cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemistry and Immunology of Native and Synthetic Peptide Fragments of Streptococcal M Proteins

A peptide fragment (CB7) of pepsin-extracted type 24 streptococcal M protein (pep M24) was chemically synthesized and tested for protective and tissue cross-reactive imnunogenicity in rabbits. The synthetic 35-residue peptide (S-CB7) covalently linked to polylysine and emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant evoked high titers of type-specific antibody as measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent (ELISA), opsonic and mouse protective assays. No heart cross-reactive antibody was detected. Cleavage of the CB7 fragment demonstrated a protective determinant in a subpeptide containing only 12 amino acids. A set of monoclonal antibodies against pep M24 has been used to locate protective peptide regions exposed in the native state of the M protein molecule on the surface of intact streptococci.
Two Production Function Model

The basic modeling framework presented in Chapter 3 was developed for a firm producing to an order which specifies a quantity and a delivery date for output. A neoclassical production function was augmented with a learning hypothesis, and the cost of production was minimized to yield optimal time paths of both production and cost. The model presented in this chapter adheres to the same general theoretical framework. However, in the previous Chapters learning was presumed to be an automatic consequence of production experience. In this chapter the firm is permitted to devote resources explicitly to the “knowledge” production. This knowledge in turn permits more efficient production of both knowledge and output. In this way the learning curve is transformed from an automatic result of production to a result of the rational allocation of resources.
The Insider Trading Prohibition: A Legal and Economic Enigma

The prohibition of insider trading in U.S. federal securities law typically is justified on fairness or equity grounds. Predictably, these arguments have had little traction in the law and economics community. At the same time, however, law and economics scholars have not coalesced around a single view of the prohibition; instead, competing economic arguments generated an extensive debate that is still active. Those law & economics scholars who favor deregulation of insider trading typically argue that efficiency is the sole basis for analyzing a legal regime, and that the prohibition lacks any rational economic basis. This article critiqued two pro deregulation arguments: (1) the effect of insider trading on the pricing of securities and (2) the claim that insider trading is an efficient compensation scheme. The article found neither argument persuasive. Those who favor regulating insider trading typically respond either by rejecting the claim that efficiency is the controlling criterion or by attempting to show that the prohibition is justifiable on efficiency grounds. The pro regulation arguments critiqued herein include: (1) insider trading injures the firm whose securities were traded; (2) insider trading injures shareholders of the firm whose securities were traded; and (3) insider trading violates norms of fairness. In sum, this article contended that neither side had carried the field, but suggested that the argument in favor of regulation probably was winning at the time. The article concludes with some observations on the concept of efficiency as a normative principle.
Experimental Investigation of Deposition and Fate of Particles: Animal Models and Interspecies Differences

The purpose of this paper is to review the available information related to deposition and fate of particles in order to help interpret health effects data. As a part of this endeavor it is important to consider species differences in order to extrapolate from effects observed in animal toxicology studies to possible effects in humans exposed in the environment, usually at lower concentrations. A large body of information has been developed on deposition and fate of particles in humans. The vast majority of the data, however, have been obtained in normal healthy adults. There are limited data on susceptible populations or on factors that would modulate responses. The extent to which factors such as age, disease, exercise, and cigarette smoking might alter deposition and fate, and consequently health effects needs to be considered. Another issue dealt with in this review is the extent to which there are clues in the experimental data on deposition and fate of particles that might shed light on the apparently linear correlation of mortality with daily pollution levels even at relatively low ambient concentrations. It is also important to understand species difference so that toxicology studies in animals of pollutant effects can be used effectively to extrapolate to human health effects.
RecNW: A fast pairwise aligner for targeted sequencing

Motivation: Targeted sequencing aims at in-depth analysis of specific genomic loci through high-throughput sequencing for applications such as resequencing or CRISPR gene editing. These applications require exact pairwise alignment algorithms to fully characterize large amounts of reads by comparison to the targeted locus, or reference. Optimal solutions to this alignment problem are provided by classic implementations of the global and semi-global versions of Needleman-Wunsch algorithms, but they remain computationally expensive due to their quadratic complexity in time and space. Implementation: In this paper we present RecNW, an open source C++ exact aligner packaged for Python that implements the semi-global version of the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm with affine gap penalty. RecNW utilizes low complexity of targeted sequencing libraries by aligning only unique reads, and recurrently using blocs of the alignment matrix between reads based on their similarities. Through this, RecNW performs exact alignment on average more than four times faster than gold standard comparable software.
CSF leak after endoscopic skull base surgery in children: A single institution experience.

Abstract Introduction The endoscopic expanded endonasal approach (EEA) has been shown to be a safe and effective surgical technique in the resection of pediatric skull base lesions. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are among the most common complications of this approach. Here we review skull base resections using EEA in pediatric patients at our single institution, to identify potential risk factors for this surgical complication. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on pediatric patients at our single institution for patients 19 years-old and under, who underwent an EEA for resection of a skull base tumor. Results Thirty-nine pediatric patients (ages 1–19 years) with 8 different tumor pathologies underwent an EEA for resection of their skull base tumors. 21 patients experienced an intraoperative CSF leak, of which 10 (48%) were “high-flow” leaks and 11 (52%) were “low-flow” leaks. Nasoseptal flaps were only used to repair the intraoperative “high flow” leaks (n = 10), and “low flow” and “no leaks” were repaired with allograft and fat. No patients experienced a post-operative CSF leak. Conclusion In our pediatric series, the skull base repair algorithm of using an NSF only in cases of “high flow” intraoperative leaks was effective, and no post-operative CSF leaks occurred. Not using an NSF in cases of “low-flow” or “no leak” cases allows for decreased anatomical disruption in the growing patient.
What can we learn about influenza infection and vaccination from transcriptomics

Transcriptomics studies the set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. This growing field has revolutionized our understanding of host-pathogen interactions, revealing new insights into the host response to influenza infection and vaccination. Studies using transcriptomics have identified a unique immunosignature for influenza discernable from other bacterial and viral pathogens, key transcriptional factors that discriminate early from late, mild versus severe, and symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection. Recent studies evaluating the host response to influenza vaccines have revealed key differences in live versus inactivated influenza vaccines, identified early transcriptional signatures that predict hemagglutinin antibody production following vaccination, increased our understanding of how adjuvants enhance the immune response to influenza vaccine antigens, and demonstrate biologic variability in the response to vaccination due to host factors. These studies demonstrate the potential for influenza transcriptomics to be applied to clinical care, understanding the mechanisms of infection, and informing vaccine development.
Heterocyclic nonionic X-ray contrast agents V: A facile conversion of 2-tetrahydrofuroamides into α-hydroxy-δ-valerolactams and a general synthesis of lactams conjugated to 2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamides☆

Abstract The synthesis of 2,4,6-triiodoisophthalamides substituted by a lactam moiety is described. A tandem ring opening-ring closure methodology consisting of a regiospecific ether cleavage of the tetrahydrofuroanilide 14b , followed by lactamization to α-oxygenated anilides 15b or 16b , gave α-O-functionalized-δ-valerolactams 12b or 13b , respectively. This approach is also compatible with the presence of ester and carbonyl chloride functions on the triiodophenyl moiety. A general synthesis of lactams 34–39 was also achieved. Further chemical modifications led to water soluble unsubstituted-lactams ( 34d, 35d, 37d ) and α-hydroxy-lactams [ 42(d,e), 13(d,e) and 43 ] that are of interest as X-ray contrast agents.
Formation and Maintenance of Tissue Resident Memory CD8+ T Cells after Viral Infection

Tissue resident memory (TRM) CD8 T cells comprise a memory population that forms in peripheral, non-lymphoid tissues after an infection that does not recirculate into the bloodstream or other tissues. TRM cells often recognize conserved peptide epitopes shared among different strains of a pathogen and so offer a protective role upon secondary encounter with the same or related pathogens. Several recent studies have begun to shed light on the intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating TRM. In addition, work is being done to understand how canonical "markers" of TRM actually affect the function of these cells. Many of these markers regulate the generation or persistence of these TRM cells, an important point of study due to the differences in persistence of TRM between tissues, which may impact future vaccine development to cater towards these important differences. In this review, we will discuss recent advances in TRM biology that may lead to strategies designed to promote this important protective immune subset.
Design, synthesis, and photophysical properties of Re(I) tricarbonyl 1,10-phenanthroline complexes

Abstract A series of [Re(5-R-phen)(CO)3(X)]0/+, where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, R = H, CN, COOH, COONH2, and X = Cl or pyridine, was prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, NMR, Vis/UV, emission and cyclic voltammetry. The complexes absorb in the near-ultraviolet region of the spectrum, emit between 550 and 600 nm with emission lifetimes between 150 and 500 ns, undergo irreversible oxidation at 1.45 V and a reversible reduction of the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand near −1.30 V vs Ag/AgCl in acetonitrile.
Bridging Gaps in Paper Design Considering Impacts of Switching Speed and Power-loop Layout

In power electronics design, the selection of power semiconductors mainly considers the voltage and current ratings, power loss, and operating frequency capability. However, in the paper design stage, the impacts of switching speed and busbar or PCB layouts related geometries design on the converter system are not considered comprehensively, which may introduce a trial-and-error procedure of selecting the gate resistance in the implementations due to overvoltage and cooling capability issues. To shrink the design gaps between the paper design and implementations, with advanced modeling methods and design automation programs, this paper proposes a systematic design approach for power semiconductors selection and cooling system design considering the impacts of switching speed and power-loop layout. The discrete-time switching behavior model for the switching speed prediction and automatic geometry creation program for the power-loop layout are developed to determine the gate resistance in the paper design stage, and the partial element equivalent circuits (PEEC) numerical modeling method is adopted to extract the parasitic inductance for the created geometries. After the determination of gate resistances for the selected device and topology, a multi-variable switching loss scaling method with the discrete-time switching behavior model is used to get the more accurate device losses for the cooling design. A complete design iteration and related verifications are also given in this paper.
In defense of Kuhn: a discussion of his detractors.

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the work of Kuhn and that of other authors in relation to his work related to science. It examines the issues concerning the different views of science. The important problem that the researcher faces in the process of analyzing science rises from the fact that the history comes from the texts. Texts are reconstructions after the fact of the historical events. Those reconstructions are based upon some theory nested within the world view the author of the written record holds with respect to history. History is, in turn, read by a person holding his or her own theory within a world view that may or may not be the same as that of the author. Thus, given the ambiguity of the record, the available data may be given different emphases and meanings in light of the paradigmatic view brought to it.
Addressing Evaluative Standards Related to Program Assessment: How Do We Respond?

This study uses nationwide data to examine how schools assess educational outcomes and integrate evaluation data into MSW program and curriculum development. This article also identifies key difficulties which programs report having encountered in addressing the Council on Social Work Education’s former Evaluative Standards 1.4 and 1.5 concerning outcome evaluation and program improvement. The authors present strategies for overcoming these difficulties and for responding to assessment mandates.
The Challenges of Culture in Global Online Learning

Many universities and colleges have online programs in which registration is not restricted to students located in the United States and may have students and indeed target students outside of the U.S. The impact of the different languages and cultures of these students, however, needs to be studied and understood if these courses are going to have the intended educational impact on these students as they have on native speakers of English whose cultural background is similar to students who grow up in the United States. A positive side-effect of an understanding of the role of language in education could be a better understanding of foreign and non-native speakers of English who are educated in the United States as well as more culturally knowledgeable graduates of U.S. higher education. Research which compares the economic literacy of U.S. students of higher education will be compared with German students and questions where a statistically significant difference exists will be explored, concentrating on the cultural differences which could lead to different answers on these questions from these two groups. Finally, an interpretation of this research will be done and conclusions drawn.
Intercavernous connection between the internal carotid arteries

Intercavernous communication between the left and right internal carotid arteries is an uncommon entity. The authors report a case involving a pediatric patient who was found to have such a vascular anomaly. Such variations should be known by the neurosurgeon so as to avoid misdiagnosis and potential iatrogenic injury.
BGP routing: a study at large time scale

We conduct a longterm analysis of BGP routing properties, such as path stability. Our work complements previous studies that examine the BGP routing behavior at smaller time scales, such as its convergence to a routing update. We focus on properties that would reflect the BGP evolution due to growth, policy, and business reasons. We use daily snapshots of a number of BGP tables and we study the evolution of the paths for every IP-prefix advertised between two autonomous systems (source AS, destination AS, IP-prefix). In a high level, we observe that BGP routing is characterized by a) fairly robust routing with usually few dominating paths per prefix, b) routing richness in the advertised paths and c) a significant number of short lived IP-prefix advertisements.
Catalysis by a Multiprotein IκB Kinase Complex

Many extracellular signals, tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1 among them, transmit their signals to the genetic apparatus via the transcriptional activator, NF-kB. Maniatis summarizes what is known about this critical pathway and describes how two reports in this issue ([ Mercurio et al .][1] and [ Woronicz et al .][2]) add to the story. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/278/5339/860 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/278/5339/866
Clemmensen Reduction of Ketones in Anhydrous Organic Solvents

The Clemmensen reduction of ketones and aldehydes using zinc and hydrochloric acid is the simplest direct method for converting the carbonyl group into a methylene group. Typically the carbonyl is refluxed for several hours with 40% hydrochloric acid, amalgamated zinc, and a water-immiscible organic solvent such as tolurene. Because of these harsh conditions, reports of successful Clemmensen reduction of polyfunctional ketones have been rare. A milder procedure using dry hydrogen chloride in organic solvent extends the potential of this reaction. Other developments that define scope of both aqueous and anhydrous reduction conditions are discussed and an effort is made to compare the properties of possible reduction intermediates with other organozinc species. Keywords: Clemmensen reduction; ketones; anhydrous organic solvents; diketones; unsaturated ketones; hindered ketones; activated zinc dust; cholestane; 1,1-diphenylclohexane; 4,4-dideuterio-1,1-diphenylcyclohexane; hydrogen chloride; aprotic organic solvents; experimental procedures
Closure modeling and direct simulation of vegetation drag in flow through emergent vegetation

[1] This paper presents numerical simulations of flow through emergent vegetation. Two simulation strategies are evaluated, (1) Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS)- based simulations employing a vegetation closure model and (2) low-resolution large-eddy simulation (LES). RANS-based models offer efficiency in terms of computational resources, however, it is demonstrated herein that the accuracy of RANS models depends strongly on empirical parameters of the corresponding vegetation closure model. The method of low-resolution LES is an efficient alternative to a fully resolved LES, simulates vegetation drag directly, and does not require empirical parameter input. Predictions of the vegetative flow resistance of emergent vegetation using low-resolution LES are in fairly good agreement with measurements, in particular for low and moderate vegetation densities. This is because prevailing stream- and spanwise-velocity gradients, vertical velocity profiles, and recirculation zones are calculated with reasonable accuracy.
Monopoles, modular invariance and Chern-Simons field theory

Abstract We develop an operator construction of Chern-Simons effective quantum mechanics. A correspondence between the resulting Hilbert space and the conformal blocks of the WZW model is made. Under this identification the fusion algebra is derived. So me properties of the modular transformations in higher genus of rational conformal field theories are understood by including monopole backgrounds to the theory at genus one.
Nitric oxide synthase gene therapy for erectile dysfunction: Comparison of plasmid, adenovirus, and adenovirus-transduced myoblast vectors

Background and Purpose: Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as an important transmitter for genitourinary tract function. This transmitter mediates smooth muscle relaxation and is essential for e...
An increasingly familiar tragedy: evaluative collocation and conflation

Evaluation - the function and usage of language to express the speaker's or writer's opinion - has only relatively recently become the object of systematic linguistic research, for example in stance or appraisal analysis. This paper proposes an alternative, corpus-based approach to evaluation which assumes that there are at least ten different meaning dimensions (parameters) along which speakers can evaluate aspects of the world. This framework helps to explain the complexity of evaluation, and in particular what is here called evaluative interplay or combination: the expression of more than two evaluative parameters at the same time, which can be realized by evaluative conflation (evaluations signalled by one and the same linguistic item) and evaluative collocation (evaluations signalled by different linguistic items). Both the parameter-based framework and evaluative interplay are illustrated with a number of examples from authentic discourse (mostly from British newspapers).
Retention of clostridial collagenase by primary cultures of parenchymal cells prepared from adult rat liver.

Abstract Significant levels of collagenase activity have been found in extracts of isolated rat hepatocytes, but not in extracts of rat liver. Hepatocytes prepared by perfusion of liver with 125I-clostridial collagenase and washed repeatedly retained significant amounts of the radiolabeled proteases. During the first 24–48 hours of primary culture of the hepatocytes, the contaminating clostridial collagenase was rapidly inactivated and degraded as judged first, by loss of collagenase activity from both cell extracts and culture medium; and second, by release of 125I into the medium largely in the form of iodinated small peptides.
SU-C-18C-02: Specifcation of X-Ray Projection Angles Which Are Aligned with the Aortic Valve Plane From a Planar Image of a Valvuloplasty Balloon Inflated Across the Aortic Valve

Purpose: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedures provide a method to implant a prosthetic aortic valve via a minimallyinvasive, catheter-based procedure. TAVR procedures require use of interventional fluoroscopy c-arm projection angles which are aligned with the aortic valve plane to minimize prosthetic valve positioning error due to x-ray imaging parallax. The purpose of this work is to calculate the continuous range of interventional fluoroscopy c-arm projection angles which are aligned with the aortic valve plane from a single planar image of a valvuloplasty balloon inflated across the aortic valve. Methods: Computational methods to measure the 3D angular orientation of the aortic valve were developed. Required inputs include a planar x-ray image of a known valvuloplasty balloon inflated across the aortic valve and specifications of x-ray imaging geometry from the DICOM header of the image. A-priori knowledge of the species-specific typical range of aortic orientation is required to specify the sign of the angle of the long axis of the balloon with respect to the x-ray beam. The methods were validated ex-vivo and in a live pig. Results: Ex-vivo experiments demonstrated that the angular orientation of a stationary inflated valvuloplasty balloon can be measured with precision less than 1 degree. In-vivo pig experiments demonstrated that cardiac motion contributed to measurement variability, with precision less than 3 degrees. Error in specification of x-ray geometry directly influences measurement accuracy. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that the 3D angular orientation of the aortic valve can be calculated precisely from a planar image of a valvuloplasty balloon inflated across the aortic valve and known x-ray geometry. This method could be used to determine appropriate c-arm angular projections during TAVR procedures to minimize x-ray imaging parallax and thereby minimize prosthetic valve positioning errors.
Attention Allocation in Situation Awareness

Subjects were given a “god's eye” view of an air battle involving seven aircraft: two were friendly, either one or three were hostile, and the rest were neutral. In one condition (Consistent FFN), which aircraft were friend, foe, or neutral was consistent throughout a trial. In another condition (Variable FFN), the identity of each aircraft changed randomly within a trial. In general, subjects' spatial awareness was best for enemy aircraft and worst for neutral aircraft. Increasing the number of enemy aircraft from one to three degraded spatial awareness for enemy aircraft in both FFN conditions. FFN awareness for was also affected. These results are interpreted in terms of a limited capacity model of attention and subjects' attentional priorities.
Oncocytic-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms: a unique malignant pancreatic tumor with good long-term prognosis.

Background The different epithelial phenotypes of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are predictors of tumor biology and post-surgical outcomes. Oncocytic-type IPMN (O-IPMN) seems to have a unique natural history, but not much information is available because of its rarity. We sought to describe the characteristics of a cohort of patients resected for O-IPMNs, focusing on their long-term outcomes after surgery. Study Design We conducted a retrospective review of the demographics, clinical presentation, pathology, and survival of a cohort of patients resected for IPMN between 1990 and 2013, comparing O-IPMN with other IPMN subtypes. Results Eighteen of 400 patients (4.5%) who underwent resection for IPMN had the oncocytic subtype. Compared with other IPMN patients, those with O-IPMNs were more likely to be male (72% vs 45%; p = 0.02) and to have main pancreatic duct involvement (72% vs 42%; p = 0.01). Oncocytic IPMNs occurred in asymptomatic individuals in 67% of cases. They had either invasive carcinoma (61%) or high-grade dysplasia (39%), and the proportions in other epithelial subtypes were 19% and 21%, respectively (p Conclusions Oncocytic IPMN is a unique tumor subtype that occurs mostly in the main pancreatic duct and is malignant. Recurrences after resection are not uncommon and can occur more than 10 years after the initial resection. Reoperations for recurrent O-IPMN are often feasible and have excellent results in terms of survival.
Organic Compounds in Volcanic Gas from Santiaguito Volcano, Guatemala

Gas samples collected at Sapper fumarole, Santiaguito, Guatemala, on December 5, 1969, were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A number of compounds were found, including saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, aromatics, halogenated hydrocarbons, and inorganic sulfur compounds. The compounds are probably produced by heating of fossil soil or sedimentary layers by the magma.
IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE 11S PROTEIN COMPONENT OF THE HUMAN COMPLEMENT SYSTEM

Rabbit anticryoprotein and anticomplement antisera recognized a heat-labile antigen in normal human serum. This antigen best fitted the previously described US protein because of its presence in fresh human serum, euglobulin, and purified 11S preparations and its absence in heated serum, R11S, and pseudoglobulin preparations. The 11S hemolytic activity correlated well with the presence of this heat-labile antigen in the 11S region in sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation and in the gamma globulin region on zone electrophoresis. It could be identified as a single component in the gamma globulin region in immunoelectrophoresis. The intermediate complex EAC'11S was lysed by R11S reagents and agglutinated by these antisera. The antisera also agglutinated a human complement-binding Rh-positive cell system if the 11S protein had been previously bound.
Developmental changes in neural progenitor cell lineage commitment do not depend on epidermal growth factor receptor signaling

Multipotent neural progenitor cells become progressively more biased towards a glial fate during development coincident with an increase in expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). To determine whether differences in lineage commitment of neural progenitor cells from different stages are causally related to expression of the EGFR and whether generation of glia is EGFR-dependent, we used an EGFR-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor, PD158780, to block the activation of EGFR in progenitor cells. Treatment of cultured neonatal progenitor cells with PD158780 completely blocked EGF-induced proliferation of the cells but did not affect bFGF-induced proliferation. Nevertheless, treatment with the inhibitor failed to inhibit the generation of astroglia in the presence of either EGF or bFGF. Treatment with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) enhanced astroglial differentiation and suppressed oligodendroglial (OL) differentiation. PD158780 treatment had no effect on the BMP2-induced astroglial differentiation or OL suppression. These observations suggest that the generation of astroglia is not dependent on EGFR activation. Because it was still possible that the progenitor cell responses reflected a prior history of EGFR signaling, rat forebrain cells were cultured in the presence of PD158780 from a time (E12.5) preceding expression of the EGFR. After time in culture, the E12.5 cells expressed EGFR by Western analysis both in the presence and in the absence of PD158780, but activation of EGFR kinase (receptor autophosphorylation) was undetectable in the presence of PD158780 and the cells did not proliferate in response to EGF. Nevertheless, astroglial differentiation was normal in PD158780-treated cells both in the absence and in the presence of BMPs or CNTF. Furthermore, the propensity towards glial differentiation increased with time in culture even in the absence of EGFR signaling. This suggests that the increased bias towards glial differentiation during development does not depend on EGFR signaling.
NMR study of structure of sodium boroaluminate glass at high sodium content

Abstract Nuclear magnetic resonance has been used to study the structure of sodium boroluminate (NABAL) glasses with varying sodium oxide content. A structural change is found at high sodium oxide content which is in the region where abrupt changes in glass properties have been found by different workers. A structural model is suggested based on the results of computer simulation and measurements of activation energy. The model is suggestive in explaining the abrupt changes observed in different kinds of measurements, such as conductivity.
Ab-initio calculations of the hydrogen―uranium system: Surface phenomena, absorption, transport and trapping

Abstract Density functional theory was applied to the initial steps of uranium hydriding: surface phenomena, absorption, bulk transport and trapping. H adsorbs exothermically to the (0 0 1) surface, yet H absorption into the bulk is endothermic, with off-center octahedral absorption having the lowest absorption energy of 0.39 eV, relative to molecular H 2 . H absorption in interstitial sites causes a local softening of the bulk modulus. Diffusion of H in unstrained α-U has a barrier of 0.6 eV. The energy of H absorption adjacent to the chemical impurities C, S, Si was lowered by an amount proportional to the size of the impurity atom, and the resulting lattice strain Si > S > C. Thus, impurities may promote hydriding by providing surfaces or prestrained zones for H uptake.
Hepatocarcinogenesis in BXH recombinant inbred strains of mice: analysis of diverse phenotypic effects of the hepatocarcinogen sensitivity loci.

The hepatocarcinogen sensitivity (Hcs) loci were originally identified as determinants of the approximately 50-fold higher susceptibility of male C3H/HeJ (C3H) mice to perinatally induced hepatocarcinogenesis relative to male C57BL/6J (B6) mice. These two inbred strains also differ in other phenotypes related to hepatocarcinogenesis, including their incidences of spontaneous liver tumors and the properties of neoplastic hepatic lesions. To test the hypothesis that the Hcs loci also influence these phenotypes, we characterized male mice from B6, C3H, and nine BXH recombinant inbred (a) strains for spontaneous liver tumor development, the frequency of activating mutations in tumors, and the presence of cytoplasmic inclusions in preneoplastic lesions. By comparing these results to the relative susceptibilities of the parental and Rl strains to N, N-diethylnitrosamine (a) -and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in preweanling male mice, we concluded that the C3H alleles of the Hcs loci also positively influence the spontaneous development of liver tumors in male animals. While strain-dependent differences in the frequency of Ha-ras-1 activation in DEN-initiated liver tumors were observed, this phenotype was not correlated with susceptibility to liver tumor induction. The formation of eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies observed specifically in B6 liver tumors, which has been suggested to be associated with the resistance of this strain to hepatocarcinogenesis, also segregated independently of the Hcs loci. © 1995 Wiley- Liss, Inc.
Creativity, insolence, and attractiveness of female experimenters.

In a study with 143 undergraduates, correlations were run between scores for (a) insolence and creativity and (b) insolence and adventurousness, under two different conditions: an attractive female served as E or E was a female chosen for her unattractiveness. Significant correlations were obtained for both (a) and (b) among female Ss, but males showed a significant correlation between creativity and insolence only in the condition in which E was an attractive female. Females were significantly less insolent than males. The results have implications for creativity research and for the issue of artifacts in experimental research.
Worm structure in the modified Swift-Hohenberg equation for electroconvection

A theoretical model for studying pattern formation in electroconvection is proposed in the form of a modified Swift-Hohenberg equation. A localized state is found in two dimension, in agreement with the experimentally observed ``worm" state. The corresponding one dimensional model is also studied, and a novel stationary localized state due to nonadiabatic effect is found. The existence of the 1D localized state is shown to be responsible for the formation of the two dimensional ``worm" state in our model.
Child welfare informatics: A proposed subspecialty for social work

Abstract Informatics is a term that has been used and applied to data collection, analysis, and information and communication technologies across many disciplines including public health, nursing, medicine, and, more recently, to social work. To date, no collective discussion involving policy makers, practitioners, and researchers in the social work field defining child welfare informatics and its implications to the discipline, including curriculum development has occurred. This paper offers a perspective to begin the dialogue of child welfare informatics and presents a working definition and role specification for those working as child welfare informaticians. Finally, recommendations are made on how to evolve child welfare informatics. These recommendations include highlighting the importance of informatics as a subspecialty in social work, its prospectus for child welfare policyreform, and implications for interdisciplinary, social work curriculum development.
Murine ultrasound imaging for circumferential strain analyses in the angiotensin II abdominal aortic aneurysm model.

Objective The underlying causes of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) remain obscure, although research tools such as the angiotensin II (Ang II) apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE −/− ) mouse model have aided investigations. Longitudinal imaging and determination of biomechanical forces in this small-scale model have been difficult. We hypothesized that high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy combined with speckle-tracking analytical strategies can be used to define the role of circumferential mechanical strain in AAA formation in the Ang II/apoE −/− mouse model of AAAs. We simultaneously examined dietary perturbations that might impact the biomechanical properties of the aortic wall, hypothesizing that the generalized inflammatory phenotype associated with diet-induced obesity would be associated with accelerated loss of circumferential strain and aneurysmal aortic degeneration. Methods Receiving either a 60 kcal% fat Western diet or standard 10 kcal% fat normal chow, Ang II-treated apoE −/− mice (n = 34) underwent sequential aortic duplex ultrasound scan imaging (Vevo 2100 System; VisualSonics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) of their entire aorta. Circumferential strains were calculated using speckle-tracking algorithms and a custom MatLab analysis. Results Decreased strains in all aortic locations after just 3 days of Ang II treatment were observed, and this effect progressed during the 4-week observation period. Anatomic segments along the aorta impacted wall strain (baseline highest in ascending aorta; P P Conclusions In the Ang II/apoE −/− aneurysm model, the aorta significantly stiffens (with decreased strain) shortly after Ang II infusion, and this progressively continues through the next 4 weeks. High-fat feeding did not have an impact on wall strain. Delineation of biomechanical factors and AAA morphology via duplex scan and speckle-tracking algorithms in mouse models should accelerate insights into human AAAs.
The relationship of the rare-earth composition of minerals to geological environment☆

Abstract It has been known for a long time that the composition of the lanthanides in minerals is controlled to a large degree by crystallo-chemical factors, but is also greatly influenced by changes in geological environment. In general, igneous rocks rich in silica are favourable for the concentration of the heavy lanthanides and yttrium; those low in silica and high in carbonate are favourable for the concentration of the light lanthanides. These generalizations are illustrated by summaries of the available data on monazite, sphene, and apatite from different geological environments. Apatite of marine sedimentary origin (a large potential source of rare earths) shows marked depletion of cerium, as has been noted previously for sea water.
Comparison of gallium and PET scans at diagnosis and follow-up of pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.

Background Positron emission tomography (PET) and gallium scans facilitate diagnosis and staging, evaluation of response to therapy, and monitoring for relapse in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), but have not been compared in pediatric HL. Procedure We performed concurrent PET and gallium scans on 44 pediatric HL patients at diagnosis, early response, off chemotherapy, and off-therapy evaluations. PET and gallium scans were compared to each other and to computed tomography (CT) alone to determine whether either modality led to a change in stage or modified the results of the early response evaluation, which was used to determine the radiation dose. Results PET upstaged four patients at diagnosis (2 from stage I to II, one II to III, and one III to IV), but did not lead to a change in therapy in any of them. It changed response category in two patients at early response evaluation, leading to a change in radiation dose for 1 patient (25.5 Gy instead of 15 Gy to the spleen). Gallium did not change the stage of treatment for any patient. The negative predictive values for eventual lymphoma relapse of PET and gallium scans at off therapy were 89% and 83%, respectively; the positive predictive value of PET at off therapy is 29%. Conclusion PET appears to be superior to gallium in pediatric HL; future studies will determine the optimal timing of PET to assess early response and the utility of quantitative interpretation of the avidity of specific nodal sites. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:198–203. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hypoxia modulation of caveolin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in ovine fetal membranes.

During normal pregnancy, amniotic fluid is absorbed from the amniotic compartment into fetal blood through the intramembranous blood vessels in the fetal membranes. It has been hypothesized that this transport process is mediated by transcytosis of caveolae-like vesicles. Because fetal hypoxia increases intramembranous absorption, the authors explore the effects of hypoxia on the gene expression of caveolin-1, a structural protein of caveolae, in ovine fetal membranes and cultured amnion cells. Near-term ovine fetuses were rendered hypoxic for 4 days. Caveolin-1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in the amnion and chorion but not in the placenta. In cultured ovine amnion cells incubated in 2% oxygen for 24 hours, hypoxia did not significantly alter caveolin-1 mRNA or protein expression. vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA levels were increased in response to hypoxia in the fetal membranes as well as in cultured amnion cells. The results indicate that hypoxia does not augment but instead down-regulates or has no effect on caveolin-1 gene expression in the amnion and chorion, suggesting that caveolin-1 may play a role as a negative regulator of amnion transport function under hypoxic conditions.
Exercise capacity in the elderly.

Abstract One of the primary manifestations of aging is a reduced ability to respond to physiologic challenges. With aging, the ability to perform exercise and physical work declines and is reflected in the reduction in maximal oxygen consumption. Although this decline is Influenced to some degree by the state of health and age, it seems that maintenance of regular physical activity significantly counteracts the loss of aerobic capacity. In healthy old age, the cardiovascular system is able to compensate for certain age-associated declines in cardiac function. A program of endurance training, even when begun In old age, can restore more youthful levels of physical fitness and results in tangible improvements in certain resting, submaximal and maximal indicators of exercise capacity. With comprehensive preexercise clinical screening, physical training can be conducted safely with minimal musculoskeletal problems in the aged. The long-term effects of exercise on morbidity, mortality and psychologic function in old age are unknown.
Recursive running DCT algorithm and its application in adaptive filtering of surface electrical recording of small intestine.

A rhythmic electrical signal is present in the human small intestine and can be recorded using surface electrodes. Surface electrical recordings of the small intestine contain severe interference that obscures the electrical signal of the small intestine. An adaptive system is proposed in the paper for the enhancement of the small-intestinal signal. To obtain better performance, adaptive signal enhancement is performed in the transform domain using a discrete cosine transform (DCT). A fast recursive algorithm is developed for the calculation of running DCT. The computational complexity of the proposed recursive algorithm is only 2/N (N=length of the adaptive filter) of the direct calculation of the running DCT. A series of simulations are conducted to investigate the performance of the proposed transform-domain adaptive filtering using DCT in comparison with time-domain adaptive filtering and with transform-domain adaptive filtering using a discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The parameters of the proposed adaptive system are optimised, and their effects on system performance are investigated. The application of the proposed method for the enhancement of the small-intestinal signal is presented and discussed.
A Tubal Pregnancy in a Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Tubal pregnancy was diagnosed on histological section of a nodule within the uterine tube of a multiparous rhesus monkey. Clinical signs were anorexia and weight loss. The tube contained a placenta of approximately 35 days gestation, but no recognizable embryo or amnion. The ipsilateral ovary contained a degenerating corpus luteum.
A preliminary magnetic study of soil samples from west-central Minnesota

Abstract Various rock magnetic techniques were applied to characterize magnetically the samples of a soil profile taken from west-central Minnesota. There is a marked change in magnetic properties as a function of depth in the core. X-ray analysis and Curie temperature measurements carried out on the magnetic fractions indicate that magnetite is the dominant iron oxide in both the top soil and the subsoil. The intensity of anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) decreases sharply as the depth increases. In contrast, the stability of ARM was found to be higher for the subsoil. The surface soil sample was capable of acquiring a significant amount of viscous remanent magnetization (VRM). The VRM acquisition coefficient ( S a ) of the subsoil ( S a= 3.18 × 10 −6 emu g −1 , 3.18 × 10 −6 A m 2 kg −1 ) was about ten times weaker than that of the top soil sample ( S a = 3.868 × 10 −7emu g −1 , 3.868 × 10 −7 A m 2 kg −1 ). The magnetic domain state indicator, the ratio of coercivity of remanence to coercive force, H cr / H c , was 1.5 and 3.85 for the top soil and subsoil, respectively. It appears that the observed variations in magnetic properties down the present soil core is due only to a difference in grain size. We conclude that the magnetic grains in surface soil samples were more single-domain (SD) like whereas the magnetite grains in the subsoil samples were more likely in pseudo-single-domain (PSD) or small multidomain (MD) range. The observed lower stability for the surface soil samples is attributed to the presence of superparamagnetic grains whose presence was confirmed by transmission electron micrographs.
Plasma protein binding interaction between valproic and salicylic acids in rhesus monkeys

The effects of three levels of salicylic acid on the steady-state plasma concentrations of free and total valproic acid were examined in catheterized rhesus monkeys. Valproate was infused intravenously for a total of 41 hr, and salicylate was added after the first 8 hr. The three salicylate infusions were randomly assigned to each monkey. Valproate free fraction was determined by equilibrium dialysis. Statistically significant increases in valproate free fraction and total body clearance were observed after addition of salicylic acid. The increase in valproate clearance was positively correlated with the molar ratio of salicylate to valproate steady-state plasma concentrations. There was no significant change in valproate free concentration after salicylate treatment. The proposed mechanism of this in vivo interaction includes plasma protein binding displacement with no change in valproate intrinsic clearance.
Reaction pathways in surface femtochemistry: routes to desorption and reaction in CO/O2/Pt(111)

Abstract We present new data that address the chemical pathway to desorption of O 2 and formation of CO 2 in CO/O 2 /Pt(111) induced by subpicosecond laser pulses. The data show conclusively that the O 2 desorbs molecularly. We also find that if the CO oxidizes by an atomic pathway then the capture of oxygen atoms by the CO is highly efficient; if the CO oxidizes by a molecular pathway then the oxygen atoms in the CO 3 ∗ transition state are inequivalent.