cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First-principles theory of nanoscale pattern formation in ultrathin alloy films: A comparative study of Fe-Ag on Ru(0001) and Mo(110) substrates

The formation of nanoscale self-assembled compositional patterns in monolayer bulk-immiscible alloy films is studied from first principles within the framework of a previously proposed hybrid atomistic-continuum model [V. Ozoli\ifmmode \mbox{\c{n}}\else \c{n}\fi{}\ifmmode \check{s}\else \v{s}\fi{} et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 096101 (2002)]. The details surrounding the parametrization of the model from first-principles calculations are described for both hexagonal (0001) and bcc (110) substrates, and we demonstrate how the theoretical model can be employed in Monte Carlo simulations as a predictive framework for modeling the structure and finite-temperature stability of compositional patterns. The methodology is applied in a comparative study of equiatomic FeAg pseudomorphic alloy films on Mo(110) and Ru(0001) substrates. Stripe patterns with periodicities of a few nanometers are predicted to be stable in both systems, which is in good agreement with available experimental data for FeAg/Mo(110). The regularity of the stripe patterns and their stability with respect to disordering are found to be substantially enhanced on the anisotropic Mo(110) substrate relative to the nearly isotropic Ru(0001) surface, despite the slightly stronger ordering energetics in the latter system. A comparison of the results of the present study to the predictions of continuum theories commonly employed to describe pattern formation on crystalline surfaces serves to highlight the limitations of such models in the application to patterns with periodicities with length scales of approximately ten atomic spacings.
Optical polarization position angle versus radio source axis in radio galaxies

Optical polarization position angles tend to align with large-scale radio structure in low polarization quasars1, indicating the existence of a simple geometrical relationship between the inner, optically-emitting region and the outermost, radio-emitting region. However, the meaning of the alignment is unclear because the cause of the optical polarization is unknown. If the polarization is caused by a synchrotron emission process then we are learning the direction of the magnetic field in the optically-emitting region. If it arises from scattering, then the position angle refers to the distribution of scatterers. At Lick Observatory we have been observing some quasars in the Stockman et al. sample1 spectropolarimetrically to distinguish between the two possibilities (J. S. Miller and R. R. J. A. in preparation). If the polarization arises from the continuum emission process, only the continuum is polarized. If due to scattering, some of the line emission is probably polarized too. I have obtained optical spectropolarimetry data and VLA radio maps for a sample of radio galaxies to identify and interpret such alignment effects. The entire data set will be published as part of a study of the relationship between optical and radio properties of radio galaxies (work in preparation). The results show that most radio galaxies with optical nuclear emission are in fact polarized. There is a population showing quasar alignment effect, and unexpectedly there is also a population showing a perpendicular relationship. Emission-line polarizations exhibit various behaviours but in all cases make it very likely that the polarizations of both groups arise from scattering or dust transmission rather than the emission process itself.
Characterization of tumor-induced platelet aggregation: the role of immunorelated GPIb and GPIIb/IIIa expression by MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Tumor cell induced platelet aggregation is thought to be an early step in the metastatic process. Here we show that platelet aggregation induced by MCF-7 cells is mediated, in part, through an ADP-dependent mechanism based on inhibition of aggregation by pretreatment of the tumor cells with apyrase and the identification of ADP in tumor cell-free supernatants by HPLC. By applying immunocytochemical and flow cytometric techniques, we demonstrate that platelet immunorelated glycoproteins, GPIb, GPIIbIIIa, GPIbIX, and the integrin αv subunit are expressed on the surface of MCF-7 cells. The expression of an immunorelated GPIb was further confirmed by immunoblot and autoradiography of 125I-labelled MCF-7 cells. MCF-7 cell immunoblot preparations demonstrated one major protein reactive to an anti-GPIbα MoAb under nonreduced conditions with a molecular weight of 200 kD and two major proteins reactive with the anti-GPIbα MoAb under reduced conditions with molecular weights of 92 kD and 38 kD. Platelet aggregation is inhibited by preincubating the MCF-7 cells with antibodies to GPIb and GPIIbIIIa. These findings document expression of adhesive glycoproteins by MCF-7 cancer cells and suggest that these receptors, together with ADP, play a role in tumor induced platelet aggregation.
The chemical modification of enzymes to enhance solubilization in organic solvents for interaction with coal

Some enzymes can effectively function as catalysts in contact with organic solvents in a variety of ways; however, it is desirable to utilize the enzyme in a soluble form for interactions with a solid substrate such as coal. Dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) has been used as the reagent to add dinitrophenyl groups to enzymes, thus increasing hydrophobicity and solubility (up to 20 mg ml -1 ) in less-polar organic solvents ranging from dioxane to benzene. Mixed reducing enzymes modified by DNFB and used in pyridine or benzene under hydrogen have been shown to enhance significantly the solubility in organic solvents of coals ranging from lignite to bituminous, with up to 35.3 wt% coal conversion. A fluidized-bed bioreactor appears to be the most effective contactor
Framework solid electrolytes: Effective potentials and conditional probabilities for correlated motion

Abstract For framework systems, Brownian dynamics is usually valid for determining response properties, because of effective timescale separation between mobile-ion and lattice motions. The mobile ion motions, however, are strongly correlated, and, in the presence of nonuniform potential of the framework, the ionic many-body problem is quite complex. As a possible alternative to dynamic simulations, we propose a static decoupling which is based upon rewriting the three-particle conditional density as a static, zero-temperature equilibrium expression. This procedure yields two-particle conditional densities which appear to treat both the long-range and nonuniform potentials reasonably. Effects of screening and pinning for both incommensurate systems are properly described.
Activation of protein kinase B/Akt in the periphery contributes to pain behavior induced by capsaicin in rats

Protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) is a member of the second-messenger regulated subfamily of protein kinases. It is implicated in signaling downstream of growth factors, insulin receptor tyrosine kinases and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Current studies indicate that nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and PI3K help mediate inflammatory hyperalgesia. However, little is known about the role of PKB/Akt in the nociceptive system. In this study, we investigated whether PKB/Akt in primary sensory neurons is activated after noxious stimulation and contributes to pain behavior induced in rats by capsaicin. We demonstrated that phospho-PKB/Akt (p-PKB/Akt) is increased in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) at 5 min after intradermal injection of capsaicin. p-PKB/Akt is distributed predominantly in small- and medium-sized DRG cells. After capsaicin injection, p-PKB/Akt (473) is colocalized with isotectin-B4 (IB4), tyrosine kinase A (TrkA), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Furthermore, most transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) positive DRG neurons double label for p-PKB/Akt. Behavioral experiments show that intradermal injection of a PI3K (upstream of PKB/Akt) inhibitor, wortmannin, dose-dependently inhibits the changes in exploratory behavior evoked by capsaicin injection. The PKB/Akt inhibitor, Akt inhibitor IV, has the same effect. The results suggest that the PKB/Akt signaling pathway in the periphery is activated by noxious stimulation and contributes to pain behavior.
Ten years' experience of Haemophilus influenzae infection at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Summary A survey of serious infections due to Haemophilus influenzae , in the years 1973–1984, was made at the Birmingham Children's Hospital. Eighty-three cases were recorded, comprising 42 of meningitis, 18 of septicaemia, 16 of epiglottitis and seven of septic arthritis or osteomyelitis. The mortality rate for meningitis and septicaemia was 5 %, but no child with epiglottitis or septic arthritis died. The data are compared with those of American studies. The incidence of severe haemophilus infection in the inner city area of Birmingham was estimated to be at least 1 in 950 children during the period of the study.
Abstract A160: Regulation of resistance of prostate cancer cells to chemotherapy by nanog, a transcription factor for self‐renewal of stem cells

Nanog is a transcription factor usually expressed in embryonic stem cells that plays essential role in the stem cell self‐renewal. Expression of Nanog has been detected in a number of cancer cells, especially in those positive for stem/progenitor markers. In the present studies, it was found that there was elevated expression of Nanog in the surviving fractions of tumor cells after chemotherapy. Prospective enrichment of tumor cells with endogenous Nanog expression led to enrichment of tumor cells resistant to Taxol, vinblastine, and doxorubicin, but not camptothecin (CPT). The increased resistance in Nanog expressing cells was attenuated, but not abolished, by inhibitors of p‐glycoprotein, the ATP‐bind cassette efflux transporter B1 (ABCB1), or by knockdown of ABCB1 via small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). Expression of ABCB1 was increased in tumor cells enriched with endogenous Nanog expression while knockdown of Nanog reduced the expression of ABCB1 and sensitized tumor cells toward chemotherapeutics. Together, our results suggest that Nanog confers tumor cells with increased resistance to chemotherapy via regulating the expression of ABC transporters. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(12 Suppl):A160.
The effectiveness of infection control measures during a Rotavirus outbreak in a 36-bed pediatric progressive care unit

ISSUE: Low compliance in following established infection control measures; such as hand hygiene and isolation precautions by healthcare workers can result in an outbreak of Rotavirus in a pediatric progressive care unit (PCU). PROJECT: Staff compliance with the established infection control measures was found to be low during the weekly inspections by the infection control practitioner (ICP) in the year preceding the outbreak. During that same time period, quarterly inservices had been presented by the ICP reinforcing the importance of sound infection control practices, but the compliance rates continued to remain low. During the winter an outbreak of healthcare-associated Rotavirus was detected in PCU. At the beginning of the outbreak, lectures regarding infection control practices were presented to limited numbers of staff but new cases of Rotavirus continued to occur. Another series of mandatory interactive inservices were presented by the ICP, and these were attended by a majority of the unit clinical staff. The staff agreed to be proactive in controlling the outbreak by intervening, teaching, and observing their coworkers' compliance with infection control measures. Alcohol foam dispensers were installed inside and outside every patient's room and pocket-size alcohol hand products were made available for the staff. All patients with diarrhea were placed on contact precautions with ample supplies of gowns and gloves outside every patient's room. RESULTS: Staff adherence to established infection control practices was noted during infection control rounds. The outbreak of Rotavirus was brought under control within 2 weeks and no additional healthcare-associated cases were identified after that time. LESSONS LEARNED: 1) Education alone did not have a strong impact in controlling this outbreak. 2) The teamwork approach of self-monitoring compliance prevented the continuance of this outbreak. 3) Increased availability of alcohol foam dispensers increased hand hygiene compliance. 4) Timely initiation of isolation played an important role in controlling this particular outbreak.
When increased confidence yields increased thought : A confidence-matching hypothesis

Traditional theories of confidence and information processing suggest that people engage in greater processing activity when they feel doubtful as opposed to confident. Recent research, however, has hinted at the possibility that this effect might be malleable. The current research tests a confidence-matching hypothesis to determine when increased confidence yields increased processing and when increased confidence yields decreased processing. Based on recent advances in research on matching effects, it is proposed that the classic negative effect of confidence on information processing will reverse when messages are framed in terms of confidence. This hypothesis is tested by presenting participants with a persuasive message containing strong or weak arguments under confidence or doubt conditions. As predicted, when the message is framed in confidence terms, participants engage in greater message processing when they feel confident rather than doubtful, as indicated by greater argument quality effects on attitudes and thought favorability.
Immunosuppressant-induced nephropathy: pathophysiology, incidence and management.

Immunosuppressant-induced nephrotoxicity, in particular chronic progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis/arteriopathy induced by the calcineurin inhibitors cyclosporin and tacrolimus, has become the ‘Achilles heel’ of immunosuppressive agents. The use of calcineurin inhibitors as primary immunosuppressants in hepatic and cardiac transplantation has led to end-stage renal disease and dialysis. Calcineurin inhibitor—induced acute renal failure may occur as early as a few weeks or months after initiation of cyclosporin therapy. The clinical manifestations of acute renal dysfunction are caused by vasoconstriction of renal arterioles, and include reduction in glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, hyperkalaemia, tubular acidosis, increased reabsorption of sodium and oliguria. The acute adverse effects of calcineurin inhibitors on renal haemodynamics are thought to be directly related to the cyclosporin or tacrolimus dosage and blood concentration.
Prevalence and severity of intimate partner violence and associations with family functioning and alcohol abuse in psychiatric inpatients with suicidal intent

BACKGROUND: Many medical settings have conducted screenings for domestic violence, but no study has assessed the prevalence and frequency of intimate partner violence (IPV) within the acute psychiatric inpatient population. METHOD: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in adult inpatient acute care units at a psychiatric hospital. Participants completed questionnaire-based assessments of recent and lifetime history of IPV, family functioning, and alcohol use. Recruited patients were aged between 18 and 65 years, were English-fluent and literate, had suicidal ideation, and had been living with an intimate partner for at least the past 6 months. Acutely psychotic patients and patients who were too agitated to complete the questionnaires were excluded. 110 patients completed the assessments. Interpersonal violence was assessed using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), family functioning was measured using the Family Assessment Device, and alcohol use was assessed with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Data were gathered from August 2004 through February 2005. RESULTS: Over 90% of suicidal inpatients reported IPV perpetration and victimization in their relationships in the past year, with the overwhelming majority reporting severe IPV. Male and female patients did not differ significantly on any CTS2 violence perpetration or victimization subscale (all p values >.05). Poor family functioning predicted physical violence victimization in both male and female suicidal inpatients, even after controlling for alcohol use and demographic characteristics. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric inpatients with suicidal ideation or intent would benefit from screening for IPV. Information about IPV and treatment options should be made available to psychiatric inpatients with suicidal intent. Attention to the family functioning of these patients is recommended.
An Examination of the Determinants of Intention and Behavior: A Comparison of Two Models

Two behavioral prediction models were compared. The behavior used was church attendance, and the models used were those proposed by Triandis (1977) and Fishbein (Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975). The results indicated that both models were effective in the prediction of intention and behavior. However, while Triandis' model accounted for a greater percent of the variance in the prediction of intention, Fishbein's model did better in predicting behavior.
Studies of high-δ (baffled) and low-δ (open) pumped divertor operation on DIII-D

We report new experimental results with the Radiative Divertor Project-outer baCe (RDP-OB) and cryopump in both upper single-null (USN) and double-null (DN) ELMing H-mode discharges. The baCed divertor reduced the core ionization (2‐2.5·), in reasonable agreement with predictions from UEDGE/DEGAS modeling (3.75·). The upper cryopump achieved density control of ne/ngw 0.22 (line density/Greenwald density) with Zeff 2 in high-d plasmas. The measured exhaust is comparable to the lower pump, except at lower core electron densities (ne < 5 · 10 19 m ˇ3 ). EAcient impurity exhaust was obtained with deuterium SOL flow. Preliminary experiments with DN operation has shown that the particle exhaust to the upper pump depends on the up/down magnetic balance. Preliminary experiments indicate that the DN exhaust is roughly 40‐50% of the USN exhaust at ne 4 · 10 19 m ˇ3 . ” 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
A Call for Agonism: GIS and the Politics of Collaboration

This paper examines the increasing use of geographic information systems (GIS) to support the project of ‘collaborative’ planning. Specifically, I explore the ways in which the use of GIS in collab...
Computational and experimental study of the effect of the composition on the morphology of the ordered domains and APBs structures

Abstract The formation and growth of ordered domains in Fe–Al alloys is explored computationally in two-dimensions (2D) using the modified Khachaturyan diffusion equation by utilizing the thermodynamic parameters related to the equilibrium phase diagram and experimentally by using a single sample containing a steep composition gradient. The effect of alloy composition on the morphology of the ordered domains as well as the APBs in a single phase is presented. Experiment and computer simulations show that the time to form an ordered structure increases rapidly as the composition approaches the order–disorder transition line. Moreover, diffuse APBs are found to be formed near the transition line. The early stage of ordering is also described.
Erythropoietic and Reticuloendothelial Function in Bone Marrow in Dogs

Erythropoietic and reticuloendothelial functions in bone marrow were found to be identically distributed between various bones and within individual bones in the dog.
Heat kernel expansions in vector bundles

Abstract Let M be a complete connected smooth (compact) Riemannian manifold of dimension n . Let Π : V → M be a smooth vector bundle over M . Let L = 1 2 Δ + b be a second order differential operator on M , where Δ is a Laplace-Type operator on the sections of the vector bundle V and b a smooth vector field on M . Let k t ( − , − ) be the heat kernel of V relative to L . In this paper we will derive an exact and an asymptotic expansion for k t ( x , y 0 ) where y 0 is the center of normal coordinates defined on M , x is a point in the normal neighborhood centered at y 0 . The leading coefficients of the expansion are then computed at x = y 0 in terms of the linear and quadratic Riemannian curvature invariants of the Riemannian manifold M , of the vector bundle V , and of the vector bundle section ϕ and its derivatives. We end by comparing our results with those of previous authors (I. Avramidi, P. Gilkey, and McKean–Singer).
Pattern and Flicker Detection Examined in Terms of the Nasal — Temporal Division of the Retina

Contrast thresholds for the detection of flicker and the detection of pattern were measured for nasal and temporal retinae of each eye separately. While confirming that these two types of threholds can differ, depending on the spatial frequency, the results provide no support for hemiretinal or hemispheric asymmetries in the distribution of the putative pattern and movement channels.
Passing on Faculty Roles, Cui Bono?

Sociologist Helen Moore discusses how capitalization of academic faculty roles raises questions of whether or not we have adequate theories to assess such changes. She argues that labor market fragmentation, racialization, and gendered faculty roles provide new frameworks for these theories.
The biology of cancer: what do oncology nurses really need to know.

Objectives To describe the impact of genetics and genomics on the biology of cancer and the implications for patient care. Data Sources Pubmed; CINAHL. Conclusions Cancer research in genetics/genomics has identified new mechanisms influencing personalized risk assessment/management, early detection, cancer treatment, and long-term screening/surveillance. Implications for Nursing Practice Understanding the basics of genetics/genomics on the biology of cancer will facilitate patient education and care delivery, including the administration and monitoring of genetically targeted therapies whose toxicities may in part be mediated by the molecular pathways targeted by the specific agent.
Modular optics interferometer

Abstract A waveguide interferometer is assembled using holographically formed optical elements that are constructed as individual components and can be selectively attached to an optical waveguide. The interferometer is very rugged and easy to align.
Assessing divergent SST behavior during the last 21 ka derived from alkenones and G. ruber-Mg/Ca in the equatorial Pacific

Equatorial Pacific SST reconstructions derived from Mg/Ca ratios in planktonic foraminifera Globigerinoides ruber and from alkenone-producing coccolithophorids record different trends throughout the Holocene and the last deglaciation. We set forth the hypothesis that their diverging behavior may be related to different seasonal sensitivities which result from the annually varying production rates of alkenone-producing coccolithophorids and of G. ruber. Using a series of transient paleoclimate model simulations forced with the time-varying forcing history over the last 21 ka, a good qualitative agreement is found between simulated boreal winter temperatures and alkenone-SST reconstructions as well as between simulated boreal summer temperatures and reconstructed Mg/Ca-based SST variations. Pronounced features in the reconstructions that can be readily explained by the conjectured seasonal biases include the mismatch in middle-to-late Holocene temperature trends and the different onsets of deglacial climate change in the eastern equatorial Pacific. The analysis presented here further suggests that through combinations of Mg/Ca and alkenone SST reconstructions information can be gained on annual mean temperature changes and the amplitude of the seasonal cycle in SST. Our study concludes by discussing potential weaknesses of the proposed model-derived seasonal bias interpretation of tropical Pacific SST proxies in terms of present-day core-top data, sediment trap studies, and satellite-based observations of chlorophyll.
Management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy with insights from metabolic imaging of the spinal cord and brain.

Purpose of review Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a potentially debilitating disorder primarily related to spinal cord injury caused by degenerative changes of the spine. As the population continues to age and live longer, it is likely that this disorder will be encountered with increasing frequency. Recent findings Surgical management continues to be a mainstay of treatment of CSM patients, but some studies have indicated that nonoperative treatment may be equivalent to surgical management in some patients. Recent advances in neuroimaging of the spinal cord and brain have provided novel information regarding the pathogenesis of CSM, as well as compensatory mechanisms to preserve neurological function. Summary CSM is a complex disorder whose incidence is likely to increase in coming years. Prospective, randomized studies are required to help establish the optimal treatment paradigm. Recent advances such as novel neuroimaging techniques and the continued development of neural repair strategies to treat the secondary biological injury associated with this disorder are likely to play key roles in the future management of CSM.
Stability criteria for discrete-time systems with colored multiplicative noise

Often a mathematical model of a dynamical system requires the consideration of uncertain elements. Historically, emphasis has been placed on studying systems in which disturbances enter additively, but many control problems include disturbances that can be more naturally modeled as uncertain (time-varying) multiplicative gains. If the multiplicative gain is of the white noise type, necessary and sufficient conditions for the stability of many of these systems have been derived previously. In this article, we develop conditions for the stability of some discrete-time systems containing multiplicative colored noise. Discrete-time systems in which the colored noise is generated nonrecursively are studied. Necessary and sufficient conditions for their mean square stability have been obtained, and numerical solutions are provided for cases in which the colored noise parameter is generated recursively.
UVKRIG: a FORTRAN-77 program for universal kriging

Abstract The application of universal kriging to weakly stationary data is difficult for three reasons: (1) it is difficult to estimate the variogram for the weakly stationary data; (2) the order of drift for weakly stationary random function must be modeled; and (3) equation solution differs for universal kriging from that for simple or ordinary kriging. UVKRIG, a FORTRAN-77 computer code presented herein, offers a cross-validation procedure to help resolve the first two difficulties. A relatively simple maximum pivot search Gauss elimination algorithm is used to solve universal kriging equations. Application of UVKRIG to a weakly stationary data set for cross-validation and gridding is described.
Alligator Ridge District, East-Central Nevada:Carlin-Type Gold Mineralization at Shallow Depths

Carlin-type deposits in the Alligator Ridge mining district are present sporadically for 40 km along the north-striking Mooney Basin fault system but are restricted to a 250-m interval of Devonian to Mississippian strata. Their age is bracketed between silicified ca. 45 Ma sedimentary rocks and unaltered 36.5 to 34 Ma volcanic rocks. The silicification is linked to the deposits by its continuity with ore-grade silicification in Devonian-Mississippian strata and by its similar δ 18 O values (~17‰) and trace element signature (As, Sb, Tl, Hg). Eocene reconstruction indicates that the deposits formed at depths of <300 to 800 m. In comparison to most Carlin-type gold deposits, they have lower Au/Ag, Au grades, and contained Au, more abundant jasperoid, and textural evidence for deposition of an amorphous silica precursor in jasperoid. These differences most likely result from their shallow depth of formation. The peak fluid temperature (~230°C) and large δ 18 O H2O value shift from the meteroric water line (~20‰) suggest that ore fluids were derived from depths of 8 km or more. A magnetotelluric survey indicates that the Mooney Basin fault system penetrates to mid-crustal depths. Deep circulation of meteoric water along the Mooney Basin fault system may have been in response to initial uplift of the East Humboldt-Ruby Mountains metamorphic core complex; convection also may have been promoted by increased heat flow associated with large magnitude extension in the core complex and regional magmatism. Ore fluids ascended along the fault system until they encountered impermeable Devonian and Mississippian shales, at which point they moved laterally through permeable strata in the Devonian Guilmette Formation, Devonian-Mississippian Pilot Shale, Mississippian Joana Limestone, and Mississippian Chainman Shale toward erosional windows where they ascended into Eocene fluvial conglomerates and lake sediments. Most gold precipitated by sulfidation of host-rock Fe and mixing with local ground water in zones of lateral fluid flow in reactive strata, such as the Lower Devonian-Mississippian Pilot Shale.
Lymphopenia-driven CD8(+) T cells are resistant to antigen-induced tolerance in NOD.scid mice.

T cells undergoing lymphopenia-driven proliferation acquire effector and memory properties that can be pathogenic. Indeed, generalized lymphopenia is associated with a variety of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes. The current study was carried out to determine how CD8+ T cells undergoing acute lymphopenic expansion respond to antigen under tolerizing conditions in vivo. Adoptive transfer of diabetes by TCR-transgenic CD8+ T cells was enhanced following treatment of NOD. scid recipients with a high dose of soluble peptide. Furthermore, whereas TCR-transgenic CD8+ T cells underwent clonal deletion and failed to differentiate into CTL in peptide-treated lymphoreplete recipient mice, TCR-transgenic CD8+ T cells in a lymphopenic environment were resistant to clonal deletion, and CTL differentiation was enhanced by a high dose of soluble peptide. Moreover, peptide treatment had distinct effects on expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-XL in TCR-transgenic CD8+ T cells under lymphopenic versus lymphoreplete conditions. These results demonstrate that CD8+ T cells undergoing lymphopenia-driven expansion in NOD. scid recipients are resistant to antigen-induced tolerance, and readily differentiate into CTL upon stimulation with a high dose of soluble peptide.
Chemical synthesis of a dextran model, poly-α-(1 6)-anhydro-D-glucopyranose†

Poly-α-(1 6)-anhydro-D-glucopyranose has been synthesized by the phosphorus pentafluoride-catalyzed polymerization of l,6-anhydro-2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-β-D-glucopyranose and subsequent debenzylation. Physical characterization establishes its high polymeric character and stereoregularity.
Should journalists follow or lead their audiences?: A study of student beliefs

In the spring of 1985, 272 upper‐class and graduate students from four large journalism schools completed a questionnaire indicating their beliefs on issues relevant to media ethics. Respondents indicated a strong tendency to follow their audiences rather than their personal beliefs, when the two conflict, in making editorial judgments. They also placed high emphasis on audience research rather than on audience needs not fully appreciated by audience members. Contrary to what recent research literature suggests, those inclined to stress audience research most tended to subscribe to a least common denominator mode, rather than an audience segmentation approach, when taking their audiences into account as prospective professional communicators. Results are considered in light of four postulates derived from recent literature on ethics.
Mechanical properties of low-density, refractory multi-principal element alloys of the Cr–Nb–Ti–V–Zr system

Abstract Room temperature and elevated temperature mechanical properties of four multi-principal element alloys, NbTiVZr, NbTiV 2 Zr, CrNbTiZr and CrNbTiVZr, are reported. The alloys were prepared by vacuum arc melting followed by hot isostatic pressing and homogenization. Disordered BCC solid solution phases are the major phases in these alloys. The Cr-containing alloys additionally contain an ordered FCC Laves phase. The NbTiVZr and NbTiV 2 Zr alloys showed good compressive ductility at all studied temperatures while the Cr-containing alloys showed brittle-to-ductile transition occurring somewhere between 298 and 873 K. Strong work hardening was observed in the NbTiVZr and NbTiV 2 Zr alloys during deformation at room temperature. The alloys had yield strengths of 1105 MPa and 918 MPa, respectively, and their strength continuously increased, exceeding 2000 MPa after ∼40% compression strain. The CrNbTiZr and CrNbTiVZr alloys showed high yield strength (1260 MPa and 1298 MPa, respectively) but low ductility (6% and 3% compression strain) at room temperature. Strain softening and steady state flow were typical during compression deformation of these alloys at temperatures above 873 K. In these conditions, the alloys survived 50% compression strain without fracture and their yield strength continuously decreased with an increase in temperature. During deformation at 1273 K, the NbTiVZr, NbTiV 2 Zr, CrNbTIZr, and CrNbTiVZr alloys showed yield strengths of 58 MPa, 72 MPa, 115 MPa and 259 MPa, respectively.
Gaps in quality of cardiovascular care transcend social bias.

At first glance, the article by Rathore et al,1 which appeared in a recent issue of the journal and is on demographic and socioeconomic differences in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction,1 seems to be one more study showing that being a middle-to-upper class white male has its advantages in this world—even during an acute myocardial infarction. Other investigations have shown that such patients are more likely to receive invasive procedures during the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. The new contribution shows that women, blacks, and the poor are less likely to receive medical therapies known to improve outcomes, including reperfusion, aspirin, and β-blockers. Before filing this article under the category of “Health Policy,” readers should look carefully at Table 3. This table shows the actual rates for the utilization of various interventions among “ideal patients.” The remarkable database used in this study was collected from detailed chart reviews for 169 079 Medicare patients who had confirmed acute myocardial infarctions from January 1994 to February 1996. These clinical data were used to exclude patients with relative contraindications to reperfusion, aspirin, or β-blocker therapy. The investigators were able to adjust for issues such as severity of illness, physician specialty, and hospital and geographic characteristics. As shown in that table, a 5% difference exists in the rates of use of β-blockers at discharge between white and black patients who are ideal for this therapy. Multivariate analysis confirms that this difference is statistically significant. However, note the rates of use of β-blockers in the groups supposedly getting “better” …
On the synchronization mechanism of the ADA language

The synchronization mechanism of the Ada Language is intended to provide a facility for tasks to synchronize their actions. Accept and select statements are the two main features of the language that deal with the issue of synchronization This paper points out one major problem that arises in connection with these features and proposes a possible solution to it.
Balancing Queueing Systems With Excess Demand

In a rough economic environment and increased competition, one issue critical to many businesses is to achieve an optimum balance between supply and demand. Double-ended queuing structure, where demand and supply occur simultaneously, can be utilized to model various manufacturing and service activities. By associating costs per time unit due to a unit of excess of supply or demand, the total cost will include now costs due to imbalance of demand and supply. The authors examine the queuing behavior and how to minimize the above total cost by advanced planning aimed to hold imbalance costs at a minimum. In this paper, the main focus will be on situations where a stochastic system has become unstable due to demand exceeding supply. To determine how sensitive optimal solutions are to changes in model parameters, for each policy, either decreasing demand or increasing supply, exact optimal solutions were found for a large number of scenarios and then used this scenarios database to fit the best possible regression model. The paper ends illustrating the use of the model to research funding where typically proposals compete for scarce funding resources.
Comparison of two models for predicting bioaccumulation of hydrophobic organic chemicals in a great lakes food web

The steady-state models of Gobas and Thomann for predicting chemical residues in aquatic food webs were compared. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) predicted on the basis of freely dissolved chemical in the water were not significantly different for piscivorous fish, based upon the 10th and 90th percentile predictions, except for chemicals with log n-octanol/water partition coefficients (Kows) ranging from 6.5 to 6.9, the region of maximum differences for chemicals with log Kows less than 8. For chemicals with log Kows greater than 8, the BAFs predicted by the models diverged. The BAFs predicted using the Gobas model were in slightly better agreement with measured BAFs (determined from Lake Ontario data) than those predicted using the Thomann model. Sensitivities of the input parameters used by both models were very similar. The most sensitive input parameters were lipid contents, Kow, and sediment–water column chemical concentration quotient (Πsocw) for both models, and the feeding preferences for benthic invertebrates (Diporeia) for the Thomann model. Simulations performed using uncertainties for the input parameters demonstrated that the Kow and Πsocw were the dominant sources of uncertainties for predicted BAFs by both models for the Great Lakes food web. For piscivorous fish, overall uncertainties in the predicted BAFs ranged from a factor of 3.3 to 5.5 (Gobas model) and from a factor of 3.3 to 8.7 (Thomann model) for chemicals with log Kows less than 7.6 (based upon the 10th and 90th percentile predictions).
Dynamics and stability of a vortex ring impacting a solid boundary

Direct numerical simulations were used to study the dynamics of a vortex ring impacting a wall at normal incidence. The boundary layer formed as the ring approaches the wall undergoes separation and roll-up to form a secondary vortex ring. The secondary ring can develop azimuthal instabilities which grow rapidly owing to vortex stretching and tilting in the presence of the mean strain field generated by the primary vortex ring. The stability of the secondary ring was investigated through complementary numerical experiments and stability analysis. Both perturbed and unperturbed evolutions of the secondary ring were simulated at a Reynolds number of about 645, based on the initial primary-ring propagation velocity and ring diameter. The linear evolution of the secondary vortex-ring instability was modelled analytically by making use of a quasi-steady approximation. This allowed a localized stability analysis following Widnall & Sullivan's (1973) earlier treatment of an isolated vortex ring. Amplitude evolution and growth-rate predictions from this analysis are in good agreement with the simulation results. The analysis shows that the secondary vortex ring is unstable to long-wavelength perturbations, even though an isolated ring having similar characteristics would be stable.
Anesthetic experience with endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Background: We endeavored to characterize the anesthesia experience with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) at a large academic medical center in the United States. Methods: A retrospective review...
Critical Role for CXC Ligand 10/CXC Receptor 3 Signaling in the Murine Neonatal Response to Sepsis

Previous studies have suggested that neonates rely heavily on innate immunity for their antimicrobial response to bacterial infections. However, the innate immune response by neonates to bacterial infection remains poorly characterized. Here, we show that in a murine model of neonatal polymicrobial sepsis, CXC ligand 10 (CXCL10) concentrations increase in the blood and peritoneum concordant with the peritoneal recruitment of granulocytes and macrophages. Additionally, CXC receptor 3 (CXCR3) expression on elicited peritoneal macrophages and granulocytes increases following sepsis. Blockade of CXCL10 worsens not only recruitment and phagocytic function of peritoneal granulocytes and macrophages but also survival. Deletion of CXCR3 also significantly increases mortality to a septic challenge. Finally, we demonstrate that the protective adjuvant effect of pretreatment with a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist to neonatal sepsis is dependent on an endogenous CXCL10 response and that pretreatment of neonates with CXCL10 can also significantly improve macrophage and granulocyte function and modestly improve outcome to polymicrobial sepsis. Together, these data suggest a critical role for CXCL10 signaling during neonatal sepsis.
The effect of increasing photoperiod and food restriction in sexed broiler‐type birds. I. growth and abdominal fat cellularity

1. Sexed broiler-type chicks were raised either under a continuous (CON) 23 h Light (L) and 1 h Dark (D) schedule or an increasing photoperiod (INC) consisting of an initial 6 h L and 18 h D which increased by 4 h L per week from 14 to 35 d of age after which a 23 L:1D was maintained to 49 d of age. 2. From 5 to 11 d of age birds were fed either: ad libitum (AL), energy intake (kJ ME) restricted to 9.414 x gBW0.67 (R1) or energy intake (kJ ME) restricted to 6.276 x gBW0.67 (R2). Food intake was ad libitum at all other times. 3. Food restriction reduced growth to 49 d of age although some compensatory growth did occur. Food efficiency was not significantly affected by restriction. 4. Although abdominal fat pad weight was significantly reduced for R2 compared to AL, this was not significant on a percentage body weight basis. 5. Adipocyte number in the abdominal fat pad was similar for AL, R1 and R2, but concomitant with a smaller fat pad weight, R2 showed reduced adipocyte volume compared to AL. 6. INC birds were lighter at 21 d of age, but body weights were equivalent to CON by 42 d of age. 7. Abdominal fat pad weight was some 10% larger at 49 d of age for INC birds. Adipocyte volume was unaffected, the increase in adipocyte being entirely caused by an increase in adipocyte number in INC birds.
Late‐Holocene buried forests on the Oregon Coast

Deposits of late-Holocene beach sand buried conifer forests episodically emerge on beaches of the Oregon coast. Simultaneously, sand dunes buried late-Holocene forests growing on marine terraces landward of the beaches. Dune ramps, up to 60 m in elevation, connected the beach and dune deposits. The average age of wood samples from stumps rooted on the shore platforms is 3·07 ± 1·45 ka. The average age of wood and charcoal samples embedded in forest soil on the marine terraces is 3·27 ± 1·46 ka. Between 1994 and 2006, winter storm waves exposed more than 4·5 km2 of late-Holocene forest soil on shore platforms at 19 localities. Rooted stumps without soil were uncovered at an additional 14 localities. Once exposed, wave action eroded the soil rapidly (one to two years). The intact forest soil and roots on the shore platforms must have been nearly continuously buried, protected and preserved prior to recent exposure. The late-Holocene buried forest provides the basis for a conceptual model of coastal evolution. A three stage reversal of erosion and sand supply must have occurred: (1) wave erosion switched to seaward advancement of forests, (2) forest growth and soil development switched to burial beneath beach and dune sand and (3) burial and preservation switched to wave erosion, truncation of dune ramps and landward retreat of sea cliffs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hysteroscopy in the localization and removal of intrauterine devices with "missing strings".

Abstract Thirty-three patients using intrauterine contraceptive devices with non-visible filaments on examination underwent hysteroscopy for diagnosis and retrieval of the devices. All cases were performed under local anesthesia, with the exception of 1 for whom additional surgery was planned. In 29 patients, the device was observed in situ and removed under hysteroscopic control. In the remaining 4, no intrauterine device was observable, and translocation was ruled out by x-ray examination. In 1 patient, an IUCD (Dalkon Shield) was embedded in the posterior uterine wall and removed by laparotomy. In the authors' opinion, hysteroscopy can be a useful and effective method in the management of patients with Intrauterine contraceptive devices and “missing strings”.
Effects of Psychotropic Agents on Extinction of Lever-Press Avoidance in a Rat Model of Anxiety Vulnerability

Avoidance and its perseveration represent key features of anxiety disorders. Both pharmacological and behavioral approaches (i.e., anxiolytics and extinction therapy) have been utilized to modulate avoidance behavior in patients. However, the outcome has not always been desirable. Part of the reason is attributed to the diverse neuropathology of anxiety disorders. Here, we investigated the effect of psychotropic drugs that target various monoamine systems on extinction of avoidance behavior using lever-press avoidance task. Here, we used the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat, a unique rat model that exhibits facilitated avoidance and extinction resistance along with malfunction of the dopamine (DA) system. Sprague Dawley (SD) and WKY rats were trained to acquire lever-press avoidance. WKY rats acquired avoidance faster and to a higher level compared to SD rats. During pharmacological treatment, bupropion and desipramine (DES) significantly reduced avoidance response selectively in WKY rats. However, after the discontinuation of drug treatment, only those WKY rats that were previously treated with DES exhibited lower avoidance response compared to the control group. In contrast, none of the psychotropic drugs facilitated avoidance extinction in SD rats. Instead, DES impaired avoidance extinction and increased non-reinforced response in SD rats. Interestingly, paroxetine, a widely used antidepressant and anxiolytic, exhibited the weakest effect in WKY rats and no effects at all in SD rats. Thus, our data suggest that malfunctions in brain catecholamine system could be one of the underlying etiologies of anxiety-like behavior, particularly avoidance perseveration. Furthermore, pharmacological manipulation targeting DA and norepinephrine may be more effective to facilitate extinction learning in this strain. The data from the present study may shed light on new pharmacological approaches to treat patients with anxiety disorders who are not responding to serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.
Septal rupture: Effect of oxygen administration

A patient with interventricular septal rupture as a complication of myocardial infarction was studied to determine whether varying the concentration of inspired oxygen would alter the magnitude of intracardiac shunt. A significant correlation was found showing that high concentration of inspired oxygen results in increased left to right shunting probably due to systemic vasoconstriction and pulmonary vasodilatation.