cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CD8 lymphocytes are sufficient for the development of chronic rejection.

Background The role of CD8 lymphocytes, in chronic rejection or cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), is incompletely understood. The purposes of this study were to determine whether CD8 lymphocytes, in the absence of CD4 lymphocytes, are capable of causing the intimal lesions of CAV; and if so, to define the effector mechanism(s) of CD8 lymphocytes. Methods We modified a previously characterized major histocompatibility complex class II mismatched murine model of CAV. Wild-type CD8 lymphocytes were transferred to nude mice followed by heterotopic heart transplantation. Recipient mice were then treated with a CD40 activating antibody, which is known to provide help for CD8 lymphocyte activation, in the absence of CD4 lymphocytes. Donor hearts were harvested on day 40 posttransplantation and analyzed for cellular infiltrates and intimal thickening. In separate experiments, isolated perforin -/-, Fas ligand (FasL) -/-, and interferon (IFN)-gamma -/- CD8 lymphocytes were transferred to nude mice followed by identical experimented protocol. Results With adaptive transfer of wild-type CD8 lymphocytes, the donor hearts were infiltrated with activated CD8 lymphocytes and displayed significant intimal lesions. Adoptive transfer of perforin -/- and FasL -/- CD8 lymphocytes to nude mice resulted in similar patterns of CD8 lymphocyte infiltration and similar severity of intimal lesions. The donor hearts from IFN-gamma -/- CD8 lymphocyte reconstituted recipients displayed minimal intimal lesions, although CD8 lymphocytes were present in the allografts. Conclusions Unprimed CD8 lymphocytes in the absence of CD4 lymphocytes can cause intimal lesions of CAV. CD8 lymphocytes production of IFN-gamma, but not the perforin or the FasL-mediated cytotoxicity, is the critical step in the development of intimal lesions.
A Delicate Knowledge: Epistemology, Homosexuality, and St. John of the Cross

In light of the intractable disagreements, both theological and theoretical, which emerge at every turn in contemporary discussions of homosexuality and religion, this essay advances an epistemological approach to the discussion. The advantage of an epistemological approach is that it sidesteps many of the narrow denominational discussions, making almost no reference to Romans, to natural law, or to a sexual ethic based on love and mutuality. By drawing upon analytic philosophy of religion (Alvin Plantinga and Richard Swinburne specifically), I hope to show how a failure explicitly to face epistemological challenges has undermined pro-gay claims and arguments and contributed to religious confusion. Constructively, the work of St. John the Cross helpfully offers a powerful epistemological vision that importantly supplements the analytic projects of Plantinga and Swinburne, thereby helping us comprehend more fully what is implied and required in justified pro-gay religious conviction.
Interactive Rind Modeling for Architectural Design

The paper presents a new modeling technique for architectural design. Rind modeling provides for the easy creation of surfaces resembling peeled and punctured rinds. We show how the method's two main steps of creation of a shell or crust and then opening holes in the crust by punching or peeling can be encapsulated into a real time semi-automatic interactive algorithm.The rind modeling method allows us to develop a user-friendly tool for designers and architects. The new tool extends the abilities of polygonal modeling and allows designers to work on structured and consistent models for architectural design purposes. Rind modeling gives architects and designers a processing flexibility. It can be used in conceptual modeling during the early design phase. It can also be efficiently used for creating variety of shell structures for architectural design.
Statin-induced lowering of LDL cholesterol associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular events, not likely outweighed by the risk of diabetes, for people at low short-term risk of cardiovascular disease.

Commentary on: Mihaylova B, Emberson J, Blackwell L, et al. Cholesterol TREATMENT Trialists’ (CTT) collaborators. The effects of lowering LDL cholesterol with statin therapy in people at low risk of vascular disease: meta-analysis of individual data from 27 randomised trials. Lancet 2012;380:581–90.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Current guideline-based eligibility criteria for the statin therapy have incorporated estimates of risk reduction from randomised clinical trials of primary prevention in which individuals have been treated from an average 1.5–5 years, cost of treatment before the recent generic availability of potent statin agents, and potential harm associated with the use of treatment in a low-risk individual. Statins have been advocated for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with an estimated 5-year major CVD event risk ≥ 10%.1–3 The debate concerning the risks and benefits of the statin … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DLancet%26rft.stitle%253DLancet%26rft.aulast%253DCholesterol%2BTreatment%2BTrialists%2527%2BCtt%2BCollaborators%26rft.volume%253D380%26rft.issue%253D9841%26rft.spage%253D581%26rft.epage%253D590%26rft.atitle%253DThe%2Beffects%2Bof%2Blowering%2BLDL%2Bcholesterol%2Bwith%2Bstatin%2Btherapy%2Bin%2Bpeople%2Bat%2Blow%2Brisk%2Bof%2Bvascular%2Bdisease%253A%2Bmeta-analysis%2Bof%2Bindividual%2Bdata%2Bfrom%2B27%2Brandomised%2Btrials.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0140-6736%252812%252960367-5%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F22607822%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/S0140-6736(12)60367-5&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=22607822&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F18%2F4%2F142.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000307511400031&link_type=ISI
Effects of Anticonvulsant Medication on EEG Sleep Architecture.

Quality-of-life surveys identify fatigue and tiredness as common complaints adversely impacting patients with epilepsy (1, 2). The mechanism underlying these complaints are not well defined, although antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are frequently implicated (3). Starting an AED is frequently associated with lethargy. This effect is thought to result from the interference of AEDs on normal sleep architecture. Differences between specific AEDs, their dosage, and duration of their use, however, are not well defined. The relationship between sleep and epilepsy itself is a complicated one (2). Seizures and epileptiform discharges are more likely to occur during certain portions of sleep structure. Generally, non-rapid-eye movement (NREM) sleep increases epileptiform discharge and seizures, whereas, rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep appears to suppress seizures (4–6). Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, can exacerbate seizures. The postictal period is frequently associated with difficulty in the maintenance of wakefulness. The effects of individual AEDs on sleep architecture have been reported, although there is often a lack of preand posttreatment data and limitations in protocol length. This review of the literature was conducted to examine the effect of AEDs on sleep architecture.
Exploring pre-service teachers' beliefs about using Web 2.0 technologies in K-12 classroom

This qualitative study explored pre-service teachers' behavioral, normative, and control beliefs regarding their intentions to use Web 2.0 technologies in their future classrooms. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was used as the theoretical framework (Ajzen, 1991) to understand these beliefs and pre-service teachers' intentions for why they want to use Web 2.0 technologies. According to Ajzen's TPB, the behavioral beliefs are based on attitude toward outcomes or consequences of using Web 2.0, the normative beliefs depend on social support and social pressure to use Web 2.0, and the control beliefs lay the foundation of perceived behavioral control over using Web 2.0 in a classroom. Data were collected from open-ended survey questions (n = 190), semi-structured interviews (n = 12) and end of semester reflections (n = 12). Findings suggest that pre-service teachers' intentions to use Web 2.0 technologies are related to their beliefs about the value of these technologies for improving student learning and engagement, its ease of use (behavioral beliefs), its ability to meet the needs/expectations of digital age students (normative beliefs), the participants' high self-efficacy in use, and its potential for affording students anytime/anywhere access to learning and interaction (control beliefs). From these results, we recommend that teacher educators should target these beliefs within teacher development programs to prepare pre-service teachers for successful use of Web 2.0 technologies in their future K-12 classrooms.
High-efficiency GaAs solar cells

An updated review of the state of the art in the development of GaAs solar cells is provided, with emphasis on AlGaAs-GaAs cells suitable for space applications. A set of theoretically derived characteristics is given for this type of solar cell. Comparison of measured performance with theory shows excellent agreement. Data on the effects of radiation damage (high-energy electrons, protons, and neutrons) is also integrated into a form useful for evaluation purposes. Techniques for fabricating (AlGa)As-GaAs solar cells in quantities large enough for practical applications are discussed and are shown to have been demonstrated. The possibility of extending these techniques to the fabrication of very thin low-weight cells for space applications is also considered. Finally, the results obtained to date in the development of GaAs solar cells for applications requiring concentrated sunlight are reviewed, for terrestrial as well as for space applications. As a milestone toward the practical application of AlGaAs-GaAs solar cells in space systems, a brief account is provided on the development status of small experimental AlGaAs-GaAs solar-cell panels for specific space flights.
Hexatic vortex glass in disordered superconductors

It is shown that interaction of the flux-line lattice with randomly arranged pinning centers should destroy the long-range positional order in the lattice, but not the long-range orientational order. A new phase: hexatic vortex glass, is suggested for the mixed state of disordered, type-II superconductors. Relevance to amorphous and high-{ital T}{sub {ital c}} superconductors is discussed.
The cycle of violence

Despite widespread belief that violence begets violence, methodological problems substantially restrict knowledge of the long-term consequences of childhood victimization. Empirical evidence for this cycle of violence has been examined. Findings from a cohort study show that being abused or neglected as a child increases one's risk for delinquency, adult criminal behavior, and violent criminal behavior. However, the majority of abused and neglected children do not become delinquent, criminal, or violent. Caveats in interpreting these findings and their implications are discussed in this article.
Behavior of slaughter plant and auction employees toward the animals

AbstractAbuses of animals at auctions and slaughter plants occur often. Commonly observed abuses include the dragging of crippled animals, hitting, and excessive prodding of animals. In both auctions and slaughter plants, employees are under pressure to maintain a steady flow of animals to the auction ring or slaughter lines. In both types of facilities large numbers of animals must be moved rapidly. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavior of people handling livestock in these types of facilities. Observations of the behavior of slaughter plant managers were also made to gain a better understanding of how management behavior affects employee behavior.
Seasonal flight activity of the smaller European elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), and associates in Georgia.

The smaller European elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus (Marsham), had three distinct periods of adult flight annually in Georgia. Adults of the associated native elm bark beetle, Hylurgopinus rufipes Eichhoff, were trapped on elm logs during only one period in the spring, but some adults were reared from infested bolts in the fall. Seasonal abundance of the S. multistriatus parasite Spathius benefactor Matthews (Braconidae) showed little temporal relationship to its host. However, Entedon leucogramma Ratzeburg (Eulophidae) emergence was highly synchronized with S. multistriatus emergence. Scolytus multistriatus overwintered as fully developed larvae as in other parts of its range.
DWI in breast MRI: Role of ADC value to determine diagnosis between recurrent tumor and surgical scar in operated patients

Abstract Introduction Purpose of our study is to evaluate the role of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in the diagnosis of recurrent tumor on the scar in patients operated for breast cancer. Assess, therefore, the weight of diagnostic diffusion echo-planar sequence, in association with the morphological and dynamic sequences in the diagnosis of tumor recurrence versus surgical scar. Materials and methods From September 2007 to March 2009, 72 patients operated for breast cancer with suspected recurrence on the scar were consecutively subjected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including use of a diffusion sequence. All patients with pathological enhancement in the scar were then subjected to histological typing. MRI was considered negative in the absence of areas of suspicious enhancement. In all cases it was measured the ADC value in the scar area or in the area with pathological enhancement. The ADC values were compared with MRI findings and histological results obtained. Results 26 cases were positive/doubtful at MRI and then subjected to histological typing: of these recurrences were 20 and benign were 6. 46 cases were judged negative at MRI and therefore not sent to cyto-histology. The average ADC value of recurrences was statistically lower of scarring ( p Conclusions ADC value can be a specific parameter in differential diagnosis between recurrence and scar. The diffusion sequence, in association with the morphological and dynamic sequences, can be considered a promising tool for the surgical indication in suspected recurrence of breast cancer.
Recovery at work: The relationship between social identity and commitment among substance abuse counselors

The complex makeup of the substance abuse treatment workforce poses unique challenges to the field. One interesting dynamic is the high rate of counselors who are personally recovering from addictions. Based on social identity theory, it was expected that counselors working in the field of substance abuse treatment who are in recovery themselves will identify more with their profession and report higher professional and organizational commitment. Data from a study of substance abuse counselors from across the United States support the proposed relationship between personal recovery status and professional commitment but not organizational commitment.
In harm's way: the truth behind the movie Twister

The primary purpose of this interdisciplinary paper is to open a dialogue between meteorologists and the experts in SPIE on high-speed photogrammetry. We summarize some of the truths and half-truths conveyed by the recent blockbuster movie 'Twister.' Attempts by the meteorological community over the past 25 years to probe tornadoes and related convective vortices like dust-devils and waterspouts are summarized, with special emphasis on windspeeds near the ground. Photogrammetric estimates made by tracking debris elements and other tracers in eyewitness tornado movies yield peak values as high as 250 - 285 mph; however, there remains much uncertainty about both the accuracy and representativeness of these estimates. We believe that new digital hardware and software for image processing and photogrammetry might yield more reliable tornado windspeed estimates, if our two communities can work together; in fact, multiple simultaneous videos of a debris-laden tornado during the 1995 Vortex field project offer the prospect of 3D photogrammetric windfield synthesis.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A 0.5V 100MHz PD-SOI SRAM with enhanced read stability and write margin by asymmetric MOSFET and forward body bias

Voltage and technology scaling and increasing random variation in MOSFET characteristics reduce the operational margin of SRAM functionality, and several design techniques have been suggested to improve margins [1–3]. However, it is still difficult to achieve low-voltage operation (less than 1V) by design alone for devices such as sensor network applications using solar batteries. Design solutions combined with device techniques are required for robust SRAM operation and at the same time maintain low standby leakage.
Improved high-affinity binding of 3H-apomorphine with a subcellular membrane fraction of mammalian brain tissue.

Abstract The binding of low concentrations of [ 3 H](−)apomorphine to preparations of calf and rat forebrain tissue was evaluated. Fractionation of crude homogenates to prepare a membrane fraction (P 4 ) of striatal or caudate homogenates increased the proportion of saturable to total binding from 33% to over 80%, and increased the apparent density of binding sites from 94 to 681 fmol/mg protein. Binding in calf caudate P 4 tissue was protein-dependent and optimal at pH = 7.0 to 7.5, and T = 20 to 25°C; at higher temperatures tissue binding sites appeared to degrade. The half-time of association and dissociation at 22°C were, respectively, 14.0 and 18.5 min; equilibration was complete in 60 min. Kinetic characteristics of high-affinity binding obtained from association and dissociation constants and from saturation isotherms were similar (K d = 2.1 to 3.4 nM). The pharmacology of competition for 3 H-APO suggests selectivity for dopamine-agonist interactions. These results indicate that the P 4 membrane preparation may be useful for the evaluation of dopamine-agonist binding sites or “receptors.”
Feeding ecology of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Digestive tract contents collected from carcasses of 82 loggerhead sea turles (Caretta caretta) found on the south Texas coast from 1986 through 1988 were examined. Benthic invertebrates were the predominant prey. Sea pens (Virgularia presbytes), crabs, and mollusks accounted for 94% of the dry weight of the digestive tract samples. Temporal changes in the percent occurrence and percent dry weight of sea pens, crabs, and mollusks in the digestive tract samples were significant. Loggerheads fed primarily on sea pens during spring, then primarily on crabs during summer and fall. The increase of crabs in the loggerhead diet paralleled the annual increase in the abundance of crabs in the Gulf of Mexico. Sea pens were located nearshore at depths of 6 to 12 m and had a disjunct distribution.
Limits to opportunism in the evolution of the Arcoida (Bivalvia)

The evolution of the arcoid bivalves is a consequence of the interaction of three distinct, complementary groups of factors which determine organic form. Arcoid diversity has resulted from the opportunistic realization of possible forms, within a range set by the limitations of ancestral morphology, by characteristic growth patterns, and by the requirements of survival in available environments. Historical, phylogenetic constraints include the evolutionary heritage common to all bivalves, the filibranch gill, a shell microstructure suited to form sturdy hinge teeth, and the initial acquistion of a hinge and a ligament both based on the serial repetition of simple elements. Constructional, morphogenetic constraints include the geometrical limitations of the spiral exoskeleton, the unsuitability of the necessarily weak ligament for either epifaunal or infaunal specialization, and hinge teeth that must remain numerous and similar in form. The principal ecological determinant of arcoid form is that individual taxa be functionally adapted to live as shallow burrowers or as endobyssate or epibyssate nestlers, frequently on physically unstable substrates. This requirement is reflected in the close relationship between the overall proportions of arcoid shells and their habitats, in contrast with the conservatism of their soft-part anatomies. Analysis of the interaction between phylogeny, growth and adaptation provides sufficient explanations for individual arcoid forms, while collectively these determinants of form define the adaptive range of the Arcoida. It also yields insight into patterns of evolution. For instance, the repeated occurrence of close evolutionary convergence between arcoid taxa is as much a function of the limited range of solutions to problems of shell growth as it is of common adaptation to a single environment.
The language-like behavior of Lana chimpanzee: Is it merely discrimination and paired-associate learning?

The productions of Lana chimpanzee during an experiment that lasted 26 days were analyzed from a "stock sentence" approach and from a phrase-structure approach. In answering ques­ tions posed by the experimenter and in making requests, Lana's productions seemed to be best explained in the phrase-structure approach, in which phrases, rather than individuallexigrams, served as lexical units. Phrases were transposed, both correctly and incorrectly, and were com­ bined to convey different meanings. Thus, it was concluded that Lana's productions require a more complex model than the simple discrimination learning model suggested by Thompson and Church (1980). Recently, Thompson and Church (1980) argued that at least one data block of the language-like be­ havior of Lana chimpanzee (Rumbaugh, 1977) could be explained, for the most part, in terms of condi­ tional discriminations and paired-associate learn­ ing. A discrimination among six "stock" sentences and a choice of an appropriate lexigram as the paired associate of something in Lana's environment ac­ counted for 91070 of her sentences when the exper­ imenter was present and 66% of her sentences when the experimenter was absent. Obviously; if all of Lana's productions can be explained in this rather simple way, language-like behavior remains just that, language-like behavior. Since Lana was trained to use the system by being taught "stock" sentences, it is not surprising that much of her early behavior in the language-learning project can be accounted for in this way. These "stock" sentences, which Lana had been taught explicitly, serve as frames into which other units (lexigrams in this case) can be placed. But the number of "stock" sentences is of some importance in that if the num­ ber necessary to account for her behavior is very large, then the idea of a "stock" sentence loses its value; that is, if the number of frames becomes ex­ cessively large, it can be argued that the "stock"
Phase compensation of a separation scanned, all-sky imaging Fabry–Perot spectrometer for auroral studies

We describe a new all-sky imaging spectrometer using a separation scanned Fabry–Perot etalon. It is intended for ground-based mapping of upper atmospheric wind and temperature fields in the auroral zone. Its major advantage is that recorded spectra are not distorted by spatial and temporal brightness fluctuations in the aurora. We present a discussion of previous approaches to field widening a Fabry–Perot spectrometer, then describe the principles underlying our method. This enables comparisons with the throughput and the response to brightness fluctuations provided by previous instruments. We also describe our instrument’s optical layout, its calibration, and data analysis.
Relationship of pseudopod extension to chemotactic hormone‐induced actin polymerization in amoeboid cells

Aggregation-competent amoeboid cells of Dictyostelium discoideum are chemotactic toward cAMP. Video microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to quantitate changes in cell morphology and locomotion during uniform upshifts in the concentration of cAMP. These studies demonstrate that morphological and motile responses to cAMP are sufficiently synchronous within a cell population to allow relevant biochemical analyses to be performed on large numbers of cells. Changes in cell behavior were correlated with F-actin content by using an NBD-phallacidin binding assay. These studies demonstrate that actin polymerization occurs in two stages in response to stimulation of cells with extracellular cAMP and involves the addition of monomers to the cytochalasin D-sensitive (barbed) ends of actin filaments. The second stage of actin assembly, which peaks at 60 sec following an upshift in cAMP concentration, is temporally correlated with the growth of new pseudopods. The F-actin assembled by 60 sec is localized in these new pseudopods. These results indicate that actin polymerization may constitute one of the driving forces for pseudopod extension in amoeboid cells and that nucleation sites regulating polymerization are under the control of chemotaxis receptors.
To the Editor: Misstatements Concerning Forensic Entomology Practice in Recent Publications

Forensic entomologists have used a wide variety of terms to describe one or more aspects of the time interval since death, often called the postmortem interval (PMI). Recently Tomberlin et al. (2011) proposed the most elaborate system of PMI terminology yet in their Fig. 1. My concern is that a large number of authors, including some from the original article and some who have appeared in the Journal of Medical Entomology, have incorrectly used Tomberlin et al.'s terms. In doing so, they have mischaracterized forensic entomology practice. The problematic technical phrases are postcolonization interval (PCI) and period of insect activity (PIA). According to Tomberlin et al. (2011), PCI begins with initial colonization of a corpse, presumably by a carrion insect egg or larva. Tomberlin et al.'s PIA (which is different from that of an earlier article by Campobasso et al. 2005) begins when the first insect detects the corpse. Consider the …
Convergence S-compactifications

Properties of continuous actions on convergence spaces are investigated. The primary focus is the characterization as to when a continuous action on a convergence space can be continuously extended to an action on a compactification of the convergence space. The largest and smallest such compactifications are studied.
Assessing the Predictive Accuracy of hMLH1 and hMSH2 Mutation Probability Models

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is characterized by a susceptibility to colorectal and extra-colonic cancers. Several guidelines exist for the identification of families suspected of having HNPCC, however these guidelines lack adequate sensitivity and specificity. In an attempt to improve accuracy for the detection of individuals with HNPCC, the Wijnen pre-test probability model (1998) and Myriad Genetics Laboratory prevalence table (2004) were developed. Here we evaluate the Wijnen model and Myriad table at predicting the presence of a mutation in individuals undergoing genetic testing for HNPCC. Forty-nine patients who had undergone genetic testing for germline mutations in hMLH1 and/or hMSH2 were part of our analysis. Our results revealed that the revised Bethesda guidelines performed with the highest sensitivity for germline mutations (94.4%), however the specificity was low (12.9%). Using a 10.0% mutation probability threshold, the Wijnen model and Myriad table had sensitivities of 55.6 and 60.0%, respectively and specificities of 54.8 and 23.8%, respectively. The Wijnen model and Myriad table were poor predictors of mutation prevalence, which is shown by the areas underneath their corresponding receiver operator characteristic curves (0.616 and 0.400, respectively). The results of this study demonsrate that neither the Wijnen model nor the Myriad table are sensitive or specific enough to be used as the only indication when to offer genetic testing for HNPCC.
A description of patients’ report of endotracheal tube discomfort

Abstract The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe the type, location, and amount of endotracheal tube (ETT) discomfort. Twenty-two subjects (mean age 49.2 years) who had experienced ETT intubation for at least 6 hours (mean: 25.9 hours) after cardiac surgery, completed a 100-mm Visual Analogue Scale related to their experience with the endotracheal tube within 24 hours after extubation. A semi-structured interview was also conducted. There was no relationship between the duration of intubation and the level of discomfort described (r=−0.24; P=0.29) or between the duration of intubation and whether medications relieved the discomfort (r=0.34; P=17). All subjects described some level of discomfort. The majority stated the discomfort was in the throat area. However, 27% (n=6) described the discomfort as located in the chest. There was no difference in the level of discomfort based on discomfort location (f=−0.14; P=0.71). The discomfort locations support the notion that ETT irritation occurs at multiple levels (i.e. pharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal mucosal areas). In addition, interventions that focus on ETT stability will not be sufficient to reduce discomfort but must re-focus nursing attention on reducing ETT movement as well as the movement of all ventilator tubing.
Stability of urease in soils

Abstract Studies with surface samples of Iowa soils selected to obtain a wide range in properties showed that the following treatments of field-moist soils had no effect on urease activity: leaching with water ; drying for 24 h at temperatures ranging from 30 to 60°C ; storage for 6 months at temperatures ranging from −20 to 40°C; incubation under aerobic or waterlogged conditions at 30 or 40°C for 6 months. No loss of urease activity could be detected when field-moist soils were air-dried and stored at 21–23°C for 2yr, but complete loss of urease activity was observed when they were dried at 105°C for 24 h or autoclaved (120°C) for 2h. Inactivation of urease in moist soils was detected at temperatures above 60°C. Treatment of field-moist soils with proteolytic enzymes which cause rapid destruction of jackbean urease did not decrease urease activity, but jackbean urease was destroyed or inactivated when added to sterilized or unsterilized soils. Although no decrease in urease activity could be detected when field-moist soils were air-dried, an appreciable (9–33%) decrease in urease activity was observed when air-dried soils were incubated under aerobic or waterlogged conditions. This decrease occurred within a few days, and prolonged incubation or repetition of the drying-incubation treatment did not lead to a further decrease in urease activity. Treatment of incubated air-dried soil with urease or glucose initially increased urease activity to a level exceeding that of the undried soil, but this activity decreased with time and eventually stabilized at the level observed for the undried soil. The work reported supports the conclusions from previous work that the native urease in Iowa soils is remarkably stable and that different soils have different levels of urease activity determined by the ability of their constituents to protect urease against microbial degradation and other processes leading to inactivation of enzymes.
New ‘marker swap’ plasmids for converting selectable markers on budding yeast gene disruptions and plasmids

Marker swap plasmids can be used to change markers for genes disrupted with nutritional markers in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We describe 18 new marker swap plasmids, and we also review other plasmids available for marker conversions. All of these plasmids have long regions of flanking sequence identity, and thus the efficiency of homologous recombination mediated by marker conversion is very high. Marker swaps allow one to easily perform crosses to construct double mutant strains even if each of the disrupted strains contains the same marker, as is the case with the KanMX marker used in the yeast knockout collection. Marker swaps can also be used to change the selectable marker on plasmids, eliminating the need for subcloning.
Surface photometry of comet P/Encke

A scheme to clean cometary digital images from offending background-star trails, and this technique has been applied to a pair of deep Kitt Peak 4-m plates of comet P/Encke, taken in October 1980. Simultaneous and subsequent digital spectra have been obtained at Lick Observatory. The non-polluted coma images show a strong asymmetric sunward-oriented fan/jet, and an extended and rounder (mostly gaseous) main coma, out to approximately 100,000 km radius. The stellar-trail point-spread function has a narrow width (sigma approximately 0.6 arcsec), so that spatial resolution better than approximately 300 km is achieved at the comet. The photometric gradient near the nucleus is very steep, strongly suggesting an icy-grain component which evaporates quickly (at radii equal to or less than 500 km) in the sunlight. Further from the nucleus, the profile becomes shallower, bluer, and more gas dominated. The effect of solar radiation pressure on C2, CN, and other molecules is probably responsible for the rounding of the outer, fainter isophotes. The source of the molecules is likely to be larger than the nucleus itself, and a substantial fraction may originate in the jet. The technique described here may also be applicable in surface photometry of galaxies, in cases where the heavy image pollution by foreground stars is present.
The Logic of Rational Decision

Philosophy has long struggled with the problem of deducing one imperative sentence from another. Do the same laws of logic govern such deductions as apply to declarative sentences, or different laws? If different, can the laws of logic applying to imperatives be derived from the laws applying to declaratives?
Influence of a controllable scatterer on lasing properties of an ultra-low threshold Raman-laser

Lasing properties of an ultra-low threshold microsphere Raman laser are studied with a near-field probe. The probe is modelled as a Rayleigh scatterer and its influence on the lasing process is investigated.
Interaction of oxo-bridged vanadium(III) phenanthroline and bipyridine dimers with DNA.

Cationic μ-oxo V(III) dimers of the type [V2OL4Cl2]2+ (L = 1,10-phenanthroline, 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, or 2,2‘-bipyridine) are shown to interact ...
Amorphous and nanocrystalline materials for applications as soft magnets

Abstract This review seeks to summarize the recent developments in the synthesis, structural characterization, properties, and applications in the fields of amorphous, bulk amorphous, and nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials. Conventional physical metallurgical approaches to improving soft ferromagnetic properties have relied on the optimization of chemical and microstructural features. Within the last decade, the development and rapid increase in research of nanocrystalline materials has shown that through proper modifications, revolutionary contributions can be made to better materials’ properties. A wide range of materials’ properties are examined in this review, including: kinetics and thermodynamics, structure, microstructure, and intrinsic and extrinsic magnetic properties.
Evaluation of pain in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract In this study we have developed and tested a novel pain questionnaire to measure the pain experienced by patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The questionnaire consisted of 8 questions rated by the patient on a visual analog scale. Patients completed the questionnaire at the time of initial presentation before surgical treatment. None of the patients were taking analgesics. The responses were then scored and compiled with patient data and pathology reports. Of the 15 completed questionnaires, 14 patients reported some level of functional restriction from pain (mean, 46.6 ± 25.2, scale of 0 to 100 mm). On average, patients experienced significantly higher function-related, rather than spontaneous, pain intensity and sharpness. Men (n = 8) had a significantly higher level of function-related pain intensity and sharpness than women had (n = 7). There was a strong correlation between nodal disease and increased levels of spontaneous intensity, sharpness, throbbing, and overall functional restriction. Perspective The results of this study indicate the heterogeneous nature and function dependence of oral cancer pain. The questionnaire we have developed in this study will allow for correlations between pain parameters and specific tumor biology in future studies.
Pseudomonas Fluorescens Penetration of Egg Shell Membranes as Influenced by Shell Porosity, Age of Egg and Degree of Bacterial Challenge

Abstract BACTERIAL entry into the shell egg has been a subject of considerable interest for a number of years as evidenced by the review of Lorenz et al. (1952). Observations made by Sharp (1937) indicated that the shell pores were the major breach for penetration of microorganisms into the egg. Haines (1939) reported that eggs with a higher shell porosity had a more rapid rate of infection than those of lower shell porosity. These findings were also substantiated by Kraft et al. (1958). Elliott (1954) investigated the influence of aging of eggs on their susceptibility to bacterial infection and found that eggs which were stored and then artificially inoculated with bacteria were more readily infected than fresh eggs. MacLaury and Moran (1959) observed a similar susceptibility of aged eggs. Rosser (1942) found that the degree of bacterial contamination on the shell surface was directly related to the percent of infected eggs.
Concept of three-pass 4-F amplifying system for ICF driver

The concept of a three-pass amplification system was developed. There was no large aperture Pockels cell and polarizer in the system. A special beam transformer was adopted to ensure the beam match and diminish self-oscillating in the cavity by insertion of a small size optical switch. Some preliminary simulation results are given to optimize the design.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Epidemiology and clinical outcomes of infective endocarditis in hemodialysis patients.

Background Infective endocarditis is one of the most serious complications of bacteremia in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis and is more frequent than previously recognized. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical characteristics, outcome, and factors predicting mortality of infective endocarditis in hemodialysis patients. Methods In this retrospective review, all patients on chronic hemodialysis admitted to a 600-bed urban teaching hospital with infective endocarditis over a 15-year period (1990 to 2004), were identified using discharge codes. Modified Duke criteria were retrospectively applied, and patients fulfilling the criteria for definite endocarditis were included in the study. Results Sixty-nine patients on hemodialysis with definite endocarditis were identified. The predominant type of vascular access was double-lumen catheter (66.7%). The mean duration of dialysis was 37 ± 32 months. The predominant organism was Staphylococcus aureus (57.9%), of which 57.5% were methicillin susceptible. The most frequently infected valve was mitral (49.3%), followed by aortic (21.7%) and tricuspid (10.1%) valves. The cardiac and neurologic complication rates were 40.6% and 37.7%, respectively. Fifteen patients underwent valvular heart surgery. The overall in-hospital mortality was 49.3% (34 of 69). More patients who had surgery survived than patients who did not (12 of 15 versus 23 of 54; p = 0.018, odds ratio=5.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 17.6). On logistic regression, valve surgery was the only independent factor predicting survival ( p = 0.023). Conclusions The prognosis of infective endocarditis in hemodialysis patients is poor, with surgery serving as an independent predictor of survival.
Comparative study of a new Chrysosporium species with Histoplasma capsulatum.

The Chrysosporium state of a new ascomycete, Renispora flavissima (Gymnoascaceae), resembles Histoplasma capsulatum in its macroconidial morphology. It was discovered growing in bat guano, from which it was readily isolated by direct plating of diluted soil, but only rarely from mice inoculated with soil suspensions. The fungus was consistently reisolated from tissues of mice inoculated intravenously and intraperitoneally with conidial and mycelial suspensions from cultures of the fungus. Nevertheless, there is no evidence that this species is pathogenic. Cultures grew at 37°C, but did not convert to a yeast form on agar media or within cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages. Although the hyphae and conidia of this fungus fluoresce when stained with H. capsulatum fluorescent antibodies, exoantigens of the fungus produce neither H nor M precipitin bands, thus differentiating it from H. capsulatum. Both H. capsulatum and the new Chrysosporium sp. demonstrate isozyme polymorphism, and isozymic differences hav...
Large-scale relative localization across spatial frequency channels

Large-scale relative localization accuracy is measured with objects that stimulate different ranges of spatial frequencies. The author has previously made measurements using objects that stimulate only high-spatial-frequency channels or only low-spatial-frequency channels and found no effect of spatial frequency. In the present study, relative localization accuracy, i.e. interval discrimination, is measured with an object pair consisting of a low-spatial-frequency object and a high-spatial-frequency object. Relative localization accuracy for this cross-channel stimulus is as high as for the same-channel stimuli used previously, showing that the relative localization mechanism operates effectively across spatial frequency channels.
Far-infrared spectroscopy of the troposphere (FIRST): flight performance and data processing

The radiative balance of the troposphere, and hence global climate, is dominated by the infrared absorption and emission of water vapor, particularly at far-infrared (far-IR) wavelengths from 15-50 μm. Current and planned satellites observe the infrared region to about 15.4 μm, ignoring spectral measurement of the far-IR region from 15 to 100μm. The far-infrared spectroscopy of the troposphere (FIRST) project, flown in June 2005, provided a balloon-based demonstration of the two key technologies required for a space-based far-IR spectral sensor. We discuss the FIRST Fourier transform spectrometer system (0.6 cm -1 unapodized resolution), its radiometric calibration in the spectral range from 10 to 100 μm, and its performance and science data from the flight. Two primary and two secondary goals are given and data presented to show the goals were achieved by the FIRST flight.
Seeing Beyond Visibility: A Four Way Fusion of User Authentication for Efficient Usable Security on Mobile Devices

Security and usability plays an important role in the success in today's computer, mobile, and technology based system. In these systems, security gets higher priority for high security measures ignoring the fact that the system may lead to an unusable one. However, everyday technology users need a system that is usable and also safe. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for usable security for mobile system i.e. a mobile system that will be usable and also secured. Traditional mobile device authentication techniques do not consider the combination of user biometrics, environmental information, and information provided by the sensors within the pervasive system. In this paper, we present a four way fusion of user authentication techniques for efficient usable security on mobile devices. In this approach user is not required to remember any alphanumeric password. The location traces, gait pattern, emotion of user and context of an image is used as metric for authentication. This system silently does authentication using location traces and gait pattern of its user. If the silent authentication fails then system authenticates its users based on user's emotion sequence and an image context previously stored by the user. Our proposed fusion based authentication technique can be useful for numerous real life scenarios where mobile device security is important.
Transportation and income inequality in China: 1978–2007

Abstract This paper mainly studies how various types of transportation modes are associated with income inequality in China for the years between 1978 and 2007. Gini coefficients are used to measure the income inequality nationwide, and within urban and rural areas of China. Factors other than transportation are also considered in the regression model, including a few demographic variables and major economic indicators. We contribute to the literature by examining the income redistributive effects of transport infrastructure and services, and providing transport planning and policy guidance which may alter the orientation of public policy and help alleviate the growing social and economic imbalance in China.
The Growth of Polystyrene Latex Particles

Abstract Our understanding of the factors controlling the growth of polystyrene latex particles has recently undergone extensive revision. For this compatible monomer-polymer system, it was generally presumed that monomer and polymer were uniformly distributed throughout the particles, whereas we have found quite the contrary. Under a wide range of conditions, growing latex particles actually exhibit a distributed structure in which a monomer-rich shell encapsulates a polymer-rich core. First elucidated in kinetic studies of styrene emulsion polymerization, this behavior has also been observed in particles which reside in a state of equilibrium saturation with monomer. The encapsulation phenomenon is governed by the microscopic thermodynamic environment of the latex particles which has, in turn, a profound effect upon the conformational behavior of the long-chain polymer molecules as they interact with the particle-water interface. The control of latex particle properties by the staged addition of several...
Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Development and Validation of an Algorithm to Classify Tests in Administrative and Laboratory Data

The purpose of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and abdominal ultrasound (US) cannot be discerned in administrative data. We developed an algorithm to identify AFP and US used as surveillance tests for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated 300 AFP and 301 US tests from a VA database. Surveillance predictors in the administrative files (diagnoses, labs) were examined in logistic regression models. We calculated model-based probabilities of HCC surveillance status, and developed classification procedures using single and multiple imputation methods. The predictors of surveillance intent for AFP were absence of alcoholism, abdominal pain, ascites, diabetes and high AST levels. For US, the predictors of surveillance were prior AFP testing and HIV status and absence of abdominal pain, ascites, or drug dependence. For AFP classification, single imputation compared favorably with multiple imputation, both showing robustness in discrimination and calibration. For US both approaches were less robust in discrimination and calibration which was more moderate in multiple imputation than single imputation. Predictive algorithms in administrative files can be used to identify AFP performed for HCC surveillance, however, the intent of US is more difficult to identify.