cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulatory T cells generated ex vivo as an approach for the therapy of autoimmune disease

Regulatory T cells control the reactivity of potentially harmful, self-reactive T cells and prevent autoimmune diseases. Significant progress has been made in the identification, derivation, and mechanism of action of T regulatory cells, previously called suppressor T cells. Heterogeneous T regulatory subsets can be grouped into naturally occurring and those induced in the periphery. Here, we consider whether we can harness T regulatory cells to function as a therapeutic agent for patients with established autoimmune diseases. Since the principal function of thymus-derived, natural CD4+CD25+ cells is to prevent autoimmunity, this subset would be an obvious choice. Besides their contact-dependent, cytokine-independent mechanism of action, they can also induce other CD4+ cells to become suppressor cells. However, only few natural CD4+CD25+ cells circulate in human peripheral blood. Alternatively, one can use IL-2 and TGF-beta to generate large numbers of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells ex vivo from naive T cells. These cells have the phenotypic and functional properties similar to natural CD4+CD25+ cells, including the capacity to induce CD4+CD25- cells to develop suppressive activity. These natural-like CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells are the product of separate effects of IL-2 and TGF-beta on both natural CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD25- cells. The ability of natural-like CD4+CD25+ cells to induce other CD4+CD25- cells to develop suppressive activity is both contact-dependent and cytokine-dependent. Thus, the effects of IL-2 and TGF-beta on both natural CD4+CD25+ cells and CD4+CD25- cells may trigger a continuous loop which results in the renewal of antigen-specific CD4+ regulatory T cells. These studies suggest that the adoptive transfer of CD4+ T regulatory cells generated ex vivo with IL-2 and TGF-beta as a treatment for autoimmune diseases may have sustained, long-term beneficial effects.
Mandibular stabilization prosthesis

0 cclusal prostheses may be used as an aid for diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint or muscular disorders related to occlusal problems.’ These removable prostheses allow a decrease in muscle fatigue, spasm, and tenderness; joint edema, inllammalion, and tenderness; tooth mobility and sensitivity; and a tendency to diminish or eliminate bruxism.* Bite planes, occlusal splints, stents, guide planes, bite guards, and nightguards are among the various terms used synonymously to describe this prosthesis. However, a more descriptive term that meets the criteria is “mandibular stabilization prosthesis.” Literally, this term refers to a means of correcting or preventing a skeletal deformity. Aside from being descriptive yet general enough to cover most uses, this term is more readily acceptable by third party carriers. Because of the variety of uses for the mandibular stabilization prosthesis, a technique for fabrication should be readily available. The following procedure uses available materials and may be taught to auxiliaries. The technique must be followed meticulously for the desired results.
Early microvascular changes with loss of the glycocalyx in children with type 1 diabetes.

Objective To evaluate the microcirculation of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus who demonstrate no clinical signs of diabetic microangiopathy for the presence of microvascular alterations and glycocalyx perturbation. Study design Images of sublingual vessels were obtained in 14 children with diabetes (ages 12.8 ± 2.8 years, diabetes duration 6.7 ± 4.3 years) and 14 control patients (ages 11.8 ± 2.8 years) by the use of sidestream dark field imaging and analyzed for total vessel density, vessel surface coverage, vessel diameter distribution, mean flow index, and glycocalyx thickness. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results We observed profound microcirculatory changes in children with diabetes compared with control patients, with a significant reduction of glycocalyx thickness (0.38 μm vs 0.60 μm; P = .013), which was inversely correlated with blood glucose levels (r = −0.55; P = .003). Furthermore, the percentage of large vessels (>20 μm diameter) was significantly increased (11% vs 6%; P = .023) at the expense of capillaries ( P = .041). No differences were seen in total vessel density and mean flow index. Conclusions Microvascular alterations, including changes in microvessel distribution and loss of the glycocalyx, can be detected in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus before clinically apparent vascular complications. Our results disclose the glycocalyx as a possible monitoring measurement for earlier detection of diabetic microangiopathy and may provide a basis for new therapeutic strategies aiming at protection or restoration of the glycocalyx.
Crevasse ages on the northern margin of Ice Stream C, West Antarctica

In the 1997/98 austral summer field season, we conducted a ground-penetrating radar survey on the northern shear margin of Ice Stream C, West Antarctica. The radar data were used to identify features near the surface of the ice, including internal layers and buried crevasses. The survey was intended to determine the variation in the age of buried crevasses along the ice stream. A procedure was developed by which the accumulation rate and the age of buried crevasses can be estimated based on radar records, firn-core measurements and the assumption that the crevasses were once open to the surface. With this method we were able to determine the age of buried crevasses with a standard error of 15–20%. We discuss our new results in conjunction with those of Retzlaff and Bentley (1993) on the southern margin of the ice stream. Typical crevasse ages were found to range from 120 to 200 years, although crevasses in a few areas were significantly younger. The youngest crevasses are at the extreme upstream end of the survey, but the next youngest were found midway along the ice stream. Crevasses upstream and downstream are older, with ages 40–80 years greater than those in the middle. Crevasses on the northern shear margin of tributary C2 were 30–50 years older than those on the southern margin. These patterns of crevassing suggest that variability in shear margin response to changes in ice-stream flow played an essential role in determining the time at which crevassing became inactive.
EHD-Enhanced Water Evaporation from Partially Wetted Glass Beads with Auxiliary Heating from Below

Earlier studies have shown that an electric field in the form of corona wind can significantly enhance drying rate. It is particularly effective in the early stage of drying when the material is fully wetted. However, the effectiveness of corona wind in drying a partially wetted material, which is commonly believed decreasing, has not been critically examined. For the present study, enhancement of water evaporation from partially wetted glass beads by corona wind is experimentally evaluated. In addition, auxiliary heating provided by a thermofoil heater attached to the bottom surface of the sample container has been used as a possible means to maintain the effectiveness of corona wind. For the present study, a fine copper wire with a diameter of 0.5 mm is used as the emitting electrode. It is charged by direct current with negative polarity from the corona threshold voltage until the occurrence of sparkover. The water level inside the glass beads is below the external surface and is maintained constant in...
Effect of Complexity of the Second Response on Reaction Time to the First Response in the Psychological Refractory Period Paradigm

Sanmary.-An attempt to distinguish serial from parallel models of central processing was made by manipulating the relative complexity of R? and observing the effect of this manipulation on RTI in the Psychological Refractory Period paradigm. 14 subjects performed under two conditions, either a simple or complex K2. Experimental controls were used to prevent a possible grouping effect of responses. The results did not support a parallel model of central processing but did support a serial view. Implications of results, combined with previous findings, for a more flexible model of central processing were discussed. A paradigm that has been used to investigate the limitations and characteristics of central processing during skilled behavior has been the psychological refractory period (PRP). In this paradigm, two rapidly successive stimuli (S1 and Sn), each associated with a unique response (R1 and R.), are presented to subjects and the reaction time (RT) to each stimulus (RT1 and RT2) measured and compared to the "normal" RT (RT,) for each stimulus when the stimulus is presented in a single-stimulation paradigm. Early research (Welford, 1952) concentrated on the effect of this paradigm on RT2. From this early work, a model of the central processing functions of stimulus identification, response retrieval/generation, and response initiation was developed, emphasizing the operation of these functions as occurring in a serial manner. At the urgings of Herman and Kantowitz ( 1970), recent works utilizing the paradigm have investigated the influence of manipulations of S2-R2 on RT1 (Franks & Canil, 1985; Karlin a( Kestenbaum, 1968; Kovesdi & Slak, 1982; Pashler, 1984; Smith, 1969) since concentrating on RT2 effects seemed to be only telling "half the story". A commonality of these studies was that manipulation of the attentional load of S2-R2 was done by increasing choice, such as presenting subjects with either a one- or two-choice task for both R1 and RP. The responses used have typically involved key pressing in reaction to stimulus lights. The findings of these studies have been equivocal as to whether human
On the implication operator in fuzzy logic

Abstract We investigate the different possible ways of translating an implication proposition in approximate reasoning. We study a general class of these operators.
Stimulation of Immature Lung Macrophages with Intranasal Interferon Gamma in a Novel Neonatal Mouse Model of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and viral death in infants. Reduced CD8 T-cells and negligible interferon gamma (IFNγ) in the airway are associated with severe infant RSV disease, yet there is an abundance of alveolar macrophages (AM) and neutrophils. However, it is unclear, based on our current understanding of macrophage functional heterogeneity, if immature AM improve viral clearance or contribute to inflammation and airway obstruction in the IFNγ-deficient neonatal lung environment. The aim of the current study was to define the age-dependent AM phenotype during neonatal RSV infection and investigate their differentiation to classically activated macrophages (CAM) using i.n. IFNγ in the context of improving viral clearance. Neonatal and adult BALB/cJ mice were infected with 1×106 plaque forming units (PFU)/gram (g) RSV line 19 and their AM responses compared. Adult mice showed a rapid and robust CAM response, indicated by increases in major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II), CD86, CCR7, and a reduction in mannose receptor (MR). Neonatal mice showed a delayed and reduced CAM response, likely due to undetectable IFNγ production. Intranasal (i.n.) treatment with recombinant mouse IFNγ (rIFNγ) increased the expression of CAM markers on neonatal AM, reduced viral lung titers, and improved weight gain compared to untreated controls with no detectable increase in CD4 or CD8 T-cell infiltration. In vitro infection of J774A.1 macrophages with RSV induced an alternatively activated macrophage (AAM) phenotype however, when macrophages were first primed with IFNγ, a CAM phenotype was induced and RSV spread to adjacent Hep-2 cells was reduced. These studies demonstrate that the neonatal AM response to RSV infection is abundant and immature, but can be exogenously stimulated to express the antimicrobial phenotype, CAM, with i.n. rIFNγ.
Cultivable bacteria from ancient algal mats from the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica

The McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica are a favorable location for preservation of dormant microbes due to their persistent cold and dry climate. In this study, we examined cultivable bacteria in a series of algal mat samples ranging from 8 to 26539 years old. Cultivable bacteria were found in all samples except one (12303 years old), but abundance and diversity of cultivable bacteria decreased with increasing sample age. Only members of the Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes were found in the ancient samples, whereas bacteria in the 8-year-old sample also included Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Deinococcus-Thermus. Isolates of the Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Sporosarcina were found in 5 of 8 samples. The growth of these isolates at different temperatures was related to the phylogenetic distance among genotypes measured by BOX-PCR. These findings suggest that adaptation to growth at different temperatures had occurred among Sporosarcina genotypes in the Dry Valleys, causing the existence of physiologically distinct but closely related genotypes. Additionally, fully psychrophilic isolates (that grew at 15°C, but not 25°C) were found in ancient samples, but not in the modern sample. The preservation of viable bacteria in the Dry Valleys could potentially represent a legacy of bacteria that impacts on current microbial communities of this environment.
Effects of ion pairing with calcium and magnesium on selenate availability to higher plants

The effects of solution speciation on the bioavailability of trace metals are well documented, but the role of speciation in the bioavailability of oxyanionic trace elements that may form significant ion pairs with Ca and Mg in saline media has not been investigated. We assessed the effects of such ion pairing on the availability of selenate to representative monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous higher plants. Formation constants for the CaSO and CaSeO ion pairs were experimentally determined using a Ca2+ ion-selective electrode. The published value of 102,3 for CaSO formation was confirmed, but the value of 1027 for CaSeO was found to be in error; a value of 102,0 is proposed here as the correct formation constant. Five solution culture experiments were conducted using alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or tall wheatgrass (Elytrigia pontica [Podp.] Holub) with treatments consisting of NaSeO4 levels in combination with various levels of MgCl2 or CaCl2. Both shoot Se concentrations and whole-plant Se contents were highly correlated with the free SeO2−4 activity but were poorly correlated with the sum of the free ion plus Ca and Mg ion pair species. Thus, we have shown, for the first time, that the free ion model of trace metal bioavailability is also valid for oxyanions that form complexes with Ca and Mg in saline media but that this conclusion hinges critically on the accuracy of the pertinent formation constants.
Nitrous oxide in the ocean and the marine atmosphere

Abstract Nitrous oxide has been found in surface and deep ocean waters of the S. Pacific. The observed concentrations are lower than expected for solubility equilibrium with concentrations previously reported in the continental atmosphere. Lower atmospheric concentrations than previous continental data have been found in N. Pacific air. These variations indicate that N 2 O should be an important tracer gas for atmospheric studies.
Cycle Cover Ratio of Regular Matroids

Ac yclein a matroid is a disjoint union of circuits. This paper proves that every regular matroid M without coloops has a set S of cycles whose union is E(M) such that every element is in at most three of the cycles in S .I tf ollows immediately from this that, on average, each element of M is in at most three members of the cycle cover S .T his improves on a 1989 result of Jamshy and Tarsi who proved that there is a cycle cover for which this average is at most 4, and conjectured that a cycle cover exists for which the average is at most 2.
Down and Then Out in Bucharest: Urban Poverty, Governance, and the Politics of Place in the Postsocialist City

This paper analyzes at the level of space the invention and management of homelessness in postsocialist cities. Based on more than a year of ethnographic fieldwork in a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that provides shelter space in Bucharest, Romania, this paper foregrounds the political significance of placing homeless populations to better understand neoliberal governance as a set of spatially minded practices, arguing (ultimately) that space is a key domain through which homeless populations become managed. This paper, in the end, focuses on ‘the place’ of homelessness to bring the dynamics of postsocialist liberalization into clearer relief.
Electrical properties of epoxy resin based nano-composites

We investigate the electrical properties of composite materials prepared as nano- and sub-micron-scale metal-oxide particles embedded in a commercial resin. The filler particles are barium titanate and calcium copper titanate. The physical and structural characteristics of the constituents and the fabricated composites are reported. Electrical characterization of the composite samples is performed using time- and frequency-domain dielectric spectroscopy techniques. The electrical breakdown strength of samples with nano- and sub-micron-sized particles have better electrical insulation properties than the unfilled resin.
Characterization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase isozymes from human and pig brain

Abstract Homogenates of human and pig brain in 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0 were centrifugea at 25,400 × g for 1 h. The supernatants were electrophoresed in polyacrylamide gels and the gels were stained for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49) activity. Five distinct bands were visible. Isozymes corresponding to two of those bands were purified from human and pig brain. The isozymes were electrophoretically homogeneous. The native proteins, M r , 220,000, dissociated in sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gels into a 57,000 M r , subunit. Therefore, the native isozymes are tetramers. None of the isozymes required additional metal ions for activity. At 1 mM concentration Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ , independently or together, activated the isozymes 1.5-fold. The isozymes were NADP + -specific. Km app values of the G6PD isozymes were similar for NADP + (6–8 μM), but different for G6P (56–180 μM). The specific activities of the isozymes varied from 50 to 210 units per mg of protein. All isozymes were inhibited by NADPH. The inhibition was competitive with respect to NADP + and non-competitive with respect to G6P. NADH did not affect any of the isozymes. ATP inhibited the isozymes competitively with respect to G6P and non-competitively with respect to NADP + . Palmitoyl-CoA dissociated the active tetramers into enzymatically inactive dimeric forms. This treatment also abolished the 6-phosphogluconate activity of the isozyme II from both sources. High performance liquid chromatography peptide maps of the tryptic digest and amino acid analyses of the isozymes showed extensive homologies between the corresponding isozymes from the two species. Interestingly, only the isozyme II in human and pig brain was active with 6-phosphogluconate as a substrate (K mapp = 864 and 279 μM). The specific activities of the isozyme II with 6-phosphogluconate (14 and 48 unit per mg of protein for human and pig brain isozyme II, respectively) was four times less than those with G6P. It is therefore suggested that isozyme II is a bifunctional enzyme.
A knowledge based planning system for mechanical assembly usign robots

This paper describes an approach to generate task level plans for mechanical assembly using robots. The system generates assembly plans by inferring from the knowledge base of workpiece structures, assembly rules, and robot operations. The novel feature of the system is its goal (workpiece) structure analysis. The goal structure analysis is capable of producing a correctly ordered sequence of subgoals such that the interactions among the subgoals will not interfere with achieving the goal. A plan generator then follows the analysis information to select the appropriate robot operations to formulate the final plan without much searching and reasoning. We believe that this goal-analyzing approach is much closer to human-like planning model than other interaction-resolving planning systems.
Asymmetric dark matter from hidden sector baryogenesis

Abstract We consider the production of asymmetric dark matter during hidden sector baryogenesis. We consider a particular supersymmetric model where the dark matter candidate has a number density approximately equal to the baryon number density, with a mass of the same scale as the b , c and τ . Both baryon asymmetry and dark matter are created at the same time in this model. We describe collider and direct detection signatures of this model.
Discharge patterns of lingual spindle afferent fibers in the hypoglossal nerve of the rhesus monkey

Abstract Muscle spindles have been identified in both the intrinsic and extrinsic musculature of the rhesus monkey tongue. The purpose of this study was to determine whether spindle afferent fibers were present in the hypoglossal nerve of the monkey and to ascertain the responses of these fibers to stretch of the tongue. Single units were isolated from the distal region of the main trunk and from both end branches of the hypoglossal nerve in seven animals and the responses of these units to various directions of stretch determined. The results indicated that spindle afferent fibers run within the distal region of the hypoglossal nerve main trunk in the monkey. Ten discrete discharge patterns were discerned in the 75 hypoglossal units from which recordings were taken and their potential significance discussed in relation to the type of information the lingual spindles may be forwarding to the central nervous system.
Uromodulin upregulates TRPV5 by impairing caveolin-mediated endocytosis

Uromodulin (UMOD) is synthesized in the thick ascending limb and secreted into urine as the most abundant protein. Association studies in humans suggest protective effects of UMOD against calcium-containing kidney stones. Mice carrying mutations of Umod found in human UMOD-associated kidney disease (UAKD) and Umod -deficient mice exhibit hypercalciuria. The mechanism for UMOD regulation of urinary Ca 2+ excretion is incompletely understood. We examined if UMOD regulates TRPV5 and TRPV6, channels critical for renal transcellular Ca 2+ reabsorption. Coexpression with UMOD increased whole-cell TRPV5 current density in HEK293 cells. In biotinylation studies, UMOD increased TRPV5 cell-surface abundance. Extracellular application of purified UMOD upregulated TRPV5 current density within physiological relevant concentration ranges. UMOD exerted a similar effect on TRPV6. TRPV5 undergoes constitutive caveolin-mediated endocytosis. UMOD had no effect on TRPV5 in a caveolin-1-deficient cell line. Expression of recombinant caveolin-1 in these cells restored the ability of UMOD to upregulate TRPV5. Secretion of UAKD-mutant UMOD was markedly reduced and coexpression of mutant UMOD with TRPV5 failed to increase its current. Immunofluorescent studies demonstrated lower TRPV5 expression in Umod −/− mice compared with wild-type. UMOD upregulates TRPV5 by acting from extracellular and by decreasing endocytosis of TRPV5. The stimulation of Ca 2+ reabsorption via TRPV5 by UMOD may contribute to protection against kidney-stone formation.
Matrix model for a quantum Hall droplet with manifest particle-hole symmetry

We find that a gauged matrix model of rectangular fermionic matrices (a matrix version of the fermion harmonic oscillator) realizes a quantum hall droplet with manifest particle-hole symmetry. The droplet consists of free fermions on the topology of a sphere. It is also possible to deform the Hamiltonian by double trace operators, and we argue that this device can produce two body potentials which might lead the system to realize a fractional quantum hall state on the sphere. We also argue that a single gauged fermionic quantum mechanics of Hermitian matrices realizes a droplet with an edge that has c=1/2 CFT on it.
In‐situ transmission electron microscopy studies of polymer–carbon nanotube composite deformation

This paper demonstrates the viability of in-situ transmission electron microscopy for studying the deformation mechanisms of polymer nano-composites. In-situ straining studies are performed on carbon multiwalled nanotube (MWNT)-polystyrene composite films. The experiments show that load transfer across the nanotube-polystyrene interface is operative well into the plastic deformation regime of the composite film. The MWNTs are observed to bridge cracks propagating through the polystyrene, providing closure stresses across the crack wake. Although some MWNTs fracture by either a sword-in-sheath mechanism or transverse shear fracture, most of the MWNTs eventually debond at the MWNT-polymer interface and subsequently pull out of the matrix.
Metabolic Effect of Epinephrine on the QO 2 of the Arrested Isolated Perfused Rat Heart

SYMPATHETIC amines increase the oxygen consumption of the myocardium and it has usually been assumed that this is related primarily, if not exclusively, to the increase effected in rate and contractility. The present investigation demonstrates an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption due to epinephrine during potassium-induced cardiac arrest, that is, in the absence of any chronotropic or inotropic effect. This metabolic increase in oxygen consumption is accompanied by an increase in glycerol release into the perfusion medium, suggesting that the rate of utilization of endogenous lipids rises.
New Topics in Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Gas- Phase Diagnostics: Femtosecond Rotational CARS and Electric-Field Measurements

We discuss two recent diagnostic-development efforts in our laboratory: femtosecond pure-rotational Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) for thermometry and species detection in nitrogen and air, and nanosecond vibrational CARS measurements of electric fields in air. Transient pure-rotational fs-CARS data show the evolution of the rotational Raman polarization in nitrogen and air over the first 20 ps after impulsive pump/Stokes excitation. The Raman-resonant signal strength at long time delays is large, and we additionally observe large time separation between the fs-CARS signatures of nitrogen and oxygen, so that the pure-rotational approach to fs-CARS has promise for simultaneous species and temperature measurements with suppressed nonresonant background. Nanosecond vibrational CARS of nitrogen for electric-field measurements is also demonstrated. In the presence of an electric field, a dipole is induced in the otherwise nonpolar nitrogen molecule, which can be probed with the introduction of strong collinear pump and Stokes fields, resulting in CARS signal radiation in the infrared. The electric-field diagnostic is demonstrated in air, where the strength of the coherent infrared emission and sensitivity our field measurements is quantified, and the scaling of the infrared signal with field strength is verified.
Acute stress impairs trace eyeblink conditioning in females without altering the unconditioned response

Exposure to an acute stressor of inescapable swimming or intermittent tailshocks impairs classical eyeblink conditioning 24 h later in female rats (Wood, Beylin, & Shors, 2001). This effect is often attributed to a deficit in “learning,” but since stress has been shown to induce analgesia (Jackson, Maier, & Coon, 1979), an alternative explanation is that stressor exposure reduces conditioning by lessening the perceived intensity of the unconditioned stimulus (US). To address this possibility we examined the amplitude of the unconditioned response (UR) during training and found that although exposure to the stressor impaired trace conditioning, there was no difference in the UR amplitude. We also found that eyeblink responses to different US intensities (4–12 V) in the absence of training were unaffected by stressor exposure. Taken together, these experiments indicate that the stress-induced impairment of conditioning in females is not due to a decreased perception of US strength.
Resolution of spinal syringes and Chiari I malformation in a child. Case illustration.

The clinical presentation and natural history of syringomyelia are extremely variable and unpredictable. In recent years, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has improved our ability to study the natural history and clinical course of syringomyelia, enabling us to develop better rational management schemes. The case of a child who had spontaneous resolution of incidentally found cervical and thoracic syringes, as well as improvement in an associated Chiari I malformation documented by MR imaging, is illustrated. Now aged 12 years, this boy was well until the age of 5 years when he developed a complex partial seizure disorder. His initial seizure evaluation included craniospinal MR imaging that revealed incidental syringes extending from C3–7 and T5–8 as well as a Chiari I malformation (Fig. 1). His initial neurological examination was unremarkable and without evidence of scoliosis. The boy was followed biannually with craniospinal MR studies and he remained asymptomatic. At 7 1/2 years of age, follow-up MR imaging demonstrated that the two syringes were diminished in size. At 10 1/2 years of age, follow-up MR imaging demonstrated spontaneous resolution of cervical and thoracic syringes as well as improvement in the Chiari I malformation (Fig. 2). The child has remained asymptomatic over a 6-year period with a normal neurological examination and no evidence of scoliosis. This case illustration contributes to the literature on the natural history of syringes and suggests that a newly diagnosed patient with syringomyelia and Chiari I malformation without associated clinical symptoms, such as the child presented in this case illustration, may be followed with serial diagnostic MR studies and neurological examinations in lieu of immediate surgical management.
3‐D visualization of Tonga Earthquake

Scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO; La Jolla, Calif.) have created interactive three-dimensional (3-D) visualizations of the 3 May magnitude 8.0 earthquake that occurred near Neiafu,Tonga. The earthquake occurred at 1526 UTC at a depth of 16 kilometers (as recorded by the USArray seismic network operated at SIO, http://anf.ucsd.edu). A tsunami warning was initially issued, but it was subsequently canceled, and to date, no fatalities have been reported. These 3-D visualizations are available for free download at the Scripps Visualization Center Web site (http://www.siovizcenter.ucsd.edu).The first visualization shows the hypocenter of the 3 May Tonga main shock and locations of historical earthquakes. Global topography and bathymetry data are also included for reference. The second visualization shows a more localized view of the Tonga region, along with vertical cross sections of the velocity structure in the region. An obvious correlation can be seen between changes in the velocity structure and the historical earthquake locations, which map out the geometry of the Tonga subduction zone.
Evolution of nonlinear Rayleigh waves in a coated substrate

Nonlinear Rayleigh waves propagating in a substrate coated with a thin elastic film are studied numerically. The evolution model consists of the nonlinear spectral equations of Zabolotskaya [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 91, 2569–2575 (1992)] augmented ad hoc to include film dispersion. The dispersion relation is obtained from linear theory but is otherwise exact. Both loading and stiffening films are considered. Computations are performed for nonlinear evolution of an initially sinusoidal Rayleigh wave under three distinct dispersion regimes corresponding to different film thicknesses. The validity of the evolution model is also examined.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia–associated membranous glomerulopathy: Remission with fludarabine

In some individuals, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may be associated with glomerular disease from membranous nephropathy with resultant nephrotic syndrome. CLL is characterized by abnormal immunoregulation with a malignant clonal proliferation of lymphocytes. The association between the abnormal clone and nephrotic syndrome is suggested in some cases by the remission of proteinuria with a reduction in abnormal lymphocyte number after treatment with antineoplastic agents. For the first time, we describe a patient with CLL and associated membranous glomerulopathy whose nephrotic syndrome remitted after treatment with fludarabine, a new purine analogue used in the treatment of refractory CLL.
Chromatically Resolved Optical Microscope (CROMoscope): A Grating-Based Instrument for Spectral Imaging

The chromatically resolved optical microscope (CROMoscope) is capable of spectral imaging with tunable spectral and spatial resolutions. Because of its remarkably simple design, the CROMoscope can be easily assembled and aligned. Spectral resolution as low as 2.5 nm full width at half maximum (fwhm) was measured using an atomic emission line of Hg. Absorption spectra of different parts of a micrograph can readily be compiled using white-light illumination. Chloroplast absorption from an Elodea plant leaf was used to demonstrate this capability. Spectral imaging is widely applicable to many areas of science, and the CROMoscope is particularly simple to adapt to conventional microscopes and should enable detailed spectroscopic information to be obtained from microscopy.
Investigation of NaY Zeolite with adsorbed CO2 by neutron powder diffraction

Abstract The crystal structure of dehydrated NaY zeolite (Na-FAU structure type) with and without adsorbed CO 2 has been determined at 4 K and at room temperature (RT) using neutron powder diffraction techniques. The CO 2 -containing sample was prepared at 195 K and 0.1 MPa p CO2 (dry ice sublimation conditions). Neutron diffraction data provides direct evidence that adsorption of CO 2 results in significant migration of the extraframework Na cations in the zeolite structure. At 4 K, 45 of the apparent 76 CO 2 /cell were located in two crystallographically independent sites bonding to the Na cations (Na10) in the supercage site II. While the CO 2 molecule in the first site has a linear configuration interacting with Na10 via one terminal oxygen, the CO 2 molecule in the second site appears to have a bent O–C–O configuration (148.3(3)°), with both oxygen atoms coordinating to two symmetry-related Na10. Using DFT total energy calculations we found that the Na–CO 2 interaction slightly facilitates the bending motion for CO 2 by decreasing the energy cost for the 148.3(3)° bond angle by ≈0.2 eV/CO 2 . However, this Na–CO 2 interaction is not enough to cause a 32° bond angle distortion in CO 2 (the energy cost of ≈0.66 eV/CO 2 ). We propose that rotational disorder plays a significant role in the appearance of the bent CO 2 , while a small bending is possible. Our studies will help to provide a basis for interpreting CO 2 adsorption phenomena in NaY and related zeolites.
Decision analysis to assess the efficacy of routine sentinel lymphadenectomy in patients undergoing prophylactic mastectomy.

BACKGROUND. Patients who have invasive breast cancer identified after prophylactic mastectomy (PM) require axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for lymph node staging (ie, directed ALND). Because the majority of these patients will be lymph node negative, sentinel lymphadenectomy (SLND) has been advocated at the time of PM to avoid the sequelae of unnecessary ALND. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of 2 surgical strategies, routine SLND versus directed ALND, in PM patients. METHODS. A decision-analytic model was created to compare the 2 surgical strategies. Model estimates were derived from a systematic literature review. The endpoints that were examined to compare the 2 strategies were the number of SLNDs performed per breast cancer detected, the number of SLNDs attempted to avoid 1 ALND in a lymph node-negative patient with occult invasive cancer, and the number of axillary complications associated with each strategy. RESULTS. The prevalence of invasive cancer in patients undergoing PM was estimated at 1.9%. At this rate, 37 SLNDs were performed per 1 breast cancer detected, and 73 SLNDs were required to avoid 1 ALND in a lymph node-negative PM patient. In 1 model scenario, the probability of complications per breast cancer detected was 9-fold greater with the SLND strategy than with the directed ALND strategy (2.7 vs 0.3). The complication rates for the 2 strategies become equivalent in the model scenario when the prevalence of occult invasive cancer was projected to 28%. CONCLUSIONS. Routine SLND for patients undergoing PM is not warranted given the large number of procedures required to benefit 1 patient and the potential complications associated with performing SLND in all patients. Cancer 2007. Published 2007 by the American Cancer Society.
Effect of dietary fish oil on tumor-induced hyperlipidemia and tumor growth in rats implanted with a methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma.

Male Fischer 344 rats implanted with a methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma (MCS), along with normal (or control) animals, were fed diets containing either 10% com oil (CO) or 2% CO + 8% fish oil (FO), designated as diets CO and FO, respectively, in a study designed to determine the effect of dietary FO on serum lipids (in the presence or absence of a tumor) and the growth and fatty acid composition of the MCS. For both diets, MCS-bearing rats had significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, and total lipids than controls. For both controls and tumor-bearers, serum levels of all these lipids were, with the exception of cholesterol for the tumorbearers, significantly lower in rats receiving the FO diet than for the corresponding groups receiving the CO diet. Relative to rats fed the CO diet, those fed the FO diet had significantly higher serum levels of some fatty acids (e.g., 20:5n-3) but significantly lower levels of others (e.g., 18:2n-6), regardless of tumor status. For the tumor-bearers, differences in the levels of fatty acids in MCS tissue reflected differences in the fatty acid composition of total serum lipids. Sarcoma growth was unaffected by diet. Thus, feeding dietary FO resulted in changes in the lipid status of both control and tumor-bearing rats. Since sarcoma growth was unaffected by diet, the reduction in the severity of MCS-induced hyperlipidemia by FO appears to be due to an effect of the oil per se.
Immobilization and detection of DNA on microfluidic chips

With the rapid development of micro-Total Analysis Systems (muTAS) and sensitive DNA recognition technologies, it is possible to immobilize DNA probes to small areas of surfaces other than silicon. To this end, photolithographic techniques were used to derivatize micron-sized, spatially segregated DNA recognition elements in Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic structures. UV light was used to initiate attachment of a photoactive biotin molecule to the substrate surface. Once biotin was attached to a substrate, biotin/avidin/biotin chemistry was used to attach fluorescently labeled or non-labeled avidin and biotinylated DNA probes. These techniques were applied to create a prototype microfluidic sensor device that was used to separate and identify synthetic DNA targets that were fluorescently-labeled.
National Parks and the Woman's Voice: A History

This lively study provides a missing chapter in the history of the nations preservation of historic space and wild and scenic landscapes. Now available in paperback, it draws on extensive research, including hundreds of personal interviews. Kaufman presents the untold story of women's contributions to the national parks, making clear for the first time the role of women who have helped shape our national park system. Also included in this edition is information on women's history sites in the national parks.
The International Financial Criss: Macroeconomic Linkages to Agriculture

Macroeconomic shocks can impact agriculture more strongly than factors that affect the sector directly (see Schuh). This paper examines the macroeconomic linkages to agriculture, as revealed by the recent international financial crisis. The key macro links are the exchange rate, consumer income, and interest rate. The financial crisis has seriously hurt various countries' macroeconomies, causing major changes in the values of these linkage variables. Shifts in these variables have in
Determination of alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotypes and M subtypes by isoelectric focusing in immobilized pH gradients

A procedure to determine alpha-1-antitrypsin phenotypes (Pi types), including the six common PiM subtypes, is described. Phenotypes of the inhibitor, including the deficiency phenotype PiZ and the PiM subtypes, can be identified by isoelectric focusing in an immobilized pH gradient with a pH range of 4.2 to 5.0 or 4.0 to 5.0. This method gives clear separation of M, S, V, P and Z allele products. Up to 24 samples can be analyzed in a single overnight run using commercially available equipment and reagents.
Use of cardiopulmonary bypass, high-dose epinephrine, and standard-dose epinephrine in resuscitation from post-countershock electromechanical dissociation

Study objective: To determine the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass with standard-dose epinephrine, high-dose epinephrine, and standard-dose epinephrine on perfusion pressures, myocardial blood flow, and resuscitation from post-countershock electromechanical dissociation. Design: Prospective, controlled laboratory investigation using a canine cardiac arrest model randomized to receive one of three resuscitation therapies. Interventions: After the production of post-countershock electromechanical dissociation, 25 animals received ten minutes of basic CPR and were randomized to receive cardiopulmonary bypass with standard-dose epinephrine, high-dose epinephrine, or standard-dose epinephrine. Measurements and main results: Myocardial blood flow was measured using a colored microsphere technique at baseline, during basic CPR, and after intervention. Immediate and two-hour resuscitation rates were determined for each group. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in eight of eight cardiopulmonary bypass with standard-dose epinephrine compared with four of eight high-dose epinephrine and three of eight standard-dose epinephrine animals ( P P P = .001) and standard-dose epinephrine (NS) compared with basic CPR but decreased after epinephrine administration in the high-dose epinephrine group (NS). Conclusion: Resuscitation from electromechanical dissociation was improved with cardiopulmonary bypass and epinephrine compared with high-dose epinephrine or standard-dose epinephrine alone. However, there was no difference in survival between groups. Cardiopulmonary bypass with standard-dose epinephrine resulted in higher cardiac output, coronary perfusion pressure, and a trend toward higher myocardial blood flow. A short period of cardiopulmonary bypass with epinephrine after prolonged post-countershock electromechanical dissociation cardiac arrest can re-establish sufficient circulation to effect successful early resuscitation.
Dynamic method of test data generation for distributed software

Abstract Test data generation in program testing is the process of identifying a set of test data that satisfies given testing criteria. One of the major problems in dynamic testing of distributed software is reproducible program execution. Repeated executions of a distributed program with the same test data may result in execution of different program paths. Unlike for sequential programs, a test case for a distributed program must contain more than input data; it must also provide appropriate choices for nondeterministic selections. The paper presents a novel approach to automated test data generation that is based on actual execution of the program under test, a run-time scheduler, function-minimization methods, and dynamic dataflow analysis. Test data are developed for the program using actual values of the input variables. When the program is executed, the program execution flow is monitored. If during program execution an undesirable execution flow is observed (e.g., the ‘actual’ path does not correspond to the selected path), then function-minimization search algorithms are used to locate automatically the values of input variables for which the selected path is traversed. In addition, dynamic data-flow analysis is used to determine those input variables responsible for the undesirable program behaviour; this can lead to significant speed-up of the test data generation process.
ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD TO SYNTHESIZE PROGRAMS FROM REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATIONS

This paper reviews the progress that has been made towards the definition of a new generation of computer assisted problem solving tool. When we solve problems with a computer we state the solution...
Ground wave propagation over a mixed path with an elevation change

Calculations have been performed for high frequency (HF) ground wave transmission over a mixed path with an abrupt elevation change. The effect of the elevation change is to decrease the field strength at large distances.
Phosphorus Sorption and Desorption Properties of the Spodic Horizon from Selected Florida Spodosols

The chemistry of P in the spodic (Bh) horizon of Florida Spodosols has generated considerable interest in recent years, particularly where water quality problems have been reported. Early studies suggested that the Bh horizon can function as a sorption sink for P moving through nonretentive sands. However, the conditions under which P can be retained in or released from the Bh horizon have not been adequately investigated. This study evaluated the P sorption and desorption properties of the Bh horizon from 16 Florida Spodosols. The samples exhibited P sorption capacities that were reflective of their citrate-dithionite-bicarbonate (CDB)-extractable Al contents. Mean Langmuir sorption maximum (S max ) values of 7.55, 11.08, and 17.49 mmol P kg -1 were obtained for low-, medium-, and high-Al soils, respectively. The CuCl 2 -extractable Al (organic matter bound) was the single most important chemical property contributing to P retention, accounting for >60% of the variability in P sorption. Though anaerobic incubation altered P sorption and release, the effect was generally small and inconsistent. Such treatment reduced P sorption by low-Al soils and slightly increased that of high-Al soils. The lack of response to anaerobic incubation was attributed to generally low levels of reducible Fe in the soils. The samples also exhibited varying degrees of P sorption-desorption hysteresis. Irreversibility was most pronounced for high-Al soils, where >70% of the added P remained sorbed after nine successive extractions. The relationships between Al contents and P sorption capacities should be useful in formulating site criteria for control and management of wastewater from dairy and other agricultural operations located on Florida Spodosols.
LA TEORÍA DISTRIBUTIVA DE DWORKIN Y EL DERECHO A LA PROTECCIÓN DE LA SALUD

This essay reviews the health distribution theory of the American philosopher Ronald Dworkin, which is developed under the premise of reducing the expenses about health through a service based on the principle of individual responsibility. The result of this process can support the creation of a "minimum level of health security system" in which people ensure themselves following a prudence principle that allows the restraint and the guarantee of a basic health care.
N-linked analogs of retinoid O-glucuronides: potential cancer chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic agents

Glucuronide metabolites of retinoic acid (RA) and its analogs have been suggested to be active cancer chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic metabolites of the parent molecule. The glucuronide of RA is relatively unstable, thus we prepared N-linked glycoside analogs of RA that are nonsubstrates for β-glucuronidase in efforts to improve efficacy. The synthesis and biological activity of the analogs are reported.