cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Politics of Parenthood: Parenthood Effects on Issue Attitudes and Candidate Evaluations in 2008

This project employs 2008 National Election Study (NES) data to explore whether parents are different than nonparents in terms of their political attitudes and candidate evaluations. We find that p...
PreDVS: preemptive dynamic voltage scaling for real-time systems using approximation scheme

System optimization techniques based on dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) are widely used with the aim of reducing processor energy consumption. Inter-task DVS assigns the same voltage level to all the instances of each task. Its intra-task counterpart exploits more energy savings by assigning multiple voltage levels within each task. In this paper, we propose a voltage scaling technique, named PreDVS, which assigns voltage levels based on the task set's preemptive scheduling for hard real-time systems. Our approach is based on an approximation scheme hence can guarantee to generate solutions within a specified quality bound (e.g., within 1% of the optimal) and is different from any existing inter- or intra-task DVS techniques. PreDVS exploits static time slack at a finer granularity and achieves more energy saving than inter-task scaling without introducing any extra voltage switching overhead. Moreover, it can be efficiently employed together with existing intra-task scaling techniques. Experimental results demonstrate that PreDVS can significantly reduce energy consumption and outperform the optimal inter-task voltage scaling techniques by up to 24%.
High-Resolution Manometry Studies Are Frequently Imperfect but Usually Still Interpretable

Background & Aims Clinical esophageal manometry can be technically challenging. We investigated the prevalence and causes of technically imperfect, high-resolution esophageal pressure topography (EPT) studies at a tertiary referral hospital. Methods We reviewed 2000 consecutive clinical EPT studies that had been performed with consistent technique and protocol. A study was considered technically imperfect if there was a problem with pressure signal acquisition, if the catheter did not pass through the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), or if there were fewer than 7 evaluable swallows (without double-swallowing, and so forth). Data from the technically imperfect studies were interpreted blindly to determine a diagnosis; this diagnosis was compared with the diagnosis based on chart review. Results We identified 414 technically imperfect studies (21% of the series). These were attributed to fewer than 7 evaluable swallows (58%), inability to traverse the EGJ (29%), sensor or thermal compensation malfunction (7%), and miscellaneous artifacts (6%). The most frequent causes of failure to traverse the EGJ were a large hiatal hernia (50%) and achalasia (24%). The condition most frequently associated with an incomplete swallow protocol was achalasia (33%). Despite the limitations, the diagnosis of achalasia was achieved correctly by blinded interpretation in 77% of cases and nonblinded interpretation in 94% of cases. Conclusions Technically imperfect EPT studies are common in a tertiary care center; large hiatal hernia and achalasia were the most frequent causes. However, despite the technical limitations, the data still could be interpreted, especially in the context of associated endoscopic and radiographic data.
THE DEFORMED SPIN-ORBIT POTENTIAL IN NILSSON-MODEL CALCULATIONS.

Abstract A deformed spin-orbit potential of the Thomas form has been investigated in Nilsson-model calculations. Compared to the single-particle energy-level spacing, the level shifts due to deformation of the spin-orbit potential were found to be negligible for nuclei lighter than the rare earths. For the latter, however, the single-particle energies are shifted by up to 100 keV and re-ordering of some levels occurs. Single-particle energies in regions near the magic numbers 126 and 152 are shifted by up to 400 keV, showing that the spin-orbit deformation may be important in the prediction of stable super-heavy nuclei. The effect of the spin-orbit deformation on the single-particle wave function was found to be appreciable for all mass regions, the decoupling parameter, for example, changing by as much as 50 %. Magnetic moments calculated for rare-earth nuclei change by up to 20 %.
Promoter and Upstream Regulatory Activities of the Mouse Cellular Retinoic Acid-binding Protein-I Gene

Abstract The promoter and its upstream regulatory region of the mouse cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I (crabp-I) gene were examined in transgenic mouse embryos, a mouse embryonal carcinoma cell line P19, and a mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line 3T6. In transgenic mouse embryos, a β-galactosidase reporter gene under the control of crabp-I promoter and its upstream regulatory region displayed a very specific pattern of expression characteristic of crabp-I gene expression during developmental stages. In tissue culture systems, the minimal promoter of this gene was identified, and regions containing positive and negative regulatory activities were dissected from the upstream 3-kilobase sequence using assays for transient reporter activity. It is concluded that the minimal promoter of the mouse crabp-I gene is located between 120 and 150 base pairs upstream from the transcription initiation site. Several cell type-specific positive and negative regulatory regions for this promoter have been identified. A region encoding a common negative regulatory activity in both P19 and 3T6 cells is also inhibitory to two heterologous promoters, and specific protein-DNA interactions between this DNA fragment and nuclear extracts of P19 and 3T6 are demonstrated by gel retardation experiments.
Application of a Pulsed Dye Laser to Polarization Spectroscopy for Elemental Analysis

Laser-induced fluorescence has been shown to be a very sensitive technique for trace analysis. The problem of scattered light, i.e., radiation coming from unvaporized particles in the flame, has been considered a major problem in the use of resonance fluorescence as an analytical technique. Various methods have been developed for eliminating or at least accounting for scattering, and these methods have been reviewed in detail. One of the most recent of these techniques is that of polarization spectroscopy, developed by Wieman and Hansch for Doppler-free, high-resolution studies. Tong and Yeung applied the technique to a flame for the first time, obtaining limits of detection of 0.03 and 37 ng/L for Na and Ba, respectively. The work, however, required the use of a frequency-stabilized, Ar-ion, pumped, ring dye laser. For the technique to be analytically useful, i.e., applicable to a wide range of elements, it should be possible to use a pulsed dye laser. We report here the first application of a pulsed dye laser to this technique.
Genes Differentially Regulated by NKX2-3 in B Cells Between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease Patients and Possible Involvement of EGR1

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are two related yet different forms of chronic intestinal inflammation. We investigated the genes regulated by NKX2-3 in B cells from a UC patient by cDNA microarray and compared the results to those genes regulated by NKX2-3 in B cells from a CD patient. Genes regulated by NKX2-3 in B cells from UC were mainly involved in cell growth, inflammation, and immune response. Among the genes regulated by NKX2-3 in both UC and CD, expression of 145 genes was similarly altered and 34 genes was differentially affected by NKX2-3 knockdown. EGR1 was up-regulated in NKX2-3 knockdown B cells from UC while down-regulated in NKX2-3 knockdown B cells from CD. mRNA expressions of NKX2-3 and EGR1 were increased in diseased intestinal tissues from 19 CD patients. NKX2-3 may play different roles in UC and CD pathogenesis by differential regulation of EGR1.
The influence of protective groups on diastereofacial selectivity of Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions.

The diastereofacial selectivity of both inter- and intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions with dienes having an allylic stereogenic center has been studied by varying the allylic oxygen protective group. Four different hydroxy protective groups were investigated including benzyl, t-butyldiphenylsilyl, triethylsilyl, and t-butyldimethylsilyl ethers. For intermolecular reactions, the benzyl ether derivative gave the highest sπ-facial selectivity through a transition state in which the allylic stereocenter favors the CH eclipsed conformation. For intramolecular cycloadditions, the t-butyldimethylsilyl group gave a slightly higher selectivity than the benzyl ether derivative through a transition state in which the allylic stereocenter favors the CO eclipsed conformation. The opposite diastereofacial selectivity observed for inter- and intramolecular reactions is explained by considering both steric and electronic effects. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Multiwalled carbon nanotube-coated polyethylene terephthalate fibrous matrices for enhanced neuronal differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells

The next-generation of tissue scaffolds should incorporate 3-D structures with nanofeatures. Fibrous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrices have been widely studied as tissue engineering scaffolds, but their performance is limited by the lack of nanotopography. Carbon nanotubes can provide nanoscale structures similar to those present in natural extracellular matrices in vivo, but are difficult to use as 3-D scaffolds for tissue engineering. In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used to coat and provide nanofeatures on the surface of PET membranes and fibers. The effects of MWCNTs on the cellular functions of mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells cultured on the nanoengineered PET surface and 3-D scaffolds were investigated. In general, MWCNTs promoted cell adhesion and proliferation of mES cells while maintaining excellent cell viability in the growth medium. Neuronal differentiation was also significantly enhanced when cells were cultured in the differentiation medium. Different cell morphologies were observed in the presence of MWCNTs. Cells were stretched and well spread out in MWCNT-coated PET scaffolds, whereas cells were sporadically distributed in non-coated PET scaffolds. Furthermore, more filopodia were formed in MWCNT-coated PET matrices, suggesting increased interactions between scaffolds and cells. Also, neuronal cells differentiated from mES cells in the 3-D nanoengineered PET scaffolds formed extensive nerve networks around each fiber and neurite bridges between fibers. These findings suggest that MWCNTs can provide nanofeatures on PET fibrous matrices and enhance their performance as 3-D nanoengineered tissue engineering scaffolds.
Temperature dependent elastic coefficients of Mg2X (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) compounds from first-principles calculations

Abstract Influence of temperature on the elastic properties of Mg2X (X = Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) compounds, has been studied using first-principles calculations, within the generalized gradient approximation, and compared with the available experimental data in the literature. Elastic stiffness coefficients calculated with respect to volume (cij(V)) have been correlated to the equilibrium volume as a function of temperature V(T) from phonon calculations to obtain temperature dependence of elastic stiffness coefficients cij(T). A good agreement between the thus predicted elastic constants and experimental data has been achieved. The general trend in the bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G) and Young's modulus (E) seen for the compounds is Mg2Ge > Mg2Si > Mg2Sn > Mg2Pb. Elastic anisotropy, fracture toughness and stiffness of the compounds have been analyzed as a function of temperature based on their anisotropic ratio (2c44/(c11–c12)), product of bulk modulus and volume (B × V1/3), and Young's modulus. The results obtained herein provide a better understanding of the elastic behavior of antifluorite compounds as a function of temperature. The methodology used in this work acts as a benchmark for future first-principles work that involves calculating elastic constants as a function of temperature.
The nuclear pores of early meiotic prophase nuclei of plants.

Pollen mother cells at early meiotic prophase fromFritillaria lanceolata, F. mutica, Tulbaghia violacea, the lily “Formobel”,Triticum aegilopoides, T. dicoccoides, T. aestivum and synaptic and asynaptic forms ofT. durum were studied in thin sections with the electron microscope (a) in relation to distribution of nuclear pores (b) in respect of fine structure of the pore complex in those of the first four. The pores were distributed in random clusters during leptotene to pachytene in all plants, except in the two forms ofT. durum where there were either no pores or so few that they were not detectable. Probably correlated with this, the two membranes of the nuclear envelope were often widely separated and frequently sacculated. No pores were seen at leptotene in the part of the envelope to which, in theFritillarias and lily, the nucleolus was adpressed at this time. Evidence supporting a recent model which proposes that annuli are composed of three rings of eight granular subunits was obtained. These subunits as well as a dense central element, observed in most pores, were composed of filaments about 3 nm in diameter and evidently protein in character. There was evidence of a continuity between filaments in the central element and those in the rings of subunits which encircle the pore aperture at both the nuclear and cytoplasmic sides of the pore. In profiles of pores knobbed filaments were sometimes seen extending laterally from the pore wall into the perinuclear space at two sides. Questions concerning the role of the annulus are discussed.
A homogenized strain model for Ni-Mn-Ga driven with collinear field and stress

Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloys (FSMAs) in the nickel manganese gallium system have been shown to exhibit large magnetically induced strains of up to 9.5% due to magnetically driven twin variant reorientation. In order for this strain to be reversible, however, an external restoring stress or magnetic field needs to be applied orthogonal to the field and hence the implementation of Ni-Mn-Ga in applications involves the use of electromagnets, which tend to be heavy, bulky and narrowband. In previous work at The Ohio State University a sample of Ni 50 Mn 28.7 Ga 21.3 has been shown to exhibit reversible compressive strains of -4200 microstrain along its [001] direction when a magnetic field is applied along this same direction and no externally applied restoring force is present. This reversible strain is possible because of an internal stress field associated with pinning sites induced during manufacture of the crystal. This paper analyzes the switching between two variant orientations in the presence of magnetic fields (Zeeman energy) and pinning sites (pinning energy) through the formulation of a Gibbs energy functional for the crystal lattice. Minimization of the Gibbs free energy yields a strain kernel which represents the predicted behavior of an idealized 2-dimensional homogeneous single crystal with a single twin boundary and pinning site. While adequate, the kernel has limitations because it does not account for the following: (a) Ni-Mn-Ga consists of a large number of twin variants and boundaries, (b) the strength of the pinning sites may vary, and (c) the local and applied magnetic field will differ due to neighbor-to-neighbor interactions. These limiting factors are addressed in this paper by considering stochastic homogenization. Stochastic distributions are used on the interaction field and on the pinning site strength, yielding a phenomenological model for the bulk strain behavior of Ni 50 Mn 28.7 Ga 21.3 . The model quantifies both the hysteresis and saturation of the strain. Constrained optimization is used to determine the necessary parameters and an error analysis is performed to assess the accuracy of the model for various loading conditions.
Nrf2 is critical in defense against high glucose-induced oxidative damage in cardiomyocytes

Exposure to high levels of glucose induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes that may contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy in diabetes. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) controls the antioxidant response element (ARE)-dependent gene regulation in response to oxidative stress. The role of Nrf2 in defense against high glucose-induced oxidative damage in cardiomyocytes was investigated. Glucose at high concentrations induced ROS production in both primary neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes from the Nrf2 wild type (WT) mouse heart, whereas, in Nrf2 knockout (KO) cells, ROS was significantly higher under basal conditions and high glucose markedly further increased ROS production in concentration and time-dependent manners. Concomitantly, high glucose induced significantly higher levels of apoptosis at lower concentrations and in shorter time in Nrf2 KO cells than in WT cells. Primary adult cardiomyocytes from control and diabetic mice also showed dependence on Nrf2 function for isoproterenol-stimulated contraction. Additionally, cardiomyocytes from Nrf2 KO mice exhibited increased sensitivity to 3-nitropropionic acid, an inhibitor of mitochondrial respiratory complex II, for both ROS production and apoptosis compared with Nrf2 WT cells, further emphasizing the role of Nrf2 in ROS defense in the cells. Mechanistically, Nrf2 was shown to mediate the basal expression and induction of ARE-controlled cytoprotective genes, Nqo1 and Ho1, at both mRNA and protein levels in cardiomyocytes, as both the basal and inducible expressions of the genes were lost in Nrf2 KO cells or largely reduced by Nrf2 SiRNA. The findings, for the first time, established Nrf2 as a critical regulator of defense against ROS in normal and diabetic hearts.
Expression analysis of Dact1 in mice using a LacZ reporter.

The Wnt signaling pathway is essential for cell fate decisions during embryonic development as well as for homeostasis after birth. Dapper antagonist of catenin-1 (Dact1) plays an important role during embryogenesis by regulating Wnt signaling pathways. Consequently, targeted disruption of the Dact1 gene in mice leads to perinatal lethality due to severe developmental defects involving the central nervous system, genitourinary system and distal digestive tract. However, the expression and potential function of Dact1 in other tissues during development and postnatal life have not been well studied. Here, we have generated reporter mice in which LacZ expression is driven by the Dact1 gene promoter and characterized Dact1-LacZ expression in embryos and adult tissues. Our data show that while Dact1-LacZ is expressed in multiple mesoderm- and neuroectoderm-derived tissues during development, high expression of Dact1-LacZ is restricted to a small subset of adult tissues, including the brain, eye, heart, and some reproductive organs. These results will serve as a basis for future investigation of Dact1 function in Wnt-mediated organogenesis and tissue homeostasis.
C-kinase activation prolongs Ca2+-dependent inactivation of K+ currents.

Abstract Voltage-dependent K+ currents, IA and ICa2+-K+, across the soma membrane of the Hermissenda Type B photoreceptor, have been shown to remain reduced during retention of classically conditioned behavior. IA and ICa2+-K+ undergo prolonged reduction due to [Ca2+]i elevation produced by a single pairing of a light step with a command depolarization or by iontophoretic injection of Ca2+. One pathway which could contribute to the conversion of transient Ca2+-mediated reduction of K+ currents to the persistent reduction observed with conditioning is that involving C-kinase. To examine the role of C-kinase in the long-term regulation of K+ currents, isolated Type B somata were exposed to at least 25–30 minutes' incubation in artificial sea water (ASW) containing the C-kinase activators 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (OAG) or 12-deoxyphorbol 13-isobutyrate 20-acetate (DPBA) or control substances [e.g., distearyolglycerol (DiSG)]. After exposure to activator (but not to control solutions) and voltage-clamp conditions which caused elevation of cytosolic Ca2+, reductions of IA and ICa2+-K+ were observed which did not reverse (up to 3 hr), even after the activator was removed. Without conditions which induced elevation of cytosolic calcium prolonged incubation with the C-kinase activators had no effect on the membrane currents. Similar exposure of homogenates of the Hermissenda nervous system to OAG and Ca2+ caused enhanced phosphorylation of specific proteins, indicating the presence of C-kinase in the Hermissenda nervous system.
Contact angle hysteresis and the shape of the three-phase line

The effects on contact angle and capillary rise hysteresis of a specific pattern of mixed wettability are examined. The capillary rise of a liquid onto a vertical plate consisting of closely spaced alternating horizontal stripes characterized by two different contact angles is considered. For each value of the average rise height, the approximate shape of the liquid surface is determined by an energy minimization technique. An assumed straight horizontal contact line is shown to be unstable to small perturbations when the average rise height lies near those stripe boundaries where the material with smaller equilibrium contact angle lies above the other material. A second family of solutions, suggested by experiment, is shown to be less energetic in these regions. The calculated variation of total energy with mean rise height exhibits multiple energy minima; these metastable states can explain the hysteresis phenomenon. The energy barriers between adjacent minima are found to be significantly smaller than previous calculations suggest, the difference arising from the contact line deformation. This suggests a potential decrease in contact angle hysteresis. In addition, a virtual insensitivity of the energy barrier heights to the intensity of the wall wettability variation is revealed.
798-5 Risk of Initiating Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation

The side effects of antiarrhythmic drugs for atrial fibrillation (AF) are well recognized, but the incidence and time course of early events that justify observation in-hospital, are not well defined. Adverse cardiac events requiring intervention were determined for 169 consecutive hospitalized patients undergoing 253 trials of Class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs for AF. Patient characteristics were: age 64 (25–86) yrs, male 60%, structural heart disease 89% and prior myocardial infarction 18%. Adverse cardiac events occurred in 37 (15%) drug trials in 33 patients an average of 2.6 ± 1.1 days after initiation of therapy. The majority (65%) occurred within 3 days. The actuarial risk of cardiac events is shown in the Figure below. Of the 37 events, there were 26 (70%) bradyarrhythmias and 2 (5%) ventricular arrhythmias. Age, gender, and absence of structural heart disease were similar between patients with or without events. A previous history of myocardial infarction was associated with an increased risk of cardiac event (RR 2.1, p = 0.06). Conclusion Bradyarrhythmias are the most common adverse cardiac event during initiation of drug therapy for AF. A strategy of hospitalization for electrocardiographic monitoring for 24–48 hours-after initiation of antiarrhythmic therapy is likely to miss some adverse cardiac events. Download : Download high-res image (46KB) Download : Download full-size image
Salivary responding and the duration of measurement

The Strongin-Hinsie Peck whole-mouth salivation measure (Peck, 1959) is typically collected for a 2-min duration. This study compared saliva collected for 120 sec with saliva collected for shorter durations (30 and 60 sec) over repeated presentation of gustatory cues. Results showed reliable increases in salivation from a water stimulus baseline to the first presentation of lemon juice as a function of measurement duration. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed overall decreases in salivation across each measurement duration, with a greater rate of habituation for the 120-sec interval than for the 30- and 60-sec intervals. These data suggest that shorter measurement intervals can be used to measure salivation in acute and repeated measurement paradigms, but the change in response to repeated stimulus presentations is more pronounced for the longer measurement duration.
Luminol-dependent chemiluminescence analysis of opsonophagocytic dysfunctions

Abstract The use of luminol as a means of amplifying the native chemiluminescence responses of phagocytosing human polymorphonuclear leukocytes was studied. Parameters examined included the effects of luminol, leukocyte and particle (opsonized zymosan) concentration on luminol-dependent chemiluminescence response. The results indicate that all of the parameters studied influence the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay system and that, on the basis of experiments designed to assess both opsonic and phagocytosis defects, this system appears to reflect the same or similar metabolic events as does native chemiluminescence. The luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay represents a significant improvement of the phagocyte chemiluminescence assay in that greater sensitivity is possible, and may therefore have clinical utility as a means of evaluating phagocytic function.
Death receptor-6 regulates the development of pulmonary eosinophilia and airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma.

Abstract Death receptor-6 (DR6), a member of the death domain-containing TNFR superfamily, is highly expressed in lymphoid tissues and regulated upon lymphocyte activation. Targeted disruption of DR6 results in enhanced CD4 + T cell proliferation and T helper 2 (Th2) differentiation in vitro, whereas the in vivo role of DR6 in regulating Th2 cell differentiation and effector function remains largely unknown. In the current study, we used a Th2-skewed allergic airway inflammation model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization and challenge to compare the inflammatory response in the lung of both wild type (WT) and DR6 −/− mice. DR6 −/− mice were protected from the development of airway inflammation as evidenced by attenuated eosinophil accumulation and reduced mucus-producing cells in the lining airways of allergen-challenged animals. Consistent with these observations, a profound reduction of Th2 cytokine production (IL-5 and IL-13) was detected in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL). Furthermore, a significant increase in the frequency of IFN-γ secreting cells was observed in the DR6 −/− mouse lungs after OVA challenge, which may account for the reduced pulmonary Th2 cytokine production. These data point to a critical role of DR6 in regulating airway inflammation in the OVA-induced mouse model of asthma.
Concurrent detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by flow cytometry and real‐time PCR

Minimal (i.e. submicroscopic) residual disease (MRD) predicts outcome in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). To be used clinically, MRD assays must be reliable and accurate. Two well-established techniques, flow cytometry (FC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can detect leukaemic cells with a sensitivity of 0.01% (10(-4)). We analysed diagnostic samples of 45 ALL-patients (37 B-lineage ALL, eight T-lineage ALL) by four-colour FC and real-time PCR. Leukaemia-associated immunophenotypes, at a sensitivity of MRD detection by FC at the 0.01% level, were identified in 41 cases (91%); antigen-receptor gene rearrangements suitable for MRD detection with a sensitivity of 0.01% or better by PCR were identified in 38 cases (84%). The combined use of FC and PCR allowed MRD monitoring in all 45 patients. In 105 follow-up samples, MRD estimates by both methods were highly concordant, with a deviation factor of <5 by Bland-Altman analysis. Importantly, the concordance between FC and PCR was also observed in regenerating bone marrow samples containing high proportions of CD19(+) cells, and in samples studied 24 h after collection. We conclude that both MRD assays yield generally concordant results. Their combined use should enable MRD monitoring in virtually all patients and prevent false-negative results due to clonal evolution or phenotypic shifts.
FINITE ELECTRONIC PARTITION FUNCTION FROM SCREENED COULOMB INTERACTIONS.

A definition of a finite partition function for bound electronic states is presented for a hydrogenic ion, with the associated problems of the fall in intensity of spectral lines and the lowering of the effective ionization potential. The partition function is partly based on numerical solutions of the Schr\"odinger equation (SE) with the complete screened Coulomb potential (CSCP), where the $1s$, $2s$, $2p$, $3s$, $3p$, and $3d$ states are considered. The CSCP is given by ${V(r),={V}_{i}(r)=\ensuremath{-}Z{e}^{2}\left(\frac{1}{r}\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{D+A}\right), 0l~rl~A}{={V}_{0}(r)=\ensuremath{-}Z{e}^{2}\frac{D}{D+A}\frac{\mathrm{exp}[\frac{(A\ensuremath{-}r)}{D}]}{r}, rg~A}$ where $D$ is the screening radius and $A$ is the mean minimum radius of the ion atmosphere. The standard transformations $x=\frac{2Zr}{\ensuremath{\lambda}{a}_{0}}$ and ${E}_{\ensuremath{\lambda}}=\ensuremath{-}\frac{{Z}^{2}\ensuremath{\mu}{e}^{4}}{2{\ensuremath{\hbar}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}}$, where $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ is the CSCP quantum number, yield the standard form of the SE equation with $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ in place of $n$. The numerical solutions are obtained with a nonlinear method that is both accurate and stable. Since the accurate numerical solutions do not yield an explicit maximum-bound principal quantum number, another property of the screened solutions is used to define a decreasing probability of an electron occupying a particular Coulomb eigenstate. The quantity derived is the relative probability of the screened to the unscreened Coulomb state, given by ${\ensuremath{\Phi}}_{n,l}=\frac{{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2l+1}N(\ensuremath{\lambda}, l, d, a)}{{n}^{2l+1}N(n, l)},$ where the $N'\mathrm{s}$ are the normalizations in $x$ space, calculated with variations of $D$ and $A$ only. This relative occupation probability of the bound state is used to modify the Boltzmann factor in the standard expression for the electronic partition function. Correlations with observations are discussed: there is excellent agreement with the fall in intensity of hydrogen lines in the solar atmosphere and good agreement with lines from laboratory hydrogen at 21\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The effective ionization potential of hydrogen is calculated using the maximum detected level of hydrogen observed in the solar chromosphere. A simple analytical fit to the $\ensuremath{\Phi}$ function and a useful approximate analytical expression for the screened Coulomb partition function are given.
Collaborative efforts to solve problems in permafrost science and engineering

Tenth International Conference on Permafrost; Salekhard, Russia, 25–29 June 2012 To recognize permafrost's growing significance in the Earth climate system, to stimulate interaction among the scientific communities, and to share results of the increasing numbers of permafrost investigations and discoveries currently taking place, the Tenth International Conference on Permafrost (TICOP) was held in late June in Salekhard, a town in the Yamal-Nenets autonomous district of Russia that is situated precisely on the Arctic Circle and underlain by discontinuous permafrost. TICOP marked the tenth iteration of the long-running conference series, which started in 1963, and is the conference's first return to Russia since the Second International Conference on Permafrost in 1973.
Loss of phytotelmata due to an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil and its potential effects on faunal diversity and biogeochemical cycles.

Epiphytic tank bromeliads are important ecosystem engineers because they form phytotelmata that create habitat, increase species richness and abundance, create water sources and nutrient reservoirs in the canopy, and collect and redirect nutrients in forest ecosystems. Native bromeliad populations have been devastated in Florida (USA) because an invasive bromeliad-eating weevil (Metamasius callizona) has been destroying the plants. Tillandsia utriculata is a tank bromeliad that was once widespread from central to south Florida. Its populations have been hit hard by the weevil and are declining rapidly. This study quantifies the mortality rate caused by the weevil in a population of T. utriculata at the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary in central Florida and estimates the associated loss of phytotelmata. Estimations of phytotelmata were calculated for the T. utriculata baseline population, the population at 6 months into the study when 87% of the population was destroyed, and at the end of the study when less than 3% of the bromeliad population remained (99% of all deaths were caused by the weevil). The baseline population contained 16,758 L of water. At six months, there were 3180 L, and at the end of the study, there were 408 L. The loss of phytotelmata results in the loss of habitat, a decrease in biological diversity, and altered water and nutrient cycles and availability.
Study of the tumor cell-lymphocyte interaction in patients with breast cancer.

The role of regional axillary node lymphocytes in the immune response to tumor cells in patients with breast cancer was studied in a tissue culture system in which the interaction between the tumor cells and lymphocytes was measured in terms of clumping of lymphocytes around tumor cells, their cytotoxic effect, and the blast transformation of lymphocytes; all these parameters were considered as evidence for cellular immune response to the tumor. Of the 17 patients studied in this manner, 10 who had no nodal or other metastatic involvement showed a significant tumor cell-lymphocyte interaction, four who had extensive involvement of the axillary nodes showed no interaction, and, of the remaining three patients, in whom only one node appeared to be involved, two had a significant response whereas one showed no interaction. In six patients with no nodal involvement, both the nodal lymphocytes and the peripheral lymphocytes were available for studying the interaction with tumor cells, and, in all of these, the former showed a greater degree of reaction than the latter. The quantitative significance of this observation is not clear at the present time.
“I Don't Have Another Run Left With It”: Ontological Security in Illness Narratives of Recovering on Methadone Maintenance

ABSTRACT This study examines the accounts of 45 opiate-addicted individuals in recovery with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). In-depth interviews assess these individuals' meanings and practices of recovery. Results show that methadone patients, in forming their own recovery models, vacillate between competing definitions of recovery: from the strict program established by methadone clinicians and enforced through frequent urinalyses, to the ideal that Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous ascribe. The findings suggest that despite apparent vacillations between competing recovery-paragons, the unifying theme in their illness narratives on recovery is the need for ontological security. The results imply that opiate-addicted individuals might benefit most from programs modeled on a harm reduction approach.
Gene Action in Erythrocyte Deficiency of Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase: Tissue Enzyme-Levels

THE susceptibility to increased haemolysis following ingestion of such agents as primaquine, naphthaline, nitrofurans, other drugs and the fava bean is associated with intrinsic defects in erythrocyte metabolism. These defects include a lower concentration of reduced glutathione1, instability of reduced glutathione during incubation of the cells with acetylphenylhydrazine2, and a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase3. Recent studies have suggested that this erythrocyte enzymatic deficiency is genetically determined, and inherited as a sex-linked characteristic of intermediate dominance4–6.
Quantitative assessment of the yield of osteoblastic connective tissue progenitors in bone marrow aspirate from the iliac crest, tibia, and calcaneus.

Background: It is well known that bone marrow aspirate from the iliac crest contains osteoblastic connective tissue progenitor cells. Alternative harvest sites in foot and ankle surgery include the distal aspect of the tibia and the calcaneus. To our knowledge, no previous studies have characterized the quality of bone marrow aspirate obtained from these alternative sites and compared the results with those of aspirate from the iliac crest. The goal of this study was to determine which anatomic location yields the highest number of osteoblastic progenitor cells. Methods: Forty patients were prospectively enrolled in the study, and separate bone marrow aspirate samples were harvested from the ipsilateral anterior iliac crest, distal tibial metaphysis, and calcaneal body. The aspirate was centrifuged to obtain a concentrate of nucleated cells, which were plated and grown in cell culture. Colonies that stained positive for alkaline phosphatase were counted to estimate the number of osteoblastic progenitor cells in the initial sample. The anatomic locations were compared. Clinical parameters (including sex, age, tobacco use, body mass index, and diabetes) were assessed as possible predictors of osteoblastic progenitor cell yield. Results: Osteoblastic progenitor cells were found at each anatomic location. Bone marrow aspirate collected from the iliac crest had a higher mean concentration of osteoblastic progenitor cells compared with the distal aspect of the tibia or the calcaneus (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in concentration between the tibia and the calcaneus (p = 0.063). Age, sex, tobacco use, and diabetes were not predictive of osteoblastic progenitor cell yield. Conclusions: Osteoblastic progenitor cells are available in the iliac crest, proximal aspect of the tibia, and calcaneus. However, the iliac crest provided the highest yield of osteoblastic progenitor cells. Clinical Relevance: The study demonstrated that osteogenic progenitor cells are available in bone marrow aspirate harvested from the tibia or calcaneus as well as the iliac crest. All three sites are easily accessed, with a low risk of adverse events. However, larger volumes of aspirate may be needed from the tibia or calcaneus to approach the yield of cells from the iliac crest.
Two fluid model for two-phase turbulent jets

Eulerian two-fluid models are widely used in nuclear reactor safety and CFD. In these models turbulent diffusion of a dispersed phase must be formulated in terms of the fluctuating interfacial force and the Reynolds stresses. The interfacial force is obtained using the probability distribution function approach by Reeks (1992). This paper is the first application of this force to a case of engineering interest outside homogeneous turbulence. An Eulerian multidimensional two-fluid model for a cylindrical two-phase dispersed particle jet is proposed and compared with experimental data. The averaged conservation equations of mass and momentum are solved for each phase and the turbulent kinetic energy equation is solved for the continuous phase. The turbulent diffusion force and the Reynolds stresses are constituted within the context of the k-e model of turbulence. A dissipation term has been added to the k-e model for the turbulence modulation by the particles. Once the constitutive relations have been defined, the two-fluid model is implemented in a computational fluid dynamics code. It is shown that when the particles are very small the model is consistent with a convection-diffusion equation for particle transport where the diffusivity is defined according to Taylor's model (Taylor, G.I., 1921. Diffusion by continuous movements. Proc. London Math. Society, A20, pp. 196–211). The two-fluid model is also compared against two experimental data sets. Good agreement between the model and the data is obtained. The sensitivity of the results to various turbulent mechanisms is discussed.
Requirements for love and friendship in Australia and Brazil

To compare love and friendship, undergraduates in Australia and Brazil rated the importance of 35 requirements being met in order to “fall in love” with someone of the opposite sex and to become “good friends” with someone of the same sex. Requirements considered important for love are also considered important for friendship but usually as more important in love than in friendship. Emotional involvement and dependency most distinguish love from friendship whereas respect and reciprocal communication are central to both. While these results generally hold in both countries and for both sexes, Brazilians appear to expect somewhat more from friendship than do Australians. So do females compared with males (especially in terms of emotional involvement).
Exploring the reactivity of white phosphorus with electrophilic carbenes: synthesis of a P4 cage and P8 clusters

The reaction of cyclic di(amido)- and (alkyl)(amino)-carbenes with white phosphorus in benzene afford P8 clusters supported by four carbenes, or a novel type of carbene-P4 adduct.
Tissue-type plasminogen activator is a target of the tumor suppressor gene maspin

The maspin protein has tumor suppressor activity in breast and prostate cancers. It inhibits cell motility and invasion in vitro and tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. Maspin is structurally a member of the serpin (serine protease inhibitors) superfamily but deviates somewhat from classical serpins. We find that single-chain tissue plasminogen activator (sctPA) specifically interacts with the maspin reactive site loop peptide and forms a stable complex with recombinant maspin [rMaspin(i)]. Major effects of rMaspin(i) are observed on plasminogen activation by sctPA. First, rMaspin(i) activates free sctPA. Second, it inhibits sctPA preactivated by poly-d-lysine. Third, rMaspin(i) exerts a biphasic effect on the activity of sctPA preactivated by fibrinogen/gelatin, acting as a competitive inhibitor at low concentrations (<0.5 μM) and as a stimulator at higher concentrations. Fourth, 38-kDa C-terminal truncated rMaspin(i) further stimulates fibrinogen/gelatin-associated sctPA. rMaspin(i) acts specifically; it does not inhibit urokinase-type plasminogen activator, plasmin, chymotrypsin, trypsin, or elastase. Our kinetic data are quantitatively consistent with a model in which two segregated domains of maspin interact with the catalytic and activating domains of sctPA. These complex interactions between maspin and sctPA in vitro suggest a mechanism by which maspin regulates plasminogen activation by sctPA bound to the epithelial cell surface.
Modification of the kolmogorov-smirnov test for the erlang-2 distribution

An adjusted Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistic and critical values are developed for the Erlang-2 probability distribution using data from Monte Carlo simulations. The process used is similar to that of Stephens in the 1970s. The test statistic produced features of compactness and ease of implementation. It is quite accurate for sample sizes as low as ten.
The pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stent: friend or foe?

Background The efficacy of pancreaticojejunal (P-J) anastomotic stents in preventing clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (CR-POPF) after pancreatic resection is poorly understood. We sought to compare the outcomes of stented and nonstented patients in light of recognized risk-factors for the development of CR-POPF and to determine whether outcomes differed once there was a change in practice where use of stents was abandoned. Methods A total of 444 patients underwent proximal pancreatic resection with P-J reconstruction from 2001 to 2011. At the surgeon's discretion, a PJ stent (5- or 8-Fr Silastic tube) was placed in 59 patients (13.3%; 46 internal, 13 external). Demographics, comorbidities, and adjusted outcomes were evaluated between groups of nonstented ( n = 385) and stented patients; these outcomes included a subgroup analysis of internally and externally stented patients. Risk factors for CR-POPF (International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula grade B/C) development have been previously defined as soft gland, small duct size, high-risk pathology, or excessive blood loss (>1,000 mL). Outcomes were interpreted in reference to the risk factor profile (the number of absolute risk factors present; 0–4), and to the fistula risk score, a prospectively validated score which accurately predicts the risk and impact of pancreatic fistula based on these variables. Results Preoperative demographics of age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and physiologic and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (ie, POSSUM) score were equivalent between cohorts. The CR-POPF risk-factor profile and fistula risk score were greater in stented patients ( P P Conclusion The use of P-J stents does not decrease the incidence or severity of CR-POPF after proximal pancreatic resection, both overall and for high-risk scenarios. In some patients, P-J stents may lead to short- and long-term adverse outcomes.
Competition between acetate and oleate for the formation of malonyl-CoA and mitochondrial acetyl-CoA in the perfused rat heart

We previously showed that, in the perfused rat heart, the capacity of n-fatty acids to generate mitochondrial acetyl-CoA decreases as their chain length increases. In the present study, we investigated whether the oxidation of a long-chain fatty acid, oleate, is inhibited by short-chain fatty acids, acetate or propionate (which do and do not generate mitochondrial acetyl-CoA, respectively). We perfused rat hearts with buffer containing 4 mM glucose, 0.2 mM pyruvate, 1 mM lactate, and various concentrations of either (i) [U-(13)C]acetate, (ii) [U-(13)C]acetate plus [1-(13)C]oleate, or (iii) unlabeled propionate plus [1-(13)C]oleate. Using mass isotopomer analysis, we determined the contributions of the labeled substrates to the acetyl moiety of citrate (a probe of mitochondrial acetyl-CoA) and to malonyl-CoA. We found that acetate, even at low concentration, markedly inhibits the oxidation of [1-(13)C]oleate in the heart, without change in malonyl-CoA concentration. We also found that propionate, at a concentration higher than 1 mM, decreases (i) the contribution of [1-(13)C]oleate to mitochondrial acetyl-CoA and (ii) malonyl-CoA concentration. The inhibition by acetate or propionate of acetyl-CoA production from oleate probably results from a competition for mitochondrial CoA between the CoA-utilizing enzymes.
The influence of progestin and androgen on the fine structure of the male reproductive tract of the rat. I. General effects and observations on the testis.

The histology and ultrastructure of the male reproductive tract of rats treated with medroxyprogesterone (Provera 1 mg/100 gm body weight/day) alone or combined with testosterone propionate (TP; 15 30 or 100 mcg/100 gm body weight/day) for up to 16 weeks were studied. The testes and epididymides of treated rats were lighter in weight than controls. In rats receiving Provera alone the accessory glands were markedly reduced. 100 mcg TP could maintain the glands at normal levels during Provera treatment. All animals were sterile. Spermatogonia spermatocytes and early spermatids were present in treated rats and were without ultrastructural changes. However spermatids seen in the cap phase and later showed degeneration or necrosis. Late spermatids of the acrosome and maturation phases were rare. While these steroids seem to prevent spermatozoan development past the cap phase spermatogenesis returned to normal after the experiment was halted.