cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suppression of carbon deposition during the CO2-reforming of CH4 by the enhancement of CO2 adsorption

CO2-reforming of CH4 was studied from the viewpoint of the suppression of carbon deposition. Ni/A2lO3 catalyst was modified by adding basic metal oxides or replaced with the disulfides of Mo and W for such purpose. The oxides of Na, K, Mg, and Ca markedly decreased the activity of a supported Ni for CH4 decomposition and also suppressed carbon deposition during CO2-CH4 reaction. These metal oxides altered the reaction kinetics in a way of the reaction order with respect to the CH4 partial pressure from negative to positive and that with respect to the CO2 partial pressure from positive to negative. Similar results were also obtained on MoS2 and WS2 catalysts. Their activity for CH4 decomposition was much smaller than that of supported Ni and carbon deposition was markedly suppressed during CO2- reforming on the disulfide catalysts. Reaction kinetics was the same as that on the modified Ni/Al2O3 catalyst: positive order with respect to the CH4 partial pressure and negative order with respect to the CO2 partial pressure. The reaction kinetics observed is understood in terms of the idea that the addition of basic metal oxides or the replacement with the disulfides changes an abundant species on the catalyst surface from CH4 to CO2. It is considered that CO2-reforming of CH4 is initiated by the dissociation of adsorbed CH4 followed by the reaction of the resultant adsorbed hydrogen-deficient hydrocarbon species (CHx,ad) with adsorbed oxygen atoms (Oad) derived from CO2[1]. When a counterpart species, like Oad, is not sufficient on the catalyst surface, CHx,ad is easily converted to surface carbon. Therefore, the cause for the observed suppression of carbon deposition is attributed to the decreased activity for CH4 decomposition and to the enhancement of CO2 adsorption on modified Ni/Al2O3 and disulfide catalysts, which assures respectively a limited concentration of CHx,ad and a sufficient concentration of Oad.
Electrocardiographic changes during selective aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass graft angiography in man

Abstract Simultaneous leads I, II, and III of the electrocardiogram were recorded during selective aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass graft angiography in 20 patients. Arrhythmias associated with such graft opacification included sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest, atrial premature beats, ventricular premature beats, ventricular tachycardia and two episodes of ventricular fibrillation. Rhythm disturbances were unrelated to the anatomic location of the grafts. Patent right graft injection effected a mean rightward frontal plane QRS axis shift of 32.7 ° with leftward T wave axis deviation. A majority of subjects with patent aortic-left anterior descending coronary arterial grafts also manifested right axis shift (mean 22.6 °), possibly related to collateral circulation between the left and right coronary arterial systems. Those patients with stenosed and occluded grafts had minimal or no electrocardiographic changes during bypass angiography. It is concluded that electrocardiographic alteration during graft angiography is a physiologic demonstration of aortocoronary bypass efficacy.
Measurement of 1 − ps soft-x-ray laser pulses from an injection-seeded plasma amplifier

We report on a pulsewidth measurement of phase-coherent soft x-ray laser pulses generated by injection seeding a solid-target plasma amplifier with high harmonic pulses. A pulse duration of $1.13\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.47\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{ps}$ was measured for a seeded Ne-like Ti plasma amplifier operating at $32.6\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ using an ultrafast streak camera. This is the shortest pulse duration reported to date from a table-top soft x-ray laser amplifier. The result agrees with model simulations which suggest that intense femtosecond soft x-ray laser pulses could be obtained by injection seeding a tailored plasma amplifier in which the gain is confined to a high density region.
Fatigue of Foam and Honeycomb Core Composite Sandwich Structures: A Tutorial:

This article is intended to be a tutorial on the subject of fatigue of foam and honeycomb core composite sandwich structures. First, several different analytical models for predicting the fatigue life of sandwich composites are presented. Then representative publications which have reported on the major failure modes in sandwich beams under dynamic fatigue loading are summarized, along with several related publications dealing with static and impact loading. Papers dealing with the effects of loading frequency, environmental factors, and block loading on the fatigue life of sandwich composites are discussed. Finally, recent research on different types of non-destruction evaluation (NDE) techniques employed for failure investigations during fatigue testing of sandwich structures is reviewed. Conclusions and generalizations that can be drawn from the literature are presented along with discussions of areas in which further research is needed.
Laser measurement system for on-line control of a manufacturing process

A nondestructive method of determining the thickness of a coated surface is developed using an He-Ne laser and a charge-coupled device (CCD) sensor. The CCD has a linear array of image sensor elements (photosites) separated by a silicon dioxide surface. When light rays fall on the sensor, image photons pass through the transparent silicon, creating hole-electron pairs. The photon-generated electrons acculate in the photosites which will build the charge as a linear function of incident illumination intensity and integration period. The laser-CCD system is proposed for quality control and to maintain the desired thickness of coating by integrating the measurement system with an adaptive controller. Simulation is performed to study the effectiveness of an adaptive control algorithm using an autoregressive (AR) model for online implementation. >
Pharmacologic and behavioral effects on arrhythmias that immediately follow abrupt coronary occlusion: A canine model of sudden coronary death☆

Abstract We have developed and studied a chronically instrumented canine model in which occlusion of a major coronary artery by an implanted balloon occluder promptly leads to arrhythmias that are reasonably reproducible on successive occlusions. Dogs were studied while conscious, and the electrocardiogram and electrograms from ischemic and nonischemic ventricular epicardium were recorded. Either the left anterior descending or circumflex coronary artery was occluded for up to 5.5 minutes. Experiments were performed in a carefully controlled environment at intervals sufficient for full recovery between occlusions. The arrhythmias that occurred were single or multiple premature ventricular depolarizations, runs of ventricular premature depolarizations or ventricular fibrillation. We measured the time from the onset of occlusion to the onset of arrhythmia (latency) and the severity of the arrhythmia (grade). Latency increased with successive occlusions in the same environment until no arrhythmia occurred during an occlusion of 5.5 minutes. In this state, addition of behavioral stress usually led to recurrence of arrhythmia. Stress decreased latency ( P P
Toxic sugars and longevity of Anthonomus grandis

Abstract Toxic sugars ( d -arabinose, l -rhamnose, and l -sorbose) were fed to adults of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis. Based on longevity as a criterion, arabinose was the most toxic of the three sugars. When fed to newly emerged adults, sucrose protected against arabinose poisoning. Increasing the sucrose content of the larval diet also decreased the toxicity of arabinose fed to newly emerged adults. Arabinose was less toxic to adults previously fed either cotton bolls, flower buds, or artificial diet pellets for 10 days than it was to unfed newly emerged adults. In boll-, bud-, and pellet-fed adults subsequently fed sugars, arabinose was about twice as toxic as l -rhamnose. Although there was no difference in mortality between sexes when newly emerged adults were fed arabinose and mixtures of arabinose and sucrose, among adult weevils previously fed either bolls, buds, or pellets the females were more susceptible than males to arabinose and rhamnose.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and metallic toxins.

Twenty-four of a group of 31 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis had been exposed to metallic toxins in their work, but no convincing evidence could be found of abnormal amounts of lead, mercury, or arsenic in the urine of 21 of the group or in necropsy tissues of two. Therapy with various chelating agents did not alter their clinical course.
Specific projections of sympathetic preganglionic neurons are not intrinsically determined by segmental origins of their cell bodies.

Sympathetic preganglionic projections of the chick are segmentally specific. Neurons from the 16th cervical (C16) and the first thoracic (T1) spinal cord segments project almost exclusively in the rostral direction, while those from the fifth thoracic (T5) to the first lumbar (L1) spinal segments project almost exclusively in the caudal direction. Neurons from the intervening spinal cord segments (T2–4) project in rostral and caudal directions. There is also a tendency for rostrally located neurons in each segment to project rostrally and caudally located neurons to project caudally. To investigate whether specific projections of preganglionic neurons are intrinsically determined by segmental origins of their cell bodies, neural tube segments were transplanted or rotated in embryos at stages 19–26; these stages include times during and after preganglionic cell birth and just prior to axon outgrowth. When the T1 neural tube segment was replaced with the T5 or T7 neural tube segment, the transplanted T5 or T7 preganglionic neurons, now in the T1 position, projected rostrally. Conversely, when the T5 or T7 neural tube segment was replaced with the T1 neural tube, the transplanted T1 preganglionic neurons projected caudally. In addition, when individual T3 spinal cord segments were rotated 180° along the A-P axis, neurons which were originally in the caudal part of the segment projected rostrally, whereas neurons originally from the rostral part of the segment projected caudally. These results show that specific projections of preganglionic neurons are not intrinsically determined by segmental origins of their cell bodies. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 35: 371–378, 1998
Dilational normal faults

Abstract At low differential effective stress and with minimum principal effective stress near zero or tensile, rocks fail in several modes and with variable failure angles. Under these conditions mechanical stratigraphy exerts a significant influence on initial dip of normal faults. Less competent layers fail in shear mode along fractures that approximate the failure angle predicted by a standard rock mechanics analysis. Deformation of more competent layers, which is driven in part by interaction with the more rapidly deforming incompetent layers, produces hybrid mode failure in which failure angles are smaller than in shear mode. Analyses of small-displacement (
Retaliation: The form of 21st century employment discrimination

Abstract During the past decade, retaliation as a basis for employment discrimination claims has risen dramatically from fourth to second place (behind race), increasing by 46%. By definition, retaliation is the act of an employer, through a manager, inflicting an adverse action (such as discharge, discipline, or demotion) against an employee who has complained of discrimination. Retaliation claims open the possibility of punitive damages, examples of which are given in this article. Drawing 1361 cases from a 21-year database, we report the characteristics of retaliation claims and offer recommendations to prevent and manage such claims.
Biochronometry of testicular regression in white-crowned sparrows ( Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii )

The testicular regression that is caused by photorefractoriness inZonotrichia leucophrys gambelii (white-crowned sparrow) appears to be a delayed response to photostimulation that may be timed by counting of days or summing of daylengths. Our results demonstrate that time of onset of testicular regression inZ. l. gambelii on four photoperiodic treatments is an inverse function of daylength. Onset of regression is apparently fixed relatively early in gonadal growth and is not affected by changes in photoregimen after the end of logarithmic phase of testicular growth. The rate of testicular regression appears to be constant regardless of daylength. Our data on timing of testicular regression cannot be rationalized by a simple mechanism that counts days after onset of photostimulation. Of several possible timing mechanisms for the summation of hours of light, simple summation of total hours of light received appears to rationalize our data most readily. However, because our results indicate that this summation can only occur during the early phase of gonadal growth, further experiments are necessary to evaluate this mechanism fully.
An adaptive approach to compound multiple decisions

We will investigate a multiple decision problem (m.d.p.). In particular, situations in which a number of related m.d.p. ’s are to be analyzed simultaneously, called the compound multiple decision problem (c.m.d.p.), are considered. Within the Bayesian framework the usual assumption that the random parameter vector is a random sample from some distribution is modified. An adaptive analysis of the resulting c.m.d.p. is discussed. This discussion includes a simulation of a compound test of normal means where an adaptive (empirical Bayes) rule is analyzed as well as a simulation of a compound selection problem. An illustration considering yields of 7 corn varieties at each of 6 test sites is given.
Simulations of the Steady-State Current Density vs Potential Characteristics of Semiconducting Electrodes

A series of digital simulations has been performed to obtain insight into the steady-state current density vs potential behavior of semiconductor/liquid interfaces. The ToSCA program, incorporating all of the key kinetic parameters involved with the generation, transport, and recombination of charge carriers both in the semiconductor and across the semiconductor/liquid interface, has been used for this purpose. The simulations confirmed conclusions obtained previously from a simplified analytical model, which state that for ideal behavior of a nondegenerately doped semiconducting electrode the photovoltage of an n-type semiconductor/liquid interface should not change if the concentration of the reduced form of the redox species, A-, is held constant but the concentration of the oxidized form of the redox species, A, is varied. The simplified analytical model also predicts that the photovoltage will be independent of variation in [A-] if [A] is held constant. In contrast, recent work has asserted that idea...
An Extended Smart Utilization Medium Access Control (ESU-MAC) Protocol for Ad- Hoc Wireless Systems

The demand for spontaneous setup of a wireless communication system has increased in recent years for areas like battlefield, disaster relief operations etc., where a pre-deployment of network infrastructure is difficult or unavailable. A mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) is a promising solution, but poses a lot of challenges for all the design layers, specifically medium access control (MAC) layer. Recent existing works have used the concepts of multi-channel and power control in designing MAC layer protocols. SU-MAC developed by the same authors, efficiently uses the 'available' data and control bandwidth to send control information and results in increased throughput via decreasing contention on the control channel. However, SU-MAC protocol was limited for static ad-hoc network and also faced the busy-receiver node problem. We present the Extended SU-MAC (ESU-MAC) protocol which works mobile nodes. Also, we significantly improve the scheme of control information exchange in ESU-MAC to overcome the busy-receiver node problem and thus, further avoid the blockage of control channel for longer periods of time. A power control scheme is used as before to reduce interference and to effectively re-use the available bandwidth. Simulation results show that ESU-MAC protocol is promising for mobile, ad-hoc network in terms of reduced contention at the control channel and improved throughput because of channel re-use. Results show a considerable increase in throughput compared to SU-MAC which could be attributed to increased accessibility of control channel and improved utilization of data channels due to superior control information exchange scheme.
Effects of hyperoxia on medullary ECF pH and respiration in chemodenervated cats

The effects of transitions from air-breathing to hyperoxia (100% O2), and the reverse, on respiration (phrenic activity) and on medullary extracellular fluid (ECF) pH, or hydrogen ion concentration [H+], were studied in 8 anesthetized, paralyzed, vagotomized and glomectomized cats whose end-tidal PCO2 was kept constant. The transition from air to hyperoxia (7 cats) led to a small (1.23 nmol/L [H+], 0.010 pH unit) acidic shift of medullary ECF and a 24% increase of neural tidal and minute respiratory activity with no significant change of frequency. Opposite changes of approximately equal magnitude followed the transition from hyperoxia to air (8 cats). We show that the slopes of the respiratory responses to changing ECF [H+] in the present study are not different than the slopes with CO2-induced changes of ECF [H+] in 25 other cats. Our findings indicate that most, if not all, of the respiratory increase after hyperoxia is due to accumulation of CO2 and H+ in medullary ECF that act on the central chemoreceptors. We suggest that decreased medullary blood flow and the Haldane effect are the main mechanisms causing the rise of medullary PCO2 and stimulation of breathing.
Shear stress-related mechanosignaling with lung ischemia: lessons from basic research can inform lung transplantation

Cessation of blood flow represents a physical event that is sensed by the pulmonary endothelium leading to a signaling cascade that has been termed “mechanotransduction.” This paradigm has clinical...
Topical antibody delivery systems produce sustained levels in mucosal tissue and blood

Immunity at mucosal surfaces, which are ports of entry for many pathogens, is essential in preventing infections. But most current strategies for passive immunization involve injection of antibodies for systemic, not mucosal, protection. We measured mucosal and systemic antibody levels after controlled topical delivery to the vagina. Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) disks containing 125l-labeled monoclonal IgG or anti-lactate dehydrogenase-C4 antibodies were placed in the vaginas of mice. High antibody levels (0.26–12 μg/ml) were maintained at the mucosal surface for 7 days after disk insertion. Antibody molecules also penetrated into the vaginal epithelium, presumably by diffusing through the extracellular space, and entered the circulation. Biologically active antibodies were detected in the blood. The antibody concentration in the blood was approximately 1% of the concentration in the vagina. Although the permeability of the epithelium to macro-molecules is low, high concentrations were maintained at the luminal surface for an extended period, permitting substantial systemic uptake of antibody.
The copper(II) adduct of the unstructured region of the amyloidogenic fragment derived from the human prion protein is redox-active at physiological pH.

Prion diseases are caused by the misfolding and aggregation of the prion protein (PrP). Herein we provide evidence that the CuII adduct of the unstructured amyloidogenic fragment of the human PrP (PrP(91−126)) is redox active under physiological conditions. We have identified that the relevant high-affinity CuII binding region of PrP(91−126) is contained between residues 106 and 114. Both [CuII(PrP(91−126))] and [CuII(PrP(106−114))] have CuII Kd values of ∼90 μM. Furthermore, the smaller PrP fragment PrP(106−114) coordinates CuII producing an electronic absorption spectrum nearly identical with [CuII(PrP(91−126))] (λmax ∼ 610 nm (e ∼ 125 M-1 cm-1)) suggesting a similar coordination environment for CuII. Cu K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals a nearly identical CuN(N/O)2S coordination environment for these two metallopeptides (2N/O at ∼1.97 A; 1S at ∼ 2.30 A; 1 imidazole N at ∼1.95 A). Both display quasireversible CuII/CuI redox couples at ∼−350 mV vs Ag/AgCl. ESI-MS indicates that both pept...
Attitudes toward Eliminating Income Inequality in Europe

In this paper, we seek to understand why attitudes vary among individuals regarding the issue of income distribution in European Union member states. We believe that the issue of income inequality is a potentially significant political cleavage that may have an important influence in meaningful ways in European politics. Rather than focusing on the national context to explain variation in citizen attitudes toward income inequality, we control for national context and explore the relative influence of various individual-level characteristics in shaping how Europeans think about the distribution of income in their countries. We assess how individuals' political attitude, economic self-interest, and general attitude toward society affect how they think about income equality in their own society. To test these propositions, we devise a series of hypotheses that are tested in an ordered probit model using data from the 2000—1 wave of the World Values and European Values Surveys. It is our contention that the w...
Deformation of a two-dimensional viscoelastic drop at non-zero Reynolds number in time-periodic extensional flows

Abstract The kinematics of a potential vortex offers an interesting flow history for a rheologically complex material, and earlier work on that subject led us to consider the behavior of a Newtonian drop in three related time dependent flow fields [K. Sarkar, W.R. Schowalter, Deformation of a two-dimensional drop at non-zero Reynolds number in time-periodic extensional flows: numerical simulation, J. Fluid Mech., 2000, submitted for publication; K. Sarkar, W.R. Schowalter, Deformation of a two-dimensional viscous drop in time-periodic extensional flows: analytical treatment, J. Fluid Mech., 2000, submitted for publication]. In the work reported here the drop, characterized by an upper-convected Maxwell model (UCM), is suspended in an incompressible Newtonian fluid. Again, three related flows are considered. The first is that of a potential vortex, modeled by an extensional flow field near the drop with rotating axes of stretching. The second is a generalization of the first and is called rotating extensional (RE) flow, in which the frequency of revolution of the flow is varied independently of the shear rate. Finally, we consider oscillating extensional (OE) flow. Calculations were performed at small but non-zero Reynolds numbers using an ADI front-tracking/finite difference method. We have developed an analytic elastic-viscous stress splitting scheme obtained by an integration by parts of the constitutive equation. The scheme explicitly separates the diffusive part of the momentum equation for a wide range of differential constitutive relations. An ADI implementation is executed for the diffusive part. We investigate the effects of periodicity, Reynolds number and relaxation time on the drop dynamics. For a vortex and an RE flow, the long-time deformation reaches a steady value, and the drop attains a revolving, steady elliptic shape. The long-time values of deformation show complex non-monotonic behavior with variation in Weissenberg number, an effect of the decreased damping and increased elasticity, as well as the presence of a shear wave triggered by the UCM constitutive relation. The first two effects are modeled successfully by a simple ODE presented in Appendix A. The wave effects are briefly discussed in Appendix B.
Wafer level packaging of a tape flip-chip chip scale packages

Abstract The advent of chip scale packages (CSPs) within the semiconductor community has led to the development of wafer scale assembly (WSA) or wafer level packaging (WLP) manufacturing in order to raise assembly efficiencies and lower operating costs. Texas Instruments (TI) has developed a unique WLP process for forming flip-chip, ball grid array packages. The die inputs and outputs of the TI CSP are connected through solder bumps to a polyimide film interposer. Solder balls on the other side of the interposer complete the electrical connection to a customer’s printed circuit board. A wafer-sized array of interposers designed to match the pattern of dies on a wafer is aligned and reflowed to a bumped wafer. The TI WLP process is completed by singulating the CSPs from the wafer using standard wafer saw equipment. Attachment of the interposer to the die as well as applying the die and board level solder bumps are carried out in wafer form using a new bumping technology called Tacky Dots™. Tacky Dots uses an array of sticky dots formed in a photosensitive coating laminated to a polyimide film for transferring and attaching solder spheres to semiconductor substrates. A populated film containing one solder sphere per Tacky Dot is positioned over the wafer or interposer and lowered until the spheres contact the pads. A reflow process transfers the spheres from the film to the wafer or interposer and the film is removed once the spheres have frozen. This paper illustrates the process steps and custom equipment developed for forming the TI CSP. The strategic use of finite element modeling for optimizing the design of the package is outlined. The paper concludes by summarizing the current package level reliability results.
The Organizer-Associated Chick Homeobox Gene, Gnot1, Is Expressed before Gastrulation and Regulated Synergistically by Activin and Retinoic Acid

Gnot1, a Not (for notochord) family homeobox gene, is expressed in the chick pregastrulation blastoderm. Gnot1 expression in the epiblast is upregulated as the posteriorly derived hypoblast moves forward anteriorly to form a layer beneath it, which is of particular interest considering the known inductive role of the hypoblast in axis formation in the chick. Both activin and retinoic acid are able to activate Gnot1 expression in cultured blastodermal cells and show a strong synergistic effect when applied in combination. Strong superinduction of Gnot1 transcripts in the presence of cycloheximide also indicates the presence of a potent and labile intracellular inhibitor capable of modulating Gnot1 expression. During gastrulation, Gnot1 transcripts become localized specifically to tissues associated with "organizer" function (Hensen's node, head process, notochord). The expression data and the response to mesoderm inducing factors and axial "caudalizing" signals suggest that Gnot1 may be involved in specification of the embryonic body axis and could play a part in regulating features of the trunk/tail organizer in the chick embryo.
Morphometric analysis of predatory drillholes

Abstract Quantitative studies of post-Jurassic predatory drillholes assume that drill holes were made by either naticid or muricid gastropods. However, other potential predators can leave similar traces, and the traditional method of discrimination (based on differences in vertical shape of drillholes: cylindrical vs. countersunk) is not always applicable. Poor preservation or thin shells may prevent identification. A multivariate morphometric approach, including principal component analysis (PCA), canonical variate analysis (CVA) and size-free discriminant analysis, is suggested here as a supplementary method. I test the approach by analyzing 98 drillholes made in the valves of the thin-shelled bivalve Mulinia coloradoensis collected from subfossil deposits in northeastern Baja California. Using traditional criteria 10 (10.2%) of 98 drillholes were not correctly identified. Morphometric analyses indicate that in planar view muricid and naticid drillholes do not differ in shape. However, they perfectly discriminate in size. The cylindrical drillholes (Oichnus simplex) attributed to muricid predators are significantly smaller than countersunk ones (Oichnus paraboloides) made most likely by naticid gastropods. The results do not necessarily undermine the validity of the traditional ichnotaxonomy: muricids tend to produce smaller drillholes than naticids. Nevertheless, the vertical shape of a drillhole may be a function of both the type of predator and the size of hole drilled. More than half of the unidentified drillholes (6 out of 10) from an independent group characterized by a more oval shape (octopod drilling?). The traditional method, supported by the morphometric methods employed here,is a powerful tool for analysis of drillholes. It may be valuable not only as a tool for analysis of muricid and naticid drillholes but also as a method for comparative analysis of drillholes of unknown source found throughout the Phanerozoic fossil record.
Expression of intracellular Th1 and Th2 cytokines in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion, implantation failures after IVF/ET or normal pregnancy.

PROBLEM: We aimed to investigate absolute counts of intracellular T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokine expressing T-cell subpopulations in women with three or more recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA), multiple implantation failures after in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF/ET) (three or more) or during normal pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY: Absolute cell counts and percentages of CD3+, CD3+/ CD4+, and CD3+/CD8+ T-cell populations expressing intracellular cytokines [interferon-gamma (IFN-y), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10] was studied by four-color flow cytometry in 15 RSA and 13 implantation failure patients. Eighteen fertile non-pregnant and 47 normal pregnant women were also compared with regard to intracellular cytokine expression. RESULTS: Interleukin-10 producing CD3 + /CD8+ T-cell counts were significantly lower in women with RSA (P < 0.05) and implantation failures (P < 0.05), and TNF-a producing CD3+/CD4+ T-cell counts were higher in women with RSA (P < 0.05) and implantation failures (P < 0.005) than those of non-pregnant fertile controls. During normal pregnancies, first trimester IL-4 expressing CD3 +, CD3 +/ CD4+ T-cell counts (P < 0.05) and IFN-y expressing CD3+ T-cell counts (P < 0.05) were significantly higher than those of third trimester (P < 0.05). First trimester TNF-α expressing CD3+/CD8+ T-cell counts were significantly higher than those of second and third trimester women (P < 0.05). However, there are no differences in cytokine expression between non-pregnant and first trimester pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Absolute counts of IFN-y, IL-4, and TNF-a expressing T cells decrease with the progress of gestation (third trimester) during normal pregnancies. In women with implantation failures, absolute cell counts of TNF-α expressing CD3 + / 4+ cells reflects the presence of dominant Th1 immune response. A significantly increased Th1 cytokine expression may be the underlying immune etiology for reproductive failures.
Effectiveness of selected materials against Enterococcus faecalis: part 3. The antibacterial effect of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine on Enterococcus faecalis.

It has been found that Enterococcus faecalis is most commonly isolated in failed endodontic treatment. Irrigation with chlorhexidine gluconate has been suggested based on its antimicrobial effect and substantivity. Calcium hydroxide also is an effective antimicrobial agent because of its high alkalinity. The purpose of this study was to test the individual and combined effect of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine against E. faecalis . The agar-diffusion test was performed on Mueller-Hinton plates. Paper disks were impregnated with: (a) CaOH powder with sterile water; (b) Pulpdent®; (c) 0.12% Peridex®; (d) CaOH powder with Peridex®; and (e) Pulpdent® with Peridex®. Ampicillin served as a control. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 72 h. Peridex® showed significantly larger zones of inhibition compared with CaOH. No statistically significant difference was found between Peridex® and the combination of CaOH and Peridex®.
Transcriptional regulation of HIV-1 gene expression by p53

Several reports have pointed to the negative involvement of p53 in transcriptional regulation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat (HIV-1 LTR). However, the mechanisms of this negative effect remain unclear. In here, we showed that over expression of p53 wild type prevented the phosphorylation of serine 2 in the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II. As a result of this inhibition, p53 stalled transcriptional elongation on the HIV-1 LTR leading to a significant reduction of HIV-1 replication in primary microglia and astrocytes. However, despite the delay/pause caused by p53, viral transcription and replication decreased and then salvaged. These studies suggest that the negative effect of p53 is alleviated by a third factor. In this regard, our Preliminary Data point to the involvement of the Pirh2 protein in p53 inhibition. Therefore, we suggest that p53 may be a novel therapeutic target for the inhibition of HIV-1 gene expression and replication and the treatment of AIDS.
Fostering collaboration between researchers and clinicians through building practice-oriented research: An introduction

This paper is an introduction to a special series that attempts to foster collaboration between clinicians and researchers by presenting the experiences of 11 groups of contributors who have conducted practice-oriented research (POR) in various countries and naturalistic settings. Each of these groups was asked to describe the context in which their collaborative initiatives took place, as well as some of the studies conducted, obstacles faced, strategies employed to address these challenges, and benefits earned. Authors were also invited to provide general recommendations to facilitate future POR. In order to integrate the lessons learned so far, as well as to consolidate suggestions for future collaboration of clinicians, researchers, and other stakeholders in the field of mental health, the series ends with a conclusion paper that identifies convergences and particular characteristics that cut across the partnerships featured.
The clinical spectrum of congenital toxoplasmosis: Problems in recognition

Four cases of acute congenital toxoplasmosis in twins are presented to illustrate the variable clinical spectrum of this infection. In two, who died of the infection, the diagnosis was not suspected because “specific” signs usually associated with congenital toxoplasmosis were not present. Nonspecific signs compatible with many other clinical disease entities were the predominant features in these cases. In addition, the diagnosis in the surviving infants would not have been suspected without the benefit of postmortem examination of their twins. High levels of IgM and IgA immunoglobulins are reported in one of the infants and similar results in other congenitally infected infants are described. Macroglobulin anti-Toxoplasma antibodies (ATA) were demonstrated in the serum of one of the twins. The demonstration of such macroglobulin ATA in newborn infants appears to establish the diagnosis of acute congenital toxoplasmosis. Gross and histologic changes found at autopsy are described. The parasite was demonstrated in glomeruli and renal tubules, thus suggesting the possibility of isolation and/or visualization of Toxoplasma in the urine of patients with acute toxoplasmosis. The importance and difficulty of establishing the correct diagnosis in infected infants who appear to be normal at birth or who show less than the “classical” signs of congenital toxoplasmosis are discussed.
Intelligence Led Policing: Conceptual and Functional Considerations for Public Policy

Policing in the post-9/11 era is experiencing a philosophical change that is expanding community- and problem-oriented policing to include the broader philosophy of intelligence-led policing (ILP)....
The simulation of intergranular attack of AISI 304 stainless steels in H2SO4

Abstract Galvanic currents were measured when Fe(8)Ni(0–18)Cr alloys were coupled to AISI 304 stainless steel in 1 N H2SO4. Anodic polarization curves were also measured. These curves showed that: (1) the potential range of passivity increased and the passive current density decreased with increasing chromium content, (2) low Tafel slopes could be the reason for the large galvanic currents. The galvanic currents were high below a critical chromium content showing the importance of galvanic corrosion in intergranular corrosion and intergranular stress corrosion cracking. The results of this investigation are in agreement with the chromium depletion model of sensitization.
Quantification of urinary conjugates of bisphenol A, 2,5-dichlorophenol, and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone in humans by online solid phase extraction-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Urinary concentrations of phenols or their metabolites have been used as biomarkers to assess the prevalence of exposure to these compounds in the general population. Total urinary concentrations, which include both free and conjugated (glucuronide and sulfated) forms of the compounds, are usually reported. From a toxicologic standpoint, the relative concentrations of the free species compared with their conjugated analogs can be important because conjugation may reduce the potential biologic activity of the phenols. In this study, we determined the percentage of glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of three phenolic compounds, bisphenol A (BPA), 2,5-dichlorophenol (2,5-DCP), and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (benzophenone-3, BP-3) in 30 urine samples collected between 2000 and 2004 from a demographically diverse group of anonymous adult volunteers. We used a sensitive on-line solid phase extraction–isotope dilution–high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. These three phenols were detected frequently in the urine samples tested. Only small percentages of the compounds (9.5% for BPA, and 3% for 2,5-DCP and BP-3) were excreted in their free form. The percentage of the sulfate conjugate was about twice that of the free compound. The glucuronide conjugate was the major metabolite, representing 69.5% (BPA), 89% (2,5-DCP), and 84.6% (BP-3) of the total amount excreted in urine. These results are in agreement with those reported before which suggested that BPA-glucuronide was an important BPA urinary metabolite in humans. To our knowledge, this is the first study describing the distribution of urinary conjugates of BP-3 and 2,5-DCP in humans.
GroEL structure: a new chapter on assisted folding

The X-ray structure of GroEL puts future studies on a firm footing, but there's still much work to be done before chaperonin-assisted protein folding is understood.
Radiative corrections to longitudinal and transverse gauge boson and Higgs production

Radiative corrections to gauge boson and Higgs production computed recently using soft-collinear effective theory require the one-loop high-scale matching coefficients in the standard model. We give explicit expressions for the matching coefficients for the effective field theory operators for qq{yields}VV and qq{yields}{phi}{sup {dagger}{phi}}for a general gauge theory with an arbitrary number of gauge groups. The group theory factors are given explicitly for the standard model, including both QCD and electroweak corrections.
The economic progress of American black workers in a periodof crisis and change, 1916-1950

This dissertation explores the interplay between industrial racial hiring practices and the following institutions and transitions characterizing the inter-war period: unionization, institutional change among unions, business cycle activity, government anti-discrimination policy, and high-wage policies. The degree to which industrial racial hiring practices differed across manufacturing and mining industries and the impact that this industrial segregation had on black workers is explored. During World War I, when many northern employers first hired black workers, there was a significant difference in how black and white workers were distributed across industry. However, the segregation decreased significantly over time and it was not a contributor to the black-white income differential among industrial workers. Black workers were not employed disproportionately by industries with low wages, with low capital-to-labor ratios, or that were disproportionately dangerous. However, industrial segregation exposed them to greater unemployment risk, explaining a portion of their disproportionately high unemployment rates. The third chapter identifies some of the forces that shaped and mitigated industrial segregation. The way that black workers were distributed across industries was a fimction of union density, union affiliation, and tight wartime labor markets. The craft based unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor were notorious for discriminating against black labor. The industrial unions affiliated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) actively promoted the organization of black labor.
Do 5-HT1B/1D autoreceptors modulate dorsal raphe cell firing? In vivo electrophysiological studies in guinea pigs with GR127935.

GR127935 is a selective antagonist of release-modulating 5-HT1B/1D autoreceptors on serotonergic terminals and, as such, would be expected to produce increases in extracellular 5-HT. The changes in 5-HT observed are mixed, however, possibly due to the presence of somatodendritic 5-HT1a/1D autoreceptors. Theoretically, blockade of these autoreceptors would elevate intra-raphe 5-HT which, in turn, would activate somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptors and slow firing rate. As recorded in anesthetized guinea pigs, dorsal raphe cell firing was unaffected by doses of GR127935 ranging from 20 to 20000 micrograms/kg i.v. Lower doses of GR127935 (0.002-2 micrograms/kg i.v.) yielded highly variable responses, although these were not significantly different from baseline. 8-OH-DPAT in these and similar neurons produced the robust dose-dependent inhibitory response expected of a 5-HT1A agonist; increases in extracellular 5-HT resulting from re-uptake blockade by fluoxetine also suppressed unit activity. Doses of CP-135,807, a centrally-acting 5-HT1B/1D agonist, to increase tone on the somatodendritic 5-HT1B/1D autoreceptor produced only a trend toward decreases in dorsal raphe neuronal firing. The overall weak effect of GR127935 on raphe unit activity suggests that the mechanism described previously must take into account factors such as the degree of intra-raphe 5-HT release, the endogenous tone on the autoreceptors, receptor selectivity and intrinsic activity of GR127935 and/or heterogeneity within the subtype.
Outcome measures of Triple Board Graduates, 1991-2003.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe program outcomes for the Combined Training Program in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry (Triple Board Program). Method All Triple Board Program graduates to date (1991-2003) were asked to participate in a 37-item written survey from February to April 2004. Results The response rate was 80.7%. Most graduates go on to careers in child and adolescent psychiatry, spending a mean of 72.3% of their time in the field; however, 24.8% of respondents spend at least one fourth of their time in pediatrics and 8.0% spend one fourth of their time or more in general psychiatry. Many graduates are involved in academics, teaching, and research. Board pass rates (including repeat attempts) were highest for general (95.8%) and child and adolescent psychiatry (91.4%) and lowest for pediatrics (77.2%), and a minority (36.3%) of graduates are fully “triple boarded” (i.e., have completed oral and written boards in all three fields). Of graduates, 93.8% stated they would re-enroll in the Triple Board Program, and satisfaction with the curriculum was high. Conclusion The Triple Board Program is successful in terms of career outcomes, involvement in academics, boards pass rates, and graduate reported satisfaction. These data may help determine the future of this combined program in addressing workforce issues in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Neuroergonomics and human error

Neuroergonomics complements traditional ergonomic approaches to understanding many aspects of human–system performance, including the analysis of human error. This paper reviews the evidence on neural signals associated with different error types, specifically the error-related negativity (ERN), a brain potential that is extracted from the scalp electroencephalogram and that is generated in a medial prefrontal brain region, the anterior cingulate cortex. Studies of the ERN indicate that the brain has a specialised error monitoring and feedback system with close ties to brain networks involved in learning and decision making. The implications of this system for understanding how errors are made are discussed, as well as how errors are captured, learned from and used as feedback to enhance future performance. Applications of neuroergonomic studies of human error–in the development of brain–computer interfaces, selection and training design and procedures for system diagnosis–are also described. The current ...
A single-step synthesis and the kinetic mechanism for monodisperse and hexagonal-phase NaYF4:Yb, Er upconversion nanophosphors

A single-step synthesis for monodisperse and hexagonal-phase (?) NaYF4:Yb, Er upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) with a consistent hexagonal prism shape in the size range from 18 to 200?nm was achieved. The kinetic mechanisms for the particle phase transition and growth were examined. The ?-UCNPs were obtained via co-thermolysis of trifluoroacetate precursors in octadecene (ODE) with combined ligands of oleic acid (OA) and trioctylphosphine (TOP). The experimental results showed that the combined OA?TOP ligand was crucial for changing the surface energy and controlling the particle shape over a broad size range. It was found that the particle sizes could be controlled by varying the molar ratios of Na(CF3COO)/Re(CF3COO)3 (Re? =?Y, Yb, and Er). A high Na/Re ratio accelerated the cubic-phase transition and promoted the growth of smaller ?-UCNPs. The formation of ?-UCNPs was classified into kinetic and diffusion controlled stages, depending on the reaction temperature and the dominant crystalline phases formed in each stage. In stage I, 250?310??C, NaF generation was the limiting step and ?-UCNPs were formed via a 'burst of nucleation'. In stage II, above 310??C, the ?-UCNPs formed were re-dissolved and the growth of ?-UCNPs was a diffusion controlled process governed by the Gibbs?Thompson effect. A quasi-steady-state species assumption for NaF and a chemical potential equilibrium in the solution were introduced to explain the particle size dependence on Na/Re ratios. The study of UC luminescence showed that the UC intensity was proportional to the sizes of the ?-UCNPs.