cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbon isotopic heterogeneity of coenzyme F430 and membrane lipids in methane-oxidizing archaea.

Archaeal ANaerobic MEthanotrophs (ANME) facilitate the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM), a process that is believed to proceed via the reversal of the methanogenesis pathway. Carbon isotopic composition studies indicate that ANME are metabolically diverse and able to assimilate metabolites including methane, methanol, acetate, and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Our data support the interpretation that ANME in marine sediments at methane seeps assimilate both methane and DIC, and the carbon isotopic compositions of the tetrapyrrole coenzyme F430 and the membrane lipids archaeol and hydroxy‐archaeol reflect their relative proportions of carbon from these substrates. Methane is assimilated via the methyl group of CH3‐tetrahydromethanopterin (H4MPT) and DIC from carboxylation reactions that incorporate free intracellular DIC. F430 was enriched in ^(13)C (mean δ^(13)C = −27‰ for Hydrate Ridge and −80‰ for the Santa Monica Basin) compared to the archaeal lipids (mean δ^(13)C = −97‰ for Hydrate Ridge and −122‰ for the Santa Monica Basin). We propose that depending on the side of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle used to synthesize F430, its carbon was derived from 76% DIC and 24% methane via the reductive side or 57% DIC and 43% methane via the oxidative side. ANME lipids are predicted to contain 42% DIC and 58% methane, reflecting the amount of each assimilated into acetyl‐CoA. With isotope models that include variable fractionation during biosynthesis for different carbon substrates, we show the estimated amounts of DIC and methane can result in carbon isotopic compositions of − 73‰ to − 77‰ for F430 and − 105‰ for archaeal lipids, values close to those for Santa Monica Basin. The F430 δ^(13)C value for Hydrate Ridge was ^(13)C‐enriched compared with the modeled value, suggesting there is divergence from the predicted two carbon source models.
Effects of Orthostatic Position in Point of Care Lung Ultrasound in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure; a Potential for Simple Interventions

Introduction Point of care lung ultrasound (LUS) has been applied for the bedside assessment of B-lines. B-lines are reverberation artifacts, originating from water-thickened pulmonary interlobular septa that may help in the detection and monitoring of extravascular lung water. In this context, the purpose of this research was to assess the dynamic features of B-line measurements during changes in position in patients with heart failure. Methods and Results The study population consisted of individuals who were nearing completion of in-hospital decongestion for acute decompensated heart failure, Screened patients met the inclusion criteria of having no more than grade 1 peripheral edema and JVP Conclusions These preliminary results underscore the dramatic and rapid effects of patient positioning upon B-line scores among patients with heart failure. These results have implications for the use of lung ultrasound for patient triage in the emergency department, decisions about timing of hospital discharge and for potential applications related to experimental therapeutics.
Neuroimaging Phenotypes Associated With Risk and Resilience for Psychosis and Autism Spectrum Disorders in 22q11.2 Microdeletion Syndrome

Identification of biological risk factors that contribute to the development of complex neuropsychiatric disorders such as psychosis and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is key for early intervention and detection. Furthermore, parsing the biological heterogeneity associated with these neuropsychiatric syndromes will help us understand the neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric symptom development. The 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11DS) is caused by a recurrent genetic mutation that carries significantly increased risk for developing psychosis and/or ASD. In this review, I provide an brief introduction to 22q11DS and discuss common phenotyping strategies that are used to assess psychosis and ASD in this population. I then summarize neuroimaging phenotypes associated with psychosis and ASD in 22q11.DS. Next, I discuss challenges within the field and provide practical suggestions to overcome these obstacles. Finally, I discuss future directions for moving 22q11DS risk and resilience research forward.
Mechanisms of drug-eluting stent restenosis

Drug-eluting stents (DES) were developed to overcome in-stent restenosis (ISR), which has long been considered the main complication limiting the long-term efficacy of coronary stenting. New-generation DES which composed of advanced stent design with and without specific biocompatible polymer contributes a reduction of the incidence of ISR to rate ranging from 5 to 10%. The precise reasons of DES restenosis are still controversial and not fully understood. Angiographic and coronary images at the index procedure, systemic status of patients, medications, and intracoronary imaging at ISR site are all considered to find the possible mechanisms of DES restenosis. Multiple biological, genetic, mechanical, and technical factors might intricately contribute to DES restenosis. Biological and genetic factors of ISR are not able to be sufficiently modified by the current medical approaches. Tailored treatments avoiding mechanical and technical factors of ISR are required to reduce DES restenosis. Elucidation of DES restenosis leads to further improvement in the current DES system and finds the optimal approach to treat DES restenosis. The possible mechanisms of DES restenosis are discussed in this review.
τ → ρ π π ν decays

The effective chiral theory of mesons is applied to study the four decay modes of $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\ensuremath{\tau}}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\nu}.$ The theoretical values of the branching ratios are in agreement with the data. The theory predicts that the ${a}_{1}$ resonance plays a dominant role in these decays. There is no new parameter in this study.
Moravia: A 3-,8-Connected Cubic Structural Pattern in Space Group Pm3m

This paper describes the crystal structure of a novel, hypothetical 3-,8-connected cubic structural pattern with the binary stoichiometry AB. The novel pattern lies in space group Pm3m, number 221. It possesses the Wells point symbol (468)(48) and has the Wellsean Schlafli index (6.5185, 4.3636). The structure-type could be representative of a binary metal oxide in which the metal cation attains a relatively high oxidation state of 5+. Possible metal oxide models for the structure-type include MO (where M is a Group 6 or 7 element).
Recent advances in the metal–organic framework-based electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in water splitting: a review

Water splitting is an important technology for alternative and sustainable energy storage, and a way for the production of hydrogen without generating pollution. In recent years, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have become the most capable multifunctional resources because of their high surface areas, tunable porosity, simple modification of compositions, and potential for use as precursors with a variety of morphological structures. Based on these qualities, many MOFs and their derived materials are utilized as electrocatalysts for the water splitting reaction. Herein, we assembled the relevant literature in recent years about MOF and MOF-derived materials for their eminent electrocatalytic activity in water splitting with useful strategies for the design and preparation of catalysts, along with challenges. This review summarizes the advancement in MOF materials, elucidating different strategies for its role in water splitting.
On the dynamics of point vortices for the 2D Euler equation with $L^p$ vorticity

We study the evolution of solutions to the 2D Euler equations whose vorticity is sharply concentrated in the Wasserstein sense around a finite number of points. Under the assumption that the vorticity is merely $L^p$ integrable for some $p>2$, we show that the evolving vortex regions remain concentrated around points, and these points are close to solutions to the Helmholtz--Kirchhoff point vortex system.
Die Anatomie des Grid

„Grid Computing“ hat sich als wichtiger neuer Bereich etabliert, der sich dadurch vom konventionellen „Distributed Computing“ unterscheidet, dass es hier primar um den gemeinsamen Zugriff auf sehr groβe Ressourcenpools geht, die innovative Applikationen und in manchen Fallen eine hoch performante Orientierung bieten. In diesem Artikel wollen wir diesen neuen Sektor definieren, wobei wir uns zunachst das „Grid-Problem“ ansehen, das wir als flexiblen, sicheren und koordinierten Zugriff auf gemeinsame Ressourcen in dynamischen Gruppen von Personen, Institutionen und Ressourcen definieren, die wir im Folgenden als vir- tuelle Organisation bezeichnen werden. In Szenarien dieser Art befassen wir uns mit Themen wie die eindeutige Authentifizierung und Autorisierung, den Zugriff auf und die Entdeckung von Ressourcen und anderen Herausforderungen. Und gerade fur diese Klasse von Problemen bietet die Grid-Technologie Losungsan- satze. Als nachstes stellen wir eine skalierbare und offene Grid-Architektur dar, die Protokolle, Services, Application Program Interfaces und Software Develop- ment Kits anhand ihrer Rolle bei der Realisierung des Ressourcen-Sharing kata- logisiert werden. Wir beschreiben die Voraussetzungen, die Mechanismen dieser Art unseres Erachtens erfullen mussen und erortern, wie wichtig es ist, eine kom- pakte Familie von Integrid-Protokollen zu definieren, die fur die Interoperabilitat der verschiedenen Grid-Systeme sorgen. Zum Schluss beschreiben wir, wie Grid- Technologien mit anderen aktuellen Technologien wie die unternehmensweite Integration, Application-Service-Providing, Storage-Service-Providing und Peer-to- Peer-Computing zusammenhangen. Wir sind der Auffassung, dass Grid-Konzepteund Technologien diese anderen Ansatze nicht nur erganzen, sondern insgesamt aufwerten konnen.
Bias in the Localization of Curved Edges

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental analysis of the bias in the localization of edges detected from the zeros of the second derivative of the image in the direction of its gradient, such as the Canny edge detector. Its contributions over previous art are: a quantification of the localization bias as a function of the scale σ of the smoothing filter and the radius of curvature R of the edge, which unifies, without any approximation, previous results that independently studied the case of R≫σ or σ≫ R; the determination of an optimal scale at which edge curvature can be accurately recovered for circular objects; and a technique to compensate for the localization bias which can be easily incorporated into existing algorithms for edge detection. The theoretical results are validated by experiments with synthetic data, and the bias correction algorithm introduced here is reduced to practice on real images.
Test Time Determination by End Wall Pressure Measurement in an Arc-Driven Shock Tube

Conclusions A probe for the measurement of flow direction in one plane, as well as of stagnation pressure, has been constructed, calibrated, and used in a study of flow about a transonic airfoil. The tip dimensions are comparable to those of the smallest boundary-layer pitot probes in current use, while the resulting data contain an extra dimension of information.
Image, Text, and Religious Reform in Fifteenth-Century England

Introduction. Reformations of the image 1. Lollard iconographies 2. Hoccleve's spectacles 3. Lydgate's refigurations of the image 4. Capgrave's material memorials 5. Pecock's libri laicorum Coda. Words for images.
Generic Graph Algorithms for Sparse Matrix Ordering

Fill-reducing sparse matrix orderings have been a topic of active research for many years. Although most such algorithms are developed and analyzed within a graph-theoretical framework, for reasons of performance the corresponding implementations are typically realized with programming languages devoid of language features necessary to explicitly represent graph abstractions. Recently, generic programming has emerged as a programming paradigm capable of providing high levels of performance in the presence of programming abstractions. In this paper we present an implementation of the Minimum Degree ordering algorithm using the newly-developed Generic Graph Component Library. Experimental comparisons show that, despite our heavy use of abstractions, our implementation has performance indistinguishable from that of a widely used Fortran implementation.
Current carrying capacity of copper conductors in printed wiring boards

The effect of thermal management of the copper conductors on PWBs (printed wiring boards) having different dimensions and arrangements is discussed. Design charts have been generated to include the parameters of conductor thickness from 1 to 3 oz, width from 5 to 20 mils, spacing at 8 mils, board thickness from 31 to 62 mils, input current, and temperature rise up to 50/spl deg/C. The analysis is based on finite element modeling with a heat transfer film coefficient obtained from infrared thermal imaging analysis of a test board. Of all the geometric parameters considered, conductor width and spacing are the primary parameters influencing thermal resistance. Conductor thickness is next, and board thickness proves to be the least sensitive parameter. >
Neisseria meningitidis accelerates ferritin degradation in host epithelial cells to yield an essential iron source.

Summary In order to colonize humans and cause disease, pathogenic bacteria must assimilate iron from their host. The vast majority of non-haem iron in humans is localized intracellularly, within the storage molecule ferritin. Despite the vast reserves of iron within ferritin, no pathogen has been demonstrated previously to exploit this molecule as an iron source. Here, we show that the Gram-negative diplococcus Neisseria meningitidis can trigger rapid redistribution and degradation of cytosolic ferritin within infected epithelial cells. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that cytosolic ferritin is aggregated and recruited to intracellular meningococci (MC). The half-life of ferritin within cultured epithelial cells was found to decrease from 20.1 to 5.3 h upon infection with MC. Supplementation of infected epithelial cells with ascorbic acid abolished ferritin redistribution and degradation and prevented intracellular MC from replicating. The lysosomal protease inhibitor leupeptin slowed ferritin turnover and also retarded MC replication. Our laboratory has shown recently that MC can interfere with transferrin uptake by infected cells (Bonnah R.A., et al., 2000, Cell Microbiol 2: 207–218) and that, perhaps as a result, the infected cells have a transcriptional profile indicative of iron starvation (Bonnah, R.A., et al., 2004, Cell Microbiol 6: 473–484). In view of these findings, we suggest that accelerated ferritin degradation occurs as a response to an iron starvation state induced by MC infection and that ferritin degradation provides intracellular MC with a critical source of iron.
Particle Energization in an Expanding Magnetized Relativistic Plasma

Using a 21 / 2-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) code to simulate the relativistic expansion of a magnetized collisionless plasma into a vacuum, we report a new mechanism in which the magnetic energy is efficiently converted into the directed kinetic energy of a small fraction of surface particles. We study this mechanism for both electron-positron and electron-ion (m(i)/m(e)=100, m(e) is the electron rest mass) plasmas. For the electron-positron case, the pairs can be accelerated to ultrarelativistic energies. For electron-ion plasmas, most of the energy gain goes to the ions.
Response of the uranyl-oxalate actinometer to the ultraviolet solar radiation, at elevations ranging between 0–3500 metres

Mechanically stirred actinometric solutions of uranyl oxalate, sensitive to radiation below 4300 A, are found to respond consistently to conditions of solar radiation which are met in Italy during summer, at elevations between 0–3500 metres. The instrumentation developed permits to monitor the course of radiation-dependent chemical reactions in solution, under sunlight.
Oxalacetic acid as amino group acceptor in transamination

Abstract 1. 1. Extracts of pig heart and rat liver have been tested for their ability to catalyze the transfer of amino groups of seven amino acids to oxalacetic acid. With the exception of glutamic acid, no transaminase activity was observed. 2. 2. Kritzman and Samarina's fractionation scheme for the isolation of a purified “asparticoalanine aminopherase” has been applied to pigeon and chicken livers. No activity could be demonstrated. The glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase system, however, was found to be active in all the fractions tested.
Unification of nuclear structure models

Abstract A unified scheme for describing properties of nuclei is suggested. This scheme is based on the introduction of bosonic degrees of freedom and attempts to bring together the shell model, the collective model and the cluster model.
Suicide Prevention in Older Adults: An Interdisciplinary Challenge

Suicide among older adults represents one of the most salient and intractable problems in geriatric mental health. As indicated by Heisel and Duberstein (this issue), despite advances in conceptual models of late-life suicide, risk-factor assessment, and intervention strategies targeting at-risk elderly, prevalence rates of elder suicide remain high. Although partly explained by conceptual, methodological, and systemic barriers that hinder research, these persisting high rates may also be attributable to practice models that, until recently, did not adequately recognize elder suicide as a public health problem calling for an interdisciplinary solution. Greater attention to targeted assessment and intervention for select subgroups, to public health and policy issues, and to implementation of interdisciplinary practice models may assist suicide prevention efforts.
Individual differences in voluntary ethanol consumption lead to differential activation of the central amygdala in rats: relationship to the anxiolytic and stimulant effects of low dose ethanol.

Background Although alcohol use disorders and anxiety disorders are highly comorbid, the relationship between these 2 disorders is not fully understood. Previous work from our laboratory shows that anxiety-like behavior is highly variable in outbred Long-Evans rats and is related to the level of voluntary ethanol (EtOH) consumption, suggesting that basal anxiety state influences EtOH intake. To further examine the relationship between the acquisition of EtOH consumption and anxiety phenotype, Long-Evans rats were assessed for anxiety-like behavior and neuronal activation following voluntary EtOH consumption in a limited access drinking paradigm. Methods Rats were allowed to self-administer EtOH (6% v/v) for 4 days using a limited access drinking in the dark paradigm and divided into high- and low-drinking groups based on a median split of average daily EtOH intake. Immediately following the fourth drinking session, animals were tested on the elevated plus maze and evaluated for anxiety-like behaviors. Fos immunoreactivity was assessed in the central and basolateral amygdala, as well as the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Results High EtOH drinkers spent significantly more time on the open arms of the plus maze than low EtOH drinkers. High EtOH drinkers also had increased locomotor activity as compared to both low EtOH drinkers and water drinkers. Fos immunoreactivity was positively correlated with EtOH consumption in all brain regions examined, although Fos-positive cell counts were only significantly different between high and low EtOH drinkers in the central amygdala (CeA). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that outbred rats will voluntarily consume behaviorally effective doses of EtOH in a short-term access model and EtOH consumption is positively correlated with increased neuronal activation in the CeA.
Isolation, composition, and structure of cell walls of filamentous and yeast-like forms of Mucor rouxii.

Chemically intact cell walls of filamentous and yeast-like forms of Mucor rouxii were isolated. Comparative studies were made on their composition and structure to explore possible morphogenetic implications. Both types of cell walls exhibited a complex chemical composition consisting of polysaccharides (glucosamine, galactose, mannose and fucose), phosphate, proteins (at least 13 common amino acids), lipids (readily extracted and bound), purines and pyrimidines (RNA type), Mg2+ and Ca2+. Chitosan was the most abundant component of both types of cell walls. Chitin was present in smaller quantities. No qualitative differences were found between the two types of cell walls. Major quantitative differences were found in protein, purine-pyrimidine, and especially mannose content, all of which were higher in the yeast walls. Electron microscopy of ultrathin section of whole cells showed pronounced differences in thickness and fine structure of the walls. Whereas yeast walls were seemingly composed of two layers, no distinct layering was apparent in filamentous walls, which were only one tenth as thick as yeast walls.
Sj, a new antigen in the MN system, and further studies on Tm.

Summary. A serum containing antibody activity within the MN blood group system is described. Absorption studies showed that the serum detects two new antigenic determinants that have been named Tm and Sj. The results obtained when 1,400 bloods, 500 from Negroes and 900 from Caucasians, were tested for ten antigens in the MN system — M, M1, N, S, s, U, Hu, He, Tm and Sj — are presented. Unlike most of the recently described new antigens in the MN system both Tm and Sj are of fairly high frequency in Caucasians and Negroes. Calculations of gene frequencies from these data are published in an accompanying paper [7].
Implementation of a formal treatment agreement for outpatient management of chronic nonmalignant pain with opioid analgesics

We describe the creation and implementation of a formal treatment agreement between patients suffering from chronic nonmalignant pain and the pain management team at our institution. Key features of the agreement include acknowledgement that previous treatment strategies have been inadequate, use of extensive written explanations of the side effects and risks of opioid therapy (including the potential for addiction), outlining of the conditions under which therapy will be conducted, creation of a broad support structure of fully informed health professionals to monitor closely and protect the patient, and emphasis on the importance of pain relief coupled to enhanced function via the active continuation of other therapy. All patients carry a Medical Alert card identifying them as participants in the program. During the past 3 years, a total of 67 patients with refractory nonmalignant pain have been successfully treated with oral opioids using the agreement as a basis for therapy. The treatment agreement provides the necessary structure to formalize this therapeutic approach and emphasizes the mutual responsibilities of the patient and the pain management team.
Interpretation of Mesocyclone Vorticity and Divergence Structure from Single-Doppler Radar.

Abstract A kinematic mesocyclone model is developed to better approximate mesocyclone flows observed by single-Doppler radar. The model is described by two general flow regimes: an inner core region where velocity varies directly with radius from the center of the flow and an outer flow region where velocity varies inversely with radius. The new model differs from the traditional circular mesocyclone model in that the shape of the inner flow is described by an ellipse of specified eccentricity, and the vorticity and divergence structures of the inner flow region are nonuniform and described by simple functions. The effects of flow shape, vorticity and divergence structures, radar viewing angle, and radar resolution on the flow appearance and data interpretation are examined. One traditional measure of mesocyclone intensity is the shear measured between the relative peaks of incoming and outgoing Doppler velocity. In noncircular flows or flows where the vorticity structure is not uniform, shear is found to...
Evaluations of Moderately Typical Products: The Role of Within- Versus Cross-Manufacturer Comparisons

Two studies examined how the valence of a core brand category and the typicality of a new product combine to influence product evaluations. The results show that when the product is moderately typical of the core brand category, the accessibility, relevance, and distinctness of the manufacturer's core brand prompt participants to use the manufacturer's product line as a standard of comparison. Thus, they evaluate an extension product less favorably if it is moderately typical of a favorable core brand than if it is moderately typical of an unfavorable one. When the product description contains additional information about the extension, however, this difference is reversed among consumers who are knowledgeable about the general product category. These consumers use the general product category as a standard of comparison rather the core brand per se.
Inversion and interpretation of a 3D seismic data set from the Ouachita Mountains, Oklahoma

Acoustic impedance inversion (AI) and simultaneous angle-dependent inversion (SADI) of a 3D seismic data set characterize reservoirs of Mississippian Morrowan age in the triangle zone of the frontal Ouachita Mountains, Oklahoma. Acoustic impedance of the near-angle seismic data images the 3D spatial distributions of Wapanucka limestone and Cromwell sandstone. Lame parameters×density ( λρ and μρ ) and λ∕μ sections are derived from the P-wave and S-wave impedance ( IP and IS ) sections produced by the SADI. Lithology is identified from the gamma logs and μρ . The VP ∕ VS , λρ , and λ∕μ are interpreted in terms of a hydrocarbon distribution pattern. The IP is used to identify high IP regions that are consistent with high sand/shale ratio. The estimated impedances and derived Lame parameter sections are consistent with the interpretation that parts of the Wapanucka limestone and Cromwell sandstone contain potential gas reservoirs in fault-bounded compartments. The Cromwell sandstone contains the main inferred...
The epidemic of prostate cancer and the medical literature: a causal association?

The diagnosis of prostate cancer has undergone an unprecedented recent increase, while mortality has increased much more slowly. We examined new prostate cancer diagnoses from 1987–1992 in a nationwide prospective cohort study of 51 529 men enrolled in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, a population likely to be medically sophisticated and thus early to adopt medical innovations. The age-adjusted incidence of prostate cancer rose approximately 2½ fold during the study period. Nearly all of the increase occurred among organ-confined tumors, with a smaller increase for regionally-advanced tumors and none for metastatic tumors. Using a Poisson regression model of newly-diagnosed cancers, we found organ-confined cancers rose abruptly by 86% (95% CI: 36–256%; P=0.0001) and regionally-advanced tumors by 73% (95% CI:12–267%; P=0.01) after March, 1991, when a study advocating screening using the prostate specific antigen (PSA) was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The recent increase in the incidence of prostate cancer is probably due to the increased PSA screening of asymptomatic men, resulting in the diagnosis of large numbers of men with early-stage disease from 1990 onward. Despite ongoing debate over the value of PSA screening, the rate of diagnosis accelerated sharply after the publication of a well-publicized but inconclusive study advocating screening. In a context of growing disease awareness, well-publicized research reports may result in unexpectedly amplified acceptance into medical practice.
Bounds on the error in the linear approximation to the renewal function

SIUMMARY It is assumed throughout that we have a renewal situation, specified by a 'lifetime' probability density f(x) which decreases in an exponential manner as x -* oo. In particular, if f(x) is dominated by the exponential function A e-3lx for some A > 0, f > 0, it is shown that the error in the linear approximation to the renewal function also decays exponentially fast as x -? oo. To determine the constants involved, it is necessary to have some knowledge about the location of the roots of the characteristic equation. One method for obtaining the required information is described, and applications given to the case of gamma density functions. A similar analysis is possible (and the details are indicated) for approximations to the renewal density, and to higher renewal moments.
Hantaviral biosafety issues in the autopsy room and laboratory: Concerns and recommendations

The need to perform autopsies on and examine laboratory specimens from patients with hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has raised questions about biosafety. Human illness associated with hantaviruses is usually the result of exposure to infectious aerosols from saliva or excreta of wild rodents. It is unclear whether or nor certain autopsy and laboratory procedures can also generate similar potentially infectious aerosols. As the biosafety information developed for the HPS agent is limited and the consequences of infection are serious we recommend a cautious approach. Autopsy prosectors should use N-95 particulate respirators as a minimum standard. If aerosols will be generated they should use N-100 particulate respirators or powered air purifying respirators with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Centrifugation and cytocentrifugation of blood or body fluid samples should be performed in bio-contained systems and these specimen containers should be opened in a class II biological safety cabinet.
Heterogeneity in Keratoconus: Possible Biochemical Basis:

Total protein and collagen content in normal and keratoconus corneas were determined. The protein content (expressed as a function of dry weight) in all keratoconus corneal samples was lower than that found in normal corneas. However, among the 11 keratoconus corneas examined, only 7 (group A) had the same hydroxyproline content (expressed as a function of dry weight) as normal corneas; 4 others (group B) showed significantly less. In tissue culture, four strains derived from keratoconus stroma (group I) produced total protein at the same rate as cells from normal controls. Four other strains (group II), however, had a decreased rate of protein synthesis. The amount of collagenous protein synthesized per microgram DNA by group I strains was similar to that found in normal cultures, whereas it was significantly reduced in group II cultures. We suggest that group I strains represent group A corneas. Group II strains, with a reduced level of both protein and collagen synthesis, may represent group B corneas. The defect in this group appears to be decreased total synthetic activity of corneal cells. The variation in our results suggests that keratoconus is a heterogeneous disease. The heterogeneity may explain the contradictory data that exist in the literature.
RESPONSE TIMES IN ADDING AND MULTIPLYING SINGLE-DIGIT NUMBERS

Summary.-2 experiments were conducted to test certain hypotheses concerning processes involved in mental addition and multiplication. Ss were required to make simultaneous manual and vocal responses to a series of simple arithmetic problems consisting of two single-digit numbers. The effects of practice, individual differences, and sex differences on response times were examined. In general, results indicated that Ss employ a variety of techniques in performing mental computations, depending on the rype of arithmetic operation, amount of practice, and individual differences in computational ability. Results did not permit a clear choice among the random-access retrieval, analogincrementing, and complete analog models. Both random and sequential (or hierarchical) access processes seem to be involved in performing mental arithmetic. Several recent investigations (Suppes & Groen, 1967; Aiken & Williams, 1968; Restle, 1970; Aiken, 1971; Parkman & Groen, 1971; Parkman, 1972) have been concerned wich the psychophysical functions relating speed of comparing and adding simple numbers to the magnitudes of the numbers. Although response times for comparing two single-digit numbers can be fitted fairly well by an equation of the form RT = kl log [larger number/(larger number - smaller number)] + k~, where kl and k2 are constants, the functional relationship between speed of adding two numbers and the magnitudes of the numbers is the subject of controversy. Suppes and Groen (1967) have described mental addition in terms of a simple mental counter which instantaneously initializes to the value of the larger number and then advances by the number of unit increments in the smaller. Consistent with this analog-incrementing model is Restle's (1970) finding that time for addition is independent of the value of the larger but an increasing linear function of the smaller of two numbers. Further results wich college students show, however, that speed of adding two numbers varies not only with the magnitude of the smaller but also with that of the larger of the numbers (Aiken, 1971). Consequently, a model which conceptualizes mental addition as the combining of two mental "number lines" whose lengths are related to the magnitudes of the addends seems plausible. According to this "complete analog" model, S begins by scanning a mental "number line" from its origin to the magnitude of the first number; then he scans a second mental "number line" to the value of the second number, and finally combines the two segments to find the required sum.
Spontaneous Pattern Formation on Ion Bombarded Si(001)

Pattern formation on surfaces undergoing low-energy ion bombardment is a common phenomenon. Here, a recently developed in situ spectroscopic light scattering technique was used to monitor periodic ripple evolution on Si(001) during Ar(+) sputtering. Analysis of the rippling kinetics indicated that under high flux sputtering at low temperatures the concentration of mobile species on the surface is saturated, and, surprisingly, is both temperature and ion flux independent. This is due to an effect of ion collision cascades on the concentration of mobile species. This new understanding of surface dynamics during sputtering allowed us to measure straighforwardly the activation energy for atomic migration on the surface to be 1.2+0.1 eV. The technique is generalizable to any material, including high temperature and insulating materials for which surface migration energies are notoriously difficult to measure.
Situation critical: critical theory and critical thinking in engineering education

Over the last decade, there has been an increased focus on developing critical thinking (CT) skills within the engineering curriculum. Typically, the practice of CT occurs fragmentarily in a singular, limited context, within one of several ABET learning outcomes. Drawing on critical theory, theories of moral development, and pedagogies of liberation, we examine and challenge conceptions of CT presently used in engineering education. We develop a reflexive view of CT, leading to CT not only within but also about engineering. In this framework, CT can no longer be reduced to the application of skills, but is reconceived as creative action resulting from reflective engagement with epistemic assumptions. We implemented this integrative approach to CT across multiple course contexts and educational outcomes in engineering, finding that thinking critically about engineering can challenge power/knowledge relationships, critique engineering epistemologies, engage in reflective and reflexive practice, and work rel...
Case-control studies of the effectiveness of vaccines: validity and assessment of potential bias.

BACKGROUND Because case-control studies of the effectiveness of vaccines are nonexperimental, it is difficult to assure that bias does not affect the validity of the results. METHODS A case-control study of the effectiveness of vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was replicated with a "sham" study. Cases were children > or =18 months of age with invasive infection caused by either Hib (original study) or Streptococcus pneumoniae (sham study) between January 1988 and December 1990. Controls were matched to the cases by both date and town of birth. RESULTS Overall 34% of the 29 cases with invasive Hib infections and 64% of matched controls had received Hib vaccine. The effectiveness of Hib vaccines against infection with Hib was 88% (95% confidence interval, 57 to 97%; P < 0.01). In the sham study 74% of the 62 cases with invasive pneumococcal infections and 74% of matched controls had received Hib vaccine. The effectiveness of Hib vaccines against pneumococcal infection was 0% (P = 0.9). CONCLUSION With the use of a virtually identical study design, vaccines against Hib were shown to be highly effective in preventing invasive Hib infections but were not effective in preventing invasive infections due to S. pneumoniae. Case-control studies are a valid method of assessing the effectiveness of vaccines.
Personal and Professional Development for Judges: The Institute for Faculty Excellence

This interview study describes the role that participation in the Institute for Faculty Excellence in Judicial Education (IFEJE) played in the personal and professional development of four judges. Judicial education is a relatively new field of adult and continuing professional education. There is limited literature devoted to this area of study outside of the arena of substantive legal or judging topics. Interviews served as the primary data source for this study along with program evaluations, photographs, and e-mail correspondence from Institute participants. The findings revealed that the combined safe environment, challenges, and support participants experienced at the Institute and learning about adult learning helped them: feel less isolated in their work; stretch their normal work boundaries resulting in the completion of projects for which they had great passion; and benefited them as judges, supervisors, teachers, and in other social relationships.
Altered gene level expression of thyroid hormone receptors α-1 and β-1 in the lung of nitrofen-induced diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract Purpose: Thyroid receptor alpha-1 (TR-α1) and thyroid receptor beta-1 (TR-β1) are thought to be essential for the fetal and postnatal development of the lung. The authors investigated gene level expression of TR-α1 and TR-β1 in the lung of nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Methods: CDH was induced in pregnant rats after administration of 100 mg nitrofen on day 9.5 of gestation. Cesarean section was performed on day 21 of gestation. The fetuses were divided into 3 groups: normal controls (n = 16), nitrofen-induced CDH (n = 16), and nitrofen-treated without CDH (n = 16). mRNA was extracted from the left lung in each group. RT-PCR was performed to evaluate mRNA expressions of TR-α1 and TR-β1. Levels of mRNA were expressed as a ratio of the band density divided by that of beta-actin, a house-keeping gene. Results: TR-α1 mRNA expression was decreased significantly in CDH lung (1.618 ± 0.148) compared with controls (2.658 ± 0.251; P P P P Conclusion: These data suggest that the downregulation of thyroid hormone signaling pathway through altered expression of TR-α1 and TR-β1 during lung morphogenesis may be a contributory factor in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypoplasia in nitrofen-induced CDH. J Pediatr Surg 36:1675-1678. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
THE ISOTHERMAL COMPRESSIBILITY OF GAS-SATURATED HYDROCARBON LIQUIDS

Volumetric measurements were made on compressed solutions of carbon dioxide in n-decane and trans-decalin at 37.78°C at pressures up to 60 bar. The data were numerically analyzed to yield the isothermal compressibility function of the solutions at their saturation pressures.
Event parallelism: Distributed memory parallel computing for high energy physics experiments

This paper describes the present and expected future development of distributed memory parallel computers for high energy physics experiments. It covers the use of event parallel microprocessor farms, particularly at Fermilab, including both ACP multiprocessors and farms of MicroVAXES. These systems have proven very cost effective in the past. A case is made for moving to the more open environment of UNIX and RISC processors. The 2nd Generation ACP Multiprocessor System, which is based on powerful RISC systems, is described. Given the promise of still more extraordinary increases in processor performance, a new emphasis on point to point, rather than bussed, communication will be required. Developments in this direction are described. 6 figs.
New tools and approaches to expand global process safety capabilities

From 1985 to 2000, large western chemical and petroleum companies, collaborating through the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS), developed a sophisticated level of process safety knowledge and shared this knowledge in the western world through conferences and English-language books. This approach proved satisfactory to address the process safety needs of a large proportion of global industry existing at the time. However, since 2000, the industry has been expanding significantly in developing regions of the world. Communications in these new regions are complicated by language, time zone differences, and culture. Additionally, as reported by the US Chemical Safety Board, many smaller companies, even in the west, are often unaware of the considerable resources that have been developed. Finally, new engineers entering the workplace around the world are generally unable to travel, to attend courses or technical sessions. And because of the Internet resources available to them during their formative years, they are less enthused about plowing through hardcover books to retrieve information. It is clear that traditional books, courses, and technical sessions do not always successfully reach all of these groups. CCPS has recognized that the communication paradigm must be changed and expanded. This article addresses what CCPS is doing to (a) close physical and language gaps, through on-site participation and translation of key materials, and (b) use exciting new Internet tools to facilitate interactions across distances that meet the needs of new engineers. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2007
Cotton resistance to root-knot nematode. II: Post-penetration development

Root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, damages cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., roots, affecting water and nutrient uptake and predisposing the plants to other soilborne pathogens. Post-penetration development of RKN was compared on three genotypes. Susceptible M-8, moderately resistant M-78, and highly resistant M-315, were grown in a greenhouse in a Wickham sandy soil (a fine, loamy, mixed thermic, Typic Hapludult) and inoculated with second-stage juveniles. RKN in each of 7 developmental stages were counted every 2 d for 44 d. At 18 DAI, 70, 45, and 6% of RKN present were adults in M-8, M-78, and M-315, respectively. In addition to slower development of RKN in M-315, resistance is expressed by significantly fewer developing third and fourth stage juveniles at 8 DAI and fewer developing to mature females at about 24 DAI. Most RKN that penetrated M-315 failed to establish and/or maintain giant cells. However, a few females established giant cells. At 44 DAI, the numbers of egg-laying females on M-8, M-78, and M-315 were 299, 144, and 5, respectively. There were significantly fewer root galls on M-315 than on M-78 or M-8 beginning 10 DAI, and significantly fewer on M-78 than on M-8 at 40 DAI. Galls were significantly smaller on M-315 than on M-78 or M-8 beginning 8 DAI, and significantly smaller on M-78 than on M-8 beginning 18 DAI. Thus, the post-penetration development of root-knot nematode was slower, fewer developed to adult females, and root galls were fewer and smaller on the resistant genotypes than on the susceptible M-8
Issues ofReserving Resources in Advance

Resource management offers Quality-of-Service reliability for time-critical continuous-media applications. Currently existing resource management systems provide only means to reserve resources starting with the reservation attempt and lasting for an unspecified duration. However, for several applications such as video conferencing the ability to reserve the required resources in advance is needed. This paper explains a model for resource reservation in advance. We identify and discuss issues which must be resolved in resource reservation in advance systems. Some of the possible scenarios to be considered are described and we show how the resource reservation in advance scheme can be embedded in a general architecture.
Use of bacteria for rapid, pH-neutral, hydrolysis of the model hydrophobic carboxylic acid ester p-nitrophenyl picolinate

AbstractCaulobacter crescentus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis cultures promote the hydrolysis of the model ester p-nitrophenyl picolinate (PNPP) at neutral pH with high efficiency. Hydrolysis is related to cell concentration, while the interaction of PNPP with both bacterial cells and their extracellular molecules is required for a maximum rate of PNPP hydrolysis in C. crescentus cultures. Furthermore, C. crescentus cultures hydrolyse PNPP at concentrations useful in synthetic chemistry.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia: Two Unique Causes of Life-Threatening Thrombocytopenia

Much has been learned about thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and much remains a diagnostic and management challenge. While the pentad of thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, fever, and renal and neurologic abnormalities characterize the clinical presentation of TTP, few patients present with all signs and symptoms. Worse yet, the pentad and its components are seen in other so-called thrombotic microangiopathies that demand different treatment approaches. HIT is another systemic disorder presenting with thrombocytopenia and/or thrombosis with potential devastating consequences whose diagnosis is difficult and management is still evolving. Highlights of the conditions and clinical and laboratory hints that allow physicians to diagnose TTP and HIT efficiently and offer patients the best available therapeutic interventions are presented.
First principles and the economic comparison of regulatory alternatives in global change

Comparisons of the relative economic efficacy of alternative regulatory strategies have been available for more than two decades (e.g. Poole, 1969; Weitzman, 1974; Laffont, 1977; Yohe, 1978). The results are well established in the economics literature, and their import has propagated into many subdisciplines — the economics of regulation (e.g. Karp and Yohe, 1977), international trade (Pelcovits, 1976; Stiglitz and Dasgupta, 1977), macroeconomic policy (Poole, 1969) and environmental and resource economics (Spence and Roberts, 1976; Yohe, 1979, 1992) to name a few. The results are, nonetheless, frequently misrepresented and misapplied even within those literatures; and so it is safe to say that the intuition that underlies their content is not thoroughly understood.