cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hysteretic, high Tc Josephson junctions using heterostructure trilayer films grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Hysteretic Josephson junctions have been fabricated by growing c‐axis oriented trilayer Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8/Bi2Sr2(Ca,Bi, Sr)7Cu8O20/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 single‐crystal thin films and patterning them into devices. To our knowledge, these are the first cuprate superconductor junctions to exhibit current‐voltage characteristics with substantial hysteresis. Current flow in the devices is in the vertical (c axis) direction, through an ultrathin (∼30 A) barrier layer. The current‐voltage response shows large, sharp Shapiro steps under microwave illumination.
Eight-year results of aortic root replacement with the freestyle stentless porcine aortic root bioprosthesis.

Abstract Background . Stentless porcine aortic valves offer several advantages over traditional valves. Among these are superior hemodynamics, laminar flow patterns, lack of need for anticoagulation, and perhaps improved durability. Methods . One hundred four patients were operated on from September 17, 1992, to October 31, 1997, as part of a multicenter worldwide investigation of the Medtronic Freestyle stentless porcine bioprosthesis. All patients received a total aortic root replacement. The patients were evaluated postoperatively at discharge, at 3 to 6 months, and yearly by clinical examination and color flow Doppler echocardiography. Results . Operative mortality was 3.9%. No patient experienced structural valve deterioration, nonstructural deterioration, perivalvular leak, or unacceptable hemodynamic performance. At 8 years, survival was 59.8%. Freedom from thromboembolic complications was 83.3%. Freedom from postoperative endocarditis was 96.9%. Freedom from reoperation was 100%. Mean systolic gradients did not change over the time period studied. They were 6.4 ± 3.8 mm Hg at 1 year and 6.7 ± 2.6 mm Hg at 8 years. Correspondingly, effective orifice area was 1.9 ± 0.7 cm 2 at 1 year and 1.8 ± 0.8 cm 2 at 8 years. The incidence of any aortic insufficiency also did not change over the length of follow-up. At 1 year, 98% of patients had no or trivial aortic insufficiency and 2% had mild aortic insufficiency. At 8 years, 100% of patients evaluated were free of any aortic insufficiency. Conclusions . The Medtronic Freestyle aortic root bioprosthesis can be used safely to replace the aortic root or aortic valve for aortic valve and aortic root pathology. Total root replacement allows optimal hemodynamic performance with no significant aortic regurgitation. Results up to 8 years show excellent survival and no signs of degeneration. Further follow-up is still needed to determine valve durability.
Health care expenditures associated with venous thromboembolism among children.

Abstract Introduction We used health insurance claims data from large samples of Medicaid-enrolled and privately insured children to identify children with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and to assess their use of health services and associated expenditures during 2009. Materials and Methods Data from the 2009 Thomson Reuters MarketScan® Commercial Database and Multi-State Medicaid database were used to estimate annual expenditures for children 1–17 years of age with VTE. Generalized linear models were used to calculate adjusted annual expenditures for Medicaid-enrolled and privately insured children with VTE, controlling for age, sex, type of health plan, VTE classification (deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism), and type of VTE event (idiopathic or secondary) and race (Medicaid only) or region (Commercial only). Results During 2009, Medicaid-enrolled and privately insured children with VTE had an average of 1–2 inpatient admissions and 8–10 non-emergency department visits. Unadjusted mean total expenditures were similar for Medicaid-enrolled and privately insured children with VTE, $105,359 and $87,767, respectively. Adjusted mean expenditures for children with secondary VTE were five times higher than for children with idiopathic VTE. Conclusions Given the high frequency of secondary VTE in children, most of the associated expenditures may be due to other health conditions. However, children who develop a VTE incur substantial costs of care, even in the absence of related conditions. Additional research is needed to evaluate the long term outcomes for children with VTE including rates of readmission, complications, and the impact of co-morbid conditions.
Rate coefficients and kinetic isotope effect for the C2H reactions with NH3 and ND3 in the 104-294 K temperature range

Reactions of C2H with NH3 and ND3 are studied at low temperature using a pulsed Laval nozzle apparatus. The C2H radical is prepared by 193 nm photolysis of acetylene, and the C2H concentration is monitored using CH(A2Δ) chemiluminescence from the C2H + O2 reaction. The rate constants for the C2H + NH3 and C2H + ND3 reactions are measured at three temperatures, 104 ± 5 K, 165 ± 15 K, and 296 ± 2 K. Measured rate constants are fit to power law expressions, k(T) = A(T/298)n, for ease of comparison with the results for the related CN + NH3 reaction and to emphasize the importance of the attractive part of intermolecular interaction potential in the reaction mechanism. The rate constants are (2.9 ± 0.7) × 10-11 × (T/298 K)(−0.90 ± 0.15) cm3 molecule-1 s-1 and (1.1 ± 0.2) × 10-11 × (T/298 K)(−0.82 ± 0.026) cm3 molecule-1 s-1 for NH3 and ND3, respectively. A large kinetic isotope effect is observed, k(C2H + NH3)/k(C2H + ND3) = 2.0 ± 0.2, which within experimental uncertainty does not depend on the temperature in...
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of VEGF-neutralizing antibodies

Background Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent regulator of angiogenesis, and its role in cancer biology has been widely studied. Many cancer therapies target angiogenesis, with a focus being on VEGF-mediated signaling such as antibodies to VEGF. However, it is difficult to predict the effects of VEGF-neutralizing agents. We have developed a whole-body model of VEGF kinetics and transport under pathological conditions (in the presence of breast tumor). The model includes two major VEGF isoforms VEGF121 and VEGF165, receptors VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and co-receptors Neuropilin-1 and Neuropilin-2. We have added receptors on parenchymal cells (muscle fibers and tumor cells), and incorporated experimental data for the cell surface density of receptors on the endothelial cells, myocytes, and tumor cells. The model is applied to investigate the action of VEGF-neutralizing agents (called "anti-VEGF") in the treatment of cancer.
Impact of I/D Contracts Used for Expediting Michigan’s Road Construction

AbstractThe Michigan DOT (MDOT) has been using monetary incentive/disincentive (I/D) payments/penalties to accelerate highway construction work. This paper examines whether the I/D for expediting construction captures the true cost (user delay savings versus actual I/D dollars) and identifies its impacts on the long-term pavement performance for projects that have been expedited. Data were collected and analyzed on projects built through acceleration techniques and similar projects, constructed under standard contract means from 1998 to 2012. The analyzed data statistically supports an improvement in the long-term project performance for incentive projects and suggests a trend that incentive clauses accelerate project schedules. Additionally, data analysis statistically supports the concept that incentive clauses increase project cost yet further analysis finds that the avoided user delay was higher than the additional paid cost for some incentive clauses. The analysis results highlight the effectiveness ...
Wideband reflectarrays using artificial impedance surfaces

The gain bandwidth of a microstrip reflectarray can be substantially improved by replacing the usual layer of near-resonant patches with a simple artificial impedance surface consisting of closely spaced electrically small patches on a grounded dielectric substrate. It is shown that this approach can lead to reflectarray gain bandwidths (1 dB) in excess of 20% with a single layer of printed elements.
Some considerations for the implementation of knowledge-based expert systems

The MYCIN System is a large INTERLISP program designed to assist physicians with the selection of antibiotic therapy for patients with bacterial infections. The nature of this clinical problem, the details of the program's design, and its methodology have been described elsewhere . In this communication we discuss some problems of 'real-world' implementation for this kind of system. Although we are dealing with the problem of designing a high-performance AI program for the somewhat atypical world of clinical medicine, a number of the issues we have addressed may be common to other task domains in which expert systems are to be used by individuals who are not necessarily computer sophisticates.
The association between pediatric general emergency department visits and post operative adenotonsillectomy hospital return.

Abstract Purpose To define the association between pre-operative general emergency department visits, gender, and pre-operative diagnosis with post-operative emergency department return following adenotonsillectomy. Methods Retrospective chart review of 1468 pediatric patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy at a tertiary pediatric hospital between 2011 and 2013. Results There was a significant relationship between patients who visited the ED pre-operatively, 25% (N = 96) returned to the ED post-procedure, compared to 10% who did not have a pre-operative ED visit. There was an overall significant relation between having a pre-operative visit (χ2 = 53.6, df = 1, p Conclusion Generalized pre-operative visits along with gender and diagnosis of recurrent streptococcal tonsillitis were found to be positively associated with post-operative ED visits for common post-operative complaints.
Conducting in chaos.

through the generosity of charles R. Millikan, D. Min., vice president for spiritual care and Values integration, an annual award competition was established at Houston Methodist Hospital among the resident staff. to enter the writing competition, residents submitted a poem or essay of 1,000 words or less on the topic, “on Being a Doctor.” A committee of seven was selected from Houston Methodist Hospital education institute to establish the judging criteria and to select the winning entries. the following is the second-place winning entry; the third-place winning entry will be published in the next issue of this journal.
Theoretical considerations regarding pulsed CO2 laser annealing of silicon

Abstract We present a calculation of the surface temperature and investigate the “thermal runaway” phenomenon during pulsed CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 μm) annealing of silicon. In calculating the temperature variation of free carrier absorption in n-Si, we have taken into account acoustic deformation potential scattering, optical deformation potential scattering, and ionized impurity scattering. The deformation potentials are adjusted to fit the experimentally observed values at 300°K. Also, we discuss the contribution of free carrier absorption during annealing with a Nd:glass laser (λ = 1.06 μm).
High-Resolution X-Ray-Scattering Study of the Nematic-Smectic A -Reentrant Nematic Transitions in 8OCB/6OCB Mixtures

Essentially identical pretransitional smectic $A$ behavior is reported in both normal and reentrant nematic phases of mixtures of octyloxycyanobiphenyl (8OCB) and hexyloxycyanobiphenyl (6OCB). A phenomenological model which assumes an optimum density for smectic interactions explains quantitatively our correlation length measurements for six different mixtures.
Spectrometer for on-line analysis of radionuclides (Solar)

Abstract A mass spectrometer has been built for on-line analysis of fission product nuclides. The spectrometer ion source is located inside the thermal column of a TRIGA reactor and consists of a high-temperature oven containing fissile target material. Fission product nuclides born in the target are thermally ionized and accelerated out of the reactor through a 2.3 m long flight tube. Outside the reactor the ion beam is deflected 90° by an electrostatic mirror. Mass analysis of the ions takes place in a 30.5 cm radius, 60° deflection magnetic field. The system is intended initially to measure relative independent and cumulative yields of Rb, Cs, Br, and I isotopes with half-lives as short as 0.1 s. Other applications include nuclear spectroscopy, delayed-neutron emission measurements, and measurements of nuclidic masses and nuclear moments of the separated isotopes produced by the system.
Clocking design automation in Intel's core i7 and future designs

In the competitive CPU market, emphasis is placed on automations that promotes innovation and supports design of multiple CPU configuration which meets schedule and timely turnaround to market. Design automation is essential in the design of different areas of CPU including the global clock distributions. This paper talks about design automation tools developed to handle the design of the global clock distributions for various Intel microprocessors.
A critique of Blackstone's human rights and human dignity

(1971). A critique of Blackstone's human rights and human dignity. The Philosophy Forum: Vol. 9, No. 1-2, pp. 65-94.
The scandium chloride-cesium chloride phase diagram☆

The phase diagram of the ScCl/sub 3/-- CsCl binary system was investigated by differential thermal analysis. The system contains a congruent melting 3: 1 compound Cs/sub 3/ScCl/sub 6/ (mp 814 deg C) and a 3: 2 compound Cs/ sub 3/Sc/sub 2/Cl/sub 9/ with a peritectic point at 6l9 deg C. Two eutectic points were found at 613 and 569 deg C corresponding to compositions of 6.5 and 56.5 mole% ScCl/sub 3/, respectively. No other phase transitions except that of CsCl were observed. (P.C.H.)
Embryo-uterine interaction in implantation.

Abstract Pregnant donor (day 3) and non-pregnant recipient rats were hypophysectomized and injected daily for 6 days with 2 mg of progesterone. A single dose of 20 ng of estradiol-17β in saline was administered via a tail vein to either the donor, the recipient, or to both animals; blastocysts were transferred 60 to 90 minutes after the latter injection. Twenty-four hours later uterine implantation sites were delineated by injection of Chicago Blue-B dye. The results indicate that both the blastocyst and the uterus must be exposed to estrogen to obtain normal implantation rates. While 43.2% of the embryos implanted when both the donor and the recipient received estrogen, only 6.3% implanted when only the recipient was injected with estrogen. No implantations were found in animals in which only the embryos had been exposed to estrogen, suggesting that if this steroid was synthesized by the embryo it was insufficient to induce implantation in the rat.
Correlations Between Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Infrared Spectroscopy for Copolymer Analysis of Ethylene/Vinyl Acetate

Abstract The measurement of thermal response and infrared spectra is demonstrated for polymer melting and crystallization of copolymer samples. The combined technique is shown to provide important insight into structural changes. The correlation between melting temperature and percentage composition provides a reference which can be used for determining the unknown compositions of these copolymers. The range of application of such a technique is very large. The various phase transitions and thermal responses of amorphous and crystalline polymers, copolymers, and liquid-crystalline polymers may be correlated with the structural information obtained from the corresponding infrared spectra.
Mid-gestation transcriptional control of eNOS in the placenta and uterine-umbilical vasculature in an ovine model of fetal growh restriction

UTERINE-UMBILICAL VASCULATURE IN AN OVINE MODEL OF FETAL GROWH RESTRICTION BRADLEY T. ZIEBELL, JUAN A. ARROYO, RUSSELL V. ANTHONY, THOMAS A. PARKER, TIMOTHY R. H. REGNAULT, HENRY L. GALAN, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Denver, Colorado, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado OBJECTIVE: Decreased eNOS protein content in placental & vascular tissues at 95 days gestation age (dGA) may lead to reduced uterine-umbilical blood flows, increased placental flow resistance and systemic hypertension near term in a hyperthermic (HT) ovine model of fetal growth restriction (FGR). Our hypothesis is that eNOS mRNA expression is decreased at mid-gestation in this model of FGR. STUDY DESIGN: 4 ewes were exposed to HT conditions for 55 days beginning at 35dGA to induce FGR and 4 were used as controls. Placentomes were separated into caruncles and cotyledons, and umbilical/uterine vessels were collected at necropsy at 95dGA. Total RNA was extracted and cDNA was produced by reverse transcription. Real-time PCR analysis was used with published ovine eNOS primers (Acc #DQ015701) to determine eNOS mRNA expression. RESULTS: HT placentae were significantly smaller (440G60g vs. 186G18g; p%0.004) with no difference in fetal size. eNOS mRNA expression in HT pregnancies was decreased in the caruncles (3-fold; p=0.052), cotyledons (2-fold; p%0.04), umbilical vein (2-fold; p%0.01), and non-significantly in the umbilical (2-fold) and uterine artery (5-fold).
Increased mediastinal pressure and decreased cardiac output during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background. Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is gaining popularity. Although the hemodynamic effects of the typical pneumoperitoneum have been studied, the additional consequences of the hiatal dissection necessary for LNF have not. Methods. Seven female pigs were anesthetized, intubated, and ventilated with a volume ventilator and hemodynamic and mechanical pressure monitoring devices were placed. Pressures were recorded every 15 minutes for 1 hour after each of four interventions: (1) anesthesia induction, (2) CO2 pneumoperitoneum (15 mm Hg), (3) LNF, and (4) release of pneumoperitoneum (and removal of ports). Results. Right atrial, inferior vena caval, mediastinal, pleural, airway, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures all increased after pneumoperitoneum (p < 0.05). Only mediastinal pressure (8.6 vs 13.7 mm Hg, pneumoperitoneum vs LNF; p < 0.05) and pleural pressure (2.6 vs 3.5 mm Hg, pneumoperitoneum vs LNF; p < 0.05) showed a further significant increase after LNF. In addition, cardiac output fell significantly after LNF (5.9 vs. 4.6 L/min; p < 0.05). Mediastinal pressure and cardiac output remained significantly altered after the release of pneumoperitoneum. Conclusions. Surgical disruption of the esophageal hiatus during LNF causes both increased mediastinal and pleural pressure and a significant reduction in cardiac output. These findings uncover a previously unsuspected physiologic detriment that may occur during LNF.
Cytokinins: Structure/activity relationships☆

Abstract Sixty-nine compounds, mostly purine derivatives and closely related substances, were tested for promotion of growth and regulation of organ formation in the tobacco bioassay to determine relationships between chemical structure and cytokinin activity. Forty-three substances were synthesized in this study, and 13 of these were reported for the first time. N 6 -Alkyladenines (I) varied in activity over a wide concentration range depending on the length of the alkyl chain. Starting with adenine, detectable at ⩾200 μM, activity increased with the chain length to an optimum for 6-pentylaminopurine detectable at ca. 0–001 μM, and then decreased to reach a barely detectable level for 6-decylaminopurine. The result of the incorporation of polar groups in the side chain was not necessarily reduction in activity. One hydroxyl group, as in zeatin (Id), improved the activity of 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)purine (Ib) if it affected it at all; two hydroxyl groups, as in 6-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutylamino)purine strongly reduced activity. Comparisons of 6-isoamylaminopurine with 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)purine and of other closely related pairs of compounds showed that a double bond in the side chain greatly increased cytokinin activity. Adenine derivatives with cyclic substituents in the N 6 -position (benzyl-Ic), cyclohexyl-, etc.) showed the same general range of activity, potentiation by unsaturation, and variation in activity with substituent size, etc. as did the alkyl derivatives. Heteroatoms in or on the substituent groups decreased activity (in the case of N or Cl) or had little effect (S for O in furfuryl). Of the mono-substituted adenines only the N 6 -derivatives definitely possessed cytokinin activity. The 1-(III), 3-(II), or 9-substituted adenines probably are inactive but could be activated by conversion to the N 6 -isomers. Except for slight activity in tests of high concentrations, which could be ascribed to contaminants, 7-substituted adenines were completely inactive. Modification in the adenine moiety lowered the cytokinin activity, often by 95 per cent or more. Substitution of N for the 8-C atom in kinetin and in 6-benzylaminopurine or S for the 6-amino N atom in 6-(γ,γ-dimethylallylamino)purine did not eliminate but drastically reduced activity in the tobacco bioassay. Elimination of the 6-amino group without substituting another group completely removed activity; thus, the purine derivatives, 1-benzylpurine and 1-(γ,γ-dimethylallyl)purine, were inactive in tests where the 1-adenine derivatives could be activated to give a positive response. Addition of a second substituent on the 1-or 3-position of N 6 -substituted adenines drastically reduced or eliminated cytokinin activity. It is suggested that the 1-position and possibly also the 3-position must be free. A second substituent in the N 6 -, 7-, or 9-position of N 6 -substituted adenine derivatives lowered but did not eliminate activity. Also, the disubstituted 1-adenine derivatives, 1,9-dibenzyladenine and 1,7-dibenzyladenine were active, presumably after rearrangement to the corresponding N 6 -substituted isomers.
Titania-clad microresonators on SOI with athermal performance

We propose the use of titanium dioxide as cladding material to reduce the temperature sensitivity of silicon-based microresonators. The advantages of using titanium dioxide over the conventional alternatives are discussed, and experimental results are presented.
Mechanical Properties of Injection Molded B4C–C Ceramics☆

Various mechanical properties of carbon-doped boron carbide ceramics, prepared by the fabrication route, injection molding/pressureless sintering/post-hot isostatic pressing (HIP) were investigated as a function of the sintering temperature and the carbon additive level used. An optimum combination of mechanical properties (flexural strength, fracture toughness, Young`s modulus, Knoop`s hardness) is thus obtained with 100% dense and very fine grained materials (mean grain size 1-4 {mu}m) which were sintered at temperatures from 2150 to 2175{degrees}C and post HIPed at 2050{degrees}/200 MPa Ar, having an approximate final composition of 96 B{sub 4}C-4C (wt%).
Abnormalities of the CEBP alpha transcription factor: a major target in acute myeloid leukemia.

Abnormalities of the CEBP alpha transcription factor: a major target in acute myeloid leukemia
Antitumor Agents V: Effect of Epoxidation on Cytotoxicity of Helenalin-Related Derivatives

Abstract Sir: In connection with our study of the structure–activity relationships among helenalin (I)-related sesquiterpene lactones for cytotoxic or antitumor activity (1–3), we wish to report a preliminary account of the effect of epoxidation on cytotoxicity of helenalin-related derivatives.
Extending the Scope of Relational Languages

The relational model can serve as the foundation for an extended language that incorporates features of several languages, including functional and object-oriented languages, and allows alternative forms of expression.
Center for innovation and knowledge management

This paper describes the activities of the Center for Innovation and Knowledge Management (CIKM) at Florida International University (FIU). The charter of the center is to research and evaluate the practices, processes and technologies that are being used in the practice of Knowledge Management. The need to acquire Intellectual Capital created the Knowledge Management (KM) movement, which aims to develop new practices and tools that capture organizational knowledge. The capabilities and strengths of the Center for Innovation and Knowledge Management are leveraged through close links to the government and to commercial sectors. Organizations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),Cambridge Technology Partners (Cambridge), WorldAccess Communications, and Milagro Systems fund the activities of this innovative center. Graduate and undergraduate engineering students who work in a variety of Knowledge Management Projects staff the Center. Some of the projects carried at this center include harvesting intellectual capital for NASA and production testing of state-of-the-art Knowledge Management tools. Students are also experimenting with web-based tools that will allow to utilize and to deploy the expertise of virtual teams around the world. Finally, some students are working towards the creation of Knowledge Repositories to help organizations that want to harness their Intellectual Capital.
Lateralized P3 deficit in schizotypal personality disorder.

Abstract Background: Reduced, left-lateralized P3 amplitude has been reported in several studies focusing on electrophysiologic function in schizophrenia. Also, several lines of evidence suggest a similarity between schizophrenia and schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). This study was undertaken to determine the replicability of our previous finding of a left-lateralized P3 amplitude deficit in SPD. Methods: We recorded event-related potentials in 21 SPD and 18 normal control subjects in an auditory “oddball” P3 paradigm. Results: In the SPD subjects, but not in the control subjects, there was lower P3 amplitude at T3 compared with T4. Conclusions: These results are similar to the ones in our previous work and further support the presence of a left-lateralized P3 deficit in SPD.
Elemental analysis of the eggshell of the Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) using a nuclear microprobe

Abstract The University at Albany nuclear microprobe was used to determine the location of trace elements in the eggshell of the Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis). Both PIXE and RBS spectra were used to identify the elements present in various areas of the eggshell. Maps showing the distribution of specific elements were compared with micrographs of the eggshell taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The location of several of the trace elements may have structural and/or functional significance. The SEM was also used to assess structural damage to the eggshell following microbeam irradiation.
The Imperatives of Community Service for Afrocentric Academics

This article suggests the expansion of service in the academy so that underrepresented students on and off campus benefit from the presence of nondominant co-cultural faculty. Using Afrocentricity as a foundation, the writers call for a reconceptualization of service to include the communities of the co-cultural professors as a means of providing role models, academic assistance, and potential co-cultural students for the particular institution. Personal narratives serve as examples of how an Afrocentric approach to service can empower and embrace students of African descent while also helping to create a more inclusive educational environment.
Phenotype of lymphocytes mediating copolymer-specific humoral immunity in ethanol-consuming C57BL/6 mice

Little is known about the mechanisms of impaired immune function in alcoholic patients. We have previously shown that ethanol consumption by mice alters copolymer-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Does ethanol consumption eliminate suppressor T cells, allowing nonresponder mice to make humoral immune responses to poly(Glu50Tyr50) (GT)? Female C57BL/6 mice were fed a nutritionally complete liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories for up to 33 days. Control mice were fed an isocaloric control liquid diet or remained on a solid diet and water. Mice fed the ethanol-containing diet made GT-specific plaque-forming cell (PFC) responses, whereas mice fed liquid control or solid diets did not. Lymphocytes from ethanol liquid diet-consuming mice helped splenocytes from either solid or liquid control diet mice to make a GT-specific PFC response. The cells mediating help were nylon wool nonadherent, CD4-bearing T cells. These findings suggest that ethanol does not eliminate copolymer-specific suppressor cells, but instead alters the functional capability of helper T cells for humoral immune responses.
Abstract A10: CaMKK2 regulates cellular proliferation and androgen receptor activity during prostate cancer progression

Abstract Mounting evidence suggests that the androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. However, the molecular mechanisms by which the AR regulates cell proliferation in androgen-dependent and castration-resistant PCa are incompletely understood. We report here that calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) expression increases during progression of human PCa and becomes nuclear or perinuclear in advanced disease. In a mouse model of PCa (transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate, TRAMP), CaMKK2 expression increases with progression and is predominantly nuclear. CaMKK2 expression is markedly higher in the AR-expressing, tumorigenic cell line LNCaP compared to cell lines which are AR-nonexpressing and/or nontumorigenic. Silencing of CaMKK2 expression by RNA interference (RNAi) reduces cell proliferation in LNCaP cells but not in AR-non-expressing PC3 cells. In LNCaP cells, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induces CaMKK2 mRNA and protein expression while androgen withdrawal suppresses CaMKK2 expression. RNAi of CaMKK2 reduces expression of the AR target, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and the cell cycle regulators cyclin D1 and phospho-pRB. Our results suggest that in PCa progression, CaMKK2 is transcriptionally induced by the AR to maintain AR activity, AR-dependent cell cycle control and continued cell proliferation. Citation Format: Loukia G. Karacosta, Barbara A. Foster, Azabdaftari Gissou, David M. Feliciano, Arthur M. Edelman. CaMKK2 regulates cellular proliferation and androgen receptor activity during prostate cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A10.
Neutralization of divergent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 variants and primary isolates by IAM-41-2F5, an anti-gp41 human monoclonal antibody.

Abstract The antiviral characteristics of monoclonal antibody IAM-41-2F5 (2F5) were determined in cell culture. The antibody had been previously shown to bind a specific sequence, ELDKWA, within the external domain of the gp41 envelope glycoprotein human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Selection by 2F5 of recombinant phage from an epitope library confirmed the identification of the antibody's binding determinant. The antibody was found to be capable of neutralizing a broad range of lymphoid cell culture-adapted HIV-1 variants as well as HIV-1 primary isolates. Sequence analysis of the latter showed that neutralization was related to the presence of the antibody binding site. From kinetic measurements using an epitope-containing peptide or gp41, the half-time of dissociation for 2F5 was determined to be 122 min for the peptide and 156 min for gp41. The region of gp41 expressing this sequence exhibits greater conservation among HIV-1 isolates than do the variable domains of gp120.
Pinning in proximity coupled superconducting/normal metal multilayers

Measurements have been made of the critical current density, Jc, in sputtered Nb/CuX multilayers where CuX is either pure Cu, CuGe(2%), CuGe(10%), or CuMn(0.3%). The effects on the pinning force,Fp=Jc×B, due to the addition of Ge (non-pairbreaking) or Mn (pairbreaking) impurities in the normal metal is investigated with two sample orientations. The interpretation of this data attempts to discriminate between the effects of pinning at the interfaces and pinning which arises from the impurities in the normal metal.
Manometric characteristics of glossopalatal sphincter.

When a liquid bolus is held in the mouth, the posterior tongue and soft palate pinch together to prevent premature spillage of the bolus into the oropharynx. We propose that this glossopalatal closure acts as a glossopalatal sphincter (GPS). In this investigation, we studied glossopalatal closure by obtaining concurrent manometric and radiographic recordings of barium swallows in healthy volunteers. Manometry was done by both a continuous pullthrough method and also by a stationary catheter technique using a ribbon catheter with multiple sideholes spaced at 1-cm intervals. The results showed that when the mouth was loaded with a fluid bolus, the closed glossopalatal segment generated an asymmetric high-pressure zone with greater pressures toward the tongue and palate than laterally. With swallowing, the glossopalatal sphincter high-pressure zone relaxed and the glossopalatal sphincter opened to allow barium to flow from the mouth into the oropharynx. We conclude that the glossopalatal sphincter functions as a physiological sphincter in that it (1) generates a sustained high-pressure zone and closure when a liquid bolus is held in the mouth and (2) relaxes and opens with swallowing.
15N NMR investigation of the covalent binding of reduced TNT amines to soil humic acid, model compounds, and lignocellulose.

The five major reductive degradation products of TNT4ADNT (4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene), 2ADNT (2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene), 2,4DANT (2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene), 2,6DANT (2,6-diamino-4-nitrotoluene), and TAT (2,4,6-triaminotol- uene)labeled with 15N in the amine positions, were reacted with the IHSS soil humic acid and analyzed by 15N NMR spectrometry. In the absence of catalysts, all five amines underwent nucleophilic addition reactions with quinone and other carbonyl groups in the soil humic acid to form both heterocyclic and nonheterocyclic condensation products. Imine formation via 1,2-addition of the amines to quinone groups in the soil humic acid was significant with the diamines and TAT but not the monoamines. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) catalyzed an increase in the incorporation of all five amines into the humic acid. In the case of the diamines and TAT, HRP also shifted the binding away from heterocyclic condensation product toward imine formation. A comparison of quantitative liquid phase with ...
Bilateral tension pneumothoraces during minimally invasive parathyroidectomy - A case report -

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, a new technique for the surgical management of parathyroid disease, is gaining popularity. The smaller incision in the neck results in better cosmetic results and patient satisfaction. Despite a low incidence of complications, the anesthesiologist should be aware and prepared to manage life saving situations. We describe a case of bilateral tension pneumothoraces during minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.
The thermally controlled molecular disassembly properties of a polymer network via the incorporation of one sterically hindered urea linkage

Crosslinked polymer networks are excellent materials for multiple applications. However, while their crosslinked structure gives the polymer networks many positive attributes, it also makes the polymer essentially intractable after the covalent crosslinks have formed. Therefore, it is exceedingly difficult to reprocess polymer networks once crosslinked without exposure to extreme degradation conditions. In our earlier work, we were able to create a crosslinked network that could show controlled disassembly upon stimulus. Previously, it was found that controlled network disassembly could be invoked by the incorporation of two sterically hindered urea linkages into each crosslinker of the polymer network. This work describes the reworkable behavior of similar crosslinkers but instead of having two sterically hindered urea linkages the crosslinkers only contain one such linkage. The behavior of the one sterically hindered urea linkage system will then be compared to the two urea linkage system.
Variants of ribonuclease inhibitor that resist oxidation

Human ribonuclease inhibitor (hRI) is a cytosolic protein that protects cells from the adventitious invasion of pancreatic-type ribonucleases. hRI has 32 cysteine residues. The oxidation of these cysteine residues to form disulfide bonds is a rapid, cooperative process that inactivates hRI. The most proximal cysteine residues in native hRI are two pairs that are adjacent in sequence: Cys94 and Cys95, and Cys328 and Cys329. A cystine formed from such adjacent cysteine residues would likely contain a perturbing cis peptide bond within its eight-membered ring, which would disrupt the structure of hRI and could facilitate further oxidation. We find that replacing Cys328 and Cys329 with alanine residues has little effect on the affinity of hRI for bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A), but increases its resistance to oxidation by 10- to 15-fold. Similar effects are observed for the single variants, C328A hRI and C329A hRI, suggesting that oxidation resistance arises from the inability to form a Cys328-Cys329 disulfide bond. Replacing Cys94 and Cys95 with alanine residues increases oxidation resistance to a lesser extent, and decreases the affinity of hRI for RNase A. The C328A, C329A, and C328A/C329A variants are likely to be more useful than wild-type hRI for inhibiting pancreatic-type ribonucleases in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that replacing adjacent cysteine residues can confer oxidation resistance in a protein.
Effect of Damping, Time Delays, and Parameter Variations on the Stability of a Nonconservative System

Effects of damping, time delays, and parameter variations on stability of nonconservative double pendulum
Symmetric polynomials and Hall's theorem

Abstract If A [ X 1 ,…, X n , Y 1 ,…, Y n ] is a polynomial ring over the commutative unitary ring A , let P be the ideal which vanishes on the points ( x , ω ( x )) in A (2· n ) for any elementary symmetric polynomial ω. It is shown that this ideal is generated by the differences of the elementary symmetric polynomials in X and Y which in consequences gives another proof of the classical result concerning symmetric polynomials. Furthermore, by associating to a complete bipartite graph on n vertices a polynomial in P , a purely algebraic proof of the Phillip Hall matching theorem is given.
Surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis

Abstract Ulcerative colitis is primarily a disease of the rectal and colonic mucosa. The disease begins in 4% of patients before the age of 10, and in 18% between the ages of 10 and 20. The disease is more severe in children than in adults and is often associated with more overt symptoms. Ulcerative colitis can be cured by surgically removing the diseased colon and rectum. The aims of surgical treatment are: to remove the diseased bowel and to return the patient to health; to preserve the anus for defecation; to maintain continence; to obviate the need for a permanent ileostomy; and to lessen the risk of complications. The surgical options proposed for children affected by ulcerative colitis include endorectal mucosectomy followed by an ileo-anal anastomosis with (ileal pouch–anal anastomosis [IPAA]) or without (endorectal pull-through [ERPT]) creation of a pouch. If ERPT represents a good choice for treating severe ulcerative colitis in paediatric patients, IPAA seems to show better results. Both these procedures are illustrated, with an analysis of related advantages and complications, considering also an evaluation of the quality of life of patients who have undergone this kind of surgery.
Intermediate filaments mediate cytoskeletal crosstalk

Intermediate filaments, actin-containing microfilaments and microtubules are the three main cytoskeletal systems of vertebrate and many invertebrate cells. Although these systems are composed of distinctly different proteins, they are in constant and intimate communication with one another. Understanding the molecular basis of this cytoskeletal crosstalk is essential for determining the mechanisms that underlie many cell-biological phenomena. Recent studies have revealed that intermediate filaments and their associated proteins are important components in mediating this crosstalk.
The effectiveness of endometrial ablation with the Hydro ThermAblator (HTA) for abnormal uterine bleeding.

Objective We sought to determine the overall effectiveness and risk factors for failure of hydrothermal ablation in the management of abnormal uterine bleeding. Study Design We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of patients who underwent hydrothermal ablation for abnormal uterine bleeding at our institution from July 2005 through February 2008. Variables analyzed included patient demographics, insurance status, body mass index, bleeding pattern, obstetric history, prior medical therapy and duration, uterine characteristics, and tobacco use history. Results In all, 159 patients were identified and 142 charts were eligible for evaluation. A total of 45 patients (31.6%) had return of preablation vaginal bleeding. Menometrorrhagia was a significant predictor for failure ( P = .027) and subsequent hysterectomy ( P = .0025). Younger age ( P = .044), tobacco use ( P = .042), and Medicaid/Medicare insurance status ( P = .039) were also associated with a higher risk of failure. Conclusion Women who are younger, use tobacco products, and have menometrorrhagia are more likely to fail hydrothermal ablation.
Exposure buildup factors for a cobalt-60 point isotropic source for single and two layer slabs

Abstract Exposure buildup factors for point isotropic cobalt-60 sources are calculated by the Monte Carlo method with statistical errors ranging from 1.5 to 7% for 1–5 mean free paths (mfp) thick water and iron single slabs and for 1 and 2 mfp iron layers followed by water layers 1–5 mfp thick. The computations take into account Compton scattering. The Monte Carlo data for single slab geometries are approximated by Geometric Progression formula. Kalos's formula using the calculated single slab buildup factors may be applied to reproduce the data for two-layered slabs. The presented results and discussion may help when choosing the manner in which the radiation field gamma irradiation units will be described.
Coeditors' Introduction: Language Ideologies and Emergent Bilingual Learners

As the language landscape of the U.S. expands as a result of a rapidly increasing population of emergent bilingual learners, some education stakeholders hold on to strict legislated language polici...
Nutrition Status Predicts Survival in Cirrhosis

Nutrition assessments using anthropometric, visceral, and immunologic measurements were performed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and clinical importance of nutrition disorders in patients with liver cirrhosis from alcohol or viral hepatitis. Severely malnourished patients, as determined by triceps skinfold thickness or midarm muscle circumference, had significantly poorer survival rates.
Thiol−Ene Induced Diphosphonic Acid Functionalization of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Multifunctional organic molecules represent an interesting challenge for nanoparticle functionalization due to the potential for undesirable interactions between the substrate material and the variable functionalities, making it difficult to control the final orientation of the ligand. In the present study, UV-induced thiol−ene click chemistry has been utilized as a means of directed functionalization of bifunctional ligands on an iron oxide nanoparticle surface. Allyl diphosphonic acid ligand was covalently deposited on the surface of thiol-presenting iron oxide nanoparticles via the formation of a UV-induced thioether. This method of thiol−ene click chemistry offers a set of reaction conditions capable of controlling the ligand deposition and circumventing the natural affinity exhibited by the phosphonic acid moiety for the iron oxide surface. These claims are supported via a multimodal characterization platform which includes thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and metal conta...
The proton affinity of ketene and the heat of formation of CH3CO

Abstract The equilibrium for proton transfer involving acetone and ketene (CH 3 COCH 3 H + + CH 2 CO ⇋ CH 3 CO + + CH 3 COCH 3 ) has been studied in a pulsed ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer. Values of 193.6 ± 1 and 194.1 ± 1 kcal/mole (1 kcal/mole = 4.18 kjoules) are obtained for the proton affinities of acetone and ketene, respectively (based on a proton affinity of 193.5 ± 1 kcal/mole for isobutene). A value of 161.5 ± 1 kcal/mole for Δ H f (CH 3 CO + ) is derived from these results.
MELATONIN IS A SCAVENGER OF PEROXYNITRITE

Peroxynitrite is a toxic oxidant formed from the reaction of superoxide and nitric oxide under conditions of inflammation and oxidant stress. Here we demonstrate that the pineal neurohormone melatonin inhibits peroxynitrite-mediated oxidant processes. Melatonin caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the oxidation of dihydrorhodamine 123 to rhodamine in vitro. Moreover, in cultured J774 macrophages, melatonin inhibited the development of DNA single strand breakage in response to peroxynitrite and reduced the suppression of mitochondrial respiration. Thus, melatonin appears to be a scavenger of peroxynitrite. This action may contribute to the antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects of melatonin in various pathophysiological conditions.
Waveguide Array Fiber Laser

A waveguide array fiber laser is demonstrated. An AlGaAs waveguide array is used as a saturable absorber to achieve passive mode-locking in an erbium-doped fiber laser. The output consists of a very regular train of pulses. Autocorrelations show that the pulses consist of noise bursts due to incomplete mode-locking.
Carbon dioxide flooding for enhanced oil recovery: Promise and problems

Of the enhanced oil recovery methods currently being considered for application to many of the nation’s older oil fields, carbon dioxide flooding may offer the largest potential for additional oil recovery. The physical mechanisms by which CO2 contacts and mobilizes crude oil are reviewed. Influence on the displacement process of factors such as the phase behavior of CO2-crude oil mixtures, swelling of oil by dissolved CO2, and reduction of oil viscosity are considered. Adverse effects of the viscous instability which occurs when very low viscosity CO2 displaces the more viscous oil and water are dicussed. Advantages and disadvantages of three potential methods for controlling the mobility of CO2 are reviewed: thickening CO2 with polymeric additives, reduction of CO2 mobility by high water saturations, and use of surfactants to generate foam-like emulsions of water and CO2. Field experience to date and the recent surge in field activity are discussed. Finally, a brief assessment of the future of CO2 flooding research and practice is offered.