cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internal Structure of a Molecular Junction Device: Chemical Reduction of PtO2 by Ti Evaporation onto an Interceding Organic Monolayer

We present a physical and chemical characterization study of molecular electronic junctions previously shown1,2 to display tunable hysteric electrical switching behavior useful for nanoscale memory and logic circuitry applications.3-6 X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data were acquired from the internal buried interfaces in a series of related device structures. This was accomplished using a new technique based on stripping (delaminating) the molecular device stacks at the molecular layer for XPS examination in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). These data reveal that evaporative deposition of titanium onto the organic monolayers in these junctions results in the chemical reduction of the 2.5 nm platinum oxide film underlying the monolayers. This understanding allows us to construct an improved model for the internal chemical structure of these electrically well-studied molecular junctions, and to suggest a new model for how the evaporation of titanium as the top contact in molecular electronic devices prevent...
The effect of electrical migration on the chronopotentiometric transition time

Sand's theory of electro-migration in chronopotentiometry has been re-derived and extended. The theory, although approximate, satisfactorily describes the enhancement of cathodic transition times. The behaviour of thallous sulfate in the presence of little or no supporting electrolyte agrees well with that predicted by the equation iτ12/AC = (nπ12FD1112/2(I—T1)). The enhancement of the cupric ion transition time for the reduction of cupric sulfate in the presence of little or no supporting electrolyte is less than predicted by this equation. As expected, the transition time for the reduction of benzoquinone is little affected by the concentration of supporting electrolyte.
Addressing the complexities of literacy and urban teaching in the USA: strategic professional development as intervention

Teaching quality impacts classroom instruction. Teaching is difficult, demanding and draining work; teaching in urban environs exacerbates the difficulties, the demands and the complexities of teaching. Through the eyes of an assistant superintendent, charged with implementing a new vision for literacy teaching and learning, this manuscript describes an intervention study conducted in a large, Southern urban district in the USA, designed to build upon and expand teacher knowledge initially acquired through teacher education. The intervention was designed to increase efficacy in an effort to halt the decline of student outcomes by standardizing literacy teaching across kindergarten through third grade.
Purification and characterization of peptic fragments derived from the carboxyl-terminal half of human albumin

Utilizing a combination of conventional and affinity-chromatographic procedures, we have purified four fragments of human albumin that were generated by controlled limited proteolysis with pepsin [0.3 mM albumin; 37°C; 10 min; pH 3.51; 4.2 mM octanoate; pepsin/albumin, 1:1000 (w/w)]. These fragments have a molecular weight range of 9200-17,000 Da. Amino acid compositions, N- and C-terminal sequences, molecular weights, and other internal markers were used to determine the location of these fragments within the parent molecule. All of the fragments were shown to be derived from the C-terminal half of human albumin. The presence of multiple pepsin-sensitive bonds near the C terminus of each fragment complicated the assignment of specific residue numbers to each fragment. Two pairs of similar peptides were identified: (A) those corresponding to a single-loop structure (residues 309–380 and 309–387) and (B) those containing multiple loops and intraloop cleavages [residues 309–(491–495) with 408–423 deleted]. Purification of these fragments without disulfide bond reduction confirms portions of the loop structure of human albumin and demonstrates increased susceptibility of two specific regions of the C-terminal half of the molecule to peptic digestion.
“’Cause Everybody Likes to Be Treated Good”: Perceptions of Procedural Justice Among Mental Health Court Participants

There is mounting evidence that mental health courts (MHCs) reduce criminal recidivism and increase use of mental health services. Although not yet empirically tested, procedural justice has been p...
The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: More May Be Better: Introduction

(1981). The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: More May Be Better: Introduction. The Adelphi Papers: Vol. 21, The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: More May Be Better, pp. 1-1.
Mitochondrial control region variability and global population structure in the swordfish, Xiphias gladius

Little is known about what limits genetic exchange in highly vagile, open ocean vertebrate species, such as the swordfish Xiphias gladius L. Reduced abundance of swordfish in some regions, and increased fishing pressure in others, has raised concerns and fueled interest in a more complete evaluation of the resource. In this study, global population structure in swordfish was assessed by sequencing a 300 base pair segment of the 5′ end of mitochondrial DNA control region from 159 swordfish collected in three ocean basins: the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Pacific, over the years 1988 to 1994. Among the 159 individuals, 95 polymorphic sites delineated 121 unique haplotypes, indicating a high level of polymorphism on a global scale. A phylogenetic analysis of the unique DNA haplotypes revealed two divergent clades with differing geographic distributions. Phylogeographic concordance of this pattern with that of two other pelagic fish species suggests a biogeographic explanation for this structure. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significant geographic partitioning of molecular variation among the three ocean basins, indicating that swordfish populations are structured on a global scale. Estimates of genetic exchange among populations within an ocean basin were high, indicating panmixia within ocean basins. Since the haplotypic diversity exhibited by the swordfish control regions is extremely high, much larger sample sizes may be necessary to detect subdivision within ocean basins.
Optical beam steering in InGaAsP multiple quantum wells

We demonstrate an optical beam steering device in InGaAsP multiple quantum wells. Electrical currents are injected through two parallel electrodes, separated by a 20-?m gap. By varying this current ratio, an optical beam is confined by the waveguide formed by the distribution of carriers, and steered continuously across the gap.
Fabrication of high-energy x-ray transmission gratings for the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF)

The High Energy Transmission Grating spectrometer (HETG) on the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) requires the fabrication and assembly of hundreds of large area (approximately equals 6 cm2), low-distortion, ultra-fine-period transmission gratings efficient in the 0.4-10 keV band ((lambda) equals 1.2-30 angstroms). The spectrometer requires two types of gratings: Medium Energy Gratings (MEG), which have a period of 0.4 micrometers and consist of gold bars 0.4 micrometers thick, and High Energy Gratings (HEG), which have a period of 0.2 micrometers and consist of gold bars 0.7 micrometers thick. Both types are supported by 0.5-1.0 micrometers -thick polyimide membranes. The gratings are fabricated using a variety of techniques including interference lithography, tri-level resist processing, reactive-ion etching, and gold microplating. An earlier approach which utilized x-ray lithography has been abandoned. Recent efforts have focussed on improving the yield and robustness of the many complicated fabrication steps, and improving the profile of the grating bars. We present details of the fabrication procedure and discuss the issues associated with developing an optimal fabrication process.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Efficacy and safety of a monophasic and a triphasic oral contraceptive containing norgestimate

Both monophasic and triphasic formulations of ethinyl estradiol plus norgestimate, a progestin with marked progesterone-receptor affinity and minimal androgen-receptor affinity, have been evaluated in numerous clinical studies designed to determine if norgestimate's receptor-binding profile provides enhanced safety without a reduction in efficacy. To date clinical trials have shown that both formulations of ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate offer contraceptive efficacy equivalent to that of other oral contraceptives. Monophasic ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate was associated with an incidence of breakthrough bleeding and spotting similar to that of monophasic ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel and an incidence of amenorrhea less than that of ethinyl estradiol/norgestrel. Cycle control with triphasic ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate was similar to that with monophasic ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate. Weight gain and elevated blood pressure were insignificant in clinical trials with both fixed-dose and phasic ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate formulations. Perhaps of greatest importance, both monophasic and triphasic ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate formulations consistently showed favorable impact on metabolic parameters, including elevations in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and reductions in the low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio, the parameter considered most sensitive for atherosclerotic risk. Both monophasic and triphasic ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate formulations were associated with minimal and clinically neutral effects on carbohydrate metabolism. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1994;170:1556-61).
Problematic alcohol and cannabis use among young adults: The roles of depression and discomfort and distress tolerance

Problematic substance use is associated with depression. Clarifying the relationship between substance use and depression remains an important research goal, with implications for prevention and treatment. Individual differences in the ability to tolerate negative physical and emotional sensations were hypothesized to play a role in substance use behaviors among depressed individuals. The present study investigated the roles of discomfort and distress tolerance in the relationship between alcohol and cannabis problems and depression among undergraduates (N=265). Consistent with other reports, depression was correlated with alcohol and cannabis problems. As predicated, distress tolerance mediated the relationships between depression and alcohol and cannabis problems. Interestingly, discomfort intolerance moderated the relationship between depression and cannabis problems such that depressed individuals with high discomfort tolerance were most vulnerable to cannabis problems. These data suggest that distress intolerance may at least partially account for alcohol and cannabis problems among depressed young adults whereas discomfort intolerance may actually serve a protective role in the development of cannabis problems.
Detection of alkylating agents by the analysis of amino acid residues in hemoglobin and urine 1. The in vivo and in vitro effects of ethyl methanesulfonate, methyl methanesulfonate, hycanthone methanesulfonate, and naltrexone

The effect of alkylating agents on the amino acid composition of rat and human hemoglobin has been examined. Because the amino acid compositions of these proteins are well established, the changes in the molar ratios of specific amino acids could be monitored in purified hemoglobin samples. Ratios of histidine, which is readily attacked by alkylating agents, to proline, which is not, were consistent in hemoglobin purified from untreated blood samples from 14 rats and 25 human subjects. Treatment of hemoglobin in vitro or in vivo with methyl methanesulfonate, ethyl methanesulfonate, or hycanthone methanesulfonate resulted in a loss of histidine residues relative to proline or phenylalanine. The decrease in histidine content increased with treatment dose and time and reached a maximum at about 15% of total histidine. Treatment of rats with methyl methanesulfonate or hycanthone methanesulfonate resulted in increased urinary excretion of methyl histidines.
Add ceramic "MEMS" to the pallet of microsystems technologies

Just as the 40+ years of technology developments associated with the electronic application of semiconductor fabrication processes is “morphing” into a micro-electro- mechanical systems (MEMS) technology in the past dozen years or so, so it seems may the “mature” multilayer ceramic fabrication technology associated with capacitor components and interconnect substrates for the integrated circuit industry, be morphed into MEMS - microsystems technology applications. This paper highlights work underway in Motorola Labs aimed at exploring the potential to develop 3D multilayer ceramic structures to integrate (monolithic and hybrid) multiple functions to create microsystems for wireless, energy and life science applications. By multiple functions, we refer to the ability for a microsystem to perform electronic, fluidic, thermonic, photonic and mechatronic (or actuator) based functions. Current capabilities of the multilayer ceramic materials and processes to achieve integrated functionalities for wireless applications will be described including the development of a new dielectric enabling increased performance for wireless applications. Also to be highlighted will be exploratory microscale fuel cell prototypes exploiting advances in the multilayer ceramic lamination and feature forming technologies enabling the insertion of 3D microchannels for microfluidic functions. These prototypes also feature the ability of the technology to provide thermonic functionality for microreactor devices. Feasibility of a light source that can be integrated into the technology platform hinting at photonic applications will be described. Many materials science and engineering advancements are needed to achieve the potential of this “old” but newly “morphing” technology and some of these will be noted.
A histochemical study of pollen digestion in the alimentary canal of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

Abstract Histochemical staining of embedded sections of the alimentary canal of honeybees indicated that carboxylated polysaccharides could be efficiently digested and absorbed, except when sequestered within unswollen and unbroken pollen grains that appeared to be impervious to enzymes of the gut. Hemicelluloses and pectic acids of the pollen wall structure underwent partial digestion, but pollen wall cellulose and sporopollenin were not digested. A separation of pollen walls from colloidal semisolids of the pollenkitt and disgorged protoplasm was apparent. The layers of slurry created by this separation remained into the rectum, and consisted primarily of saturated organic compounds which do not stain with weakly basophilic or acidophilic dyes.
Information Presentation in Decision Making Support for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the second most common cause of death among both genders. Since early detection can significantly improve patients’ survival rate, one of the physician’s primary obligations is to develop adequate screening plans to achieve early detection. Instead of using operational research models to make screening decisions for physicians, we proposed a decision making support tool to help physicians with their decision making process. Specifically, an information presentation interface is developed on top of a mathematical model to better deliver and illustrate the result of cost and benefit analysis for physicians’ final decision making.
Aluminium 2. A review of deformation properties of high purity aluminium and dilute aluminium alloys

The elastic and plastic deformation behavior of high-purity aluminum and of dilute aluminum alloys is reviewed. Reliable property data, including elastic moduli, elastic coefficients, tensile, creep, fatigue, hardness, and impact are presented. Single crystal tensile results are discussed. Rather comprehensive reference lists, containing publications of the past 20 years, are included for each of the above categories. Defect structures and mechanisms responsible for mechanical behavior are presented. Strengthening techniques (alloys, cold work, irradiation, quenching, composites) and recovery are briefly reviewed.
Stimulation of acid phosphatase secretion in a lower eukaryote, Ochromonas danica, by specific organic phosphates.

Abstract A washed suspension of resting cells of Ochromonas danica secreted acid phosphatase into its medium. This secretion was stimulated by specific organic phosphates: glucose 1-phosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, phosphoglycolic acid and by tripolyphosphate but not many other organic phosphates. Glucose 1-phosphate also stimulated the secretion of [ 3 H]leucine-incorporated protein into the medium.
Best interpolation with convex constraints

Abstract A characterization of any solution to the minimization problem min{||x − z|| : x ∈ K ≔ C ∩ A −1 d} is given, where A is a continuous linear map from a real Banach space X to a locally convex topological space Y , z ∈ X , C ⊂ X is a closed convex set and d ∈ AC . The resulting characterization for the case that X is a Hilbert space is that the projection P K ( z ) of z to K is P C ( z 0 + z ) for some z 0 ∈ ran A * provided d ∈ int AC . An analogous characterization is also obtained for the solution to the nonnegative best interpolation problem in the L p norm.
Compact microlenslet-array-based magnifier

An ultracompact optical imaging system allowing various magnifications or demagnifications and based on microlenslet arrays is presented for the first time to our knowledge. This research generalizes recent findings regarding microlenslet-array-based 1:1 relay systems [Appl. Opt.42, 6838 (2003)]. Through optical ray tracing, the feasibility of magnifying gray-scale images through a stack of two dissimilar microlenslet arrays is demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge. Results presented specifically demonstrate that a compact imaging system operating at a magnification of 2 is feasible with an overall length of ∼9 mm. Optical aberrations of the most basic configuration are evaluated, and optimization is discussed.
Functional Morphology of the White Bodies of the Cephalopod Mollusc Sepia officinalis

Abstract The white bodies and blood cells of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, were investigated using light microscopy and electron microscopy. Each white body is supplied with arterial blood by two branches of the ophthalmic artery. These two branches arborize into the tissue and form an extensive capillary network that appears to be confluent with a system of thin-walled venous channels in the white bodies. This vascular arrangement appears to allow maturing cells to leave the white body tissue and enter the general circulation. The putative hemopoietic cells are embedded in an internal connective tissue network. In addition to an extensive extracellular matrix system, this network contains many obliquely striated muscle fibers that probably aid in microcirculation. The white body cells were grouped into four categories that, ultrastructural evidence suggests, represent developmental stages of a single cell line. Morphological similarities between the putative final developmental stage of this cell line and circulating blood cells strongly support the hypothesis that white body cells are hemopoietic in function. Several lines of evidence indicate that proliferation within this cell line occurs at the first two stages of development. Thus a new developmental scheme is proposed. Quantitative analyses have shown that the white bodies are structurally and functionally uncompartmentalized. A comparison of developmental stages suggests that the physiology of the white bodies shifts from proliferation to differentiation as the animals mature. Blood cell densities decrease as the animals mature. Finally, cytological evidence indicates that the white bodies of Sepia officinalis are involved in reticuloendothelial functions in addition to hemopoiesis.
The future technical development of MRI

In this essay the author makes predictions on how the future of MRI will develop for the short term, the intermediate term, and the long term; these periods of time are defined as the present to the next 3 years, 3 to 5 years, and beyond 5 years, respectively. For each time period, general scientific trends and specific applications are presented. Despite about 15 years of extensive scientific research and significant application to clinical imaging, there continue to be many opportunities for additional technical development in MRI as its role in clinical use and the extent of its scientific significance expand.
Retropharyngeal space infections in a community hospital

The emergency physician often has to deal with infectious disease emergencies. The authors have seen four cases of retropharyngeal infection of potentially life-threatening severity in less than 1 year, all were admitted through the emergency department (ED). Reporting these cases is important to increase awareness among emergency physicians of this classic disease entity. The characteristics of the patients are discussed including initial diagnostic approaches and the use of computed tomography (CT) scanning of the neck and mediastinum. One case of retropharyngeal space infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis serotype W-135 is described. This is the first such reported case. The recommendations are that, in the absence of overt focal infection, a non-surgical approach to the treatment of these patients is indicated. This should include suitable neck roentgenograms, CT scanning, and high-dose, intravenous, beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotics.
Methylenedioxyamphetamine: A selective effect on cortical content and turnover of 5-HT

This study examined the effects of the hallucinogen, MDA, on brain content of monoamines and their metabolites in the rabbit. A single 1.8 mg/kg dose of MDA produced 30 to 64% increases in the 5-HT content of frontal cortex from 30 to 120 min after injection and a decrease in 5-HT turnover from 30 min to 8 h, but had no effect in hippocampus, caudate nucleus, or hypothalamus. A single 3.6 mg/kg dose of MDA also reduced the turnover of 5-HT in frontal cortex, but this was accompanied by a decrease in 5-HIAA with no increase in 5-HT. The 1.8 and 3.6 mg/kg doses of MDA had no significant or consistent effects on the contents of DA, DOPAC, HVA, and NE in any brain area examined. Chronic administration of MDA (3.6 mg/kg/day for 4 days) failed to produce any evidence of a neurotoxic action on 5-HT neurons. Higher doses could not be employed because the LD50 of MDA was approximately 5 mg/kg. This study has demonstrated that behaviorally effective and nonneurotoxic doses of MDA produce increases in the content and decreases in turnover of 5-HT in frontal cortex that resemble those of other hallucinogens such as LSD and DOM.
Can You Help Me Run These Code Segments on Your Mobile Device

The proliferation of mobile devices, coupled by the increase in their capabilities, have enabled the establishment of a rich mobile computing platform for various applications. In this paper we propose a probabilistic code distribution model that enables a mobile device to execute code segments through the help of nearby mobile devices in a secure and resilient manner. The model relies on randomization and replication techniques against unhelpful devices that do not execute their assigned code segments and malicious ones that try to reveal the overall application. We derive bounds to ensure the success of our scheme with a very high probability. Simulation and implementation experiments using MICAz sensors are conducted to validate our model and study the performance of our scheme.
Human erythrocyte membrane fluidity and insulin binding are independent of dietary trans fatty acids

Abstract Substitution of selected saturated fatty acids of the diet of 29 men and 29 women with cis or trans monounsaturated fatty acids did not affect erythrocyte membrane fluidity, insulin binding, and the membrane cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations. Subjects were fed four different controlled diets with a total fatty acid content of 39 to 40 energy percent for four 6-week periods in a Latin square design. The diets were: (1) high oleic acid (16.7 energy percent oleic); (2) moderate trans (3.8 energy percent trans fatty acids); (3) high trans (6.6 energy percent trans fatty acids); and saturated (16.2 energy percent lauric + myristic + palmitic acids). There were no significant diet effects on red cell ghost fluidity determined by fluorescence polarization of the hydrocarbon probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and the polar analog trimethylammonium-DPH (TMA-DPH). There were limited diet effects on fluidity of membranes as determined with DPH-propionic acid (DPH-PA) for the men. Insulin binding was more closely associated with anisotropy of fluorescence of the surface probe, DPH-PA, than with that of the other probes, which is compatible with the localization of the insulin receptor in a domain at the cell membrane surface.
Alterations in thyroid physiology during pneumococcal septicemia in the rat.

The impact of acute infection on thyroid physiology was investigated in rats infected with a type-specific pneumococcus. Infected rats showed a lower thyroidal131I uptake than healthy controls at all time periods studied. Unlike in the rat, thyroidal131I uptake curves in the infected and healthy mouse and guinea pig were superimposable. Thyroidal131I release in the infected rat was significantly delayed when compared to similar release curves in uninfected animals. Although the thyroid of the infected rat responded to a physiologic dose of exogenous TSH, both its uptake and release of131I showed an absolute reduction. Serum TSH levels measured by bio-assay were not altered during infection. The disappearance time of131I-T4 from blood of infected rats was significantly shorter than that of healthy controls, while disappearance times of blood131I-T3 were unchanged. Organ radioactivity was measured following serial sacrifice after the administration of131I-T4 or 131I-T3 to healthy and infected rats. In the T...
The French University: What happened after the revolution?

This paper examines the nature and significance of the changes introduced in the French university system since the passage of the Orientation Act of Higher Education in 1968. The process of higher education change is conceptualized in terms of a slow and disjointed process in which the political limits of legitimate change have been somewhat expanded through a succession of incremental adjustments. French universities have thus followed certain trends also apparent in other Western European nations; their operation and governance have been democratized, bureaucratized and politicized; their social functions are shifting toward greater vocationalism and professionalism; curriculum issues have tended to overshadow structural problems.
Population Density of Balanus Balanoides (L.) in Relation To Tide Pool Water Level (Cirripedia Thoracica)

Die Anheftung der Seepocke Balanus balanoides wurde in einem Gezeitenpool studiert. Die Populationsdichte war auf exponierten Felsoberflachen hoher als auf Flachen unterhalb des Gezeitenpool-Wasserstandes.
Research Note: Relationship of Microbiological Quality and Oxidative Stability of Raw Broiler Meat During Cold Storage

The purpose of this study was to determine whether 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values could be used to predict microbiological spoilage of poultry meat. The TBA values of control and inoculated (cultured breast skin microflora, 10(5) cells/mL) chicken breast and leg meat were examined at 0, 2, 7, and 14 days storage in slightly adverse storage conditions (6 C) and at 26 and 20 days, respectively, when spoilage occurred (10(8) cfu/g). Psychrotrophic counts were also obtained on these sampling days for control and inoculated breast and leg meat. Microbiological counts were significantly different for control and inoculated samples on each of the sampling days. However, no significant differences between TBA values of control and inoculated samples were noted on any of the sampling days. No difference was observed between the TBA value of the inoculated product, which had reached spoilage levels (10(8) cfu/g), and the control product, which was not spoiled (less than 10(7) cfu/g). Therefore, the TBA test is not an accurate predictor of microbiological spoilage of poultry meat.
Robust regression analysis of copy number variation data based on a univariate score.

Motivation: The discovery that copy number variants (CNVs) are widespread in the human genome has motivated development of numerous algorithms that attempt to detect CNVs from intensity data. However, all approaches are plagued by high false discovery rates. Further, because CNVs are characterized by two dimensions (length and intensity) it is unclear how to order called CNVs to prioritize experimental validation. Results: We developed a univariate score that correlates with the likelihood that a CNV is true. This score can be used to order CNV calls in such a way that calls having larger scores are more likely to overlap a true CNV. We developed cnv.beast, a computationally efficient algorithm for calling CNVs that uses robust backward elimination regression to keep CNV calls with scores that exceed a user-defined threshold. Using an independent dataset that was measured using a different platform, we validated our score and showed that our approach performed better than six other currently-available methods.
Intravesical therapy for bladder cancer.

I 1999, bladder cancer was newly diagnosed in about 54,200 patients, and 12,100 patients died of this disease in the United States. Despite an increase in the incidence of bladder cancer, mortality rates have declined by 8% between 1980 and 1995.1 The 5-year relative survival rate for patients with superficial bladder cancer is now about 95% largely because of improvements in intravesical therapy. Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunotherapy, the most effective treatment and prophylaxis for superficial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), decreases tumor recurrences, disease progression, and bladder cancer-specific mortality. Intravesical chemotherapy reduces short-term tumor recurrence rates but has failed to impact disease progression or survival. Newer immunologic and chemotherapeutic agents, advances in photodynamic therapy (PDT), and other measures to boost the efficacy of intravesical therapy for bladder cancer are promising. In this review, we highlight the advances in intravesical therapy in the management of TCC of the bladder.
Regulatory role of circulating monocytes in the differentiative and proliferative responses of human B lymphocytes.

Abstract Depletion of monocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells had a profound influence on mitogen- and antigen-induced B-cell proliferation and differentiation to antibody-secreting cells. Such depletion enhanced the generation of plasma cells identifiable by immunofluorescence and specific plaque-forming cells (PFC) against sheep erythrocytes in cultures containing pokeweed mitogen, staphylococcal protein A (SPA), concanavalin A (Con A), and phytohemagglutinin (PHA). This enhancement was especially marked in the cases of SPA and Con A. Without monocyte depletion only 0.1 to 0.4% of the cultured cells were shown to be plasma cells and as much as a 100-fold increase was seen with monocyte removal. Similar results were also obtained in the PFC assay. These studies suggest that Con A, SPA, and PHA may be considered as inducers of B-cell differentiation to plasma cells under appropriate conditions. In two B-cell differentiation systems initiated by antigen involving allogeneic helper cells and autologous helper factors, the monocyte-dependent inhibition was also demonstrated. In addition, monocyte depletion enhanced proliferation of B cells in the presence of irradiated autologous T cells and pokeweed mitogen. This enhancement was also seen when B cells were stimulated to divide by purified anti-μ antibodies. The addition of adherent cells to monocyte-depleted cultures confirmed the suppressive effect of excessive monocytes but also demonstrated that the presence of a certain number of monocytes was necessary for optimal responses in at least some of the systems studied. The striking effect of monocytes in these different systems emphasizes the importance of their consideration in B-cell stimulation studies, especially those involving human peripheral blood.
Growth hormone-releasing factor from a human pancreatic tumor that caused acromegaly.

A 44 amino acid peptide with growth hormone-releasing activity has been isolated from a human tumor of the pancreas that had caused acromegaly. The primary structure of the tumor-derived peptide is H-Tyr-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr-Arg-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Gln-Leu-Ser- Ala- Arg-Lys-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Met-Ser-Arg-Gln-Gln-Gly-Glu-Ser-Asn-Gln-Glu-Ar g-Gly -Ala-Arg-Ala-Arg-Leu-NH2. The synthetic replicate has full biological activity in vitro and in vivo specifically to stimulate the secretion of immunoreactive growth hormone. The tumor-derived peptide is identical in biological activity and similar in physiochemical properties to the still uncharacterized growth hormone-releasing factor present in extracts of hypothalamic tissues.
Analysis of the Phosphorylation Status of Epstein–Barr Virus LMP2A in Epithelial Cells

LMP2A deletion and point mutants, with mutations in phosphotyrosine-containing protein-protein interaction motifs, were transiently expressed in 293 cells and their phosphorylation was examined in immune complex kinase assays as well as in vivo. In vitro LMP2A phosphorylation depended on tyrosine 112. In vivo, mutations of single tyrosines did not eliminate LMP2 phosphorylation, although mutation of the LMP2A ITAM decreased LMP2A phosphorylation. The relationship between LMP2A in vitro phosphorylation and that induced by cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions was also investigated. While LMP2A was phosphorylated to higher levels in whole-cell extracts of stimulated cells, a difference in in vitro kinase assays with extracts from stimulated and unstimulated cells was not detected, indicating that the ECM-mediated regulation of LMP2A phosphorylation is lost in vitro. In the presence of LMP2A, several cellular proteins with molecular weights between 70 and 80 kDa were phosphorylated on tyrosine. This increase in cellular protein phosphorylation depended on the LMP2A ITAM motif and suggests that the ITAM may participate in signal-transduction events in epithelial cells.
Fatigue behavior of composite materials

While various expected and accepted interpretations of the term “fatigue behavior” exist for homogeneous materials, especially metals, “fatigue behavior” of composite materials is not well defined—or understood. Generally speaking, one can discuss that topic by addressing the change in residual strength, life, and stiffness during cyclic (or otherwise variable) load histories. The present discussion will begin by defining the “problem” of fatigue behavior of composite materials, after which a representative spectrum of physical observations will be cited and models of the behavior presented. Both unnotched and notched behavior will be discussed. A brief section will deal with interpretations of data and statistical data handling schemes. Frontiers of the field will be identified. While the paper is presented in the spirit of a discussion of physical behavior rather than a review of the literature, representative work of numerous investigators is cited.
Elasticity and Excitations of Minimal Crystals

The elastic properties of the unusual crystals encountered in surfactantrich solutions are investigated. Triply-periodic minimal surfaces provide a convenient frame-work for the understanding of such materials but, as is shown, degeneracy leads to vanishing elastic coefficients in the framework of the classical Helfrich energy. This degeneracy is lifted by higher-order corrections and by finite temperature effects. We show that, as a result, thermodynamic stability can be achieved at low levels of dilution but that with increasing dilution the P surface inevitably melts. The degeneracy also leads to an unusual collective excitation spectrum which has a smectic-like undulation dispersion, except at very long wavelengths where it becomes sound-like. The elastic moduli are found to have the same dependence on temperature and concentration as those of tethered stacked membranes and the shear moduli have a temperature and material independent ratio.
Ferric-ion-photosensitized damage to DNA by hydroxyl and non-hydroxyl radical mechanisms.

Iron(III) and UVA (320-400 nm) light strongly diminished the transforming activity of Haemophilus influenzae DNA in the presence of oxygen. Iron(III) alone in the absence of light had no measurable effect on the transforming activity. The chelating agent ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) conferred virtually complete protection, but hydroxyl radical scavengers (mannitol, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and dimethyl sulfoxide) inhibited only a small fraction of the inactivation. Treatment of plasmid DNA (pBR322) with iron(III) results in the conversion of the covalently closed circular form of the plasmid to open circles and ultimately to the linear form. Concomitant with the alteration in the conformation of the plasmid, the ability to transform Escherichia coli was reduced. In model systems, iron(III) photoreacted with the DNA backbone causing nicking and double-strand breakage. The results are consistent with a mechanism involving a preliminary complexation of iron(III) by DNA followed by the generation of reactive free radicals other than .OH. We suggest that bound iron, or other UV-absorbing transition metal complexes, may be chromophores capable of causing DNA damage in the long-wave near-UV region.
Measurement of changes in functional muscarinic acetylcholine receptor density in single neuroblastoma cells using calcium release kinetics

Abstract Calcium release in response to the activation of muscarinic M1 and histamine H 1 receptors was studied in single N1E-115 cells using Fura-2 imaging. The objective was to relate changes in the kinetics of Ca release with reductions in functional receptor density resulting from receptor desensitization. Calcium release increased and its time course accelerated with increasing carbachol concentration with an EC 50 = 96 ± 8 μM. This value is similar to the binding K D (100 μM) and the similarity shows that the activation of calcium release is limited by the number of muscarinic receptors. In contrast, the EC 50 for Ca release in response to histamine is 4.0 ± 0.7 μM while the binding K D is 8.3 μM and, therefore, H 1 receptors appear to be in approximately 2-fold excess over the minimum number necessary to fully engage the Ca release mechanism. Functional surface receptor number was assayed in the population of cells by counting the total number of cells responding to agonist. A 5 min exposure to 1 mM carbachol caused 12% of cells to lose their ability to respond to carbachol, with no change in their response to histamine. Interpolating from the dose-response curve taken before desensitization, this is equivalent to an average 23% reduction in the number of muscarinic receptors. In individual cells the latency to Ca release is dose-dependent in the absence of excess receptors. The loss of functional receptors was therefore estimated from the increase in latency after desensitization, and varied from 5–48% of receptors (22 ± 18%). Muscarinic desensitization did not depend on IP 3 -evoked Ca release, Ca entry, protein kinase C, NO, or cGMP. We conclude that in a population, the number of cells responding and in single cells, the latency to Ca release can serve as measures of functional receptor density.
P177 Investigating the cost-effectiveness of integrated prenatal HIV/syphilis screening to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in China

Background The need to scale-up integrated prenatal HIV/syphilis screening in China has increased in the last decade owing to recent increases in syphilis and HIV cases. Objectives In this study, we assess the health and economic outcomes of integrated HIV/syphilis screening to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in China. Methods A Markov cohort decision analysis model was used to examine the health and economic outcomes of pregnancy using data from published literature and local data. Adverse pregnancy outcomes examined included miscarriage, induced abortion, congenital syphilis, stillbirth, low birth weight, mother-to-child HIV transmission and neonatal death. We examined four screening strategies; No-Screening, HIV-Only, Syphilis-Only and HIV-and-Syphilis. We estimated Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for all health outcomes. The life expectancy of the child and mother were the analytic horizon. Results Preliminary results indicated that for a cohort of 10 000 pregnant women (0.07% prevalence for HIV and 1.5% for syphilis; 20% of HIV+ had syphilis), the HIV-Only strategy prevented 1 case of mother-to-child HIV transmission and resulted in 2 induced abortions; the Syphilis-Only strategy prevented 3 stillbirths, 2 miscarriages, 15 cases of congenital syphilis, 6 cases of low birth weight and 1 neonatal death, but resulted in 35 induced abortions. The HIV-and-Syphilis strategy prevented the sum of the outcomes prevented by the HIV-Only and Syphilis-Only strategies. Estimated costs per DALYs prevented were: Syphilis-Only, $38; HIV-and-Syphilis, $122; HIV-Only, $5806. Conclusions Integrated prenatal HIV/syphilis screening is more cost-effective than HIV-Only screening. This is largely due to the relatively higher prevalence of syphilis and the substantially lower cost of treatment.
Predicting group stability in online social networks

Social groups often exhibit a high degree of dynamism. Some groups thrive, while many others die over time. Modeling group stability dynamics and understanding whether/when a group will remain stable or shrink over time can be important in a number of social domains. In this paper, we study two different types of social networks as exemplar platforms for modeling and predicting group stability dynamics. We build models to predict if a group is going to remain stable or is likely to shrink over a period of time. We observe that both the level of member diversity and social activities are critical in maintaining the stability of groups. We also find that certain 'prolific' members play a more important role in maintaining the group stability. Our study shows that group stability can be predicted with high accuracy, and feature diversity is critical to prediction performance.
Covalent hydration energies for purine analogs by quantum chemical methods

In this work, covalent hydration energies for a variety of azanaphthalenes and purine analogs have been calculated using a variety of quantum chemical methods. On the basis of these results, we recommend the CPCM(UA0)-B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level for rapid prediction of covalent hydration energies. However, we caution the use of this methodology for computing covalent hydration energies for fluorine-containing compounds.
A four-part boundary value problem in elasticity — indentation by a discontinuously concave punch

A solution is given for the frictionless indentation of an elastic half-space by a flat-ended cylindrical punch with a central circular recess, when the load is large enough to establish a circular region of contact in the recess. The problem is reduced to two simultaneous Fredholm equations using the method of complex potentials due to Green and Collins. Results are presented for the relationship between load, contact radius and penetration for various punch geometries.
Bacterial Contamination in Some Nonsterile Antibiotic Drugs

Methods have been developed for the determination of microbial contamination in some nonsterile antibiotic preparations. Microorganism counts have been performed on both antibacterial and antifungal antibiotic powders. The highest counts were found in samples from the antifungal antibiotic.
Epidemics of Mobile Worms

Mathematical epidemiology has been developing for over a hundred years. Mathematical models developed for spreading of viruses in human populations take into account various effects influencing the epidemic. Recently results of mathematical epidemiology have also been applied to modeling of epidemic viruses in computer networks. The current work applies results of mathematical epidemiology to the research of dynamics of potential epidemics of worms in mobile networks. The work simulates epidemics of two types of mobile worms that we have already run into - MMS and Bluetooth worms.
SUGAR CONTENT IN FLORAL AND EXTRAFLORAL EXUDATES OF ORCHIDS: POLLINATION, MYRMECOLOGY AND CHEMOTAXONOMY IMPLICATION

SUMMARY Sugars present in the floral and extrafloral exudates from a number of orchid species have been analysed. All contain fructose, glucose and sucrose. Raffinose is the next most common sugar and stachyose occurs less frequently. Cellobiose, gentiobiose, lactose, maltose, melibiose, melezitose and a few large oligosaccharides may also be present. The distribution of these sugars in orchids may have some chemotaxonomic implications. There appears to be no correlation between the sugar content of exudates and orchid pollinators. This would seem to suggest that scent, form and colour are the major attractants to pollinators in orchids. Floral and extrafloral exudates in orchids may also function as attractants for ants which probably feed on them and repel grazers.
Design of a Real-Time Wireless Network for the Northern Pierre Auger Observatory

The Pierre Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory employs a large array of Surface Detector (SD) stations to detect the secondary particle showers generated by Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays. The operational Auger South site uses a tower-based wireless network for communication between SD stations and the observatory campus. Plans for a larger Auger North array call for a similar system. However, a variety of factors render direct station-to-tower routing infeasible in Auger North. Thus, we have adopted a new peer-to-peer paradigm, the Wireless Architecture for Hard Real-Time Embedded Networks (WAHREN), designed specifically for highly reliable message delivery over fixed networks, under hard real-time deadlines. This paper introduces the topologies, protocols, performance, formal verification, and reliability modeling of WAHREN. It also presents the adaptation of WAHREN to Auger North, including its embedding in the SD array, hardware development, and plans for an in-situ Research and Development Array.
Kinetics of NMDA Channel Opening

The period required for NMDA channels to open for the first time after agonist binding (the first latency) was estimated in outside-out patch recordings from rat hippocampal neurons using fast-application techniques and the open channel blocker MK-801. In the presence of MK-801, brief applications ofl-glutamate or the low-affinity agonistl-cysteate resulted in a similar amount of block despite the much shorter period of channel activation byl-cysteate. A brief coapplication ofl-glutamate and MK-801 resulted in a block similar to that found with an application ofl-glutamate in a background of MK-801. These results, along with our findings that MK-801 does not block desensitized receptors, indicate that NMDA channels have a mean first latency of ∼10 msec, consistent with a peak open probability near 0.3. If NMDA channels at synapses behave similarly, relatively few channels would be required to produce the postsynaptic calcium transient associated with synaptic plasticity and developmental regulation.