cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-Situ Monitoring Of D-Type Fiber Etching

A method to efficiently gauge the etching depth in a D-type fiber is presented. A more exact method of determining the etching depth of a fiber could prove beneficial in many applications where the core or cladding of a fiber must be exposed to allow interaction between external materials and devices, and the light which propagates in the fiber. D-type fibers are etched by removing the outer protective layers of the fiber and then placing them in a solution of hydrofluoric acid (HF). Both the flat and semicircular portions of the fiber are etched. The etching has a negligible effect on the overall radius of the fiber, but on the flat side the etching process exposes the cladding and core because of their proximity to the flat surface. The required depth to which the core and cladding must be etched depends on the application. To obtain reproducible results the etching process must be carefully monitored and controlled. Monitoring of the etching process is achieved by observing the output from a section of the D-type fiber into which laser light has been focused. It has been noted that the output from the fiber varies slowly as a function of etching time for quite a while and begins to oscillate quite dramatically before it it declines to zero. This previously unreported oscillation is similar from fiber to fiber and can be used to monitor and control the depth to which a fiber is etched. The paper proposes an explanation for the observed oscillatory behavior and how it can be used to produce more accurate etching times and desired cladding thicknesses.
The influence of surface structure on the reaction of dimethylzinc on GaAs(100)

Abstract The reactions of dimethylzinc (DMZ) on the (4 × 2), (2 × 4) and c(4 × 4) reconstructions of GaAs(100) were studied using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). The results of the TPD experiments demonstrate that the strength of the Zn-surface interaction is a function of the surface As Ga ratio. Zn atoms produced via dissociative absorption of DMZ desorb at 565, 600 and 620 K from the (4 × 2), (2 × 4) and c(4 × 4) reconstructions, respectively. In contrast, methyl groups were found to desorb from all three reconstructions at 610 K. HREELS data for the (4 × 2) and c(4 × 4) reconstructions show that the energy of the surface-C stretching mode for absorbed methyl groups is the same on these surfaces. These results indicate that the absorption sites for methyl groups are similar on the three reconstructions. Based on these experimental results, models of the absorption sites for Zn atoms and methyl groups on the (2 × 4) and c(4 × 4) reconstructions of GaAs(100) are proposed.
Morphological comparisons of the Plasmodium (Novyella) species reported from North American birds, with comments on a species from the barred owl Strix varia Barton

The application of detailed morphological comparisons to the identification of avian malaria parasites in their natural hosts was tested by the study of a Plasmodium (Novyella) species in a barred owl Strix varia from southern Georgia. The parasite was characterised by the presence of fan-shaped schizonts that produced only four merozoites and elongate, slender gametocytes that were pigmented conspicuously. The schizonts were larger than those of P. hexamerium, P. vaughani and P. rouxi, and gametocytes were longer, although of comparable width to those of the other Novyella species which occur in North American birds. Schizonts and gametocytes caused significant hypertrophy of host erythrocyte nuclei, but did not enlarge the host cell. Although the morphological comparison suggests that the Novyella parasite of the barred owl probably deserves taxonomic distinction, formal description should await the study of experimental infections or the acquisition of additional natural infections.
Redesign and Implementation of the Radiology Clerkship: From Traditional to Longitudinal and Integrative

Purpose The authors discuss the evolution and application of 3 radiology teaching methods—a fundamentals-of-imaging course, a combined clinical-radiology case conference, and a radiology objective structured clinical examination—to medical education at the Brigham and Women's Hospital site of Harvard Medical School. Methods The evolution of the medical student radiology teaching program from content needs assessment to blueprint creation, through implementation, is outlined. Results The 3 components of the teaching program are described. The changes in format in response to feedback and challenges faced in deploying this new curriculum are detailed. Results from student surveys and the radiology objective structured clinical examination scores from recent years are also presented. Conclusions As radiology assumes an increasingly central role in patient care and diagnosis, the need for effective integration of radiology teaching into medical education becomes more critical. The concepts presented here have been deemed to be successful by students and faculty members and may be applicable to other institutions.
Ionotropic and metabotropic receptor mediated airway sensory nerve activation

There are several receptors capable of inducing activating generator potentials in cough-associated afferent terminals in the airways. The chemical receptors leading to generator potentials can be subclassified into ionotropic and metabotropic types. An ionotropic receptor has an agonist-binding domain, and also serves directly as an ion channel that is opened upon binding of the agonist. Examples of ionotropic receptors found in airway sensory nerve terminals include receptors for serotonin (5-HT3 receptors), ATP (P2X receptors), acetylcholine (nicotinic receptors), receptors for capsaicin and related vanilloids (TRPV1 receptors), and acid receptors (acid sensing ion channels). Afferent nerve terminals can also be depolarized via activation of metabotropic or G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Among the GPCRs that can lead to activation of airway afferent fibers include bradykinin B2 and adenosine A1 receptors. The signaling events leading to GPCR-mediated membrane depolarization are more complex than that seen with ionotropic receptors. The GPCR-mediated effects are thought to occur through classical second messenger systems such as activation of phospholipase C. This may lead to membrane depolarization through interaction with specific ionotropic receptors (such as TRPV1) and/or various types of calcium activated channels.
Radioactive Isotopes in Hoba West and Other Iron Meteorites

The radioactivities Be10, Al26, Cl36, Mn53, Ni59, and Co60 and the rare gas isotopes were measured in a sample taken from the surface of the Hoba meteorite. The spallation-produced radioactivities indicate that the sample was at a depth of 35 to 40 cm when the body was in space. The Ni59 activity indicates that the terrestrial age of Hoba is less than 80,000 years. Its Cl36-Ar36 exposure age is 263±40 million years. The Cl36 and rare-gas isotopes were also measured in the Deelfontein meteorite; its Cl36-Ar36 exposure age is 400±40 million years. The Cl36 and the Ni59 were also measured in a sample of Sikhote-Alin. In both Hoba and Sikhote-Alin the Ni59, which is a neutron-produced isotope, is higher than would be expected from the Cl36 content. This indicates that solar flares contributed to the neutron-produced isotopes in these iron meteorites.
Moving a B-spline surface to a curve—a trimmed surface matching algorithm

Abstract For matching two trimmed B-spline surfaces, it is often necessary to modify a surface locally to match a curve on one surface to a curve on the other surface. Sometimes, tangent or higher derivative constraints are imposed to ensure smoothness across the matching boundary. In this paper we present an algorithm for moving a B-spline surface to a B-spline curve. The key step is the representation of compositions of splines and products of splines which we have handled by using an algorithm of E. Lee. Some numerical examples are given at the end of the paper.
Influence of mineralocorticoids and cations on the inotropic effect of angiotensin and norepinephrine in isolated cardiac muscle

Abstract Both aldosterone and desoxycorticosterone (DOC) over a relatively wide range of concentrations failed to potentiate the positive inotropic effect of angiotensin and of norepinephrine in the isolated cat papillary muscle. Lowering the concentration of calcium in the bathing medium did not alter this relationship. Lowering the concentration of sodium in the medium itself reduced the inotropic responsiveness of the isolated cardiac muscle to 5×10 −7 M angiotensin. Raising the concentration of sodium enhanced the positive inotropic effect of angiotensin. This enhancement seems to be independent of changes in osmolarity of the solution. Altering the concentration of potassium did not have any significant influence on the angiotensin response. Prior reserpinization of the cat did not alter the inotropic response to angiotensin, nor did it block the enhanced effect seen in the presence of an elevated level of sodium. Therefore, the enhancement probably does not depend on the release of catecholamines stored in cardiac tissue. Altering the concentration of sodium in the medium did not modify the positive inotropic response to 4×10 −8 M norepinephrine. The findings in this study do not completely account for the mechanism of potentiation of angiotensin by mineralocorticoids reported in vivo. However, they strongly suggest that the potentiation of the cardiac effects of angiotensin seen in the intact dog is mediated by the sodium-retaining effects of these hormones in vivo.
Normal Breast Physiology: The Reasons Hormonal Contraceptives and Induced Abortion Increase Breast-Cancer Risk:

A woman gains protection from breast cancer by completing a full-term pregnancy. In utero, her offspring produce hormones that mature 85 percent of the mother's breast tissue into cancer-resistant breast tissue. If the pregnancy ends through an induced abortion or a premature birth before thirty-two weeks, the mother's breasts will have only partially matured, retaining even more cancer-susceptible breast tissue than when the pregnancy began. This increased amount of immature breast tissue will leave the mother with more sites for cancer initiation, thereby increasing her risk of breast cancer. Hormonal contraceptives increase breast-cancer risk by their proliferative effect on breast tissue and their direct carcinogenic effects on DNA. Hormonal contraceptives include estrogen-progestin combination drugs prescribed in any manner of delivery: orally, transdermally, vaginally, or intrauterine. This article provides the detailed physiology and data that elucidate the mechanisms through which induced abortion and hormonal contraceptives increase breast-cancer risk.
Fiscal Stress in Rural America: Some Straws in the Wind

pairing the ability of households to maintain their customary standards of living-generally reflects reductions (or slow growth) in jobs or income. Economic stress is often highly localized. Localities with highly specialized economic bases are vulnerable to market disturbances that affect only a few industries but reduce jobs and income in particular communities. Prolonged economic stress will lead to localized fiscal stress. Fiscal stress is unexpected declines in tax revenues, and (or) unplanned increases in expenditure demands that the tax base cannot support. Fiscal stress may lag behind economic stress because the time profiles of tht. economic base and the tax base may differ. Lags in property tax assessment may mean that temporary declines in real estate values are not registered on the tax base. During periods of economic stress, individual taxpayers may have difficulty paying taxes, but there may be little immediate tax revenue impact. Localized economic stress may sometimes have little impact on the fiscal condition of local governments because of the role played by the state. Generous state aid to political subdivisions or a larger state share of responsibility for public services may prevent local fiscal stress from following local economic stress.
Does Age Matter? The Influence of Age on Response Rates in a Mixed-Mode Survey

The appeal of cost savings and faster results has fish and wildlife management agencies considering the use of Internet surveys instead of traditional mail surveys to collect information from their constituents. Internet surveys, however, may suffer from differential age-related response rates, potentially producing biased results if certain age groups respond to Internet surveys differently than they do to mail surveys. We examined this concern using data from a mixed-mode angler survey conducted in South Dakota following the 2011 fishing season. Results indicated that young anglers (16–18) had the lowest return rates and senior anglers (65+) had the highest, regardless of survey mode. Despite this consistency in response rates, we note two concerns: (a) lower Internet response rates and (b) different age groups represented by the Internet and mail survey samples differed dramatically. Findings indicate that constituent groups may be represented differently with the use of various survey modes.
Inner Surface Cracking of an Aluminum Alloy in Small-Radius Bending

Aluminum alloys, due to their low density, high strength to weight ratio and formability, are widely used in automotive components. At present, most of the sheet alloy being used is AA6111; an Al-Mg-Si alloy with addition of Cu. AA6111. These alloys contain micrometer sized inclusions and second phase particles, with good combination of strength and formability [1]. However, at the same time, the formability of AA6111 is also limited because of these micro-sized inclusions and second phase particles [2]. To improve the formability of sheet metal used as automotive body such as panels, a newer alloy AA6022 containing nano-sized strengthening precipitates and enhanced formability has been developed. A number of research works have been done on the precipitation sequences and phase development during aging of these alloys. Recently Miao and Laughlin have reported that the precipitation sequence in the AA6022 is in the following reaction: solid solution α → GP zones → β″ → β′ + lath-like precipitate ← β + Si [3, 4]. As to AA6111, the sequence of precipitation is believed to initiate with the metastable phases, β″ and β′ leading to the equilibrium β phase. The structure and composition of the β phase have been well established to be of the fluorite structure with a composition Mg2Si [5–7]. Recent works also report the presence of a quaternary phase, Q and its metastable precursor, Q′ in the precipitation sequence [8]. The aim of this report is to find the relationship between the microstructure and the failure of the hole expanded and small angle bended samples. We will report a finding of inner surface fracture during small-radius bending due to the tensile residual stress development in the inner surface.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Superconductors: The electron shatters

The electron is responsible for charge and spin transport in conventional metals. In contrast, the existence of well-defined electronic excitations in the metallic state of high-temperature superconductors is highly debated.
Current Status and Future Directions in Family Caregiving and Aging People with Intellectual Disabilities

Family caregiving is increasingly recognized as an important clinical and public policy issue across diverse age groups, and for care recipients with varying physical and mental impairments. While families provide extensive care for aging individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), family issues directly related to the aging of persons with ID have been understudied. We review major findings in the broader literature on the impact of family caregiving on the caregiver, and the existing research on aging, caregiving, and ID. Aging caregivers for people with ID may be at special risk because of age-related health and behavioral declines in the aging care recipient and caregiver, the extensive duration of the caregiving role, and concerns about the long-term care of the care recipient. Balancing these concerns are the normative nature of parental caregiving, and expertise and sense of mastery possibly gained by long-term caregivers, which may serve to offset the wear and tear of years of caregiving and additional strains of aging. Topics deserving greater attention in future research on caregiving, aging and ID include longitudinal studies of caregiver adaptation, racial/ethnic diversity issues, and assessment of the mental health, physical health, social, and economic impacts on caregivers compared with non-caregiving age-matched controls. Intervention studies are also needed to identify evidence-based interventions to support family caregivers.
Theory of Drying

This review examines the stages of drying, with the emphasis on the constant rate period (CRP), when the pores are full of liquid. It is during the CRP that most of the shrinkage occurs and the drying stresses rise to a maximum. We examine the forces that produce shrinkage and the mechanisms responsible for transport of liquid. By analyzing the interplay of fluid flow and shrinkage of the solid network, it is possible to calculate the pressure distribution in the liquid in the pores. The tension in the liquid is found to be greatest near the drying surface, resulting in greater compressive stresses on the network in that region. This produces differential shrinkage of the solid, which is the cause of cracking during drying. The probability of fracture is related to the size of the body, the rate of evaporation, and the strength of the network. A variety of strategies for avoiding fracture during drying are discussed.
Single cell detection using a microfluidic, passive, Fabry-Perot interferometer based biosensor

Polystyrene spheres, yeast cells, and blood cells in a microfluidic Fabry-Perot cavity constructed using thermocompressive gold bonding show unique transmission spectra that can be used for differentiation and are approximately consistent with modeling results.
p53-dependent and independent expression of p21 during cell growth, differentiation, and DNA damage

Expression of p21 has been shown to be up-regulated by the p53 tumor suppressor gene in vitro in response to DNA-damaging agents. However, p21 expression can be regulated independently of p53, and here we show that expression of p21 in various tissues during development and in the adult mouse occurs in the absence of p53 function. However, most tissues tested did require p53 for p21 induction following exposure of the whole animal to gamma irradiation. These results show that normal tissue expression of p21 to high levels is not dependent on p53 and confirm that induction of p21 by DNA-damaging agents does require p53. p21 is expressed upon differentiation of p53-deficient murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells, and the kinetics of induction of p21 in this system suggest that it may be involved in the growth arrest that precedes terminal differentiation. The gene is up-regulated in mouse fibroblasts in response to serum restimulation but the kinetics and levels of induction differ between wild-type and mutant cells. Expression of p21 message following serum restimulation is superinducible by cycloheximide in wild-type but not in p53-deficient cells. The increases in p21 mRNA are reflected in changes in p21 protein levels. p21 expression also appears to be regulated at the post-transcriptional level because moderate increases in mRNA expression, during differentiation of MEL cells and upon serum restimulation of fibroblasts, are followed by large increases in protein levels. Regulation of the mouse p21 promoter by p53 depends on two critical p53-binding sites located 1.95 and 2.85 kb upstream from the transcriptional initiation site. The sequences mediating serum responsiveness of the promoter map to a region containing the proximal p53 site. p53 appears to play a critical role in p21 induction following DNA damage. Moreover, p21 can be regulated independently of p53 in several situations including during normal tissue development, following serum stimulation, and during cellular differentiation.
Predicting student success based on prior performance

Colleges and universities are increasingly interested in tracking student progress as they monitor and work to improve their retention and graduation rates. Ideally, early indicators of student progress, or lack thereof, can be used to provide appropriate interventions that increase the likelihood of student success. In this paper we present a framework that uses machine learning, and in particular, a Bayesian Belief Network (BBN), to predict the performance of students early in their academic careers. The results obtained show that the proposed framework can predict student progress, specifically student grade point average (GPA) within the intended major, with minimal error after observing a single semester of performance. Furthermore, as additional performance is observed, the predicted GPA in subsequent semesters becomes increasingly accurate, providing the ability to advise students regarding likely success outcomes early in their academic careers.
Specificity of the binding domain of glucoamylase 1

Glucoamylase 1 from Aspergillus niger hydrolyses granular starch at an increased rate due to the presence of a C-terminal starch-binding domain. This domain was isolated and shown to bind to the malto-oligosaccharides Glc2 to Glc11 with a stoichiometry of 1 mol ligand/mol protein. The affinity for these ligands increased with increasing degree of polymerisation until Glc9, above which no further increase was observed. We suggest that this indicates that for maximum affinity the substrate should be able to form a helical conformation, which mimics the conformation of amylose in granular starch. We propose a model of how the complex between the malto-oligosaccharides and the binding domain is formed and indicate how this affects the differences in binding modes for soluble and insoluble substrates. Glucono-1,5-lactone interacts with the binding domain at a different site to the malto-oligosaccharides allowing the formation of a ternary complex between the binding domain, a malto-oligosaccharide and glucono-1,5-lactone. The binding domain also binds to linear α-1,6-linked glucose digosaccharides (dextran), but with much lower affinity than for α-1,4-linked glucose. This ligand appears to interact with the binding domain at both binding sites, i. e. at the site to which the malto-oligosaccharides bind and also at the site to which glucono-1,5-lactone binds. The relevance of the results to the mechanism of action of other polysaccharide-hydrolysing enzymes containing both a catalytic and a binding domain is discussed.
Cytokinin Mediated Long-term, High-frequency Plant Regeneration in Rice Tissue Cultures

Summary In Mahsuri rice callus cultures grown in light, the total amount of callus and the percentage of callus volume composed of embryogenic cells could be increased if 0.1–0.5 mg·l −1 K was added to medium containing 0.5 or 1.0 mg·l −1 2,4-D. Embryogenic regions could be proliferated and maintained on the same media. E callus on initiation medium gradually produced embryoid-like structures and finally plantlets. This process could be hastened by removing E callus to a regeneration medium containing low concentrations of IAA and BAP or K. If the E callus produced by one seed were proliferated for five four-week passages on 0.5 mg·l −1 2,4-D and 0.5 mg·l -1 K and transferred to regeneration medium, 7,318 plants could be produced from 184 g of E callus.
Proton dosimetry in bone using electron spin resonance

We have studied the ESR response of proton-irradiated (in vitro) bone. The ESR response as a function of proton (E = 105 MeV) dose to bone was linear from 0 to 50 Gy and similar to the photon (E = 6 MV) dose response. The ESR depth response (Bragg) curve was depressed as compared to a depth-response curve determined with a parallel plate ionization chamber (PPIC). There was a short-term ESR signal fade in the Bragg peak region, likely attributable to the organic component in bone. We are continuing to investigate these latter two effects.
Effects on Household Labor of Temporary Out-migration by Male Household Heads in Nicaragua and Peru: an Analysis of Spot-check Time Allocation Data Using Mixed-effects Models

When adult males are temporarily away from the household,observational evidence suggests cross-culturaland intra-cultural variation in the effects of their absence on the labor ofother householdmembers.Insubsistence-based econ- omies, we predict that other adolescent or older members will work more in essential production activities that otherwise would be performed by the missing men. We test this hypoth- esis using spot-check time allocation datasets from rural Nicaragua and Peru and the methodology of mixed-effects statistical models. In Nicaragua, we find that the absence of male household heads rarely necessitates substitute labor by household co-residents, apparently because men typically time their absences to coincide with the non-peak agricultural season. In Peru, the absence of male household heads results in increased men's work by co-residents only under unusual circumstances, as households apparently rely on other strate- gies to mitigate for the loss of labor. In addition to the com- parative empirical analysis of the two cases, we show how mixed-effects models allow for individual heterogeneity and data structures that confound more familiar statistical techni- ques and occasionally produce spurious results. Mixed-effects modeling techniques will be necessary if we are to realize the analytic potential of the extensive, standardized time al- location datasets gathered by anthropologists.
SYNTHESIS OF (2-BUTYL-3-BENZOFURANYL)[4-[2-(DIETHYLAMINO)ETHOXY]-3,5-DIIODOPHENYL)METHANE DERIVATIVES

(1989). SYNTHESIS OF (2-BUTYL-3-BENZOFURANYL)[4-[2-(DIETHYLAMINO)ETHOXY]-3,5-DIIODOPHENYL)METHANE DERIVATIVES. Organic Preparations and Procedures International: Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 348-351.
Treatment changes in prostatic hyperplasia and cancer, including androgen deprivation therapy and radiotherapy.

Treatment changes in the benign and cancerous prostate present great diagnostic challenges in pathologic interpretation. The urologist must provide the pertinent history of androgen deprivation or radiotherapy to assist the pathologist in understanding these changes to avoid misdiagnosis. This article describes the spectrum of treatment changes in the prostate resulting from hormonal therapy and radiotherapy, with an emphasis on the identification of adenocarcinoma and its mimics.
Experimental reduction of codon bias in the Drosophila alcohol dehydrogenase gene results in decreased ethanol tolerance of adult flies

The ethanol tolerance of adult transgenic flies of Drosophila containing between zero and ten unpreferred synonymous mutations that reduced codon bias in the alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) gene was assayed. As the amino acid sequences of the ADH protein were identical in the four genotypes assayed, differences in ethanol tolerance were due to differences in the abundance of ADH protein, presumably driven by the effects of codon bias on translational efficiency. The ethanol tolerance of genotypes decreased with the number of unpreferred synonymous mutations, and a positive correlation between ADH protein abundance and ethanol tolerance was observed. This work confirms that the fitness effects of unpreferred synonymous mutations that reduce codon bias in a highly expressed gene are experimentally measurable in Drosophila melanogaster.
Calciphylaxis: A Rare But Fatal Delayed Complication of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass is a commonly used surgical procedure that has shown impressive health benefits for patients with morbid obesity. However, mineral bone abnormalities (hypocalcemia, hypovitaminosis D, and secondary hyperparathyroidism) and micronutrient (eg, iron) deficiencies are common complications after gastric bypass surgery due to alterations in the digestive anatomy. These abnormalities, their treatments, and a number of other factors associated with obesity can set up a perfect storm to induce calciphylaxis, a rare but highly fatal condition with severe comorbid conditions. We present a fatal case of nonuremic calciphylaxis coincident with symptomatic hypocalcemia in a morbidly obese man with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
Hematopoietic cells and radioresistant host elements influence natural killer cell differentiation.

Radioresistant host elements mediate positive selection of developing thymocytes, whereas bone marrow-derived cells induce clonal deletion of T cells with receptors that are strongly autoreactive. In contrast to T cell development, little is known about the elements governing the natural killer (NK) cell repertoire, which, similar to the T cell repertoire, differs between individuals bearing different major histocompatibility complex (MHC) phenotypes. We have used murine bone marrow transplantation models to analyze the influence of donor and host MHC on an NK cell subset. We examined the expression of Ly-49, which is strongly expressed on a subpopulation of NK cells of H-2b mice, but not by NK cells of H-2a mice, probably because of a negative effect induced by the interaction of Ly-49 with Dd. To evaluate the effect of hematopoietic cell H-2a expression on Ly-49 expression of H-2b NK cells, we prepared mixed allogeneic chimeras by administering T cell-depleted allogeneic (B10.A, H-2a) and host-type (B10, H-2b) marrow to lethally irradiated B10 mice, or by administering B10. A marrow to B10 recipients conditioned by a nonmyeloablative regimen. Expression of H-2a on bone marrow-derived cells was sufficient to downregulate Ly-49 expression on both H-2a and H-2b NK cells. This downregulation was thymus independent. To examine the effect of H-2a expressed only on radioresistant host elements, we prepared fully allogeneic chimeras by administering B10 bone marrow to lethally irradiated B10.A recipients. B10 NK cells of these fully allogeneic chimeras also showed downregulation of Ly-49 expression. The lower level of H-2a expressed on H-2b x H-2a F1 cells induced more marked downregulation of Ly-49 expression on B10 NK cells when presented on donor marrow in mixed chimeras than when expressed only on radioresistant host cells. Our studies show that differentiation of NK cells is determined by interactions with MHC molecules expressed on bone marrow-derived cells and, to a lesser extent, by MHC antigens expressed on radioresistant host elements.
Host erythrocyte environment influences the localization of exported protein 2, an essential component of the Plasmodium translocon

Malaria parasites replicating inside red blood cells (RBCs) export a large subset of proteins into the erythrocyte cytoplasm to facilitate parasite growth and survival. PTEX, the parasite-encoded translocon, mediates protein transport across the parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM) in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes. Proteins exported into the erythrocyte cytoplasm have been localized to membranous structures, such as Maurer's clefts, small vesicles, and a tubovesicular network. Comparable studies of protein trafficking in Plasmodium vivax-infected reticulocytes are limited. With Plasmodium yoelii-infected reticulocytes, we identified exported protein 2 (Exp2) in a proteomic screen of proteins putatively transported across the PVM. Immunofluorescence studies showed that P. yoelii Exp2 (PyExp2) was primarily localized to the PVM. Unexpectedly, PyExp2 was also associated with distinct, membrane-bound vesicles in the reticulocyte cytoplasm. This is in contrast to P. falciparum in mature RBCs, where P. falciparum Exp2 (PfExp2) is exclusively localized to the PVM. Two P. yoelii-exported proteins, PY04481 (encoded by a pyst-a gene) and PY06203 (PypAg-1), partially colocalized with these PyExp2-positive vesicles. Further analysis revealed that with P. yoelii, Plasmodium berghei, and P. falciparum, cytoplasmic Exp2-positive vesicles were primarily observed in CD71(+) reticulocytes versus mature RBCs. In transgenic P. yoelii 17X parasites, the association of hemagglutinin-tagged PyExp2 with the PVM and cytoplasmic vesicles was retained, but the pyexp2 gene was refractory to deletion. These data suggest that the localization of Exp2 in mouse and human RBCs can be influenced by the host cell environment. Exp2 may function at multiple points in the pathway by which parasites traffic proteins into and through the reticulocyte cytoplasm.
Comparative incidence of bronchogenic carcinoma in subjects with centrilobular and panlobular emphysema

Twenty-one cases of centrilobular emphysema and nineteen cases of panlobular emphysema, all previously reported for morphological characteristics, were analyzed for the comparative incidence of bronchogenic carcinoma. Seven of the patients with centrilobular disease also had lung cancer, whereas, none of the patients with panlobular emphysema was so affected. These differences were statistically significant, suggesting a much closer tie between bronchogenic carcinoma and centrilobular emphysema than with panlobular disease. It was proposed that the frequent co-existence of the two conditions reflected separate effects of a common agent, i.e. tobacco smoke.
Attenuation of solar energy by high, thin clouds

Abstract Estimates of the effects of clouds on solar energy rarely include cirriform clouds. These high ice clouds are usually not included in cloud cover estimates because of the difficulty of direct, human detection. Lidar studies and aircraft observations show that cirrus is frequently present. The attenuation of solar energy by cirriform clouds is calculated and in combination with cirrus frequency data is used to estimate average effects of cirrus on solar energy devices. The marginal cost-effectiveness of large solar installations requires that effects of cirrus be considered in device design.
The Role of an Advanced Practice Public Health Nurse in Bioterrorism Preparedness

The 2001 anthrax events have vividly illustrated that terrorism involving the release of a biological agent is a major public health emergency requiring an immediate and well-coordinated response. If healthcare professionals and emergency responders are to be prepared to manage such attacks, unprecedented cooperative efforts at the national, state, and local levels are necessary. To aid such efforts, advanced practice public health nurses (PHNs) must exercise their ability to collaborate with a variety of disciplines and communities. Using the Los Angeles County Public Health Nursing Practice Model, advanced practice PHNs can be trained to deal effectively with acts of bioterrorism. This model defines the practice of public health nursing as working on a population-based level to create conditions under which healthy people can live within healthy communities. This article will discuss the threat of bioterrorism and describe how the Public Health Nursing Practice Model can be applied to assist advanced practice PHNs in the development of a public health plan for preparedness and response to bioterrorism. Six specific interventions that enable advanced practice PHNs to affect populations at the community and systems level will be discussed along with the implications of bioterrorism for advanced practice public health nursing.
Recent trends in clinical trials of vaccines to prevent HIV/AIDS.

Purpose of review The aim of this article is to describe progress in research and development of vaccines to prevent HIV/AIDS, emphasizing clinical trials and human studies published during the past year. Recent findings Clinical trial design depends, in large part, on whether vaccines are expected to provide protection against HIV infection or mitigation such as slowing progression of disease or reducing transmissibility. There is currently no vaccine candidate in clinical trials that induces robust neutralizing antibodies. Vaccine candidates designed to induce cell-mediated immunity are now entering test-of-concept trials to guide decisions about whether to conduct larger-scale pivotal efficacy trials and if so how to select appropriate populations and endpoints. The mucosal immune system is an important target, both as a barrier to mucosal infection and as a site of early viral replication, but how to approach mucosal immunization is still not well understood. Candidate vaccines include peptides, proteins, plasmids, vectored vaccines and combinations thereof. Clinical trials of AIDS vaccine candidates are feasible but challenging, in both developed and developing countries. To educate and care for volunteers and obtain support from communities for clinical trials will be challenging, more so once a vaccine is approved for marketing. Coordination with research into other preventive methods is highly desirable. Summary A balance between basic, applied, and social research will be needed for successful development of preventive AIDS vaccines.
Racial differences in adipocyte size and relationship to the metabolic syndrome in obese women.

Objective: To determine whether racial differences exist in the relationship of the abnormalities defining the metabolic syndrome (MS) to regional adiposity and fat cell size (FCS) in obese postmenopausal women. Research Methods and Procedures: We determined the relationship of metabolic variables associated with the MS to regional body composition and abdominal (ABD) and gluteal (GLT) FCS in 25 white (CAU) and 25 African-American (AF-AMER) older women matched for age (58 ± 5 years; mean ± SD) and BMI (35 ± 4 kg/m2). Results: MS was present in 36% of the AF-AMER and 57% of the CAU women. There were no differences in total body, trunk, gluteofemoral fat mass or regional FCS, but AF-AMER women had 22% lower visceral fat, 24% higher insulin, and 31% lower triglyceride levels than CAU women (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis with body fat, visceral ABD fat area, and FCS as independent variables showed that GLT FCS was independently correlated with 2-hour insulin (r = 0.56), triglyceride (r = 0.62), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = −0.72) levels in AF-AMER women but not in CAU women, where only systolic blood pressure correlated with subcutaneous ABD fat area (r = 0.57) (p < 0.05). Discussion: The associations between GLT FCS and metabolic dysfunction in obese AF-AMER but not CAU women suggest that central obesity is a less valid predictor of the MS in obese postmenopausal AF-AMER women than in CAU women and that GLT FCS may be a more sensitive indicator of risk for the MS in AF-AMER women.
Induction of nerve growth factor receptor in Schwann cells after axotomy

Abstract We have discovered that axotomy of sciatic nerve induces Schwann cells distal to the lesion to express de novo, or at greatly increased levels, receptors for nerve growth factor (NGF). Surgical transection of sciatic nerve was performed on adult Sprague-Dawley rats, and, at various times after the operation, the following tissues were dissected for quantitation of NGF receptor: L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia, sciatic nerve proximal to the transection, sciatic nerve distal to the transection, tibialis anterior muscle, and skin of the dorsum of the foot. The NGF receptor content of these samples was determined by labeling receptor molecules with radioiodinated NGF (125I-NGF) and then specifically immunoprecipitating the 125I-NGF-receptor complexes with 192-IgG, a monoclonal antibody directed against the rat NGF receptor. We observed a time-dependent increase in the amount of radioligand-labeled NGF receptor proteins found in the distal segment of transected sciatic nerve; by 7 days the density of receptor (crosslinked 125I-NGF molecules per mg of homogenate protein) had increased at least 50-fold. The number of receptor molecules in tibialis anterior muscle and dorsal foot skin, two structures denervated by the transection, also increased, with time courses parallel to that of distal sciatic nerve. There was little increase in the density of NGF receptors in the sciatic nerve proximal to the lesion and in the dorsal root ganglia. Immunohistochemical examination of the distal portion of transected sciatic nerve and of the muscle, with 192-IgG as the primary ligand, revealed prominent and exclusive staining of apparently all Schwann cells of the endoneurium, indicating that these peripheral neuroglial cells were expressing NGF receptors. These results show that axonal damage can induce the expression of NGF receptors in the population of sheath cells thought to promote neuronal regeneration. This dramatic increase in NGF receptors may be a mechanism to facilitate the regeneration of NGF-responsive neurons.
The dual functions of a sex determination gene in Drosophila melanogaster.

The wild-type function of the sex transforming gene transformer-2 (tra-2) is shown to be required for normal spermatogenesis in XY males. A temperature-shift experiment using the tra-2ts2 allele suggests that tra-2+ must function during the middle stages of spermatogenesis to ensure development of functional sperm. Our results, taken together with those of T. Schupbach (1982, Dev. Biol. 89, 117-127) indicate that the tra-2+ gene functions in the male germ line and thus, in contrast to all other sex determination loci examined to date (doublesex, intersex, transformer), its action is not limited to the soma. Orcein-stained testis preparations from tra-2 males reveal a spermiogenic defect similar to that associated with dominant male sterile (X; autosome) translocations.
Ultrafast switching dynamics of nonlasing modes of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers

Abstract Single-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have been investigated with ultrafast optical modulation. After injection of a subpicosecond laser pulse into the VCSEL cavity, nonlasing modes were excited and produced optical beating in the emission of the VCSEL. After these oscillations have died down, when the VCSEL is operating at high power and when the injected laser pulses exceed a power threshold as well, the injected laser pulses can induce the lasing to switch to a normally nonlasing mode with crossed polarization. Our measurements of the decay time of the nonlasing modes at low injected pulse energy are consistent with the interpretation of this switching as enabled by increased lifetime of the nonlasing modes at high power.
Innovation in academe: the diffusion of information technologies

This study investigates the diffusion of two early Information technologies across 1348 institutions of higher education: (1) the adoption of Because It's Time Network (BITNET), a precursor to the Internet as we know it today and (2) the adoption of the Domain Name System (DNS) with its registration of domain names, an essential feature of the modern Internet. We find that the time paths of adoption for both generally exhibit the typical S shape found for other innovations. We identify factors likely responsible for the patterns observed and in the process extend the scope of the diffusion literature by incorporating insights from the optimization behaviour of nonprofits. Using a proportional hazards framework, we find that faster adoption occurred among institutions focused on research and doctoral education as well as among select liberal arts colleges relative to nonselect colleges. Faster adoption also occurred for larger institutions, suggesting that they benefited from economies of scale. Adoption w...
Trends in private viewdata systems

I would like to thank the organiser of the Seminar for giving me such a wide brief: trends in private viewdata systems in the context of where we are now and where we want to go. I shall treat it as a licence to discuss practically anything which has to do with private viewdata systems. I will start with a ‘historical’ section, so as to indicate what qualifications I've got for discussing this subject. Then I'll show what viewdata looks like to me at the moment. Last, I will say where I think viewdata ought to go, or might go, in the future.
Kappa-flavitoxin: isolation of a new neuronal nicotinic receptor antagonist that is structurally related to kappa-bungarotoxin.

Abstract A peptide, termed kappa-flavitoxin ( k -flavitoxin), has been purified from the venom of the red-headed krait, Bungarus flaviceps , by low- and high-pressure liquid chromatography. k -Flavitoxin has apI 8.8 and an apparent molecular weight on sodium dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 6500 Da. k -Flavitoxin is a inhibitor of nicotinic transmission in autonomic ganglia, producing a complete and long-lasting blockade at doses as low as 50 nM. Intracellular recordings reveal a selective blockade of neuronal nicotinic receptors by the toxin, with no effects on other active or passive properties of neuronal membranes. k -Flavitoxin shares a number of pharmacological and biochemical properties with k -bungarotoxin, purified from the venom of Bungarus multicinctus . The two peptides exhibit considerable homology in their amino acid sequences. Radiolabeled k -flavitoxin binds to a nicotinic site in ciliary ganglia previously identified by k -bungarotoxin, which appears to be associated with the neuronal nicotinic receptor. This site is not recognized by α-bungarotoxin, which also does not block nicotinic transmission in this ganglion.
Proctodeal Feeding by Termitophilous Staphylinidae Associated with Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks).

Trichopsenius depressus Le Conte , Xenistusa hexagonalis Seevers, and Philotermes howardi Kistner and Gut solicit and receive proctodeal and stomodeal fluids from their host, as well as engage in allogrooming with them. No other trophic behaviors were observed, suggesting that the beetles are completely integrated into the termite's trophic system.
Transport in multi-coupled Anderson localizing systems

Abstract The time-domain behavior of a multi-coupled disordered system is studied by numerical simulation. A two-dimensional mesh with periodic boundary conditions in a short, circumferential, direction, and fixed boundary conditions in a long, axial, direction, is subjected to a tone-burst load on the central ring. The resulting narrow-band process has an energy density which evolves in space and time. On short time scales it diffuses classically. On long time scales the transport ceases and the profile approaches an exponential. Localization lengths and transport time scales are compared with earlier predictions.
Imidazoles III. Pesticidal screening of some substituted 1‐hydroxyimidazoles

The screening of 30 substituted 1-hydroxyimidazoles as herbicides, anthelmintics, insecticides, bacteriostats, fungicides, coccidiostats and nematocides disclosed a broad spectrum of biological activity in all but two compounds. The most pesticidally active imidazoles carried an interdiazal benzenoid or heterocyclic aromatic ring substituent with a phenolic or potentially phenolic group attached thereto.
Health-Chair Reform Your Chair: Comfortable but Deadly

In the 1 h before work, a person can use more than 50 labor devices. At work, between logging-on to logging-off, a person can remain nearly continuously in their chair. At the end of the work-day, if the home is the castle, the chair is its throne. From their throne, a person can order food, purchase a car, find a new life-partner, and play war; all this—and more—without ever getting up. With creativity, a person can eat, work, reproduce, play, shop, and sleep without taking a step. The articles in this issue of Diabetes by Hojbjerre et al. (1), Katzmarzyk (2), and Franks (3), plus a growing body of evidence suggest that chair-living is lethal. Of concern is that for most people in the developed world, chair-living is the norm. The consequences of modern chair-dependency are substantial. The data summarized by Katzmarzyk suggest that chair-dependency is linked to cardiovascular disease, metabolic sequelae, excess weight, and shorter life span. Other authorities stress deleterious psychological and psychosocial effects as well (4,5). The …