cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of insurance status on outcomes after surgery for spinal metastases

BACKGROUND: Disparities based on insurance status in the American health care system are well established. However, to the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate variables that may explain differences based on payer type in the outcomes after surgery for spinal metastases. METHODS: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2005-2008) were retrospectively extracted. Patients ages 18 to 64 years who underwent surgery for spinal metastases were included. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to calculate the adjusted odds of in-hospital death and the development of a complication for Medicaid recipients and for those without insurance compared with privately insured patients. All analyses were adjusted for differences in patient age, gender, primary tumor histology, socioeconomic status, hospital bed size, and hospital teaching status. RESULTS: A total of 2157 hospital admissions were evaluated. The adjusted odds of in-hospital death were significantly higher for Medicaid recipients (crude rate: 6.5%; odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.11-2.88 [P = .02]) and uninsured patients (crude rate: 7.7%; OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.04-4.46 [P = .04]) compared with privately insured patients (crude rate: 3.8%). Complication rates were also significantly higher for Medicaid recipients (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.72 [P = .02]). However, after also adjusting for acuity of presentation, the odds of in-hospital death were not significantly different for Medicaid (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.86-2.21 [P = .18]) or uninsured patients (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.90-3.83 [P = .09]); in addition, complication rates did not appear to differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study suggests that disparities based on insurance status for patients undergoing surgery for spinal metastases may be attributable to a higher acuity of presentation. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society
Automated High-Performance, High-Temperature Combustion Total Organic Carbon Analyzer

A high-temperature combustion (HTC) total organic carbon analyzer, which has significant design improvements over existing systems, was developed. The new injection system directly connects a loop-type autoinjector to the head of the HTC column. This connection facilitates the coupling of an autosampler to the injection system. The entire injection process is closed to the atmosphere, thereby improving the precision and eliminating potential contamination during injection. Injections can be made every 3−5 min, depending on the injection and inorganic carbon sparging modes used. The HTC column was designed without a “cold” zone or dead space at the top. These improvements eliminated the memory (or carry-over) effect, which is a potential problem in some HTC column designs. The HTC column is packed with pure quartz beads instead of a relatively expensive Pt-based catalyst, without loss in the oxidation efficiency, as indicated by 100% recovery for various compounds with different refractory properties and b...
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with an enlarged sampling orifice and offset Ion Lens. I. Ion trajectories and detector performance

A new inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) with four stages of differential pumping is described. The relatively large sampling orifice (1.31-mm dia.) improves signals for metal ions and resists plugging from deposited solids. A new ion lens is described that deflects ions off center and then back on center into the differential pumping orifice; there is no photon stop in the center of the beam. Calculations of ion trajectories using SIMIOn show that only those ions that leave the skimmer on center are transmitted, whereas most other lenses used in ICP-MS transmit only ions that leave the skimmer off axis. The performance of a Channeltron electron multiplier is compared to that of a Daly detector. Both detectors yield similar sensitivities of ≈ 106 counts s−1 per ppm and detection limits of ≈ 1 pptr. The background with a Channeltron electron multiplier is only 0.4 counts s−1 and is only slightly higher than the dark current count rate. Presumably the offset ion lens used in the present work efficiently screens the detector from photons emitted by the plasma. The background with the Daly detector is 4 counts s−1, which represents a substantial improvement over the background obtained in previous use of the Daly detector with JCP-MS.
Carbocation−π Interaction: Computational Study of Complexation of Methyl Cation with Benzene and Comparisons with Related Systems

An investigation of the interaction of carbocations with aromatic rings has been initiated by a computational study of complexation of methyl cation with benzene to determine if this is appropriately included as an example of η6 cation−π interaction. Specifically, electronic structure calculations for three types of π complex of methyl cation with benzene, 1(η6), 2(η2), 3(η1), and the Wheland σ complex 4 have been obtained at several theoretical levels. The results indicate that inclusion of electron correlation is required for accurate calculation of intermolecular distances and binding energies and that the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory provides a practical, reliable approach for the study of carbocation−π interactions. Although none of the π complexes is an energy minimum, the maximum binding energy of CH3+ above the periphery of the ring is more than twice as large as that of optimum binding above the ring centroid. In addition, the association energies in η2 and η1 complexes are ca. 80% of the binding...
Biofeedback treatment increases heart rate variability in patients with known coronary artery disease.

Abstract Objectives To determine if cardiorespiratory biofeedback increases heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD). Background Diminished HRV has been associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that various lifestyle changes and pharmacologic therapies can improve HRV. The objective of this study was to determine if biofeedback increases HRV in patients with CAD. Methods Patients with established CAD (n = 63; mean age, 67 years) were randomly assigned to conventional therapy or to 6 biofeedback sessions consisting of abdominal breath training, heart and respiratory physiologic feedback, and daily breathing practice. HRV was measured by the standard deviation of normal-to-normal QRS complexes (SDNN) at week 1 (pretreatment), week 6 (after treatment), and week 18 (follow-up). Results Baseline characteristics were similar for the treatment and control groups. The SDNN for the biofeedback and control groups did not differ at baseline or at week 6 but were significantly different at week 18. The biofeedback group showed a significant increase in SDNN from baseline to week 6 ( P P = .003). The control subjects had no change from baseline to week 6 ( P = .214) and week 18 ( P = .27). Conclusions Biofeedback increases HRV in patients with CAD and therefore may be an integral tool for improving cardiac morbidity and mortality rates.
Deactivation on the Nd3+, 4F32 level in neodymium chloride - aluminum chloride vapor complexes☆

Abstract The first fluorescence lifetime studies in a trivalent rare earth-metal vapor complex NdCl 3 · (AlCl 3 ) χ are reported. The observed, temperature-dependent, nonradiative deactivation and the inferred radiative lifetime are discussed in terms of various models. At 803 K, corresponding to a density of 4.6 × 10 17 Nd 3+ ions/cm 3 and a total system pressure ≈5 atm, the measured lifetime is 46 μs.
Reciprocal service department cost allocation and decision making

In a manufacturing company, certain departments can be characterized as production departments and others as service departments. Examples of service departments are purchasing, computing services, repair and maintenance, security, food services, and so forth. The costs of such service departments must be allocated to the production departments, which in turn will allocate them to the product. It is known that one can view the cost allocation problem as an absorbing Markov process, with the production departments as the absorbing states and the service departments as the transient states. Using Markov analysis, we will show that this yields additional insight into the underlying concept of reciprocal service department cost allocation by proving that the “full service” department costs can be used to determine the price that should be paid to an external supplier of the same service currently supplied by the service department.
Characterization of Rainbow Trout Myostatin-2 Genes (rtMSTN-2a and -2b): Genomic Organization, Differential Expression, and Pseudogenization

Myostatin is an extremely potent negative regulator of vertebrate skeletal muscle development. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that salmonids should possess four distinct genes, although only MSTN-1 orthologs have been characterized. Described herein are the rainbow trout (rt) MSTN-2a and -2b genes and subsequence analysis of their promoters and their quantitative expression profiles. Both genes are similarly organized, contain several putative myogenic response elements, and are legitimate MSTN-2 orthologs based on Bayesian analyses. However, rtMSTN-2b contains two in-frame stop codons within the first exon and unspliced variants of both transcripts were expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Complete splicing of rtMSTN-2a occurred only in brain, where expression is highest, whereas rtMSTN-2b transcripts were mostly present in unspliced forms. The presence of stop codons in the rtMSTN-2b open reading frame and the expression of mostly unspliced transcripts indicate that this particular homolog is a pseudogene. These results confirm our previous phylogenetic analysis and suggest that all salmonids likely possess four distinct myostatin genes. The tissue-specific expression and differential processing of both rtMSTN-2 transcripts as well the pseudogenization of rtMSTN-2b may reflect compensatory and adaptive responses to tetraploidization and may help limit rtMSTN-2a's influences primarily to neural tissue.
The first dimeric half-sandwich gadolinacarborane of the “carbons apart” C2B4-carborane ligand system

Abstract The reaction between the THF solvated “carbons apart” dinatracarborane, closo-exo-4,5-Na(THF)2–1-Na(THF)2–2,4-(SiMe3)2C2B4H4 (1), and anhydrous GdCl3 in a 1:1 molar ratio in dry benzene at 0°C, followed by extraction and crystallization of the product from an anhydrous n-hexane/TMEDA/THF solution mixture resulted in the isolation of off-white crystals of the dimeric half-sandwich dichlorogadolinacarborane, {1,1-Cl2[μ,μ′-Na(TMEDA)]–1-(THF)-2,4-(SiMe3)2–closo-η5-1-Gd-2,4-C2B4H4}2 (2) in 88% yield.
Partial adjustment toward optimal cash holding levels

Abstract Recognizing that industry and capital market conditions may impede a firm's desire to achieve its targeted cash holding levels, we estimate a dynamic model that allows firms to adjust their cash holding levels over time and find evidence consistent with a trade-off type behavior in cash holding levels. We estimate a partial adjustment model and find that firms rapidly correct any deviation from their targeted cash levels. A typical firm in our sample closes this gap within two years. Inconsistent with the agency view of excess cash holdings, we find that cash holding levels for firms with excess cash persists over time compared to those that have a deficit. We also find that smaller firms typically hold excess cash and are quicker to correct deviations than large firms consistent with the view that it is more costly for financially constrained firms to operate at sub-optimal levels of liquid assets.
Bacterial Inactivation Using Silver-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles as Functional Antimicrobial Agents

The ability for silver nanoparticles to function as an antibacterial agent while being separable from the target fluids is important for bacterial inactivation in biological fluids. This report describes the analysis of the antimicrobial activities of silver-coated magnetic nanoparticles synthesized by wet chemical methods. The bacterial inactivation of several types of bacteria was analyzed, including Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli). The results have demonstrated the viability of the silver-coated magnetic nanoparticles for achieving effective bacterial inactivation efficiency comparable to and better than that of silver nanoparticles conventionally used. The bacteria inactivation efficiency of our silver-coated MnZn ferrite (MZF@Ag) nanoparticles was also determined for blood platelets samples, demonstrating the potential of utilization in inactivating bacterial growth in pl...
Differential expression of the neu transgene in murine mammary tissues

The mammary glands of control FVB and mice with MTV-LTR promoted transgenes were stained using immunohistochemistry to detect neu expression. Neu expression in the terminal end buds of developing mammary glands and during early pregnancy in FVB mice was confirmed by in situ hybridization. Neu was expressed in all tumors from mice with the neu transgene but not in tumors expressing transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) or polyoma virus middle T (PyV-MT). Neu was also expressed sporadically in non-neoplastic mammary cells of transgenic neu mice. However, most mammary cells expressing neu were dysplastic. The differential expression of the neu transgene has important implications for the interpretation of transgenic biology.
Detoxifying enzymes in human ovarian tissues: comparison of normal and tumor tissues and effects of chemotherapy.

Many anticancer drugs exert their cytotoxic effects via formation of oxygen free radicals. Cellular thiols, glutathione (GSH)-dependent enzymes and other redox enzymes are involved in the metabolism of these anticancer drugs and of the oxygen free radicals that may be generated during their metabolism. We quantified these biochemical parameters in cytosol from human ovarian tissues. We compared non-protein thiol levels, GSH transferase, GSH peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase, catalase, DT diaphorase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity in serous ovarian tumors (n=15), other malignant ovarian tumors (n=12), benign ovarian tissue (n=10) and histologically normal ovarian tissue (n=12). Mean GSH transferase and DT diaphorase activitie were similar in serous and other malignant ovarian tumors. GSH transferase activity was decreased in malignant tissues relative to normal and benign tissues. Mean DT diaphorase and Superoxide dismutase activities were increased in the malignant tissues, although this was not statistically significant. The mean levels of all anzymes except Superoxide dismutase and aldehyde dehydrogenase in benign tissues were fairly similar to the mean levels found in normal tissue samples. Tissues from patients with serous ovarian tumors, who had received cyclophosphamide and cisplatin prior to surgery, also were analyzed (n=7). Except for aldehyde dehydrogenase, all the parameters measured were decreased in these samples relative to serous tissue from untreated patients. These biochemical analyses may be useful in understanding the mechanisms involved in the response to chemotherapy.
Production of Circulating Antibody against Defined Antigen (BGG) by Neonatal Guinea Pigs

SummaryNeonatal guinea pigs, injected with BGG and adjuvant immediately after birth produce circulating antibody, detectable by PCA but not by agar-diffusion tests. Sera collected 7, 9, 11, and 15 days after intramuscular injection gave 7, 80, 94, and 100% positive PCA reactions, respectively. Rate of antibody production during the first week after birth is lower than that of adults. Capacity for humoral antibody formation probably exists at a reduced level in the fetus.
Marriage, Markets, and Merchants: Changes in Wedding Feasts and Household Consumption Patterns in Rural Kazakstan

In recent years, economic anthropologists have become increasingly interested in the relationship between consumption and social experience, especially in connection with the consumption of global commodities (Friedman 1994; Miller 1987,1995; Rutz and Orlove 1989; Tobin 1992). Throughout the world, goods such as food and clothing are used in distinct ways by different social groups and classes (Bourdieu 1984; Douglas and Isherwood 1979; Weismantel 1988). The recent anthropological literature on consumption stresses that preferences do not simply reflect social and cultural diversity. Rather, consumption is an activity that can create and change social relationships and systems of meaning (Miller 1987; Rutz and Orlove 1989; Wilk 1994). By emphasizing the social component of consumption, scholars have brought attention to the various motives for consuming particular goods and the contested meanings assigned to this behavior. And, since local cultural meanings are attached to the consumption of outside goods, they argue that consumption does not signify a naive emulation of Western culture or a loss of local cultural authenticity (Miller 1995; Wilk 1994). In rural Kazakstan, large ceremonial feasts for weddings and circumcisions provide a valuable lens for observing the link between household consumption and social relationships. Conspicuous consumption—and conspicuous exchange—are a central part of these feasts. Despite the perception and reality of economic hardship during the post-Soviet transition to a market economy, rural Kazaks have continued to spend large portions of their income and resources at frequent, extravagant feasts. Most rural Kazaks estimate that over half of their household income is spent on feast gifts. Elsewhere I examine how the exchange of gifts and labors at ritual events helps rural Kazaks maintain invaluable household networks (Werner 1997). In this paper, I focus on the meanings behind the consumption and exchange of foods and objects, respectively, at wedding feasts. I am particularly interested in the ways rural Kazaks use both local and imported goods to establish social status and identity in the post-Soviet period. Examples are taken from the various foods and gifts associated with wedding feasts and festivities. In the following section, I provide a brief description of marriage in rural Kazakstan, followed by a more thorough treatment of the foods and gifts exchanged at Kazak weddings.
The dynamics of superpower spheres of influence: U.S. and Soviet military activities, 1948–1978

(1991). The dynamics of superpower spheres of influence: U.S. and Soviet military activities, 1948–1978. International Interactions: Vol. 17, New Research in Geopolitics, pp. 63-91.
Lateral torsional buckling of steel W-beams subjected to localized fires

Abstract Current design approaches to assess the lateral torsional buckling capacity of steel beams in fire are based on the assumption of uniform steel temperature. This paper investigates the effect of temperature gradients on the lateral torsional buckling behavior of steel wide flange (W) beams in fire conditions. The effects of localized fires and the temperature gradients they produce in steel beams were studied. Laterally unrestrained beams of various dimensions were subjected to a range of load ratios. The location of the localized fire was varied to provide different heating conditions. The standard ISO834 fire, and a uniform temperature condition in which the steel temperature was ramped linearly were used for comparison. The study shows that temperature gradients within a steel W-beam may have a detrimental effect on the lateral torsional buckling capacity of the beams in fire. The critical temperature, defined as the maximum temperature in a steel beam at which the beam undergoes lateral torsional buckling, in real fires may be hundreds of degrees lower than that in the standard ISO834 fire. The critical temperature in real fires may also be lower than that in the uniform heating condition. Design approaches based on the standard ISO834 fire or uniform steel temperature assumption may give unconservative results if the potential real fires are localized fires.
Polymer crystalline orientation resulting from melt deformation and solidification of talc and mica filled polyethylene compounds

An experimental study is presented of orientation of polymer crystallographic axes in talc and mica filled polyethylene which has been extruded from various dies, melt spun and compression molded. The data is interpreted in terms of uniaxial crystalline orientation factors. It is observed that in all cases theb crystallographic axis of the polyethylene seems to be oriented normal to the surfaces of the mica and talc flakes.
Older and Younger Adults’ Attitudes Toward Feminism: The Influence of Religiosity, Political Orientation, Gender, Education, and Family

The present study explored attitudes toward feminism in 245 U.S. college students and their older relatives. Participants completed a scale of attitudes towards feminism, political orientation, a religiosity measure, and a demographic questionnaire. Results indicated that older adults were more conservative than younger adults on their attitudes towards feminism, religiosity, and political orientation measures. In the young adult sample, attitudes towards feminism were predicted by gender and political orientation, compared to older adults in which religiosity and political orientation were the best predictors. When exploring generational influence, older adults’ attitudes and demographic information were not associated with younger adults’ attitudes towards feminism and the women’s movement. In contrast, young adults’ political views were associated with older adults’ attitudes towards feminism.
COLLAGEN AND BASEMENT MEMBRANE FORMATION BY SCHWANN CELLS DURING NERVE REGENERATION.

In rat dorsal roots recovering from crush lesions the original basement membrane (neurilemmal) envelopes persisted but, particularly after unmyelinated axons had been resorbed, there was an important volume loss in the Schwann cell cords. This led to a partial collapse and more or less complex folding of the basement membrane envelopes. Under these circumstances new, secondary, basement membranes often formed within the original envelopes, thus establishing compartments. Collagenous fibrils frequently appeared within the original basement membrane envelopes in the immediate vicinity of the Schwann cells, as well as within the secondary compartments. Thus, they were de novo formations. Endoneurial cells (fibroblasts) were rare, except in the immediate vicinity of capillaries. Collagenous bundles were not notably associated with these, although they were with the Schwann cell cords. It was evident that the polymerization of collagen was immediately effected and controlled by the latter. Folded and supernumerary basement membranes eventually disappeared. Almost normal morphological relationships eventually were reestablished. However, above normal quantities of collagen persisted, apparently indefinitely.
Influence of humic substance adsorptive fractionation on pyrene partitioning to dissolved and mineral-associated humic substances.

Changes in pyrene binding by dissolved and mineral-associated humic substances (HS) due to HS adsorptive fractionation processes were examined in model environmental systems using purified Aldrich ...
THE EFFECTS OF DIENCEPHALIC-MESENCEPHALIC LESIONS ON ALDOSTERONE AND HYDROCORTISONE SECRETION1

Brain stem lesions (high frequency coagulation) were made in 35 large male cats; 19 served as unlesioned controls. Four hours after lesioning, secretion rates of hydrocortisone and aldosterone were determined by isolation of the steroids from adrenal venous blood by paper chromatographic methods. Transection of the midbrain reticular formation did not alter aldosterone or hydrocortisone secretion rates. Destruction of the ventral diencephalon significantly reduced hydrocortisone and aldosterone secretion. An even greater reduction in aldosterone levels was effected by lesions in the reticular formation of the midbrain and caudal diencephalon. These lesions likewise depressed the secretion of hydrocortisone. Secretion of aldosterone was significantly increased when the lesions extended caudally into the rostral half of the pons, without affecting hydrocortisone secretion.
On the Relationship of Tissue Surface Tension to Microscopic Parameters

It has long been established that biological tissues are viscoelastic materials, and that embryonic tissues in particular have an ability to flow over large distances on long time scales. The mechanical properties of these tissues likely play an important role in cell movements and pattern formation during embryogenesis, cancer and regeneration, and they can be measured using rheology techniques such as tissue surface tensiometry (TST).Over the past 40 years, two theories have been advanced to explain the microscopic origins of tissue surface tension: the differential adhesion hypothesis (DAH) and the differential interfacial tension hypothesis (DITH). While the DAH contributes surface tension to adhesive energies, the DITH contributes it purely to cortex tensions. The DAH has been able to successfully explain a vast range of data on embryonic and cancer cell aggregates and tissues over the last decades, however, recent studies on single cells appear to support the DITH.Here we show that a simple mechanical model which accounts for cell-cell adhesion, cortical tension, and fluid incompressibility can explain the two types of experimental data within a single framework. We find that tissue surface tension is a careful balance between adhesive and tensile forces, which are interdependent and cannot be altered independently; the relative strength of adhesive and tensile forces determines the measured macroscopic surface tension.In addition, the model predicts that cells on the surface of an aggregate alter their morphology as the surface tension changes, and we will present experimental data from embryonic tissues that are consistent with these predictions.
Effect of developmental stage and body size on oxygen consumption of anuran larvae: A reappraisal

The rate of oxygen consumption (V) varies throughout metamorphosis in larvae of anuran amphibians. To determine whether variation in V is best explained by variation in developmental stage (S), dry body mass (M), or their interaction, I measured V in developmental series of four species. In all species M accounted for most (59–90%) of the variation in V. Developmental stage has relatively little effect on V after appropriate correction for differences in M among samples; S accounted for no more than 2% of the variation in V in two genera (Bufo, Rana) and no more than 7% in a third (Hymenochirus). Late stages of metamorphosis were not examined in these larvae. In Xenopus larvae, S has little effect upon V until late stages of metamorphosis, in which some but not all larvae had reduced V. The general relationship between V and M in anuran larvae at 25°C is V = 3.1 M0.827, where V is in μl O2 STPD ·hr−1 and M is in mg. Because the exponent of M, 0.827, is less than 1.0, expression of V as V ·M−1 fails to correct for differences in M in statistical analyses. Most prior studies of larval V require reevaluation because of statistical and methodological problems.
Virtualization Technologies in the Undergraduate IT Curriculum

A Linux-based virtualization solution for IT courses leverages an open source approach for a low-cost, scalable cluster. The tool is suited for student home use for OS and networking lab assignments.
Selective fluorescence quenching of nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by aliphatic amines

In this investigation, primary, secondary, and tertiary amines are evaluated for their efficiency and selectivity as fluorescence quenchers for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N-PAHs). In general, the quenching efficiency tends to increase from primary to tertiary amine due to a greater number of alkyl groups that increase the electron-donating ability. However, the selectivity decreases from primary to tertiary amine. The effect of low concentrations of water is also examined. Because water can form hydrogen bonds with amines, the nonbonding electron pair is not available for interaction with the fluorophore, thus the quenching constant is decreased. These aliphatic amines are then applied to PAHs and N-PAHs and some interesting trends are observed. Whereas amino-PAHs remain virtually unquenched by different amines, aza-PAHs are all quenched well. The selectivity between aza-PAHs and amino-PAHs is as high as several hundred. This trend provides an easy and effective method to discriminate between these classes of N-PAHs. Moreover, the alternant aza-PAHs are quenched more than their corresponding alternant PAHs.
Calcium Atomic Beam Source and Interference beyond Two-Meter Retardation*

Fabry-Perot interference patterns of the resonance line of calcium, λ4226 A, have now been obtained at retardations of 153 and 204 cm by employing a highly collimated calcium atomic beam source in emission. The corresponding order numbers are 3.62 and 4.82 million. The appearance of these fringes suggests that the half-width of the line is less than 3×10−3 cm−1 which is one-fourth that of the proposed primary standard of length and one-tenth that of the present primary standard of wavelength. The use of an atomic beam source for the production of the length standard is discussed.
Signaling of human B cells via toll-like receptors 7 and 8 modulates immunoglobulin production

Abstract Rationale Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important bridges between the innate and adaptive immune systems. We examined whether signaling of TLRs 7 and 8 on human peripheral blood B cells affects immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis. Methods Negatively selected CD19+ human B cells were isolated from healthy donors using magnetic beads. B cell fractions (>98%) were cultured with varying concentrations of resiquimod, an antiviral imidazoquinoline that binds TLR7/8, with or without S. aureus Cowan I (SAC), IL-2, and IL-10. Supernatants were analyzed by ELISA for IgM and IgG. To identify the B cell population targeted by resiquimod, cultures were established with B cells obtained from two patients with X-linked hyper-IgM who lack peripheral memory B cells. Results Resiquimod alone induced substantial amounts of both IgM (21,041 ng/ml ± 5,495) and IgG (2,886 ng/ml ± 1,510) by “normal” B cells but only IgM (9,902 ng/ml) by hyper-IgM B cells. Resiquimod combined with SAC and the cytokines consistently inhibited IgG and IgM production by normal B cells and IgM production by hyper-IgM B cells. Conclusions In the absence of B cell receptor (BCR) cross-linking by SAC, activation via TLR7/8 induces Ig synthesis, whereas stimulation of B cells via the BCR and TLR7/8 inhibits Ig production. In comparing hyper-IgM and control experiments, isotype-switched memory B cells are the implied source of TLR7/8 mediated IgG induction whereas both naive and memory B cells appear to be targets of TLR7/8 and BCR mediated Ig inhibition.
LONG-TERM STUDY OF ABUNDANCE OF THE HISPID COTTON RAT IN NATIVE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE

We studied patterns of and factors influencing abundance of hispid cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in tallgrass prairie habitats from autumn 1981 to spring 2001 at the Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas. Abundance of cotton rats was low during autumn (X ¼ 0.57 individuals/trapline) and extremely low in spring (X ¼ 0.04 individuals/trapline). Autumn abundance varied widely in 20 years (range: 0.00‐2.50 individuals/trapline) and among 14 sites (0.05‐1.35 individuals/trapline). Spring prairie fires had a positive influence on cotton rats during the 1st (X ¼ 0.8 individuals/trapline) and 2nd autumns (X ¼ 1.0 individuals/trapline), but not during the 3rd or later autumns (X ¼ 0.2 individuals/trapline). Cotton rats were associated strongly with lowland prairie relative to breaks and upland prairie. Autumn abundance was correlated positively with previous winter (December‐ February) average maximum temperature, but was not correlated with previous winter precipitation, summer (June‐August) average maximum temperature, summer precipitation, or aboveground net primary productivity. Although previous winter maximum temperature accounted for only 32% of interautumn variation in abundance, winter harshness appears to be the major factor driving temporal variation in autumn abundance of hispid cotton rats.
Internal conversion coefficients in 195Pt

Abstract The total and partial internal conversion coefficients of the 31 keV, 99 keV and 130 keV transitions in 195 Pt were measured with a magnetic solenoid electron spectrometer, scintillation and Ge(Li) detectors. The spectrometer transmission and the efficiencies of the gamma-ray detectors were experimentally determined with calibrated reference sources. Corrections to the electron line intensities arising from scattering in the source backing and in the source itself were determined from the analysis of the continuous β-spectrum of 63 Ni sources of various thicknesses evaporated on backings of various thicknesses. The coefficients of the 99 keV transition α K = 5.8±0.5 and α = 6.9±0.5 are in excellent agreement with the previous Mossbauer and gamma spectroscopy results of Harris et al . The partial conversion coefficient ratios of the 31 keV and 99 keV M1 transitions are about 10 % larger than the theoretical calculations of Hager and Seltzer.
Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis: a complication of gunshot wound injuries to the brain.

Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST) is a rare complication of non-penetrating brain injuries. However, this is not an uncommon event in those patients who have suffered a gun shot wound (GSW) to the head. Disturbances in blood flow, lead to development of SST, endothelial injury and clotting abnormalities. Complications include increased weakness, mental status changes, seizures and potential mortality. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate three cases of SSST and the need to be alert for this entity. Our cases involve three young female patients each of whom suffs:red a GSW to the head, with resultant severe brain injury. In each case, severe disability ensued and imaging studies revealed the presence of the superior sagittal sinus syndrome. The cases demonstrate three different presentations and time courses of this entity, along with the appropriate treatment choices. This condition may appear in the immediate post-injury period, in the post-acute rehabilitation period or even at distant follow-up; therefore, patients with TBI secondary to GSW need to be monitored for an extended time interval for clinical signs which may be indicative of SSST. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
The effect of uncertainty and asset co‐specialization on governance in biotechnology alliances

We explore transaction cost economics (TCE) and real option (RO) rationales for alliance governance and find the predictive power of each depends upon the type of uncertainty confronted. Our review of alliance activity from 1995 through 2000 for 642 alliances confirms that governance is influenced directly by partner, task, and technological uncertainty and by interactions among asset co-specialization, partner uncertainty, and task uncertainty. Consistent with TCE, co-specialized assets increased the likelihood of hierarchical governance. Partner and task uncertainty increased this effect. Consistent with RO, we find technological uncertainty decreased the likelihood of hierarchical governance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic resonance imaging of small arteries.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with receive-only surface coil technology was used to visualize and quantitate luminal diameters of small arteries in the rat. MRI measurements of normal and aneurysmal aortas, over a diameter range of 1–3 mm, were closely correlated with direct measurements made visually at laparotomy: measured differences averaged 0.16 mm, and the least-squares regression line (R2 = 0.97, P < 0.001) compared favorably to the line of equivalence, X = Y. This noninvasive but precise imaging modality demonstrates the potential value of using MRI to evaluate the diameter of small vessels, including the postoperative monitoring of arterial bypass graft patency in peripheral regions.
Hemolysis following treatment of theophylline overdose with coated charcoal hemoperfusion

Life-threatening theophylline toxicity is an indication for coated charcoal hemoperfusion. This can usually be accomplished without serious side effects. We describe here a case of acute severe intravascular hemolysis following coated charcoal hemoperfusion.
Propagation of pulsed squeezed vacuum through a resonant coherent atomic medium

We investigate the effect of atomic coherence on propagation of a resonant squeezed vacuum probe through dense Rb vapor. We demonstrate superluminal squeezing propagation, and analyze distortions of the squeezed pulses at higher optical depths.
No strain, no gain

Myosin-V transports intracellular cargo along an actin filament, using a 'hand-over-hand' mechanism that moves it forward in 36-nm steps before dissociating. To achieve long run lengths, the stepping of the two myosin heads must be coordinated. Recent evidence favours the idea that this coordination is achieved by intramolecular strain between the heads, so that myosin prefers to pick up its trailing head first to search for a new actin-binding site, and move cargo forward on the actin.
Synthesis of Tin Oxide/Carbon Nanotube Composite by Homogeneous Precipitation and Characterizations

Nanosized tin oxide particles have shown excellent performance when used as anode material in lithium ion batteries. To further improve their electrochemical properties, functionalized carbon nanotubes were introduced during the homogenous precipitation synthesis. Various material characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA and BET were performed to check their crystalline, micro- and nano-structure, thermal stability and surface area. Compared with blank tin oxide nanoparticles, much finer tin oxide nanoparticles with higher surface area were observed with the presence of functional carbon nanotubes. It is proposed that functional carbon nanotubes play an important role for nanoparticles' nucleation, growth, coagulation processes. The potential application of this composite in lithium ion batteries is discussed.
Effect of Substrate Type on the Electrical and Optical Properties of Cold-sputtered Indium Tin Oxide Films as a function of Post-deposition Heat Treatment

Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) films were deposited by RF sputtering onto glass and quartz substrates with no external heating. An ITO target containing 10 wt% SnO 2 was used for the deposition in a Kurt Lesker PVD75 system, in an atmosphere of 50% O 2 + 50% Ar. Post-deposition heat treatments were done on these coatings at 150°C, 300°C and 450°C in an atmosphere of commercial air or argon. The effects of these heat treatments on the microstructure and the properties of the films were evaluated using atomic force microscopy, resistivity measurements, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The heat treatments were observed to significantly affect the properties such as transmittance in the visible region, optical band gap and the electrical resistivity of the films. The main differences are caused by the differences in thermal expansion coefficient of the substrates as compared to the sputtered ITO films.
Selective activation of cannabinoid receptor 2 in leukocytes suppresses their engagement of the brain endothelium and protects the blood-brain barrier.

Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) is highly expressed in immune cells and stimulation decreases inflammatory responses. We tested the idea that selective CB2 activation in human monocytes suppresses their ability to engage the brain endothelium and migrate across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), preventing consequent injury. Intravital videomicroscopy was used to quantify adhesion of leukocytes to cortical vessels in lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation, after injection of ex vivo CB2–activated leukocytes into mice; CB2 agonists markedly decreased adhesion of ex vivo labeled cells in vivo. In an in vitro BBB model, CB2 activation in monocytes largely attenuated adhesion to and migration across monolayers of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells and diminished BBB damage. CB2 stimulation in monocytes down-regulated active forms of integrins, lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1), and very late antigen 4 (VLA-4). Cells treated with CB2 agonists exhibited increased phosphorylation levels of inhibitory sites of the actin-binding proteins cofilin and VASP, which are upstream regulators of conformational integrin changes. Up-regulated by relevant stimuli, Rac1 and RhoA were suppressed by CB2 agonists in monocytes. CB2 stimulation decreased formation of lamellipodia, which play a key role in monocyte migration. These results indicate that selective CB2 activation in leukocytes decreases key steps in monocyte–BBB engagement, thus suppressing inflammatory leukocyte responses and preventing neuroinflammation.
Pathogenesis of Yersinia pestis infection in BALB/c mice: effects on host macrophages and neutrophils.

The pathogenesis of infection with Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, was examined following subcutaneous infection of BALB/c mice with a fully virulent strain expressing green fluorescent protein. Plate culturing, flow cytometry, and laser confocal microscopy of spleen homogenates throughout infection revealed three discernible stages of infection. The early phase was characterized by the presence of a small number of intracellular bacteria mostly within CD11b+ macrophages and Ly-6G+ neutrophils. These bacteria were not viable, as determined by plate culturing of spleen homogenates, until day 2 postinfection. Between days 2 and 4 postinfection, a plateau phase was observed, with bacterial burdens of 103 to 104 CFU per spleen. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that there was even distribution of Y. pestis within both CD11b+ macrophage and Ly-6G+ neutrophil populations on day 2 postinfection. However, from day 3 postinfection onward, intracellular bacteria were observed exclusively within splenic CD11b+ macrophages. The late phase of infection, between days 4 and 5 postinfection, was characterized by a rapid increase in bacterial numbers, as well as escape of bacteria into the extracellular compartment. Annexin V staining of spleens indicated that a large proportion of splenic neutrophils underwent rapid apoptosis on days 1 and 2 postinfection. Fewer macrophages underwent apoptosis during the same period. Our data suggest that during the early stages of Y. pestis infection, splenic neutrophils are responsible for limiting the growth of Y. pestis and that splenic macrophages provide safe intracellular shelters within which Y. pestis is able to grow and escape during the later stages of infection. This macrophage compliance can be overcome in vitro by stimulation with a combination of gamma interferon and tumor necrosis factor alpha.
Financialization and Manufacturing Firm Profitability under Uncertainty and Macroeconomic Volatility: Evidence from an Emerging Market

Using semi-annual data from 1993 to 2003 for all publicly traded manufacturing firms in Turkey, this paper explores the impacts of macroeconomic uncertainty and external shocks on profitability of real sector firms in the presence of multiple investment options in both real and financial sectors. The paper argues that increasing availability and accessibility of investment opportunities in the financial markets help real sector firms sustain profit margins despite market rigidities, increasing goods market competition, or higher levels of risks. The empirical results based on dynamic panel estimations show that increasing macroeconomic uncertainty and volatility have a significantly negative effect on firm profitability. In contrast, increasing the share of financial investments in total assets is found to be reducing such negative effects at a statistically and economically significant level.
Using kernel couplings to predict parallel application performance

Performance models provide significant insight into the performance relationships between an application and the system used for execution. The major obstacle to developing performance models is the lack of knowledge about the performance relationships between the different functions that compose an application. This paper addresses the issue by using a coupling parameter, which quantifies the interaction between kernels, to develop performance predictions. The results, using three NAS parallel application benchmarks, indicate that the predictions using the coupling parameter were greatly improved over a traditional technique of summing the execution times of the individual kernels in an application. In one case the coupling predictor had less than 1% relative error in contrast the summation methodology that had over 20% relative error. Further, as the problem size and number of processors scale, the coupling values go through a finite number of major value changes that is dependent on the memory subsystem of the processor architecture.
Coherent diffractive imaging microscope with a tabletop high harmonic EUV source

Coherent diffractive imaging (CDI) using EUV/X-rays has proven to be a powerful microscopy method for imaging nanoscale objects. In traditional CDI, the oversampling condition limits its applicability to small, isolated objects. A new technique called keyhole CDI was demonstrated on a synchrotron X-ray source to circumvent this limitation. Here we demonstrate the first keyhole CDI result with a tabletop extreme ultraviolet (EUV) source. The EUV source is based on high harmonic generation (HHG), and our modified form of keyhole CDI uses a highly reflective curved EUV mirror instead of a lossy Fresnel zone plate, offering a ~10x increase in photon throughput of the imaging system, and a more uniform illumination on the sample. In addition, we have demonstrated a record 22 nm resolution using our tabletop CDI setup, and also the successful extension to reflection mode for a periodic sample. Combining these results with keyhole CDI will open the path to the realization of a compact EUV microscope for imaging general non-isolated and non-periodic samples, in both transmission and reflection mode.
Validation of 19f‐magnetic resonance determination of myocardial blood volume

The use of perfluorochemical (PFC) emulsions to study the myocardial circulation by means of 19F NMR requires that the biodistribution of the PFC be known. The authors tested the hypothesis that PFC particles remain within the myocardial vascular space by infusing rats with both a PFC emulsion and 125I-albumin. Measurement of myocardial vascular volume by 19F NMR and by standard radiotracer analysis of the same tissue yielded concordant values by the two methods, establishing the PFC emulsion as an intravascular agent in this tissue. Perfluorochemical emulsions should be useful for the noninvasive study of myocardial vascular physiology by magnetic resonance.
Preimages of Spaces Having a Base of Countable Order

The main theorem characterizes the quasi-perfect and perfect preimages of T1-spaces having a base of countable order. The preimages of T1-spaces having a base of countable order are connected with the preimages of T1-spaces having a primitive base under the same type of mappings.