cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding of inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) to Ku but not to DNA-PKcs.

The nonhomologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) pathway is responsible for repairing a major fraction of double strand DNA breaks in somatic cells of all multicellular eukaryotes. As an indispensable protein in the NHEJ pathway, Ku has been hypothesized to be the first protein to bind at the DNA ends generated at a double strand break being repaired by this pathway. When bound to a DNA end, Ku improves the affinity of another DNA end-binding protein, DNA-PKcs, to that end. The Ku·DNA-PKcs complex is often termed the DNA-PK holoenzyme. It was recently shown that myo-inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) stimulates the joining of complementary DNA ends in a cell free system. Moreover, the binding data suggested that IP6 bound to DNA-PKcs (not to Ku). Here we clearly show that, in fact, IP6 associates not with DNA-PKcs, but rather with Ku. Furthermore, the binding of DNA ends and IP6 to Ku are independent of each other. The possible relationship between inositol phosphate metabolism and DNA repair is discussed in light of these findings.
A General Linea-Quadratic Optimization Problem

A linear-quadratic optimization problem is formulated in a dynamic programming manner. An updating formula for obtaining the solutions to such a problem is provided and illustrated using a few simple examples. This updating formula is also compared to a well-known updating formula for obtaining the inverses of symmetric positive-definite matrices. Numerical results are given.
Molecular cloning and characterization of Ac-mep-1, a developmentally regulated gut luminal metalloendopeptidase from adult Ancylostoma caninum hookworms.

A zinc metalloendopeptidase cDNA (Ac-mep-1) was cloned from Ancylostoma caninum adult hookworms. Ac-mep-1 is encoded by a 2.8 kb mRNA with a predicted open reading frame (ORF) of 870 amino acids (predicted pI=5.5, m.w.=98.7 kDa) that contains four potential N-linked glycosylation sites and predicted zinc-binding domains (HExxH and ENxADxGG). These domains represent signature sequences of the Neutral Endopeptidase 24.11 (neprilysin) family of enzymes. The ORF corresponding to Ac-MEP-1 exhibited strong similarity to metalloproteases from the trichostrongyle Haemonchus contortus as well as Caenorhabditis elegans. RT-PCR analysis of A. caninum eggs, L1, non-activated and activated L3 and adult cDNA identify transcription of Ac-MEP-1 only in the adult stage of the parasite. Mouse antibody raised to the expressed protein recognized proteins of approximately 90 and 100 kDa in adult hookworm extracts. Adult worm sections probed with these antisera localized Ac-mep-1 to the microvilli of the worm gastrointestinal tract suggesting a possible role for this enzyme in digestion of the parasite blood meal.
Symmetry of the Low-Temperature Phase of BaTi O 3

X-ray Weissenberg patterns of a barium titanate crystal in the low-temperature phase (below -90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C) show that the spacings along the perovskite cubic axes are equal and that the cube faces are sheared through a small angle, i.e., the unit cell has rhombohedral character. Optical examination of these crystals in electric fields, together with dielectric constant measurements, suggest that the cell is only pseudorhombohedral. The true symmetry appears to be lower and may possible be monoclinic (point group 2 or $m$). The contradictions in the early dielectric measurements are explained by this assumption.
Epidural analgesia for labour and delivery: fentanyl or sufentanil?

Purpose The highly lipid soluble opioids, fentanyl and sufentanil, are used in combination with local anaesthetics with/ without epinephrine to provide epidural analgesia during labour and delivery. Our aim was to determine whether either opioid was superior when used with low dose local anaesthetic.
Experience, Memory and Intelligence

Many traditional accounts of experience suggest that memory plays a crucial role. But what, precisely, is the nature of memory? What is its role in experience? As a non-technical, non-theoretical notion, "memory" can signify not only the ability to relate now to things that have happened in the past, but more fundamentally, it is involved to some extent even in the ability to perceive. My ability to perceive that this is a hand I see before me requires that I have had experiences of hands before, perhaps also that I have learned the concept "hand" before, and that I be able to apply this infor mation, previously acquired, in the present situation. So even intelligent perception requires memory.2 Thus we are led one step deeper. If percep tion is fundamental to experience, then so is memory. I emphasize, though, that memory is correctly to be understood as cen tral to intelligent experience, if at all, only in a non-technical or non theoretical sense of the notion. I emphasize this because the technical or theoretical accounts of memory that have been given are spurious. They do not explain memory in a plausible way, and therefore they do not help in understanding either intelligence or experience in general. What characterizes most technical or theoretical accounts of memory is their reliance upon an internal storage model. Psychologists and neurophysiologists have suggested neural traces (either dynamic or static) as the mechanism for this storage, and designers of aritificial intelligence have relied upon the same general model, instantiated magnetically or elec tronically instead of neurally, to do the same job. Both psychology and ar tificial intelligence design have heretofore relied, without much question, upon the idea that memory is to be understood as a matter of internal storage. In what follows, I shall first sketch the most important reasons for skepticism about this model, and I shall then propose an outline of an alter native way of talking bout memory. This will provide an appropriate framework for suggesting a few implications for future work in artificial in telligence.
The effect of HMPA on the reactivity of epoxides, aziridines, and alkyl halides with organolithium reagents.

A kinetic study of the effect of added HMPA cosolvent on the reaction of 2-lithio-1,3-dithiane (1), bis(phenylthio)methyllithium (2), and bis(3,5-bistrifluoromethylphenylthio)methyllithium (3) with methyloxirane (propylene oxide), N-tosyl-2-methylaziridine, and the several alkyl halides (BuCl, BuBr, BuI, allyl chloride) was carried out. Widely varied rate effects of HMPA on these SN2 substitutions were observed, ranging from >108 rate increases for 1 and butyl chloride to >103 rate decreases for 3 and methyloxirane. These reactions appear to go through separated ion pair intermediates, so a key effect is the ease of ion pair separation of the lithium reagent (3 ≫ 2 ≫ 1). Because 3 is already almost fully separated in THF, HMPA has no effect on the rate of halide substitution, but a large reduction is observed with the epoxide as substrate, a consequence of strong lithium assistance to the ring opening which is suppressed when excess HMPA is present. When ion pair separation is difficult (1), modest rate i...
New species of Phanerogams from Amazonia

Five species from Amazonia are described as new and illustrated:Sagittaria purusana Prance (Alismataceae),Coimarus wurdackii Prance (Connaraceae),Anthodiscus klugii Standley ex Prance (Caryocaraceae), andAnacampta pendula Markgraf andAmbelania longiloba Markgraf, the latter two members of the Apocynaceae.
AMERICA’S FIRST FEMALE CHIEF OF MISSION: RUTH BRYAN OWEN, MINISTER TO DENMARK, 1933–36

This article examines the career of the United States’ first female chief of mission, Ruth Bryan Owen, Minister to Denmark (1933–36). After briefly tracing Owen’s background, it explores President Franklin Roosevelt’s pathbreaking appointment; the highlights of Owen’s Ministry, notably her practice of “people’s diplomacy”; the circumstances of her resignation; and her strengths and weaknesses as an envoy. It concludes that although Owen was not a brilliant diplomat, she was extremely popular and sufficiently effective to establish firmly the precedent of female appointments, and thus deserves recognition as an important pioneer in eroding the male domination of American diplomacy. The author gratefully acknowledges the comments of Soo Chun Lu, the support of Pennsylvania State University, and the research assistance of Michelle Terzigni.
Broad-Range Direct Detection and Identification of Fungi by Use of the PLEX-ID PCR-Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) System

The PLEX-ID system is a novel technology that couples PCR amplification and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry to identify pathogens directly in clinical specimens. The analytical performance of the PLEX-ID Broad Fungal assay was compared with that of traditional culture identification by using 91 characterized fungal culture isolates (64 manufacturer-claimed and 27 nonclaimed organisms) and directly by using 395 respiratory specimens. Discordant results were resolved by D2 large-subunit ribosomal DNA fungal sequencing. Environmental studies were performed to monitor for potential contamination. The PLEX-ID Broad Fungal assay correctly identified 95.6% (87/91) and 81.3% (74/91) of the culture isolates to the genus and species levels, respectively. Of the manufacturer-claimed organisms, 100% (64/64) and 92.2% (59/64) were correctly identified to the genus and species levels, respectively. Direct analysis of respiratory specimens resulted in 67.6% (267/395) and 66.6% (263/395) agreement with culture results to the genus and species levels, respectively, with 16.2% (64/395) of the results discordant with culture and 16.2% (64/395) not detected by the system. The majority (>95%) of the isolates not detected directly by the PLEX-ID system ultimately grew in low quantities in culture (≤ 20 colonies). In 20.3% (35/172) of the respiratory specimens where no growth was observed in culture, the PLEX-ID system identified a fungus, suggesting a potential increase in sensitivity over culture in some instances. The PLEX-ID system provides a rapid method for the detection of a broad array of fungi directly in respiratory specimens and has the potential of impacting turnaround times and patient care by reducing the need to wait for the growth of an organism in culture.
An old elasticity problem in a unilateral setting

A limiting case of the Michell problem involving an elastic wedge is the unbounded solid with a semi-infinite cut, the tip of which is subjected to a concentrated force. For the limiting case, the classical solution leads to overlapping of material whenever the component of the force along the axis of symmetry is directed away from the cut, and the problem must be solved anew using unilateral boundary conditions. The required mathematics is simple, and the subject is suitable for classroom discussion. Two examples are solved explicitly, and additional exercise problems are suggested.
Approximate confidence intervals for the three-factor mixed model

The analysis of variance table does not always yield the appropriate error term for tests of hypotheses or confidence interval estimation. When the design is balanced, an approximation due to Satterthwaite (19^6) is often employed. While this works well in many cases it does not always produce the expected results. The three-factor mixed model is a case in point. Naik (197M proposed an interval estimation procedure for this model which is conservative. In this paper we propose two simple approximate confidence interval procedures as alternatives to both Satterthwaite!s and Naikfs procedures. Simulation results comparing the new procedures to the standard procedures are also reported.
Modeling the uptake, metabolism and excretion of dichloromethane by man

Data were obtained from the exposure of eleven men to dichloromethane concentrations of 50, 100,250, and 500 ppm, 1,3 or 7.5 hours per day; for up to five successive days and from the exposure of nine women to 250 ppm on a similar schedule. Breath concentrations of the solvent following exposure were related mathematically to exposure parameters as were blood concentrations of the metabolite, carbon monoxide(as carboxyhemoglobin percentage saturation elevations). The resulting emprical equations can be used to predict the consequences of many industrial and non-industrial exposure situations.
Host and Site Specificity in the Coccidia: a Perspective1

Some generalizations of a decade ago are reexamined in light of modern advances in coccidiology. Perhaps surprisingly, not many modifications need or can yet be made. Future successes of significance will be in areas of immunology and chemical genetics.
Aromatic Hydroxylation at a Non‐Heme Iron Center: Observed Intermediates and Insights into the Nature of the Active Species

Mechanism of substrate oxidations with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a highly reactive, biomimetic, iron aminopyridine complex, (Fe II -(bpmen)(CH 3 CN) 2 ][ClO 4 ] 2 (1; bpmen= N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine), is elucidated. Complex 1 has been shown to be an excellent catalyst for epoxidation and functional-group-directed aromatic hydroxylation using H 2 O 2 , although its mechanism of action remains largely unknown. [1,2] Efficient intermolecular hydroxylation of unfunctionalized benzene and substituted benzenes with H 2 0 2 in the presence of 1 is found in the present work. Detailed mechanistic studies of the formation of iron(III)-phenolate products are reported. We have identified, generated in high yield, and experimentally characterized the key Fe III (OOH) intermediate (λ max = 560 nm, rhombic EPR signal with g=2.21, 2.14, 1.96) formed by 1 and H 2 O 2 . Stopped-flow kinetic studies showed that Fe III (OOH) does not directly hydroxylate the aromatic rings, but undergoes rate-limiting self-decomposition producing transient reactive oxidant. The formation of the reactive species is facilitated by acid-assisted cleavage of the O-O bond in the iron-hydroperoxide intermediate. Acid-assisted benzene hydroxylation with 1 and a mechanistic probe, 2-Methyl-1-phenyl-2-propyl hydroperoxide (MPPH), correlates with O-O bond heterolysis. Independently generated Fe IV =O species, which may originate from O-O bond homolysis in Fe III -(OOH), proved to be inactive toward aromatic substrates. The reactive oxidant derived from 1 exchanges its oxygen atom with water and electrophilically attacks the aromatic ring (giving rise to an inverse H/D kinetic isotope effect of 0.8). These results have revealed a detailed experimental mechanistic picture of the oxidation reactions catalyzed by 1, based on direct characterization of the intermediates and products, and kinetic analysis of the individual reaction steps. Our detailed understanding of the mechanism of this reaction revealed both similarities and differences between synthetic and enzymatic aromatic hydroxylation reactions.
Supercritical water oxidation of polychlorinated biphenyls using hydrogen peroxide

Abstract The efficiencies of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen as oxidants for the destruction of 3-chlorobiphenyl were compared under supercritical water conditions in the range of 473–723 K at a fixed density of 0.36 g/ml using a batch-reactor system. The effects of temperature, and oxidant concentration on the destruction of PCBs were also studied. The conversion of hydrogen peroxide was significantly higher than that of oxygen. The highest conversion was over 99.999%, and then the concentration of 3-chlorobiphenyl (3-PCB) in the collected effluent is only 0.3 ppb, while the conversion using oxygen was only 14.3% under the same conditions. Furthermore, in a flow-reactor system in addition to the batch-reactor system, supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) such as 3-PCB and Kanechlor KC-300 (KC-300) using hydrogen peroxide was carried out at 30 MPa and 673 K in the range of residence times from 10.7 to 101.7 s. In all runs, over 99% of 3-chlorobiphenyl was found to be decomposed perfectly by more than stoichiometric demand of hydrogen peroxide. The effect of residence times and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide have further been investigated.
Changes in pulmonary diffusing capacity and closing volume after running a marathon

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in lung function after running a marathon. Pulmonary function tests were administered to 8 men before, immediately after, and the day following competition X run time = 3 hr 30 min ). Subjects completed maximum expiratory flow volume maneurvers breathing air and 80% He/20% O2. Lung volumes were determined by N2 washout and single breath He dilution. Closing volumes (CV) were determined using a single breath O2 test. Pulmonary diffusing capacity (D L CO), pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc), and membrane diffusing capacity (D M ) were measured with the single breath technique. There were no changes in lung volumes or flow rates, except for an increase in FEV1, after the marathon. The He/O2 ΔVmax50, ΔVmax25, and isoflow values were similar pre- compared to post-race. There were significant decreases, however, in D L CO, D M and increases in CV prost-race. Vc remained similar to pre-race values. These results suggest that small airways obstruction does not occur after a marathon. The significant increase in alveolarcapillary membrane resistance, however, may reflect the occurence of subclinical edema. Such a change would decrease lung elastic recoil and could explain the increase in CV.
Understanding Communication Between Lesbian Parents and Their Children Regarding Outsider Discourse About Family Identity

Gay fathers and lesbian mothers are aware of the potentially complex implications their family identity may have on their children. They know that they may someday have to deal with their children's concerns about their family being different and have the task of preparing them for the various challenges this difference may present in the larger culture. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the discussion of outsider communication between lesbian parents and their children regarding family identity. The central question guiding the present study was: How do lesbian parents communicate with their children about outsider discourse concerning family identity? Specifically, I explored what the outsiders said to the children concerning family identity, what the messages meant to the lesbian parents, and how lesbian parents discussed outsider communication with their children. Examining these questions allowed me to explore how lesbian parents and their children collectively experience outs...
CVD-Growth of Thin-Film Layered Se-Carbon Compounds

Oriented films of layered Se-carbon compounds are grown on Ni substrates in evacuated sealed quartz tubes. Results of X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering and the c-axis electrical transport studies are reported. A discussion of possible models for the carbon -Se interaction is presented.
Ω-3 fatty acid supplements for cancer-associated weight loss

Omega-3 fatty acids have been tested for the treatment of cancer anorexia/weight loss, a syndrome that predicts a poor prognosis among cancer patients with incurable disease. This review focuses on both the preclinical and clinical data of omega-3 fatty acids for treating this syndrome. Overall, the promise of the former does not seem to be borne out completely in the latter. This review includes a discussion of how these data might be interpreted and explained to cancer patients who are striving to cope with this syndrome.
Non-thermal effects in laser-enchanced etching of silicon by XeF2

Abstract Mass spectrometric studies of the products of the reaction of XeF 2 with silicon in the dark and under visible illumination have been carried out. The data show that photo-enchancement of the reaction is substantially different from thermal enchancement. It is proposed that photogenerated charge carries influence strongly both the overall etch rate and the reaction product distribution.
Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Vaccine in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are at risk for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation. Vaccination may help restore VZV immunity; however, the available live attenuated VZV vaccine (Zostavax) is contraindicated in immunocompromised hosts. We report our experience with using a single dose of VZV vaccine in 110 adult autologous and allogeneic HSCT recipients who were about 2 years after transplantation, free of graft-versus-host disease, and not receiving immunosuppression. One hundred eight vaccine recipients (98.2%) had no clinically apparent adverse events with a median follow-up period of 9.5 months (interquartile range, 6 to 16; range, 2 to 28). Two vaccine recipients (1.8%) developed a skin rash (one zoster-like rash with associated pain, one varicella-like) within 42 days post-vaccination that resolved with antiviral therapy. We could not confirm if these rashes were due to vaccine (Oka) or wild-type VZV. No other possible cases of VZV reactivation have occurred with about 1178 months of follow-up. Live attenuated zoster vaccine appears generally safe in this population when vaccinated as noted; the overall vaccination risk needs to be weighed against the risk of wild-type VZV disease in this high-risk population.
Lysolecithin acyltransferase in hamster intestinal mucosa.

1-Acyl-lysolecithin acyltransferase has been demonstrated in the microsomal fraction of hamster intestinal mucosa. The characteristics of the enzyme, with respect to substrate concentration, time of incubation and protein concentration, were studied. Ca++ was found to severely inhibit enzymatic activity. More modest inhibitors were found to be Mg++ and F−; EDTA and albumin had no effect. Enzyme activity was reduced when palmityl CoA was substituted for oleoyl CoA as substrate. The specific activity of intestinal microsomes was modestly greater than liver microsomes.
Gerontological Counseling Training: The State of the Art

This study reveals that 37% of counselor education departments nationwide offer coursework to train counselors to work with older people, a significant increase since 1975.
Identification of Db- and Kb-Restricted Subdominant Cytotoxic T-Cell Responses in Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus-Infected Mice

Antiviral cytotoxic T-cells are critical for control of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in mice. In H-2b mice, the antiviral response is directed against three Db-restricted epitopes in the viral nucleoprotein (NP396-404) and glycoprotein (GP276-286 and GP33-41). Our present data revealed a clear hierarchy among these three epitopes, in which NP396-404 is immunodominant, followed by GP33-41 and GP276-286, respectively. In order to identify additional CTL epitopes in the LCMV nucleoprotein and glycoprotein, we used the motifs for Db2- and Kb-binding peptides, combined with MHC class I-binding assays. Out of 23 Db motif-fitting peptides, we identified 4 Db binders, one of which (GP92-101) turned out to be a new CTL epitope. Among 28 Kb motif-fitting peptides, 12 bound Kb, and one of these (NP205-212) was a CTL epitope. Both newly identified CTL peptides were recognized by LCMV-immune splenocytes after secondary in vitro stimulation. Both peptides bound their MHC class I molecules with intermediate affinity (470 and 170 nM for GP92-101 and NP205-212, respectively). Responses against these peptides were weaker than the responses against the three major epitopes. None of the high affinity binders were new epitopes, suggesting that high affinity binders are either immunodominant epitopes or no epitopes at all. Thus, analysis of 51 Kb and Db motif-fitting peptides yielded 2 new, subdominant epitopes. Immunization of C57BL/6 mice with these peptides, or vaccinia virus recombinants expressing these epitopes as minigenes, protected against chronic LCMV infection, demonstrating that immunization with subdominant epitopes can confer protection against chronic viral infection.
Plasma free cyanide and blood total cyanide: a rapid completely automated microdistillation assay

AbstractTechniques are presented which provide direct measurement of both free cyanide (CN-) in plasma and total CN- in whole blood. Loss of total CN- from blood is prevented by conversion to cyanmethemoglobin. Both free and total CN- are assayed by a completely automated method providing readout 17 minutes after sampling. No prior isolation technique is required and sensitivity is adjustable to cover a broad range of CN- concentrations from 1 to 4000 uM. Precision of blood CN- values from 2 to 2500 uM is within ± 2.3%. No interference results from thlocyanate or thiosulfate at a concentration of approximately 1 mM.
SU-E-T-289: Optimal Slow Scan Technique on a Single Slice CT Scanner

Purpose: Adoption of slow scan CT (SSCT) for contouring targets affected by respiratory motion artifacts is an accepted practice. The goal of this study was to propose a CT technique which would yield a target shape that would most closely reproduce that of the ideal excursion volume traced by a moving target sphere. Methods: A single‐slice, large‐bore Marconi scanner was used to acquire axial and spiral scans of a moving plastic sphere. 1 cm movement in the superior‐inferior and anterior‐posterior directions was considered separately to isolate directional issues. Scan techniques such as 1 sec fast scan, 4 sec slow scan, over‐scanning and pitch variations were used to produce target volumes of different shapes due to the interplay between the movement of the target and the x‐ray tube. Shapes were compared to the true excursion volume by scoring them with the Paddick conformity index (CI) as well as by visual inspection. Results: For anterioposterior movement, the average CI was 0.777 (STDEV=0.05) and the largest CI occurred for the axial slow scan, yet visual interpretation showed best agreement with Axial SSCT with overscan. For inferior‐superior movement, the average CI was 0.83 (STDEV=0.05) and the largest CI of 0.872, occurred for the spiral scan with pitch 0.5, which did agree with visual inspection. Conclusions: Optimal scanning technique, depended on the direction of movement and the interpretation method. Furthermore, it required either a pitch of 0.5 or an axial overscan technique in order to reduce respiratory motion induced target artifacts.
Scalar-tensor theory and general relativity

The various versions of the scalar-tensor theory (e.g., the theories of Jordan, Hoyle, and Brans-Dicke) are derived from a general variational principle. It is shown that scalar-conformal transformations not only interconvert the various current versions of the scalar-tensor theory (i.e., Brans-Dicke theory \ensuremath{\rightleftarrows} Hoyle steady-state theory), but also convert the scalar-tensor variational principle into the variational principle of general relativity. The scalar-tensor formalism is therefore implicitly embodied in the theory of general relativity, thus illustrating the considerable freedom available in specifying the nature and physical content of the "matter tensor" in the Einstein equation.
A free boundary problem of parabolic complex equation

We consider a free boundary problem of nonlinear parabolic complex equation of second order in a simply connected region in complex plane. This problem is originally motivated by a free boundary problem model of breast cancer. In this article we convert the free boundary problem to a sequence of mixed boundary value problems of nonlinear parabolic complex equations of second order with measurable coefficients, and solve them by applying results of Wen in his earlier works. †Dedicated to Professor Guochun Wen on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
Microwave characterization of HgBa2CaCu2O6+δ thin films

Abstract We assessed the potential of Hg-based high-T c superconducting thin films for microwave applications by measuring its microwave surface resistance R s and microwave power handling capability. HgBa 2 CaCu 2 O 6+δ (Hg-1212) epitaxial thin films were fabricated using cation-exchange. They are c-axis oriented with thickness of about 0.3 μm. Their T c s are typically ∼ 120 K. On un-patterned films, we obtained an R s of 0.3 mΩ at 10 GHz and 100 K using Nb cavity perturbation technique. For power handling measurements, we fabricated Hg-1212 microstrip structure and determined the maximum power it could handle at 1 GHz. At 100 K, output power was very stable up to 19 dBm (critical operating power level) and above that level, non-linearity between input and output power was observed. When temperature was increased to 112 K, critical power level dropped to 16 dBm. These microwave properties suggest that Hg-1212 films are very promising for microwave device applications above 100 K.
A collisional model for plasma immersion ion implantation

Summary form only given, as follows. In plasma immersion ion implantation, a target is immersed in a plasma and a series of negative short pulses is applied to it to implant the ions. A new analytical model is being developed for the high-pressure regimes in which the motion of the ions is highly collisional. The model provides values for ion flux, average ion velocity at the target, and sheath edge motion as a function of time. The model suggests that the transient ion flux at the target scales with J c=r2 eu 0 n 0 (1+o0 t )-5/7 , where o0 and u 0 are the characteristic frequency and velocity of the ions in the sheath, n 0 is the density, and t is the time. These values were compared with those obtained from simulation and show good agreement. A review was also carried out (for comparison) of earlier work done at low pressures, where the motion of ions in the sheath is collisionless, also showing good agreement between analysis and simulation. The simulation code is PDP1, which utilizes particle-in-cell techniques and Monte Carlo simulation of electron-neutral and ion-neutral collisions
Preterm Labor, Intrauterine Infection, and the Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the components of the common terminal pathway of human parturition. 2. Define the preterm parturition syndrome. 3. Describe the pathways of intrauterine infection. 4. Explain the relationship between intrauterine infection and preterm birth. 5. List the organisms most frequently involved in intra-amniotic infections. 6. Describe the role of inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines in the mechanisms of parturition. 7. Describe the fetal inflammatory response syndrome and its consequences. The implicit paradigm that has governed the clinical management and investigation of preterm parturition is that term and preterm labor are fundamentally the same processes except for the gestational age at which they occur. Indeed, term and preterm labor share a common terminal pathway composed of myometrial contractility, cervical ripening, and decidual/membrane activation (Fig. 1)⇓. Clinical tests to identify the patient at risk for preterm birth have focused on detection of premature activation of each of these components (Fig. 2)⇓. For example, uterine activity monitoring, ultrasonographic examination of the cervix, and measurement of fetal fibronectin can be used to detect myometrial activation, cervical ripening, and membrane/decidual activation, respectively. Interventions to prevent preterm birth also are also aimed at the common terminal pathway. Pharmacologic inhibition of uterine contractility (ie, tocolysis) and cervical cerclage have been proposed as methods to prevent preterm birth (Fig. 2)⇓. Antibiotic administration to patients who have positive fetal fibronectin (an indirect marker of membrane/decidual activation) has been attempted as a means of decreasing preterm birth based on the belief that a positive fibronectin finding is due to subclinical intrauterine infection. None of these interventions has proven successful. Figure 1. Term and preterm labor share a common terminal pathway composed of myometrial contractility, cervical ripening, and decidual/membrane activation. MLCK=myosin light chain kinase. Modified from an original drawing of Professor Gabor Haszor, Yale University. …
Suppression of Acute Lung Inflammation by Intracellular Peptide Delivery of a Nuclear Import Inhibitor

Acute lung inflammation is a potentially life-threatening complication of infections due to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), a worldwide emerging pathogen, which causes necrotizing pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). MRSA virulence factors encompass immunotoxins termed superantigens that contribute to lung inflammation. In this study, we demonstrate that staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB)-induced lung inflammation is attenuated by a cell-penetrating peptide nuclear import inhibitor of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and other stress-responsive transcription factors (SRTFs). This inhibitor suppressed production of a wide spectrum of cytokines and chemokines induced by direct SEB airway exposure. Consequently, trafficking of neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and lymphocytes to the bronchoalveolar space was significantly reduced while vascular injury, manifested by increased permeability and protein leakage, was attenuated. Moreover, induction of systemic proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in response to direct SEB airway exposure was reduced. Thus, intracellular delivery of a nuclear import inhibitory peptide suppresses respiratory and systemic expression of key mediators of lung inflammation evoked by SEB.
Scientific Teams and Institution Collaborations: Evidence from U.S. Universities, 1981-1999

This paper explores recent trends in the size of scientific teams and in institutional collaborations. The data derive from 2.4 million scientific papers written in 110 leading U.S. research universities over the period 1981-1999. We measure team size by the number of authors on a scientific paper. Using this measure we find that team size increases by 50 percent over the 19-year period. We supplement team size with measures of domestic and foreign institutional collaborations, which capture the geographic dispersion of team workers. The time series evidence suggests that the trend towards larger and more dispersed teams accelerates at the start of the 1990s. This acceleration suggests a sudden decline in the cost of collaboration, perhaps due to improvements in telecommunications. Using a panel of top university departments we find that private universities and departments whose scientists have earned prestigious awards participate in larger teams, as do departments that have larger amounts of federal funding. Placement of former graduate students is a key determinant of institutional collaborations, especially collaborations with firms and foreign scientific institutions. Finally, the evidence indicates that scientific influence increases with team size and institutional collaborations. Since increasing team size implies an increase in the division of labor, these results suggest that scientific productivity increases with the scientific division of labor.
Resolution of overlapping charge-transfer transitions by a combined absorption-MCD-MLD approach

The general lack of resolution in molecular electronic absorption spectra has been a major obstacle to development in this field for decades, resulting in gradual loss of interest and effort compared to virtually all other areas of spectroscopy. Ironically, magnetic linear dichroism (MLD) has been known to atomic spectroscopists for more than a century, but ignored as a technique suitable for molecular studies. Here we demonstrate that the concerted application of MLD, in conjunction with magnetic circular dichroism and absorption spectroscopy, represents a significant advance in deconvoluting overlapping electronic transitions of randomly oriented chromophores.
Unifying view of transient responses for determining lifetime and surface recombination velocity in silicon diodes and back-surface-field solar cells, with application to experimental short-circuit-current decay

Two main results are presented. The first deals with a simple method that determines the minority-carrier lifetime and the effective surface recombination velocity of the quasi-neutral base of silicon solar cells. The method requires the observation of only a single transient, and is amenable to automation for in-process monitoring in manufacturing. Distinct from many other methods in use, this method, which is called short-circuit current decay, avoids distortion in the observed transient and consequent inaccuracies that arise from the presence of mobile holes and electrons stored in the p-n junction space-charge region at the initial instant of the transient. The second main result consists in a formulation of the relevant boundary-value problems that resembles that used in linear two-port network theory. This formulation enables comparisons to be made among various contending methods for measuring material parameters of p-n junction devices, and enables the option of putting the description in the time domain in the form of an infinite series, although closed-form solutions are also possible. The advantage of an infinite-series formulation is the possibility of identifying dominant relaxation times of the transient, leading thereby to simplified descriptions. By outlining the derivation of open-circuit-voltage decay and junction-current recovery from this two-port formulation, we systematically compare these methods with the short-circuit-current decay method that is emphasized here. Small-signal admittance measurement methods also emerge as special cases of the two-port formulation, as is discussed briefly.
The Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor, (−)-Epigallocatechin Gallate, Has Anticancer Activity in a Novel Human Prostate Cancer Progression Model

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major tea polyphenol, elicits anticancer effects. However, the mechanism of action is not fully understood. Our laboratory previously showed that EGCG inhibits heat shock protein 90 (HSP90). We used nontumorigenic (NT), tumorigenic, and metastatic cancer cells from a novel human prostate cancer progression model to test the hypotheses that certain stages are more or less sensitive to EGCG and that sensitivity is related to HSP90 inhibition. Treatment of cells with EGCG, novobiocin, or 17-AAG resulted in more potent cytotoxic effects on tumorigenic and metastatic cells than NT cells. When tumorigenic or metastatic cells were grown in vivo, mice supplemented with 0.06% EGCG in drinking water developed significantly smaller tumors than untreated mice. Furthermore, EGCG prevented malignant transformation in vivo using the full prostate cancer model. To elucidate the mechanism of EGCG action, we performed binding assays with EGCG-Sepharose, a C-terminal HSP90 antibody, and HSP90 mutants. These experiments revealed that EGCG-Sepharose bound more HSP90 from metastatic cells compared with NT cells and binding occurred through the HSP90 C-terminus. In addition, EGCG bound HSP90 mutants that mimic both complexed and uncomplexed HSP90. Consistent with HSP90 inhibitory activity, EGCG, novobiocin, and 17-AAG induced changes in HSP90-client proteins in NT cells and larger differences in metastatic cells. These data suggest that EGCG may be efficacious for the treatment of prostate cancer because it preferentially targets cancer cells and inhibits a molecular chaperone supportive of the malignant phenotype.
Demonstration and evaluation of germicidal UV-LEDs for point-of-use water disinfection

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a common disinfection option for water treatment in the developed world. There are a few systems installed in developing countries for point-of-use treatment, but the low-pressure mercury lamps currently used as the UV irradiation source have a number of sustainability issues including a fragile envelope, a lifetime of approximately one year, and they contain mercury. UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) may offer solutions to many of the sustainability issues presented by current UV systems. LEDs are small, efficient, have long lifetimes, and do not contain mercury. Germicidal UV LEDs emitting at 265 nm were evaluated for inactivation of E. coli in water and compared to conventional low-pressure UV lamps. Both systems provided an equivalent level of treatment. A UV-LED prototype was developed and evaluated as a proof-of-concept of this technology for a point-of-use disinfection option, and the economics of UV-LEDs were evaluated.
Overproduction of the MtrCDE Efflux Pump in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Produces Unexpected Changes in Cellular Transcription Patterns

The global consequence of drug efflux gene overexpression in bacteria has not been specifically analyzed because strains showing high-level expression typically have mutations in genes encoding regulatory proteins that control other genes. Results from a transcriptional profiling study performed with a strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae that is capable of high-level transcription of the mtrCDE efflux pump operon independently of control by cognate regulatory proteins revealed that its overexpression has ramifications for systems other than drug efflux.
Analysis and Control of the Current Distribution under Circular Dispersive Electrodes

An idealized model for a circular electrosurgical dispersive electrode is analyzed by solving Laplace's equation for the potential distribution. The resulting analytical solution shows the origin of the perimetrical burn problem, and, simultaneously, points the way toward improved electrode designs. One possible improved electrode design, a segmented circular electrode in which the annular segments are connected to the RF generator through a series of current-leveling resistors, is proposed and discussed. Extensions of this concept and future areas for research are also discussed.
Spherical Harmonics, Orbital Angular Momentum

We are now in a position to calculate the full angular functions for the general central force problem, using the laddering techniques for the θ equation to construct the full set of angular functions Θ(θ) via the normalized step-down operators. Because the eigenvalue λ = λ0 + 1/4 is a function of mmax ≡l, we will replace the index λ by the integer l. [Recall that λ = L(mmax + 1) = (l + 1/2)2] The full angular functions are the spherical harmonics $$ {Y_{lm}}(\theta ,\phi ) = {\Theta _{lm}}(\theta ){\Phi _m}(\phi ) = \frac{{{U_{lm}}(\theta )}}{{\sqrt {\sin \theta } }}\frac{{{e^{im\phi }}}}{{\sqrt {2\pi } }} $$ (1) .
Exposure Analysis and Assessment for Low-Risk Cancer Agents

The analysis of exposure is a necessary feature of epidemiological studies. In the case of low-risk cancer agents, the examination of potential exposure should follow a sequence that prioritizes the major media and routes of concern. This will minimize the misclassification of exposure and the failure to identify important co-factors, e.g. contamination in other media, etc. The manuscript describes specific components of exposure analysis and provides examples that pertain to single and multimedia exposure problems. The approach is examined by using the Total Human Environmental Exposure Study (THEES) for benzo(a)pyrene as a potential model for low-risk cancer agents. Since benzo(a)pyrene can be found in air, water, soil and food, and has a number of sources, THEES illustrates how to prioritize an exposure assessment, take advantage of opportunities to conduct micro-environmental measurements, and collect personal monitoring and biological marker samples. A daily activity log is briefly described.
As-needed medication use in asthma usage patterns and patient characteristics.

Daily inhaled bronchodilator medication usage was recorded using an electronic device and airway obstruction by daily peak flow measurement. The demographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics of the subjects were noted. Subjects were allocated to as-needed (prn) medication usage groups according to the mean number of inhaler activations on days with zero, moderate, and severe airway obstruction. Segregation into arbitrary and nonarbitrary use, and into overuse, appropriate use, and underuse resulted in six usage groups. Appropriate use was observed in only 10 of 39 subjects. The major psychological variable to differ among groups was the MMPI variable Pt, representing general anxiety. Arbitrary users had a significantly higher mean score than nonarbitrary users. The variable Specific Internal Awareness, representing a perceived difficulty in recognizing the premonitory symptoms of an asthma attack, also differed among the usage groups, with arbitrary users having the lowest scores. These finding...
New surfactant classes for enhanced oil recovery and their tertiary oil recovery potential

We investigate four different types of surfactants for effectiveness in tertiary oil recovery (TOR). The selected surfactant formulations were tested for enhanced oil recovery using coreflood tests on Berea sandstones. In addition to the corefloods, one sandpack surfactant flood was performed. The porous media were conditioned to residual waterflood oil saturation prior to surfactant slug injection. This was followed by polymer drive slug injection, and incremental oil recovery was measured against time. The tested formulations were selected after an extensive research effort including measuring interfacial tensions (IFT) and adsorption behavior on kaolinite clay. Effective were low 1-naphthol concentrations dissolved in 1-butanol in alkyl polyglycoside surfactant formulations which led to significant additional incremental oil recovery (40% TOR) due to dramatic reductions in IFT. Three other types of surfactants in this study include: • a di-tridecyl sulfosuccinic acid ester, • coconut diethanolamide, and • alkylpropoxy sulfate sodium salts which led to TOR of 15%, 75% and 35–50%, respectively. These results indicate that a wide variety of surfactants can meet the technical requirements as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents.
GPR signal analysis: can we get deep-penetration and high-resolution simultaneously?

At a given location if both high- and low-frequency GPR data were available, a synthetic GPR image with deep-penetration and high-resolution can be reconstructed by a signal processing procedure known as the extrapolation with deterministic deconvolution (EDD). There are two fundamental assumptions to make EDD work. First, the correlation (a transfer function or filtering function) between the high- and low-frequency data at one location can be deterministically extracted. Second, this transfer function is spatially stationary so that it can be applied to another location. Based on the principle of applying EDD to seismic data, which is for generating the synthetic well logs from surface seismic data, we have extended EDD treatment to GPR data, which is essentially for recovering the high-resolution contents in greater depths. The compensation of the frequency-dependent absorption loss is based on the constant Q model. This paper presents the preliminary test results with numerical synthetic time records. EDD with the synthetic data appears to be promising. More tests need to be done before EDD can be routinely applied to GPR field data. For a successful application of EDD to real world data, a careful pre-processing of the field data is far more critical than the EDD algorithm itself.