cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser Technology to Manage Periodontal Disease: A Valid Concept?

Abstract Present day dental lasers can create oral environments conducive for periodontal repair. Background and Purpose With the bacterial etiology of periodontitis and the resulting host inflammatory reaction, clinicians continue to search for therapeutic modalities to assist in the non-surgical management of periodontal disease. Traditional chairside therapies consist of mechanical debridement with manual and/or ultrasonic instrumentation with the objective of removing calculus, biofilm, and endotoxin from tooth root surfaces. Decreasing the microbial stimuli and associated end products decreases the inflammatory reaction and allows the host an opportunity to regenerate tissue through wound healing. The purpose of this article is to examine whether dental lasers, which have been in use for the past 3 decades, may augment traditional non-surgical periodontal therapy. Methods Review of research publications related to lasers and non-surgical periodontics with attention focused on systematic studies. Conclusions Studies utilizing laser technology may demonstrate positive effects on 1) selectively decreasing the biofilm environment, 2) removing calculus deposits and neutralizing endotoxin, 3) removing sulcular epithelium to assist in reattachment and decreased pocket depth, and 4) biostimulation for enhanced wound healing. Comparisons of studies to determine the difference between lasers and their respective effects on the periodontium are difficult to assess due to a wide variation of laser protocols.
Guineafowl, ticks and Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever in Turkey: the perfect storm?

To control ticks carrying the emerging Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Turkey the government is introducing thousands of exotic helmeted guineafowl ( Numida meleagris ). However, not only do these birds eat negligible numbers of ticks, but they are also excellent nurseries for the young of Hyalomma marginatum ticks, the best vectors of CCHF.
Comparisons of rank-based methods and normal theory methods for unbalanced one-way repeated measures data

In this article, rank-based methods are developed for analyzing unbalanced one-way repeated measures data. It is assumed that errors within each subject are exchangeable random variables.R-estimates of the treatment effects are obtained by minimizing a piecewise linear function. Rank-based methods are developed for testing the equality of the treatment effects. An unbalanced data set is analyzed for illustrative purposes. The relative efficiency of theR-estimates and maximum likelihood estimates is discussed. A small scale simulation study, comparing powers and sizes of the rank-based tests and normal theory tests (e.g., Wald and F), is presented.
Multi-objects Recognition for Distributed Intelligent Sensor Networks

This paper proposes an innovative approach for multi-objects recognition for homeland security and defense based intelligent sensor networks. Unlike the conventional way of information analysis, data mining in such networks is typically characterized with high information ambiguity/uncertainty, data redundancy, high dimensionality and real-time constrains. Furthermore, since a typical military based network normally includes multiple mobile sensor platforms, ground forces, fortified tanks, combat flights, and other resources, it is critical to develop intelligent data mining approaches to fuse different information resources to understand dynamic environments, to support decision making processes, and finally to achieve the goals. This paper aims to address these issues with a focus on multi-objects recognition. Instead of classifying a single object as in the traditional image classification problems, the proposed method can automatically learn multiple objectives simultaneously. Image segmentation techniques are used to identify the interesting regions in the field, which correspond to multiple objects such as soldiers or tanks. Since different objects will come with different feature sizes, we propose a feature scaling method to represent each object in the same number of dimensions. This is achieved by linear/nonlinear scaling and sampling techniques. Finally, support vector machine (SVM) based learning algorithms are developed to learn and build the associations for different objects, and such knowledge will be adaptively accumulated for objects recognition in the testing stage. We test the effectiveness of proposed method in different simulated military environments.
Weinberg angle in the quark--parton model with charm for high-energy neutrino-nucleon collisions

General expressions for ${sin}^{2}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W}$, $R\ensuremath{\equiv}\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{nc}}^{\ensuremath{\nu}N}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{cc}}^{\ensuremath{\nu}N}}$, and $\overline{R}\ensuremath{\equiv}\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{nc}}^{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}N}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{cc}}^{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}N}}$ are given in the quarkparton model with the charmed quark. Convenient parametrizations of the experimental results for the charged and neutral $(\ensuremath{\nu},\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}})N$ interactions, in the scaling limit, are introduced and their implications for ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{W}$ are discussed. In particular, we study the effect of the charmed quark in the neutral current processes explicitly by analyzing the available experimental data. Constraints on the relative contributions of the antiquarks, strange quarks, and charmed quarks are obtained.
Word Study Instruction in the K–2 Classroom

This article describes nine tips for implementing a word study program in the K-2 classroom. These tips are based on the results of four classroom-based qualitative research projects collaboratively conducted by a university professor and four primary-grade teacher-researchers. The article suggests that through small-group word study instruction and hands-on word work activities, K-2 teachers can keep students motivated and engaged in learning about the English spelling system. تقدم هذه المقالة تسعة اقتراحات لتنفيذ برنامج دراسة الكلام في الصفوف من الروضة حتى الصف الثاني الابتدائي. إذ تبني هذه الاقتراحات على أساس نتائج أربعة مشاريع منفذة في الصف من النوع الكيفي شارك فيها أستاذ جامعي وأربعة معلمي مدرسة ابتدائية. وتقترح المقالة أن من خلال تعليم دراسة الكلام في مجموعات صغيرة مستخدمة أنشطة عملية تعاونية يستطيع المعلمون من الروضة حتى الصف الثاني أن يجعلوا الطلاب متحمسين ومنشغلين في نظام التهجئة الإنجليزية. 本文描述在幼儿园到小学二年级课堂里实施一项单字学习计划的九个要诀。这些要诀是基于四个以教室为本位的质的研究计划所得的结果，该研究计划是由一名大学教授与四名小学教师研究者协作进行。本文认为通过小组形式的单字学习教导和动手做的单字练习活动，幼儿园到小学二年级的教师可以帮助维持对学习英语拼写系统的动机与投入。 Cet article presente neuf conseils pour mettre en place un programme d'etude du vocabulaire dans une classe de deuxieme annee. Ces conseils proviennent des conclusions de quatre projets de recherche qualitative dans la classe, conduits en collaboration entre un professeur d'universite et quatre chercheurs-enseignants de premiere annee. Cet article suggere qu'au moyen d'un enseignement du vocabulaire en petit groupe et des activites pratiques sur les mots, les enseignants de deuxieme annee peuvent maintenir la motivation des eleves et leur investissement dans des apprentissages relatifs au systeme d'ecriture de l'anglais. В статье предлагаются девять советов по обучению лексике в первых-вторых классах начальной школы. Это советы основаны на результатах четырех качественных исследований, совместно проведенных профессором университета и четырьмя учителями начальных классов. Они пришли к выводу, что изучение слов в малых группах и активная практика их применения мотивируют учащихся и позволяют эффективно работать над сложной английской орфографией в начальной школе. Este articulo describe nueve consejos que se pueden usar para implementar un programa de estudio de vocabulario en los grados del K-2. Estos consejos surgieron de los resultados de un proyecto de investigacion cualitativo de cuatro salones de clase que fue conducido por un profesor universitario y cuatro maestros-investigadores de primer grado. Este articulo sugiere que, por medio de la instruccion a nivel de grupos pequenos y de actividades practicas, los maestros de K-2 pueden mantener el interes y la motivacion de los estudiantes en la ortografia del ingles.
Gibrat’s Law with Mild Nonrandom Growth

Gibrat’s Law (GL) has repeatedly failed to gain full empirical confirmation in specific industries. This study offers a deliberately favorable opportunity for full confirmation in the truckload sector of the U.S. trucking industry where firms are highly homogeneous. As such, most nonrandom determinants of growth remain very similar for all firms, so significant differences in growth rates are not expected. Still, there is only incomplete support: (1) long term growth rates are not equal for all firms, but the differences are small and not size-related except for the smallest firms, and (2) the size distributions better approximate lognormal when the smallest firms are excluded, but in no case does the variance rise over time. This suggests that for most other industries, where nonrandom growth should be much stronger, GL would seem unlikely to play more than a minor role in portraying actual firm growth or the evolution of market structure.
An object-oriented approach to a large scientific application

We used an object-oriented design to build a large scientific application: simulation of radiation therapy treatments for cancer. We provide features familiar in the graphics workstation world, including graphic editing of the proposed treatment, multiple views of the treatment in different windows, and computations which proceed concurrently as the input data are being edited. To make our system practical for the typical clinic we used a popular minicomputer and the vendor's operating system and compiler. This paper describes how we implemented objects, inheritance, message passing, windows, and concurrency in (almost) standard Pascal on a VAX under VMS.
Treatment of chronic pancreatitis complicated by obstruction of the common bile duct or duodenum.

In patients with chronic pancreatitis, common bile duct obstruction is reported in 3.2–45.6% of patients; however, only 5–10% of all patients with chronic pancreatitis require operative decompression of the bile duct. The cause of the intrapancreatic stricture of the common bile duct may be either a fibrotic inflammatory restriction, or compression by a pseudocyst. Obstruction of the duodenum is much less common than common bile duct obstruction in chronic pancreatitis occurring in less than 1-2% of patients with chronic pancreatitis. Colonic obstruction secondary to pancreatitis is very infrequent.
The Epstein Criteria Predict for Organ-Confined But Not Insignificant Disease and a High Likelihood of Cure at Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract Background Few reports attempt to validate the role of Epstein criteria in selecting patients for an active surveillance protocol. Objective To determine the performance of the Epstein biopsy criteria for predicting pathologic end points and biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) in men with early stage prostate cancer (PCa) treated by radical prostatectomy (RP). Design, setting, and participants Between October 1999 and January 2007, 746 consecutive patients were biopsied, and then underwent RP at our tertiary care institution. Two hundred sixty-eight patients met the entry criteria of Gleason 6 disease only on initial biopsy with complete pathologic information. Measurements Primary end point was insignificant disease. Insignificant disease was defined using a classical (organ-confined, Gleason score 3 ) and more liberal (organ-confined, Gleason Results and limitations One hundred thirty-six men (51%) met the Epstein biopsy criteria, and 167 (62%) had organ-confined cancer. Insignificant disease by the classical and liberal definitions was present in 68 (25%) and 92 (34%) patients, respectively. Cases meeting Epstein biopsy criteria were more likely to have insignificant disease by either definition ( p p Conclusions The Epstein biopsy criteria predict for a high likelihood of organ-confined disease and the absence of biochemical failure up to 5 yr after RP. These criteria are insufficiently robust to predict the presence of biologically insignificant disease.
Regional anesthesia: Agents and methods

Abstract Procaine in our experience has been the most valuable of all the local anesthetic agents. It is used extensively for spinal anesthesia and other types of regional anesthesia such as sacral block, cervical plexus block and abdominal wall block. Vasoconstrictor drugs such as epinephrine and cobefrin are used to prolong the action of procaine, and ephedrine is used in spinal anesthesia to help sustain blood pressure. Barbiturates are administered prior to use of procaine because of their sedative and antispasmodic action. The technique of spinal anesthesia and numerous regional anesthetic procedures are described, and the indications for such methods are stated.
The Changing Regional Subcultures of the American States and the Utility of a New Cultural Measure

This study analyzes changes in the regional subcultures of the United States using 2000 census and religious survey data. The results suggest a remarkable degree of continuity with those the author...
Ionic excitation of a clone of mouse neuroblastoma.

Abstract The electrical properties and the possible regulation of these properties were studied by means of intracellular microelectrode recordings in cells of mouse neuroblastoma clone N1E-115. This clone has high levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and regulates this enzyme. Cells treated for 24 h with 4 μM aminopterin followed by at least 5 days in culture developed rhythmic discharge of action potentials when superfused with phosphate-buffered saline containing ⩽ 0.2mMcalcium or⩽ 0.2mM calcium and zero potassium. This ionic excitation occurred in no cells at less than 5 days after treatment with aminopterin but at 5 days or more after treatment, 20% of cells responded to low calcium while 52% responded to low calcium and zero potassium. Concomitant with the development of a susceptibility to ionic excitation was an increase in the average resting membrane potential and morphologic maturation. This ionic excitation of cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells may be useful for studying biochemical events associated with repetitive discharge of action potentials.
Fe/Pd Nanoparticle Immobilization in Microfiltration Membrane Pores: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in the Dechlorination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls

Nanosized Fe/Pd bimetallic particles are an important category of materials in the area of reductive degradation of chlorinated organics. In this work, we prepared Fe/Pd nanoparticles in three step...
Unified treatment of collisions

Eigenfunctions of a collision complex branch into different channels when propagating from a condensed-complex to a fragmented-complex limit. The branching ratios depend on separate processes localized where propagation becomes nonadiabatic. The cumulative effect of branching is represented by Jost matrices, which consist of the coefficients of the asymptotic expansion of a base set of eigenfunctions and serve to construct scattering matrices and cross sections. The formulation presented here blends theoretical elements of different origin and includes resonant and bound states of the complex.
Enhancement of the locomotor response to apomorphine in pertussis toxin-treated animals depends on the site of pertussis toxin injection into the ventral tegmental area

The locomotor stimulant response to either systemic or intra-accumbens amphetamine was enhanced 1-2 weeks after pre-treatment with pertussis toxin (PTX) into any of 3 different sites in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). An enhanced response to either systemic or intra-accumbens apomorphine occurred only after pre-treatment into the central VTA. Thus, enhanced sensitivity to drugs of either pre- or post-synaptic elements in the nucleus accumbens may develop depending on the site of the PTX pre-treatment within the VTA.
A simplified technique for intrathoracic stomach repair: laparoscopic fundoplication with Vicryl mesh and BioGlue crural reinforcement.

Laparoscopic repair of an intrathoracic stomach has been associated with a high recurrence rate. The use of biologic or synthetic mesh to reinforce the crural repair has been shown to reduce recurrence. This study aimed to assess a simplified technique for reinforcing the crural repair using absorbable Vicryl mesh secured with BioGlue during laparoscopic repair of an intrathoracic stomach. The charts of all patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of an intrathoracic stomach from June 2006 to March 2009 using the described technique were retrospectively reviewed. Intrathoracic stomach was defined as more than 50% of the stomach herniated into the chest. Follow-up assessment was routinely performed 1 year or more after surgery and included endoscopy, video esophagram, Bravo 48-h pH monitoring, and a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)–health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) questionnaire. A total of 35 patients (male:female = 10:25) with a mean age of 70 years (48–89 years) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.4 kg/m2 (20.4–44.8 kg/m2) underwent repair using this technique. The median operating time was 144 min (101–311 min), and the median hospital stay was 2 days (1–21 days). There were three conversions (8.6%) and one intraoperative complication (2.9%). Three patients (8.6%) experienced postoperative complications. No mesh-related complications occurred. Follow-up assessment 1 year or more after surgery was available for 21 of the 25 eligible patients [median follow-up period, 14 months (11–34 months)]. There were two recurrences (9.5%), one of them asymptomatic. The median GERD-HRQL score was 5 (2–28). Nearly all the patients (91.3%) were satisfied with the operation, and 96% would have it again. Vicryl mesh secured with BioGlue is a simple and easy method for reinforcing the crural closure during laparoscopic repair of an intrathoracic stomach. The recurrence rate at 1 year is low and comparable with that of other series using biologic mesh secured with sutures or tacks.
Early predictors of massive transfusion in patients sustaining torso gunshot wounds in a civilian level I trauma center.

Background:Early prediction of the need for massive transfusion (MT) remains difficult. We hypothesized that MT protocol (MTP) utilization would improve by identifying markers for MT (>10 units packed red blood cell [PRBC] in 24 hours) in torso gunshot wounds (GSW) requiring early transfusion and op
Comparison of surgical and electrodiagnostic findings in single root lumbosacral radiculopathies

To identify the segmental innervation of L-2-S-1 muscles, we compared the preoperative electrodiagnostic examinations of 45 patients with single-level lumbosacral radiculopathies confirmed radiologically and surgically. The electrodiagnostic findings were classified as abnormal only by the needle examination and only if muscles demonstrated active denervation or a marked neurogenic motor unit potential firing pattern. In comparison to other surgical, intraoperative root stimulation, and clinical studies, we found several differences. Overall, there was little overlap among L-2-4, L-5, and S-1 radiculopathies. The tibialis anterior was predominantly L-5 innervated, the gastrocnemius (medial and lateral head) predominantly S-1 innervated, and the biceps femoris (short and long head) exclusively S-1 innervated. The two heads of biceps femoris were not affected in any patients with L-5 radiculopathy in whom they were examined. These findings help guide both the clinician and surgeon in the diagnosis and treatment of lumbosacral radiculopathies.
IS THERE RECIPROCITY IN A RECIPROCAL‐EXCHANGE ECONOMY? EVIDENCE OF GENDERED NORMS FROM A SLUM IN NAIROBI, KENYA

Norms of reciprocity help enforce cooperative agreements in bilateral sequential exchange. We examine the norms that apply in a reciprocal-exchange economy. In our one-shot investment game in a Nairobi slum, people adhered to the norm of “balanced reciprocity,” which obligates quid-pro-quo returns for any level of trust. The norm is gendered, with people more likely to comply when confronted with women rather than men, and differs from “conditional reciprocity,” prevalent in developed countries, according to which greater trust is rewarded with proportionally larger returns. Balanced reciprocity produces less trust and trustworthiness and smaller gains from trade than conditional reciprocity. (JEL C72, C91)
Improving K-12 climate science education through collaborations with scientists

Climate change is one of the major challenges facing society today. More effective education of the public on this topic certainly is necessary and K-12 teachers play an important role in climate change education. It is therefore necessary to find ways of training teachers in the science behind climate change and equipping them with effective strategies for confronting it in their classroom. One method of teacher training is through the use of summer institutes and workshops, in which teachers spend a significant amount of time in professional development and in interactions with scientists.
Mask pattern fidelity quantification

In this paper, a quantitative evaluation of mask quality in the domain of 2D pattern fidelity and a method of assessing the OPC model effectiveness are investigated. The spirit of our algorithm is to characterize the wafer lithographic performances of both the real physical mask and the ideal OPCed layout mask that the physical mask is based on. To acquire these performances, we adopted a CD-SEM image process technique for transforming an actual SEM mask image into a simulation-friendly format like GDSII together with the methods to correctly handle the image transformation and interpret the simulation results. Finally, the images, such as the simulated aerial images, the simulated or observed resist top views, are superposed for comparison using logic operation.
Nephron-sparing partial nephrectomy for bilateral Wilms' tumor.

Abstract Purpose Partial nephrectomy is increasingly used in children with bilateral Wilms' tumor (BWT) or contralateral recurrence. Nephron-sparing surgery seeks to achieve complete tumor removal while preserving functional renal parenchyma. Previous series have documented high rates of complications, recurrence, and mortality. Methods Twelve patients (4 boys and 8 girls aged 9-42 months) with BWT or contralateral recurrence were treated at our institution with unilateral or bilateral partial nephrectomy. Preoperative imaging, operative notes, and pathology reports were reviewed. Outcomes analyzed included complications, recurrence, readmission rate, postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and survival. Results All patients underwent successful nephron-sparing resection using standard techniques, with only 2 patients requiring unilateral nephrectomy. Median length of stay was 3 days. There were no major complications or urine leaks. Two patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 10 were followed up for a median of 36 months (range, 3-79 months). There have been no recurrences or unplanned readmissions. Mean GFR is 107.7 (±32.8) mL/min per 1.73 m 2 , with no patient having a GFR below the lower limit of normal for age. Conclusion Nephron-sparing resection is a safe and effective approach for children with BWT or contralateral recurrence and should be part of the multimodality therapeutic approach to this disease.
Anisotropic winds from close-in extrasolar planets

We present two-dimensional hydrodynamic models of thermally driven winds from highly irradiated, close-in extrasolar planets. We adopt a very simple treatment of the radiative heating processes at the base of the wind, and instead focus on the differences between the properties of outflows in multidimensions in comparison to spherically symmetric models computed with the same methods. For hot (T 2 × 104 K) or highly ionized gas, we find that strong (supersonic) polar flows are formed above the planet surface which produce weak shocks and outflow on the night side. In comparison to a spherically symmetric wind with the same parameters, the sonic surface on the day side is much closer to the planet surface in multidimensions, and the total mass-loss rate is reduced by almost a factor of 4. We also compute the steady-state structure of interacting planetary and stellar winds. Both winds end in a termination shock, with a parabolic contact discontinuity which is draped over the planet separating the two shocked winds. The planetary wind termination shock and the sonic surface in the wind are well separated, so that the mass-loss rate from the planet is essentially unaffected. However, the confinement of the planetary wind to the small volume bounded by the contact discontinuity greatly enhances the column density close to the planet, which might be important for the interpretation of observations of absorption lines formed by gas surrounding transiting planets.
Composition and structure of the Al2O3{0001}-(1 × 1) surface

Abstract The surface composition, termination, and structure of the Al 2 O 3 {0001}-(1 × 1) surface have been determined through the use of time-of-flight scattering and recoiling spectrometry (TOF-SARS), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and classical ion trajectory simulations. TOF-SARS spectra of scattered and recoiled ions plus fast neutrals were collected as a function of crystal azimuthal rotation angle using 4 keV Ar + primary ions. The scattering and recoiling imaging code SARIC was used to simulate the azimuthal angle scans as a function of the termination layer and the first-second-layer interatomic spacing. This first-second-layer spacing was determined from the best agreement of the simulated scans with the experimental scans using a reliability, or R , factor analysis. The results lead to the conclusions that there are two domains on the surface that are rotated by 180°. It is found that the surface is terminated in an Al layer which relaxes downward so that the Al first-layer to O second-layer spacing is 0.3 ± 0.1 A . This relaxation of 63% from the bulk value can be made possible through a bond length conserving buckling of the O atoms. Hydrogen atoms were present on the surface, even at the annealing temperature of 1100°C.
Growth conditions of symplectic muscovite + quartz: Implications for quantifying retrograde metamorphism in exhumed magmatic arcs

Symplectic intergrowths are important markers of incomplete retrograde metamorphism. Because they represent arrested reactions that were limited by diffusion, these textures provide constraints on how pressure and temperature varied following peak-grade metamorphism. For example, symplectic intergrowths of muscovite + quartz that formed in upper amphibolite facies sillimanite + K-feldspar wall rocks permit assessment of the thermal history of a magmatic arc post-intrusion. Wall rocks surrounding the last plutons to be emplaced within the Peninsular Ranges batholith, (Southern California, USA, to Baja California, Mexico), present an ideal setting to investigate retrograde textures that elucidate arc evolution. During intrusion, wall rocks reached 625 ± 25 °C and exceeded muscovite + quartz stability. Post-intrusion, muscovite + quartz symplectites grew at the expense of K-feldspar in response to falling temperature. Ti-in-quartz measurements reveal that symplectic quartz grew at ≥375 °C, which reflects temperatures as much as 250 °C lower than peak-grade metamorphism. This result has significant implications for the mechanical and thermal evolution of Peninsular Ranges batholith arc crust.
EXAMINING THE “CRIMINAL CAREERS” OF PROSTITUTES WITHIN THE NEXUS OF DRUG USE, DRUG SELLING, AND OTHER ILLICIT ACTIVITIES*

This paper examines the co-occurrence of prostitution, drug use, drug selling, and involvement in non-drug crimes among women who have used serious drugs (e.g., crack, heroin). Existing perspectives on the drug use-prostitution nexus are re-examined using three dimensions of the criminal career paradigm: prevalence, lambda, and age of onset. Results show that approximately one-half of the women who reported regular drug use never prostituted, and that, except for use of crack cocaine, use of other drugs was unrelated to the prevalence, frequency, or age of onset into prostitution. The results also show that committing property crime was associated with an increased prevalence and early onset into prostitution, while selling drugs coincided with a decreased prevalence and delayed onset into prostitution.
THE ANTIGENIC COMPLEX OF STREPTOCOCCUS HAEMOLYTICUS : III. CHEMICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SPECIES-SPECIFIC SUBSTANCE.

1. The chemical and immunological characteristics of the species-specific substance (C) of Streptococcus haemolyticus are considered. (a) It seems to be a carbohydrate because considerably purified preparations of C resisted prolonged tryptic and peptic digestion and were negative for the ordinary protein color tests but gave positive Molisch reactions to the limit of the precipitin titer. One such "purified" lot, however, had 4.2 per cent nitrogen and only 28 per cent reducing sugars on hydrolysis. Whether the nitrogen was due to impurities or was combined in the C substance itself, as is true of the Type I pneumococcus specific polysaccharide, cannot be stated without more material. (b) The C substance forms precipitates with antibacterial sera prepared against heterologous, as well as against homologous hemolytic streptococci. These precipitates are typical discs like those formed by type-specific carbohydrates of other species of bacteria. C does not precipitate antinucleoprotein sera. (c) While there is only slight direct evidence that the C substance is not antigenic, there is considerable indirect proof that this is the case. It probably is a haptene in the sense of Landsteiner. 2. A discussion is included of the chemical and immunological relationships of all the serologically active substances so far identified in extracts of the hemolytic streptococcus.
Dendritic cells as therapeutic vaccines against cancer

Mouse studies have shown that the immune system can reject tumours, and the identification of tumour antigens that can be recognized by human T cells has facilitated the development of immunotherapy protocols. Vaccines against cancer aim to induce tumour-specific effector T cells that can reduce the tumour mass, as well as tumour-specific memory T cells that can control tumour relapse. Owing to their capacity to regulate T-cell immunity, dendritic cells are increasingly used as adjuvants for vaccination, and the immunogenicity of antigens delivered by dendritic cells has now been shown in patients with cancer. A better understanding of how dendritic cells regulate immune responses will allow us to better exploit these cells to induce effective antitumour immunity.
Unsteady heat and mass transfer from a spheroid

The unsteady heat-transfer processes from oblate or prolate spheroids, at the limit of very small Peclet numbers is examined. A perturbation technique for the temperature and the geometry of the particle is used to obtain the rates of heat and mass transfer, first in the Laplace and then in the time domain. A solution to the problem is obtained, including the ϵ2 contribution (ϵ is the eccentricity). The solution reveals the existence of several history terms, which are analogous to the history terms of the creeping flow equation of motion. One of these terms is solely due to the eccentricity of the spheroid. This is an indication that the shape of the particle is a factor of the existence and from of history terms. In addition, an exact expression for the steady-state heat transfer from a spheroid is obtained using a convenient transformation of the heat-transfer integral.
ANTICIPATED INTERACTION AND INFORMATION SEEKING

The information that persons possess about others influences social judgments and behavior. Previous analyses have shown that, when expecting to meet with a target, persons recall comparatively more information about the target. Those analyses, however, have provided no indication as to the type of information persons recall nor the range of recall across an action sequence. Moreover, there is no present understanding of the recall performance of persons who observe a target prior to being induced to expect interaction, although such a situation may be common in social contexts. This analysis sought to address these issues. Subjects viewed a videotaped interaction between a female (target) and a male. Subsequent analysis of subjects' recall revealed meaningful between-group differences.
Inhibition of Endothelial Cell Migration by Gene Transfer of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1

Abstract Background.Angiogenesis requires degradation of the vessel's basal lamina and endothelial cell migration into the tissue stroma. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) play important roles in this process. MMP activity is tightly regulated during vessel growth. This work was designed to characterize the effect of TIMP-1 upregulation on endothelial cell invasion of the extracellular matrix. Methods.We constructed replication-deficient recombinant adenoviruses that encode either TIMP-1 (Ad.TIMP-1) orEscherichia colilac Z (Ad.βgal) cDNA. Bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells were infected with 100 infectious particles/cell. Gene expression was assessed by Northern and Western blotting. TIMP-1 activity in cell-conditioned media was measured by a resorufin-labeled casein protease assay. BAE cell migration was measured by Boyden chamber assays with 0.2% gelatin-coated, 8.0-μm polycarbonate membranes. Results.TIMP-1 was overexpressed by Ad.TIMP-1-infected BAE cells relative to control, Ad.βgal-infected or uninfected cells. TIMP-1 activity in Ad.TIMP-1 cell-conditioned medium was 2.8-fold higher than in control cells. By Boyden chamber assays with gelatin-coated membranes, Ad.TIMP-1-infected BAE cells showed 89.97 ±1.64% (mean ± SEM) reduction in migration relative to Ad.βgal-infected cells (P Conclusion.The replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus we constructed affords rapid and efficient upregulation of functional TIMP-1 in endothelial cells. Infection results in a dramatic decrease in cell migration and invasion of extracellular matrix. Thus, such a recombinant vector may provide a useful tool for the gene therapy of vascular remodeling and inhibition of angiogenesis.
Prime divisors and flat extensions

Abstract This article is intended to answer a question of Heinzer and Ohm: Let R be a commutative ring with identity and let R′ be a flat R-algebra contained in the total quotient ring of R; also let I be an ideal of R and I′ = IR′. Employing Nagata's definition of associated prime, if Q′ is an associated prime of I′, must Q = Q′ ∩ R be an associated prime of I? Herein, we construct an example of integral domains R ⊂R′ which demonstrates that the answer is no.
The purification and crystallization of beef erythrocyte catalase

Abstract A procedure for the purification and crystallization of catalase from beef erythrocytes with an overall yield of about 25% just before the crystallization step has been developed, which involves adsorption on alumina gel, ethanol precipitation with subsequent CHCl 3 extraction, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and crystallization by dialysis. The molecular weight of this enzyme, as calculated from ultracentrifugation studies, is between 257,000 and 269,000. Spectral analysis show that beef erythrocyte catalase is only slightly reducible by dithionite. The spectrum of the erythrocyte catalase in the visible and near ultraviolet regions is similar in form to that of catalase isolated from beef liver. Beef erythrocyte catalase, however, contains twice the amount of hematin as does beef liver catalase, and the best preparations of erythrocyte catalase are nearly twice as active as beef liver catalase. Amino acid analyses of beef erythrocyte and beef liver catalases do not show differences between the two enzymes with respect to amino acid percentages, so that the most marked dissimilarity is the difference in hematin content. (Small differences in amino acid sequences would not have been detected). The observations on hematin content indicate that all of the hematins of beef erythrocyte catalase contribute to catalytic activity.
A 10-year review of pediatric perfusion practice in North America

In December 1999, 145 North American pediatric open-heart institutions were mailed an updated survey as a follow-up of two earlier surveys, 1989 and 1994. The survey consisted of 81 questions perta...
Variability in resistance-related enzyme activities in field populations of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris

Abstract Widespread use of Bt crops for control of lepidopterous pests has reduced insecticide use and provided the tarnished plant bug the opportunity to become a serious pest on mid-South cotton. Organophosphate insecticides have predominantly been used against plant bugs in recent years due to the reduced efficacy of other insecticides. In this study, a biochemical approach was developed to survey enzymatic levels associated with organophosphate resistance levels in field populations of the tarnished plant bug. Forty-three populations were collected from the delta areas of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Three esterase substrates and one substrate each of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were used to determine corresponding detoxification enzyme activities in different populations. Compared to a laboratory susceptible colony, increases up to 5.29-fold for esterase, 1.96-fold for GST, and 1.97-fold for AChE activities were detected in the field populations. In addition to the survey of enzyme activities among the populations, we also examined the susceptibility of major detoxification enzymes to several inhibitors which could be used in formulations to synergize insecticide toxicity against the target pests. As much as 52–76% of esterase, 72–98% of GST, and 93% of AChE activities were inhibited in vitro. Revealing variable esterase and GST activities among field populations may lead to a better understanding of resistance mechanisms in the tarnished plant bug. This study also reports effective suppression of detoxification enzymes which may be useful in future insecticide resistance management program for the tarnished plant bug and other Heteropteran pests on Bt crops.
Corporate Governance and Merger Activity in the United States: Making Sense of the 1980s and 1990s

Corporate governance in the United States changed dramatically throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Before 1980, corporate governance—meaning the mechanisms by which corporations and their managers are governed—was relatively inactive. Then, the 1980s ushered in a large wave of merger, takeover and restructuring activity. This activity was distinguished by its use of leverage and hostility. The use of leverage was so great that from 1984 to 1990, more than $500 billion of equity was retired on net, as corporations repurchased their own shares, borrowed to finance takeovers, and were taken private in leveraged buyouts. Corporate leverage increased substantially. Leveraged buyouts were extreme in this respect with debt levels typically exceeding 80 percent of total capital. The 1980s also saw the emergence of the hostile takeover and the corporate raider. Raiders like Carl Icahn and T. Boone Pickens became household names. Mitchell and Mulherin (1996) report that nearly half of all major U.S. corporations received a takeover offer in the 1980s. In addition, many firms that were not taken over restructured in response to hostile pressure to make themselves less attractive targets. In the 1990s, the pattern of corporate governance activity changed again. After a steep but brief drop in merger activity around 1990, takeovers rebounded to the levels of the 1980s. Leverage and hostility, however, declined substantially. At the same time, other corporate governance mechanisms began to play a larger role,
RANKL enhances macrophage paracrine pro-calcific activity in high phosphate-treated smooth muscle cells: dependence on IL-6 and TNF-α.

Background: Vascular calcification is highly correlated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality, and it is associated with inflammation. Receptor activator of NF-ĸB ligand (RANKL) inhibition in vivo has been shown to reduce vascular calcification in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that RANKL regulates smooth muscle cell (SMC) calcification by modulating macrophage production of pro-calcific cytokines. Methods: We used a bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM)/SMC co-culture system and examined the effects of RANKL on BMDM activation and SMC matrix calcification. Results: Treatment with RANKL alone did not stimulate SMC calcification induced by elevated phosphate. BMDMs differentiated with macrophage colony-stimulating factor and placed in co-culture with SMCs increased phosphate-induced SMC calcification. RANKL added to the BMDM/SMC co-cultures further enhanced SMC calcification. Treatment of BMDMs with RANKL resulted in increased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α. Thus, increased expression of these pro-calcific cytokines in macrophages may mediate RANKL-induced SMC calcification in a paracrine fashion. Addition of neutralizing IL-6 and TNF-α antibodies together with RANKL treatment significantly reduced the RANKL induction of SMC calcification. Conclusion: RANKL activation of pro-inflammatory and pro-calcific pathways in macrophages may contribute to vascular calcification and inflammation.
Comparative Evaluation of Neural Network Learning Algorithms for Ore Grade Estimation

In this paper, comparative evaluation of various local and global learning algorithms in neural network modeling was performed for ore grade estimation in three deposits: gold, bauxite, and iron ore. Four local learning algorithms, standard back-propagation, back-propagation with momentum, quickprop back-propagation, and Levenberg–Marquardt back-propagation, along with two global learning algorithms, NOVEL and simulated annealing, were investigated for this purpose. The study results revealed that no benefit was achieved using global learning algorithms over local learning algorithms. The reasons for showing equivalent performance of global and local learning algorithms was the smooth error surface of neural network training for these specific case studies. However, a separate exercise involving local and global learning algorithms on a nonlinear multimodal optimization of a Rastrigin function, containing many local minima, clearly demonstrated the superior performance of global learning algorithms over local learning algorithms. Although no benefit was found by using global learning algorithms of neural network training for these specific case studies, as a safeguard against getting trapped in local minima, it is better to apply global learning algorithms in neural network training since many real-life applications of neural network modeling show local minima problems in error surface.
Baclofen alters flash-evoked potentials in Long-Evans rats

This experiment examined the effects of the GABA-B agonist baclofen on flash-evoked potentials (FEPs) recorded from both the visual cortex (VC) and superior colliculus (SC) of chronically implanted male Long-Evans rats. FEPs were recorded at 5, 25, 45, and 65 min following intraperitoneal injections of saline, and of 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg baclofen on separate days. In the VC, the amplitude of components P(23), P(37), N(55), N(150), and P(242) increased, while the amplitude of components N(31) and P(48) decreased following baclofen administration. P(88) was unchanged. In the SC, components P(28), N(49), N(55), and N(59) were reduced in amplitude, while P(39) was unaffected by baclofen. These effects on amplitudes were dose- and time-dependent. Many peak latencies in the VC and SC were altered by baclofen, although there was no obvious pattern of change, with some decreasing, a few increasing, and others unchanged. Body temperature was recorded in a separate group of animals, with both the 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg doses of baclofen producing significant hypothermia. The 10.0 mg/kg dose of baclofen resulted in a significant decrease in movement during the recording sessions, but not in subsequent open field observations. The results show the involvement of GABA-B receptors in the production/modulation of the various components of FEPs.
Distribution of terminal electron-accepting processes in an aquifer having multiple contaminant sources

Abstract Concentrations of electron acceptors, electron donors, and H2 in groundwater were measured to determine the distribution of terminal electron-accepting processes (TEAPs) in an alluvial aquifer having multiple contaminant sources. Upgradient contaminant sources included two separate hydrocarbon point sources, one of which contained the fuel oxygenate methyl tertbutyl ether (MTBE). Infiltrating river water was a source of dissolved NO3, SO4 and organic carbon (DOC) to the downgradient part of the aquifer. Groundwater downgradient from the MTBE source had larger concentrations of electron acceptors (dissolved O2 and SO4) and smaller concentrations of TEAP end products (dissolved inorganic C, Fe2+ and CH4) than groundwater downgradient from the other hydrocarbon source, suggesting that MTBE was not as suitable for supporting TEAPs as the other hydrocarbons. Measurements of dissolved H2 indicated that SO4 reduction predominated in the aquifer during a period of high water levels in the aquifer and river. The predominant TEAP shifted to Fe3+ reduction in upgradient areas after water levels receded but remained SO4 reducing downgradient near the river. This distribution of TEAPs is the opposite of what is commonly observed in aquifers having a single contaminant point source and probably reflects the input of DOC and SO4 to the aquifer from the river. Results of this study indicate that the distribution of TEAPs in aquifers having multiple contaminant sources depends on the composition and location of the contaminants and on the availability of electron acceptors.
Static load-balanced routing for slimmed fat-trees

Slimmed fat-trees have recently been proposed and deployed to reduce costs in High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters. While existing static routing schemes such as destination-mod-k (D-mod-k) routing are load-balanced and effective for full bisection bandwidth fat-trees, they incur significant load imbalance in many slimmed fat-trees. In this work, we propose a static load balanced routing scheme, called Round-Robin Routing (RRR), for 2- and 3-level extended generalized fat-trees (XGFTs), which represent many fat-tree variations including slimmed fat-trees. RRR achieves near perfect load-balancing for any such XGFT in that links at the same level of a tree carry traffic from almost the same number of source-destination pairs. Our evaluation results indicate that on many slimmed fat-trees, RRR is significantly better than D-mod-k for dense traffic patterns due to its better load-balancing property, but performs worse for sparse patterns. We develop a combined routing scheme that enjoys the strengths of both RRR and D-mod-k by using RRR in conjunction with D-mod-k. The combined routing is a robust load-balanced routing scheme for slimmed fat-trees: it performs similar to D-mod-k for sparse traffic patterns and to RRR for dense patterns.
Computing Access in Public Spaces: A Case Study

Computing access in public space (CAPS) is described as bringing a computing system into a public place. This includes a library, an airport terminal, a hospital waiting room, or a museum. These en...
Vascular anomalies in 5621 patients: guidelines for referral☆

Objective To characterize referrals to a vascular anomalies center to determine which lesions should be treated by specialists.