cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis detected by the polymerase chain reaction in the cervices of women undergoing in vitro fertilization: prevalence and consequences.

Purpose : The prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in the endocervix at the time of oocyte collection in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) was examined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods : All women were treated with tetracycline following sample collection. Results : U. urealyticum was identified in 56 (17.2%) of 326 women while M. hominis was present in only 5 (2.1%) of 235 women. U. urealyticum was detected at a higher frequency (P = 0.01) in those women whose IVF cycle failed prior to embryo transfer. This organism was present in 8 of 19 (42.1%) women with either no fertilization or no embryo transfer, 19 of 148 (12.8%) who had no evidence of pregnancy following embryo transfer, 6 of 30 (20.0%) who had only a transient (biochemical) pregnancy, 5 of 14 (35.7%) with a spontaneous abortion, and 18 of 115 (15.6%) with a term birth. Of the eight women with U. urealyticum who had no embryos transferred, male factor was the cause of infertility in five cases, two women had tubal occlusions while in one woman the diagnosis was idiopathic. Therefore, poor sperm quality, and not a U. urealyticum infection, might explain the failure of most of these cases to proceed to the stage of embryo transfer. Analysis of all patients revealed no association between male factor infertility and U. urealyticum in the cervix. Conclusions : U. urealyticum, but not M. hominis, is present in the cervices of many culture-negative women. Its presence, however, does not influence IVF outcome subsequent to embryo transfer in women treated with tetracycline after oocyte retrieval.
Response to Inhaled Nitric Oxide in the Newborn; Prospective Comparison of Standard and Very Low Dose

Response to Inhaled Nitric Oxide in the Newborn; Prospective Comparison of Standard and Very Low Dose
Evaluation of the fluorescence polarization assay for the detection of Brucella abortus antibodies in bison in a natural setting.

Bison and elk in the greater Yellowstone area are the last-known reservoir of Brucella abortus in the United States. Diagnosis of brucellosis is challenging as there is no perfect reference test. The objectives of this study were to estimate the accuracy of the fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) for the screening of B. abortus antibodies in bison in a natural setting. Serum and tissue samples were collected and analyzed from the known brucellosis-infected bison herd in Yellowstone National Park (YNP). Additionally, serum samples from privately owned bison were serologically tested for brucellosis. While the FPA and five other tests had perfect sensitivity, all tests had substantially lower specificity in the YNP herd. However, a Bayesian analysis showed that as many as 59–74% of the culture-negative animals were most-likely truly infected. A decision-tree analysis showed that the expected cost of FPA testing was comparable to the cost of other serologic tests. The FPA was shown to be highly sensitive but may not be able to differentiate culture-positive and culture-negative animals. There is a need for long-term longitudinal studies to estimate diagnostic accuracy of tests for B. abortus in bison.
Diurnal and Seasonal Variations in Flash Floods Across the Western United States

ABSTRACT A fundamental problem with flash-flood forecasting and the implementation of comprehensive safety measures has been the lack of detailed information regarding diurnal and seasonal variations, particularly over the western portion of the United States. This research initiates the analysis of the diurnal and seasonal patterns of flash-flood events over the western United States using the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) Storm Data reports collected from 1 January 1981 to 31 December 2010. Our preliminary finding show the number of recorded flash-flood events has increased over time; an increase likely due to population growth. In addition, flash-flood events over the western United States predominantly occur in the summer months, likely as a result of convective heating. The major exception to this strong summer peak is California. Also, the largest number of reported flash-flood events occurred in the mid-afternoon to early evening with a peak occurring earlier than expected at approximately 1...
Biochemical effects of dithiazanine on the canine whipworm, Trichuris vulpis.

Abstract Lactic, acetic, propionic and n -valeric acids, carbon dioxide, and small quantities of formic and n -butyric acids, are products of the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of adult Trichuris vulpis , the canine whipworm. Approximately 50 per cent of the glucose taken up by this parasite is accounted for by these products. The parasite is not dependent on aerobic metabolism. In an atmosphere containing CO 2 (from 2 to 5 per cent) in nitrogen, T. vulpis survives in vitro for considerably longer periods and metabolizes carbohydrate at a higher rate than in nitrogen alone, in air, or in a mixture of CO 2 (5 per cent) and oxygen (20 or 95 per cent). Dithiazanine, a cyanine dye effective in the treatment of canine and human whipworm infections, in concentrations which do not affect the motility of T. vulpis , produces an irreversible inhibition of the uptake of glucose by the parasite and a marked reduction in the concentrations of free glucose and ATP, and in the size of the carbohydrate stores in the worm. It is concluded that dithiazanine interferes with the transport of glucose in T. vulpis . As a result, utilization of endogenous carbohydrate is increased. Depletion of the carbohydrate stores and inability to utilize exogenous glucose brings about a decrease in the generation of energy-rich phosphate bonds. These biochemical changes can account for the chemotherapeutic action of dithiazanine in trichuriasis.
Conformational properties of blends of cyclic and linear polymer melts.

An adapted version of the annealing algorithm to identify primitive paths of a melt of ring polymers is presented. This algorithm ensures that the primitive path length becomes zero for nonconcatenated rings, and that no entanglements are observed. The bond-fluctuation model was used to simulate ring-linear blends with $N=150$ and 300 monomers. The primitive path length and the average number of entanglements of the linear component were found to be independent of the blend composition. In contrast, the primitive path length and the average number of entanglements on a ring molecule increased approximately linearly with the fraction of linear chains, and for large $N$, they approached values comparable with linear chains. Threading of ring molecules by linear chains, and ring-ring interactions were observed only in the presence of linear chains. It is conjectured that for large $N$, these latter interactions facilitate the formation of a percolating entangled network, thereby resulting in a disproportionate retardation of the dynamical processes.
MRI of congenital rhabdoid tumor of the neck: case report.

We describe a rare rhabdoid tumor of the neck, presenting with respiratory distress in a neonate, and discuss the differential diagnosis.
Inactivation mechanisms of cryptosporidium parvum oocysts by solar ultraviolet irradiation

Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts have been known to cause adverse health effects worldwide, and processes that contribute to their inactivation have gained wide attention in recent years. Solar inactivation is an important process that can improve surface water quality. Solar disinfection (SODIS) can be used to disinfect water as a point-of-use alternative, and disinfect wastewater in waste stabilization ponds. However, a clear understanding of the oocyst solar inactivation mechanisms is lacking. This study systematically investigated the oocyst solar inactivation mechanisms in the presence of a wide range of environmental factors and also provided an insight on the metabolic response of oocysts using the microarray analysis. The result revealed that oocyst inactivation by solar UVA/visible light was dominated by UVA-induced internal radical damages and was sensitive to both the temperature and the oocyst source. External radical producing sensitizers did not enhance the UVA/visible light inactivation of oocysts due to the protection by the oocyst wall. In contrast, UVB was found to directly damage the oocyst genome, ensuring an effective inactivation that correlated only with UV fluence after being corrected for light screening regardless of the oocyst source, temperature, and the presence of external sensitizers. Further microarray analysis suggested that the effective UVB inactivation could be explained by the down-regulation of most of the genes responsible for cellular metabolic activities and the lack of expression of stress protection mechanisms in oocysts after 30 minutes of UVB exposure. These results facilitate the understanding and design of water and wastewater treatment processes that involve natural sunlight exposure.
Selective photochemical etching by enhanced carrier recombination: process control using Raman spectroscopy

Carrier-driven photochemical reactions, which require direct participation of free carriers for the chemical reaction to proceed, can be selectively suppressed by increasing the carrier recombination rate through the creation of defects usinig ion implantation. The post-implantation residual defect concentration determined from changes in the Raman LO-phonon lineshape correlates well with the degree of etching suppression and is a better predictor of etching behavior than defect concentrations calculated with the Monte Carlo code, TRIM. Raman spectroscopy may be a useful pre-etch diagnostic to determine the degree of etching suppression expected following a given implantation treatment.
New Scholars, New Scholarship: Service Learning and Moral Judgment Spotlight on Jayne Donovan and Peggy Jenkins

Column editor, Debora Liddell, University of Iowa. Jayne Donovan is a recent graduate from Hartwick College in Oneanta, New York. She became interested in studying moral judgment through her role a...
The Effects of Adrenal Steroids and Excitatory Input on Neuronal Birth and Survival

The dentate gyrus of the rat forms in three developmental phases, each of which is characterized by neuronal birth, migration and death. Recent evidence indicates that adrenal steroids regulate neuronal birth, death, and possibly migration throughout the life of the animal. However, the observation that very few neuroblasts in the developing or adult dentate gyrus express adrenal steroid receptors suggests that the effects of adrenal steroid manipulations on neurogenesis are indirect. Additional evidence indicates that NMDA receptor activation regulates neuronal birth and death in this brain region presenting the possibility that adrenal steroids influence these processes through direct actions on excitatory afferents. Future studies will address this possibility.
The use of radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus and marginally resectable adenocarcinoma of the rectum

For many years surgery has been the treatment of choice for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus, but it is now becoming apparent that well-planned definitive radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy may obviate the need for an abdomino-perineal resection. Since 1976, 33 patients with this disease were treated at Highland Hospital by radiation therapy combined with 5-FU and Mitomycin-C for sensitization. Four of these patients underwent a planned abdomino-perineal resection following therapy; the operative specimens of all four patients were negative for tumor. Twenty-nine patients were treated by the above method without surgery in a definitive manner and local control was achieved in 89.6% of patients. Radiation therapy combined with 5-FU and Mitomycin-C for sensitization has also been used in an effort to improve the resectability rate of large rectal cancers and ultimately the 5-year survival of patients with this disease. Fifty-eight patients with marginally resectable carcinoma of the rectum were treated pre-operatively by this regimen. The method of administration of the chemotherapeutic agents used for sensitization appears to be an important factor in obtaining an increased therapeutic ratio. Thirty-three patients have been followed for a minimum of 5 years with an 84.9% local control rate; 63.7% are alive and well, and 9.1% have died of intercurrent disease. An additional 22 patients have been treated with this regimen for recurrent rectal disease and 9.9% are alive and well at 5 years. Radiation therapy combined with 5-FU and Mitomycin-C for sensitization purposes appears to be effective in downstaging rectal carcinoma at surgery with a resultant survival rate superior to that following surgery alone.
Wavelet Based Nano-Texture Structures for Thin Film PV Cells

Light trapping is an important technique in increasing the efficiency of solar cells. Inverse optimization is a systematic numerical approach that allows us to find the limits of light trapping more efficiently. It is an alternative to exhaustive search simulations or experimental measurements. In this work, we use inverse optimization to study light trapping in thin film amorphous silicon cells textured by periodic patterns of metallic surface grating. We use a finite set of Haar wavelets to describe a general form of grating structure composed of multiple rectangular nano-strips. We use global simulated annealing optimization to find the coefficients of the wavelets basis for optimal absorption enhancement in thin film silicon. The motivation for choosing wavelet basis (vis-a-vis other orthonormal bases such as Fourier) is the feasibility of fabricating the resulting nano-structures. The resulting improvement in the number of absorbed photons is around 130% for wavelength range of 300–700nm, which is significantly better than the previous results using simple front surface nano-strips. In addition, we use statistical analysis to evaluate the sensitivity of the characteristics of the resulting structure to numerical uncertainties.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Sex differences in the pathways to symptoms of alcohol use disorder: a study of opposite-sex twin pairs.

Background We sought to develop an empirical, broad-based developmental model for sex differences in risk for symptoms of alcohol use disorders, here called alcohol problems (AP).
New technology adoption in US telecommunications: The role of competitive pressures and firm-level inducements

In this study we examine the reasons for the differential adoption levels of a new technology, that of electronic switching, across firms in the US telecommunications industry. Using theoretical postulates from the market-structure inducements approach to firm behavior, and the behavioral theory of the firm, we propose that the incentives to adopt a new technology are positively related to the competitive pressures faced by a firm in its micro-market, negatively related to past levels of performance, and positively related to slack availability. Our sample consists of 40 of the largest firms in the industry. We use firm-level data collected for the years 1973, 1978, 1981, 1984, and 1987, and the results indicate strong support for our proposition. Our findings show that, in general, market effects via the mechanism of competitive pressures generated are strong in explaining inter-firm variations in levels of technology adoption in the period since moves to deregulate the industry began; however, the firm-level effects are equally strong, if not stronger, in explaining such variations both in the period leading up to the commencement of deregulatory moves and also immediately thereafter.
Expression of interferon receptors in pancreatic cancer: Identification of a novel prognostic factor

Obectives Interferons (IFNs) are known to have antiproliferative and immunoregulatory activities that are modulated through specific cellular-surface ligands, known as IFN-alpha, -beta, and -gamma receptors. The presence of these receptors and their impact on survival in patients with pancreatic cancer has not been determined. Methods Slides were prepared from 46 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used subsequently to determine the expression of IFN-alpha/beta receptor-chain 2 (IFNalpha/betaR) and IFN-gamma receptor-chain 1 (IFNgammaR). The correlation among IFN-receptor expression, characteristics of neoplasms, and overall patient survival were determined analytically. Results The IHC performed for pancreatic adenocarcinoma demonstrated a high IFNalpha/betaR expression in 4% (2/46) of patients, moderate expression in 20% (9/46), and faint or no expression in 76% (35/46). IHC confirmed a high expression of IFNgammaR in 52% (24/46) of patients, moderate expression in 35% (16/46), and faint or no expression in the remaining 13% (6/46). A clinicopathologic survey failed to demonstrate any significant correlation between IFNalpha/betaR and IFNgammaR expression with regard to size of neoplasm, vascular or perineural invasion, lymph node metastases, or stage of disease. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses demonstrated a survival advantage in those patients whose neoplasms expressed moderate to high IFNalpha/betaR expression, compared with those with faint or no IFNalpha/betaR expression (22 vs 13 months; P = .012, log-rank test). The expression of IFNgammaR, however, had no impact on patient survival (20 months vs 17 months; P = .66, log-rank test). Conclusions The IFNalpha/betaR is an independent prognostic factor in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Treatment involvement and outcomes for four subtypes of homeless veterans

A longitudinal study examined treatment services and outcomes in a nationwide sample of 565 homeless veterans who were classified as alcoholic, psychiatrically impaired, multiproblem, or best-functioning. All four groups experienced some improvement in their primary problem area, in employment status, and in residential quality at eight-month follow-up, but there were significant differences in degree of improvement across groups. Implications for the design of homeless programs and policies are discussed.
Model Elastomeric Networks Prepared from Poly(caprolactone)

Model networks of the polyurethane-type were prepared by end-linking hydroxyl-terminated poly(e-caprolactone) chains with an aromatic triisocyanate. The chains had number-average molecular weights Mn in the range 570—1950g mol−1, and the reactions were carried out in the undiluted state. The trifunctional networks thus obtained were studied with regard to their stress-strain isotherms in both the unswollen and swollen states, in elongation at 25°C. Values of the high deformation modulus fell between the limits predicted for the non-affine deformation of a “phantom” network and the affine deformation of a network in which the cross-links are firmly embedded in their surroundings. As expected, the values of the low deformation modulus were much closer to the affine limit.
A green light to expression in time and space.

The latest genome-scale study in worms examines spatiotemporal gene expression patterns by automated GFP imaging.
Chemical imaging in biology and medicine using ion microscopy

The ability to quantitatively map the distribution of elements on the micrometer scale and smaller with high sensitivity and isotopic discrimination is unique to ion microscopy. The information contained in ion images can be crucial to the study of the solid state, where chemical heterogeneity is often directly related to observed behavior. The tools of digital image processing allow the extraction of quantitative information from the image data. These techniques coupled with improved instrumentation for the detection of ion images drastically increase the problem solving capabilities of the ion microscope. The use of such methods and instrumentation in the ion microscopic analyses of cell cultures and tissues of biological and biomedical relevance will be discussed.
Use Of The SYSCAP 2.5 Computer Analysis Program For Advanced Optical System Design And Analysis

The successful development of various electro-optical systems is highly dependent on precise electronic circuit design which must account for possible parameter drift in the various piece parts. The utilization of a comprehensive computer analysis program (SYSCAP) provides the electro-optical system designer and electro-optical management organization with a well-structured tool for a comprehensive system analysis'. As a result, the techniques described in this paper can be readily used by the electro-optical design community. An improved version of the SYSCAP computer program (version 2.5) is presented which inncludes the following new advances: (1) the introduction of a standard macro library that permits call-up of proven mathematical models for system modeling and simulation, (2) the introduction of improved semiconductor models for bipolar junction transistors and p-n junctions, (3) multifunction modeling capability to link signals with very high speed electronic circuit models, (4) high resolution computer graphics (both interactive and batch process) for display and permanent records, and (5) compatibility and interface with ad-vanced engineering work stations. This 2.5* version of the present SYSCAP 2 computer analysis program will be available for use through the Control Data Corporation world-wide Cybernet system in 1983*. This paper provides an overview of SYSCAP modeling and simulation capabilities.
12- to 100-MHz depth and stratigraphic profiles of temperate glaciers

Current practice prescribes the long standing use of frequencies less than 10 MHz for GPR sounding of temperate glaciers to depths greater than about 100 m. We have obtained continuous profiles of ice depth over temperate ablation zones and have reached at least 278 m at 30 MHz on the Matanuska, 195 m at 100-MHz on the Muir and 295 m at 12 MHz on the Gulkana Glaciers of Alaska. Internal stratigraphy occurs in the Matanuska profile. Multiple bottom returns are ascribed to thrust planes and out-of-plane reflections from sloping bottoms. Inability to reach greater depths is ascribed to unfavorable bottom slopes, as verified by drilling on the Matanuska, and by beam steering studies on the Gulkana. Lateral wave clutter contaminates profiles at all frequencies and polarizations where crevasses are present. The strength of 12-MHz Gulkana bottom signals precluded the use of range gain and suggests that 500 m depth might be achieved at 12 - 30 MHz.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abuse-related posttraumatic stress disorder: evidence for chronic neuroendocrine activation in women.

The following study tested the hypothesis that women with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to childhood sexual abuse would display elevated norepinephrine-to-cortisol ratios similar to that found in male combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were collected from 28 women: 11 women with PTSD who experienced childhood sexual abuse (PTSD+), 8 women who experienced childhood sexual abuse without PTSD (PTSD-), and 9 nonabused controls. All urine samples were tested for creatinine, total catecholamines, free-cortisol, and 17-ketosteroid levels. Psychological testing validated that the PTSD+ group was significantly elevated on all three subscales of the Impact of Events Scale. Both abused groups (PTSD+ and PTSD-) showed a tendency for polyuria, and the PTSD+ group showed a tendency towards obesity. Thus, neuroendocrine values (micrograms/day) were adjusted by creatinine clearance rates (creatinine mg/day/kg body weight). The corrected values indicated that the PTSD+ group had significantly elevated daily levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and cortisol. However, because of the parallel elevation in cortisol, the norepinephrine-to-cortisol ratio was not significantly elevated in the PTSD+ diagnosed women in contrast to the findings reported for male PTSD patients. This discrepancy may reflect an important gender difference, an interaction between gender and age at onset of the traumatic experience (childhood abuse in females vs. combat experience in young adult males), or physiological variation related to phase of the disorder. Language: en
Determination of the young's modulus of structurally defined carbon nanotubes.

We have combined optical characterization with a magnetic actuation technique to measure the stiffness of single-walled carbon nanotubes of defined crystal structure. The measured stiffnesses correspond to an average Young’s modulus of E = 0.97 ± 0.16 TPa. For the structures investigated, no dependence on the nanotube chiral index was observed within the indicated experimental accuracy.
DERIVATION OF AN INFINITE CLASS OF FIVE-DIMENSIONAL CONFORMALLY FLAT t-, r- AND x5-DEPENDENT COSMOLOGICAL METRICS

Solutions to an infinite class of conformally flat 5D GR metrics are here derived. Since the standard 4D cosmological models (FRW solutions) can be embedded within a flat 5D manifold, such solutions may, then, be of cosmological interest. However, such conformally flat solutions have previously been derived dependent on t and ronly; independent of x5. To be able to further examine the results of such a 5D embedding, a more general solution should also depend on x5. Such solutions (5D conformally flat, dependent on t, r and x5) are here derived. An additional property of such solutions is that they turn out to be Riemann flat; that also is discussed.
MECHANISM OF PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL-PHOSPHOLIPASE C. 2. REVERSAL OF A THIO EFFECT BY SITE-DIRECTED MUTAGENESIS

The “thio effect”, defined as the ratio kO/kS (where O and S stand for a normal oxygen substrate and a sulfur analog, respectively), has been widely used in the mechanistic studies of enzymes and ribozymes. We report the first observation of reversal of a thio effect (from kO/kS > 1 to kO/kS 1), possibly because the enzymesubstrate interactions involving the oxygen is unfavorable to sulfur. Such unfavorable interactions have not only “suppressed” the higher intrinsic activity of the S-analog but also further impeded its reactivity. The catalytic mechanism of PI-PLC has not been established, except that it has been suggested to resemble the mechanism of ribonuclease A.6 The crystal structure of the Bacillus cereus PI-PLC‚myo-inositol complex has revealed two Asp‚‚‚His pairs (D274‚‚‚H32 and D33‚‚‚H82) at the active site.7 Our experimental data suggest that Asp-33 is involved, directly or † Department of Chemistry. § Department of Biochemistry. ‡ Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy. (1) For paper 1, see: Hondal, R. J.; Riddle, S. R.; Kravchuk, A. V.; Zhao, Z.; Bruzik, K. S.; Tsai, M.-D. Biochemistry. In press. (2) Volwerk, J. J.; Shashidhar, M. S.; Kuppe, A.; Griffith, O. H. Biochemistry 1990, 29, 8056-8062. (3) Kessi, J.; Poiree, J.-C.; Wehrli, E.; Bachofen, R.; Semenza, G.; Hauser, H. Biochemistry 1994, 33, 10825-10836. (4) Bruice, T. C.; Benkovic, S. J. Bioorganic Mechanisms; W. A. Benjamin, Inc.: New York, NY, 1966; Vol. 11. (5) Milstien, S.; Fife, T. H. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1967, 89, 5820-5826. (6) Bruzik, K. S.; Lin, G.; Tsai, M.-D. ACS Symp. Ser. 1991, 463, 172185. (7) Heinz, D. W.; Ryan, M.; Bullock, T. L.; Griffith, O. H. EMBO J. 1995, 14, 3855-3863. Figure 1. The reaction catalyzed by bacterial PI-PLC (R′ ) CH3(CH2)14).
Thymic hyperplasia in thyroid cancer patients.

Objective:Although there is a well-recognized association between thymic hyperplasia and benign thyroid disorders, the prevalence of thymic hyperplasia in patients with malignant thyroid diseases has not been previously reported. We performed this study to determine the prevalence and morphologic fe
Underdiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in England: new country, same story

Underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of COPD is a problem in England too Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains one of the leading causes of disability and death in the developed world, and is emerging as increasingly important in the developing world. Despite its importance, COPD is not well recognised by the general public and frequently goes undiagnosed in people who have evidence of it. This underdiagnosis of people with evidence of obstruction on spirometry (generally adults with an FEV1/FVC ratio <70%) has been previously documented in the United States1 and Korea.2 The paper by Shahab and colleagues in this issue of Thorax shows that underdiagnosis and, in all likelihood, misdiagnosis, is a factor in England also.3 Their key finding was that 13.3% of the population aged 35 and older had evidence of COPD that would, in general, correspond to GOLD stage 1 or more severe disease.4 Bronchodilator response was not evaluated, so this would not meet strict GOLD criteria and, if this population is similar to the Norwegian adult population,5 one might expect the “post-bronchodilator” prevalence of COPD to be 20–25% lower. Whether this shifting classification is important either clinically or epidemiologically is unclear. While some research has suggested that bronchodilator responsiveness …
Studies of the induction of microsomal S-, N- and O-demethylases

Abstract The effect of treatment of rats with Mesantoin, phenobarbital, 3,4-benzpyrene, or methylthiopurine on the S-demethylase acitvity of liver microsomes was tested. Only 3,4-benzpyrene treatment led to increased activity; the other compounds either had no effect or lowered S-demethylase acitivity. Comparison of the effects of these treatments on S-demethylation with those on two N-demethylases and two O-demethylases led to the conclusion that the S-demethylase was not identical with any of the other enzymes studied.
Sampling and statistical methods for behavioral ecologists

This 1998 book describes the sampling and statistical methods used most often by behavioral ecologists and field biologists. Written by a biologist and two statisticians, it provides a rigorous discussion together with worked examples of statistical concepts and methods that are generally not covered in introductory courses, and which are consequently poorly understood and applied by field biologists. The first section reviews important issues such as defining the statistical population and the sampling plan when using non-random methods for sample selection, bias, interpretation of statistical tests, confidence intervals and multiple comparisons. After a detailed discussion of sampling methods and multiple regression, subsequent chapters discuss specialized problems such as pseudoreplication, and their solutions. It will quickly become the statistical handbook for all field biologists.
Elastic-Plastic Finite Element Simulation and Fatigue Damage Analysis of Wrinklebends

The elastic-plastic finite element analysis (FEA) is performed in this paper to simulate the complicated plastic deformation of wrinklbends during bending and operation. The effects of element types, mesh sensitivity, and material input data of a stress-strain curve on the FEA results are discussed in details. To characterize the work hardening and Bauschinger effect on cyclic plastic deformation, three plastic hardening models: isotropic, kinematic and combined isotropic/kinematic hardening models are used and compared in the FEA simulation. Based on these investigations, a reliable nonlinear FEA model is developed, and then detailed FEA calculations are conducted for a wide range of wrinkle sizes under the cyclic pressure of 72% to 10% of SMYS (specified minimum yield stress) of X42 pipeline steel. Using the numerical results and an energy-based fatigue damage parameter, fatigue damage is quantified and a criterion is formulated as an H/L-N curve for wrinklebends. In the criterion, the wrinkle aspect ratio H/L is a key parameter that is directly related to the fatigue life. The results show that the proposed criterion and the H/L-N curve are simple and can be effectively used to evaluate integrity and estimate service life for wrinklebends.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Counterion Triple Layer in Solid/Solution Interface: Stirring and Temperature Effects on pH Measurements.

This paper reports on the pH glass electrode potential based on the double-capacitor theory and the discovery of a mobile counterion triple layer next to the double layer to explain the electrode potential changes caused by stirring and temperature increase. This mobile triple layer behaves like a rubberband, which may be loosened by stirring (or agitation) and temperature increase and tightened after stirring stops or temperature lowers. Stirring and temperature exert different effects on the potential of the pH and SCE electrodes via their different mechanisms. In contrast to the past, results reported here were obtained from experiments designed with the glass electrode and SCE in separate beakers connected with a conducting wire, so that one electrode could be stirred while keeping the other unstirred. There is a weak charge attraction between the double and triple layers, not a strong covalent bonding for complexation, so that the latter can be removed by stirring or temperature increase. In light of present results and the new concept, the Boltzmann equation has been modified to include the net charge density and the triple-layer potential. The counterion triple layer concept will have a tremendous impact on our understanding of the interface structure and properties, and stimulate further studies and applications of ion-selective electrodes.
Motives Aroused Simultaneously: Effects of Dissonance Motive and Motive to Avoid Failure on Behaviour

An experimental test, using theoretically distinct motives, of a multiple-motive model is reported. Two or more unrelated, non-conflicting motives, when activated by a common stimulus, summate forming a multiple-motive system that results in behaviour related to (a) the additivity and (b) the directionality of the component single-motive systems. Cognitive and affective motives were aroused simultaneously and individually followed by assessment of the number of judgemental changes in a serial decision task. The number of changes was in proportion to the number of aroused motives and the model was supported.
Variable structural order in amorphous silicon

Raman scattering and optical-absorption spectra in low-pressure, rf-sputtered $a$-Si are shown to exhibit a continuous variation with deposition temperature. A direct correspondence between changes in the inverse width of the TO-like phonon band and the optical gap is observed in sputtered and chemical-vapor-deposited $a$-Si. The results are interpreted in terms of intrinsic changes in network short-range order of $a$-Si with temperature which yield substantial modifications of the vibrational and electronic states.
African Americans and Physical Health: The Consequences of Self-Esteem and Happiness

This research adds to the literature seeking to clarify the social psychological mechanism through which self-esteem is related to physical health for African Americans. Specifically, this study investigates the relationships among self-esteem, happiness, and physical health limitations for a representative sample of African Americans. Utilizing the Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions, these results indicate that the impact of self-esteem on physical health outcomes is mediated by happiness. Interestingly, the positive influence that happiness exerts on physical health is suppressed by age. This study suggests that positive emotions such as happiness are beneficial to outcomes such as physical health by transforming traits such as self-esteem into adaptive capability and personal resources that individuals can use to improve health outcomes.
Outflux of Inorganic and Organic Phosphate during Membrane Depolarization of Excitable Tissues

IT was reported in a previous paper1 that the outflux of phosphorus-32 from an isolated sartorius muscle of the frog into phosphate-free Ringer solution was accelerated markedly during electrical stimulation, or when the external solution was devoid of calcium or contained a high potassium (30 mM) concentration. Subsequent findings revealed that not only inorganic phosphate but also many organophosphates such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine were released during membrane depolarization under such experimental conditions. The present communication concerns the outflux of nucleotides and other phosphates from frog sartorius muscle and spinal nerve roots during electrical stimulation and calcium depletion.
Parton distributions from an operator viewpoint.

Spin-dependent quark and gluon distribution functions are derived in terms of light-cone correlation functions. The first moment of the gluon asymmetry \ensuremath{\Delta}g is shown to be related to the Chern-Simons current ${\mathit{K}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}}$. Renormalization and factorization ambiguities and their implication for the ${\mathit{g}}_{1}$ problem are discussed.
Deuterium and big-bang nucleosynthesis: implications for the baryon density

Abstract A new Monte Carlo technique is introduced to extract abundances and uncertainties in the framework of standard big-bang nucleosynthesis. Both very direct and less conservative, this method yields uncertainties in light element abundance predictions which are almost a factor of 3 smaller than that found with previous techniques. Key nuclear reaction rates are identified for which future nuclear cross-section measurements will further significantly reduce the abundance uncertainties. Finally, constraints on the baryon density inferred from BBN when combined with recent measurements of extragalactic deuterium yield Ω b h 2 =0.020±0.001 which agrees precisely with the latest constraints from power spectrum measurements of cosmic microwave background anisotropies.
Lactate Clearance for Assessing Response to Resuscitation in Severe Sepsis

Severe sepsis remains a major public health problem both with a high hospital mortality rate and with staggering associated health care expenditures. The past decade has seen new insights into the early resuscitation of severe sepsis and this is an important, controversial, and constantly changing topic to emergency physicians. In this article, the recent support for lactate clearance as a measure of early sepsis resuscitation effectiveness is summarized, lactate-derived to oxygen-derived resuscitation variables are compared, and the shortcomings of lactate-derived variables are described. As summarized in this article, the best available experimental evidence suggests that lactate clearance of at least 10% at a minimum of 2 hours after resuscitation initiation is a valid way to assess initial response to resuscitation in severe sepsis. Associative data suggest that lactate normalization during resuscitation is a more powerful indicator of resuscitative adequacy; however, further research on the optimal lactate clearance parameters to use during resuscitation is needed, and many other important questions have yet to be answered.
The Effects of Self-Construal and Commitment on Persuasion

Past research examining the effect of self-construal on persuasion has shown that advertising appeals that are consistent with consumers' chronically accessible (chronic) self-construal as well as appeals that are consistent with the temporarily accessible (latent) self-construal are both persuasive. In two studies, we identify brand commitment as a moderating variable that determines the effectiveness of appeals consistent with the consumers' chronic or latent self-construal. Under high commitment, appeals consistent with the chronic self-construal were more effective. In contrast, under low commitment, appeals consistent with the primed (independent or interdependent) self-construal were more effective. These findings were robust across independent and interdependent self-construal contexts.
Direct Observation of Noninnocent Reactivity of ZnBr2 with Alkyl Halide Complexes of Nickel

Nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of alkylzinc reagents with alkyl halides (Negishi couplings) are powerful tools in synthetic organic chemistry. These reactions typically provide the coupl...
Comparison of the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) to the new TRAP-eze telomerase detection kit

The ribonucleoprotein, telomerase, is believed to be responsible for the maintenance of telomere length in immortal and cancer cells. A PCR-based assay for the detection of telomerase activity (TRAP assay: telomeric repeat amplification protocol) was developed, allowing fast and efficient detection of telomerase activity when sample amounts are limiting. Of the thousands of primary human tumors examined using the TRAP assay, almost 90% have been shown to exhibit telomerase activity. Thus, for the early detection of cancer and for the rapid screening of compounds and drugs in cancer therapeutics, methods for the detection of telomerase activity are rapidly emerging. The recently developed TRAP-ezeTM kit from Oncor, Inc. gives increased sensitivity with decrease sample processing time, allowing improved detection of telomerase activity in a large number of samples. In the present study, we have addressed some of the technical aspects and limitations of critical importance for reproducibility, reliability, and linearity of the standard TRAP assay and the TRAP-ezeTM kit using cell culture and clinical materials.
Radiofrequency thermal ablation of breast tumors combined with intralesional administration of IL-7 and IL-15 augments anti-tumor immune responses and inhibits tumor development and metastasis

Tumor development or recurrence is always a matter of concern following radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) of tumors. To determine whether combining RFA with immunologically active cytokines might induce tumor-specific immune responses against mammary carcinoma and inhibit tumor development or metastasis, we evaluated intralesional injection of IL-7 and IL-15 in RFA-treated murine tumors. We used two different breast carcinoma models: neu-overexpressing mouse mammary carcinoma (MMC) in FVBN202 transgenic mouse and 4T1 tumors in Balb/c mouse. MMC tend to relapse even in the presence of neu-specific immune responses, and 4T1 is a weakly immunogenic, aggressive and highly metastatic transplantable tumor. In vivo growth of both of these tumors is also associated with increased numbers of CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). We showed for the first time that unlike RFA alone, RFA combined with the administration of intralesional IL-7 and IL-15 (after RFA), induced immune responses to tumors, inhibited tumor development and lung metastasis, and reduced MDSC.
Quantitative determination of fluorochemicals in municipal landfill leachates.

Abstract Twenty-four fluorochemicals were quantified in landfill leachates recovered from municipal refuse using an analytical method based on solid-phase extraction, dispersive-carbon sorbent cleanup, and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The method was applied to six landfill leachates from four locations in the US as well as to a leachate generated by a laboratory bioreactor containing residential refuse. All seven leachates had the common characteristic that short-chain (C4–C7) carboxylates or sulfonates were greater in abundance than their respective longer-chain homologs (⩾C8). Perfluoroalkyl carboxylates were the most abundant (67 ± 4% on a nanomolar (nM) basis) fluorochemicals measured in leachates; concentrations of individual carboxylates reaching levels up to 2800 ng L−1. Perfluoroalkyl sulfonates were the next most abundant class (22 ± 2%) on a nM basis; their abundances in each of the seven leachates derived from municipal refuse were greater for the shorter-chain homologs (C4 and C6) compared to longer-chain homologs (C8 and C10). Perfluorobutane sulfonate concentrations were as high as 2300 ng L−1. Sulfonamide derivatives composed 8 ± 2.1% (nM basis) of the fluorochemicals in landfill leachates with methyl (C4 and C8) and ethyl (C8) sulfonamide acetic acids being the most abundant. Fluorotelomer sulfonates (6:2 and 8:2) composed 2.4 ± 1.3% (nM basis) of the fluorochemicals detected and were present in all leachates.
A Vesiculovirus Showing a Steepened Transcription Gradient and Dominant Trans-Repression of Virus Transcription

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a prototype nonsegmented, negative-sense virus used to examine viral functions of a broad family of viruses, including human pathogens. Here we demonstrate that S2 VSV, an isolate with a small plaque phenotype compared to other Indiana strain viruses, has a transcription defect resulting in an altered pattern and rapid decline of transcription. The S2 VSV transcription gradient is dominant over the wild-type transcription in a coinfection. This is the first characterization of an altered gradient of transcription not dependent on RNA template sequence or host response and may provide insight into new approaches to viral attenuation.
Intellectual capital and how to leverage it

Discusses the current business enthusiasm for intellectual capital and knowledge management and how the librarian should, in principle, take center stage in the intellectual capital and knowledge management process. Proposes a general prescriptive for the process and the librarian′s potential role therein. Specifically, recommends initiating this process with an annual report of the “state of the union” of intellectual capital, from a “value added to the learning organization” viewpoint. Identifies specific items that could be treated in such a report and concludes with an annotated bibliography of key articles in both the business and library literature.
Evaluating an HIV/AIDS Book Collection Using a Timeline Approach

Establishing a process for the systematic evaluation of a library's collection on acquired human immunodeficiency virus is complicated by the rapid changes in AIDS-related science, law, social policy, and education. However, organizing these changes into a timeline of HIV/AIDS events provides collection managers with baseline data, which can be used to measure the validity of HIV/AIDS materials. This paper presents an HIV/AIDS chronology, outlines an approach for using the timeline as a collection development tool, and includes Internet resources that may serve as supplements to a print HIV/AIDS collection.