cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Schistosoma mansoni excretory–secretory products stimulate a p38 signalling pathway in Biomphalaria glabrata embryonic cells

Abstract Following infection with Schistosoma mansoni larvae, haemocytes of resistant Biomphalaria glabrata snails execute a rapid defence during which they migrate towards and encapsulate the parasites. Such immediate and precise responses are thought to depend on signal transduction cascades though the signalling components involved remain largely unknown. It is proposed that mitogen-activated protein kinases may play a role in B. glabrata immune signalling, in particular p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, which are known to be associated with stress and inflammatory signalling. Using degenerate PCR followed by Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends a full-length p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-like cDNA was cloned from both the B. glabrata embryonic (Bge) cell line ( Bge-p38 ) and haemocytes ( Bgh-p38 ). In addition, B. glabrata p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation was examined at the protein level in Western blot analyses using an antibody that specifically recognises activated/diphosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Results showed that Bge cell p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was activated/phosphorylated following 30 min incubation with anisomycin, an established p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activator. Furthermore, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was also activated after only 5 min exposure to either the β-glucan polymer laminarin or S. mansoni larval excretory–secretory products. In a comparative study, activated haemocyte p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase could also be detected using the anti-phosphorylated p38 antibody following cell treatment with anisomycin. However, in contrast with Bge cells, haemocyte p38 was not activated by either excretory–secretory products or laminarin treatments, suggesting fundamental differences in the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in signal transduction pathways between haemocytes and Bge cells.
In situ dry matter, crude protein, and starch degradabilities of selected grains and by-product feeds

In situ degradabilities were determined for some commonly used grains and by-product feeds in dairy cattle rations. Ingredients evaluated were barley, shelled corn, soybean meal, brewers dried grains, corn gluten feed, distillers dried grains, soybean hulls, and wheat middlings. In situ studies were conducted in three rumen-fistulated Holstein cows. Cows were fed a total mixed rations containing 55% alfalfa silage and 45% shelled corn-based concentrate (dry matter basis). Dacron bags containing 6 g (as fed basis) of each feed were immersed in duplicate at each time point in the ventral rumen of each cow for 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Ruminal availabilities of dry matter, crude protein, and starch calculated as a percentage of nutrient were ranked from high to low: dry matter: barley (67.3%), soybean meal (63.9%), distillers dried grains (58.3%), corn gluten feed (56.9%), wheat middlings (54.6%), shelled corn (51.1%), soybean hulls (48.8%), and brewers dried grains (38.3%); crude protein: wheat middlings (71.9%), corn gluten feed (70.3%), soybean meal (62.9%), barley (60.0%), soybean hulls (58.2%), brewers dried grains (48.9%), shelled corn (40.0%), and distillers dried grains (39.6%); starch: wheat middlings (88%), distillers dried grains (85.5%), soybean meal (81.8%), barley (80.5%), brewers dried grains (76.0%), corn gluten feed (70.6%), soybean hulls (66.4%), and shelled corn (56.5%). Grains and by-product feeds vary widely in their ruminal availability. This study provides estimates of kinetics of ruminal degradation of feeds for use in dynamic models of protein and carbohydrate digestion.
Understanding spiritual confession: A review and theoretical synthesis.

Spiritual confession has a prominent role in the practices of many religious and spiritual traditions. This paper proposes a definition of spiritual confession and reviews confession practices in Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Native American, and 12-step traditions. Psychological research on confession and disclosure processes is reviewed, and functions of confession are identified, based on prior empirical and theoretical work. Identified functions include: reducing guilt and shame, seeking social connection, seeking meaning and coherence, impression management, and spiritual functions. Finally, experimental studies focused on spiritual confession are reviewed, and specific suggestions for future research are proposed.
The boiling rates of LNG on typical dike floor materials

Abstract The focus of this paper is upon the measurement and interpretation of the boiling rates of LNG on materials which could be used as dike floors in an LNG facility. Soils, sand, insulating concretes, polyurethane, and corrugated aluminium were studied. For all except the last, the boiling rates could be correlated with a one-dimensional conduction heat-transfer model which contains a single characterizing parameter. An insulating concrete containing glass fibres (G-24) was shown to have both a low boiling rate and a high strength. Also, the use of corrugated aluminium over soil proved to be a very effective insulation.
Antitumor Agents LXIII: The Effects of Microlenin on Nucleic Acid and Protein Syntheses of Ehrlich Ascites Cells

Microlenin, a novel dimeric sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Texas Helenium microcephalum, was shown to inhibit Ehrlich ascites carcinoma growth. Metabolic studies demonstrated that DNA synthesis and protein synthesis were significantly inhibited by two doses of microlenin at 5 mg/kg/day. DNA synthesis appeared to be blocked at several sites including DNA polymerase, purine synthesis, and dihydrofolate reductase. Thymidine nucleotide pools were significantly reduced by microlenin. Protein synthesis inhibition by microlenin appeared to occur during the initiation step of polypeptide synthesis. The metabolic effects of microlenin were similar to other sesquiterpene lactones in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. However, a lower dose of microlenin was required to bring about these metabolic effects when compared with other sesquiterpene lactones. Thus, microlenin may be a more likely therapeutic agent than helenalin which has demonstrated cellular toxicity.
An Appropriate Metric to Switch on a Turbulence Model for Rayleigh-Taylor Instability Driven Mixing

Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) instability occurs at a perturbed interface between fluids of different densities, when the lighter fluid is accelerated into the heavier fluid (∇p · ∇ρ < 0, where p is pressure, and ρ is density). In time, as the two fluids seek to reduce their combined potential energy, the mixing becomes turbulent. This fundamental instability is observed, and plays a key role, in numerous natural phenomena, e.g. supernovae explosions, and in engineering applications, e.g. Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF). The importance of initial condition (ICs) effects on the growth and mixing of Rayleigh-Taylor instability open an opportunity for “design” of RT turbulence for engineering, and question our current predictive capability. Indeed, commonly used turbulence models used for engineering applications are tuned for fully developed turbulence, whereas RT instability is a dynamic process that evolves toward turbulence under the influence of ICs. Therefore, our efforts aim at defining a procedure for properly accounting for initial conditions in variable density (RT) turbulence models. Our strategy is to have a model for the “early” evolution of the RT instability that will produce the initial conditions for the turbulence model. We already dispose of a modal model to evolve the RT mixing layer starting from almost any initial conditions. The present work is a first look at determining an appropriate metric for switching from the modal model to a variable density turbulence model.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds in Soil Samples Using Laser-Induced Phosphorimetry

Abstract The analysis and spectral characteristics of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been investigated by Laser-Induced Solid-Surface Room Temperature Phosphorimetry (LI-SSRTP). These PAHs included phenanthrene, chrysene, 1,2 benzofluorene, 2,3 benzofluorene, pyrene, coronene, 1,2,3,4 dibenzanthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(e)pyrene, and benzo(g, h, i)perylene. A nitrogen laser was employed as the excitation source at 337 nm. Filter paper treated with UV irradiation for background reduction was used as the solid substrate. Thallium(I)acetate was employed as a phosphorescence enhancer. Absolute limits of detection in the picogram level were obtained for all the PAHs, improving SSRTP levels of detection by three orders of magnitude. Finally, the proposed method was tested with a PAH contaminated soil sample. Detection of several PAHs at the nanogram level was easily performed, showing the potential of LI-SSRTP to the analysis of samples of environmental concern.
Distribution of Quaternary radiolaria in the Navarin Basin geologic province, Bering Sea

Abstract Radiolarians from the surface sediments of the Navarin Basin geologic province in the western part of the Bering Sea are more diverse and abundant than previous reports indicate. The shelf is dominated by two spongy radiolarian species groups ( Stylochlamydium venustum and Spongotrochus glacialis groups), while the slope has more diversity. The distributions can in part be explained by present oceanographic conditions. Studies of five cores along the slope show that there is a faunal change within the top 5 m of sediment. The spongy radiolarians are more abundant in recent sediments but gradually decrease downcore as Cycladophora davisiana becomes the dominant species, which probably reflects an environmental change. The disappearance of Lynchnocanoma grande in the area occurred around 17,000 to 34,000 y BP, but more research is needed to confirm whether the extinction is a useful biostratigraphic marker.
The impact of cardiovascular disease and risk factor treatment on ethnic disparities in kidney transplant

There is limited data on the use of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor medications following renal transplant, especially when comparing use across ethnicities. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence, treatment, and impact of CVD between ethnicities in kidney transplant recipients. This was a retrospective cohort study of adults who underwent transplant between 2000 and 2008 within our academic medical transplant center. Pediatrics, multiorgan transplants, and those lost to follow-up were excluded. Data collection included all transplant and sociodemographic characteristics, medication use, CVD risk factor management, and follow-up events, including acute rejection, graft loss, and death. A total of 987 patients were included and followed for a mean of 6.7 ± 3.0 years. The baseline demographics revealed black patients were equally likely to have preexisting CVD (24% vs 25%, P = .651), but more likely to have preexisting diabetes (35% vs 23%, P < .001) or hypertension (97% vs 94%, P = .029). Black patients had poorer treatment of CVD risk factors, with lower rates of control of diabetes (35% vs 51%, P < .05) and dyslipidemia (37% vs 42%, P < .05). Black renal transplant recipients who had preexisting CVD had reduced graft survival rates compared to white patients (10-year rate 50% vs 60%, P = .033), but similar rates of graft survival were found in those without CVD (10-year rate 70% vs 71% in white patients, P = .483). CVD is common in transplant recipients, with black patients having higher rates and poorer control of diabetes and dyslipidemia.
[Na5(THF)10Ce(mnt)4]∞: A Honeycomb Network Polymer That Yields Homoleptic Cerium(III) Tetrakis(Dithiolene) Complexes in Donor Solvents

The first example of a lanthanide tetrakis(dithiolene) complex, [Na5(THF)10Ce(mnt)4] (1) (mnt = 1,2-maleonitrile-1,2-dithiolate), has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic methods. In the solid state, 1 exists as a 2-D corrugated honeycomb network polymer in which the monomeric units comprising the trigonal nodes are knitted together by interlocking dative Na−N bonds extended from nitrile groups of bifunctional mnt ligands coordinated through the sulfur atoms to adjacent cerium centers. Individual honeycomb sheets are separated by 14.8 A. Compound 1 dissolves in donor solvents such as THF and acetonitrile to give soluble [Ce(mnt)4]5- units that exhibit spectroscopic features (i.e., NMR, luminescence, UV−vis) that are consistent with the 4f1 Ce(III) ion. In the first examination of the redox chemistry of a lanthanide dithiolene complex, cyclic voltammetry measurements conducted on 1 reveal a single irreversible oxidation wave that is likely attributable to ligand-cen...
The sunburning ultraviolet meter: design and performance.

— A meter for measuring the skin sunburn effectiveness of a light source is being used in an extensive network to provide solar data for correlation to skin cancer incidence. The solar radiation measured also affects a wide variety of organisms. The intensity of this band of radiation is also strongly affected by ozone concentration so that the output correlates with ozone thickness. The meter spectral response is essentially the excitation spectrum of magnesium tungstate phosphor which is similar to the erythema action spectrum (EAS). In addition to the waterproofed, dose reading embodiment, a cheaper, easily transportable, batteryless, intensity reading meter with the same spectral response has been developed. The deviation of any sunburn meter from the ideal erythema action spectrum can be calculated by convolution of a series of solar spectra against each of the two response spectra. Plotting the change in output against the change in input results in straight lines. Either log-log coordinates are required, or, as is done here, decibels can be used on linear coordinates. The angle between the straight lines is taken as the error. An error angle of 6.5° is calculated for the present meter.
Uncovering of functional alternative CTLA-4 counter-receptor in B7-deficient mice

B7 delivers a costimulatory signal through CD28, resulting in interleukin-2 secretion and T cell proliferation. Blockade of this pathway results in T cell anergy. The in vivo role of B7 was evaluated with B7-deficient mice. These mice had a 70 percent decrease in costimulation of the response to alloantigen. Despite lacking B7 expression, activated B cells from these mice bound CTLA-4 and GL1 monoclonal antibody, demonstrating that alternative CTLA-4 ligand or ligands exist. These receptors are functionally important because the residual allogenic mixed lymphocyte responses were blocked by CTLA4Ig. Characterization of these CTLA-4 ligands should lead to strategies for manipulating the immune response.
Weak collision effects: Non-steady-state thermal unimolecular reactions

Bench-mark calculations for non-steady-state thermal systems are presented. Although the equations and calculations were modeled for the isomerization of cyclopropane in the single-pulse shock tube, the results are qualitatively and semiquantitatively correct for any experimental technique in which a finite time is required to energize the reactant to the reaction temperature. A useful parameter in describing this nonequilibrium behavior is the induction time τ95; the log of τ95 is linearly related to the collision frequency ω. For the model cyclopropane system a steady state is reached in ∼1 msec when ω ≈ 108 sec−1 and T ≈ 1500 K.
Diatom species abundance and morphologically-based dissolution proxies in coastal Southern Ocean assemblages

Abstract Taphonomic processes alter diatom assemblages in sediments, thus potentially negatively impacting paleoclimate records at various rates across space, time, and taxa. However, quantitative taphonomic data is rarely included in diatom-based paleoenvironmental reconstructions and no objective standard exists for comparing diatom dissolution in sediments recovered from marine depositional settings, including the Southern Ocean’s opal belt. Furthermore, identifying changes to diatom dissolution through time can provide insight into the efficiency of both upper water column nutrient recycling and the biological pump. This is significant in that reactive metal proxies (e.g. Al, Ti) in the sediments only account for post-depositional dissolution, not the water column where the majority of dissolution occurs. In order to assess the range of variability of responses to dissolution in a typical Southern Ocean diatom community and provide a quantitative guideline for assessing taphonomic variability in diatoms recovered from core material, a sediment trap sample was subjected to controlled, serial dissolution. By evaluating dissolution-induced changes to diatom species’ relative abundance, three preservational categories of diatoms have been identified: gracile, intermediate, and robust. The relative abundances of these categories can be used to establish a preservation grade for diatom assemblages. However, changes to the relative abundances of diatom species in sediment samples may reflect taphonomic or ecological factors. In order to address this complication, relative abundance changes have been tied to dissolution-induced morphological change to the areolae of Fragilariopsis curta, a significant sea-ice indicator in Southern Ocean sediments. This correlation allows differentiation between gracile species loss to dissolution versus ecological factors or sediment winnowing. These results mirror a similar morphological dissolution index from a parallel study utilizing Fragilariopsis kerguelensis, suggesting that results are applicable to a broad spectrum of diatoms typically preserved in the sediments.
Characterizing viability of small manufacturing enterprises (SME) in the market

This paper examines characteristics of survived small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) competing to be suppliers to mass merchandisers. It intends to examine various product and management characteristics of small manufacturing enterprises (SME) to determine the critical factors that lead to their long-term survival. Since survey data are usually correlated, fuzzy, inconsistent, and incomplete, we used the adaptive learning network (ALN), an artificial intelligence (AI) technique to build the model. The ALN is non-parametric and known to be much better than multivariate statistical approaches in handling survey data. A sample of over 1600 firms was analyzed in this study to determine the primary factors that are attributable to long-term survival of SMEs and their influences.
Infrared quantum cascade laser spectroscopy of low frequency vibrations of intermolecular complexes

Application of a QCL based spectrometer to cw supersonic slit jet expansions of CO and HX (X= F, Cl, CN, CCH) are reported. Spectroscopic analysis of fundamental, combination and hot bands of the CO stretching vibrations provide ro-vibrational parameters for low frequency intermolecular vibrations that can be incorporated in determination of morphed potentials for the respective dimers.
An electrostatic microvalve for pneumatic control of microfluidic systems

An electrostatic microvalve for pneumatic control of microfluidic devices is presented. The valve consists of several, individually manufactured pieces assembled to form a microvalve. The unique feature is its ability to be integrated with microfluidic systems. The valve was manufactured by depositing a thin chrome layer on poly(methyl methacrylate). A copper foil was used as a flexible membrane. When a voltage was applied between the chrome and the copper foil, the electrostatic force pulled the foil closed against the chrome and stopped the airflow. Parylene C was selected as a dielectric to prevent a short circuit between electrodes. It was determined through testing that a 6 µm parylene layer with a 58 µm cavity depth provided the best combination of a low closing voltage and a high flowrate. These valves worked at pressures up to 40 kPa with an average closing voltage of 680 V, and an average flowrate of 1.05 mL min−1. Tests showed that it may be able to function as a flowrate control valve at pressures greater than 40 kPa. Dielectric charging occurred in the valve. Switching the control voltage polarity with each actuation delayed the onset of dielectric charging. The valve was used to pneumatically control flow in a simplified microfluidic device.
Congenital Antithrombin III Deficiency: Insights into the Pathogenesis of the Hypercoagulable State and Its Management Using Markers of Hemostatic System Activation

Hereditary antithrombin III (ATIII) deficiency predisposes patients to venous thrombosis. The prothrombin fragment F1+2 radioimmunoassay demonstrates that many asymptomatic patients with this disorder not receiving antithrombotic therapy have elevated plasma factor Xa activity. The hemostatic system hyperactivity as measured by this assay could be specifically corrected by raising plasma ATIII levels of several persons into the normal range. This indicates that the prethrombotic state can be defined as an imbalance between the production and inhibition of factor Xa enzymatic activity. The effects of warfarin on factor Xa enzymatic activity in persons with congenital ATIII deficiency have also been evaluated. At equivalent intensities of oral anticoagulation, the mean plasma F1+2 level in patients with ATIII deficiency was significantly elevated as compared with anticoagulated persons without this inherited thrombotic disorder. It is concluded that the effect of warfarin on hemostatic system activation is modulated by the endogenous heparan sulfate-ATIII mechanism. This suggests that the F1+2 radioimmunoassay can be employed to improve the understanding of the hypercoagulable state associated with antithrombin III deficiency as well as to develop more effective treatment strategies to prevent thromboembolic events in patients with this disorder.
THE ROLE OF JUVENILE DISPERSAL IN THE REPLACEMENT OF GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLERS BY BLUE-WINGED WARBLERS

. In this paper, we test a hypothesis that the replacement of golden-winged warblers by blue-winged warblers in the eastern United States is due to the fact that the latter species occupies only a fraction of the habitat of the former species. We build two models, one a simple discrete population model with a one-year time step, and the second a landscape model that incorporates juvenile dispersal. The second model involves a numerical solution to a linked pair of diffusion equations. The first model shows that eventually the blue-winged warbler will replace the golden-winged warbler, but not in the observed 50 year time frame. The second model extends the range of parameter values under which the replacement happens within 50 years, but it still appears that other factors must play a significant role.
Reaction of EDTA and Related Aminocarboxylate Chelating Agents with CoIIIOOH (Heterogenite) and MnIIIOOH (Manganite)

AAS and capillary electrophoresis have been used to identify dissolved products of the reaction of EDTA, NTA, and related aminocarboxylate chelating agents with CoOOH (heterogenite), representing the sorbed contaminant metal CoIII, and MnOOH (manganite), representing the naturally occurring metal MnIII. Reaction of CoOOH with EDTA and NTA yields both ligand-assisted dissolution products (i.e., dissolved CoIII species) and reductive dissolution products (CoII and chelating agent products of oxidative dealkylation). Reaction of CoOOH with IDA yields only ligand-assisted dissolution products. Reaction of MnOOH with all aminocarboxylates examined (EDTA, HEEDTA, NTA, and IDA) yields reductive dissolution products only; dissolved MnIII complexes are not detected. These findings improve our understanding of co-contaminant reactions affecting the subsurface behavior of chelating agents, metallic elements, and radionuclides.
Parental Bonding and Its Effect on Adolescent Substance Use and Sexual Debut

The purpose of this study was to examine associations among parental bonding factors and the early onset of sexual behaviors and substance use. Significant differences were found in the levels of care among the parental status groups and among the ages of onset for alcohol use.
Structure of the polysaccharide O-antigen of Salmonella riogrande O:40 (group R) related to blood group A activity.

Abstract The structure of the Salmonella O:40 (Group R) antigen was determined from an analysis of the antigenic O-polysaccharide component of the lipopolysaccharide produced by Salmonella riogrande O:40. Using 1 H- and 13 C-NMR spectroscopy, methylation analysis, and periodate degradation methods, the O -polysaccharide was found to be a high molecular weight branched polymer of repeating pentasaccharide units having the structure: The reported human blood group A activity was concluded to reside in an epitope of a terminal trisaccharide portion of the O-chain involving α- d -Gal p NAc and β- d -Glc p NAc residues linked (1 → 3) and (1 → 2), respectively, to β- d -Man p branched residues in which the α- d -Gal p NAc residue would appear to be the critical antigenic factor recognized by polyclonal blood group A antisera.
Enzyme-Amplified Receptor Assay (ERA): A Novel Approach to Drug Detection

Abstract Isolated acetylcholine receptors from Torpedo nobiliana are used as recognition elements for phencyclidine (PCP), a potent hallucinogen with high affinity for the ion channel site associated with the receptor, in a novel enzyme-amplified receptor assay. A fixed amount of PCP labelled enzyme competes with free PCP for a limited number of receptor sites resulting in changes of observed enzyme activity proportional to free drug concentration. The proposed concept combines the use of receptors with an enzyme amplification step to yield an exceptionally simple and convenient assay.
Aberrant methylation of Reprimo correlates with genetic instability and predicts poor prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND The p53-dependent G2/M checkpoint plays a key role in the maintenance of genomic integrity, thereby protecting cells from neoplastic progression. Reprimo, a gene involved in the p53-induced G2 cell cycle arrest, has been recently identified as a novel target for aberrant methylation in pancreatic and other cancers. The biological and clinical relevance of Reprimo methylation in pancreatic cancer was investigated. METHODS The methylation status of Reprimo CpG island was analyzed by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction in a large series of pancreatic cancers and was correlated with p53 mutation status, genetic instability (as measured by the fractional allelic loss), and clinicopathologic features. RESULTS Aberrant methylation of Reprimo was identified in 60% (75 of 125) of pancreatic cancer xenografts and primary pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Reprimo methylation was also detectable in 30% (19 of 63) of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanIN), known precursors to infiltrating carcinoma. Reprimo methylation was unrelated to the p53 mutation status and associated with the increased degree of genetic instability (P = .04). Furthermore, we found that patients with Reprimo methylation in their primary pancreatic cancers have significantly worse prognosis than those without Reprimo methylation (P = .007). In contrast, other methylation targets in pancreatic cancers (SPARC and CXCR4) did not correlate with prognosis. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that aberrant methylation of Reprimo is a common event in pancreatic carcinogenesis and is associated with genetic instability and unfavorable outcome after surgical resection. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
A New Aerosol Flow System for Photochemical and Thermal Studies of Tropospheric Aerosols

For studying the formation and photochemical/thermal reactions of aerosols relevant to the troposphere, a unique, high-volume, slow-flow, stainless steel aerosol flow system equipped with UV lamps has been constructed and characterized experimentally. The total flow system length is 8.5 m and includes a 1.2 m section used for mixing, a 6.1 m reaction section and a 1.2 m transition cone at the end. The 45.7 cm diameter results in a smaller surface to volume ratio than is found in many other flow systems and thus reduces the potential contribution from wall reactions. The latter are also reduced by frequent cleaning of the flow tube walls which is made feasible by the ease of disassembly. The flow tube is equipped with ultraviolet lamps for photolysis. This flow system allows continuous sampling under stable conditions, thus increasing the amount of sample available for analysis and permitting a wide variety of analytical techniques to be applied simultaneously. The residence time is of the order of an hour...
The role of immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of oral vesiculobullous disorders. Report of four cases.

Abstract Oral epithelial changes were studied in four patients with either pemphigus vulgaris or bullous pemphigoid. Multiple diagnostic methods, including indirect immunofluorescent study, were employed. Although all four patients had oral desquamative gingivitis, these clinical manifestations should be viewed with suspicion. Desquamative gingivitis most probably is a nonspecific gingival disorder seen in a wide variety of systemic conditions.
An improved Naso-pharangeal lead

Abstract A simplified construction of a naso-pharyngeal lead is described facilitating the evaluation of patients with suspected temporal lobe disease.
Issues in Exposure and Dose Assessment for Epidemiology and Risk Assessment

Epidemiologic studies have been effective in identifying human environmental and occupational hazards. However, most epidemiologic data has been difficult to use in quantitative risk assessments because of the vague specification of exposure and dose. Toxicologic animal studies have used applied doses (quantities administered, or exposures with fixed duration) and well characterized end points to determine effects. However, direct use of animal data in human risk assessment has been limited by uncertainties in the extrapolation. The applied dose paradigm of toxicology is not suited for cross species extrapolation, nor for use in epidemiology as a dose metric because of the complexity of human exposures. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling can estimate the time course of tissue concentrations in humans, given an exposure-time profile, and it has been used for extrapolating findings from animals to humans. It is proposed that human PBPK modeling can be used in appropriately designed epidem...
Spinal epidural abscess: A rapidly progressive disease

We report a case of spinal epidural abscess in a 42-year-old diabetic. The patient first presented with four days of low back pain with radicular symptoms following exertion. When he returned five days later with overt symptoms and signs of spinal cord compression, an epidural mass was diagnosed by myelogram and computed tomography scan. Following drainage of a large posterior epidural abscess, the patient was left with residual weakness requiring ongoing physical therapy.
ON-LENDING IN INDONESIA: PAST PERFORMANCE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

On-lending to sub-national governments in Indonesia has a long and generally disappointing history. Among other noteworthy problems, an insufficient amount of funds has been channelled through the system vis-a-vis capital fi nancing needs, and loan repayments have proved poor. Aid agencies and government have recently invested substantial resources in attempts to improve the on-lending system; the resultant newly installed regulatory framework for sub-national borrowing is, however, unlikely to improve outcomes substantially. Developing sub-national government access to private capital markets would appear to constitute the way forward, although this will not come quickly or easily. A positive step in the right direction would be for government and aid agencies to embrace the anticipated change and work together to make the transition a successful one, rather than continue to tinker with reforms at the margin of a moribund system.
A new method for computing the spectrum of the gravitational perturbations on satellite orbits

Some aspects for efficient computation of the tidal perturbation due to the ellipticity effects of the Earth, the luni-solar potential on an Earth-orbiting satellite and the perturbations of the satellite's radial, transverse and normal position components due to the effects of the Earth's gravitational and ocean tide fields are presented. A straightforward method for computing the spectrum of the geopotential and the tidal-induced perturbations of the orbit elements and the radial, transverse and normal components is described.
Stability of mini-boson stars

Abstract A mini-boson star refers to a bound system of a complex scalar boson field with an astronomically large particle number N, but only a very small stellar radius ≅ Compton wavelength of a free boson, m−1. The star is held together by gravity. We prove that the lowest mass 1s solutions are stable against small oscillations, whereas other ns solutions (n ⩾ 2) are not. Thus, the critical mass of mini-boson stars is the Kaup-Ruffini-Bonazzola limit M ≅ 0.633(Gm)−1 where G is Newton's constant.
Mechanical Activity At Focal Adhesion Sites

We investigated whether mechanical force applied to extracellular matrix proteins (ECM)-integrin focal adhesion sites would induce mechanical activity characteristic of specific ECM type. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to apply forces to ECM adhesion sites on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) isolated from resistance arterioles. The tip of the AFM probes were fused with a borosilicate bead (5 um diameter) coated with fibronectin (FN), collagen type-I (CNI), collagen type-IV (CNIV), laminin (LN) or vitronectin (VN). ECM-coated beads induced clustering of a5 and b3 integrins and actin filaments at sites of bead-cell contact indicative of focal adhesion formation. Step increases of an upward (z-axis) pulling force (800∼1600 pN) applied to the bead-cell contact site for FN specific focal adhesions induced a force-generating response from the cells resulting in a downward pull by the cell. Depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin D blocked whilst stabilization of the actin cytoskeleton with jasplakinolide enhanced this micromechanical event. Myosin light chain kinase inhibition (ML7) and an inhibitor of cSrc tyrosine kinase (PP2) also blocked the response. Furthermore, inhibitory antibodies to a5 and b3 integrins blocked the micromechanical cell event in a concentration-dependent manner. Similar experiments with CNI, CNIV, VN, or LN failed to induce micromechanical events. Our results demonstrate that mechanical force applied through FN at single focal adhesion sites induces a micromechanical event that is actin, myosin light chain kinase and tyrosine kinase dependent. Importantly, the data illustrate that there are different mechanical characteristics for focal adhesions formed by different ECM proteins. FN appears of particular relevance in its ability to induce a force-generating reaction from sites of focal adhesion in VSMC in response to applied forces.
SU-GG-T-152: Pediatric Craniospinal Irradiation with RapidArc: A Feasibility Study and Dosimetric Comparison

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of pediatric craniospinal irradiation (CSI) using RapidArc, and to provide a dosimetric comparison to conventional three‐dimensional conformai radiotherapy (3DCRT) techniques. Method and Materials: CT datasets of pediatric patients with a variety of neoplasms were included in this retrospective study. All patients previously received 3DCRT CSI in the supine position. Single planning target volumes (PTVs) were generated for each patient to include the cranial contents and the vertebral column, both with additional uniform volumetric margins. RapidArc treatment plans were created for 6 MV photons using two arcs for the cranial section of the PTV and a single arc for the entire spinal section of the PTV. All RapidArc plans were normalized so that 100% of the prescription dose (36 Gy) was delivered to 95% of the CSI PTV. The RapidArc and 3DCRT CSI plans were compared based on several dosimetric parameters in order to determine organ at risk (OAR) sparing, PTV coverage and PTV homogeneity. Results: The RapidArc CSI plans were able to achieve similar or improved OAR sparing when compared to their original 3DCRT CSI counterparts. As a whole, the RapidArc plans were able to decrease the maximum dose to all of the relevant OARs. However, for some OARs, such as the lungs and bowel, the mean doses were elevated due to the increased number of beam angles. When conformity and dose homogeneity indices were evaluated, the RapidArc plans illustrated improved PTV coverage and superior target volume homogeneity in all cases. Conclusion: The dosimetric results indicate that RapidArc is an advantageous alternative for pediatric CSI. When compared to 3DCRT, the proposed method has the potential to deliver a more uniform dose to the craniospinal PTV, thus minimizing areas of overdose and underdose and eliminating the need for difficult and time‐consuming field matching techniques.
Approximate theory of temperature coefficient of resistivity of amorphous semiconductors

In this paper, we develop an approximate theory of the temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) and conductivity based upon the recently proposed microscopic response method. By introducing suitable approximations for the lattice dynamics, localized and extended electronic states, we produce explicit forms for the conductivity and TCR, which depend on easily accessible material parameters. The theory is in reasonable agreement with experiments on $a$-Si:H and $a$-Ge:H. A long-standing puzzle, a ``kink'' in the experimental ${\mathrm{log}}_{10}\ensuremath{\sigma}$ versus 1/$T$ curve, is predicted by the theory and attributed to localized to extended transitions, which have not been properly handled in earlier theories.
Quasiequilibrium black hole-neutron star binaries in general relativity

We construct quasiequilibrium sequences of black hole-neutron star binaries in general relativity. We solve Einstein's constraint equations in the conformal thin-sandwich formalism, subject to black hole boundary conditions imposed on the surface of an excised sphere, together with the relativistic equations of hydrostatic equilibrium. In contrast to our previous calculations we adopt a flat spatial background geometry and do not assume extreme mass ratios. We adopt a $\ensuremath{\Gamma}=2$ polytropic equation of state and focus on irrotational neutron star configurations as well as approximately nonspinning black holes. We present numerical results for ratios of the black hole's irreducible mass to the neutron star's ADM mass in isolation of ${M}_{\mathrm{irr}}^{\mathrm{BH}}/{M}_{\mathrm{ADM},0}^{\mathrm{NS}}=1$, 2, 3, 5, and 10. We consider neutron stars of baryon rest mass ${M}_{\mathrm{B}}^{\mathrm{NS}}/{M}_{\mathrm{B}}^{\mathrm{max}﻿}=83%$ and 56%, where ${M}_{\mathrm{B}}^{\mathrm{max}﻿}$ is the maximum allowed rest mass of a spherical star in isolation for our equation of state. For these sequences, we locate the onset of tidal disruption and, in cases with sufficiently large mass ratios and neutron star compactions, the innermost stable circular orbit. We compare with previous results for black hole-neutron star binaries and find excellent agreement with third-order post-Newtonian results, especially for large binary separations. We also use our results to estimate the energy spectrum of the outgoing gravitational radiation emitted during the inspiral phase for these binaries.
Design of Routing Protocols and Overlay Topologies for Topic-based Publish/Subscribe on Small-World Networks

It is primarily important and challenging to develop a distributed publish/subscribe (pub/sub) system for large-scale workloads. On the one hand, structured overlays (e.g., small-world networks) scale logarithmically in terms of node degrees, propagation delay, and so on, but pub/sub routing on these structured overlays often exerts considerable overhead on each node for forwarding irrelevant messages. On the other hand, the unstructured topic-connected overlay (TCO) can eliminate unnecessary pure forwarders, since each topic induces a connected sub-overlay among all nodes interested in this topic; however, the node degrees and diameters are unbounded in a constructed TCO.To achieve the best of both worlds, we design a practical pub/sub system in peer-to-peer settings, including both routing protocols and overlay topologies. First, based on small-world overlays, we propose the Nearest Subscribers and Matched Fingers (NSMF) routing protocol for topic-based pub/sub. Second, to reduce the routing overhead of NSMF, we construct small-world overlays that aim to maximize interest closeness, where each node strives to point its small-world fingers to nodes with common interests.We validate our design with empirical evaluation and show the advantages, in both routing efficiency and overlay quality. As compared to regular small-world networks, our system reduces over 30% of the costs in both pure forwarding messages and the average path length.
Tree rings, a record of seasonal variations in past climate

The width and other characteristics of the growth layers in trees provide valuable information on past variations in climate. Not only can past climate be deduced from past growth, but computers can be used to calibrate the tree growth with climate and to obtain quantitative estimates or reconstructions of the climatic variables in the past from the measurements of ring widths. Large arrays of many tree-ring chronologies exhibit large-scale spatial anomalies in growth. These anomalies can be converted by means of the calibration equations into large-scale reconstructions of spatial anomalies in climate. In this way a map is produced of climatic conditions for individual seasons within each year as far back in time as tree-ring data are available for the sites used for calibration. Some of the biological and physical phenomena that influence the climatic records are described, and the unique opportunities provided by tree-ring analysis of climate are summarized.
Reduced-order steady-state and dynamic models for separation processes. Part I. Development of the model reduction procedure

One of the major difficulties with mathematical models of staged separation systems is the large dimensionality of the process model. This paper is concerned with simple (reduced-order) steady-state and dynamic models for processes such as distillation, absorption and extraction. The model reduction procedure is based on approximating the composition and flow profiles in the column using polynomials rather than as discrete functions of the stages. The number of equations required to describe the system is thus drastically reduced. The method is developed using a simple absorber system. In the second part of this paper, the application of the method to nonlinear multicomponent separation systems is demonstrated.
Which medications should be held before a pharmacologic or exercise stress test

This depends on the reason for the rest, whether the patient can safely do without the medication, and the type of test.
Fractionation of heavy metals in liquefied chromated copper arsenate 9-treated wood sludge using a modified BCR-sequential extraction procedure

Chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood was liquefied with polyethylene glycol/glycerin and sulfuric acid. After liquefaction, most CCA metals (98% As, 92% Cr, and 83% Cu) were removed from liquefied CCA-treated wood by precipitation with calcium hydroxide. The original CCA-treated wood and liquefied CCA-treated wood sludge were fractionated by a modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure. The purpose of the BCR-sequential extraction used in this study was to examine the availability of CCA metals in treated wood for reuse. Both As and Cr had a slightly higher concentration in the sludge sample than in original CCA-treated wood. The sequential extraction showed that As and Cr were principally existed in an oxidizable fraction (As, 67%; Cr, 88%) in original CCA-treated wood. Only 1% of both As and Cr were extracted by hot nitric acid with the last extraction step. The distribution of As and Cr changed markedly in liquefied CCA-treated wood sludge. The amount of As in the exchangeable/acid extractable fraction increased from 16% to 85% while the amount of Cr increased from 3% to 54%. Only about 3% of As was present in the oxidizable fraction. However, there was still about 34% of Cr in the same fraction. Based on these results from sequential extraction procedures, it can be concluded that the accessibilities of CCA metals increase markedly by the liquefaction–precipitation process.
Ultrastructural evidence for bouton proliferation in the partially deafferented dentate gyrus of the adult rat

A quantitative morphological study of the changes in the dentate gyrus molecular layer in response to the removal of perforant path afferents was made utilizing electron microscopic techniques. Alterations in 1. the population of remaining afferents, 2. glial cells, and 3. granule cell dendrites are reported. The major observation was an increase in intact bouton density in the region of denervation which began at 5 days post-lesion and continued through 11 days post-lesion, the longest post-lesion survival time studied.
The South-Central U.S. Flood of May 2010: Present and Future*

AbstractPrevious studies have documented a feedback mechanism involving the cyclonic low-level jet (LLJ), poleward moisture flux and flux convergence, and condensational heating. Increased water vapor content and potentially heavier precipitation accompanying climate warming suggest the hypothesis that this feedback could strengthen with warming, contributing to amplification of precipitation extremes beyond what the thermodynamically controlled vapor increase would provide. Here, this hypothesis is tested with numerical simulations of a severe flooding event that took place in early May 2010 in the south-central United States.Control simulations with a mesoscale model capture the main features of the May 2010 flooding event. A pseudo–global warming approach is used to modify the current initial, surface, and boundary conditions by applying thermodynamic changes projected by an ensemble of GCMs for the A2 emission scenario. The observed synoptic pattern of the flooding event is replicated but with modifie...
Spin Probe ESR Study of Cation Effects on Methanol and DMMP Solvation in Sulfonated Poly(styrene−isobutylene−styrene) Triblock Copolymers at High Ion-Exchange Capacities

The solvent uptake properties of sulfonated poly(styrene−isobutylene−styrene) (sSIBS) triblock copolymers exchanged with Mg2+, Al3+, Ba2+, and Cs+ ions are investigated using the electron spin resonance (ESR) spin probe method with the nitroxide probes 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone N-oxide (TEMPONE) and 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPOL). sSIBS membranes were equilibrated with varying amounts of methanol, dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), both as pure solvents and as solvent−water mixtures. As a standard for comparison, Li+ ion exchanged Nafion 117 membranes were also characterized using the same spin probes and solvent combinations. Solvent uptake trends were measured for each of the membrane-solvent combinations. Some membranes, particularly those exchanged with Cs+, preferentially uptake water in the presence of organic solvent. sSIBS membranes containing pure methanol or DMMP exhibit two phases which were assigned to the sulfonated styrene block of the polymer, and to the hyd...