cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in infertile women with luteal phase deficiency

Objective To determine if reductions in plasma progesterone (P) secretion seen in luteal phase deficiency (LPD) might be because of reduced availability of circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known substrates for corpus luteum P synthesis. Design We measured plasma lipoproteins in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in 39 infertile women. These women were divided into two groups on the basis of endometrial biopsies; the LPD group had biopsies that were ≥3days out-of-phase. Setting All participants were recruited from the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Clinic at the University of Washington, an institutional tertiary care center. Patients, Participants Eighteen women had in-phase and 21 had out-of-phase LPD biopsies. Main Outcome Measure Lipoprotein levels were obtained in a fasted state on the day of the luteal phase on which the biopsy was performed. Results No difference in covariates that affect lipoprotein levels such as obesity, age, and alcohol use were observed between the two groups. No significant differences between groups were found for triglycerides, total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein, LDL, HDL, HDL 2 , and HDL 3 concentrations. However, LPD was associated with a reduction in the extent to which: age and obesity are associated with higher triglycerides; obesity is associated with a lower HDL 2 ; and alcohol is associated with a higher HDL 3 -cholesterol. Conclusions Lipoproteins on average are not different in LPD, suggesting reasons other than a deficient plasma lipoprotein cholesterol source as the explanation for decreased P secretion. A lesser interaction between LDL or HDL and obesity, age, and alcohol in LPD could signify an influence of the altered hormonal milieu of LPD on the way lipoproteins interact with covariates and could lead to differences in lipoproteins between normal and LPD subjects at the extremes of the lipoprotein distribution.
The gradient influence of temporal extent of coarticulation on vowel and speaker perception

Coarticulation makes vowels in context acoustically different from context-free vowels. Listeners sometimes compensate by ascribing these acoustic effects to their source, but the conditions under which they do so have not yet been fully pinpointed. Ohala (1993) had suggested that acoustic effects which are temporally more distant from their source should be more susceptible to misattribution. In three experiments, we tested this hypothesis by varying the temporal extent of coda-triggered coarticulation on vowels and investigating its influence on two different perceptual behaviors: speaker-model representation and vowel-phoneme identification. Experiment 1 asked listeners to estimate speaker height based on /giC/ and /gɪC/ nonsense tokens produced by twelve female speakers. Results indicated a gradient effect: Within lax /ɪ/, greater temporal extent of coarticulation correlated with taller height judgments. Experiment 2a was similar, except that temporal extent of coarticulation in the tokens varied across a wider range of values than in Experiment 1. Results again indicated a gradient effect: Within lax /ɪ/, greater temporal extent of coarticulation correlated with taller height judgments. In Experiment 2b, listeners performed an AXB vowel-phoneme discrimination task. Results showed that greater temporal extent of coarticulation correlated with greater likelihood of listeners judging an intended /ɪ/ token to contain the vowel /ʌ/. Taken together, our results indicate that temporal extent of coarticulation affects both speaker-models and interpretation of vowel identity.
Gold-catalyzed synthesis of α-D-glucosides using an o-ethynylphenyl β-D-1-thioglucoside donor

A gold-catalyzed glucosylation method using an o-ethynylphenyl β-D-1-thioglucoside as donor is described. The reaction proceeds in a mostly SN2 pathway. A series of α-D-glucosides are obtained in good yields and with up to 19:1 α-selectivity.
Suitability of dried DNA for long-range PCR amplification and HLA typing by next-generation sequencing.

Abstract Storage and stable shipment of genomic DNA are of great concern to laboratories that may need to perform testing off archived samples. There are some dry-state storage methods that are available that have the potential to provide a way to store samples at room temperature for long periods of time as well as offer a means to ship DNA to other facilities without the same safety concerns that come with shipping liquid samples. The recovered DNA should be of sufficient integrity such that downstream applications can be performed without concern of the sample quality. This work describes sample properties between two methods of DNA storage, dried (room temperature) and traditional (−80 °C). DNA was evaluated for purity, fragment length, and the ability to generate HLA typing using next-generation sequencing.
The role of IL-22 signaling in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (HUM1P.314)

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of death from gastrointestinal disease in premature infants and the specific molecular mechanisms responsible for NEC development remain unclear. NEC is characterized by intestinal epithelial barrier disruption and impaired mucosal healing. Recent evidence suggests a critical role for IL-22 in the regulation of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and gut inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, we hypothesized that IL-22 signaling plays an important role in NEC pathogenesis. To test this, we subjected wild type and IL-22Ra1 intestinal specific knock out mice (villin-cre X IL22ra1 fl/fl ) to an experimental model of NEC using gavage formula feeds and intermittent hypoxia. NEC severity was assessed by intestinal mucosal cytokines and a NEC severity score assigned by a blinded pathologist. We discovered the IL-22Ra1 intestinal specific knock out mice demonstrated earlier NEC-related mortality than WT mice. Further, histology on the IL-22Ra1 intestinal specific knock out mice demonstrated disruption in the intestinal mucosal architecture and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-22 signaling may play an important role in attenuating the immune response in NEC pathogenesis. These findings raise the possibility for novel therapeutic approaches in the management of this devastating disease by exploring the efficacy of IL-22 treatment for NEC and the mechanisms involved.
Direct herbivory by biological control agents, and the consequent disruption of plant-nutrient-feedback cycles, combine to reduce the invasiveness of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Myrtaceae)

Abstract Herein we present the results of a 5-year herbivore exclusion experiment in which the suppression of two successful biological control agents revealed a nutrient feedback cycle that promoted the growth and dominance of the exotic tree Melaleuca quinquenervia. When herbivory was restricted, plants produced greater quantities of aboveground biomass, which transferred a greater volume of litterfall and a larger load of nutrients to the soil surface. The resulting organic layer on the surface of the soil decomposed more quickly releasing nutrients and resulting in a larger pool of total phosphorus in the surficial soil layer. These mineralized-soil-nutrients were available for uptake by the exotic plant, which produced a greater quantity of surficial roots in the restricted-herbivory plots creating a positive nutrient-feedback cycle to biomass production. Our data suggest that, in addition to the direct suppression of exotic plants through biomass consumption, biological control agents may provide indirect suppression of weeds by preventing the establishment or altering the magnitude and/or direction of an invasion-promoting feedback cycle.
Effect of titania support on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis using cobalt, iron, and ruthenium catalysts in silicon-microchannel microreactor

Abstract Syngas conversion into hydrocarbons using Fischer Tropsch (F-T) Synthesis was carried out to investigate the effect of TiO2 support on catalytic performance using 12% by weight of metal -12Co-TiO2, 12Fe-TiO2 and 12Ru-TiO2 in silicon (Si) microchannel microreactor (50 μm wide x100 μm deep) at different reaction temperatures and 1 atm. A modified closed channel infiltration (mCCI) method was used for successful uniform coating of the sol-gel catalyst layer in the micro-channels of Si-microrecators. Temperature Program Reduction profiles with H2 showed interaction of TiO2 with each metal to be significantly different; TPR of Fe-TiO2 and Co-TiO2 indicated a significant strong metal (Co and Fe) support interaction (SMSI), while that of Ru-TiO2 suggested a weaker metal-support interaction. The XRD studies of the catalysts suggest that unlike Fe- and Co-TiO2, Ru-TiO2 consists of mixed anatase and rutile phases of TiO2. The absence of rutile phase in Co-TiO2 and Fe-TiO2 had a profound effect on F-T activity in the range of 150 °C to 300 °C for CO conversion and hydrocarbon selectivity at 1 atm and decreased the stability of these two catalysts. The overall stability and reactivity was in the order: 12%Ru-TiO2>> 12%Fe-TiO2 > 12%Co-TiO2. These results are distinctly different from our previous studies with silica sol-gel in microreactor where a reverse trend was observed.
Cost-effectiveness of neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX versus gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in locally advanced/borderline resectable pancreatic cancer patients.

e16793Background: The 2019 NCCN guidelines recommend neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX or neoadjuvant gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (G-nP) for locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic ductal ad...
Nutrient metabolism and requirements in lactation

Summary Breastfeeding, metabolically akin to a performance sport, has unique dietary and caloric needs. For months leading up to the moment of initiation of breastfeeding, mammary tissue has been developing into a branched network of mass-producing secretory cells as mothers' bodies prepare to burn large amounts of calories to keep this production on track once copious milk production begins. Not only does maternal nutrition become important for the infant, it is crucial for long-term maternal health to maintain replete nutrition status throughout her lactation and beyond. Nutrition is the key to supplying the mother with the right ingredients for the highest quality milk output. Understanding how nutrition impacts both mother and baby is a critical step in being able to properly manage and recommend changes in food routines or supplementation to optimize health status. Lactation nutritional needs differ from other life stages. Those differences will be discussed in this chapter.
A Review of hyper mixers to enhance combustion efficiency in supersonic combustor

Supersonic mixing and combustion enhancement is primarily focused to increase the efficiency of scramjet engine. The research on a fuel injection system performance is widely developing today. In scramjet engine, the air and fuel mixing is improper due to the supersonic flow inside the combustor. The flame instabilization occurs due to less resident time of air which tends to affect the output efficiency and it leads to loss of fuel energy. Hence apart from the modern research studies on various fuel injection techniques inside the supersonic combustor, this study provides the idea of various alternating wedge designs to enhance the air and fuel mixture. Also reducing the consumption of fuel in the combustor gives a great impact in usage of fuel energy efficiently in the aviation field.
Forebrain expression of serine racemase during postnatal development.

Abstract N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are important for synaptogenesis, synaptic maturation and refinement during the early postnatal weeks after birth. Defective synapse formation or refinement underlie cognitive and emotional abnormalities in various neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including schizophrenia (Sz) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Serine racemase (SR) is a neuronal enzyme that produces D-serine, a co-agonist required for full NMDAR activation. NMDAR hypofunction as a result of genetic SR elimination and reduced synaptic availability of D-serine reduces neuronal dendritic arborization and spine density. In adult mouse brain, the expression of SR parallels that of NMDARs across forebrain regions including the striatum, amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, there have yet to be studies providing a detailed characterization of the spatial and temporal expression of SR during early periods of synaptogenesis. Here, we examined the postnatal expression of SR in cortical and subcortical brain regions important for learning, memory and emotional regulation, during the first four weeks after birth. Using dual-antigen immunofluorescence, we demonstrate that the number of SR+ neurons steadily increases with postnatal age across the mPFC, amygdala, hippocampus and striatum. We also identified differences in the rate of SR protein induction both across and within brain regions. Analyzing existing human post-mortem brain in situ data, there was a similar developmental mRNA expression profile of SRR and GRIN1 (GluN1 subunit) from infancy through the first decade of life. Our findings further support a developmental role for D-serine mediated NMDAR activation regulating synaptogenesis and neural circuit refinement, which has important implications for the pathophysiology of Sz and other NDDs.
Resolving electron injection from singlet fission-borne triplets into mesoporous transparent conducting oxides.

Photoinduced electron transfer into mesoporous oxide substrates is well-known to occur efficiently for both singlet and triplet excited states in conventional metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) dyes. However, in all-organic dyes that have the potential for producing two triplet states from one absorbed photon, called singlet fission dyes, the dynamics of electron injection from singlet vs. triplet excited states has not been elucidated. Using applied bias transient absorption spectroscopy with an anthradithiophene-based chromophore (ADT-COOH) adsorbed to mesoporous indium tin oxide (nanoITO), we modulate the driving force and observe changes in electron injection dynamics. ADT-COOH is known to undergo fast triplet pair formation in solid-state films. We find that the electronic coupling at the interface is roughly one order of magnitude weaker for triplet vs. singlet electron injection, which is potentially related to the highly localized nature of triplets without significant charge-transfer character. Through the use of applied bias on nanoITO:ADT-COOH films, we map the electron injection rate constant dependence on driving force, finding negligible injection from triplets at zero bias due to competing recombination channels. However, at driving forces greater than −0.6 eV, electron injection from the triplet accelerates and clearly produces a trend with increased applied bias that matches predictions from Marcus theory with a metallic acceptor.
Excision of rare adult cervical thymic cyst

Cervical thymic cysts (CTCs) represent 1% of all cervical cystic masses. A review of the literature found that CTCs are typically asymptomatic, with a propensity to be left sided. CTCs often require histological evaluation for diagnosis. A 27-year-old male patient presented to an outpatient otolaryngology clinic with worsening bilateral jaw and neck pain and an incidental right-sided neck mass found on cervical MRI. Preoperative differential diagnosis included venolymphatic malformation versus branchial cleft cyst. Histological examination of the excised specimen provided diagnosis of a CTC. Postoperatively, the patient reported improvement in cervical pain. CTCs are a rare cause of lateral neck mass in young adults. Typical presentation included neck enlargement with no symptoms or in some cases compressive symptoms. It is important to consider CTCs when formulating a differential for a lateral neck mass.
American Board of Surgery Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs): Assessing Graduating Residents’ Perception of Preoperative Entrustment

OBJECTIVE To determine if graduating surgical residents are achieving entrustment of surgical entrustable professional activities (EPAs). We hypothesize that postgraduate year 5 (PGY5) residents are achieving evaluation and management entrustment in the selected EPAs. DESIGN In January 2020, surgical residents completed a survey following the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) to measure their levels of entrustment in 4 of the 5 ABS-selected EPAs. A Resident Entrustability Index (REI) score was developed to ascertain PGY5 residents' levels of entrustment (range 1-5). Residents indicated how often their assessments and operative plans were modified in the prior 6 months for each EPA (1=Always, 2=Frequently, 3=Occasionally, 4=Rarely, 5=Never). An independent clinical decision-making score (ICDM) was developed with subsequent evaluation of its relationships to intrinsic, resident-related and extrinsic, program-dependent factors. SETTING A national post-ABSITE survey. PARTICIPANTS All general surgery residents participating in ABSITE were invited to participate. Of the 1367 PGY5 residents that completed the survey, 1049 residents (76.7%) responded to the surgical EPA items. RESULTS Residents achieved an average REI of 4, indicating rare modification of assessments and operative plans for the 4 EPAs assessed. Complete entrustment was reported for inguinal hernias and penetrating abdominal trauma (Median REI = 5, IQR 4, 5) indicating assessments and operative plans were never modified. Lack of entrustment (REI ≤3) was reported by a minority of residents (ranging from 8.6% for operative plan of right lower quadrant pathology to 12.8% for operative plan of blunt abdominal trauma). Significant resident-related and program-dependent factors associated with achievement of expected ICDM was socializing with a co-resident (p = 0.001), while training in one's hometown (p < 0.001) and policies that mandate attendings be scrubbed in (p = 0.022) were associated with decreased achievement of expected ICDM. Overall, 89.2% and 90.3% of PGY5 residents are attaining appropriate levels of entrustment and ICDM abilities, respectively, within 6 months of graduating. CONCLUSIONS Of the EPAs evaluated, PGY5 residents are achieving appropriate levels of entrustment in evaluation and management. Although this is the case for a vast majority of PGY5 residents, there is still work to be done to ensure that all PGY5 residents are attaining entrustment prior to graduation. Our study also provides content validity for the surgical EPAs in assessing levels of entrustment in PGY5 residents.
The solubility of n-decane in ethylene and its effect on the oligomerization of supercritical ethylene over heterogeneous catalysts

Abstract We investigated the effect of coke solubility in supercritical ethylene on the ethylene oligomerization over nickel-based heterogeneous catalysts. The approach uses n-decane as a model compound for coke to simulate coke formed during the catalytic process. We report the solubility of n-decane in ethylene at 30, 50, and 75 oC and pressures ranging from 1 to 68 bar; conditions previously screened by our research group for ethylene oligomerization. We reproduced previous literature data on the solubility of n-decane in nitrogen to validate the flow system designed in the present work. The present study is the first to report the solubility of n-decane in ethylene under a broad range of conditions, including subcritical and supercritical conditions. We found that the ethylene – n-decane system deviates from ideality very quickly with increasing pressure. Beyond the ethylene critical point (P = 50.3 bar and T = 9.4 oC) the solubility (expressed in terms of mole fraction) of n-decane in ethylene at 30 oC reaches a maximum value of 3.0%; which is close to the value observed at 50 and 75 oC, under the same pressure. We used the solubility data to estimate the rate of coke dissolution and compared these values with kinetic data previously reported by our group under supercritical conditions. Analysis of coke dissolution rates in supercritical ethylene under different temperatures indicates that the transport of products from the catalyst surface to the bulk of supercritical ethylene controls the catalytic process at supercritical conditions. The approach used in the present work is novel because it accounts for the contribution of coke dissolution rates on the ethylene oligomerization over nickel-based solid catalysts..
Modeling Transport Processes and Differential Accumulation of Persistent Toxic Organic Substances in Groundwater Systems

ABSTRACT Uchrin, C.G., 1984. Modeling transport processes and differential accumulation of persistent toxic organic substances in groundwater systems. Ecol. Modelling, 22: 135–143. Groundwater represents the major freshwater supply in terms of potential volume for the United States. Large scale contamination by organic compounds has recently been identified in many states, especially in urbanized areas. The ability to predict the potential spread of groundwater pollution resulting from past and existing sources is of paramount interest for ensuring the potability of this important resource Modeling groundwater movement and the transport and accumulation of conventional pollutants in groundwater systems have been successfully modeled by many investigators. Trace organic substances are, however, in general, hydrophobic and do not behave as conventional pollutants. Their potential for selective association with the particulate matter comprising the soil matrix is quite high. Since the processes of adsorption and desorption are dynamic and not completely reversible, modeling difficulties arise. Incorporating a complex sorption submodel into large scale system models results in rather complex equation systems, usually solvable only by advanced numerical techniques. The paper presents the conceptual development of several dynamic sorption models. Their relationship to the classical equilibrium partitioning assumption is demonstrated. A numerical algoritm for solving time variable pollutant liquid phase and solid phase concentrations in a soil matrix in three dimensions is presented. The algorithm is formulated so as to be useful for both saturated as well as unsaturated conditions. The technique consists of segmenting the control volume into N segments for which N simultaneous, first-order, ordinary differential equations can be formulated for solute/liquid phase mass balances. Another N simultaneous ordinary differential equations can be developed for the solute/solid phase mass balances. The liquid phase/solid phase equations are coupled through the reaction term in the liquid phase equations. The resultant is a set of 2N simultaneous ordinary differential equations which can be solved by classical numerical techniques.
Oxidative stress in silicosis: Evidence for the enhanced clearance of free radicals from whole lungs

We hypothesized that reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be involved in the pathogenesis of silicosis. To investigate ROS' dependent pathophysiological processes during silicosis we studied the kinetic clearance of instilled stable nitroxide radicals (TEMPO). Antioxidant enzymes' superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lipid peroxidation were also studied in whole lungs of rats exposed to crystalline silica (quartz) and sham exposed controls. Low frequency L-band electron spin resonance spectroscopy was used to measure the clearance of TEMPO in whole-rat lungs directly. The clearance of TEMPO followed first order kinetics showing significant differences in the rate for clearance between the diseased and sham exposed control lungs. Comparison of TEMPO clearance rates in the sham exposed controls and silicotic rats showed an oxidative stress in the rats exposed to quartz. Studies on the antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx in the lungs of silicotic and sham exposed animals supported the oxidative stress and accelerated clearance of TEMPO by up regulated levels of enzymes in quartz exposed animals. Increased lipid peroxidation potential in the silicotics also supported a role for enhanced generation of ROS in the pathogenesis of silica-induced lung injury. These in vivo experiments directly demonstrate, for the first time, that silicotic lungs are in a state of oxidative stress and that increased generation of ROS is associated with enhanced levels of oxidative enzymes and lipid peroxidation. This technique offers great promise for the elucidation of ROS induced lung injury and development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention of damage.
Effect of psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, and wheat bran on secretory diarrhea induced by phenolphthalein.

Abstract Background: Fiber and water-holding agents are used for the treatment of constipation. In what may appear to be a paradox, they are sometimes also used for the treatment of diarrhea; it has been proposed that they sequester water from liquid stools and/or increase the ratio of fecal solids to fecal water and thereby improve stool consistency. The purpose of the present study was to test the validity of this hypothesis in normal subjects in whom secretory diarrhea was induced by phenolphthalein. Methods: In random sequence, 9 subjects with phenolphthalein-induced diarrhea were treated with placebo, psyllium, calcium polycarbophil, or wheat bran. Results: Calcium polycarbophil and wheat bran had no effect on fecal consistency or on fecal viscosity. By contrast, psyllium made stools firmer and increased fecal viscosity. In a dose-response study in 6 subjects, doses of 9, 18, and 30 g of psyllium per day caused a near linear increase in fecal viscosity. Conclusion: Psyllium, but not calcium polycarbophil or wheat bran, improves fecal consistency and viscosity in subjects with experimentally-induced secretory diarrhea.
Interaction of expectancy and the pharmacological effects of d-amphetamine: subjective effects and self-administration.

The study examined the effects of expectation on the subjective effects and oral self-administration of 15 mgd-amphetamine (AMP) and placebo in 40 volunteers who reported no prior use of stimulants other than caffeine. A balanced placebo design was used to create four groups: told Placebo/got Placebo (P/P), told Placebo/got Stimulant (P/S), told Stimulant/got Placebo (S/P), told Stimulant/got Stimulant (S/S). There were three sessions. On one session (INFO), participants received a capsule containing AMP or placebo and were given information about the contents of the capsule according to the balanced placebo design. On another session (NO INFO), participants received no information about the capsule's contents and were given placebo. On the final session, participants were allowed to choose either the INFO or NO INFO capsule. Participants came to the laboratory to ingest their capsules, and then returned to their normal environments where they completed subjective effects questionnaires every 2 h for 8 h. Expectancies influenced the subjective effects reported during the INFO session, regardless of whether subjects actually received AMP or placebo: subjects who expected a stimulant had higher ratings of “feel drug” and “like drug”. The pharmacological effects of AMP were also evident on the INFO sessions: AMP produced its prototypic subjective effects regardless of subjects' expectancies. Significant interactions between drug and expectancy were obtained on self-report measures of anxiety and arousal: anxiety was higher for groups who received substances that did not match their expectations (P/S and S/P) and arousal increased most in volunteers who expected placebo but received stimulant. Choice of drug was determined primarily by pharmacology: participants who received AMP on the INFO session usually chose that capsule, regardless of information about its identity (P/S: 8/10; S/S: 9/10). In contrast, participants who received placebo on the INFO session chose this capsule at chance levels, regardless of information about its identity (S/P: 3/10; P/P: 6/10). Thus, expectancy influenced some of the subjective effects of AMP and placebo, but the pharmacological effects of the AMP were instrumental in determining whether volunteers would self-administer the drug.
Artificial inoculation of rye with ergot; a susceptible rye and the control of ergot beetles.

A strain of tetraploid Rosen rye was shown by artificial inoculation to be very susceptible to ergot. The ergot beetle, whose larvae eat the developing sclerotia, can be largely controlled by the use of DDT dust.
Moral Flourishing in an Unjust World.

Abstract While moral ideals are of the utmost importance, the truth of the matter is that we live in a world that falls considerably short of the ideal. Drawing upon a variety of theoretical considerations from both psychology and philosophy, 1 aim to make explicit some of the concrete steps that can be taken to overcome patterns of injustice. To this end, the ideas of textured affirmation and moral deference are developed.
Induction of immune tolerance by activation of CD8+ T suppressor/regulatory cells in lupus-prone mice

Abstract Multiple CD8 + suppressive T cell (Ts) subtypes are now recognized as essential regulators of the immune system that prevent autoimmunity through secretion of multiple cytokines and the subsequent inhibition of effector lymphocyte function. CD8 + Ts are an exciting area of study because of the possible therapeutic implications of inducing suppressive cells that are able to subdue or anergize autoimmune manifestations. Current research in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease in which most effective therapies are widely immunosuppressive, is often focused on novel and highly targeted ways in which to treat this multiorgan disease. CD8 + Ts have been impaired in human and murine SLE. Our group and others have utilized tolerogenic peptides to induce and study CD8 + Ts to understand their function, as well as investigate a possible new SLE therapy. This review will discuss the similarities and differences in CD8 + Ts subsets, the concept of tolerance as a therapy, and the current understanding of CD8 + Ts in mouse SLE models.
Tri-bimaximal (TBM) neutrino mixing and quark CKM Matrix in a SU(5) x (d)T model

The measurements of various neutrino oscillation parameters have entered a precision era. The global fit to current data give the following best-fit values and 2 sigma limits: sin223 = 0.5(0.38 − 0.64) sin213 = 0 (< 0.028) sin212 = 0.30 (0.25 − 0.34) The best-fit values are very close to the predictions of the Tri-Bimaximal Mixing Matrix. In terms of the oscillation parameters, the TBM Matrix predicts the mixing angles and the flavor compositions of the neutrino mass eigenstates. The TBM Matrix can arise from a family symmetry based on the tetrahedral group A4, in the lepton sector. However, A4 does not give rise to CKM mixing when generalized to the quark sector. Alternatively, we consider the double tetrahedral group, (d)T, as the family symmetry.
Students as Actors of Cultural Communication. Königsberg University and Polish Students in it (1770–1825)

On the turn of the 19th c., the composition of the students in Konigsberg University changed. After the3rd Partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1795), the number of Polish students in it wentup, however, after the foundation of the Duchy of Warsaw, it immediately dropped again. The Polishstudents who had studied abroad grew up into famous figures of culture and science. They promoted thedevelopment of cultural and scientific centres and of their network in Europe. KEY WORDS: students, Poles, Konigsberg, University, communication. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.15181/ahuk.v26i0.513
Linear and nonlinear properties of laser-ablated Si films in the 9.0–9.6-µm wavelength region

The linear and nonlinear properties of Si thin films upon Si wafers made by the use of laser ablation are presented. The linear absorption of the films clearly showed a peak at 9.8 µm (1020 cm-1), whereas the peak at 9.04 µm (1070 cm-1) from the asymmetric Si—O—Si vibration mode was absent. Raman spectroscopy data show a typical 4-cm-1 downshift with respect to the Si line. The nonlinear measurements were performed with a tunable free-electron laser. The nonlinear absorption at λ=9.2 µm was measured to be approximately 2, 25, and 5 times larger than the nonlinear absorption at λ=9.0 µm,λ=9.4 µm, and λ=9.6 µm, respectively.
High spatial resolution subsurface microscopy using radially polarized beam

We experimentally study spot size reduction by using radially polarized beam for subsurface silicon integrated circuit microscopy. Metallic lines fabricated on a silicon substrate with linewidth / spacing ∼ 130nm / 70nm were resolved through the substrate at λ 0 = 1310nm.
High temperature moiré interferometry investigation of creep crack growth of inconel 783—environment and β-phase effects

Abstract The effect of β-phase and environment on creep crack growth behavior of Inconel 783, the newly developed low thermal expansion superalloy, was investigated using high temperature moire interferometry. Results show that oxygen partial pressure plays an important role on the creep crack growth behaviors of the alloy. Stress assisted grain boundary oxygen (SAGBO) embrittlement is the principal mechanism of the environmental degradation of the alloy. β-Phase network along the grain boundaries of the alloy improves the resistance to creep crack growth by improving the ductility of the alloy and preventing the occurrence of SAGBO embrittlement.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal insufficiency.

The adrenal glands produce four major classes of hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones (i.e., estrogens, androgens), and catecholamines (primarily epinephrine). Catecholamines are produced in the adrenal medulla. Synthesis is impaired by disease processes that destroy the adrenal glands. Catecholamine synthesis requires cortisol and may be decreased in patients with hypothalamic–pituitary disease. Loss of sex hormone production is not required for recovery from critical illness. Thus, this article concentrates on disease processes of the adrenal cortex that decrease production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Cortisol is the major glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex and is required for normal function of all cells in the body. Deficiency of cortisol is associated with increased morbidity and mortality during critical illness, and complete absence of cortisol production is incompatible with life. Cortisol is required for carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism; immune function; synthesis and action of catecholamines and adrenergic receptors; cardiac contractility; wound healing; vascular tone, endothelial integrity, normal vascular permeability; and numerous other functions. Hemodynamic benefits of glucocorticoids also relate to their actions on beta-adrenergic receptor synthesis and cell density, 51 prevention of beta-adrenergic receptor desensitization/uncoupling, 4 and inhibition of nitric oxide synthase. 59 Mineralocorticoids (i.e., aldosterone) are important in the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance. The body can compensate for loss of mineralocorticoid production.
Purification and reconstitution of the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system from uninduced mouse liver

Abstract 1. 1. Five fractions containing cytochrome P-450 were purified from uninduced mouse liver by chromatography on phenyl sepharose, DEAE-cellulose and hydroxylapatite. 2. 2. The cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase system was reconstituted by combining purified NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase, cytochrome P-450 and phospholipid. 3. 3. Substrates investigated were benzphetamine, ethoxyresorufin, benzo(a)pyrene, ethoxycoumarin and biphenyl.
Intussusception incidentally detected by FDG-PET/CT in a pediatric lymphoma patient

An FDG-PET/CT scan was performed in a 14-year-old boy for the purpose of staging known lymphoma. The PET images identified the primary bowel lymphoma while the corresponding CT portion of the study found the intussusception caused by the lymphoma. The incidental finding of intussusception changed the management regime of the patient. Careful evaluation of both PET and CT images of the PET/CT is essential in providing the best patient care.
Urethane coatings based on aldehyde oils

A series of polyol acetals of aldehyde oils was prepared by an acetal interchange reaction between dimethyl and tetramethyl acetals of aldehyde oils derived by the reductive ozonolysis of linseed and soybean oils. The acetals interchanged with pentaerythritol, trimethylol propane and glycerol contained the equivalent of .93 and 1.88 aldehyde groups per oil molecule. The polyol acetals were reacted with toluene diisocyanate in an NCO/OH of 2. These products were tested as film formers. Curing was by two reactions, namely oxidation polymerization of the residual unsaturation in the oil and moisture curing of the unreacted isocyanate group. Good quality films were formed.
Feeding ecology and emergence production of annual cicadas (Homoptera: Cicadidae) in tallgrass prairie.

The emergence phenology and feeding ecology of annual cicadas in tallgrass prairie are poorly documented. However, these large insects are abundant, and their annual emergence represents a potentially important flux of energy and nutrients from belowground to aboveground. We conducted a study at Konza Prairie Research Natural Area in eastern Kansas to characterize and quantify cicada emergence and associated energy and nutrient fluxes. We established emergence trap transects in three habitat types (upland prairie, lowland prairie, and riparian forest), and collected cicadas every 3 days from May to September. A subset of trapped cicadas was used for species- and sex-specific mass, nutrient, and stable isotope analyses. Five species were trapped during the study, of which three were dominant. Cicadetta calliope and Tibicen aurifera exhibited significantly higher emergence production in upland prairie than in lowland prairie, and were not captured in forested sites at all. T. dorsata emerged from all three habitat types, and though not significant, showed a trend of greater abundance in lowland grasslands. Two less abundant species, T. pruinosa and T. lyricen, emerged exclusively from forested habitats. Nitrogen fluxes associated with total cicada emergence were estimated to be ∼4 kg N ha–1 year–1 in both grassland habitats, and 1.01 kg N ha–1 year–1 in forested sites. Results of stable isotope analyses showed clear patterns of resource partitioning among dominant cicada species emerging from grassland sites. T. aurifera and C. calliope had δ13C and δ15N signatures indicative of feeding on shallowly rooted C4 plants such as the warm-season grasses dominant in tallgrass prairie ecosystems, whereas T. dorsata signatures suggested preferential feeding on more deeply rooted C3 plants.
Active Document Versioning : from layout understanding to adjustment

This paper introduces a novel Active Document Versioning system that can extract the layout template and constraints from the original document and then automatically adjust the layout to accommodate new contents. "Active" reflects several unique features of the system: First, the need of handcrafting adjustable templates is largely eliminated through layout understanding techniques that can convert static documents into Active Layout Templates and accompanying constraints. Second, through the linear text block modeling and the two-pass constraint solving algorithm, it supports a rich set of layout operations, such as simultaneous optimization of text block width and height, integrated image cropping, and non-rectangular text wrapping. This system has been successfully applied to a wide range of professionally designed documents. This paper covers both the core algorithms and the implementation.
A synergistic approach for neural repair: Cell transplantation and induction of endogenous precursor cell activity

Stem cell research offers enormous potential for treating many diseases of the nervous system. At present, therapeutic strategies in stem cell research segregate into two approaches: cell transplantation or endogenous cell stimulation. Realistically, future cell therapies will most likely involve a combination of these two approaches, a theme of our current research. Here, we propose that there exists a 'synergy' between exogenous (transplanted) and endogenous stem cell actions that can be utilized to achieve therapeutic ends. Elucidating mechanisms underlying this exogenous-endogenous stem cell synergism may lead to the development of optimal cell therapies for neural disorders.
Potentiometric dyes: new modalities for optical imaging of membrane potential

Voltage sensitive dyes permit the measurement of biomembrane electrical activity where microelectrode measurements are unsuitable or inadequate. This laboratory has developed 2 class of such dyes as well as some new optical methods for mapping membrane potential in single cells. One class of compounds consists of amphiphilic membrane staining dyes containing a putative electrochromic chromophore aligned perpendicular to the membrane/aqueous interface. We have used these dyes to map the membrane potential along the surface of single cells with high resolution dual wavelength ratiometric imaging microscopy techniques. We have found intrinsic regional variations in the electrical properties of cell membranes. Adding chirality produces compounds that display remarkable efficiencies for second harmonic generation. Further, the second harmonic signal can be generated from a dye-stained membrane and is modulatable by changing the membrane voltage. This can form the basis for measurements of membrane electrophysiology at high 3D resolution with infrared light. A second class of dyes are membrane-permeant cations which act as Nernstian indicators. We have developed calibration methods which allow the use of these compounds to quantitate the membrane potential of individual mitochondria from confocal or widefield images of living cells.
In vitro activities of voriconazole, posaconazole, and fluconazole against 4,169 clinical isolates of Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans collected during 2001 and 2002 in the ARTEMIS global antifungal surveillance program

We examined the in vitro activities of voriconazole, posaconazole, and fluconazole against 3,932 isolates of Candida spp. and 237 isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans obtained from over 100 medical centers worldwide during 2001 and 2002. The MICs of the antifungal drugs were determined by broth microdilution tests performed according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) methods using RPMI 1640 as the test medium. Voriconazole and posaconazole were very active against Candida spp. (97-98% susceptible at MICs < or =1 microg/ml) and C. neoformans (98-100% susceptible at MICs < or =1 microg/mL). C. albicans (MIC90, 0.015-0.03 microg/ml) was the most susceptible species of Candida to both agents and C. glabrata (MIC90, 1-2 microg/mL) was the least susceptible. Both voriconazole and posaconazole were more active than fluconazole against all Candida spp. and C. neoformans. These results provide further evidence for the increased spectrum and potency of the new triazoles against a large and geographically diverse collection of opportunistic fungal pathogens.
Antagonism by local anesthetics of sodium channel activators in the presence of scorpion toxins: two mechanisms for competitive inhibition.

1. The interaction of veratridine (VTD), a Na+ channel activator, scorpion α-toxin (LQ), an open state Na+ channel stabilizer, and the local anesthetic, lidocaine (LID), a channel inhibitor, at the neuronal sodium channel was assessed by measuring VTD-dependent slow depolarizations of frog sciatic nerve using the sucrose-gap method.
The Logic of Action: Indeterminacy, Emotion, and Historical Narrative

Modern social theory, by and large, has aimed at reducing the complexity of action situations to a set of manageable abstractions. But these abstractions, whether functionalist or linguistic, fail to grasp the indeterminacy of action situations. Action proceeds by discovery and combination. The logic of action is serendipitous and combinative. From these characteristics, a number of consequences flow: The whole field of our intentions is engaged in each action situation, and cannot really be understood apart from the situation itself. In action situations we remain aware of the problems of categorization, including the dangers of infinite regress and the difficulties of specifying borders and ranges of categories. In action situations, attention is in permanent danger of being overwhelmed. We must deal with many features of action situations outside of attention; in doing so, we must entertain simultaneously numerous possibilities of action. Emotional expression is a way of talking about the kinds of possibilities we entertain. Expression and action have a rebound effect on attention. “Effort” is required to find appropriate expressions and actions, and rebound effects play a role in such effort, making it either easier or more difficult. Recent theoretical trends have failed to capture these irreducible characteristics of action situations, and have slipped into a number of errors. Language is not rich in meanings or multivocal, except as put to use in action situations. The role of “convention” in action situations is problematic, and therefore one ought not to talk of “culture.” Contrary to the assertions of certain theorists, actors do not follow strategies, except when they decide to do so. Actors do not “communicate,” in the sense of exchanging information, except in specially arranged situations. More frequently, they intervene in the effortful management of attention of their interlocutors. Dialogue, that is, very commonly becomes a form of cooperative emotional effort. From these considerations, it follows that the proper method for gaining social knowledge is to examine the history of action and of emotional effort, and to report findings in the form of narrative.
Modality-specific short-term storage for pressure

Trained Ss were required to report whether two consecutive tactile stimuli were delivered to the same or different parts of their arm. The main purpose of the study was to investigate modality-specific memory for pressure. Accuracy of recall was found to be a rapidly decaying function of the stimulus onset asynchrony between the two stimuli, reaching asymptote at about 4 sec. Performance was not affected by an interpolated verbal task. These data, in conjunction with tactile masking effects (Abramsky, Carmon, & Benton, 1971), are consistent with modality-specific sensory memory for pressure stimuli.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of compliant offshore platforms subjected to fluctuating wind

Abstract This paper discusses wind loading and associated nonlinear dynamic response of compliant offshore platforms subjected to fluctuating wind loads. Special reference is made to a tension leg platform (TLP) which is a positive-buoyant type platform moored by vertical tension members to keep the platform in location. Expressions for the wind loads are developed for the time domain analysis. The time histories of wind velocity fluctuations are simulated as single-point and multiple-point Gaussian random processes using a Monte Carlo simulation technique. Simplified equations of motion for surge, sway, pitch, and yaw are formulated. The desired nonlinear characteristics of the mooring system of a TLP are incorporated at each time step in the numerical scheme. The mean and rms values of response in respective directions are computed with wind approaching normal to one of the faces. The time domain analysis results have good agreement with the values obtained from a frequency domain analysis in which the TLP is assumed to oscillate linearly above the static equilibrium position produced by the mean loading.