cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha and C-C chemokine receptor-1 in allergen-induced skin late-phase reactions: relationship to macrophages, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils and T lymphocytes.

Background Macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α binds to C–C chemokine receptor (CCR)-1 with high affinity. CCR-1 is expressed on neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, T lymphocytes and basophils; cells characteristic of atopic allergic inflammation. In vitro, MIP-1α is chemotactic for monocytes, T cells and basophils and is also a potent histamine-releasing factor for basophils and mast cells. Although increased levels of MIP-1α were shown in atopic allergic disorders, the kinetics of expression of these CC chemokines in vivo is largely unknown. Objective To investigate the kinetics of expression of MIP-1α and receptor CCR-1 and the relationships between the expression and infiltration of inflammatory cells in allergen-induced cutaneous late-phase reactions in atopic subjects. Methods Cryostat sections, obtained from skin biopsies from 10 human atopic subjects at 6, 24, 48, 72 h and 7 days after allergen challenge, were processed for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization using 35S-labelled riboprobes. Results The peak expression of allergen-induced mRNA for MIP-1α and CCR-1 was 6 h. This was maintained at 24 h, and gradually returned to base line at 7 days. At 6 h, the number of cells expressing MIP-1α mRNA significantly correlated with elastase+ neutrophils and BB-1+ basophils. At 24 h, the MIP-1α mRNA+ cells significantly correlated with CD68+ macrophages. There were significant inverse correlations between the numbers of MIP-1α mRNA cells and the numbers of Tryptase+ mast cells at 6 and 24 h after allergen challenge. Conclusion Allergen-induced cutaneous late-phase reactions in humans were associated with increased expression of MIP-1α and CCR-1. This may be relevant to the infiltration of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and macrophages.
German Engineering Methods for Critical Crack Size Assessment in Ductile Regime Based on Envelop Flow Stress

The purpose of this paper is to present engineering methods used in Germany for integrity assessment of structural components with a flaw in the ductile regime. The methods are validated by more than 1500 experiments and cover through wall crack as well as part-through wall cracks (in either axial or circumferential orientation) located in base material, heat affected zone, homogeneous or dissimilar metal welds. By fulfilling the toughness requirement, the structural integrity of a cracked component in the ductile regime can be assessed conservatively (safely) by considering simplified methods for which only strength and impact energies values are needed. The physical and mathematical background of the methods for circumferential cracks (flow stress concept FSC; plastic limit load PLL) and for axial cracks (Battelle approach BMI; Ruiz approach RUIZ), as well as the historical connection with the German basis safety concept will be reviewed. Similarity with other international methods (like R6, Section XI of ASME Code, SRP 3.6.3) will be emphasized. The range of validity resulting from experimental investigations (experimental database built from own research or from literature) is summarized and the validation procedure of the methods (FSC, PLL, BMI, RUIZ) is explained. The resulting correction factors on flow stress (envelop flow stress) to account for elastic-plastic fracture conditions and to result in conservative (safe) predictions of crack instability depending on the method (FSC, PLL, BMI, RUIZ), crack orientation (circumferential and axial) and type of material (ferritic and austenitic) is given. The ratio of the computed experimental to the theoretical stress gained by these several engineering methods (German flow stress based simplified methods and other international methods) will be presented on the basis of the experimental database (with a various combination of geometry, materials and loading combination) which covers also elbows and vessels. Recommendations on the good use of the methods for ductile integrity assessment are given including also dissimilar metal welds consideration.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Phototriggerable liposomes: current research and future perspectives

The field of cancer nanomedicine is considered a promising area for improved delivery of bioactive molecules including drugs, pharmaceutical agents and nucleic acids. Among these, drug delivery technology has made discernible progress in recent years and the areas that warrant further focus and consideration towards technological developments have also been recognized. Development of viable methods for on-demand spatial and temporal release of entrapped drugs from the nanocarriers is an arena that is likely to enhance the clinical suitability of drug-loaded nanocarriers. One such approach, which utilizes light as the external stimulus to disrupt and/or destabilize drug-loaded nanoparticles, will be the discussion platform of this article. Although several phototriggerable nanocarriers are currently under development, I will limit this review to the phototriggerable liposomes that have demonstrated promise in the cell culture systems at least (but not the last). The topics covered in this review include (i) a brief summary of various phototriggerable nanocarriers; (ii) an overview of the application of liposomes to deliver payload of photosensitizers and associated technologies; (iii) the design considerations of photoactivable lipid molecules and the chemical considerations and mechanisms of phototriggering of liposomal lipids; (iv) limitations and future directions for in vivo, clinically viable triggered drug delivery approaches and potential novel photoactivation strategies will be discussed.
Urban areas may serve as habitat and corridors for dry-adapted, heat tolerant species; an example from ants

We collected ants from six urban and one forest land-use types in Raleigh, NC to examine the effects of urbanization on species richness and assemblage composition. Since urban areas are warmer (i.e., heat island effect) we also tested if cities were inhabited by species from warmer/drier environments. Species richness was lower in industrial areas relative to other urban and natural environments. There are two distinct ant assemblages; 1) areas with thick canopy cover, and 2) more disturbed open urban areas. Native ant assemblages in open environments have more southwestern (i.e., warmer/drier) distributions than forest assemblages. High native species richness suggests that urban environments may allow species to persist that are disappearing from natural habitat fragments. The subset of species adapted to warmer/drier environments indicates that urban areas may facilitate the movement of some species. This suggests that urban adapted ants may be particularly successful at tracking future climate change.
Differences in reactivity of four butyrylcholinesterase isozymes towards substrate and inhibitors.

Abstract Four isozymes of horse serum butyrylcholinesterase have been resolved by means of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis combined with specific substrate staining and gel-scanning procedures. They differ 5-fold in their Km for butyrylthiocholine and 5 and 7-fold in reactivity with two organophosphates, malaoxon and Tetram.
Dyslipidemia and the vulnerable plaque.

In the last decade, an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its cardiovascular consequences has emerged. The characteristics of the unstable atherosclerotic plaque, the substrate for the majority of acute coronary events, have been well defined: mild-to-moderate stenosis, a lipid-rich pool, few smooth muscle cells, a friable fibrous cap, and macrophage infiltration. Lipid modification, an important cardiovascular risk reduction strategy, induces a number of effects at the vascular level that may contribute to the clinical benefits seen in large-scale, prospective prevention trials. New developments in imaging technologies may afford improved opportunities to visualize the at-risk plaque and may provide new insights into the optimal management of the unstable plaque.
Supercritical flow effects on some unsteady aerodynamic coefficientsused for flutter analysis.

The unsteady aerodynamic derivative changes due to shock and flow separation have been examined in detail. Unconservative results can be obtained for flutter if the supercritical pressure distribution effects are not accounted for. Theoretical, wind-tunnel, and flight-test results of the derivatives and the resulting flutter speeds are compared. The considerations to obtain a more realistic representation of the aerodynamics used in harmonic and transient analysis are discussed and illustrated. Examples of two- and three-dimensional effects of supercritical unsteady aerodynamics are shown. If care is taken to represent the unsteady derivatives with the proper phase angle and magnitude along the wing correcting for the depth of penetration into the supercritical regime, the predicted results will compare relatively well with the flight test results. Much of the work in this paper discusses the method by which real and imaginary terms, representing compressibility, the vertical force coefficient due to angle of attack, and aileron hinge moment, were modified to represent the experimental data available at supercritical speeds.
Making Data Management Accessible in the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum

In the age of “big data” science, data management is becoming a key information literacy skill for chemistry professionals. To introduce this skill in the undergraduate chemistry major, an activity has been developed to familiarize undergraduates with data management. In this activity, students rename and organize cards that represent “data files” associated with experiments they completed in a previous course. This activity reveals differences between the way novices (students) and experts (librarians and faculty) organize data and highlights the need for introducing students to best practices in data management.
Scale economies in the savings and loan industry before diversification

Abstract This study investigates scale economies in the savings and loan (S&L) industry prior to deregulation. Use of the translog cost function permits the estimation of U-shaped cost curves and of separate scale and branch size eonomies. The model also allows the cost elasticities to vary by size of financial institution. The model is estimated on a large nationwide sample of savings and loan associations. The results indicate significant economies of scale over a wide range of output for institutions that engage in traditional specialized activities.
A comparison of three CT voltage optimization strategies

We evaluated three strategies for optimizing the x-ray tube voltage in chest CT examinations: (1) keeping patient dose constant and maximizing contrast to noise ratios (CNR); (2) keeping CNR constant and minimizing patient effective dose (E); (3) maximizing CNR 2 /E. Lung and soft tissue Hounsfield unit values, together with the corresponding image noise, were measured in a Rando phantom at x-ray tube voltages between 80 and 140 kV. A CT dosimetry software package (ImPACT) was used to compute effective doses as a function of CT x-ray tube voltage for adult patients undergoing chest CT examinations. CNR and patient dose in chest CT examinations both increase with increasing x-ray tube voltage at a fixed mAs. All optimization strategies provided similar qualitative results, which showed the best imaging performance was achieved at the lowest x-ray tube voltage (80 kV). Optimization using constant CNR or effective dose is preferred since these methods provide explicit choices of optimal kV/mAs combinations, as well as quantitative data on how changing kV would modify CNR and/or patient dose. The CNR 2 /Dose figure of merit does not offer explicit choices of kV/mAs for performing CT examinations, and changes in FOM value are more difficult to relate to changes in imaging performance or patient dose.
Remote sensing of snow cover and snow water equivalent for the historic February snowstorms in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area during February 2010

The unprecedented snowfall during early February 2010 in the Baltimore/Washington area provided a unique opportunity to map, monitor and measure snowfall, snow cover extent, snow water equivalent (SWE), and snow melt using a suite of remote sensing instruments. Because snow cover in the Middle Atlantic area of the United States is in most years patchy and a true multi-layered snow pack is rarely established, utilizing a remote sensing approach to observe snow parameters is more challenging than in regions where falling snow and snow packs are more reliable. The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for EOS (AMSR-E) was used to assess SWE and the onset of melt. Although the passive microwave signatures illustrated in this study are clearly related to snow, it is not straightforward whether or not the signatures are due to variations in SWE or to snowpack metamorphism or to a combination of both. This study shows that the SWE algorithm was affected by the high variability of snowfall intensity and accumulation as well as by the complex surface features in the Baltimore/Washington area. On the two days when intense snowfalls occurred, February 6 and 10, 2010, retrievals of SWE were compromised. This was likely a result of thermal emission from water droplets in low-level clouds within portions of the storm, which acted to increase AMSR-E Tbs, thereby rendering minimal or zero values for SWE. The presence of such clouds strongly impacts the sensitivity of estimating SWE using radiometric measurements near 19 and 37 GHz. Glaze or icy layers within and on the surface of the snowpack served to increase scattering, thus lowering Tb and boosting the retrieved SWE values, resulting in an overestimation of SWE, first in southern portions of the study area and then farther north as the month of February progressed.
Note on the neutrino mass matrix

A general analysis of the Gell-Mann--Ramond--Slansky model for the neutrino mass matrix is carried out. Assuming that there is a ''generation structure'' for the Dirac mass matrix, and that all of the eigenvalues of the Majorana mass matrix are large, it is found that rather small neutrino mixing angles are expected.
Sensitivity to ingested metabisulfites in asthmatic subjects

While ingesting selected foods and drinks in restaurants, four asthmatic patients reported the sudden onset of severe wheezing and associated anaphylactoid symptoms and signs. Single-blind placebo and potassium metabisulfite (K2S2O5) oral challenges documented asthmatic responses 15 to 30 min after ingestion of K2S2O5. Laboratory investigations failed to demonstrate specific reaginic antibody recognition of K2S2O5 in these patients. Furthermore, their peripheral basophils did not release histamine during in vitro challenges with K2S2O5. It seems likely that additional asthmatic subjects have such sensitivities but are currently assumed to have "food allergies." Such individuals can be suspected of having this sensitivity by history, and oral K2S2O5 challenges can identify asthmatics who are sensitive.
Electromagnetic Mapping of Fresh‐Water Lenses on Small Oceanic Islands

Many small oceanic islands have fresh-water lenses that can be used for domestic water supplies or dry season augmentation for rainfall catchment systems. However, these small lenses are often irregular in extent and thickness. Some islands have several small, isolated lenses. By making a few reasonable assumptions, the electromagnetic (EM) profiling method can be used to estimate lens thickness. If it can be assumed that the water table is close to sea level, and that the unsaturated and fresh-water saturated geologic units have low bulk conductivities, the interface depth can be obtained from a three-layer solution. The first layer is the unsaturated zone. Its thickness is assumed to be the land surface elevation above sea level. The third layer is the salt-water saturated zone; it is assumed to be infinitely thick. The layer conductivities are either estimated or obtained from DC resistivity soundings. In resistive environments only the third-layer conductivity has a significant effect on the calculated interface depth. The only remaining unknown is the second-layer thickness, which represents the fresh-water saturated zone. The second-layer thickness is sensitive to the value used for the third-layer conductivity. Calibration of the EM-derived interface depth with other geophysical or water-quality data is recommended, unless relative lens thicknesses are sufficient to meet the survey objectives. Application of this method to field studies of a sandy barrier island and a carbonate key, both in Florida, has provided useful data which correlate well with other geophysical and water-quality data.
New theoretical techniques in the study of gravity

Using new methods based on first order techniques, it is shown how sharp theorems for existence, uniqueness, and continuous dependence on the Cauchy data for the exterior Einstein equations can be proved simply and directly. Our main tools are obtained from the theory of quasilinear first order symmetric hyperbolic systems of partial differential equations. Einstein's equations in harmonic coordinates are cast into this form, thus achieving a certain uniformity of the description of gravity with other systems of partial differential equations occurring frequently in mathematical physics. In this symmetric hyperbolic form, the Cauchy problem for the exterior equations is easily resolved. Similarly, using first order techniques, a uniqueness theorem can be proved which increases by one the degree of differentiability of the coordinate-transformation between two solutions of Einstein's equations with the same Cauchy data. Finally it is shown how the theory of first order symmetric hyperbolic systems admits a global intrinsic treatment on manifolds.
COMPTON SCATTERING AND FIXED POLES IN PARTON FIELD-THEORETIC MODELS.

We extend a class of parton models to a fully gauge-invariant theory for the full Compton amplitude. The existence of local electromagnetic interactions is shown to always give rise to a constant real part in the high-energy behavior of the amplitude ${T}_{1}(\ensuremath{\nu},{q}^{2})$. In the language of Reggeization this is interpreted as a fixed pole at $J=0$ in ${T}_{1}$ and $\ensuremath{\nu}{T}_{2}$, with residue polynomial in the photon mass squared.
Ion scattering study of the lithium induced reconstruction of Cu(110)

Abstract We report the observation of a (1×2) reconstruction of Cu(110), induced by adsorption of submonolayer amounts of lithium. We have investigated this reconstruction using channeling and blocking of 110 keV protons. The altered substrate geometry causes a decrease in the ion scattering yield. These data are only compatible with models for the reconstruction that involve small movements of the surface atoms away from their bulklike positions.
Simultaneous radiative and conductive heat transfer in non-gray media

Abstract Steady-state energy transfer through non-gray radiating and conducting media enclosed by black walls of unequal temperature is studied. A rectangular Milne-Eddington type relation is used to describe the frequency dependence of the absorption coefficient. Temperature distributions and total heat transfer results are presented for materials which absorb radiation (a) of low frequency, (b) of high frequency, (c) within a finite band width, and (d) of all frequencies (gray). The influence of optical thickness (τ0) and conduction to a radiation interaction parameter (N) are examined and the results for non-gray materials are compared with those for a gray analysis. Exact results are compared with those determined by using the optically-thin and the optically-thick approximations, as well as with those evaluated for purely conductive and purely radiative transfer.
How pressure and filter material affect extraction of sunflower latex rubber

Abstract Extraction and quantification of latex rubber in plant species requires the filtering of latex homogenate, often by applying pressure to the homogenate to separate fluids (latex) from plant matter (bagasse). The filter material used for filtering homogenate has varied. The objective of this study was to evaluate how sunflower homogenate is affected by filter material (cheesecloth, tight weave polypropylene fabric, and Dacron ® loose weave material) and hydraulic pressures during the filtering and pressing phase of latex extraction and quantification. Also, we desired to know how pressing procedures (filter material and pressing pressure) affect the quantification of extractables (resin and rubber) in sunflower leaf tissue. Leaves were harvested from field-grown sunflowers during three growing seasons at the R-6 stage of maturity at the Western Colorado Research Center at Fruita, Colorado. Highest press efficiencies were obtained with cheesecloth. Polypropylene fabric and Dacron ® materials had significantly lower press efficiencies than cheesecloth, but in reality those efficiencies were only approximately 1% point lower than cheesecloth. Thus, it may be possible to use other materials for pressing without a major loss in performance. Pressure had little effect on the parameters studied. Six pressures ranged from 3.4 to 17.2 MPa and did not affect press efficiency, dry matter in the homogenate, or the acetone, methanol, or cyclohexane extractables. Filter material and pressing pressure did not affect acetone, methanol, or cyclohexane extractables. These results indicate that researchers can obtain reliable results over a wide range of pressures when using cheesecloth and possibly other filter materials.
Hepatoma, host liver, and normal rat liver neutral lipids as affected by diet.

Groups of normal and hepatoma (7288CTC) bearing rats were maintained on normal chow and fat-free diets for 4 weeks. Normal liver, host liver, and hepatoma neutral lipids were examined in detail and compared. Water content, unaffected by diet was: hepatoma, 82%; host liver, 71%; and normal liver, 67%. The fat-free diet had no effect upon the hepatoma neutral lipids but elevated the triglyceride level in normal and host liver, shifted the triglyceride carbon number distribution to lower mol wt, and elevated the percentage of monoenoic acids in triglycerides and cholesteryl esters. Host triglyceride concentrations were ca. half, and cholesterol levels were reduced moderately relative to normal liver values. Hepatoma cholesterol levels were higher and triglyceride concentrations lower than normal and host liver values. Hepatoma triglycerides differed dramatically from liver and were characterized by increased concentrations of high mol wt species and a fivefold increase in the percentage of C-20 and C-22 fatty acids. The percentage of C-20 and C-22 fatty acids in hepatoma cholesteryl esters also increased ca. fivefold relative to liver. The data indicate that the systems that regulate triglyceride and cholesteryl ester fatty acid composition in liver do not control the compositions of these lipid classes in this hepatoma. The unchanged high level of essential fatty acids in the hepatoma lipids from the fat-free fed animals demonstrates the hepatoma's ability to absorb and conserve specific fatty acids.
Observations of wellbore failure in the Toa Baja Well—Implications for the state of stress in the North Coast Tertiary Basin, Puerto Rico

Borehole televiewer (BHTV) and 4-arm caliper (dipmeter) logs were obtained in the Toa Baja well (drilled to a depth of 2704 m into sediments of the North Coast Tertiary Basin, Puerto Rico) from 704 to 2676 m depth. The only observations suggesting that stress-induced wellbore failure (breakouts) had occurred were small intermittent features at a depth of approximately 2600 m with azimuths of 70° and 250° and the fact that, during drilling, wellbore stability became a problem near total depth. An increase in mud weight to 10 Lb/gal required to stabilize the deteriorating wellbore was accompanied by loss of drilling fluid into the formation, suggesting that hydraulic fracturing or the reopening of pre-existing near vertical fractures had occurred. A series of vertical fractures at a variety of azimuths (averaging N3l°W) was detected by the BHTV. The loss of circulation due to an increase in mud weight, combined with the absence of well-developed breakouts, enables us to estimate stress magnitudes near the well for reasonable values of rock strength: S1=Sv; S3=Shmin ≈ 0.5v; SHmax ≈ (0.55–0.63)Sv, and an associated incipient normal faulting stress regime. This stress regime is consistent with focal mechanisms determined for earthquakes with epicenters near the drillsite.
A neurofuzzy methodology for impedance-based multiphase flow identification

Abstract A neurofuzzy methodology for flow identification based on signals obtained from an impedance void meter is presented. The methodology combines the filtering and interpolative capabilities of neural networks with the representational advantages of fuzzy systems for the purpose of mapping idiosyncratic area-averaged impedance measurements to multiphase flow regimes. It has been shown that electrical signals representing the conductance of the intervening medium can be used to infer crucial flow parameters, and that area-averaged signals contain sufficient information about flow regime and the structure of its two-phase constituents. The neurofuzzy approach is a promising means for reconstructing the visual imagery of flow in a process, analogous to tomography, and holds considerable promise for multiphase flow diagnostic and measurement applications in the nuclear as well as in the petroleum, biomedical, and food-processing industries.
Social Mobility Aspirations and Fraternity Membership

A STEREOTYPE has the fraternity pin as a key to obtaining a successful job on completion of college. For example, a recent study on a large university campus indicated that a sizeable number of persons believed that fraternities directly contribute to the attainment of a desirable job.' The purpose of this paper is to determine whether one's aspirations are related to whether or not he joins a fraternity upon arrival on the college campus. Is there any evidence which indicates that men do join fraternities because they are viewed as a means for social mobility? A study by Jackson and Winkler revealed that college freshmen at the University of North Dakota who pledged fraternities had higher occupational aspirations than those who did not pledge.2 A study by Levine and Sussmann provides other indirect evidence.3 Sons of manual laborers who joined fraternities were more likely to have rejected their parents than the sons of manual laborers who had not joined. The authors speculated that the group which joined was upwardly mobile and traded their parents' values for fraternity membership as a means for mobility attainment. The Jackson and Winkler study suggests that social mobility aspirations and fraternity membership may be positively associated, but the study omits important controls. For example, it is well-known that men who join fraternities are more likely to be from the upper social
Efficacy of Lumbosacral Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections: A Systematic Review

Objective To critically review the best available studies evaluating the efficacy of lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) in the treatment of radicular pain. Data Sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database were searched for the period between 1950 and May 2008. Search terms included epidural steroid injection (ESI), transforaminal ESI, foraminal ESI, selective nerve root block, nerve root injection (NRI), selective NRI, periradicular infiltration, and periradicular injection. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in English, which evaluated the efficacy of fluoroscopically guided TFESIs were reviewed. Study Selection Studies were analyzed with a quality checklist modeled after the 2001 CONSORT Statement: Revised Recommendations for Improving the Quality of Reports of Parallel-Group Randomized Trials. Nine studies were found to include a majority of these items. Data Extraction Data included study design, inclusion criteria, symptom duration, randomization protocol, blinding protocol, intervention, control, outcomes, follow-up, dropout, statistical analysis, and conclusions. Data Synthesis Each article was assigned a level of evidence: I (high-quality RCT) or II (RCT with Conclusions There is fair evidence supporting TFESIs as superior to placebo for treating radicular symptoms. There is good evidence that TFESIs should be used as a surgery-sparing intervention, and that TFESIs are superior to interlaminar ESIs (ILESIs) and caudal ESIs for radicular pain. In patients with subacute or chronic radicular symptoms, there is good evidence that a single TFESI has similar efficacy as a single transforaminal injection of bupivacaine or saline. Future studies should address the ideal number of injections. While more placebo-controlled trials are needed to conclusively define the role of TFESIs, current studies support their use in the treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain.
Donor Milk: Down but Not Out

To the Editor.— As usual for Schanler et al,1 their latest study is extremely well done, with careful outcome definition and randomization, standardized feeding protocols, and sophisticated statistical analysis. The sample size was based on expected differences in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) from a prior study.2 Fortunately for the infants, but unfortunately for the study, the incidence of NEC was almost 50% less than anticipated. Because the rates of NEC were much less than predicted, the sample sizes were inadequate to detect a significant difference if present; the mother's own milk (MM) and donor milk (DM) groups had a 6% incidence of NEC, whereas the preterm formula (PF) group had an 11% incidence (see Table 2 in ref 1). The article does not specify which patients from their general NICU population eligible for the study were approached or excluded from study because of parents declining, death before day 4, …
C:N:P stoichiometry in soil: is there a “Redfield ratio” for the microbial biomass?

Well-constrained carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) ratios in planktonic biomass, and their importance in advancing our understanding of biological processes and nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems, has motivated ecologists to search for similar patterns in terrestrial ecosystems. Recent analyses indicate the existence of “Redfield-like” ratios in plants, and such data may provide insight into the nature of nutrient limitation in terrestrial ecosystems. We searched for analogous patterns in the soil and the soil microbial biomass by conducting a review of the literature. Although soil is characterized by high biological diversity, structural complexity and spatial heterogeneity, we found remarkably consistent C:N:P ratios in both total soil pools and the soil microbial biomass. Our analysis indicates that, similar to marine phytoplankton, element concentrations of individual phylogenetic groups within the soil microbial community may vary, but on average, atomic C:N:P ratios in both the soil (186:13:1) and the soil microbial biomass (60:7:1) are well-constrained at the global scale. We did see significant variation in soil and microbial element ratios between vegetation types (i.e., forest versus grassland), but in most cases, the similarities in soil and microbial element ratios among sites and across large scales were more apparent than the differences. Consistent microbial biomass element ratios, combined with data linking specific patterns of microbial element stoichiometry with direct evidence of microbial nutrient limitation, suggest that measuring the proportions of C, N and P in the microbial biomass may represent another useful tool for assessing nutrient limitation of ecosystem processes in terrestrial ecosystems.
On the order of tandem queues

We consider the optimal order of servers in a tandem queueing system withm stages, an unlimited supply of customers in front of the first stage, and a service buffer of size 1 but no intermediate storage buffers between the first and second stages. Service times depend on the servers but not the customers, and the blocking mechanism at the first two stages is manufacturing blocking. Using a new characterization of reversed hazard rate order, we show that if the service times for two servers are comparable in the reversed hazard rate sense, then the departure process is stochastically earlier if the slower server is first and the faster server is second than if the reverse is true. This strengthens earlier results that considered individual departure times marginally. We show similar results for the last two stages and for other blocking mechanisms. We also show that although individual departure times for a system with servers in a given order are stochastically identical to those when the order of servers is reversed, this reversibility property does not hold for the entire departure process.
Pathwise rate- stability for input-output processes

An input-output processZ = {Z(t), t ⩾ 0} is said to beω-rate stable ifZ(t) = o(ω(t)) for some non-negative functionω(t). We prove that the processZ is ω-rate stable under weak conditions that include the assumption that input satisfies a linear burstiness condition and Z is asymptotically average stable. In many cases of interest, the conditions forω-rate-stability can be verified from input data. For example, using input information, we establishω-rate stability of the workload for multiserver queues, an ATM multiplexer, andω-rate stability of queue-length processes for infinite server queues.
Weighing the risks: Stalemate in the classical/balance controversy

The classical/balance controversy continued along these lines throughout the first half of the sixties. Then, at about the same time that the classical position lost its leading advocate, the balance position received striking new support from Harry Harris, and independently from Dobzhansky's former student Lewontin, and Lewontin's research partner, Jack Hubby.80 These developments served more to reorient the controversy than to end it — and the resulting “neoclassical”/balance controversy is different enough to be grist for another mill.
Problems in the measurement of bile acids with 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase☆

Abstract Difficulties encountered in the analysis of bile acids with a crude bacterial 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were found to result from the use of alcohol which caused generation of NADH. A microanalytical technique was developed without alcohol which was suitable for the measurement of 0.01 μmoles of bile salt.
Induced Normothermia Attenuates Cerebral Metabolic Distress in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Refractory Fever

Background and Purpose— The purpose of this study was to analyze whether fever control attenuates cerebral metabolic distress after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods— Eighteen SAH patients, who underwent intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral microdialysis monitoring and were treated with induced normothermia for refractory fever (body temperature ≥38.3°C, despite antipyretics), were studied. Levels of microdialysate lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR) and episodes of cerebral metabolic crisis (LPR >40) were analyzed during fever and induced normothermia, at normal and high ICP (>20 mm Hg). Results— Compared to fever, induced normothermia resulted in lower LPR (40±24 versus 32±9, P<0.01) and a reduced incidence of cerebral metabolic crisis (13% versus 5%, P<0.05) at normal ICP. During episodes of high ICP, induced normothermia was associated with a similar reduction of LPR, fewer episodes of cerebral metabolic crisis (37% versus 8%, P<0.01), and lower ICP (32±11 versus 28±12 mm Hg, P<0.05). Con...
Regulation of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Activity In Rat Fat Pads And Isolated Hepatocytes by Levamisole

Abstract The effect of levamisole on the catalytic activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) complex in rat adipose tissue segments and isolated hepatocytes was studied. Levamisole, an anthelmintic and immunotherapeutic agent with concentration-dependent oxidant/antioxidant properties, increased the catalytic activity of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in these systems. The activity of this enzyme complex may be regulated in part by protein-thiol modification. The treatment of rat adipose tissue segments and isolated hepatocytes with and without levamisole (0.1-3.0mM) for 30 min resulted in a reversible increase in the catalytic activity of this enzyme complex. Levamisole at 1.5 mM and 2.0 mM were as potent as insulin (1.0 mU/ml) in adipose tissue and as dichloroacetate (2.0 mM) in isolated hepatocytes, respectively, in increasing the catalytic activity of the PDH complex. The stimulatory effects seen with levamisole were not accompanied by decreases in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. The results of the present investigation suggest that the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex in adipose tissue and liver may be useful models for studying the mechanism of action of levamisole.
Diamond Point Machining Facility Design

Diamond Point Machining is an extremely sensitive machining operation with very special facility considerations and support equipment requirements. This paper will cover the philosophy, production flow, facility configuration, and support equipment requirements for a complete Diamond Point Machining Facility. The Texas Instruments facility will be used as a model and the design specifications for that facility will be reviewed. General production processes will be covered to explain machine and equipment use as well as to describe the complexity involved in Diamond Machining.
Clinical and histopathological features and immunoreactivity of human choroidal and ciliary melanomas as prognostic factors for metastasis and death

To determine the relationship between immunohistochemical reactivity to osteopontin, vimentin, keratin 8/18, LZTS1, and beta-catenin and clinical and histopathological prognostic factors for metastasis and death in archival specimens of primary uveal melanomas, and the prognostic value of the evaluated study variables for death from metastasis. Retrospective analysis of clinical records and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded slides of primary uveal melanomas treated by enucleation during May 1 1999, through June 30 2009. Immunofluorescent staining of each tumor was assessed on newly prepared histologic slides after the application of antibodies directed against five biomarkers associated with unfavorable prognosis in uveal melanoma. After exclusions, our study group consisted of 82 cases. Immunofluorescence was observed in 40.2% of specimens evaluated for keratin, 50.0% evaluated for osteopontin, 26.8% evaluated for β-catenin, 65.9% evaluated for vimentin, and 70.7% evaluated for LZTS1. Through available follow-up, 27 patients (32.9%) were dead of confirmed or suspected metastatic uveal melanoma. None of the patients whose tumor exhibited strong immunoreactivity to β-catenin died of metastasis. In contrast, patients whose tumor exhibited immunoreactivity of any intensity to LZTS1 were more likely to develop metastasis. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling, a composite variable that took into account the immunostaining for both β-catenin and LZTS1 had a statistically significant relationship with patient’s survival time. Our study suggests that conventional clinical and histopathological prognostic factors, and immunoexpression of β-catenin and LZTS1 combined may allow better prognostication of metastasis than clinical and histomorphological factors alone.
LPS augments human B-cell differentiation by direct stimulation of PWM-responsive B cells☆

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) augments production of IgM and IgG by two- to seven-fold in cultures of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) stimulated by pokeweed mitogen (PWM), but only if monocytes are rigorously depleted. When PBL were separated into adherent cell (AC), B-cell-enriched, and T-cell-enriched fractions, pulsed with LPS, and recombined in culture with PWM, increased generation of plasma cells was seen only in cultures containing LPS-treated B cells. This effect of LPS appears to be independent of soluble factors. Supernatants from LPS-stimulated B cells or AC did not consistently increase PWM responses when cultured with fresh B cells in the presence of polymyxin B. Furthermore, pulsing of B cells with purified interleukin 1 from two different commercial sources failed to augment PWM-induced differentiation. When B cells were depleted of surface IgD (sIgD)-bearing cells by panning, no effect on LPS-mediated augmentation of PWM-driven differentiation was seen. B cells were also fractionated by rosetting with mouse erythrocytes. Treatment of BMR+ cells with LPS did not induce them to respond to PWM, while treatment of BMR- cells with LPS augmented generation of plasma cells. These results indicate that LPS acts directly to augment differentiation of PWM-responsive B cells, rather than recruiting sIgD+, BMR+ cells to become PWM responsive.
Effects of Policy Changes to Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Follow-Up in a University Clinic

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of policy changes on loss to follow-up rates and the ability to achieve the goals of the American Academy of Pediatrics Joint Committee...
Membrane interactions of rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase: role of polar head groups

Lipid-protein interactions with purified membranous intestinal alkaline phosphatase have been studied by using rat intestine. The enzyme was incorporated equally well into neutral lecithin and anionic liposomes, including those made from phosphatidic acid alone. It could not be solubilized with chaotropic salts nor by phospholipases C and D from either native membranes or phospholipid vesicles. Detergents effected nearly complete release of enzyme from the vesicles. Phosphatase activity was lost upon treatment with phospholipase D alone. The activity was restored with free choline, or choline containing phospholipids, but not by the addition of other phospholipids or amines. The catalytic activity was also lower when the enzyme was bound to a phosphatidylcholine vesicle containing additional phosphatidic acid. Neither phosphatidylserine nor phosphatidylinositol addition altered enzyme activity. These results show that the enzyme binds to the membrane by a primary hydrophobic interaction with membrane phospholipids without requiring the polar head group and that the enzyme activity is affected via a secondary interaction with choline. We suggest that choline protects the active site of brush border alkaline phosphatase from inhibition by endogenous membrane phosphate groups.
Bad hair days for mouse PCP mutants

Mammalian hairs have characteristic patterns of orientation, with a predominantly rostral to caudal direction, occasional swirls and a high level of local correlation between hairs. A detailed new study demonstrates that the polarity of hairs derives from an underlying planar polarity of the basal epidermal cells from which hair follicles arise.
Vascular smooth muscle cell leukotriene C4 synthesis: requirement for transcellular leukotriene A4 metabolism.

Abstract Leukotriene synthesis and metabolism were studied in cultured porcine aortic smooth muscle cells (PSM). Cultures stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187, with or without exogenous arachidonic acid, did not release detectable levels of leukotriene B4, C4, D4 or E4. Those products were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet spectrometry and, in some cases, radioimmunoassay. Smooth muscle cultures were able to convert leukotriene A4 to leukotriene C4, indicating the presence of leukotriene C4 synthetase. Although this enzymatic activity has previously been found in cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells, it was not detectable in cardiac myocytes, fibroblasts from several organs or renal epithelial cells. It is known from previous work that inflammatory cells such as poly morphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) or mast cells release leukotriene A4 when stimulated. Further, increased numbers of these cell-types are found associated with vascular tissue during several pathologic situations. Therefore, the potential for a leukocytesmooth muscle cell interaction involving the transcellular metabolism of leukotriene A4 was assessed. Stimulation of PMNL suspensions in the presence of PSM resulted in a significant increase in total leukotriene C4 produced in comparison to either cell-type alone (255% of PMNL alone, P
Male and Female Visions of Mediation

M ost conf l ic t s -whether among nations, neighborhoods, business associates, or family m e m b e r s are managed by the disputants themselves; increasingly, however, the resolution of conflict involves the actions of third party professionals. Over the past decade, the ranks of practitioners claiming expertise in dispute resolution have swelled. Consequently, as professionals from the law, business, environmental, mental health and academic communities attempt to establish their legitimacy and credibility as mediation specialists, investigation into the nature of the third party role becomes increasingly relevant. The goal of this research is to broaden understanding of the mediatot 's role, clarify central features of the role as envisioned by successful mediators, and extend conceptions of the mediation process itself by comparing the approaches of male and female practitioners. Analysis of sex differences in social thought and behavior has served various purposes in different historical periods. Most recently, with the resurgence of the political women 's movement and the growth of the new feminist scholarship, the study of sex differences has focused on correcting bias in earlier studies and revaluing certain qualities and characteristics that women develop because of their historical position as " the other ," the socio-emotional experts in the family division of labor, the primary caretakers and nurturers of the young (Aries, t977, pp. 292-298; Henley, 1977; Rubin, 1979). In our research, by comparing male and female mediators, we hoped to learn about and describe certain activities, styles, and strategies that would be taken for granted or missed without the comparative frame. We considered gender as a critical variable, therefore, not because sex differences in themselves are important or intrinsically interesting, but because such a focus can enlarge understanding of human behavior and human possibility. We are not alone in this endeavor. Recently, a number of social and political theorists interested in the connection between feminism and pacifism have focused on the ways women and men interpret differences and confront conflict, the mechanisms they use in resolving conflict, and the satisfactions and understanding they derive from the
Capital source and the location of industrial investment: a tale of divergence from post-reform India

The industrial locational decisions of private capital are expected to be profit-maximizing or efficiency-oriented, and directed towards leading industrial regions, coasts and metropolises, and away from socialist governments. Industrial investments by the state, on the other hand, are expected to consider equity and security issues, and therefore be less biased towards leading regions. Since the state as an agent of industrialization is weaker under liberalization, and private capital is increasingly dominant, structural reforms can be expected to lead to increased regional divergence. These propositions are tested using district-level data from the pre-reform and post-reform periods in India using logistic and OLS regression models. The results provide unambiguous support for the outlined propositions and raise concerns about the political and welfare implications of these location decisions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.