cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arsenic chemistry in the rhizosphere of Pteris vittata L. and Nephrolepis exaltata L.

Abstract This greenhouse experiment evaluated the influence of arsenic uptake by arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. and non-arsenic hyperaccumulator Nephrolepis exaltata L. on arsenic chemistry in bulk and rhizosphere soil. The plants were grown for 8 weeks in a rhizopot with a soil containing 105 mg kg−1 arsenic. The soil arsenic was fractionated into five fractions with decreasing availability: non-specifically bound (N), specifically bound (S), amorphous hydrous-oxide bound (A), crystalline hydrous-oxide bound (C), and residual (R). P. vittata produced larger plant biomass (7.38 vs. 2.32 mg plant−1) and removed more arsenic (2.61 vs. 0.09 mg pot−1 arsenic) than N. exaltata. Plant growth reduced water-soluble arsenic, and increased soil pH (P. vittata only) in the rhizosphere soil. P. vittata was more efficient than N. exaltata to access arsenic from all fractions (39–64% vs. 5–39% reduction). However, most of the arsenic taken up by both plants was from the A fraction (67–77%) in the rhizosphere soil, the most abundant (61.5%) instead of the most available (N fraction).
Design of Potent and Selective 2-Aminobenzimidazole-Based p38α MAP Kinase Inhibitors with Excellent in Vivo Efficacy

We report the design and discovery of a 2-aminobenzimidazole-based series of potent and highly selective p38α inhibitors. The lead compound 1 had low-nanomolar activity in both ATP competitive enzyme binding and inhibition of TNFα release in macrophages. Compound 18 showed excellent pharmacokinetics properties and oral activity in the rat collagen induced arthritis model compared with other p38 reference compounds. A SAR strategy to address CyP3A4 liability is also described.
Anesthesia and monitoring for aortic aneurysm surgery.

Cardiopulmonary bypass is employed in the treatment of aneurysms of the ascending aorta and transverse aortic arch. Anesthesia in these cases is similar to that used in the treatment of cardiac lesions requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Most surgeons use some form of bypass or shunt for aneurysms in the distal arch, descending thoracic aorta, and the thoracoabdominal aortic segment. My surgical associate replaces these lesions with grafts without bypass or shunt, using simple cross-clamping technique. This paper is concerned with anesthetic technique and general supportive measures that provide safety for this method of treatment. Anesthesia and muscle relaxation is obtained by drugs that do not depress the myocardium. Surgical exposure and lung protection are facilitated by one lung ventilation, collapsing the left lung with a double lumen endobronchial tube. Blood pressure and cardiac hemodynamics are extensively monitored and controlled by administration of intravenous fluids and nitroprusside, as indicated. Serum electrolytes, blood gases, plasma osmolarity, acid-base balance, and body temperature are frequently monitored and maintained in safe range. Blood coagulability is assessed and normal ranges achieved by appropriate therapy.
Effects of stage of lactation, production, parity and season on somatic cell counts in infected and uninfected dairy goats

Abstract A commercial dairy goat farm with 380 Alpine milking does maintained monthly records of milk production and somatic cell counts (SCC). Composite milk samples from all lactating does were cultured for mastitis pathogens every 6 months. Dairy Herd Improvement Association records were combined with culture results. Goats' SCC increased with intramammary infection (IMI). Increasing stage of lactation was also associated with increased SCC in goats with or without diagnosis of IMI. Lower mature equivalent milk production and increased parity were also associated with higher cell counts. Goats lactating during October, December and January (months with highest mean DIM) had increased SCC. Non-infected goats frequently had SCC greater than 1 000 000 ml −1 . Much (approximately 90%) of the difference in goats' SCC was not due to IMI. Of the variation in SCC among does, 77% was unexplained. Alternative tests for goat milk quality would be beneficial for the industry.
Vision therapy for oculomotor dysfunctions in acquired brain injury: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oculomotor dysfunctions are among the most common abnormalities found in the brain-injured population. The purpose of the current study was to determine retrospectively the effectiveness of conventional optometric vision therapy for oculomotor disorders of vergence and version in a sample of ambulatory, visually symptomatic, predominantly adult outpatients who had either mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) or cerebrovascular accident (CVA). METHODS: A computer-based query for acquired brain injury patients examined between the years of 2000 and 2003 was conducted in our clinic. This yielded 160 individuals with mild TBI and 60 with CVA. Of these patients, only those for whom vision therapy was prescribed and who completed an optometric vision therapy program for remediation of their oculomotor dysfunctions were selected. This included 33 with TBI and 7 with CVA. The criterion for treatment success was denoted by marked/total improvement in at least 1 primary symptom and at least 1 primary sign. RESULTS: Ninety percent of those with TBI and 100% of those with CVA were deemed to have treatment success. These improvements remained stable at retesting 2 to 3 months later. CONCLUSION: Nearly all patients in the current clinic sample exhibited either complete or marked reduction in their oculomotor-based symptoms and improvement in related clinical signs, with maintenance of the symptom reduction and sign improvements at the 2- to 3-month follow-up. These findings show the efficacy of optometric vision therapy for a range of oculomotor abnormalities in the primarily adult, mild brain-injured population. Furthermore, it shows considerable residual neural plasticity despite the presence of documented brain injury. Optometry 2008;79:18-22
Molecular-Thermodynamic Theory of Micellization of pH-Sensitive Surfactants

A predictive, molecular-thermodynamic theory is developed to model the micellization of pH-sensitive surfactants. The theory combines a molecular-thermodynamic description of micellization in binary surfactant mixtures with the protonation equilibrium of the surfactant monomers. The thermodynamic component of the theory models the pH-mediated equilibrium between micelles, surfactant monomers, and counterions. These counterions may originate from the surfactant or from added salt, acid, or base. The molecular component of the theory models the various contributions to the free energy of micellization, which corresponds to the free-energy change associated with forming a mixed micelle from the protonated and deprotonated forms of the surfactant and from the bound counterions. The free energy of micellization includes hydrophobic, interfacial, packing, steric, electrostatic, and entropic contributions, which are all calculated molecularly. The theory also requires knowledge of the surfactant molecular struct...
Deposition of ultra-thin oxide dielectrics for MOSFETs by a combination of low-temperature plasma-assisted oxidation, and intermediate and high-temperature rapid thermal processing☆

Abstract In order to match shrinking lateral dimensions in ULSI devices, there will be a need to reduce equivalent oxide thicknesses for gate dielectrics to at least 5–6 nm, and perhaps to as thin as ∼3 nm. This reduction will have to be accomplished with low thermal budget, and more-than-likely low temperature processing as well. In this paper the important processing steps required for formation of ultra-thin gate oxides by thin film deposition as contrasted with conventional thermal oxidation, or the emerging technique of rapid thermal oxidation (RTO), are identified. Several different low thermal budget/low-temperature processing alternatives are identified in which interface formation, bulk oxide deposition, and structural and chemical relaxation are performed separately and controlled independently.
Improvement in specific function-related quality-of-life concerns after strabismus surgery in nondiplopic adults

Background We have previously reported improvement in psychosocial scores after strabismus surgery on the patient-derived health-related quality of life (HRQOL) Adult Strabismus 20 (AS-20) questionnaire in adults with nondiplopic strabismus. Unexpectedly, we also found improvement in the function domain. The aim of the present study was to identify which specific aspects of function-related quality of life improved postoperatively. Methods We retrospectively identified non diplopic adult patients with a history of childhood onset strabismus who underwent surgery and who had preoperative and 1-year postoperative AS-20 questionnaires (scored from 0 [worst] to 100 [best]). Change in scores for each item was evaluated using signed-rank tests. Results A total of 20 patients were included. Of the 10 function-related AS-20 items, 9 showed significant mean improvement postoperatively (improvement ranged from 12.5 to 32.5 points, all P P Conclusions We found specific function-related quality of life benefits after strabismus surgery in nondiplopic adult patients, particularly those with childhood onset strabismus.
PI3K Enters Beta-Testing

Phosphoinositide-3-OH kinases (PI3K) are critical regulators of cell metabolism, growth, and survival. In a recent publication in Nature, Jia et al. (2008) identify specific functions of the p110β isoform of PI3K in glucose metabolism, cellular proliferation, and tumorigenesis.
Application of genetic algorithm for flight system verification and validation

Most complex systems nowadays heavily rely on software, and spacecraft and satellite systems are no exception. Moreover as systems capabilities increase, the corresponding software required to integrate and address system tasks becomes more complex. Hence, in order to guarantee a system's success, testing of the software becomes imperative. Traditionally exhaustive testing of all possible behaviors was conducted. However, given the increased complexity and number of interacting behaviors of current systems, the time required for such thorough testing is prohibitive. As a result many have adopted random testing techniques to achieve sufficient coverage of the test space within a reasonable amount of time. In this paper we propose the use of genetic algorithms (GA) to greatly reduce the number of tests performed, while still maintaining the same level of confidence as current random testing approaches. We present a GA specifically tailored for the systems testing domain. In order to validate our algorithm we used the results from the Dawn test campaign. Preliminary results seem very encouraging, showing that our approach, when searching the worst test cases, outperforms random search , limiting the search to a mere 6 % of the full search domain.
Orthognathic surgery: is there a future?

Background Despite significant clinical advances in orthognathic surgery, a perceived decrease in recent years in the number of orthognathic cases was noted at the authors' institution. Word of mouth suggested that this phenomenon was region-wide. To explore this possible dichotomy, a one-page questionnaire was designed and sent to all plastic surgeons in the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons and to all active practicing oral surgeons and orthodontists in the state of Ohio. Methods The questionnaire was designed to estimate both the surgeons' and the orthodontists' perception of whether the number of orthognathic cases was increasing, decreasing, or remaining the same over a 5-year period (from 1996 to 2000). A second questionnaire was then sent only to plastic surgeons and oral surgeons to further evaluate reasons for this possible increase or decrease. Results The overall response to the first survey was 39 percent (236 of 601 surveys sent); 87 responses (32 percent) were from plastic and oral surgeons, and 132 (40 percent) were from orthodontists. Seventy-five percent of responders perceived a decrease in the number of orthognathic operations. Of those, more than 80 percent claimed that reimbursement was the major reason for the reduction in the number of surgical procedures. The degree of reduction in reimbursement over this 5-year period was documented at the authors' institution, and the perceived reduction over this 5-year period was estimated by the respondents. Finally, reimbursement per hour was calculated for orthognathic cases and compared with three other standard plastic surgery procedures. Conclusion Implications of this reduction in orthognathic surgery in Ohio are discussed, and suggestions for better documentation of this health care issue are suggested.
Disulfide-disulfide interchange catalyzed by a liver supernatant enzyme.

Abstract An enzyme widely distributed in rabbit tissues which catalyzes an interchange between N,N- di-dinitrophenyl- l -cystine and oxidized glutathione to form the mixed disulfide is described. d -Penicillamine disulfide can be substituted for oxidized glutathione and the mixed disulfide of cysteine and glutathione can serve as the sole substrate giving as one product of interchange, oxidized glutathione. The enzyme is very labile and only limited purification of it has been achieved. The activity increases with increasing pH above 6.6, the Km for N,N- di-dinitrophenyl- l -cystine is 0.2 mM and for oxidized glutathione 0.8 mM. The enzyme is inhibited by SH reagents with protection against iodoacetamide inactivation provided by N,N- di-dinitrophenyl- l -cystine . Evidence is presented that disulfide-disulfide interchange enzyme is a different activity from the previously described protein disulfide isomerase and thiol transferase.
Prophylactic cranial irradiation in limited-stage small cell lung cancer.

Background. The role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LSSCLC) remains a controversial issue. This study evaluated PCI in patients with LSSCLC who achieved a complete response to initial chemotherapy. Methods. A retrospective case study of all nonprotocol patients with LSSCLC examined at our institution from 1982 to 1990 was performed. Of the 67 nonprotocol patients who were treated with combination chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide-based) and thoracic radiotherapy during those years, 43 achieved a complete response. Twenty-four patients received prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI+) (25-36 Gy in 10-16 fractions), and 19 did not (PCI-) at the physician's or patient's discretion. Results. The distribution of prognostic factors between the PCI+ and PCI- groups was well balanced. Of the PCI+ patients, the 2-year actuarial freedom from relapse in the central nervous system was 93% versus 47% for the PCI- patients (log rank analysis, P = 0.001). An initial central nervous system relapse developed in 2 of the 24 PCI+ patients as the only site of failure versus 7 of 19 PCI- patients (P = 0.003). The 2-year actuarial overall survival was 50% for the PCI+ patients versus 21% for the PCI- patients (P = 0.01). The addition of prophylactic cranial irradiation was the only significant factor contributing to an improvement in time to central nervous system relapse and survival for the PCI+ patients. There were five patients alive at the time of this report, and all received prophylactic cranial irradiation. None had cognitive or neurologic impairment. Conclusions. Prophylactic cranial irradiation may contribute to improved survival in patients with LSSCLC who achieve a complete response after chemotherapy and thoracic radiation therapy. Cancer 1995 ; 75 :1302-9.
Studies of acute phase protein. I. An immunohistochemical method for the localization of Cx-reactive protein in rabbits. Association with necrosis in local inflammatory lesions

A method is presented for the immunohistochemical localization of Cx-reactive protein in rabbits, based on the use of a defined antiserum and rigorous fixation techniques requisite for this antigen. In animals in which inflammatory lesions and CxRP response were induced by intramuscular injection of typhoid vaccine, Cx-reactive protein was localized only in the area of local inflammation within muscle fibers showing morphologic evidence of necrotic change. Within such altered fibers, CxRP was observed in peripheral segments of myofiber or in subsarcolemmal sarcoplasm, in scattered deposits in sarcoplasm, and in vacuolar inclusions. No CxRP was found at any time in polymorphonuclear or mononuclear cells in the inflammatory lesion, nor in contralateral muscle, regional or distal lymph nodes, liver, spleen, thymus, heart, or kidney, except as traces in lumens of vessels or interstitium. CxRP was first detected in necrotic myofibers at the inflammatory site after a latent period of 8 to 10 hours following injection of the inflammatory stimulus and could be demonstrated in these sites for the 48 hours of the experiment. It could not be observed at the inflammatory site before appearance in the blood. Identical histologic localization in necrotic myofibers at the site of the local lesions was found following induction of granulocytopenia with nitrogen mustard. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that CxRP is formed locally at the site of inflammation from tissue elements undergoing necrotic change. Alternatively, secondary deposition from the blood at the inflammatory site cannot be excluded, but is considered less likely in view of the failure to obtain evidence of a cellular localization of CxRP in other organs.
Minorities’ Fields of Expertise in Economics and Employment Demand in These Fields

Efforts by public and private institutions to increase the number of minorities participating in graduate economics programs has contributed to a growing supply of Ph. D. trained minority economists. However, minorities are still under-represented as faculty members in economics departments. This presidential address explores whether the concentration of minorities in a few fields of specialization creates a demand-supply mismatch for these individuals.
Religious orientation and social support on health-promoting behaviors of African American college students

This study examined the role of religious orientation and social support in health-promoting behaviors of African American college students. Data were collected from 211 students attending a historically Black university. Results from a 4 × 2 MANOVA revealed significant main effects for both variables. No interaction effects were observed. Post hoc analyses suggested that students with proreligious orientations compared to those with antireligious orientations were more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors. Students with high levels of social support had significantly higher mean scores for health-promoting behaviors in the areas of spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, and stress management. The implications of studying health behaviors within the context of religious orientation and social support are discussed. ©2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temporal relationships between hormonal and hemodynamic changes in early human pregnancy.

Temporal relationships between hormonal and hemodynamic changes in early human pregnancy. Background The systemic hemodynamic profile of human pregnancy is characterized by a decrease in mean arterial pressure, a rise in cardiac output and plasma volume in association with an increase in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate. The factors and the time course responsible for the initial hemodynamic changes seen in human pregnancy have not been completely documented. We hypothesize that systemic and renal hemodynamic changes occur early, prior to the presence of the fetal-placental unit. Methods Thirteen women were studied prior to and immediately following conception in identical fashion at gestational weeks 6, 8, 10, 12, 24 and 36. Individuals underwent mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, inulin and PAH clearance determinations. Results Mean arterial pressure decreased by six weeks gestation (mid follicular 81.5 ± 2.6 vs. six weeks 68.7 ± 2.0mm tig, P Conclusions Peripheral vasodilation occurs early in pregnancy prior to full placentation in association with renal vasodilation and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Plasma volume expansion occurs early, followed later by increases in ANP concentration, suggesting that ANP increases in response to changes in intravasular volume.
Eliot, T. S. The Varieties of Metaphysical Poetry: The Clark Lectures at Trinity College, Cambridge, 1926, and The Turnbull Lectures at The Johns Hopkins University, 1933.

(1996). Eliot, T. S. The Varieties of Metaphysical Poetry: The Clark Lectures at Trinity College, Cambridge, 1926, and The Turnbull Lectures at The Johns Hopkins University, 1933. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 33-37.
Effect of Domestication on the Spread of the [PIN+] Prion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Prions (infectious proteins) cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases in mammals. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, many toxic and lethal variants of the [PSI+] and [URE3] prions have been identified in laboratory strains, although some commonly studied variants do not seem to impair cell growth. Phylogenetic analysis has revealed four major clades of S. cerevisiae that share histories of two prion proteins and largely correspond to different ecological niches of yeast. The [PIN+] prion was most prevalent in commercialized niches, infrequent among wine/vineyard strains, and not observed in ancestral isolates. As previously reported, the [PSI+] and [URE3] prions are not found in any of these strains. Patterns of heterozygosity revealed genetic mosaicism and indicated extensive outcrossing among divergent strains in commercialized environments. In contrast, ancestral isolates were all homozygous and wine/vineyard strains were closely related to each other and largely homozygous. Cellular growth patterns were highly variable within and among clades, although ancestral isolates were the most efficient sporulators and domesticated strains showed greater tendencies for flocculation. [PIN+]-infected strains had a significantly higher likelihood of polyploidy, showed a higher propensity for flocculation compared to uninfected strains, and had higher sporulation efficiencies compared to domesticated, uninfected strains. Extensive phenotypic variability among strains from different environments suggests that S. cerevisiae is a niche generalist and that most wild strains are able to switch from asexual to sexual and from unicellular to multicellular growth in response to environmental conditions. Our data suggest that outbreeding and multicellular growth patterns adapted for domesticated environments are ecological risk factors for the [PIN+] prion in wild yeast.
Nutrition and HIV infection

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the development of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is beginning to be appreciated as a chornic, progressive disease. The impact of this disease on nutritional status is manifested most blatantly in the “wasting syndrome,” but is seen in the vast majority of patients to a lesser extent. What is perhaps not as well recognized is the impact of malnutrition on the underlying immune competence of the individual and on the course of the HIV infection. The causes of malnutrition in this population are related to decreased nutrient intake, malabsorption, and altered metabolism in the setting of chronic HIV infection as well as intercurrent secondary infection. Management strategies for the treatment of malnutrition of patients with HIV infection should include, at a baseline, a high index of suspicion and early recognition of malnutrition. Processes underlying the development of malnutrition must be sought out and treated if possible. The goals of nutritional intervention should be to preserve lean body mass and provide adequate nutrients as well as to minimize symptoms of malabsorption and improve quality of life. Options for specific nutritional therapy range from oral supplements to home TPN (total parenteral nutrition) and this must be individualized for each patient.
Multicomponent polymers. I. Three‐component systems

Terpolymer systems which form two azeotropic copolymers frequently give clear terpolymers when the ratio of monomers charged is taken from a line joining the azeotropic copolymer compositions (designated the azeotropic line) as shown when the system is plotted on triangular coordinates. Two terpolymer systems which form three azeotropic copolymers gave clear terpolymers from compositions lying within the area bounded by the three azeotropic lines and in one of the external triangular areas. In the 44 terpolymer systems reported, those containing styrene, various substituted styrenes, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, methacrylic acid and esters (methyl through butyl), maleic and fumaric esters (methyl and ethyl), vinyl methyl ketone, butadiene, isoprene, and vinyl acetate largely conformed to this behavior. Systems consisting of either two styrene monomers and one methacrylic ester or one styrene monomer and two methacrylic esters are unusual in that clear terpolymers were obtained from all compositions tested. Systems containing acrylic esters, vinylidene chloride, maleic anhydride, and trans-dichloroethylene did not conform to this behavior. A number of corresponding monomer and polymer compositions, obtained by solution of the terpolymer equations, were plotted on triangular coordinates. The graph showed that, during polymerization, the composition of the polymer species formed and the composition of the residual monomers migrate toward that of one of the pure monomers. Clarity of films cast from solutions containing two or more different polymers was used as an indication of compatibility. High compatibility was found with polymers having compositions on the azeotropic line. Incompatibility was found with polymers having compositions not on the azeotropic line. Incompatibility increased as the distance between these compositions (shown by a triangular graph) increased.
Calorimetric study of the smectic-C to smectic-F transition in terephtal-bis-(4n)-alkylanilines

Abstract An ac calorimetric study of the fluid smectic-C to hexatic smectic-F transition is reported for the pentyl, hexyl and heptyl homologs of terephtal-bis-(4n)-alkylaniline. The heat capacity peaks, which are rounded over 2–3K, and the shifts in the phase angle φ indicate that the transition is first-order in all three compounds.
Atomic layer deposition of palladium films on Al2O3 surfaces

Abstract We examined the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Pd films using sequential exposures of Pd(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate (Pd(hfac)2) and formalin and discovered that formalin enables the efficient nucleation of Pd ALD on Al2O3. In situ quartz crystal microbalance measurements revealed that the Pd nucleation is hampered by the relatively slow reaction of the adsorbed Pd(hfac)2 species, but is accelerated using larger initial Pd(hfac)2 and formalin exposures. Pd nucleation proceeds via coalescence of islands and leaves hfac contamination at the Al2O3 interface. Pd films were deposited on the thermal oxide of silicon, glass and mesoporous anodic alumina following the ALD of a thin Al2O3 seed layer and analyzed using a variety of techniques. We measured a Pd ALD growth rate of 0.2 A/cycle following a nucleation period of slower growth. The deposited films are cubic Pd with a roughness of 4.2 nm and a resistivity of 11 μΩ cm at 42 nm thickness. Using this method, Pd deposits conformally on the inside of mesoporous anodic alumina membranes with aspect ratio ∼1500 yielding promising hydrogen sensors.
REE in the Great Whale River estuary, northwest Quebec

A report on REE concentrations within the estuary of the Great Whale River in northwest Quebec and in Hudson Bay is given, showing concentrations which are less than those predicted by conservative mixing of seawater and river water, indicating removal of REE from solution. REE removal is rapid, occurring primarily at salinities less than 2 percent and ranges from about 70 percent for light REE to no more than 40 percent for heavy REE. At low salinity, Fe removal is essentially complete. The shape of Fe and REE vs. salinity profiles is not consistent with a simple model of destabilization and coagulation of Fe and REE-bearing colloidal material. A linear relationship between the activity of free ion REE(3+) and pH is consistent with a simple ion-exchange model for REE removal. Surface and subsurface samples of Hudson Bay seawater show high REE and La/Yb concentrations relative to average seawater, with the subsurface sample having a Nd concentration of 100 pmol/kg and an epsilon(Nd) of -29.3; characteristics consistent with river inputs of Hudson Bay. This indicates that rivers draining the Canadian Shield are a major source of nonradiogenic Nd and REE to the Atlantic Ocean.
Electrospinning of Poly(alkoxyphenylenevinylene) and Methanofullerene Nanofiber Blends

Poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) derivatives have long been studied because of their attractive opto- and electroluminescent properties and have potential applications for devices such as light-emitting diodes and photovoltaics. The ability to induce alignment of these PPV derivatives may lead to the enhancement of charge mobility and their efficiency. In this study, uniform nanofibers of poly[2,5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)]-1,4-phenylenevinylene (BEH-PPV) have been fabricated through the method of electrospinning, and an induced alignment of the polymer fibers was observed through photoluminescence data. This study also focuses on the doping of these fibers with the fullerene derivative, 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl)-propyl-1-phenyl-(6,6)-C61 (PCBM), to induce more incidence of donor/acceptor junctions. Composite fibers with up to a 1:2 weight ratio of PCBM/BEH-PPV have been fabricated and exhibited an ability to quench the photoluminescence of BEH-PPV, indicative of charge transfer.
Thrombospondin-induced adhesion of human keratinocytes.

Abstract Human epidermal keratinocytes obtained from normal skin attached and spread on thrombospondin (TSP)-coated plastic dishes but failed to attach and spread on untreated plastic culture dishes or dishes coated with fibronectin or laminin. These cells produced minimal amounts of immunoreactive TSP. Keratinocytes established in culture on MCDB 153 medium and maintained for one to three passages in an undifferentiated state by continued cultivation in this low Ca2+-containing medium attached and spread on plastic dishes as well as on TSP-coated dishes. These cells also secreted significant amounts of TSP into the culture medium. When the keratinocytes were incubated for one day in MCDB 153 medium supplemented with high Ca2+ or in MEM (which also contains high Ca2+), there was decreased secretion of TSP into the culture medium concomitant with a reduction in attachment and spreading on plastic culture dishes. Proteolytic fragments of TSP were examined for stimulation of keratinocyte attachment and spreading. A 140-kd fragment produced by removal of the 25-kd heparin-binding domain had similar activity to the intact molecule while the 25-kd fragment was without effect. Further proteolytic treatment of the 140-kd fragment gave rise to a fragment consisting of 120 kd and 18-D moieties held together in disulphide linkage. This fragment did not support attachment or spreading. This study reveals that normal epidermal keratinocytes grown under conditions that maintain the undifferentiated state are able to produce TSP and utilize it as an attachment factor. When keratinocytes are grown under conditions that promote differentiation, ability to produce and utilize TSP is diminished. Since TSP is present at the dermal-epidermal junction and because TSP promotes keratinocyte attachment and spreading, this molecule may play an important role in maintaining normal growth of the basal cell layer and may also participate in reepithelialization during wound repair.
Disturbance detection and isolation by dynamic principal component analysis

Abstract In this paper we extend previous work by ourselves and other researchers in the use of principal component analysis (PCA) for statistical process control in chemical processes. PCA has been used by several authors to develop techniques to monitor chemical processes and detect the presence of disturbances [1–5]. In past work, we have developed methods which not only detect disturbances, but isolate the sources of the disturbances [4]. The approach was based on static PCA models, T2 and Q charts [6], and a model bank of possible disturbances. In this paper we use a well-known ‘time lag shift’ method to include dynamic behavior in the PCA model. The proposed dynamic PCA model development procedure is desirable due to its simplicity of construction, and is not meant to replace the many well-known and more elegant procedures used in model identification. While dynamic linear model identification, and time lag shift are well known methods in model building, this is the first application we are aware of in the area of statistical process monitoring. Extensive testing on the Tennessee Eastman process simulation [7] demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
A fast neutron spectrometric technique, II

Abstract A neutron spectrometer system has been constructed employing a stilbene crystal, a gamma discrimination circuit, and a multichannel analyzer. The spectrometric technique depends on the analysis of the light spectrum from the crystal and results have been obtained with neutrons from the D(d,n) and T(d,n) reactions. The resolution of the spectrometer system is determined by the energy resolution of the scintillator-photomultiplier subsystem and at 14 MeV is equivalent to that of a time-of-flight system of approximately 2-ns pulse width and a 1 m flight path.
Serjania lancistipula (Sapindaceae), a new species from Bahia, Brazil

A new species ofSerjania (S.lancistipula) from Bahia belonging to theS. paradoxa group is described and illustrated. A key to the species in theparadoxa group is provided.
Lysosomal membrane permeability stimulates protein aggregate formation in neurons of a lysosomal disease

Protein aggregates are a common pathological feature of neurodegenerative diseases and several lysosomal diseases, but it is currently unclear what aggregates represent for pathogenesis. Here we report the accumulation of intraneuronal aggregates containing the macroautophagy adapter proteins p62 and NBR1 in the neurodegenerative lysosomal disease late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN2 disease). CLN2 disease is caused by a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase I, which results in aberrant lysosomal storage of catabolites, including the subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase (SCMAS). In an effort to define the role of aggregates in CLN2, we evaluated p62 and NBR1 accumulation in the CNS of Cln2−/− mice. Although increases in p62 and NBR1 often suggest compromised degradative mechanisms, we found normal ubiquitin–proteasome system function and only modest inefficiency in macroautophagy late in disease. Importantly, we identified that SCMAS colocalizes with p62 in extra-lysosomal aggregates in Cln2−/− neurons in vivo. This finding is consistent with SCMAS being released from lysosomes, an event known as lysosomal membrane permeability (LMP). We predicted that LMP and storage release from lysosomes results in the sequestration of this material as cytosolic aggregates by p62 and NBR1. Notably, LMP induction in primary neuronal cultures generates p62-positive aggregates and promotes p62 localization to lysosomal membranes, supporting our in vivo findings. We conclude that LMP is a previously unrecognized pathogenic event in CLN2 disease that stimulates cytosolic aggregate formation. Furthermore, we offer a novel role for p62 in response to LMP that may be relevant for other diseases exhibiting p62 accumulation.
Lactate Dehydrogenase in Pigeon Testes: Genetic Control by Three Loci

Homogenates of pigeon testes show three types of lactate dehydrogenase isozyme patterns. Recombination of the polypeptide subunits of the dehydrogenase in mixtures of the different types, and the distribution of the three isozyme patterns in six different pigeon populations demonstrated that lactate dehydrogenase synthesis in pigeon testes is under the control of three distinct loci, A, B, and C.
Refocused Recognition Of Aerial Photographs At Multiple Resolution

While performing the photo interpretation task using very high resolution images, the resolution of the image is often reduced to make its processing feasible. However, in low resolution images, it becomes quite difficult to segment and locate targets of interest such as aircraft, which are relatively small. Further, in recognizing aircraft, it is generally assumed that aircraft are already located. The emphasis is placed on model matching for recognizing isolated aircraft. However, locating potential areas in the images, where aircraft may be found, is non-trivial since it requires an accurate labeling of an image. We have developed a Knowledge-Based Photo Interpretation (KEPI) system that analyzes high resolution images. This system locates aircraft by first finding large structures in low resolution images and focusing attention on areas such as tarmacs, runways, parking areas, that have high probability of containing aircraft. Higher resolution images of the regions that are the focus of attention are used in subsequent analysis. The system makes extensive use of contextual knowledge such as spatial and locational information about airport scenes. We show results using high resolution TV data.
Insights into dyssynchrony in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy has been proposed for treatment of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) patients with right ventricular (RV) failure. The role of dyssynchrony, however, is poorly understood in this population. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to better understand the relationship between electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony in HLHS using 3-dimensional electrical mapping, tissue Doppler indices of wall motion, and vector velocity imaging. METHODS Eleven HLHS subjects with normal RV function and ten normal subjects (age 3–18 years) were studied. Electrical and mechanical activation times and dyssynchrony indices (electrical dyssynchrony index, mechanical dyssynchrony index) were calculated using 3-dimensional electrical mapping, tissue Doppler indices, and vector velocity imaging. RESULTS No differences in measures of electrical dyssynchrony were seen when comparing HLHS patients and normal patients (electrical activation time 63.3±22.8 ms vs 56.2±11.2 ms, P = .38; electrical dyssynchrony index 13.7±6.3 ms vs 11.6±3.0 ms, P = .34). However, measures of mechanical dyssynchrony were markedly abnormal in HLHS patients despite normal RV function (mechanical activation time 16±11.3 ms vs 0.9±1.9 ms, P = .01; mechanical dyssynchrony index 7.5±5.5 vs 0.4±0.8, P CONCLUSION Patients with HLHS and preserved RV systolic function have normal electrical activation when compared to patients with normal right and left ventricles. In contrast, these patients demonstrate mechanical dyssynchrony compared to patients with normal right and left ventricles. This finding raises important questions about the indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy in this patient population.
High quality GaxIn1−xP (x = 0.65, 0.69) grown by OMVPE

Abstract High quality epitaxial layers of Ga x In 1- x P ( x = 0.65, 0.69) have been grown by the organometallic vapour phase epitaxy (OMVPE) technique using trimethylgallium (TMGa), trimethylindium (TMIn) and phosphine (PH 3 ) in an atmospheric pressure reactor. These epilayers of Ga x In 1- x P were lattice-matched to GaAs 0.70 P 0.30 (for x = 0.65) and GaAs 0.61 P 0.39 (for x = 0.69). The growth rate was as large as 12 μm/h, and the growth efficiency was also high, 5.2x10 3 μm/mol. The Ga distribution coefficient was found to be 1.24, or nearly unity. The influence of the V/III ratio on surface morphology and photoluminescence (PL) intensity was investigated. For a growth temperature of 625°C, high values of V/III ratio, > 40, were necessary for the growth of epilayers with good surface morphologies and high PL intensities. The quality of the epilayers was determined by observation of surface morphology, dislocation etch pit densities, and PL measurements. Smooth interfaces and featureless surface morphologies were obtained reproducibly. The average dislocation etch pit density for the Ga 0.69 In 0.31 P epilayers was 7.4x10 4 cm -2 , one order of magnitude less than the 6.4x10 5 cm -2 of the GaAs 0.61 P 0.39 substrates. The PL half-widths of 43 meV at 300 K and 18 meV at 8 K are comparable to the best results reported to date. The relation between PL intensity and solid composition, x , was studied. It was found that the direct-indirect cross-over point for Ga x In 1- x P is x = 0.69.
An Experimental Method for Determining the Hildebrand Solubility Parameter of Organic Nonelectrolytes

Abstract A three-solvent system was used to determine the Hildebrand solubility parameters of organic nonelectrolytes. The experimental Hildebrand solubility parameter represents a weighted average of the mole fraction solubilities of the solute in these three individual solvents (ethyl acetate, 1-propanol, and 1,2-propanediol). The solvent system estimated the Hildebrand solubility parameters of solutes within a range from 8.9 to 14.8 (cal/cm 3 ) 2 1 . Deviations ranged from 0.8 to 12.9%, with the highest value at the extreme and well within 10% at the median. Estimation of the Hildebrand solubility parameters of solutes within a wider range and with somewhat better accuracy was made with a five-solvent system (hexane, ethyl acetate, 1-propanol, 1,2-propanediol, and water).
Gains, losses and thresholds of influence in social networks

Influence campaigns seek to achieve political objectives through conveyance of information that affects behaviour. Further developing connections between Social Science's interpersonal influence theory and Operations Research's (OR) network flow formulation, the resulting methodology explores courses of action seeking to influence an inaccessible target audience using their indigenous social network as a conduit. A notional clandestine organisation using the Generalized Network Flow (GNF) problem is analysed. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the sponsors, the US Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the US government.
Evaluation of factors affecting the survival of Escherichia coli in sea water. VI. Cysteine.

The relationship between death of cells of Escherichia coli in artificial sea water and time was established as linear, and statistical tests demonstrated that the most suitable measure of survival was log per cent after 24 hr. Survival of E. coli in water supplemented with cysteine at levels of 0.284 × 10-6 to 284 × 10-6m was increased greatly over that in untreated water. To provide an insight into the mode of action of cysteine, the effect of concentration of various sulfhydryl and disulfide compounds was measured, and the influence of several compounds that lack a functional sulfur group but which are capable of affecting oxidation-reduction potential was determined. Moreover, a number of substances related structurally to cysteine were tested to ascertain their influence on the survival of cells of E. coli in artificial sea water. It appeared that the beneficial effect of cysteine was not due to the sulfhydryl group of the amino acid or to the ability of the compound to influence oxidation-reduction potential. Some sulfhydryl compounds had no favorable effect and, in general, disulfides were more active than the corresponding sulfhydryl compounds. Substances that lack a functional sulfur group but influence oxidation-reduction potential had no significant activity. The beneficial effect of a number of compounds related structurally to cysteine indicates that both an amino and carboxyl group are required for activity. It is suggested that cysteine and other amino acids act to increase survival of cells of E. coli in sea water by a chelation mechanism.
Cardiovascular disease in women.

Almost 62 million Americans have one or more types of cardiovascular disease and, of these, more than 32 million are female. This translates into an average of 1 in 5 women, making cardiovascular disease the leading killer of women in the U.S., responsible for more than half a million deaths a year. While it has been known for some time that differences exist between the sexes regarding coronary heart disease, it has only been in the last 10 years that these disparities in incidence, morbidity, mortality, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment have been explored. Research has shown a gap in the utilization of medical therapy, diagnostic studies, and revascularization procedures involving women. In addition, women s outcomes after myocardial infarction have been consistently demonstrated to be poorer than those of men. Another important issue that has just started to be addressed is that the predominantly male-focused cardiovascular research has been generalized to women. Only in recent years have women been included in clinical trials or databases in sufficient numbers for sex-based analysis of the data. The topic of cardiovascular disease in women is diverse and complex. In this article, some of the important issues will be introduced and discussed, highlight our current understanding of the problem and to emphasize the areas in which further study and progress is needed. These issues include the epidemiology of coronary heart disease, the diagnosis of coronary heart disease, the medical therapy of acute coronary syndromes, coronary revascularization, and hormone replacement therapy.
Rigorous coupled-wave analysis of planar-grating diffraction

A rigorous coupled-wave approach is used to analyze diffraction by general planar gratings bounded by two different media. The grating fringes may have any orientation (slanted or unslanted) with respect to the grating surfaces. The analysis is based on a state-variables representation and results in a unifying, easily computer-implementable matrix formulation of the general planar-grating diffraction problem. Accurate diffraction characteristics are presented for the first time to the authors’ knowledge for general slanted gratings. This present rigorous formulation is compared with rigorous modal theory, approximate two-wave modal theory, approximate multiwave coupled-wave theory, and approximate two-wave coupled-wave theory. Typical errors in the diffraction characteristics introduced by these various approximate theories are evaluated for transmission, slanted, and reflection gratings. Inclusion of higher-order waves in a theory is important for obtaining accurate predictions when forward-diffracted orders are dominant (transmission-grating behavior). Conversely, when backward-diffracted orders dominate (reflection-grating behavior), second derivatives of the field amplitudes and boundary diffraction need to be included to produce accurate results.