cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of sewer biofilm on the degradation of drugs in sewage: A microcosm study

Abstract A thorough understanding of the in-sewer stability of chemical biomarkers is critical in applying wastewater-based surveillance of community drug use. In this study, we examined the effects of sewer biofilm on the degradation of commonly abused drugs, namely, morphine, fentanyl, cocaine, and amphetamine, in wastewater using 48-h batch degradation tests. The experiments were designed to distinguish among abiotic, biochemical, and physical degradation processes, and used mature biofilm obtained from an actual sewer line. Parallel microcosm tests were conducted using wastewater with and without suspended biofilm. Results indicate that first order kinetics describe the degradation of the drugs in both wastewater and wastewater-biofilm microcosms. Amphetamine was most stable in all microcosms, with a maximum removal of only 34% after 48 h. Abiotic chemical transformation played a major role in the degradation of morphine (kab = 0.018 h-1), fentanyl (kab = 0.022 h-1) and cocaine (kab = 0.049 h-1) in wastewater. Fentanyl removal from wastewater was also influenced by the presence of biofilm (kf = 0.015 h-1). This study is the first to report on the effect of sewer biofilm on fentanyl degradation, and highlights the need to account for in-sewer drug stability in wastewater-based drug use estimation, particularly for chemicals with high affinity for organics.
Immunofluorescence Methods in the Diagnosis of Renal and Cardiac Diseases

In many skin diseases, demonstration of immunoglobulin (Ig) or complement deposition in specific structures in the dermis and epidermis is an essential criterion for accurate diagnosis. For the skin, the focus is primarily on the immunofluorescence findings in bullous and connective tissue disorders, vasculitides, and other mucocutaneous conditions, for which this immunohistochemistry technique can provide useful diagnostic information. This chapter emphasizes the common immunofluorescence techniques used for diagnosis and interpretation with kidney and skin biopsy specimens. For skin specimens used for immunofluorescence studies, the proper choice of a biopsy site is critical to maximize the probability of obtaining diagnostic information. In most if not all cases of bullous skin diseases, namely, those autoimmune in nature, biopsy specimens should be obtained from perilesional tissue. For the diagnosis of pemphigoid, pemphigus, linear IgA bullous disease, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), and dermatitis herpetiformis, the tissue sample should be taken from inflamed but unblistered skin. Most diagnostic studies using direct immunofluorescence techniques are performed with unfixed frozen tissue sections, since many antigens can be altered or destroyed by fixation. Indirect immunofluorescence is used to detect circulating autoantibodies with tissue specificity. These include anti-glomerular basement (anti-GBM) and anti-tubular basement antibodies in renal disease and bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus antibodies in skin disease. Photography is the only permanent record one has of the immunofluorescence findings. Many immunopathology laboratories are now using a digital camera interfaced with a computer to capture fluorescence images for documentation of results.
Learning conditional abstractions

Abstraction is central to formal verification. In term-level abstraction, the design is abstracted using a fragment of first-order logic with background theories, such as the theory of uninterpreted functions with equality. The main challenge in using term-level abstraction is determining what components to abstract and under what conditions. In this paper, we present an automatic technique to conditionally abstract register transfer level (RTL) hardware designs to the term level. Our approach is a layered approach that combines random simulation and machine learning inside a counter-example guided abstraction refinement (CEGAR) loop. First, random simulation is used to determine modules that are candidates for abstraction. Next, machine learning is used on the resulting simulation traces to generate candidate conditions under which those modules can be abstracted. Finally, a verifier is invoked. If spurious counterexamples arise, we refine the abstraction by performing a further iteration of random simulation and machine learning. We present an experimental evaluation on processor designs.
The Place of Ideals in Teaching

Do ideals and idealism have a role to play in teaching? Two quick answers come to mind. The first is that they have no place, or at most a very limited place. According to this line of thinking, teaching is a well-defined occupation with welldefined goals. Our romantic impulses may tell us otherwise. They may lead us to envision teachers as artists and as transformers of the human spirit. However, a critic might argue, teaching is not an artistic endeavor because teachers are not artists, save from the point of view of method and even then only in a metaphorical sense. Unlike painters at their easels, teachers cannot create whatever they wish in the classroom. They are public servants beholden to the public to get a particular job done. Idealism is warranted as a source of motivation, but teachers’ ideals had better not take them away from the job itself. According to this point of view, the only ideal teachers should hold is, ideally, that of fulfilling their publicly defined obligations in a responsible and effective manner.
Modeling complex crustal processes

Geophysical processes in the Earth, such as earthquakes, are complex processes that exhibit emergent behavior. That is, fundamental physical and chemical processes coupled together result in phenomena that are not apparent in isolated laboratory experiments or theoretical studies of uncoupled, linear processes. Rigorous quantitative investigation of complex earth processes requires the development of appropriate quantitative tools for expressing and exploring the laws that govern complex processes. Computer-based models allow investigation of the consequences of theories that cannot be explored in any other way. As the need to include more processes in coupled models and more detailed theories about earthquake cycles grows, so does the need to work at higher levels of software abstraction. This can be accomplished through the development of a standard, extensible set of geophysical software components. The basic mechanical, fluid, and chemical processes that, when coupled together in their most general forms, are thought to control the earthquake cycle, are presented here, with particular emphasis on the continuum mechanics seismogenic upper crust as a chemically evolving, thermoporoelastic medium. A detailed finite element discretization for the thermoporoelastic continuum equations is presented, as well as references for numerical modeling of other important processes. A framework for geoscience software components is discussed, the purpose of which is to integrate the complicated numerical models required for realistic quantitative investigations of earthquake physics and to provide a standard quantitative approach to coordinate a community modeling effort.
Controversies in the management of feline urethral obstruction.

Objective To discuss areas of differing opinion in the management of feline urethral obstruction and present current evidence to either support or refute common practices. Etiology Urethral obstruction may occur as a result from a functional obstruction (idiopathic obstruction) or a physical obstruction, such as mucous plugs or calculi within the urethra. Potential risk factors for obstruction in cats include predominantly indoor status, decreased water intake, and increased body weight. Diagnosis The diagnosis is most commonly made based on history and initial physical exam—straining to urinate, vocalizing, signs of systemic illness, moderate to large firm bladder on abdominal palpation. Therapy Treatment is based on available evidence. The type of IV isotonic crystalloid used does not seem to matter and rate should be determined by need for fluid resuscitation, and replacement of deficit and ongoing losses. Though controversial, cystocentesis appears to be safe and may offer some benefits in initial management. There is evidence to suggest a smaller urethral catheter (3.5 Fr) may be associated with decreased risk of reobstruction. Routine use of antimicrobial agents in hospital is not recommended; they should be dispensed based on culture performed at the time of catheter removal. Though commonly used, evidence in support of antispasmodics is limited and further prospective investigation is needed. Prognosis Feline urethral obstruction is associated with 90–95% survival, with reported recurrence rates of 15–40%. Potential factors affecting recurrence include size or duration of indwelling urinary catheter, use of antispasmodic agents, patient age, and indoor-outdoor lifestyle; however, different studies offer conflicting results. Increased water intake and environmental modification do seem to decrease risk of recurrence.
Leveraging handhelds to increase student learning: engaging middle school students with the mathematics of change

Handheld computers are poised to build upon the success of graphing calculators in mathematics classrooms, as they share important characteristics such as small size and low cost, while increasing representational richness. However, few studies provide evidence that these devices can help students learn complex mathematics. In this paper we provide such evidence. We show that the communication capabilities and representational infrastructure of handheld computers can support a variety of effective learning activities, ranging from activities that are collaborative to activities that are practice-oriented. Furthermore, we show that eighth grade students who participated in a month-long curriculum using our handheld technologies outperformed high school students on AP Calculus Exam items.
Melting in clusters

Recent experiments have shown that small particles with diameters in the nanometer range can melt at temperatures much lower than those for bulk matter. In his Perspective, Bertsch reviews the experimental and theoretical efforts to understand this phenomenon.
Fluvial and slope-wash erosion of soil-mantled landscapes: Detachment- or transport-limited?

Many numerical landform evolution models assume that soil erosion by flowing water is either purely detachment-limited (i.e. erosion rate is related to the shear stress, power, or velocity of the flow) or purely transport-limited (i.e. erosion/deposition rate is related to the divergence of shear stress, power, or velocity). This paper reviews available data on the relative importance of detachment-limited versus transport-limited erosion by flowing water on soil-mantled hillslopes and low-order valleys. Field measurements indicate that fluvial and slope-wash modification of soil-mantled landscapes is best represented by a combination of transport-limited and detachment-limited conditions with the relative importance of each approximately equal to the ratio of sand and rock fragments to silt and clay in the eroding soil. Available data also indicate that detachment/entrainment thresholds are highly variable in space and time in many landscapes, with local threshold values dependent on vegetation cover, rock-fragment armoring, surface roughness, soil texture and cohesion. This heterogeneity is significant for determining the form of the fluvial/slope-wash erosion or transport law because spatial and/or temporal variations in detachment/entrainment thresholds can effectively increase the nonlinearity of the relationship between sediment transport and stream power. Results from landform evolution modeling also suggest that, aside from the presence of distributary channel networks and autogenic cut-and-fill cycles in non-steady-state transport-limited landscapes, it is difficult to infer the relative importance of transport-limited versus detachment-limited conditions using topography alone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An action for a classical string, the equation of motion and group invariant classical solutions

A string action which is essentially a Willmore functional is presented and studied. This action determines the physics of a surface in Euclidean three space which can be used to model classical string configurations. By varying this action an equation of motion for the mean curvature of the surface is obtained which is shown to govern certain classical string configurations. Several classes of classical solutions for this equation are discussed from the symmetry group point of view and an application is presented.
DNA synthesis in isolated hepatocytes infected with herpesviruses.

Abstract The ability of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) to replicate, synthesize virus DNA, and stimulate incorporation of [3H]thymidine into cell DNA in isolated adult rat hepatocytes has been studied. HSV-1 replicated in these cells by 22–30 hr postinfection (p.i.) to yields that exceeded the input amount of virus. In contrast, HSV-2 replicated poorly. Replication of HSV-2 was unaltered whether hepatocyte monolayers were prepared by plating directly on plastic dishes or plating on a collagen gel/nylon mesh substratum. After HCMV infection, no cytopathology was evident and virus was not detectable by plaque titration. HCMV infection stimulated incorporation of [3H]thymidine into hepatocyte DNA but HCMV DNA was not detectable. Significant levels of HSV-1 DNA were synthesized by 23 hr p.i. with HSV-1 but incorporation of the radiolabel into the cell DNA peak was reduced. In contrast, HSV-2 showed not only a significant level of virus DNA, but incorporation of [3H]thymidine into the cell DNA peak, was markedly increased by 23 hr p.i. over that in mock-infected cultures. HSV-2-induced stimulation of radiolabel incorporation into hepatocyte DNA was: (i) eliminated when HSV-2 was heat inactivated for 2 hr at 56°, (ii) dependent on virus multiplicity, and (iii) maximal at 22–25 hr p.i. with 10 PFU of HSV-2 per cell. Autoradiography of HSV-2-infected cultures revealed that at 10–13 hr p.i. 3870 of the cells in the hepatocyte monolayer were labeled. We conclude that nonproliferating differentiated hepatocytes: (i) can support the synthesis of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNAs, (ii) can support the replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2, and (iii) show increased incorporation of [3H]thymidine into hepatocyte DNA after infection with either HCMV or HSV-2. It is of particular interest that in HSV-2 infection of hepatocytes in which virus DNA is made, incorporation of label into host DNA is not suppressed but is stimulated.
Application of symbolic algebra to the instability of a nonconservative system

This paper deals with flutter buckling of a tapered column resting on a uniform elastic foundation and subjected to a follower force, The Galerkin method is applied, with attendant computations performed by a computer algebra.
Head-mounted versus remote eye tracking of radiologists searching for breast cancer: a comparison.

Purpose We compared performance and visual search parameters of radiologists detecting masses on mammograms by using both a head-mounted (HDMT) and a remote (REM) eye tracker. Materials and Methods Five experienced radiologists read twice a case set of 20 one-view (medial-lateral oblique) mammograms, of which 12 contained a malignant mass and eight were lesion-free. For each observer, one trial used an HDMT eye-tracking system and the other used an REM system. Trials were separated on average by 2 months. Time to hit the location of the mass, dwell, and number of fixations in the location of the mass were measured. The same parameters were measured on a per-trial basis to determine whether there were memory effects from the previous trial. Results Dwell times in the location of true-positive, false-positive, and false-negative results were significantly shorter (P < .05) using the HDMT (median, 0.395 seconds) than REM (median, 0.482 seconds) systems, but the number of fixations in the location of the response was smaller using the REM system (median, 4.33 versus 5.0 for the HDMT). The observed differences did not seem to be caused by a memory effect. In addition, the relative lack of head mobility using the REM system caused observers to report neck strain. Conclusion Overall, radiologists’ visual search behavior was very similar using both types of eye-tracking device. However, because the REM system did not contain a magnetic head tracker, radiologists were allowed very limited head movements when using it, which made them uncomfortable during the experiment.
Planetary science: How Mercury got its spin

The orbital period of Mercury and its period of rotation are known to be in a 3/2 ratio, but the chances of the planet reaching this state seemed so small as to be unfeasible — until now.
Antithrombogenic effects of calcium channel blockers: synergism with prostacyclin and thromboxane synthase inhibitors

Abstract Four calcium channel blockers (nimodipine, nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem) of three chemical classes were tested in vitro for inhibition of platelet aggregation using heparinized human platelet rich plasma. Both ADP- and thrombin-induced aggregation were inhibited as was the biosynthesis of thromboxane A 2 in response to ADP or thrombin. However, the IC 50 's for the calcium channel blockers were ≥ 110μM. Nimodipine was also tested in combination with prostacyclin, the potent platelet antiaggregatory agent, or with a thromboxane synthase inhibitor, U63557A. At concentrations at which neither nimodipine or prostacyclin inhibited platelet aggregation ≥ 10%, the two compounds in combination synergistically inhibited both ADP- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. U63557A inhibited biosynthesis of thromboxane A 2 by platelets in response to ADP or thrombin, but did not inhibit either ADP- or thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. However, U63557A in combination with a threshold inhibitory concentration of nimodipine resulted in a synergistic inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by ADP or thrombin. These results suggest that calcium channel blockers may be of therapeutic value as a new class of antithrombogenic agents when used in combination with agents that inhibit either platelet aggregation or synthesis of platelet thromboxane A 2 .
Scale of Output and Internal Organization of the Firm

I. Difficulties with current theory of output determination, 45. — II. Empirical tests of optimum scale: an example taken from the residential construction industry, 53. — III. Economies and diseconomies of scale, 67. — IV. Conclusions, 69.
America and the Canadian Presence: As the United States Faces Global Challenges, How Does Canada Fit In? 1

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Center for Canadian–American Studies at Western Washington University, the author considers the trends that will shape US–Canadian relations over the next 40 years. Specifically the author considers the deepening of continental economic integration; the consequences of reaching the limits of current governance of integration and the coming need to negotiate new arrangements and institutions to manage the shared economy; the importance of an anticipated drive for greater public sector productivity in both countries at the federal and state/provincial levels; and the implications of a generational transition in the management of the relationship from the Baby Boomers to a younger generation with an attendant need to maintain the best traditions of amicable bilateral relations while evolving and adapting the management of the relationship in keeping with changing times and new challenges. For each of these changes, it is to be hoped that education in Canadian st...
Effect of nitrogen fertilization on ‘Arapaho’ Thornless blackberry

Abstract A three year‐old ‘Arapaho’ blackberry planting at the University of Arkansas Fruit Substation was used for a nitrogen (N) study. Treatments, which began in 1994 and continued through 1996, were: 1) control—no N applied, 2) 56 kg ha‐1 N applied in a single application in early spring, 3) 112 kg ha‐1 N applied in a single application in early spring, and 4) 112 kg ha‐1 N applied in a split application with one‐half applied in the early spring and one‐half applied immediately after harvest. Fruit was harvested from the plots in June and total yield and average berry mass were determined. Foliar samples were collected in August and elemental analysis conducted. Primocanes in each plot were counted at the end of the growing season. Over the three years, there was no significant treatment effect on yield, berry mass, or primocane number. A trend toward higher primocane number with N application was seen, however. Foliar elemental content of N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), an...
NALM-based, phase-preserving 2R regenerator of high-duty-cycle pulses.

We explore the potential of the nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (NALM)-based phase-preserving 2R (reamplification and reshaping) regenerator for simultaneous regeneration of multiple wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) channels. While not considering nonlinear multi-channel propagation, we address two issues of the phase-preserving NALM that appear to us as the major obstacles in adopting it for realistic WDM applications: a high operating power and a detrimental effect of non-small (33% – 50%) pulse duty cycles. After thorough optimization, we find a new operating regime of this regenerator with the non-small duty-cycle capability and approximately an order of magnitude reduction of the required operating power. In addition, we show that the plateau in the input–output power transfer curve does not automatically lead to the reduction of the amplitude jitter, which is particularly noticeable for the non-small duty-cycle pulses.
Thermal Conductivity Characterization and Modeling of P-Type Metal/Semiconductor Nanocomposites

Semiconductor alloys with epitaxially embedded nanoparticles have been shown to be very promising materials for thermoelectric energy conversion applications. In this work, we report on thermal conductivity characterization of two classes of p-type nanoparticle-in-alloy composite materials: compensated InGaAs semiconductor matrix with randomly distributed ErAs nanoparticles, and GaSb and its alloys with embedded ErSb nanoparticles. The three omega method is used to measure thermal conductivity of all materials. It is shown that thermal conductivity of compensated p-type ErAs:InGaAs is comparable to the n-type ErAs:InGaAs and it reduces with the increase in the erbium concentration. ErSb:GaSb nanocomposites are intrinsically p-type and show a thermal conductivity substantially lower than the pure GaSb compound. By comparing nanostructured samples from alloyed (InGaSb) and unalloyed (GaSb) matrix materials, we show that alloying is complimentary to the role of the nanostructure in reducing thermal conductivity. We also discuss Boltzmann transport modeling that indicates an optimum nanocrystal size, and the prospects for further reductions in the lattice thermal conductivity.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The cytoplasmic helical linker domain of receptor histidine kinase and methyl-accepting proteins is common to many prokaryotic signalling proteins

Mutations in the cytoplasmic linker regions of receptor histidine kinase and chemoreceptor proteins have been shown previously to significantly impair receptor functions. Here we demonstrate significant sequence similarities between these regions in numerous histidine kinases, methyl-accepting proteins, adenylyl cyclases and other prokaryotic signalling proteins. It is suggested that these ‘HAMP domains’ possess roles of regulating the phosphorylation or methylation of homodimeric receptors by transmitting the conformational changes in periplasmic ligand-binding domains to cytoplasmic signalling kinase and methyl-acceptor domains.
Impact of unnecessary exploratory laparotomy on the treatment of patients with metastatic germ cell tumor.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Patients with testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) may undergo unnecessary diagnostic or surgical procedures when this diagnosis is not considered. In a cohort of patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy for unsuspected metastatic GCT we determined the impact of this surgery on morbidity, therapeutic delay and cancer therapy.Materials and Methods: Between 1980 and 2001, 40 patients who underwent exploratory laparotomy for unsuspected metastatic GCT were later referred to our department for management. Patient records were reviewed retrospectively.Results: Mean patient age at exploratory laparotomy was 34 years. All patients had a midline retroperitoneal mass and 14 had disease at other sites. At the time of evaluation at our institution abnormalities on physical examination and testicular sonogram were identified in 8 (20%) and 22 (55%) patients, respectively. Elevated serum α-fetoprotein and/or β-human chorionic gonadotropin were identified in 26 patients (65%). Eight patients (22%) e...
Non-Equilibrium Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Promoting Apoptotic Behavior in Melanoma Skin Cancer Cells

Summary form only given. Initiation of programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is an important issue in cancer treatment as cancer cells frequently have acquired the ability to block apoptosis and thus are more resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs. Targeted and perhaps selective initiation of apoptosis in cancerous tissue is desirable for many reasons, ranging from the enhancement of or aid to current medical methods to problems currently lacking a solution, i.e. lung cancer. Inactivation (killing) of human Melanoma skin cancer cell lines in vitro by Floating Electrode Dielectric Barrier Discharge (FE-DBD) plasma was tested.
U.S. Military Sponsored Vaccine Trials and La Resistance in Nepal

In the fall of 1995, the U.S. Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), the Thai-based branch of Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, established a field unit in Kathmandu, N...
A Regional View of the Margin: Salmonid Abundance and Distribution in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia

Abstract In the southern Appalachian Mountains, native brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and introduced rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta are at the southern extremes of their distributions, an often overlooked kind of marginal habitat. At a regional scale composed of the states of Virginia and North Carolina, species were found to be distributed along latitudinal and elevational gradients. Native brook trout remain most common and abundant, decreasing both from north to south and from high to low elevations. Sympatry increases to the south, where rainbow and brown trout become more successful. For the region as a whole and within major drainages, allopatric and sympatric brook trout were generally found at higher elevations and rainbow and brown trout at lower elevations. Among drainages, elevations at which allopatric brook trout and rainbow trout are found generally increased to the south. A measure of effective elevation, which adjusts elevation for latitude, most clearly ...
Effects of habitat availability on dispersion of a stream cyprinid

We analyzed temporal changes in the dispersion of the rosyside dace,Clinostomus funduloides, (family Cyprinidae) in a headwater stream, to assess the role of habitat availability in promoting fish aggregation. The dace foraged alone and in groups of up to about 25 individuals, and dispersion varied significantly among monthly censuses conducted from May through December. In two of three study pools, dace aggregated during July, October and/or December, but spread out during other months, especially during September when dispersion did not differ significantly from random. Dispersion was not significantly correlated with the total amount of suitable habitat available to foraging dace, but during summer, corresponded to the availability of depositional areas adjacent to rapid currents. Foragers aggregated in eddies or depositional areas during high stream discharge in July, and shifted out of depositional areas when current velocities declined from July to September. During late autumn, however, aggregations formed independently of changes in habitat conditions, and dace dispersion did not vary significantly among months in a third pool. The study suggests that dace dispersion cannot be predicted from the overall availability of suitable habitat as estimated from point measurements of depth and velocity; both the occurrence of a specific habitat feature (i.e., eddies adjacent to high velocity currents) and seasonal differences in behavior more strongly influenced the spatial distribution of foragers.
Advances in 2D boron nitride nanostructures: nanosheets, nanoribbons, nanomeshes, and hybrids with graphene

The recent surge in graphene research has stimulated interest in the investigation of various 2-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. Among these materials, the 2D boron nitride (BN) nanostructures are in a unique position. This is because they are the isoelectric analogs to graphene structures and share very similar structural characteristics and many physical properties except for the large band gap. The main forms of the 2D BN nanostructures include nanosheets (BNNSs), nanoribbons (BNNRs), and nanomeshes (BNNMs). BNNRs are essentially BNNSs with narrow widths in which the edge effects become significant; BNNMs are also variations of BNNSs, which are supported on certain metal substrates where strong interactions and the lattice mismatch between the substrate and the nanosheet result in periodic shallow regions on the nanosheet surface. Recently, the hybrids of 2D BN nanostructures with graphene, in the form of either in-plane hybrids or inter-plane heterolayers, have also drawn much attention. In particular, the BNNS–graphene heterolayer architectures are finding important electronic applications as BNNSs may serve as excellent dielectric substrates or separation layers for graphene electronic devices. In this article, we first discuss the structural basics, spectroscopic signatures, and physical properties of the 2D BN nanostructures. Then, various top-down and bottom-up preparation methodologies are reviewed in detail. Several sections are dedicated to the preparation of BNNRs, BNNMs, and BNNS–graphene hybrids, respectively. Following some more discussions on the applications of these unique materials, the article is concluded with a summary and perspectives of this exciting new field.
Is neuroleptic malignant syndrome a neurogenic form of malignant hyperthermia

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare and potentially lethal disorder associated with the use of antipsychotic medications. Heightened vigilance on the part of clinical providers has reduced morbidity and mortality caused by this disorder over the past decade, but there is still no consensus regarding its diagnosis, pathophysiology, or treatment. Efforts to demonstrate a direct link between neuroleptic malignant syndrome and malignant hyperthermia have been unsuccessful, indicating mutually distinct etiologies despite striking clinical similarities. This paper concisely reviews essential aspects of electromechanical transduction in muscle and nerve cells and current knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of malignant hyperthermia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Utilizing this conceptual framework, the author proposes that neuroleptic malignant syndrome may be caused by a spectrum of inherited defects in genes that are responsible for a variety of calcium regulatory proteins within sympathetic neurons or the higher order assemblies that regulate them. In this proposed model, neuroleptic malignant syndrome may be understood as a neurogenic form of malignant hyperthermia.
Catholic Social Teaching and the Economic Sit Uation

Official Catholic Social Teaching beginning with the Papal document Rerum Novarum (Leo XIII, 1891) has come to recognize the methodological necessity of interdisciplinary cooperation in the effort to achieve economic justice. Catholic Social Teaching together with the empirical sciences can make valuable contributions in this effort. In this article I suggest a way in which Catholic Social Teaching might be informed in an interdisciplinary dialogue so that it can address the actual situation faced by market economies with greater precision. I argue that statistical evidence taken from the United States does not support the thesis found in some Papal documents that the primary cause of economic misery is the domination of capital over labor. An analysis of modern economic power must first include a discussion of labor income. Labor receives the bulk of all income, and the distribution of this income varies quite significantly. Theological constructs developed to meet the needs of industrialized society must demonstrate awareness of this if they are to be as helpful as possible in the effort to achieve economic justice. The most recent document examined here, Centesimus Annus (John Paul II, 1991), shows significant congruity with the statistical evidence and argument developed in the paper.
High‐dose chemotherapy as primary treatment for poor‐risk germ‐cell tumors: The Memorial Sloan‐Kettering experience (1988–1999)

Although the majority of patients with poor-risk germ-cell tumors (GCTs) will achieve a durable complete remission (CR) with standard first-line therapy, 20% to 30% of them will either relapse or fail to achieve an initial CR and eventually die. For this reason, the strategy of using high-dose (HD) chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell support has been investigated to improve the chances of cure attainable in the salvage setting, but at a cost of significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment using HD therapy in the first-line setting offers the promise of reducing morbidity and mortality while increasing efficacy. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), trials were conducted to test this hypothesis. Patients at high risk of relapse following conventional therapy were identified, based on post-treatment serum marker concentrations that failed to appropriately decline by predicted half-life after several cycles of standard treatment. These patients received first-line HD treatment. Patients received a 2-drug HD regimen in one trial and an intensified 3-drug regimen in another, each with autologous bone marrow transplantation. These patients had improved overall and event-free survival rates (p = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively) compared with historical controls who underwent standard first-line treatment, with a lower incidence of treatment-related mortality than patients who received HD therapy in the salvage setting. Randomized trials are under way to prospectively verify these results.
Predicting root size and frequency from one-dimensional consolidation data — A mathematical model

An implicit relationship between root size and soil reaction to root growth pressure is developed for a cohesionless soil from data of one-dimensional consolidation tests. The mathematical model employed describes a phenomenological procedure of relating root size and root frequency to soil mechanical parameters. The model is based on: (i) a simplification of the observed dependency of void ratio on compression pressure, and (ii) the assumption of an inverse relationship over the domain of root influence between the radial stress and the distance from the axis of the root. As radial expansion of a root proceeds, three successive and mathematically distinct stages of root growth are recognized in a preconsolidated soil. Relationships between root growth pressure and root size were computed for various combinations of bulk density, preconsolidation pressure, and values of the compression index in and beyond the range of preconsolidation. Root frequencies were calculated for a number of hypothetical situations assuming a hexagonal network of evenly distributed roots.
Differential effects of amino acids on the period of the circadian rhythm from the Aplysia eye

The effect of continuous treatments of single L-amino acids (0.1mM) on the free running rhythm from the isolated Aplysia eye was examined. A variation in the change in free running period produced by different amino acids was observed. Two well-known precursors of neurotransmitters (tyrosine, tryptophan) had the largest effects. These amino acids lengthened the period ca. 1.7 h. Another group of amino acids (alanine, threonine, proline) lengthened the period by about 1 h. Smaller effects were produced by aspartic acid and leucine and no effects were caused by lysine, glycine, valine, and serine. Phenylalanine may shorten the period a small amount. Glucose (5mM) lengthens the period a small amount (0.4 h), decreases the effect of tyrosine somewhat, and has no effect on the lengthening of the period produced by tryptophan. Three amino acids not involved in protein synthesis (ornithine, beta-alanine, citrulline) had at most small effects on the free running period. Also, D-tryptophan lengthened the period by 0.6 h but the effect of D-tryptophan was considerably smaller than the effect of L-tryptophan. A few of the amino acids had small short-term effects on spike rate and longer-term effects on the amplitudes of the rhythms but these effects did not correlate with the effects of the amino acids on the free running period. Though continuous treatments of certain amino acids lengthened the periods, shorter treatments (tryptophan, 6 h) did not phase-shift the rhythm. Since eyes maintained in a commonly used culture medium have longer periods than eyes in a simple seawater medium, the amino acids of the culture medium must be responsible, at least in part, for the lengthening effect of the culture medium. The mechanism of action of the amino acids is unknown. The magnitude of the effects did not correlate with physical-chemical properties of the amino acids nor with whether the amino acids were "essential" or "nonessential." The effects of the amino acids may be mediated by their effects on neurotransmitter and/or protein synthesis.
Target-sensitive control of Markov and semi-Markov processes

We develop the theory for Markov and semi-Markov control using dynamic programming and reinforcement learning in which a form of semi-variance which computes the variability of rewards below a pre-specified target is penalized. The objective is to optimize a function of the rewards and risk where risk is penalized. Penalizing variance, which is popular in the literature, has some drawbacks that can be avoided with semi-variance.
Removal of influenza A virus, phage T1, and PP7 from fluids with a nylon 0.04‐μM membrane filter

We tested the ability of a 0.04-μm nylon membrane filter to remove viral agents (influenza A virus, 80–120 nm; phage T1, 50–150 nm; and phage PP7, 25 nm) from the following media: ultrapure water (UPW), Dulbecco's modified Eagle minimum essential medium (DMEM), gelatin phosphate (GP), DMEM with 10% (DMEM-10) fetal bovine serum (FBS), and 100% FBS. When challenged with at least 3.0 × 107 plaque-forming units/mL, no influenza A virus was detected downstream of the filter with any of the fluids tested. The titer reduction (Tr) was determined using the equation: . Higher concentrations of phage T1 were removed from UPW (Tr = 1.6 × 106) and DMEM (Tr = 1.1 × 106) than from GP (Tr = 9.3 × 103), DMEM-10 (Tr = 1.5 × 102), and 100% FBS (Tr = 2.4 × 102). Phage PP7 was removed in significant numbers only in ultrapure water (Tr = 8.5 × 104). The results indicate that adsorption enhanced the titer reduction in fluids containing low levels of protein. The titer reduction in DMEM-10 and 100% FBS may reflect the sieving properties of the 0.04-μm filter. As expected, a much smaller Tr was observed in the filtrate of the 0.2-μm filters, compared to the 0.04 μm filters. In contrast to the 0.04-μm filter, no increase in Tr was detected when the 0.2-μm filters were challenged with virus diluted in UPW compared with virus diluted in GP. These results suggest that the 0.04-μm filter has greater adsorptive properties than the 0.2-μm filter. © 1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc..
The performance of the Napoleon weaver, the Orange weaver, and the Paradise Whydah in the weaver finch test for luteinizing hormones

Abstract The performance of three species of African weaver birds in the weaver finch test for hypophysial and nonhypophysial luteinizing hormones (LH and HCG) has been studied. The determinants and modifiers of the sensitivity of these birds for luteinizing hormones are poorly understood, but may include genetic, dietary, and environmental factors, as well as the biologic factor and the commercial source of the hormone being investigated. Accordingly, it would seem to indicate that levels of sensitivity should be formulated with reference to the shipment of birds studied and the totality of experimental conditions under which the tests were made. Available evidence suggests that the threshold (a minimum response shown by 50% of test animals) of the Napoleon weaver is between 0.04 and 0.10 mg of bovine LH and slightly less than 0.04 mg of ovine LH, whereas between 0.1 and 0.2 mg bovine LH and between 0.2 and 1.0 mg of ovine LH is required in the Orange weaver. The approximate threshold for HCG is 25 IU in the Napoleon whereas between 125 and 250 IU are required in the Orange weaver. Present experience has been with Paradise Whydah birds collected in Senegal; these birds gave 5% positive responses in 40 trials with doses of LH or HCG at or above the reported threshold values. A positive response was obtained with 0.2 mg of bovine LH in a female bird. No positive responses were elicited with HCG. At no time have we approached the sensitivity level of 0.005 mg of LH reported to exist for the Napoleon weaver and the Paradise Whydah. However, we have confirmed that the Napoleon weaver can detect 30 IU of HCG.
Mechanisms of echolocation in bats -comments on the neuroethology of the biosonar system of ‘CF-FM’ bats

The ‘somatotopic’ distribution across the sensory cortex of the brain describing the position of the sensory input from the different parts of the body has been well established for a number of years. In this paper we discover how the bat analyses the reflections of its own vocalizations (biosonar) through ‘tonotopic’ and ‘amplitopic’ representations L, specific areas of its auditory cortex. We also gain an insight into how the animal uses its cortical processing to obtain information concerning the importance of a specified ‘target’ so that it may alter its behavioural strategy appropriately.
Cnm is a major virulence factor of invasive Streptococcus mutans and part of a conserved three-gene locus

Cnm, a collagen- and laminin-binding protein present in a subset of Streptococcus mutans strains, mediates binding to extracellular matrices (ECM), intracellular invasion and virulence in the Galleria mellonella model. Antibodies raised against Cnm were used to confirm expression and the cell surface localization of Cnm in the highly invasive OMZ175 strain. Sequence analysis identified two additional genes (cnaB and cbpA) encoding putative surface proteins immediately upstream of cnm. Inactivation of cnaB and cbpA in OMZ175, individually or in combination, did not decrease the ability of this highly invasive and virulent strain to bind to different ECM proteins, invade human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC), or kill G. mellonella. Similarly, expression of cnaB and cbpA in the cnm− strain UA159 revealed that these genes did not enhance Cnmrelated phenotypes. However, integration of cnm in the chromosome of UA159 significantly increased its ability to bind to collagen and laminin, invade HCAEC, and kill G. mellonella. Moreover, the presence of antibodies against Cnm nearly abolished the ability of OMZ175 to bind to collagen and laminin and invade HCAEC, and significantly protected G. mellonella against OMZ175 infection. We concluded that neither CnaB nor CbpA is necessary for the expression of Cnm-related traits. We also provided definitive evidence that Cnm is an important virulence factor and a suitable target for the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies to combat invasive S. mutans strains.
Optical Scanning Architectures For Electronic Printing Applications

The explosive growth of computer technology in recent years has precipitated an equally dramatic growth in the market for nonimpact electronic printers. One of the most popular methods for implementing a high quality nonimpact electronic printer is to integrate a laser scanner with a xerographic copier/duplicator. The subject of this article is a discussion of alternative optical scanner architectures, including both traditional designs which are well represented in the marketplace, and also more exotic designs configured with spatial light modulators, designs which to date have had scant penetration into the marketplace but which can offer superior image quality.
Legal Counsel for Congress: Protecting Institutional Interests

Traditionally, scholars have noted the predominance of lawyers serving in staff support positions and as elected members of the United States Congress. This article explores yet another aspect of the legislative-judicial connection, namely, the roles of the Senate Legal Counsel and the General Counsel in the House of Representatives. Based on interviews, historical documents and court submissions, I examine the development of the offices with particular attention to their work in protecting the interests of both individual members of Congress and the institution in the judicial arena. In conclusion, I argue that the incremental development of the General Counsel's office and the lack of formal rules and procedures governing its activity have given rise to partisan conflict over the office's role as the legal voice for the House of Representatives, a conflict that has not been evidenced in the statutorily-based office of the Senate Legal Counsel.
A novel 0.5- mu m n/sup +/-p/sup +/ poly-gated salicide CMOS process

A novel salicided twin-tub 0.5- mu m CMOS process using germanium implantation is presented. n/sup +/ and p/sup +/ dopants are implanted after salicide formation to fabricate devices with low junction leakage and low silicide-to-diffusion contact resistance. Germanium implantation prior to silicide formation is used to control short-channel transistor characteristics. A significant reduction in the lateral n/sup -/ and p/sup -/ diffusion is observed for germanium-implanted LDD (lightly doped drain) MOSFETs, resulting in minimized overlap capacitance as well as improved short-channel behavior. >
Ionic Conductivity Enhancement of Polymer Electrolytes with Ceramic Nanowire Fillers

Solid-state electrolytes provide substantial improvements to safety and electrochemical stability in lithium-ion batteries when compared with conventional liquid electrolytes, which makes them a promising alternative technology for next-generation high-energy batteries. Currently, the low mobility of lithium ions in solid electrolytes limits their practical application. The ongoing research over the past few decades on dispersing of ceramic nanoparticles into polymer matrix has been proved effective to enhance ionic conductivity although it is challenging to form the efficiency networks of ionic conduction with nanoparticles. In this work, we first report that ceramic nanowire fillers can facilitate formation of such ionic conduction networks in polymer-based solid electrolyte to enhance its ionic conductivity by three orders of magnitude. Polyacrylonitrile-LiClO4 incorporated with 15 wt % Li0.33La0.557TiO3 nanowire composite electrolyte exhibits an unprecedented ionic conductivity of 2.4 × 10–4 S cm–1 at...