cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scattering of light from oriented polymer films. II

A statistical theory for the scattering of light from oriented polymer films is developed in terms of angularly dependent generalized correlation functions. Numerical calculations of scattering patterns are carried out for special cases. The scattering depends upon two types of distributions describing (1) the orientation distribution of optical axes of scattering elements and (2) the angular dependence of correlation in orientation between pairs of optic axes. These distributions are expanded in Fourier series (in a two-dimensional treatment), the coefficients of which are functions of elongation and describe the elongation dependence of the scattering patterns.
Acute Barrier Perturbation Abolishes the Ca2+ and K+ Gradients in Murine Epidermis: Quantitative Measurement Using PIXE

Epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis requires the delivery of lipids and hydrolytic enzymes by lamellar body exocytosis from the uppermost granular cells, a process that is upregulated following barrier disruption. As lamellar body secretion is controlled by ionic concentrations, especially Ca 2+ and K + , we used a quantitative technique, microbeam proton-induced X-ray emission, to measure Ca 2+ , K + , Cl – , and P concentrations before and after acute barrier perturbation by acetone applications. We found a steep gradient of Ca 2+ in normal tissue, peaking in the outer stratum granulosum, which disappeared after barrier disruption, and partially reformed as the barrier recovered. A similar gradient, peaking somewhat lower in the epidermis (i.e., at the stratum granulosum–stratum corneum interface), was found for K + . Epidermal concentrations of K + also decreased after barrier abrogation, although to a lesser extent than Ca 2+ . In contrast, P and Cl – demonstrated distribution gradients at baseline, which remained unchanged after barrier disruption. These studies quantitate the levels of Ca 2+ , K + , Cl – , and P within specific epidermal cell layers at baseline, and in relation to changes in permeability barrier integrity. Ca 2+ and K + , but not Cl – or P, decrease after barrier disruption, consistent with these two ion's role in barrier repair.
Probabilistic analysis of the Davis Putnam procedure for solving the satisfiability problem

Abstract We look at the instance distributions used by Goldberg [3] for showing that the Davis Putnam Procedure has polynomial average complexity and show that, in a sense, all these distributions are unreasonable. We then present a ‘reasonable’ family of instance distributions F and show that for each distribution in F a variant of the Davis Putnam Procedure without the pure literal rule requires exponential time with probability 1. In addition, we show that adding subsumption still results in exponential complexity with probability 1.
Effect of Changing the Fat and Nonfat Solids of Milk

Summary Milk containing 2 and 3% fat was more acceptable in flavor than milk containing 4% fat, when each was standardized to 12, 13, 14, and 15% total solids. No statistically significant differences in flavor were observed for milk containing 2 or 3% fat together with 11 or 12% nonfat milk solids, but these were more acceptable in flavor than regular unfortified University plant milk containing 3.7% fat and 9.2% nonfat milk solids. By comparison, the regular plant milk tasted watery and flat.
A CONJECTURE TO THE SOLUTION OF THE CONTINUOUS LOGISTIC EQUATION

Chaotic models as a rule are based on nonlinear recursive discrete equations, often illustrated by the logistic equation. In this paper, a conjecture is presented that gives an approximate solution to the continuous logistic equation. It is shown that if certain chaotic models are viewed as continuous rather than discrete, the strict borderline mathematical concept of the onset of chaos no longer retains its importance in some practical problems. In fact, it is more important to look at the degree of chaos, as illustrated in two medical problems dealing with blood flow and heart rate variability. The chaotic modeling approach is seen to be useful in analyzing experimental data.
What’s in a name? Stance markers in oral argument about marriage laws

This study examines the relationship between person-referencing terms and attorney and judges’ stances during oral argument in three US state supreme courts as each considered whether its existing state law could restrict marriage to one man and one woman. After reviewing past work on stancetaking and person referencing, I provide background on appellate oral argument and the three cases. Combining discourse analysis with simple quantitative coding, the study shows that attorneys’ and judges’ choices of terms for gay parties and the frequency of their use marked the stance of appellate parties toward same-sex marriage. Then, I describe how person-referencing terms for gays, both in the larger society and in appellate courts, changed in the 20 years preceding the cases. The article concludes by arguing for the value of studying state appellate court discourse; I also reflect about the complexities in linking changes in usage of person-referencing terms with attitudinal stance changes.
Predicting clinical deterioration in the hospital: The impact of outcome selection

Abstract Background Clinical deterioration of ward patients can result in intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, cardiac arrest (CA), and/or death. These different outcomes have been used to develop and test track and trigger systems, but the impact of outcome selection on the performance of prediction algorithms is unknown. Methods Patients hospitalized on the wards between November 2008 and August 2011 at an academic hospital were included in the study. Ward vital signs and demographic characteristics were compared across outcomes. The dataset was then split into derivation and validation cohorts. Logistic regression was used to derive four models (one per outcome and a combined outcome) for predicting each event within 24 h of a vital sign set. The models were compared in the validation cohort using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results A total of 59,643 patients were included in the study (including 109 ward CAs, 291 deaths, and 2638 ICU transfers). Most mean vital signs within 24 h of the events differed statistically, with those before death being the most deranged. Validation model AUCs were highest for predicting mortality (range 0.73–0.82), followed by CA (range 0.74–0.76), and lowest for predicting ICU transfer (range 0.68–0.71). Conclusions Despite differences in vital signs before CA, ICU transfer, and death, the different models performed similarly for detecting each outcome. Mortality was the easiest outcome to predict and ICU transfer the most difficult. Studies should be interpreted with these differences in mind.
Stromal cells of endometriosis fail to produce paracrine factors that induce epithelial 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 gene and its transcriptional regulator Sp1: a mechanism for defective estradiol metabolism

Objective In endometrium, stromal progesterone receptors mediate production of paracrine factors, which enhance binding of the transcription factor specific protein-1 to the promoter of the gene encoding the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme responsible for converting biologically active estradiol to estrone in epithelium. The objective of this study is to define the cellular defect responsible for the disruption of this stromal-epithelial interaction in endometriosis. Study Design We determined the effects of conditioned media generated from primary human eutopic endometrial stromal cells vs endometriotic stromal cells on Ishikawa malignant endometrial epithelial cells. Results Conditioned media from progestin-pretreated eutopic endometrial stromal cells but not edometriotic stromal cells significantly stimulated specific protein-1 protein levels, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 messenger RNA levels and promoter activity, and binding activity of specific protein-1 to the 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 promoter region in Ishikawa cells. Conclusion A stromal cell defect in endometriosis blocks formation of progesterone-dependent production of factors leading to 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 deficiency and defective conversion of estradiol to estrone in epithelium.
Impairment of subendocardial perfusion reserve and oxidative metabolism in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract Background Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and [ 11 C]acetate positron emission tomography (PET) were used to assess the hypothesis that patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) have decreased subendocardial perfusion reserve and impaired oxidative metabolism, consistent with the concept of “energy starvation” in heart failure (HF). Methods and Results CMR myocardial perfusion was evaluated in 13 NIDCM patients and 15 control subjects with coronary risk factors and normal myocardial perfusion. The NIDCM patients underwent [ 11 C]acetate PET. The myocardial perfusion index (MPI) was calculated as the normalized rate of myocardial signal augmentation following gadolinium contrast injection. Hyperemic transmural, subendocardial, and subepicardial MPI were reduced in NIDCM compared with control subjects [0.13 vs 0.18 ( P P P = .008), respectively]. The subendocardial perfusion reserve was 1.59 ± 0.21 vs 1.86 ± 0.32 for the subepicardium ( P = .002), demonstrating reduced perfusion reserve. The myocardial oxidative metabolic rate (k mono ) per unit demand (rate-pressure product) was reduced in proportion to perfusion reserve ( P = .02) Conclusions Impaired subendocardial perfusion reserve in NIDCM confirmed results previously attained only in animal models. Impaired perfusion and impaired oxidative metabolism are consistent with subendocardial energy starvation in HF.
Isolation and characterization of four serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins) from hemolymph of Manduca sexta

Abstract Four serine proteinase inhibitors have been isolated from hemolymph of fifth instar larvae of Manduca sexta. One of these, an inhibitor specific for elastase, has been previously shown to be a member of the serpin family of serine proteinase inhibitors. Of the three remaining inhibitors, two are specific for chymotrypsin and one for trypsin. The four inhibitors have molecular weights of approx. 47,000 and isoelectric points between 4.4 and 4.8. The four proteins have very similar amino acid compositions, and NH2-terminal sequence analysis suggests that they represent members of a gene family.
Excretion of nitrofurantoin in dog hepatic bile.

Abstract 1. After the intravenous administration of nitrofurantoin sodium to dogs at nitrofurantoin doses of 1·5-24·0 mg/kg, a substantial amount of nitrofurantoin is excreted in bile. The bile to blood drug ratios were about 200. A marked hydrocholeretic effect which correlated directly with the amount of nitrofurantoin administered was also observed. 2. The excretion of nitrofurantoin in bile and the hydrocholeretic effect were linear with the dose of drug over the range 1·5-12·0 mg/kg. Maximum increases in hepatic bile flows were usually from 5-10 ml/0·5 h, while average control bile flow was 1·6 ml ± S.D. 0·6/0·5 hours. The lowest dose at which the hydrocholeretic effect was still detectable was 0·09 mg/kg. 3. Apparent saturation of the biliary excretion system for nitrofurantoin and the hydrocholeretic mechanism occurred after a dose of 24·0 mg/kg. Saturation of the urinary system for nitrofurantoin excretion was noted after a dose of 6·0 mg/kg. 4. Biliary nitrofurantoin recoveries ranged from 16·5% ± S.D. 4·2 to 22·6% ± S.D. 4·7 for the 6 h period after doses of 1·5, 3·0, and 6·0 mg/kg. Urinary nitrofurantoin recoveries for the same interval ranged from 24·1% ± S.D. 6·6 to 36·2% ± S.D. 8·3. 5. In comparison to values obtained in normal dogs, only about one-tenth of the drug excretion in bile and about one-fifth of the hydrocholeretic effect were obtained after intravenous drug administration to dogs with hepatic impairment induced by CCl4.
Leisure as symbolic consumption: A conceptualization and prospectus for future research

Abstract From the discussions of Veblen (1899) to the writings of contemporary researchers, there has been a compelling argument that consumption in leisure has a strong symbolic character. By focusing on the nature of that symbolism, unequivocal parallels are apparent in leisure consumption and leisure theory. This article reviews the literature in leisure and consumer behavior to identify these parallel issues from conceptualizations of sign value and self‐expression. Directions for future research investigating the roles of sign value and self‐expression in leisure, and a theoretical model of the relationship between leisure choice, personal identity, and social identity are provided.
Effect of silica inhalation on the pulmonary clearance of a bacterial pathogen in Fischer 344 rats.

Silica inhalation predisposes workers to bacterial infection and impairments in pulmonary defense function. In this study, we evaluated the effect of pre-exposure to silica on lung defense mechanisms by use of a rat pulmonary Listeria monocytogenes infection model. Male Fischer 344 rats were exposed by inhalation to filtered air or silica (15 mg/m3× 6 h/day × 5 days/wk). After 21 or 59 days of silica exposure, the rats were inoculated intratracheally with 5 × 103L. monocytogenes. At 0 (noninfected controls), 3, and 7 days after infection, the left lungs were removed, homogenized, and the number of viable L. monocytogenes was counted after an overnight culture at 37° C. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed on the right lungs. Alveolar macrophages (AM) were collected, and the AM production of chemiluminescence (CL), an index of reactive oxygen species generation, was measured. The number of lavagable neutrophils (PMNs) and acellular BAL lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were determined as indices of inflammation and injury, respectively. Pre-exposure to silica for 59 days caused substantial increases in PMN number and LDH activity compared with the air controls, whereas silica inhalation for both 21 and 59 days significantly enhanced the pulmonary clearance of L. monocytogenes compared with air controls. Dramatic elevations were also observed in zymosan- and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)–stimulated CL production by lung phagocytes recovered from rats pre-exposed to silica for 59 days. These results demonstrate that short-term exposure to inhaled silica particles activates lung phagocytes, as evidenced by increases in reactive oxygen species. This up-regulation in the production of antimicrobial oxidants is likely responsible for the enhancement in pulmonary clearance of L. monocytogenes observed with short-term silica inhalation.
SCFβ-TrCP1 Controls Smad4 Protein Stability in Pancreatic Cancer Cells

Smad4, also known as deleted in pancreatic carcinoma locus 4 (DPC4), is a critical co-factor in signal transduction pathways activated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-related ligands that regulate cell growth and differentiation. Mutations in Smad4/DPC4 have been identified in approximately 50% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Here we report that SCF(beta-TrCP1), a ubiquitin (E3) ligase, is a critical determinant for Smad4 protein degradation in pancreatic cancer cells. We found that F-box protein beta-TrCP1 in this E3 ligase interacted with Smad4 and that SCF(beta-TrCP1) inhibited TGF-beta biological activity in pancreatic cancer cells by decreasing Smad4 stability. Very low Smad4 protein levels in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells were observed by immunohistochemistry. By analyzing pancreatic tumor-derived Smad4 mutants, we found that most point-mutated Smad4 proteins, except those within or very close to a mutation cluster region, exhibited higher interaction affinity with beta-TrCP1 and significantly elevated protein ubiquitination by SCF(beta-TrCP1). Furthermore, AsPC-1 and Caco-2, two cancer cell lines harboring Smad4 point mutations, exhibited rapid Smad4 protein degradation due to the effect of SCF(beta-TrCP1). Both Smad4 levels and TGF-beta signaling were elevated by retrovirus-delivered beta-TrCP1 siRNA in pancreatic cancer cells. Therefore, inhibition of Smad4-specific E3 ligase might be a target for therapeutic intervention in pancreatic cancer.
Using an internet based process to assess student art skills

Methods for assessment have become increasingly important in education, especially in regards to complying with accreditation guidelines. The question is, how can this be done effectively at a school whose core curriculum focuses on teaching art? For a department that teaches courses through both campus and online modalities, a web-driven process has become an effective tool, allowing campus and online students to be reviewed side by side by both campus and online faculty alike.
Empty Ritual: Young-Adult Stepchildren’s Perceptions of the Remarriage Ceremony

This qualitative study investigated 80 young-adult stepchildren’s talk about one of their parents’ remarriage ceremony. The remarriage event was celebrated in six types of ritual enactments, five of which celebrated the couple’s marriage and one of which was family-centered in its celebration of the beginning of the new stepfamily. Three factors led stepchildren to find the remarriage ceremony empty: (i) a ritual form that was too traditional or not traditional enough; (ii) a ritual enactment that failed to pay homage to either the stepchild’s family of origin or the stepfamily as a unit; and (iii) a ritual enactment that failed to involve the stepchild prior to and during the ceremony. Results support the characteristics of empty rituals posited in ritual theory.
Changing medical culture to promote physical activity in secondary prevention of coronary artery disease

This editorial refers to ‘Physical activity in patients with stable coronary heart disease: an international perspective’[†][1], by R. Stewart et al. , on page 3286 Stewart and colleagues analyse reasons why many patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) do not engage in regular physical activity (PA) despite considerable evidence describing its benefit and guidelines promoting it.1 Their study population was a large ( n = 15 486) international (39 countries) cohort of patients with stable CHD participating in a large randomized clinical trial (STABILITY).2 PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire;3 subjects estimated the number of hours of ‘mild’, ‘moderate’, and ‘vigorous’ PA in which they engaged during a typical week. Total PA was reported in metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours/week. Subjects indicated whether moderately vigorous PA occurred at work or during leisure time and whether PA levels changed after their first ‘heart problem’. Further, subjects were asked to identify limitations to walking 100 m, climbing one flight of stairs, or walking 1 km. The investigators found that 46% of subjects reported decreased PA after their first heart problem. A lower level of PA was associated with older age, poorer health, more co-morbidities, depressed mood, greater exercise limitation, lack of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), non-white race, middle vs. higher income country, and less formal education. Self-reporting of PA is the usual methodology, though objective assessment by motion sensors can provide varying results; self-reporting generally overestimates PA.4 While the methodology of combining all PA into MET-hours per week is commonly used in epidemiological investigations, it makes it difficult to understand whether subjects are meeting current guidelines. Recommendations in the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology (AHA/ACC) guidelines5 and European Society of Cadiology (ESC) Guidelines6 ( Figure 1 ) are phrased in terms of total recommended minutes of exercise on … [1]: #fn-2
The Active Transport of Myelin Basic Protein into the Nucleus Suggests a Regulatory Role in Myelination

The myelin basic proteins (MBPs) are a set of membrane proteins that function to adhere the cytoplasmic leaflets of the myelin bilayer. During oligodendrocyte maturation prior to compact myelin formation, however, certain MBPs have been observed within the cell body and nucleus. We explored the parameters of the translocation of the exon II-containing MBPs (MBPexII) from the site of synthesis in the cell cytoplasm into the nucleus and in some experiments used GFP as a molecular reporter to monitor the intracellular distribution of MBP-GFP fusion proteins in living cells. We show here that the transport of MBPexII into cell nuclei is an active process, which is temperature and energy dependent, and may be regulated by phosphorylation state. Further, MBPexII can direct the entry of macromolecular complexes into cell nuclei, revealing that the exon II peptide segment may provide a nuclear localization signal (NLS), perhaps a novel one, or may induce a conformational change in the full-length protein that exposes a cryptic NLS. The MBPexII are thus very unusual in that they are plasma membrane proteins that are also targeted to the nucleus. In oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells, where the MBPs are naturally expressed, it is likely that karyophilic MBPs subserve a regulatory function in implementing the myelination program.
Femoral Head Osteotomy in Horses and Cattle

Femoral head ostectomy was performed in six horses, three ponies, and four cattle for treatment of fractures of the femoral capital physis, coxofemoral luxation, fractured acetabulum, or severe degenerative joint disease. The procedures were performed via a cranial approach that did not involve osteotomy of the greater trochanter. A dorsal approach for femoral head ostectomy via osteotomy of the greater trochanter was evaluated in three healthy adult ponies. Three animals (2 ponies, 1 calf) were euthanatized within a month and one horse was euthanatized at year 2 due to postoperative complications. Nine animals were discharged to owners and six of them fulfilled their intended functions of breeding, milking, and being kept as companions. One horse was lost to follow-up and two horses died of causes unrelated to the surgery. All surviving animals had a residual lameness that was described by owners as mild to moderate. None of the horses were used as riding animals. The mean age and weight of 10 animals that regained weight-bearing locomotion was 3.1 months and 84 kg; for three unsuccessful cases it was 34 months and 174 kg. We concluded that femoral head ostectomy was a viable salvage procedure for large animals with capital femoral physeal fracture, chronic coxofemoral luxation, or acetabular fracture. Surgical prognosis appeared to be favorable in young cattle and fair in young horses or ponies weighing less than 100 kg. Osteotomy of the greater trochanter resulted in superior exposure of the intact coxofemoral joint and allowed easier, less traumatic surgical luxation of the joint to facilitate femoral head ostectomy.
Efficacy of methotrexate treatment in viable and nonviable cervical pregnancies.

Objectives: This retrospective study examined the overall efficacy of methotrexate chemotherapy in the treatment of cervical pregnancy and attempted to determine whether differences in the response to methotrexate therapy exist between patients with viable and nonviable cervical pregnancies. Study Design: A MEDLINE database search and a bibliographic review of the relevant literature were conducted to find reported cases of cervical pregnancy treated with methotrexate administration during the period from 1983 to 1997. Clinical and demographic characteristics, methotrexate regimen, concomitant invasive procedures, complications, and outcomes in viable and nonviable pregnancy groups were analyzed and compared. Results: A total of 62 reported cases of cervical pregnancy were assessed. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic data, transfusion rate, and human chorionic gonadotropin remission time between viable and nonviable cervical pregnancy groups. Among the 35 cases of viable pregnancy 63% of women received systemic injection alone or a combination of systemic and local (intra-amniotic or intracervical) injection with methotrexate or potassium chloride and 37% had local injection of methotrexate (with or without potassium chloride) alone. Among the 23 cases of nonviable cervical pregnancy 96% of women received systemic methotrexate injection only. The need for ≥1 concomitant surgical procedure (such as simple curettage, dilation and curettage, cervical blocking, or uterine artery embolization) in conjunction with methotrexate therapy was significantly higher (P = .021) in the viable pregnancy group (43%) than in the nonviable pregnancy group (13%). The 94% success rate of preservation of the uterus in the viable pregnancy group was not significantly different from the 91% preservation rate in the nonviable pregnancy group. All patients who had successful uterine preservation returned to normal menstrual patterns. Conclusion: This retrospective study found that conservative treatment with methotrexate chemotherapy of patients with either viable or nonviable cervical pregnancies at <12 weeks’ gestation carries a 91% success rate for preservation of the uterus. The structure of the cervix was restored and menstruation returned for all patients in whom the uterus was preserved after treatment. There was no evidence to suggest that the reproductive performance of these patients was affected by the treatment. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1438-44.)
Melanin-concentrating hormone facilitates migration of preadipocytes

Adipose tissue develops from differentiating preadipocytes that expand and migrate. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes respond to melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) by increasing leptin production. Here, we investigate whether MCH elicits remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and whether this translates into altered migratory capacity of these cells. Incubation with MCH resulted in a loss of actin stress fibers accompanied by a change in morphology from a stretched-out fibroblast to a rounded cell. PMC-3881-PI, a MCH receptor 1 antagonist blocked the effect, confirming this receptor is solely responsible for MCH-mediated actin rearrangements. Both a pharmacological activator and inhibitor of phospholipase C were used to demonstrate this molecule's importance to the signaling pathway. Finally, MCH was shown to facilitate preadipocyte migration into a scratch wound, revealing a previously unknown role for MCH in the regulation of cellular migration. We conclude that MCH could influence the expansion of adipose tissue through its ability to enhance preadipocyte migration.
Optimizing Distributed RDF Triplestores via a Locally Indexed Graph Partitioning

Semantic web techniques based on RDF are a promising approach to help make sense of the growing deluge in scientific data and conceptually integrate separately administered datasets. However, storing large datasets entirely on a single machine is not scalable, which has led to the concept of distributed triple stores. Existing triple stores, however, fail to take advantage of the non-uniform nature of semantic web data, leading to inefficient data allocation. In this paper, we extend our previous work on uniform graph partitioning to include a local index which is used to filter intermediate results and optimize sub-querying, and a new system design which can better exploit graph partitioned datasets. This also allows us to measure the total communication cost in our simulation. As shown in our experiments, our approach can effectively reduce the communication cost of query-processing messages compared with other approaches, balance the size of partitions compared with other approaches, and enhanced parallelism through independent sub-querying.
Fluorescent Pigments of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The major hydrophobic fluorophore of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is A2E, a pyridinium bis-retinoid derived from all-trans-retinal and phosphatidyl-ethanolamine. The accumulation of fluorophores such as A2E is implicated in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease associated with the deterioration of central vision and a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. Recent chemical and biological studies have provided insight into the synthesis and biosynthesis of A2E, the spectroscopic properties of this pigment, and the role of A2E and RPE cell death.
On measurements of tool edge geometry of diamond-coated tools

In this study, a white-light interferometer (WLI) was used to acquire tool edge surface data, and MATLAB-based algorithms were developed to characterise the tool edge geometry. Commercial cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co) cutting inserts with different edge radii were evaluated. In addition, the carbide tools were further subject to controlled diamond film depositions and then were evaluated again in the tool edge geometry to evaluate the coating thickness. The tool geometry and coating thickness will enable a quantitative model correlating the deposition stresses with the tool geometry edge. The major results are summarised as follows. 1 The combination of WLI and the developed algorithms is capable of efficient tool edge geometry measurements. 2 For the straight edges, the variations of edge radii among different tool samples in a single batch are reasonably small. 3 Comparing coated and uncoated edge results, the coating thickness can be estimated. It is also noted that the coating is thicker at the rake and the edge than the flank faces. 4 Tools with a large edge radius ( > 50 mm) showed a greater variation in coating thickness estimates.
Studies on the defectiveness of adeno-associated virus (AAV). II. Effect of growth in CV-1 cells on the replication of adeno-associated virus.

Abstract The mechanisms by which helper viruses can promote AAV macromolecular synthesis have been investigated. The third system used was a continuous line of African green monkey kidney cells (CV-1) which is permissive for AAV when a simian adenovirus helper is used. When HSV was used as a helper, no AAV DNA, structural proteins, or IF antigens were detected, indicating the absence of HSV helper activity. HSV production and plaqueing in CV-1 cells were found to be comparable to those seen in Hep-2 cells (an epidermoid cancer line) and Vero cells (another line of African green monkey kidney cells). In both of these cell lines, HSV expresses its AAV helper functions. It was also observed that AAV had no effect on HSV replication in either Vero or CV-1 cells. Comparison of HSV protein production in CV-1 and Hep-2 cells demonstrated the absence of HSV proteins ICPO and ICP46 in the CV-1 line following the release of a cycloheximide block.
Transient Waves in a Class of Random Heterogeneous Media

A stochastic method is developed for analysis of transient waves propagating in one-dimensional randoai granular-type media. The method is suited to study transient dynamic response of nonlinear microstructures with material randomess, of high signal-to-noise ratio, being present in constitutive moduli and grain lengths. It generalizes the classical solution techniques, based on the theory of characteristics, by taking advantage of the Markov property of the forward propagaing disturbances. Pulses propagating in bilinear elastic, nonlinear elastic, and linear-hysteretic media are studied. Addi­ tionally, a short review is given of an investigation of acceleration wavefronts making a transition into shocks in random nonlinear elastic/dissipative continua, where Markov property can again be exploited.
Idiopathic CD4+ T-cell lymphocytopenia associated with vitiligo ☆

Abstract The syndrome of idiopathic CD4 + T lymphocytopenia (ICTL) is defined as the persistent depletion of peripheral blood CD4 + T lymphocytes below 300 cells/mm 3 or less than 20% of the total lymphocytes in the absence of either HIV infection or other known causes of immunodeficiency. To date no known viral origin has been identified. ICTL has a variable clinical course ranging from patients with minimal symptoms to those who have died from opportunistic infections. We report a case of a 32-year-old white man with a long history of vitiligo that is associated with ICTL. He also had incidental psoriasis. The correlation between ICTL and autoimmune vitiligo suggests an aberration in the immune surveillance that leads to an abnormal response of CD4 + T lymphocytes in the host. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;46:779-82.)
Bulk-wave and guided-wave photoacoustic evaluation of the mechanical properties of aluminum/silicon nitride double-layer thin films.

The development of devices made of micro- and nano-structured thin film materials has resulted in the need for advanced measurement techniques to characterize their mechanical properties. Photoacoustic techniques, which use pulsed laser irradiation to nondestructively induce very high frequency ultrasound in a test object via rapid thermal expansion, are suitable for nondestructive and non-contact evaluation of thin films. In this paper, we compare two photoacoustic techniques to characterize the mechanical parameters of edge-supported aluminum and silicon nitride double-layer thin films. The elastic properties and residual stresses in such films affect their mechanical performance. In a first set of experiments, a femtosecond transient pump–probe technique is used to investigate the Young’s moduli of the aluminum and silicon nitride layers by launching ultra-high frequency bulk acoustic waves in the films. The measured transient signals are compared with simulated transient thermoelastic signals in multi-layer structures, and the elastic moduli are determined. Independent pump–probe tests on silicon substrate-supported region and unsupported region are in good agreement. In a second set of experiments, dispersion curves of the A0 mode of the Lamb waves that propagate along the unsupported films are measured using a broadband photoacoustic guided-wave method. The residual stresses and flexural rigidities for the same set of double-layer membranes are determined from these dispersion curves. Comparisons of the results obtained by the two photoacoustic techniques are made and discussed.
The Thick Septum: Echocardiographic Differentiation of Its Causes

Asymmetrical septal hypertrotphy (ASH) has been defined as thickness of the interventricular septum exceeding that of the left ventricular posterior wall by a ratio of 1.3:1. To date it has been associated only with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (IHSS) or its precursor. Therefore, one would expect to find ASH only in the cardiomyopathic patient or in his relatives. It is a dominant with complete penetrance.
Hormone receptor regulated proopiomelanocortin gene expression

The activity of the POMC gene is regulated by both stimulatory and inhibitory hormones. Presumably, some balance exists in the influence of these hormones in order to maintain a steady-state level of activity of this gene. Physiological insults, such as stress, may upset this balance and change the rate of production of POMC and its biologically active peptides. The relative strength of these different hormones may therefore determine the long-term expression of this gene. Chronic administration of CRF to rats, primates and humans produces prolonged increases in plasma ACTH levels. This long-term effect is most likely due to an activation of the POMC gene. Interestingly, chronic treatment of anterior pituitary cells with CRF desensitizes CRF receptors. Thus, despite the corticotrophs becoming refractory to the acute stimulatory actions of CRF, the POMC gene remains stimulated. These findings suggest that corticotrophs do not have to be continuously activated by CRF to maintain a long-term increase in POMC gene expression. This contrasts with the actions of glucocorticoids whose effects are abruptly terminated following their removal from the target tissue. The molecular basis of this form of cellular memory to the actions of CRF may involve cAMP regulatory phosphoproteins binding to and activating the POMC gene. If this phenomenon is shown to occur and the phosphorylation state of these nuclear proteins is found to govern their level of interaction with POMC gene, then it would represent a novel mechanism of gene regulation. Proof for this mechanism and the elucidation of how other second messengers such as protein kinase C and calcium regulate the POMC gene will greatly aid our understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms controlling opioid peptide expression.
Phaeohyphomycosis Due to Exophiala Species: Clinical Spectrum of Disease in Humans

Phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala species is an unusual infection, but it has been reported with increasing frequency as immunosuppressive therapy has become more widespread and laboratory methods for diagnosis have improved. To our knowledge, the first case of subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis due to Exophiala jeanselmei in a cardiac transplant patient is presented, and previously reported cases of exophiala infection are reviewed. This patient was successfully managed with surgical excision of the lesion and combination therapy with amphotericin B and 5-fluorocytosine.
An association between corticosteroid use and melanoma recurrence: a case report and review of the literature.

The American Cancer Society estimates that melanoma accounts for less than 5% of skin cancer cases. Even so, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths and its incidence continues to increase at an alarming rate [1]. Immunosuppression has also been linked to melanoma development in various populations, including patients with solid organ allografts, Hodgkin’s disease, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is presumably related to exogenous or endogenous suppression of the innate immune response [2–4]. Corticosteroids represent a class of widely used immunosuppressive agents whose precise mechanism of immune system suppression is incompletely understood. Nonetheless, various studies have highlighted its carcinogenic potential. Karagas et al. examined the potentials risks of developing squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma in non-transplant recipients who had used glucocorticoids and found that oral steroid use correlated with an increased risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancers [5]. Case reports of iatrogenically induced Kaposi’s sarcoma appearing in patients taking corticosteroids and remitting upon drug withdrawal further bolster the hypothesis that the immunosuppressive and carcinogenic properties of steroids may have a link [6, 7]. To our knowledge, there has been no description so far of the incidence of melanoma in patients using steroids in the non-transplant setting (Figs. 1, 2).
Rare earth and high field strength element partitioning between iron-rich clinopyroxenes and felsic liquids

Rare earth elements are commonly assumed to substitute only for Ca in clinopyroxene because of the similarity of ionic radii for REE3+ and Ca2+ in eightfold coordination. The assumption is valid for Mg-rich clinopyroxenes for which observed mineral/melt partition coefficients are readily predicted by the lattice strain model for substitution onto a single site (e.g., Wood and Blundy 1997). We show that natural Fe-rich pyroxenes in both silica-undersaturated and silica-oversaturated magmatic systems deviate from this behavior. Salites (Mg# 48–59) in phonolites from Tenerife, ferrohedenbergites (Mg# 14.2–16.2) from the rhyolitic Bandelier Tuff, and ferroaugites (Mg# 9.6–32) from the rhyolitic Rattlesnake Tuff have higher heavy REE contents than predicted by single-site substitution. The ionic radius of Fe2+ in sixfold coordination is substantially greater than that of Mg2+; hence, we propose that, in Fe-rich clinopyroxenes, heavy REE are significantly partitioned between eightfold Ca sites and sixfold Fe and Mg sites such that Yb and Lu exist dominantly in sixfold coordination. We also outline a REE-based method of identifying pyroxene/melt pairs in systems with multiple liquid and crystal populations, based upon the assumption that LREE and MREE reside exclusively in eightfold coordination in pyroxene. Contrary to expectations, interpolation of mineral/melt partition coefficient data for heavy REE does not predict the behavior of Y. We speculate that mass fractionation effects play a role in mineral/melt lithophile trace element partitioning that is detectable among pairs of isovalent elements with near-identical radii, such as Y and Ho, Zr and Hf, and Nb and Ta.
Equilibrium products from autothermal processes for generating hydrogen-rich fuel-cell feeds

Abstract This work presents thermodynamic analyses of autothermal processes using five fuels—natural gas, methanol, ethanol, dimethyl ether, and gasoline. Autothermal processes combine exothermic and endothermic reactions. The processes considered here couple endothermic steam reforming with exothermic oxidation to create hydrogen-rich fuel-cell feeds. Of the fuels treated here, methanol, ethanol, and dimethyl ether are pure compounds. Methane simulates natural gas and a mixture of 7% neopentane, 56% 2,4 dimethyl pentane, 7% cyclohexane, 30% ethyl benzene simulates gasoline. In the computations, sufficient oxygen is fed so the energy generated by the oxidation exactly compensates the energy absorbed by the reforming reactions. The analyses calculate equilibrium product concentrations at temperatures from 300 to 1000 K , pressures from 1 to 5 atm , and water–fuel ratios from 1 to 9 times the stoichiometric value. The thermodynamic calculations in this work say that any of the five fuels, when processed autothermally, can give a product leading to a hydrogen-rich feed for fuel cells. The calculations also show that the oxygen-containing substances (methanol, ethanol, and dimethyl ether) require lower temperatures for effective processing than the non-oxygenated fuels (natural gas and gasoline). Lower reaction temperatures also promote products containing less carbon monoxide, a desirable effect. The presence of significant product CO mandates the choice of optimum conditions, not necessarily conditions that produce the maximum product hydrogen content. Using a simple optimum objective function shows that dimethyl ether has the greatest potential product content, followed by methanol, ethanol, gasoline, and natural gas. The calculations point the way toward rational choices of processes for producing fuel-cell feeds of the necessary quality.
Controversies in Liver Transplantation for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation in the United States, accounting for approximately 40%–45% of all liver transplants. Unfortunately, recurrent disease is universal in patients who are viremic before transplantation. This can lead to cirrhosis in at least 25% of patients 5 years after liver transplantation, and recurrent hepatitis C is now emerging as an important but occasionally contentious indication for retransplantation. Several attempts have been undertaken to identify patients at high risk for severe recurrent disease who may benefit from treatment, but unfortunately antiviral therapy frequently is ineffective and often is associated with numerous side effects. Although we have made significant strides in understanding the natural history of this disease in nontransplant patients, this does not hold true for the transplant population in which several uncertainties covering virtually the entire spectrum of liver transplantation persist. Despite these concerns, on a more practical level, it is usually only in the postoperative setting that clinicians truly can assess the impact of their interventions on the natural history of recurrent hepatitis C, for example, by adjusting immunosuppression or prescribing antiviral therapy. Preoperative and perioperative (including donor) factors often are outside the control of hepatologists and transplant surgeons. This review is not an inclusive review of the literature but summarizes what we believe are the more controversial topics of this disease.
Performance of patients with deficient stereoacuity on the EYESi microsurgical simulator.

Purpose To compare the performance of individuals with deficient stereoacuity with that of individuals with normal stereoacuity on a microsurgical task using the VRMagic EYESi Ophthalmosurgical Simulator (VRmagic Holding AG). Design Prospective, experimental study at a single institution. Methods Subjects with abnormal stereoacuity and controls with normal stereoacuity completed a total of 4 attempts on 2 standardized microsurgical tasks on the EYESi Simulator. Performance was quantified using a 60-point scale, and scores were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test with a significance level of .05 assumed for all tests. Results Twenty-one subjects with deficient or absent stereoacuity and 21 control subjects with normal stereoacuity were included. The mean age of both groups was 31.5 years (range, 10 to 64 years). Twenty-nine (69%) participants were male. The 2 groups did not differ in age or gender. For each of the 4 module attempts, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test showed significantly better performance of individuals in the control group compared with the study group ( P Conclusions This study compared the performance of patients with deficient stereoacuity with that of those with normal stereoacuity in microsurgical tasks. Individuals with normal stereoacuity performed better than those with deficient stereoacuity in a simulated microsurgical task. A larger and more complex study may be necessary to validate the findings of the present investigations.
A 2D Model for Characterising First-order Variability in Sublimation of Buried Glacier Ice, Antarctica: Assessing the Influence of Polygon Troughs, Desert Pavements and Shallow Subsurface Salts

To assess the role of thermal contraction-crack polygons (sublimation polygons) in modulating sublimation of buried glacier ice in Antarctica, we applied a 2D numerical model using COMSOL Multiphysics that calculates the rate and spatial variability of vapour diffusion through porous media. Specifically, we examined vapour transport through Granite drift, a dry supraglacial till marked with thermal contraction-crack polygons that rests on glacier ice reportedly ≥8-million years in age. The model results show that sublimation varies with drift texture and surface topography. Initially, the rates are highest beneath relatively coarse-grained sand-wedge deposits at polygon margins, creating deep, surface troughs. As troughs approach ~1-m depth, the cooler atmospheric and soil temperatures that arise from solar shielding reduce the rates of ice sublimation to levels below that at polygon centres, preventing runaway ice loss at polygon margins. Including the effects of a salt-cemented horizon at 10 − 15-cm depth (porosity 20%) and a rocky surface pavement (75% ground coverage), our modelled ice loss at polygon centres, for example, is 0.022 mm a−1, an order of magnitude lower than previous estimates (0.14 mm a−1). This finding highlights the importance of including field-based data for drift texture, topography and microclimate variation in modelling ice sublimation. The results also suggest that stable conditions (no ice loss) at polygon centres are possible with either a 1.9°C decrease in mean annual atmospheric temperature or a 12 per cent increase in mean annual relative humidity. These results indicate that the preservation of buried, multi-million-year-old ice is plausible in the coldest and driest regions of Antarctica. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.