cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Feeding Configurations to Water Flooding and General Performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell

The performance of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) using different feeding configurations has been studied. Three bipolar plates, namely serpentine, straight channel and interdigitated designs, were arranged in different combinations for the PEMFC anode and cathode sides. Nine combinations in total were tested under different flow rates, working temperatures and loadings. The cell voltage versus current density and the cell power density versus current density curves were obtained. After operating the PEMFC under high current densities, the cell was split and the water flooding in the feeding channels was visually inspected. Experimental results showed that for different feeding configurations, interdigitated bipolar plate in anode side and serpentine bipolar plate in cathode side had the best performance in terms of cell voltage-current density curve, power density output rate, percentage of flooded area in the feeding channels, the pattern of flooding and the fuel utilization rate.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A German agent at the Vatican: The Gerlach affair

(1996). A German agent at the Vatican: The Gerlach affair. Intelligence and National Security: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 345-356.
Chronic otitis media requiring ventilation tubes in tracheotomized ventilator dependent children

The occurrence of sinusitis and middle ear effusions has frequently been attributed to the obstruction of the sinus ostia and/or eustachian tube. In the intensive care unit setting, edema caused by the irritation from nasogastric, nasotracheal and orotracheal tubes has been associated with this pathology and has been responsible for occult sepsis in this population. Our investigation was performed to determine the risk of chronic otitis media with effusion necessitating myringotomy with tympanostomy tubes among tracheotomized, ventilator dependent children in a consecutive series of children admitted to our recently created stable ventilator unit. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all tracheotomized, chronically ventilator dependent children < 48 months of age who had been hospitalized in this unit from the initial opening in September 1990 to January 1993. Data collected consisted of patient demographics, gestational age, cognitive abilities, age at onset of mechanical ventilation, age at tracheostomy, age at myringotomy, presence of nasogastric and gastroenterostomy tubes and evidence of gastric-esophageal reflux. All children underwent a tracheostomy procedure subsequent to the onset of mechanical ventilation. Of these patients, 9/12 (75%) later required myringotomy with tympanostomy tube placement following the occurrence of chronic otitis media with effusion. Ventilation tubes for chronic otitis media with effusion were not required in 3 patients. Using a case control study design, we examined the need of myringotomy tubes for children requiring continuous mechanical ventilation versus those requiring night-time only ventilation. The risk of myringotomy tubes in the continuously ventilated group (919) was significantly greater than the risk in the intermittently ventilated group (O/3) P <O.Ol. We conclude chronic otitis media with effusion is a common finding *Presented at the 21st Annual Conference of the Society for Ear, Nose and Throat Advances in
Histone Acetyltransferase HBO1 Interacts with the ORC1 Subunit of the Human Initiator Protein

The origin recognition complex (ORC) is an initiator protein for DNA replication, but also effects transcriptional silencing in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and heterochromatin function in Drosophila. It is not known, however, whether any of these functions of ORC is conserved in mammals. We report the identification of a novel protein, HBO1 (histone acetyltransferase binding to ORC), that interacts with human ORC1 protein, the largest subunit of ORC. HBO1 exists as part of a multisubunit complex that possesses histone H3 and H4 acetyltransferase activities. A fraction of the relatively abundant HBO1 protein associates with ORC1 in human cell extracts. HBO1 is a member of the MYST domain family that includes S. cerevisiae Sas2p, a protein involved in control of transcriptional silencing that also has been genetically linked to ORC function. Thus the interaction between ORC and a MYST domain acetyltransferase is widely conserved. We suggest roles for ORC-mediated acetylation of chromatin in control of both DNA replication and gene expression.
Hydrostatic pressure and bacteriocin-triggered cell wall lysis of Leuconostoc mesenteroides

Exposure of cell suspensions of Leuconostoc mesenteroides Ly to either high hydrostatic pressure (HP: 345 MPa at 25 °C for 5 min) or pediocin AcH (2000 or 5000 AU/ml) produced cell viability loss over 6 log cycles and reduction in optical density (OD) of approximately 80% in 1 h at 600nm. The reduction in OD was associated with cell lysis. Time-lapse studies following treatments revealed that cell death and cell lysis are two separate but dependent events. Both HP and pediocin AcH damaged the cell wall, which then probably triggered the autolysin system of the cells to further degrade the cell walls. When cells were pressurized in the presence of pediocin AcH, cell wall degradation was faster and more extensive.
On the occurrence of magnetopause crossings at 6.6 RE

The vector magnetometer data from the ATS-1 spacecraft in synchronous orbit for the period of December 1966 to December 1968 were scanned. Magnetopause crossings were identified by sudden changes in field magnitude accompanied by directional changes and increased noise levels. There was little difficulty in identifying magnetopause traversals near noon at synchronous orbit within 6.6 earth radii. Magnetopause traversals were observed on 5 of the 545 days, ranging in duration from 1 min to over 3 hr. Extrapolating the magnetopause crossing statistics to lower radial distances linearly on a semilog plot suggests that the noon magnetopause is flatter at disturbed times than at quiet times.
Impact of Sequencing of Postmastectomy Radiotherapy and Breast Reconstruction on Timing and Rate of Complications and Patient Satisfaction

Purpose There are few long-term studies of how the sequencing of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) and breast reconstruction (BR) affects the time to development of complications or patient satisfaction with BR. We therefore studied this issue. Methods and Materials One hundred thirteen women who underwent BR at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA) from 1999–2006 and also received PMRT were included. Complications requiring surgery were categorized as early (within 90 days of BR) or late. The median length of follow-up after BR was 46.5 months. Patients' general and esthetic satisfaction was assessed with a validated questionnaire. Results Complications occurred among 32% of 57 women receiving PMRT before BR and 44% of 57 patients having BR before PMRT ( p = 0.176). Early complications were more frequent in patients who had PMRT first (18%) than for those with BR first (11%) ( p = 0.210); conversely, late complication rates in the two groups were 14% and 33%, respectively ( p = 0.009). General satisfaction was comparable between the PMRT-first and BR-first groups (68% and 68%, respectively; p = 0.995); esthetic satisfaction rates were also similar (50% and 62%, respectively; p = 0.238). Conclusions The sequencing of PMRT and BR did not have a substantial impact on the total risk of complications or patients' general and esthetic satisfaction. However, early complications tended to develop in patients having PMRT first, whereas patients having BR first had a higher risk of late complications. Additional study of the effects of sequencing of PMRT on particular types of reconstructions may help devise strategies for reducing these risks.
Use of peak Doppler gradient across ventricular septal defect leads to underestimation of right-sided pressures in a patient with M-shaped Doppler signal: A case report

CASE REPORT A 4-year-old girl with a history of complex congenital heart disease consisting of pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect (VSD), hypoplastic central pulmonary artery (PA), and multiple systemic to PA collaterals was brought to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for evaluation of the caliber and pressure of her PAs and the gradient across her VSD. She has been clinically stable without development of exercise intolerance. Her first surgical procedure was a central systemic to PA shunt as an infant. Subsequently, she had coil embolization of systemic to PA collateral vessels. She then underwent complete repair with a right ventricular (RV) outflow tract patch with a Gore-Tex monocusp valve (Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) and a fenestrated VSD closure at 18 months of age. Because of recurrent branch PA stenoses, she had undergone cardiac catheterization with balloon angioplasty of multiple branch PA obstructions on the right and left side. Since her surgical repair at 18 months, her electrocardiogram had shown a right bundle branch block. While the patient was sedated and anesthetized, RV and left ventricular (LV) pressures were measured and recorded simultaneously during cardiac catheterization. To avoid dampening or delay artifacts as seen with standard fluid-filled catheters, two 2F microtip catheter pressure transducers were used (Millar SPC-320, Millar Instruments Inc, Houston, Tex). These transducers were placed at the end of the catheters to record the pressure directly within the cardiac chamber. Simultaneously, an echocardiography machine (Sequoia, Siemens Co, Mountain View, Calif) was used to obtain the Doppler signal across the VSD. The transthoracic transducer was placed in a position to obtain the maximal Doppler velocity. The spectral Doppler gain settings were adjusted to obtain the clearest signal. Electrocardiographic tracings were recorded simultaneously. The ventricular tracings and simultaneous echocardiographic gradients are displayed in Figure 1.
Separation of mixed fine powders by electrophoresis

Abstract A sub-micron powder of either alumina or zirconia was separated by electrophoresis. A mixed suspension of these powders was prepared at a powder concentration of 150–200 p.p.m. at pH 5.0, where both alumina and zirconia had enough positive zeta potential to prevent their heterocoagulation. A uniform and stable ascending flow of electrolytic solution at pH 7.4 was prepared, where the difference of the zeta potential between alumina and zirconia was about the maximum. The ascending flow carried a fine stream of the suspension with a diameter less than 1 mm. The fine stream of suspension was divided into two fine streams by applying an electric field of 10 V/cm perpendicular to the flow. The concentration of different kinds of particles in each separated suspension was reduced to 1/10 of that in the original mixed suspension.
Report of a Pilot, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Megestrol Acetate in Elderly Dialysis Patients With Cachexia

Objective We examined the effects of megestrol acetate versus placebo and progressive resistance physical exercise on weight, lean muscle mass, quality of life, ability to exercise, proinflammatory cytokines, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and their correlations with one another. Design We organized a prospective 20-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of hemodialysis patients. Setting This study took place at the Outpatient Unit of the Northport Veteran Affairs Medical Center. Subjects We studied nine male hemodialysis patients who had two or more of the following: albumin level Interventions Interventions included megestrol acetate (MA) or placebo 800 mg oral daily for 20 weeks, along with weight resistance physical therapy with weights twice a week before dialysis. Patients were followed prospectively for an additional 4 weeks. Main Outcome Measurements Weight, body composition, activities of daily living, ability to exercise, and plasma cytokine levels were measured. Results At 24 weeks, the MA group had a statistically significant weight gain (11.1-pound increase vs. 1.5-pound decrease for the placebo group, P = .018), body fat gain (6.2-pound increase vs. a 0.4-pound decrease for the placebo group, P = .044) and fat-free mass gain (5-pound increase vs. a 1.2-pound decrease in the placebo group). The MA group also had a greater tendency toward increased appetite and sense of well-being. The MA group showed a greater improvement in ability to exercise (mean change in rate of perceived exertion (RPE), 4.7) vs. the placebo group (mean change in RPE vs. 0.5, P = .02). Elevated cytokine levels were evident at baseline in both groups. In all patients, increases in weight, fat-free mass, sense of well-being, appetite, and ability to exercise were negatively correlated with tumor necrosis factor receptor subunit p75 ( P P Conclusion In a pilot trial in dialysis patients, MA showed significant benefits in improving weight and ability to exercise. Cytokine changes were correlated with weight gains and increases in fat-free mass.
HER-2/NEU EXPRESSION IN PROSTATE CANCER: HIGH LEVEL OF EXPRESSION ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO HORMONE THERAPY AND ANDROGEN INDEPENDENT DISEASE

Purpose: HER-2/neu is a proto-oncogene that encodes a transmembrane receptor belonging to the family of epidermal growth factor receptors. Increasing evidences indicates that HER-2/neu may contribute to hormone resistance in prostate cancer. We investigated HER-2/neu expression in primary, androgen dependent and advanced androgen independent prostate cancer, and its potential value as a marker of disease progression.Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical testing was performed to investigate HER-2/neu expression in 81 patients with prostate cancer, including 31 with pathological stage C disease treated with radical prostatectomy without preoperative androgen ablation therapy (untreated group), 30 with pathological stage C disease treated before surgery with androgen ablation therapy (treated group) and 20 with advanced androgen independent prostate cancer (androgen independent group). Tumors were classified based on the percent of tumor cells showing HER-2/neu membrane immunoreactivity as low (50% or l...
Autonomous Real-Time Interventional Scan Plane Control With a 3-D Shape-Sensing Needle

This study demonstrates real-time scan plane control dependent on three-dimensional needle bending, as measured from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible optical strain sensors. A biopsy needle with embedded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors to measure surface strains is used to estimate its full 3-D shape and control the imaging plane of an MR scanner in real-time, based on the needle's estimated profile. The needle and scanner coordinate frames are registered to each other via miniature radio-frequency (RF) tracking coils, and the scan planes autonomously track the needle as it is deflected, keeping its tip in view. A 3-D needle annotation is superimposed over MR-images presented in a 3-D environment with the scanner's frame of reference. Scan planes calculated based on the FBG sensors successfully follow the tip of the needle. Experiments using the FBG sensors and RF coils to track the needle shape and location in real-time had an average root mean square error of 4.2 mm when comparing the estimated shape to the needle profile as seen in high resolution MR images. This positional variance is less than the image artifact caused by the needle in high resolution SPGR (spoiled gradient recalled) images. Optical fiber strain sensors can estimate a needle's profile in real-time and be used for MRI scan plane control to potentially enable faster and more accurate physician response.
Fast numerical algorithms for fitting multiresolution hybrid shape models to brain MRI

In this paper, we present new and fast numerical algorithms for shape recovery from brain MRI using multiresolution hybrid shape models. In this modeling framework, shapes are represented by a core rigid shape characterized by a superquadric function and a superimposed displacement function which is characterized by a membrane spline discretized using the finite-element method. Fitting the model to brain MRI data is cast as an energy minimization problem which is solved numerically. We present three new computational methods for model fitting to data. These methods involve novel mathematical derivations that lead to efficient numerical solutions of the model fitting problem. The first method involves using the nonlinear conjugate gradient technique with a diagonal Hessian preconditioner. The second method involves the nonlinear conjugate gradient in the outer loop for solving global parameters of the model and a preconditioned conjugate gradient scheme for solving the local parameters of the model. The third method involves the nonlinear conjugate gradient in the outer loop for solving the global parameters and a combination of the Schur complement formula and the alternating direction-implicit method for solving the local parameters of the model. We demonstrate the efficiency of our model fitting methods via experiments on several MR brain scans.
A Method of Scaling with Incomplete Pair-Comparison Data

Data generated by the method of pair-comparisons can be analyzed by the least squares technique. A system of normal equations is derived by which the original objects are scaled. Among the advantages of this method of scaling is no requirement that all object pairs be compared. Several examples are provided demonstrating the application of the least squares equations.
Laparoscopic findings during adnexal surgery in women with a history of nongynecologic malignancy.

Abstract Objectives. To describe the results of laparoscopic management of adnexal masses in women with a history of nongynecologic malignancy. Methods. We conducted a retrospective review of 262 patients with history of prior nongynecologic malignancy who underwent laparoscopy for management of an adnexal mass between 1/1992 and 6/2004. Results. Median patient age at laparoscopy was 55 years (range, 20–91 years), and median BMI was 25 kg/m 2 (range, 14–41 kg/m 2 ). Of the 262 patients, 145 (55.3%) had prior abdominal/pelvic surgery. Prior cancer history included breast (202, 77.1%), lymphoma/leukemia (16, 6.1%), colorectal (8, 3.0%), lung (7, 2.7%), multiple myeloma (5, 1.9%), head/neck (5, 1.9%), genitourinary (5, 1.9%), upper gastrointestinal (4, 1.5%), and other (10, 3.8%). Median ovarian mass diameter measured on radiologic imaging was 3.8 cm (range, 0.2–13.5 cm); median CA-125 was 17.0 U/mL (range, 1–7000 U/mL). In all, 49 (18.7%) patients had malignancy identified at laparoscopy, with 30/49 (61.2%) diagnosed with metastatic malignancy to the ovary and 19/49 (38.8%) having a new primary ovarian malignancy . Median tumor diameter and CA-125 were significantly higher in women found to have a malignancy (4.7 vs. 3.7 cm, and 35 vs. 14 U/mL, respectively). Overall, conversion to laparotomy occurred in 34 (12.9%) cases. Twenty-one of 49 (42.9%) patients with malignancy were converted to laparotomy compared with 13/213 (6.1%) when benign disease was noted ( P Conclusions. Approximately 1 in 5 patients with a history of nongynecologic malignancy who were selected for laparoscopic management of an adnexal mass was found to have malignancy, with 60% being metastatic from other primaries. The majority of cases were managed laparoscopically even if malignancy was identified.
Do-all receptor takes on coagulation, inflammation

How many critical functions can be jammed into one receptor? New work on thrombomodulin explores the limits. This already overtaxed protein binds HMGB1, a molecule that contributes to sepsis and other inflammatory conditions.
Pion transparency in 500 MeV C(π, π′) reactions?

Abstract The question whether there is a pion transparency in 500 MeV C ( π , π ′) scatterings is studied using a semiclassical, hadronic transport model. The double differential cross sections of this reaction measured at LAMPF can be largely accounted for, if one uses energy-dependent, anisotropic angular distributions which are fitted to pion-nucleon scattering data for the decay of Δ(1232) and N ∗ (1440) resonances. The remaining discrepancy between the data and the calculation sets a limit on effects of more exotic processes.
Targeting Winners: Can Foreign Direct Investment Policy Help Developing Countries Industrialise?

The globalisation process provides opportunities for developing countries in the context of tighter international agreements that limit their policy instruments for promoting industrialisation. An option for governments in this new context is to ‘target lead transnational corporations’, whose corporate strategies are more attuned to their developmental circumstances and industrial aspirations, in order to locate nodules of their international systems of integrated production in their economy. This can have a clustering effect in the same host economy that can contribute significantly to the creation and consolidation of internationally competitive industries there. Here we examine the cases of two developing countries: one that achieved impressive results by following such a policy and another that missed a golden opportunity by not doing so. Le processus de mondialisation offre de nouvelles chances pour les pays en developpement dans un contexte de traites internationaux plus stricts qui limitent leurs i...
Predictive Criteria for Successful Growth Promotion in Growth Hormone Therapy of Short Stature: A Comparison between Common Endocrine Parameters and Knemometry

. Due to increased availability of growth hormone (GH) for the treatment of short stature, its use has been proposed for a number of conditions besides classic GH deficiency. We have studied growth response during a one year treatment period with 14 IU/m2/week of GH in a heterogenous group of 24 short children with various conditions associated with short stature (SDS for body height ranging between −2.2 and −4.4). Thirteen children could be classified as “responders” with growth rate increments of 2 cm/yr or more above pretreat-ment growth rates, and 11 children as “non-responders”. The children were measured regularly both by stadiometry and knemometry at weekly intervals. GH stimulation by insulin, arginine and spontaneous overnight secretion of GH, and SM-C generation were evaluated in the children and found to be of no predictive value for the individual responsiveness to GH administration except in one boy with classic GH deficiency. However, serial measurements of the lower leg length provided useful information for individual predictions in 21 out of the 24 children as early as 10 weeks after the start of the GH treatment.
27 THYROXIN (T4) EFFECTS ON GROWTH AND HEPATIC EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR (EGF) ONTOGENY IN MICE WITH CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM (CH)

The effects of thyroid hormones on growth and development are probably mediated by specific growth factors as EGF. We have studied the effects of thyroxine on growth and hepatic EGF receptor ontogeny in a mouse strain with an inherited form of CH. Hypothyroid mice (h/h) were treated with T4 between day 20 and day 40 postnatally, h/h nontreated mice and euthyroid (+/+) mice served as controls. Animals were killed at day 20 or day 40 postnatally. Serum thyroxine was measured by RIA and EGF receptor binding in a liver plasma-membrane homogenate. Up to 20 days of age all mice showed the same weight gain and EGF hepatic receptor binding were low and not significantly different between h/h and +/+ mice. From day 20 h/h mice had a significantly lower growth rate than +/+ mice, a growth retardation that were normalised by T4 treatment. Early postnatal growth (day 0-20) in mice is thyroid hormone independent and resembles in that respect late prenatal growth in humans. In contrast, between day 20 and 40 postnatally thyroid hormone is necessary for normal growth and for the increase in hepatic EGF binding observed in mice. Our results indicate that an altered ontogeny of Epidermal Growth Factor receptors might be involved in the growth and developmental retardation found in CH.
Using a collision model to design safer wind turbine rotors for birds

A mathematical model for collisions between birds and propeller-type turbine rotors identifies the variables that can be manipulated to reduce the probability that birds will collide with the rotor. This study defines a safety index--the clearance power density--that allows rotors of different sizes and designs to be compared in terms of the amount of wind energy converted to electrical energy per bird collision. The collision model accounts for variations in wind speed during the year and shows that for model rotors with simple, one-dimensional blades, the safety index increases in proportion to rotor diameter, and variable speed rotors have higher safety indexes than constant speed rotors. The safety index can also be increased by enlarging the region near the center of the rotor hub where the blades move slowly enough for birds to avoid them. Painting the blades to make them more visible might have this effect. Model rotors with practical designs can have safety indexes an order of magnitude higher than those for model rotors typical of the constant speeds rotors in common use today. This finding suggests that redesigned rotors could have collision rates with birds perhaps an order of magnitude lower than today`s rotors, with no reductionmore » in the production of wind power. The empirical data that exist for collisions between raptors, such as hawks and eagles, and rotors are consistent with the model: the numbers of raptor carcasses found beneath large variable speed rotors, relative to the numbers found under small constant speed rotors, are in the proportions predicted by the collision model rather than in proportion to the areas swept by the rotor blades. However, uncontrolled variables associated with these data prevent a stronger claim of support for the model.« less
A New Compression Test Method for Thick Composites

A test method was developed for determination of compressive properties of thick composite materials. A new fixture was designed and built based on the concept of transmitting the initial load through the tabs by shear loading and thereafter engaging the ends to apply the additional load to failure by end loading. This fixture was used to measure the longitudinal compressive properties of thick composite materials. It is shown that longitudinal compressive strengths of 1660 MPa (240 ksi) are obtainable experimentally for thick composites. Several factors were found to affect the results of these compression tests. They include alignment, specimen geometry, stress concentrations, specimen end-crushing, and timing of end-loading engagement.
Analysis of High Speed Characteristics for Linear Induction Machines

Linear induction machines (LIM) can be used as continuous duty machines for high speed propulsion and provide a low cost solution for very long stroke in comparison to linear synchronous machines (LSM). However, electromagnetic analysis of the LIM indicates that at high speeds, thrust force generated for propulsion and normal force as a by-product which can increase friction tend to reduce. This indicates that for high speeds, the system would require larger Iq and Id currents to generate the required amount of force. Using finite element analysis, it has also been found that there exists a trailing eddy current density which at high speeds causes a significant depreciation of the forces. Also, the variation of average thrust and normal forces with respect to frequency at one particular linear speed (5 m/sec) is presented, and asymmetry effect and the definition of 'negative frequency' have been explored
LASTRAC.3d: Transition Prediction in 3D Boundary Layers

Langley Stability and Transition Analysis Code (LASTRAC) is a general-purpose, physics-based transition prediction code released by NASA for laminar flow control studies and transition research. This paper describes the LASTRAC extension to general three-dimensional (3D) boundary layers such as finite swept wings, cones, or bodies at an angle of attack. The stability problem is formulated by using a body-fitted nonorthogonal curvilinear coordinate system constructed on the body surface. The nonorthogonal coordinate system offers a variety of marching paths and spanwise waveforms. In the extreme case of an infinite swept wing boundary layer, marching with a nonorthogonal coordinate produces identical solutions to those obtained with an orthogonal coordinate system using the earlier release of LASTRAC. Several methods to formulate the 3D parabolized stability equations (PSE) are discussed. A surface-marching procedure akin to that for 3D boundary layer equations may be used to solve the 3D parabolized disturbance equations. On the other hand, the local line-marching PSE method, formulated as an easy extension from its 2D counterpart and capable of handling the spanwise mean flow and disturbance variation, offers an alternative. A linear stability theory or parabolized stability equations based N-factor analysis carried out along the streamline direction with a fixed wavelength and downstream-varying spanwise direction constitutes an efficient engineering approach to study instability wave evolution in a 3D boundary layer. The surface-marching PSE method enables a consistent treatment of the disturbance evolution along both streamwise and spanwise directions but requires more stringent initial conditions. Both PSE methods and the traditional LST approach are implemented in the LASTRAC.3d code. Several test cases for tapered or finite swept wings and cones at an angle of attack are discussed.
"Anti-idiotypic" antibodies to HLA in transiently sensitized DST patients.

Abstract To test the hypothesis whether “anti-idiotypic” antibodies (Ab2) were involved in the loss of sensitization following donor-specific blood transfusions (DST), we investigated nine potential kidney graft recipients who became transiently sensitized after DST. Inhibiting “anti-idiotypic” activity of post-DST sera was determined using a complement-dependent cytotoxicity inhibition assay. The follow-up after DST ranged from 9 to 66 months. The nine patients developed 12 different anti-HLA antibodies (Ab1). Inhibiting post-DST serum activity was found in relation to four of them, while enhancement of cell killing caused by post-DST sera was observed in relation to six anti-HLA antibodies. In two patients presenting with more than one anti-HLA antibody inhibition was found with only one of the antibodies, indicating that the blocking of Ab1 was specific for the respective antibody. Enhancement was associated with a significantly prolonged sensitization of the patients. On the average, 5.7 ± 5.0 months were necessary before “anti-idiotypic” activity was developed after the loss of sensitization, whereas enhancement was found immediately thereafter. Testing by flow cytometry indicated that enhancing sera still contained subthreshold levels of Ab1. Our results indicate that DST can induce the development of “anti-idiotypic” antibodies following a short period of sensitization. This finding provides further evidence that anti-idiotypic antibodies might be relevant factors in the eventual disappearance of sensitization to HLA antigens.
Acute hemodynamic effects of norepinephrine inhibition in patients with severe chronic congestive heart failure

The pathophysiologic role of high levels of circulating catecholamines in patients with congestive heart failure remains unclear. To assess the hemodynamic contribution of circulating catecholamines, metyrosine (alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine), an inhibitor of catecholamine synthesis, was administered to nine patients with acutely decompensated chronic congestive heart failure. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction averaged 23.3 +/- 9.9%, whereas cardiac output averaged 3.69 +/- 1.03 liters/min, with a pulmonary wedge pressure of 27.4 +/- 8.5 mm Hg. After 48 h of metyrosine administration, plasma norepinephrine concentration decreased from 919.4 +/- 810.6 to 335.4 +/- 143.1 pg/ml (p less than 0.05). Plasma epinephrine concentration averaged 176.4 +/- 166.0 pg/ml at baseline, and was unchanged during metyrosine administration. Despite the significant decrease in circulating norepinephrine, no significant hemodynamic changes were observed during metyrosine administration. These results suggest that high levels of circulating norepinephrine may be more a marker of severe congestive heart failure than an important contributor to the underlying pathophysiology at this advanced stage of the disease process.
Spin polarization and g factor of a dilute GaAs two-dimensional electron system.

The effective g factor g of a dilute interacting two-dimensional electron system is expected to increase with respect to its bare value as the density is lowered, and to eventually diverge as the system makes a transition to a ferromagnetic state. We report here measurements of g in dilute (density 0.8 to 6.5 3 1010 cm22), high-mobility GaAs two-dimensional electrons from their spin polarization in a parallel magnetic field. The data reveal a surprising trend. While g is indeed significantly enhanced with respect to the band g factor of GaAs, the enhancement factor decreases from about 6 to 3 as the density is reduced.
Resilience in a Community Sample of Children of Alcoholics: Its Prevalence and Relation to Internalizing Symptomatology and Positive Affect.

Data from an ongoing longitudinal study examined resilience (competent performance under adverse conditions) in a community sample of children of alcoholics (COAs n = 216) and matched controls (n = 201). The study examined the prevalence of competence and whether the relation of competence to internalizing and positive affect differed for COAs and controls. COAs were less likely to be highly competent in the conduct/rule-abiding and academic domains and more likely to be low competent. Controlling for previous levels of internalizing, highly competent children in the conduct/rule-abiding and overall competence domains endorsed significantly lower levels of internalizing symptomatology. For the social, conduct/rule-abiding, and overall competence domains, competence was associated with increased positive affect. The relation between competence and internalizing, and competence and positive affect did not differ for COAs and controls. Results suggested that behavioral resilience is not associated with psychological costs but is associated with decreased internalizing and increased positive affect.
Conformational Dependence of Intramolecular Vibrational Energy Redistribution in the EthylenicCH2 Stretch Fundamental of Allyl Fluoride

The high-resolution (6 MHz) infrared spectra of the asymmetric ethylenic hydride stretches of both cis and gauche allyl fluoride have been measured. Rotational assignments of the eigenstates are made using the ground-state microwave-infrared double-resonance capabilities of an electric resonance optothermal spectrometer (EROS). The cis vibrational band near 3114 cm-1 is characterized by sparse, narrow IVR multiplets resulting from weak Coriolis or cross conformer interactions between the vibrational bath states. The IVR lifetime of the cis vibrational band is approximately 2 ns (2000 ps). The gauche vibrational band near 3100 cm-1 is qualitatively and quantitatively quite different from the cis band. The gauche band is characterized by significantly fragmented IVR multiplets with an average IVR lifetime of about 90 ps. The measured anharmonic state density of the gauche band is about 30 states/cm-1. The disagreement between the measured state densities of the gauche vibrational band and the calculated val...
Bicuculline Blocks the Inhibitory Effects of Substance P but not Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide on Gastric Motor Function in the Nucleus Raphe Obscurus of the Rat

We have shown previously that substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), microinjected into the caudal nucleus raphe obscurus (nROb) of the rat decreases intragastric pressure via vagally mediated pathways. Since γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a transmitter of interneurons innervating non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic pathways that modulate gastric peristalsis, we tested the hypothesis that peripheral GABA is a mediator of inhibitory effects of SP and VIP in the nROb on gastric motor function. Substance P (135 pmol) or VIP (100 pmol) were microinjected into the nROb of the same α-chloralose-anaesthetized rats before and 60 min after peripheral administration of bicuculline methiodide (0.4 mg/kg sc), a GABAA receptor antagonist. As expected, both SP and VIP, microinjected into the nROb, evoked marked decreases in intragastric pressure before bicuculline. However, the gastric motor effects of SP, but not VIP, were abolished by bicuculline. Therefore we conclude that SP-evoked gastric relaxation in the nROb is mediated through a peripheral GABA-ergic pathway.
Methemoglobinemia in Channel Catfish: Methods of Prevention

Abstract A study was completed to further evaluate the use of chloride and bicarbonate for prevention of nitrite-induced methemoglobinemia in channel catfish. The goal of the study was to propose a technique that could be used under field conditions of the channel catfish industry. The study was designed to determine if lower concentrations of chloride or bicarbonate were effective in reducing mortalities. A 3:1 ratio of Cl-:NO2 - by weight was found to prevent percent methemoglobin from reaching lethal levels during 48-h laboratory trials. Mortality rates increased with concurrently increasing nitrite and oxygen stress. When calculated on a percent of chloride by weight, NaCl and CaCl2 were found to be equivalent as protective compounds. Bicarbonate from NaHCO3 was less effective for preventing methemoglobinemia than chloride. A preventive management procedure was proposed to include establishing a Cl-:NO2 - ratio of 3:1 in the production pond and maintaining dissolved oxygen at 5 mg/L or above.
Comparison of shipboard and satellite measurements of surface water temperature and chlorophyll a in Lake Ontario

The binational Lake Ontario Lower Aquatic Foodweb Assessment program (LOLA) intensively sampled Lake Ontario in the Spring (April 28-May 3), Summer (August 10–11 and August 19–21) and Fall (September 21–25) of 2003. However, the timing of shipboard surveys often misses critical periods in biological productivity. We directly compared surface water temperature and chlorophyll a (chl a) measurements made during these cruises to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite images for May 3, August 18, and September 21, 2003. Satellite measurements were strongly correlated to shipboard measurements for surface water temperature (r 2 = 0.98) and chl a (r 2 = 0.62, offshore sites only). The OC4 algorithm for chl a greatly overestimated nearshore sites because of the probable presence of color producing agents other than chl a. However, its relative reliability for offshore sites adds confidence in using the imagery to fill the gaps between sampling cruises.
Fuzzy sets and generalized Boolean retrieval systems

Substantial work has been done on the application of fuzzy subset theory to information retrieval. Boolean query processing has been generalized to allow for weights to be attached to individual terms, in either the document indexing or the query representation, or both. Problems with the generalized Boolean lattice structure have been noted, and an alternative approach using query thresholds and appropriate document evaluation functions has been suggested. Problems remain unsolved, however. Criteria generated for the query processing mechanism are inconsistent. The exact functional form and appropriate parameters for the query processing mechanism must be specified. Moreover, the generalized Boolean query model must be reconciled with the vector space approach, suggested new lattice structures for weighted retrieval, and probabilistic retrieval models. Finally, proper retrieval evaluation mechanisms reflecting the fuzzy nature of retrieval are needed.
Sustainability of Vertical Standards Consortia as Communities of Practice: A Multilevel Framework

It is challenging for vertical standards consortia (VSCs) to succeed and thrive, since they need to serve heterogeneous members, their operations depend on members' voluntary contributions, and the social interactions within them can be complex to manage. Yet there is limited understanding of how such voluntary initiatives can sustain themselves. To fill the gap, we conceptualize VSCs as communities of practice and systematically explore their sustainability through the lens of theories underlying communities of practice and the resource-based model of sustainable social structures. Using the case study approach, we propose a multilevel framework that explains how critical member-level dynamics, consortium characteristics, and industry characteristics affect VSC sustainability.
Poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide)/DNA microspheres to facilitate prolonged transgene expression in airway epithelium in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo

Repeat administration of gene therapy for cystic fibrosis is likely to be essential for long-term clinical efficacy. This may be minimized by the use of slow-release gene transfer preparations with more prolonged expression and longer dosing intervals for the patient. Poly(D-L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that has been used to encapsulate plasmid DNA. PLG-DNA microspheres were generated and characterized with respect to morphology, size (80% of particles <5.2 microm), and encapsulation efficiency (50.7+/-2.3%, n=6). Gel electrophoresis of DNA re-extracted from the microspheres confirmed that despite a decrease in the proportion of supercoiled conformation, it had not been degraded by the preparation process. Gene transfer efficiency was tested using microspheres encapsulating the reporter gene beta-galactosidase in vitro on Cos 7 cells and a CF airway epithelial line (CFTEo approximately ) and ex vivo in a sheep tracheal (s.t.) model. In both cases, transgene expression was significantly (P<0.01) lower at the first time point tested (24 h in vitro, 48 h ex vivo) compared to lipid-#67-mediated gene transfer. However, PLG-mediated expression in vitro was sustained at 48 h, while lipid #67-mediated expression levels had dropped significantly (P<0.05) to 50.3+/-13.7 and 38.2+/-2.7% (Cos 7 and CFTEo approximately cells, respectively) of the 24-h level. This pattern was also seen in the s.t. model where at 72 h, PLG-mediated expression was 125.4+/-7.2% of the 48-h level demonstrating significantly (P<0.05) better retention of transfection efficiency than lipid #67, where levels had fallen to approximately half the 48 h level. By 96 h, expression was still retained in the PLG-transfected group (87.3+/-12.5% of 48 h expression) but was undetectable in the lipid -#67-transfected s.t. Finally, PLG microspheres, encapsulating the reporter gene chloramphenicol transferase (CAT, 80 microg) were instilled intranasally into Balb/C mice. Compared to lipid-#67-mediated delivery, where whole lung CAT expression was highest at 48 h (13.7 x 10(3)+/-0.05 CAT U/microg protein, n=6) and then not detectable at further time points, CAT expression was not detectable in PLG-transfected mice at 48 h, but was detectable at 7, 14 and 21 days after transfection. These data demonstrate that PLG-mediated gene transfer can produce prolonged gene expression in airway epithelia. However, gene transfer efficiency still requires significant improvement.
Pressure Dependence of the Electron Effective Mass in GaAs up to the 1s(Γ)‐1s(X) Crossover

The effect of hydrostatic pressure (P) on the k = 0 conduction band mass mi(P) in lightly Si-doped GaAs is studied by far-infrared magnetospectroscopy. The electron cyclotron resonance (CR) at (T = 17 K), and the ls-Zp+ absorption of Si donors (at T = 4.2 K), are measured up to 40 kbar under fields of 6 to 9 T by Fourier transform and laser magnetotransmission techniques. DX-center trapping is avoided by visible illumination. A double-bellows diamond-anvil cell and 36 mm bore magnet enable in situ P-B-T tuning. The slopes dE/dB for the CR and ls-2p+ peaks decrease with pressure in accordance with effective mass theory, with no sign of strong deepening for the Si k(T) state. We find m:(P)/mi(O) = 1 + (6.1 * 0.3) x 10-3P - (1.3 f 0.5) x 10-5P2 (P in kbar) from the CR data, after correcting for nonparabolicity via an effective two-band k. p model. This agrees well with prior results limited to 17 kbar, and extends the measurement of mi(P) in GaAs to the T-X crossover.
Levinas and Our Moral Responsibility Toward Other Animals

Abstract In this essay I show that while Levinas himself was clearly reluctant to extend to nonhuman animals the same kind of moral consideration he gave to humans, his ethics of alterity is one of the best equipped to mount a strong challenge to the traditional view of animals as beings of limited, if any, moral status. I argue that the logic of Levinas's own arguments concerning the otherness of the Other militates against interpreting ethics exclusively in terms of human interests and values, and, furthermore, that Levinas's phenomenology of the face applies to all beings that can suffer and are capable of expressing that suffering to me. Insofar as an animal has a face in Levinas's sense through which it is able to express its suffering to me, then there is no moral justification for refusing to extend to it moral consideration. 1
Biochemical indicators of thermal stress in Tilapia aurea (Steindachner)

Tilapia aurea muscle and liver adenylate nucleotides, the adenylate energy charge (EC), plasma glucose, cortisol and chloride were monitored during acute and chronic temperature stress. Muscle EC is unaffected during acute cold water exposure but decreases significantly when tilapia are exposed to chronic, sublethal, low temperature stress. The decrease in EC is primarily the result of a decrease in ATP concentration. Plasma glucose and cortisol increase when tilapia are exposed to 11–12° C for 60 min, 11 days, and a 5-week period. Incomplete compensation is evident in 5-week acclimated fish since glucose and cortisol levels are intermediate between controls and acutely stressed fish. Acclimation to 35° C does not significantly affect plasma glucose and cortisol compared to controls (22° C). Plasma chloride is relatively unaffected by acute and chronic temperature stress. Liver adenylates are not significantly affected when tilapia are subjected to a sudden drop in water temperature (22° down to 11° C). EC is a useful indicator of chronic low temperature stress in T. aurea, while plasma glucose and cortisol are sensitive to both acute and chronic temperature stress.