displayed similar heat transfer coefficients that were higher than for the polished surface, while the roughest surface showed the highest heat transfer coefficients. The heat transfer coefficients were more strongly influenced by surface roughness with FC-77 than with water. For FC-77, the roughest surface produced 210% higher heat transfer coefficients than the polished surface while for water, a more modest 100% enhancement was measured between the same set of surfaces. Although the results highlight the inadequacy of characterizing nucleate pool boiling data using Ra, the observed effect of roughness was correlated using h Ra as has been done in several prior studies. The experimental results were compared with predictions from several widely used correlations in the literature. DOI: 10.1115/1.3220144
An Architecture for Self-Healing Digital Systems

The use of very deep submicron technology makes VLSI-based digital systems more susceptible to transient or soft errors, and thus compromises their reliability. This paper proposes an architecture inspired by the human immune system that allows tolerance of such errors. An error in a digital system designed using the proposed architecture is treated as an antigen by the system. Using its distributed defense mechanism the system heals itself from the effect of the error. A major advantage of this architecture is that, the outputs of functional cells are connected to the inputs of other physically adjacent functional cells without having to go through complicated routing.
Tailoring Advanced Nanoscale Materials Through Synthesis of Composite Aerogel Architectures

Using silica sol as a glue, we have developed a generalmethod to prepare composites of particulate guests and na-noscale silica that are highly porous, have high surface areas,and can be nanoscopically tailored to suit specific applica-tions. The properties of the particulate guest are retained inthe composite, thereby creating a composite that unites thecontinuous mesoporous network and high surface area of sil-ica gel networks with pre-selected chemical, physical, and op-tical properties of the guest solid. The use of sol–gel chemis-try to create these composites affords enormous flexibility totailor them with solution- and gas-phase reagents at variousstages of the wet gel preparation or after supercritically dry-ing the wet gel to form the aerogel, as shown in Figure 1.Sol–gels and sol–gel composites can be prepared with low-er densities and higher porosities and surface areas than con-ventional ceramics, which confers on them novel physicaland chemical properties.
A Method of Calculating the Characteristic Impedance of a Strip Transmission Line to a Given Degree of Accuracy

The calculation of the characteristic impedance of the strip transmission line TEM-mode can be reduced to the solution of a two-dimensional potential equation with the strip cross section determining the boundary conditions. Usually this potential equation is solved by conformal mapping, but only the most simple shapes permit exact mapping. Approximations may require considerable work and their accuracy is uncertain. This paper describes an alternative numerical method which is particularly suitable for boundaries consisting of any number of straight lines and right angles. It is based on relaxation methods, but by using also variational principles it derives an approximate value for the impedance, and an upper and lower bound with a difference as small as desirable.
Isolation of Aerobic Gram Positive Filamentous Rods from Diseased Gingivae

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUALE ISOLATION DE AEROBIE BASTONETTOS FILAMENTOSE GRAM-POSITIVE AB GINGIVAS MORBIDE.-Observa- tiones histologic de bacterios intra morbide gingivas human duceva a effortios de isolar iste microorganismos ab 54 excidite specimens de gingiva human. Omne le specimens esseva tractate con chloruro zephiran pro destruer contaminantes superficial ante que illo esseva macerate e culturate bacteriologicamente. Coccos tal como Streptococcus mitis, Neisseria catarrhalis, e Staphylococcus aureus e 35 lineas de aerobie bastonettos filamentose gram positive esseva isolate ab approximativemente un medietate del gingivas. Le bastonettos filamentose esseva classificate in 4 gruppos: Corynebacterium striatum (8 lineas), Actinomyces naeslundi (9 lineas), Nocardia salivae (17 lineas), e Leptotrichia dentium (Bacterionema matruchotii; 1 linea).
Ontogeny of Melanistic Color Pattern Elements in the Convict Cichlid, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum

The behavioral significance of color patterns has been widely investigated in cichlid fishes (Perciformes; Cichlidae), whereas the ontogeny of cichlid color patterns has received less attention. We examined the ontogeny of melanistic pattern elements in the convict cichlid, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum. Live juvenile convict cichlids, from hatching through age 88 days, were photographed using a dissecting microscope. Based upon this photographic record, we have characterized the sequential, intermediate phases of color pattern development in the convict cichlid. Convict cichlid fry hatch three days postfertilization with (horizontal) stripes and diffuse cranial and ventral chromatophores. Vertical bars develop gradually and are initiated as midlaterally incomplete semibars. This pigment pattern ontogeny appears similar to some, but not all, previously characterized cichlids.
Nickel Aluminide Superalloys Created by SHS of Nano-Particle Reactants

Advancements in nanotechnology for material processing have spurred the development of superalloys that provide improved protection against corrosion and wear. Nano-scale reactant particles offer unique thermal properties and increased homogeneity that may improve the microstructural features and macroscopic properties of the final product. In this study up to 10-wt% nano-scale molybdenum tri-oxide (MoO3) particles were added to micron scale nickel (Ni) and aluminum (Al). The goal was to produce a superalloy by generating excessively high heating rates and adding an oxidizer that would produce small quantities of Al2O3 (a strengthening agent) within the microstructure of the alloy. Experiments were performed on pellets pressed to 60% theoretical maximum density. Ignition and flame propagation were examined using a CO2 laser and imaging diagnostics that include a copper-vapor laser coupled with a high-speed camera. Product microstructure was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Abrasion testing was performed to evaluate the wear resistance properties of the superalloy. Results show that adding MoO3 increases the flame temperature and produces greater ignition sensitivity. Also, small quantities of MoO3 produce a more homogeneous microstructure and increase the overall wear resistance of the product.
Effects of endophytic fungus, nutrient level, and plant damage on performance of Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

We tested the effects of soil nutrient level, endophyte infection status, and prior herbivory on the performance (survival, growth, and assimilation) of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), Using a 3-factor design, we fed larvae all possible combinations of the following treatments: endophyte-infected or uninfected tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea von Schreber, fescue receiving high or low nutrient levels, and fescue that was either previously damaged or not previously damaged with a fabric tracing wheel. Low nutrient treatments showed a consistent negative effect on 8-d larval mass, pupal mass, development time, assimilation efficiency, and survival of fall armyworm larvae, Previous damage negatively affected larval mass, development time, and assimilation efficiency, but did not affect pupal mass or survival. Infection status also gave mixed results; infection negatively affected pupal mass, but accelerated development time. positively affected larval mass and did not affect survival or assimilation. In general, interactions among nutrient level, wounding damage, and infection status did not affect insect performance. However, we did find that the influence of endophyte on insects depended upon nutrient level supplied to the plants. The adverse effect of endophyte on pupal mass was most pronounced when plants received low fertilizer applications; under high fertilizer applications the effect of endophyte on pupal mass was negligible, Our results show that the interaction among endophytic fungi, their host grasses. and insect herbivores is complex and can be influenced by enviromnental factors, such as nutrient availability.
Structural and sequence analysis of the human γD-crystallin amyloid fibril core using 2D IR spectroscopy, segmental 13C labeling, and mass spectrometry.

Identifying the sequence and structural content of residues that compose the core of amyloid fibrils is important because core regions likely control the process of fibril extension and provide pot...
Solution-processed sulfur depleted Cu(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells synthesized from a monoamine–dithiol solvent mixture

Molecular precursor processing from homogeneous and stable precursor solutions has become an important thrust in inorganic thin-film research because of its potential to provide low-cost, robust, and high-throughput deposition of various semiconductor films and devices. Here we demonstrate a versatile monoamine–dithiol mixture which possesses the remarkable ability to rapidly dissolve a variety of metal salts and metal chalcogenides under ambient conditions for the fabrication of device quality Cu(In, Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) films. By using soluble precursors, an ultrathin CIGSe film solar cell with an undetectable level of sulfur with an efficiency of 10.3% has been fabricated for a total cell area of 0.457 cm2. We further report an optimization study of the film composition and grain growth for a thicker CIGSe absorber layer, which has led to an increased solar cell efficiency of 12.2%, the highest reported values for solar cells using an amine–thiol solvent system. This study outlines a simple strategy to formulate inorganic semiconductor inks for processing high-quality selenide absorber layers of multinary compounds, which shows promise for increasing the efficiency of solution-processed thin-film solar cells.
Foreland basin stratigraphic control on thrust belt evolution

The link between orogenic activity and foreland basin stratigraphy is well established; however, potential controls by foreland basin stratigraphy on thrust belt architecture have not been fully evaluated. Mechanical properties of typical foreland basin stratigraphic successions influence the structural development of fold-thrust belts in predictable ways. Fundamental features of foreland basins include the onset of rapid subsidence and deposition of a coarsening-upward sedimentary succession. In the lower part of this succession are fine-grained, distal foreland basin deposits. Enlargement of the orogenic wedge through frontal accretion incorporates the foreland basin strata into the thrust belt, and distal foreland basin depositional units may be preferentially exploited as a thrust detachment zone, resulting in multiple detachment levels. We propose that foreland basin stratigraphic architecture has significant influence on the structural development of thrust belts and that, by extension, processes that influence foreland basin sedimentation may ultimately influence orogenic evolution far removed in time and space.