cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hæmodynamic Factors in the Uterus during the Latter Part of Gestation

ACCORDING to the data of Barcroft, Herkel and Hill1, a critical change takes place in the rate of blood flow through the uterus of the rabbit after the twenty-second day of pregnancy. The rate of flow diminishes approximately one third between this and the twenty-fifth day, although it increases again by the twenty-seventh day of gestation. In an earlier paper by Barcroft and Rothschild2, measurements were made of the volume of blood contained within the maternal vessels of the uterus on different days of pregnancy. The data of this study show that the volume of blood increases to a maximum by the twenty-eighth day and diminishes by fifty per cent during the next two days. The volume of the placental tissues during this time follows a parallel curve, so leading these investigators to the reasonable conclusion that the volume of blood in the uterus increases as the extent of the placental vascular bed increases. The cause of the changes in the rate of blood flow through these vessels has not, however, been described. When the foregoing data were used to estimate the efficiency of the uterine circulation during the latter part of gestation as certain growth changes take place, an insight was gained into some of the haemodynamic factors operating at this time, providing a basis for interpreting the effects which Barcroft and his associates have reported.
Induction of arginase in rabbit epithelium by the Shope rabbit papilloma virus.

IN studies of the mechanism of action of the Shope virus in causing papillomas on the skin of rabbits, comparative tests were made of active transport of amino-acids into papilloma cells and into normal and hyperplastic rabbit epithelium. The method used was that recently reported by Rogers and Woodhall1.
The effect of neuronal growth on synaptic integration.

The way in which the dimensions of neurons change during postembryonic development has important effects on their electrotonic structures. Theoretically, only one mode of growth can conserve the electrotonic structures of growing neurons without employing changes in membrane electrical properties. If the dendritic diameters of a neuron increase as the square of the increase in dendritic lengths, then the neuron's electrotonic structure is conserved. We call this special mode of allometric growth “isoelectrotonic growth.” In this study we compared the developmental changes in morphology of two identified invertebrate neurons with theoretical growth curves. We found that a cricket neuron, MGI, grows isoelectrotonically and thereby preserves its electrotonic properties. In contrast, the crayfish neuron, LG, grows in a nearly isometric manner resulting in an increase in its electrotonic length.
Real Time Digital Videomagnetograph At The Aerospace San Fernando Solar Observatory

Importance of Magnetic Fields In 1908, just 12 years after Zeeman discovered that magnetic fields cause a polarization and shift in certain spectral lines, Hale used this effect to detect the presence of strong magnetic fields in sun-spots. Further studies have shown that magnetic fields exist over the entire surface of the sun in very complicated patterns and determine the structures and motions of the solar plasma such as prominences, spicules, and flares. The very strongest fields of several thousand gauss cause the spectral lines to actually split but for weaker fields the Zeeman shift is only a small fraction of the line width and to measure this shift four steps are required: spectral dispersion or isolation of a magnetically sensitive line, selection of one state of circular polariza-tion, detection of the light intensity, and finally the subtraction of the light in the two opposite states of polarization. Spectral isolation can be achieved by a spectrograph or optical filter; the polarization states can be selected by an electro optic crystal or quarter wave plate with polarizer; the detector can be a phototube, film, or television camera; and the subtraction can be electronic, photographic, or digital. This paper describes a new type of solar magnetograph using digital techniques.
Fault detection and identification for reliable large-scale computing

In the letter, the analysis of a new technique for fault-tolerant computing is presented. This technique is applicable to systems with a large number of modules which require the simultaneous and reliable execution of multiple jobs.
Potential vorticity Diagnostics of Hurricane Movement. Part 1: A Case Study of Hurricane Bob (1991)

Abstract Potential vorticity (PV) diagnostics are applied to evaluate the control by the large-scale environment of hurricane movement and, more importantly, to assess the storm's influence on its own track. As a first application of these diagnostics, an observational case study of Hurricane Bob (1991) is presented using the twice-daily National Meteorological Center Northern Hemisphere final analyses gridded datasets. Defining the seasonal climatology as the mean reference state, piecewise potential vorticity inversions are performed under the nonlinear balance condition. This allows one to determine the balanced flows associated with any individual perturbation of PV. By examining the balanced flows at the central position of the hurricane, one can identify the influence of each PV perturbation on hurricane movement. The hurricane advection flow is also defined as the balanced flow at the storm center associated with the whole PV distribution, excluding the positive PV anomaly of the hurricane itself. ...
Three-dimensional imaging with a quadrature tomographic microscope

he quadrature tomographic microscope combines conventional microscopy with interferometric quadrature detection techniques to yield a simultaneous measurement of both the amplitude and phase of the electric field. This is of tremendous utility in imaging nearly-transparent object's since changes in phase can be directly attributed to changes in the objects index of refraction while the small amplitude changes provide additional structural information. In this paper we will discuss the progress we have made towards reconstructing three dimensional images from the measured two-dimensional complex electric field. By applying an artificial curvature to the measured field and back-propagating the Gaussian beams, we are able to digitally manipulate the imaging kernel and image different focal planes.
Imaging Overturned Waves By Plane-wave Migration In Tilted Coordinates

We image overturned waves by decomposing the source and receiver wavefields into plane-waves. For each plane-wave, we extrapolate the source and receiver wavefields in a tilted coordinate system and cross-correlate them to obtain Common Image Gathers (CIGs). The tilting angle for the coordinate system is determined by the propagation direction of the plane wave. In tilted coordinates, the propagation direction is close to the extrapolation direction, so we can image steeply dipping reflectors and overturned waves with the one-way wave equation. We can also obtain robust, dip-dependent angle-domain CIGs (ADCIGs) by the same method as the one employed in reverse-time migration. These gathers provide moveout information and thus they are very important for velocity analysis on steeply dipping reflectors. Since our method is based on the one-way wave equation and it needs no padding for imaging overturned waves as needed by reverse-time migration, and so it is very efficient. We demonstrate our method on the Marmousi model by computing the Green’s function for a point source on the surface. We also apply our method on a North Sea real dataset with overturned events.
Analysis of coupled deactivation effects: Interaction of sodium and coke in cracking over zeolites

Abstract Zeolites can deactivate by coke laydown and by poison deposition. Here we consider a simple reaction, the cracking of cumene, over a simple zeolite, type Y, as deactivated by coke deposition and the presence of sodium. We show that the effect of coke level and sodium level can be treated in a unitary manner. This allows the relative magnitudes of coking and poisoning to be quantitatively compared. By coupling this information with what is known about the structure of poisons on active sites, details can be obtained regarding the structure of coke on the active site.
Evaluation of the Patient with Acute Chest Pain

The past decade has brought rapid advances in CT technology, which allows increasingly precise application to the study of coronary arteries and acute chest pain. The literature has expanded to lend quantifiable justification to the intuitive appeal of a rapid, reproducible, 3D study of the heart and vasculature. More complete analysis of efficacy and costs on broader populations will further refine our understanding of how best to implement what may become the new gold standard. Meanwhile, evolving technology promises to further challenge radiologists and clinicians to optimize approach and diagnosis to acute chest pain.
Permanent reversal of diabetes in NOD mice.

We disagree with how J. Nishio et al. ([1][1]) represent our published data on the permanent reversal of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice ([2][2]). Nishio et al. state ([1][1]) that “a FCA alone control was not included in the report by Kodama et al. ” ([3][3]). Further, in their response to our
Improving selectivity during methane partial oxidation by use of a membrane reactor

A reactant-swept catalytic membrane reactor for partial oxidation of methane to formaldehyde has been modeled. Kinetic parameters were taken from the literature for a V2O5/Sio2 methane partial oxidation catalyst, and membrane parameters characteristic of commercially available materials were used. The models show that the selectivity for formaldehyde can be significantly improved by using a membrane reactor.
Pressure-Dependent Retention and Selectivity in Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatographic Separations Using β-Cyclodextrin Stationary Phases

The influence of pressure on solute retention in liquid chromatography is commonly ignored due to the small compressibility of polar mobile phases. However, the equilibrium processes driving solute...
Ring E analogs of methyllycaconitine (MLA) as novel nicotinic antagonists

We have prepared ring E analogs of the diterpenoid alkaloid methyllycaconitine. These compounds have been assayed for nicotinic activity and were found to act as functional antagonists on adrenal nicotinic receptors.
Pain Associated With Injection of Botulinum A Exotoxin Reconstituted Using Isotonic Sodium Chloride With and Without Preservative: A Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Context Botulinum A exotoxin is used for various indications, including the treatment of dynamic forehead lines. Objective To determine whether injection with botulinum A exotoxin reconstituted with preservative-containing normal saline (isotonic sodium chloride) is less painful than injection with exotoxin that has been reconstituted with preservative-free saline. Design Two arms: (1) retrospective study; (2) double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting A multiple-physician dermatology practice. Patients (1) Retrospective study—20 consecutive adult patients presenting for treatment of upper-face dynamic lines; (2) prospective study—15 consecutive adult patients presenting for treatment of upper-face dynamic lines. Intervention In prospective study only, one side (left or right) of the face was treated with exotoxin reconstituted with preservative-containing saline, and the other side, with exotoxin reconstituted with preservative-free saline. Main Outcome Measures (1) Retrospective study—discomfort at current treatment (with preservative-containing saline) compared with discomfort with most recent prior treatment (with preservative-free saline); (2) prospective study—discomfort on the side treated with preservative-containing saline compared with discomfort on the side treated with preservative-free saline. Results (1) Retrospective study—18 (90%) of 20 patients reported that treatment with exotoxin reconstituted with preserved saline was less painful than prior treatment with exotoxin reconstituted with preservative-free saline; (2) prospective study—15 (100%) of 15 patients reported less pain in the side of their face treated with exotoxin reconstituted with preservative-containing saline (P Conclusion Use of preservative-containing saline to reconstitute botulinum A exotoxin can significantly decrease patient discomfort on injection.
The political economy of agricultural research and extension: grants, votes, and reapportionment

This paper seeks to identify the economic and political factors that produce state financial support for agricultural research and extension. State demand for research and extension services is found to be influenced not only by the level of farm income and population but also by measures of intergovernmental influence and the political effectiveness of farmers. Federal grants have "price" effects which stimulate state spending; the reapportionment of state legislatures mandated by the U.S. Supreme Court had a negative effect, while the ability of farmers to elect other farmers to the legislature increases state support for research and extension.
Immigrant and Native Mexican American Presidential Vote Choice Across Immigrant Generations

The Mexican American electorate includes large numbers of immigrants as well as people of later generations. In this article, we test whether cross-generational acculturation shapes the ways in which Mexican American voters selected between John Kerry and George Bush in the 2004 presidential election. Although change across immigrant generations has long been a critical question in American political behavior, it is only with the current wave of immigrants and their U.S.-born children and grandchildren that it is possible to measure the relationship between acculturation and vote choice. With generational replacement, changes in the dynamics of vote choice across immigrant generations could herald long-term changes in the mechanisms of vote choice. We find that generation does shape Mexican American vote choice, both directly—in the simple measure of the generational dummy variables—and in the interaction between generation and partisanship, issue evaluation, religion, and state of residence.
Timing Matters: HIV Testing Rates in the Emergency Department

Study Objectives. In response to the 2010 New York State HIV testing law, we sought to understand the contextual factors that influence HIV testing rates in the emergency department (ED). Methods. We analyzed electronic health record logs from 97,655 patients seen in three EDs in New York City. We used logistic regression to assess whether time of day, day of the week, and season significantly affected HIV testing rates. Results. During our study period, 97,655 patients were evaluated and offered an HIV test. Of these, 7,763 (7.9%) agreed to be tested. Patients arriving between 6 a.m. and 7:59 p.m. were significantly () more likely to be tested for HIV, followed by patients arriving between 8:00 p.m. and 9:59 p.m. () and followed by patients arriving between 5–5:59 a.m. and 10–10:59 p.m. () compared to patients arriving at midnight. Seasonal variation was also observed, where patients seen in July, August, and September () were more likely to agree to be tested for HIV compared to patients seen in January, while patients seen in April and May () were less likely to agree to be tested for HIV. Conclusion. Time of day and season affect HIV testing rates in the ED, along with other factors such as patient acuity and completion of other blood work during the ED visit. These findings provide useful information for improving the implementation of an HIV testing program in the ED.
Use of Handguns and Long Guns in Suicide and Homicide

Clarke and Jones (1989) in a time series study of gun ownership and suicide rates in the USA from 1959 to 1984 reported that handgun (but not long gun) ownership was related to the suicide rate, and they suggested that handguns were the most common choice for suicide. Time (July 17, 1989) published a listing of all deaths from guns in the USA in the first 7 days of May, 1989. Of the 216 suicides, the gun used was noted for 184, of which 63% were handguns. Of the 211 homicides, the gun used was noted for 100, of which 77% were handguns. Of the 15 accidental deaths, handguns were used in 67%. (Ten deaths were unclassifiable, and 12 victims were killed by police officers.) Handguns were used significantly less often for suicide than for homicide (x12 = 5.80, p < .02), though the missing data for homicides are quite frequent. Those using handguns for suicide did not differ from those using long guns on their sex (xI2 = 1.30: 20% women versus 13%) or age [ t182 = 1.13; A4 = 46.3 yr. (SD = 20.2) and 42.1 yr. (21.2), respectively]. Incidentally, for the suicides, 76% of the 37 men for whom data were available shot themselves in the head, as did 71% of the 7 women. Women did not appear to avoid facial disfigurement as has been claimed (Lester, 1988). The present data do indicate that handguns are the weapon used frequently for suicide, but no more often than for homicide.
Stagnation in a fluid interface: Properties of the stagnant film

The mechanism whereby surface-active agents cause stagnation in a fluid interface has been extensively studied for water flowing in a horizontal channel. Known surface-active contaminants exhibiting varied surface behavior were added to the water. Distinctly different phenomena were observed with compressible and incompressible films.
Multiple forms of nuclear binding of glucocorticoid-receptor complexes in rat thymocytes

Abstract Exposure of isolated rat thymocytes to glucocorticoids at 37°C leads to localization of 50%–80% of the cellular glucocorticoid-receptors on or within the nucleus. In this study, we have used differential salt extraction of nuclei from cells incubated with glucocorticoids under various conditions to further characterize the nature of the nuclear glucocorticoid-receptor interaction. Of the dexamethasone initially bound to nuclei, 70%–75% is resistant to 0.2 M KCl salt extraction and 25%–30% is resistant to 0.4 M KCl salt extraction. These two resistant fractions are designated N 2 and N 4 respectively. The N 2 fraction contains N 4 since N 2 can be further extracted with 0.4 M KCl, whereas N 4 is resistant to further extraction with either 0.2 or 0.4 M KCl. These data suggest that N 4 and the difference N 2–4 = N 2 – N 4 (i.e. that fraction which is resistant to 0.2 M but not to 0.4 M KCl) represent distinct forms of nuclear dexamethasone-receptor interaction. In intact cells at 37°C both N 2–4 and N 4 are formed at all the steroid concentrations, and neither fraction shows evidence of saturation. The two fractions differ, however, in the following ways: (a) N 4 is formed prior to N 2–4 under conditions where the rate of formation of the cytoplasmic dexamethasone-receptor complex is not limiting; (b) the addition of a cold chase of unlabeled dexamethasone to cells pre-exposed to [ 3 H]-dexamethasone decreases N 2–4 after 60 min by about 70% but N 4 by only 10%–15%; (c) even at concentrations of unlabeled dexamethasone which do not decrease total cellular binding a cold- chase causes a sharp reduction in N 2–4 but not in N 4 (d) N 4 decreases more rapidly than N 2–4 following a decrease in hormone concentration by dilution; (e) the magnitude of the dilution determines the extent of N 4 reduction, and little or no change occurs over the 35–90 fold range; (f) cold chases with the anti-glucocorticoids cortexolone and progesterone significantly decrease N 2–4 but had little effect on N 4 . The distribution of glucocorticoid-receptor complexes in the N 2–4 and N 4 fractions depends on the steroid which is bound to the receptor. Triamcinolone acetonide, which has similar in vitro biological potency to dexamethasone, has a similar N 4 fraction (29%) of nuclear receptor-bound steroid but a greater N 2–4 fraction (60%). Cortisol, which is 10% as active as dexamethasone, has an N 4 fraction of only 13% and an N 2–4 fraction of 41%. These data indicate that glucocorticoids form physiologically distinct classes of nuclear acceptor-receptor complexes.
Study of MSM photodetector fabricated on porous silicon

Abstract A p-type porous silicon MSM (metal-semiconductor-metal) photodetector has been fabricated and its performance investigated. Samples with different anodization times are compared and the optimum photoresponse is obtained from a sample etched for 3 min at an anodization current of 25 mA/cm2. The spectral response of the MSM photodetector is found to be similar to that of a Si PIN photodiode. A deep electron trap with activation energy Ea= 0.44–0.53 eV, capture cross section σ=2.6 × 10−16 −1.3 × 10−15 cm2 and trap concentration Nt = 5.4 × 1014 −3.5 × 1013 cm−3 is observed from the metal-oxide-porous silicon structure. The degradation of the photoluminescence intensity and the photocurrent response is presented. A thin silicon oxide film coating on the MSM photodetector is shown to improve the device stability.
Compensatory responses to upper airway obstruction in obese apneic men and women

Defective structural and neural upper airway properties both play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea. A more favorable structural upper airway property [pharyngeal critic...
A Multilevel Study of Elementary Male Black Students and White Students

Abstract A multilevel modeling strategy was used in this study to identify school characteristics linked to student achievement and the relationship between student achievement and student background, educational expectations, and classroom participation. The school characteristics considered included indicators of school organization, context, and climate. The subjects were 2,356 Black male students and White male students in 76 elementary schools. The results indicated that although classroom participation was a significant predictor of achievement for both groups, the strength of the association was affected by school characteristics for the Black males only. In particular, the ability of Black males to translate academic participation into achievement was weakened in large schools and in schools in which most students were from low socioeconomic backgrounds. It was concluded that in those settings, Black male students may be at a disadvantage.
Anti-inflammatory actions of steroids: molecular mechanisms

Glucocorticosteroids are highly effective in controlling inflammation and the molecular mechanisms involved are now becoming clear. Activation of glucocorticoid receptors results in increased or decreased transcription of a number of genes involved in the inflammatory process. Of particular importance is the repression of cytokine gene transcription and the direct interaction between the glucocorticoid receptor and other transcription factors activated in chronic inflammation. In this review, Peter Barnes and Ian Adcock discuss recent studies that have increased our understanding of these mechanisms and that may lead to improved anti-inflammatory therapies in the future.
Older Adults' Knowledge of Internet Hazards

Older adults are less likely to be using computers and less knowledgeable about Internet security than are younger users. The two groups do not differ on trust of Internet information. The younger group shows no age or gender differences. Within the older group, computer users are more trusting of Internet information, and along with those with more education, are more knowledgeable about security hazards. The oldest women are less knowledgeable about security hazards. Older adults' greater risk when using computers and the Internet may be primarily due to cohort differences in education and computer use.
A test of the smoothness of the elemental abundances of carbonaceous chondrites

The identification of CI chondrite concentrations with average solar system abundances for heavy elements is based primarily on the smoothness of the CI abundance curves for odd mass nuclei. A good test of smoothness is measurement of all elements in a given mass range in the same sample with the same technique. High precision proton-induced X-ray spectra of CI chondrites yielded analyses of 17 elements (Ni through Ru, plus Fe and Pb) with precisions better than 10% for all except As, Pb, Nb, and Ru. Excellent theoretical descriptions of the spectra were obtained. Two independent estimates of precision agree well, giving confidence in the quoted errors. Intersample differences are the largest source of variability. Within these limits good agreement with literature results are obtained, except for As and Y. Although our Y values are 10 to 30% lower than previously adopted, amonoelemental s-process peak in the abundance curve at Y is still necessary. Except for Br (higher by 59% in Ivuna), there are no significant concentration differences between Orgueil and Ivuna. In general, our results confirm previous abundance curves. The abundances are exceptionally smooth and strongly decreasing in the mass 60–75 region. From mass 75–101 a smooth curve can be drawn, within limits of intersample variability, except for the Y peak. Over the whole periodic table a large number of peaks of probable nucleosynthetic origin can be identified, some understood, some not. These smoothness deviations are 10 to 30% and set an overall limit to the smoothness argument alone in justifying using CI abundances as average solar system values.
Chromatographic resolution of atropisomers for toxicity and biotransformation studies in pharmaceutical research.

Abstract Atropisomerism can be a complex concept for those who have not encountered it before. This paper discusses the experiments for identification, isolation, thermal stability, toxicity and biotransformation of various species. The identified atropisomers are a series of rotational hindered biaryl, rotational hindered amide, ring flip, and macrocycles atropisomers identified using supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These technologies offered the advantage of separating various atropoenantiomers, atropdiastereomers and mixed atropisomers with other forms of stereoisomers in both analytical and preparative scales. With ultra-performance convergence chromatography (UPC2), the detection of N-oxide atropisomer metabolites can be obtained at very low level thus enabling the observation of conversion in human plasma possible. As the resolution of atropisomers are related to the energy barriers on the rotational axis, a calculated computational protocol was developed to predict the formation. A threshold of 10 kcal/mol was established for possible detection of the atropisomers’ existence with chromatographic technologies at room temperature or above. The atropisomer with higher energy barrier (>20 kcal/mol) were isolated via preparative chromatography and the isolates studied in vitro and in vivo for evaluation of their stability in human plasma. The detailed analytical method development to analyze the biotransformation of the atropisomers in human plasma are also discussed in this paper.
Innovative valve-regulated battery designs rekindle excitement inlead/acid battery technology

Abstract Recent innovative approaches to the extension of valve-regulated lead/acid (VRLA) technology have led to thedevelopment of several unique products that possess performance attributes not previously achieved in lead/acid technologies, namely: (i)starting, lighting, ignition (SLI) VRLA batteries; (ii) StackPack™ foil batteries, and (iii) spiral-wound Thin Metal Film (TMF ™) batteries.TheVRLA automotive product has been demonstrated to be capable of improving on the durability of conventional flooded designs in extreme high-temperature climate and extreme drive-cycle operating conditions. In uninterruptible power supply (UPS) applications, the StackPack™ battery, at a 15-min discharge rate has delivered 23.3 Wh kg−1 and 1090 Wh 1−1 as compared with 16.0 Wh kg−1 and 595 Wh 1−1 for traditional designs. TMF™ prototypes have exhibited power capability of an order of magnitude higher than conventional VRLA designs and have been utilized successfully in a vehicle for seven months and over 31 000 km (19 200 miles).
Usurping Difference in the Feminine Fantastic from the Riverplate

This study intended to define the concept of a feminine fantastic as a narrative mode in contemporary short fiction by women writers from Argentina and Uruguay. As a point of departure, the study examined the narrative techniques and conventions of the fantastic and their strategic use for the expression of feminine concerns. The concept of the feminine was used in the sense of referring to an interpretation of femininity as a construct of language rather than an essentially feminine narrative mode based on a biological gender division. An overview of fantastic short stories by women writers from Argentina and Uruguay examined the use of a gender-coded discourse and its subversion as the controlling strategy of the feminine fantastic. The study proposed that the feminine fantastic, because of its foregrounding of the inherent power relations of discourse and language, may also become a political practice for women writers. It was found that the subversion of reality in this narrative mode is often linked to the deconstruction of the binary oppositions underlying gender identity and difference, and that the strategic use of the fantastic may serve the deconstruction of cultural concepts that traditionally engender hierarchical and oppressive meanings in patriarchal discourse. This article is available in Studies in 20th Century Literature: http://newprairiepress.org/sttcl/vol20/iss1/12 Usurping Difference in the Feminine Fantastic from the Riverplate
Primeval cells: Possible energy-generating and cell-division mechanisms

It is proposed that the first entity capable of adaptive Darwinian evolution consisted of a liposome vesicle formed of (1) abiotically produced phospholipidlike molecules; (2) a very few informational macromolecules; and (3) some abiogenic, lipid-soluble, organic molecule serving as a symporter for phosphate and protons and as a means of high-energy-bond generation. The genetic material had functions that led to the production of phospholipidlike materials (leading to growth and division of the primitive cells) and of the carrier needed for energy transduction. It is suggested that the most primitive exploitable energy source was the donation of 2H++2e− at the external face of the primitive cell. The electrons were transferred (by metal impurities) to internal sinks of organic material, thus creating, via a deficit, a protonmotive force that could drive both the active transport of phosphate and high-energy-bond formation.
Aortic and Mitral Insufficiency Complicating Fulminant Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The cardiac complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include a multitude of valvular, myocardial, and pericardial abnormalities resulting from acute and chronic inflammation involving the endocardium, myocardium, and/or pericardium. A case of acute, severe, aortic, and mitral insufficiency occurring as discrete complications of consecutive flares of SLE in the same patient is described with particular emphasis on the clinical and gross pathologic findings. The cardiac complications of SLE, both from a pathologic and clinical standpoint, are reviewed in the context of the uniqueness of this case.
Continuous cropping systems reduce near-surface maximum compaction in no-till soils.

Because of increased concerns over compaction in no-till (NT) soils, it is important to assess how continuous cropping systems influence risks of soil compaction across a range of soils and NT management systems. We quantified differences in maximum bulk density (BD max ) and critical water content (CWC) by the Proctor test, field bulk density (ρ b ), and their relationships with soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration across three (>11 yr) cropping systems on a silty clay loam, silt loam, and loam in the central Great Plains. On the silty clay loam, BD max in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]-fallow (SF) and winter wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)]-fallow (WF) was greater than in continuous wheat (WW) and continuous sorghum (SS) by 0.1 Mg m -3 in the 0- to 5-cm soil depth. On the loam, BD max in WF was greater than in W-corn (Zea mays L.)-millet (Panicum liliaceum L.) (WCM) by 0.24 Mg m -3 and perennial grass (GRASS) by 0.11 Mg m -3 . On the silt loam, soil properties were unaffected by cropping systems. Elimination of fallowing increased the CWC by 10 to 25%. The ρ b was greater in WF (1.52 Mg m -3 ) than in WW (1.16 Mg m -3 ) in the silty clay loam, while ρ b under WF and WCF was greater than under WCM and GRASS in the loam for the 0- to 5-cm depth. The BD max and ρ b decreased whereas CWC increased with an increase in SOC concentration in the 0- to 15-cm depth. Overall, continuous cropping systems in NT reduced near-surface maximum soil compaction primarily by increasing SOC concentration.
Peroxidation of free and esterified fatty acids by horseradish peroxidase

Linoleic and arachidonic acids and unsaturated esterified fatty acids of soybean lecithin liposomes were oxidized by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The major products formed in the presence of oxygen were fatty acid hydroperoxides. In the absence of oxygen, other unidentified products were formed. Diene conjugation was about 5 times faster in oxygen than in nitrogen. Malondialdehyde was formed only in the presence of oxygen. Superoxide, singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical may have been involved in the free fatty acid oxidation system but not in the liposome system. Replacement of hydrogen peroxide with the hydrogen peroxide (and superoxide) generators xanthine oxidase or galactose oxidase caused a more efficient oxidation in the presence of peroxidase than in its absence, suggesting that the in vivo toxicity of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide may be greatly increased in the presence of peroxidase.
Long lifetime hollow cathodes for 30-cm mercury ion thrusters

An experimental investigation of hollow cathodes for 30-cm Hg bombardment thrusters was carried out. Both main and neutralizer cathode configurations were tested with both rolled foil inserts coated with low work function material and impregnated porous tungsten inserts. Temperature measurements of an impregnated insert at various positions in the cathode were made. These, along with the cathode thermal profile are presented. A theory for rolled foil and impregnated insert operation and lifetime in hollow cathodes is developed. Several endurance tests, as long as 18,000 hours at emission currents of up to 12 amps were attained with no degradation in performance.
Factors Governing Nonoverlapping Substrate Specificity by Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Peptidase

At least three peptidases are involved in cleaving presequences from imported mitochondrial proteins. One of the peptidase, the inner membrane peptidase, has two catalytic subunits, Imp1p and Imp2p, which are structurally related but functionally distinct in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Whereas both subunits are members of the type I signal peptidase family, they exhibit nonoverlapping substrate specificities. A clue to the substrate specificity mechanism has come from our discovery of the importance not only of the -1 and -3 residues in the signal peptides cleaved by Imp1p and Imp2p but also the +1 cargo residues attached to the signal peptides. We specifically find that Imp1p prefers substrates having a negatively charged residue (Asp or Glu) at the +1 position, whereas Imp2p prefers substrates having the Met residue at the +1 position. We further suggest that the conformation of the cargo is important for substrate recognition by Imp2p. A role for the cargo in presequence recognition distinguishes Imp1p and Imp2p from other type I signal peptidases.
The Quality of Quality Is It Time for New Tools

Over the past 2 decades, hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have taken center stage in the secondary prevention after myocardial infarction (MI) as evidence of their efficacy emerged from clinical trials.1–4 Practice guidelines then incorporated the results of clinical trials, and, because guideline-based care processes were shown to be associated with outcomes,5 performance measures became an indicator of the quality of care.6 Performance measures track whether or not evidence-based medications are administered after MI. However, they do not assess whether or not the dose is optimal. The dose is an important issue for statins, because their efficacy to prevent recurrent MI and death after the initial event has been shown to be greater at higher doses.2,7 Article see p 1303 The article by Arnold et al8 in this issue of Circulation adds more depth to the conversation on quality of care after MI by examining the dose of statins that patients received after acute MI in an observational study. The authors report on data from the Translational Research Investigating Underlying disparities in acute Myocardial infarction Patients’ Health status (TRIUMPH) study. TRIUMPH is an National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute–funded prospective registry designed to study the outcomes after MI with a distinct focus on health status outcomes in black and white patients. TRIUMPH collected detailed data on the socioeconomic, clinical, treatment, health status, metabolic, and genetic characteristics of patients with acute MI enrolled in 24 centers across the United States between 2005 and 2008.9 The design of the TRIUMPH study included an extensive (5 hours) data collection process, and, on study completion, 4340 patients were eligible for analysis. The depth of the data collected in …
Impact of oral silymarin on virus- and non-virus-specific T-cell responses in chronic hepatitis C infection

Silymarin displays anti-inflammatory effects on T-lymphocytes in vitro. The immunomodulatory properties of oral silymarin in vivo in humans with chronic hepatitis C have not previously been characterized. We hypothesized that silymarin would suppress T-cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production of virus- and non-virus-specific T-cells while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 production in vivo. Patients from one site of the SyNCH-HCV double-masked, placebo-controlled study of oral silymarin in prior interferon non-responders with chronic hepatitis C provided blood samples at baseline and treatment week 20. Mononuclear cells were stimulated with recombinant HCV proteins and controls in 3H-thymidine proliferation assays, IFNγ Elispot and IL-10 Elispot. The frequency of CD4+CD25hi and CD4+foxp3+ regulatory T-cells, serum cytokine levels, serum IP-10 and lymphocyte interferon-stimulated gene expression were also quantified at baseline and week 20. Thirty-two patients were recruited (10; placebo, 11; 420mg three times a day, 11; 700mg three times a day). Serum ALT and HCV RNA titers did not change in any group. HCV-specific CD4+ T-cell proliferation and the frequency of IFNγ– and IL-10-producing T-cells were not significantly changed in silymarin-treated subjects. However, C. albicans-induced T-cell IFNγ and phytohemagglutinin-induced T-cell proliferation were suppressed by silymarin therapy. A trend towards augmentation of interferon-induced ISG15 expression was present in the high-dose silymarin group. While no effect on HCV-specific T-cells was identified, these data confirm that high-dose oral silymarin exerts modest non-specific immunomodulatory effects in vivo. The impact of this anti-inflammatory effect on long-term liver health in chronic hepatitis C merits future clinical investigation.
Uses and Abuses of Estimates of the Underground Economy

ered valuable by at least a part of society (narcotics production and distribution, prostitution, gambling). These activities can be large in some countries and should be counted in the national accounts of all countries although they rarely are. Their omission affects the comparability of data across countries. The incomes generated by illegal activities are rarely taxed.' Many other activities, such as those associated with the subsistence or informal sectors, are estimated, rather than measured, and are generally not taxed because of the low value they generate to those who engage in them. In conclusion there are many reasons, beside the ones discussed in this paper why the measurements of national output may not be complete. About two decades ago, a few economists became convinced that many normal economic activities, that should be measured and taxed, were taking place 'underground' or in the 'shadow' thus presumably escaping the attention of the statistical offices, of the tax authorities, and, more generally, of the government regulators. Some of these economists also claimed that, like Alice in Wonderland, these hidden activities were growing in a 'ridiculous fashion'. (See Gutmann, 1977; and Feige, 1979). By the late 1970s, the role of government had grown enormously, so that the level of taxation and the tax rates had risen sharply and regulations had proliferated in many countries. See Tanzi and Schuknecht (1997). These developments had created strong incentives for individuals and enterprises to go 'underground' to avoid taxes and regulatory restrictions. Thus, a good case could be made that what came to be called the underground economy was a phenomenon to worry about. Newspaper articles were ready to accept the
Use of mesh for hiatal hernia repair: a survey of SAGES members

Background Mesh use during hiatal hernia repair (HHR) has been suggested to be safe and effective. Concern has been raised about the risk of mesh-related complications, and the higher risk of complications if revisional hiatal surgery is undertaken after mesh has been used. Available data have not established a clear role for mesh in HHR. To assess surgeons’ adoption of the use of mesh for HHR, SAGES members were surveyed regarding their practice related to mesh use for HHR.
Plant biology: Sticking with auxin

Auxin is one of the main agents that regulate plant growth and development. Intricate crystallographic studies reveal how this hormone acts as a 'molecular glue' in mediating substrate–receptor interactions. The mechanism by which the plant hormone auxin regulates plant growth has puzzled scientists since Darwin's time. Auxin is known to regulate gene expression by binding to its receptor TIR1 and promoting ubiquitin-dependent degradation of Aux/IAA repressor proteins. Now the determination of the crystal structures of TIR1 in complexes with three different auxins and an Aux/IAA peptide shows auxin to act as a 'molecular glue' promoting interactions between the receptor and proteins targeted for degradation. As well as revealing auxin's mechanism, this work establishes the first structural model of a plant hormone receptor. Also, the discovery that a small molecule like auxin can regulate ubiquitin ligases suggests a novel strategy for developing therapeutics for human disorders associated with ubiquitin ligase defects. On the cover, auxin (shown as a spacefilling model) is seen in the cavity between TIR1 (blue) and IAA7 peptide (orange).
Effect of Solvents on Interactions between Hydrophobic Self-Assembled Monolayers.

An atomic force microscope was used to measure forces between self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of hexadecanethiol as a function of solvent type. Solvents alter interactions between surfaces by changing the wetting properties of the surface. Adhesive forces decrease with solvent dielectric constant and vary monotonically for mixtures of water and ethanol, ethanol and methanol, and water and ethylene glycol. This study demonstrates that interactions and adhesion between hydrophobic SAMs can be manipulated through changes in the contact angle of the surface.
EDUCATIONAL POLICY: THINKING TO SOME PURPOSE

(1977). EDUCATIONAL POLICY: THINKING TO SOME PURPOSE. The Review of Education: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 132-140.
Chronic ingestion of ethanol increases the number of Ca2+ channels of hippocampal neurons of long-sleep but not short-sleep mice

Whole cell and single channel Ca2+ currents were compared for hippocampal neurons of normal and ethanol-tolerant long-sleep and short-sleep mice. The properties of these currents were equivalent for normal LS and SS mice. In contrast, the peak amplitude of the whole cell Ca2+ current increased significantly for neurons isolated from LS but not SS mice chronically ingesting ethanol. Since there were no changes in the functional properties of single channel events, these data indicate that chronic ingestion of ethanol causes an increase in the number of functional Ca2+ channels in the membrane of hippocampal neurons of LS mice.
Stranded Arrangement of Sporopollenin in the Exine of Microspores of Poa annua

In the early microspore wall of the grass Poa annua L., sporopollenin is arranged in bundles of anastomosing strands. Each bundle contains at least two strands, each about 50 A in diameter, which anastomose or intertwine and look like a meshwork with pores of the mesh up to 50 A in diameter. After the early microspore stage the exine becomes homogeneous; it is similar in this respect to the exines or ornamented parts of the exines of pollen of other angiosperms examined by electron microscopy.
Quantum confinement effect in Si/Ge core-shell nanowires: First-principles calculations

The electronic structure of Si/Ge core-shell nanowires along the [110] and [111] directions are studied with first-principles calculations. We identify the near-gap electronic states that are spatially separated within the core or the shell region, making it possible for a dopant to generate carriers in a different region. The confinement energies of these core and shell states provide an operational definition of the ``band offset,'' which is not only size dependent but also component dependent. The optimal doping strategy in Si/Ge core-shell nanowires is proposed based on these energy results.
The Joy and Fear in Space Exploration

Despite plots based on things gone wrong, the films Europa Report and Gravity celebrate the idealism of human space exploration.
Simulation of Drying Using a Kiln Model

A mathematical model was developed for simulating a convective batch lumber drying process. The model incorporates mass and heat transfer relationships within the lumber stack, as well as thermodynamic properties of the wood and drying air. It takes into account the change of air properties along the stack and its effect on the mass and heat transfer parameters. The model relies on a drying rate function that is an empirical correlation based on single-board tests. A drying rate function for western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) lumber was developed. The drying rate function was obtained based on experiment results from 500 small boards dried over a range of conditions used in commercial practice. The model was first validated against data available in the literature and then against large batches of hemlock dried in a laboratory kiln. In both cases, the model output was in good agreement with the average moisture content, the drying rates, and the temperatures measured in the larger batches.
Acoustic measurements of men's and women's voices: a study of context effects and covariation.

Several acoustic measures of laryngeal activity were made on adult speech to help answer two questions left unresolved by previous work: (1) how each measure varies, if at all, with phonetic struct...