cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Kinetic Resolution of a Dynamic Racemate: Highly Stereoselective β-Lactone Formation by N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

This study describes the combined experimental and computational elucidation of the mechanism and origins of stereoselectivities in the NHC-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of α-substituted-β-ketoesters. Density functional theory computations reveal that the NHC-catalyzed DKR proceeds by two mechanisms, depending on the stereochemistry around the forming bond: (1) a concerted, asynchronous formal (2 + 2) aldol-lactonization process, or (2) a stepwise spiro-lactonization mechanism where the alkoxide is trapped by the NHC-catalyst. These mechanisms contrast significantly from mechanisms found and postulated in other related transformations. Conjugative stabilization of the electrophile and non-classical hydrogen bonds are key in controlling the stereoselectivity. This reaction constitutes an interesting class of DKRs in which the catalyst is responsible for the kinetic resolution to selectively and irreversibly capture an enantiomer of a substrate undergoing rapid racemization with the help of an exogenous base.
Vascular endothelial growth factor mediates atorvastatin-induced mammalian achaete-scute homologue-1 gene expression and neuronal differentiation after stroke in retired breeder rats.

Abstract Neurogenesis declines with advancing age. The mammalian achaete-scute homologue-1 encodes a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, which controls neuronal differentiation. In this study, we first tested whether atorvastatin treatment enhances neurological functional outcome and neuronal differentiation after stroke in retired breeder 12 month rats. Rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and treated with or without atorvastatin (3 mg/kg) for 7 days. Atorvastatin significantly increased expression of mammalian achaete-scute homologue-1, β-tubulin III, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the ischemic brain, and concomitantly improved functional outcome compared with middle cerebral artery occlusion control rats. Increased neurogenesis significantly correlated with functional recovery after stroke. To further investigate the mechanisms of atorvastatin-induced neuronal differentiation, experiments were performed on neurospheres derived from retired breeder rat subventricular zone cells. Atorvastatin increased neuronal differentiation and upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor and mammalian achaete-scute homologue-1 gene expression in cultured neurospheres. Vascular endothelial growth factor–treated neurospheres significantly increased mammalian achaete-scute homologue-1 and β-tubulin III expression. Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor decreased atorvastatin-induced mammalian achaete-scute homologue-1 and β-tubulin III expression. These data indicate that atorvastatin increases neuronal differentiation in retired breeder rats. In addition, atorvastatin upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression, influences mammalian achaete-scute homologue-1 transcription factor, which in turn, facilitates an increase in subventricular zone neuronal differentiation. These atorvastatin-mediated molecular events may contribute to the improved functional outcome in retired breeder rats subjected to stroke.
Gadamer's Rhetorical Imaginary

Hans-Georg Gadamer's idiosyncratic reading of what he calls “the distant ancient meaning of rhetoric” pulls out an unfamiliar thread in the history of the Greek logos from the weave of the ancient texts, and his separation of the sophistic challenge from rhetoric proper stems from his commitment to rhetoric. What has typically been read as rhetoric's counter-tradition, a kairotic-performative rhetoric championed by Isocrates and Cicero against Platonic essentialist philosophy, is for Gadamer the counter-tradition to Western essentialism as a whole, anchored squarely in Plato's dialogic example. In this reading, Plato becomes strange to all ersatz platonists, and the great body of the dialogues become the gravitational center of a humanist rhetoric. Gadamer's recommendation that we treat Plato's dialegesthai as the highest fruit of ancient rhetoric provides a fresh opportunity to reimagine our interdisciplinary debates.
Review of embedded particle tagging methods for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of composite materials and structures

Acceptance of advanced composites in both retrofit applications and new construction necessitates quality control (QC)/quality assurance (QA) and in-service monitoring techniques to ensure the performance and serviceability of the composites. A technology that enhances the inspectability of the advanced composites is the particle tagging method. The concept of particle tagging involves embedding micron-sized particles into materials, such as composites, or adhesive layers to make them an integral part of the host material. When interrogated by suitable instrumentation, the embedded particle sensors interact with their host material and generate certain types of measurable signatures. The signatures can be correlated with the material and structural conditions, such as internal stress states, voids, inclusions, state-of- cure, and delaminations. This paper presents a technology assessment of the current and emerging state-of-the-art tagging methods. The objective of this review is to provide a framework for further understanding the physics and mechanisms involved in using the tagging method for in-field nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of composite materials. Information concerning the development of this technique has been obtained from patents, publications, databases within Newman Library at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), and previous work and in-progress research at the Center for Intelligent Material Systems and Structures (CIMSS) at Virginia Tech. This paper includes a historic review of tagging techniques, a description of the tagging systems used for in-situ NDE of composites, and experimental results to date. The current and potential applications of this technique are also addressed. The analysis presented in this paper will assist in further efforts to develop the tagging approach that may be used as a new NDE technique for quality assurance of advanced composites.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Errata: Correcting for focal-plane-array temperature dependence in microbolometer infrared cameras lacking thermal stabilization

Advances in microbolometer detectors have led to the development of infrared cameras that operate without active temperature stabilization. The response of these cameras varies with the temperature of the camera’s focal plane array (FPA). This paper describes a method for stabilizing the camera’s response through software processing. This stabilization is based on the difference between the camera’s response at a measured temperature and at a reference temperature. This paper presents the mathematical basis for such a correction and demonstrates the resulting accuracy when applied to a commercially available long-wave infrared camera. The stabilized camera was then radiometrically calibrated so that the digital response from the camera could be related to the radiance or temperature of objects in the scene. For FPA temperature deviations within ±7.2°C changing by 0.5°C/min , this method produced a camera calibration with spatial-temporal rms variability of 0.21°C, yielding a total calibration uncertainty of 0.38°C limited primarily by the 0.32°C uncertainty in the blackbody source emissivity and temperature.
Role for extending hepatic resection using an aggressive approach to liver surgery.

Background The definition of what is unresectable in liver surgery is controversial. Problems that many believe render patients unresectable can currently be resected using advanced techniques of liver surgery. This study assesses liver resection in patients who were unresectable with standard liver resection but were potentially resectable using an aggressive approach to liver surgery. Study Design From 1997 to 2007, 830 adult patients undergoing hepatectomy were reviewed. Patients were categorized as having unresectable disease by standard resection if the disease could not be resected without resection of the IVC, hepatic vasculature, or because of tumor extent. Results One hundred sixteen patients were initially believed to have unresectable disease but went on to laparotomy. Eighteen patients were unresectable at operation, although 98 patients were resected. Seventy-eight trisectionectomies; 18 lobectomies; 1 mesohepatectomy; and 1 segment 5, 6 resection, combined with pancreaticoduodenectomy, nephrectomy, and colectomy, were performed. Fourteen patients also had pancreatic resections. Vascular reconstructions were performed on the IVC (n = 35), hepatic veins (n = 21), portal vein (n = 34), and hepatic artery (n = 5). Hypothermic perfusion of the liver was used in 12 patients (4 ex vivo, 8 in situ cold perfusion). Patients undergoing resection had 6% mortality with a morbidity of 35%. Median survival was 37 months (95% CI, 34–42 months). Five-year actuarial survival was 32%. Conclusions Patients with liver tumors considered "unresectable" by standard liver resection should be considered for resection with an aggressive approach to liver surgery. Five-year survival of approximately one-third of patients can be expected.
Late cretaceous dinosaurs from the ringbone formation, southwestern New Mexico, U.S.A.

Fossils of theropod dinosaurs (cf. Albertosaurus ) indicate that the Ringbone Formation in the northern Little Hatchet Mountains of southwestern New Mexico is of Late Cretaceous (late Campanian-Maastrichtian) age. The broad distribution of the Ringbone and probable correlatives suggests the presence of one or more Laramide basins of lacustrine and fluvial deposition across southwestern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico during the latest Cretaceous. This confirms previous paleogeographies that posit nonmarine conditions in this area by Coniacian time and thus does not support a recent suggestion of a latest Cretaceous-Eocene seaway in northern Mexico and southern New Mexico.
Bi-cyclic decompositions of complete graphs into spanning trees

We examine decompositions of complete graphs K"4"k"+"2 into 2k+1 isomorphic spanning trees. We develop a method of factorization based on a new type of vertex labelling, namely blended @r-labelling. We also show that for every k>=1 and every d,3=
Hybrid phase retrieval using moment-based wavefront sensing and Gerchberg-Saxton iterative transform method

The iterative phase retrieval method has the intrinsic weakness in computational speed. However, its ability to capture ne spatial phase structure is clearly the benet much needed in characterizing image quality of an instrument in an end-to-end fashion. The empirical wisdom of any iterative process is that the convergence becomes a lot faster when the initial guess is close to the phase solution. As an adaptation of this wisdom, we present the hybrid phase retrieval method where phase retrieval is conducted in combination of the momentbase wavefront sensing (MWFS) method and the Gerchberg-Saxton (GS) type iterative transform method. The moment-based method captures the large low-order phase based on the linear relation between the modal phase coecients and the focal plane image moments. The MWFS estimate is then fed to the GS iterative method as the initial phase guess and diversity. At each GS iteration, the estimated phase is updated to the phase diversity. The iteration continues until the phase update is smaller than a pre-dened limit. For coarse spatial resolution systems, the MWFS estimate can be sucient to determine the phase, while the hybridization with the GS process permits capturing much ner scale phase structures for systems requiring diraction-scale spatial
Evaluation of Methods to Improve the Diagnosis of Systemic Inflammation in Alpacas

Background The stoic nature of alpacas and limitations of current diagnostic tests make early recognition of inflammatory diseases in this species challenging. Objectives In a model of mild systemic inflammation, this study evaluated the utility of different clinical and clinicopathologic variables as accurate predictors of inflammation in alpacas. Animals Twelve clinically healthy alpacas were randomly assigned to equal-sized treatment (TG) and control (CG) groups. After collection of initial blood samples (0 hour), lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 20 μg/kg/24 h) or saline was administered by SC osmotic mini-pumps (OMP) for 96 hours. Additional blood samples were collected at 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 240 hours and differential leukocyte counts and concentrations of globulin, albumin, iron, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A were measured. Results Mild swelling was observed at OMP implantation sites in both groups. Other clinical signs of systemic inflammation were not observed. Total leukocytes, neutrophils, albumin, and globulin concentrations were not significantly different between groups. Compared with CG-alpacas, TG-alpacas had fewer lymphocytes (P = .0322), more band neutrophils (P = .0087), and higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios (P = .0295) during the first 96 hours of the study. During LPS administration, serum iron concentrations were significantly decreased in TG-alpacas (P < .0001). Haptoglobin concentrations of TG-animals exceeded those of CG-animals after removal of OMP (P = .0056). Serum amyloid A was not detectable in alpacas in this study. Conclusion and Clinical Importance These results indicated that neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios and serum iron concentrations are early indicators of inflammation in alpacas. Additional research is needed to evaluate the acute phase protein responses of alpacas.
Terahertz Coherent Radiation From Steady-State Microbunching in Storage Rings with X-Band Radio-Frequency System

The mechanism of steady-state microbunching (SSMB) has been proposed [D. F. Ratner and A. W. Chao, Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 154801 (2010)] to produce steady-state microbunched beams by using laser modulations in a storage ring for generating coherent radiation with high repetition rate at wavelengths from the submillimeter to extreme ultraviolet range. In the present paper, we analyze the dynamics of the SSMB system with a Hamiltonian and Jacobi matrix approach and identify the original proposal of SSMB as a mechanism with period-1 fixed point in phase space. We then propose an alternative SSMB mechanism with period-2 fixed point, which is able to produce microbunched beams with shorter bunch length and, hence, higher harmonic. Taking the SPEAR3 storage ring as an example, we illustrate the application of the period-2 SSMB to generate terahertz (THz) steady-state coherent radiation in a storage ring using an $X$-band radio-frequency (rf) system instead of a more technically demanding laser system. Issues covered include choice of rf parameters, system errors, beam lifetime, collective effects, and radiation power evaluation. Compared to the more traditional low-momentum-compaction operation mode, the proposed SSMB scheme potentially promises higher beam current, larger bunching factor, and hence brightness increase of at least 1 order of magnitude.
Cytochrome b5 and Cytokeratin 17 Are Biomarkers in Bronchoalveolar Fluid Signifying Onset of Acute Lung Injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by pulmonary edema and acute inflammation leading to pulmonary dysfunction and potentially death. Early medical intervention may ameliorate the severity of ALI, but unfortunately, there are no reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis. We screened for biomarkers in a mouse model of ALI. In this model, inhalation of S. aureus enterotoxin A causes increased capillary permeability, cell damage, and increase protein and cytokine concentration in the lungs. We set out to find predictive biomarkers of ALI in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid before the onset of clinical manifestations. A cutting edge proteomic approach was used to compare BAL fluid harvested 16 h post S. aureus enterotoxin A inhalation versus BAL fluid from vehicle alone treated mice. The proteomic PF 2D platform permitted comparative analysis of proteomic maps and mass spectrometry identified cytochrome b5 and cytokeratin 17 in BAL fluid of mice challenged with S. aureus enterotoxin A. Validation of cytochrome b5 showed tropic expression in epithelial cells of the bronchioles. Importantly, S. aureus enterotoxin A inhalation significantly decreased cytochrome b5 during the onset of lung injury. Validation of cytokeratin 17 showed ubiquitous expression in lung tissue and increased presence in BAL fluid after S. aureus enterotoxin A inhalation. Therefore, these new biomarkers may be predictive of ALI onset in patients and could provide insight regarding the basis of lung injury and inflammation.
Influences of the Campus Experience on the Ethnic Identity Development of Students of Color

This qualitative research study examined ethnic identity development among underrepresented students of color at a selective, research intensive, predominantly White university. The objective focus...
Effect of hydrogen adaptation on fluorescence in normal and manganese-deficient algae.

1. Steady-state fluorescence of normal cells of Ankistrodesmus braunii is about 40% higher under hydrogen-adapted as compared to aerobic conditions. 2. By contrast, fluorescence of manganese-deficient A. braunii, which aerobically is twice as strong as that of normal cells, decreases in the course of adaptation to a considerably lower level which is about as high as that of normal algae adapted to hydrogen. 3. The effects of DCMU on fluorescence of aerobic and anaerobic cells of A. braunii are similar to those brought about by manganese deficiency. 4. In Chlorella fusca (=pyrenoidosa), which develops a very high level of hydrogenase activity, fluorescence of normal cells is about equal under H2-adapted and under aerobic conditions.
Evolution of the mammalian G protein α subunit multigene family

Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) transduce extracellular signals received by transmembrane receptors to effector proteins. The multigene family of G protein α subunits, which interact with receptors and effectors, exhibit a high level of sequence diversity. In mammals, 15 Gα subunit genes can be grouped by sequence and functional similarities into four classes. We have determined the murine chromosomal locations of all 15 Gα subunit genes using an interspecific backcross derived from crosses of C57BI/6J and Mus spretus mice. These data, in combination with mapping studies in humans, have provided insight into the events responsible for generating the genetic diversity found in the mammalian α subunit genes and a framework for elucidating the role of the Gα subunits in disease.
Derepression of ornithine-δ-transaminase synchronized with the life cycle of Hela cells cultivated in suspension

Abstract Hela cells in suspersion culture appear to multiply in a naturally synchronized manner with a cell cycle of about 22 hours. Ornithine-δ-transaminase activity develops in parallel with this stepwise increase in cell number with peaks at 20, 45 and 65 hours. These enzymatic pulsations are damped out by proline.
Spinwave theory of the antiferromagnet-spin-flop phase boundary in MnF2☆

Abstract The random phase approximation recently developed by Nagai is employed to calculate the spinwave frequencies in MnF2. In addition to the usual exchange interaction the Hamiltonian also includes an arbitrarily large Zeeman interaction and the magnetic dipole-dipole interaction. The results enable us to calculate the phase boundary between the antiferromagnetic and spin-flop phases.
Solute and dislocation junction interactions

In this study, the role of solute segregation on the strength and the evolution behavior of dislocation junctions is studied by utilizing kinetic Monte Carlo and three-dimensional dislocation dynamics simulations. The different solute concentrations and the character of the junctions are all included in the simulations in an effort to make a parametric investigation. The results indicate that the solutes have a profound effect on the strength of the junctions. Solute segregation can lead to both strengthening and weakening behavior, depending upon the evolution of the dislocation junctions. The local solute concentration seems to be the more relevant parameter to characterizing the solute and dislocation interactions, due to the short-range stress field of solutes; and its bounds are set by the unconstrained volume dilatation.
Distribution and Virulence Phenotypes of Heterodera glycines in Missouri.

ABSTRACT The soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, is the most economically important pathogen of soybean in Missouri. Knowledge of the nematode's distribution and ability to adapt to resistant varieties is important for determining crop losses and establishing research priorities. No previous surveys of Missouri have provided reliable population density and phenotypic diversity data; therefore, we conducted a random survey to obtain both. Two samples from each of 200 fields were collected; 392 samples were processed for extractions of cysts and eggs. Two hundred and forty seven (63%) of the samples had detectable cyst nematode populations, which ranged from 15 to 149,700 eggs per 250 cm3 of soil. The lowest average population densities were observed in the east-central region of Missouri (2,260 eggs per 250 cm3 of soil), and the highest were observed in the northeast (9,238 eggs per 250 cm3 of soil), but among the eight regions sampled, mean population densities did not differ significantly. These ...
Condition assessement of a six-span full-scale bridge using forced vibration

Forced Vibration testing of four different damage states of a full scale, six span, reinforced concrete bridge, were conducted by Utah State University. These tests were performed to characterize the bridge based on its dynamic characteristics and to determine any correlation that may exist between the dynamic properties of a structure and the location of the inflicted damage. The test structure was a mature bridge being prepared for demolition as part of the Interstate 15 reconstruction through Salt Lake City. An eccentric mass shaker was utilized to excite the structure at several different natural frequencies for which data was collected through an array of seismometers. This data was processed to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure. Investigation showed a decrease in the natural frequencies of the structure as well as noticeable changes in the mode shapes of the structure as a result of localized damage to the structure.
Antioxidant intake and risk of endometrial cancer: Results from the Nurses' Health Study

To investigate the associations between antioxidant intake and risk of endometrial cancer, the authors analyzed data from the prospective Nurses' Health Study. From 1980 to 2006, 669 invasive adenocarcinoma cases were identified over 1.3 million person-years of follow-up. Information on dietary intake was collected in 1980 and updated every 2-4 years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate the multivariate relative risks (RR), controlling for total energy and potential risk factors for endometrial cancer. Overall, the authors found no association between intakes of vitamins A, C, E or carotenoids from foods or supplements and cancer risk. The RR and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the highest vs. lowest quintiles of vitamins A, C, E and total carotenoids were 1.09 (95% CI: 0.85-1.39), 0.98 (95% CI: 0.76-1.25), 1.07 (95% CI: 0.83-1.38) and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.86-1.45), respectively. Similarly, the use of multivitamins or specific vitamins A, C or E supplements was unassociated with risk. In subgroup analyses, several associations seemed to vary by postmenopausal hormone use. Our results suggest that there is no overall association between dietary antioxidant intake or use of antioxidant supplements with risk of endometrial cancer.
Temporal development of sputtered atom distributions from Au(1 1 1) targets following bombardment with 100 keV/atom Au_2 ions

Recently Bouneau et al. measured the angular and energy distributions of negative Au_n (n=2–7) ions emitted from gold targets following bombardment with swift gold cluster projectiles. They found that the energy distributions could be fitted with a spike-like model, and that the angular distributions were independent of the azimuthal emission angle and relatively strongly forward directed. We have used MD simulations to investigate the temporal development of energy and angular distributions of sputtered atoms from Au(1 1 1) targets following bombardment with 100 keV/atom Au2 ions. Our results show that during the very early stages of the collision cascade the energy distribution of sputtered atoms is described well by the linear cascade model. Essentially all high energy sputtered atoms are emitted during this phase of the collision cascade. However, the energy distributions of atoms sputtered after 0.5 ps were typical of emission from a thermal spike and could be fitted well with a Sigmund–Claussen model. The polar angle distributions of sputtered atoms were strongly forward directed early in the collision cascade, but became less forward directed as the thermal spike developed.
Media-intensive data communications in a "desk-area" network

The VuNet is a "desk-area" network where small switches are distributed throughout the work area, and multimedia devices usually found in the workstation are put on the network. This architecture has several advantages including distributed switching and the ability to share multimedia devices across a workgroup. >
Observations of Near Infrared Radiation from the Solar Atmosphere

Using the High Altitude Observatory’s recently completed 16-in. (41-cm) diam coronagraph in conjunction with a Perkin-Elmer Model 12C infrared spectrometer, observations of the radiation from the solar atmosphere have been made in the infrared region of the spectrum from 0.936 to 2.173 μ. Spectra were obtained using a DF-2 prism and PbS detector. Spectra from the solar atmosphere and photosphere are compared. Uncertainties in the spatial origin of these recorded spectra are discussed.
Assessing regional variation in cesarean birth and vaginal birth after cesarean rates in a major metropolitan area: improving health service delivery

Abstract Objective: To determine variation in utilization of cesarean delivery and vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC) by physicians and within hospitals as part of a regional assessment of care designed to improve overall quality of health service delivery. Methods: Using risk strata designed to classify patients into high and low risk for cesarean birth, 26,358 consecutive deliveries between July 1997 and June 1998 were analyzed for total deliveries, cesarean birth, and vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rates from data representing 285 physicians in all 22 Pittsburgh metropolitan statistical-area hospitals. Results: The overall hospital cesarean birth and vaginal birth after cesarean delivery rates were 19% (range, 13–25) [N = 5,017] and 40.5% (range, 18–60) [N = 1,166], respectively, with significant risk-stratified variation by physician. Low-risk and high-risk rates ranged from 8.5% to 19.5% and from 53% to 92%, respectively. Of all repeat cesarean births, 29% (1,437) were performed on patients stratified at low risk. Conclusions: The significant variation among physicians for cesarean birth and VBAC rates suggests that decision making by physicians providing obstetric care is a major contributor to overall rates. Low VBAC rates, combined with high numbers of low-risk repeat cesarean deliveries, provide the best opportunity to modify practice patterns.
Predominance of chromosome 5 deletions in myeloid neoplasia associated with solid tumors managed by surgical excision

To assess potential differences in genetic predisposition to myeloid neoplasia, we evaluated the karyotypes and reviewed results of cytogenetic studies on bone marrow specimens from six patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, or acute myeloid leukemia, and a history of solid tumor managed solely by surgical resection. Structural or numerical deletions of chromosome 5 were identified in each of four patients with abnormal marrow karyotypes. Constitutional karyotypes were normal in two patients studied with clonal marrow chromosome abnormalities. Review of previously reported cases of myeloid neoplasia following resection of solid tumors disclosed a preponderance of chromosome 5 deletions. Predisposition to specific chromosome loss may influence genetic expression of disease in solid tumor patients developing hematologic malignancy.
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia. XLV. Chromosome patterns in stimulated lymphocytes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

In the present study the B-cell mitogens from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and lipopolysaccharide-B from E. coli (LPS) were used to stimulate the blood cells of 27 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to undergo mitosis. In 14 CLL cases EBV was used as the only mitotic stimulant and in 5 cases both EBV and LPS. In 8 cases neither EBV nor LPS caused mitotic cells to appear. In 9 cases the cells were characterized by abnormal clones, including 5 cases with +12 (including 1 case with a possible Philadelphia chromosome), 2 cases with 14q+ and 1 case with an i(17q). No correlation was found between the types of surface membrane immunoglobulins and the chromosome abnormalities in the leukemic lymphocytes. The effects of EBV on normal lymphocytes were also investigated and found to be nonspecific (e.g., tetraploidy), although in every case EBV caused a definite increase in the mitotic index. The results indicate that 1) EBV and LPS stimulate leukemic cells of CLL to undergo mitosis, 2) about 50% of the patients have clonal abnormalities in the leukemic cells, and 3) CLL is associated with karyotypic changes seen in lymphoma (14q+), although the most common anomaly in our material was a +12.
An aikidōka’s contribution to the teaching of qualitative inquiry

Teaching qualitative research methods on the one hand, and Martial Arts, on the other, seem to have only little in common: one is academic, and one is not; one is essentially somatic and kinestheti...
NK cell–activating receptors require PKC-θ for sustained signaling, transcriptional activation, and IFN-γ secretion

Natural killer (NK) cell sense virally infected cells and tumor cells through multiple cell surface receptors. Many NK cell–activating receptors signal through immunoreceptor tyrosine–based activation motif (ITAM)–containing adapters, which trigger both cytotoxicy and secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Within the ITAM pathway, distinct signaling intermediates are variably involved in cytotoxicity and/or IFN-γ secretion. In this study, we have evaluated the role of protein kinase C-θ (PKC-θ) in NK-cell secretion of lytic mediators and IFN-γ. We found that engagement of NK-cell receptors that signal through ITAMs results in prompt activation of PKC-θ. Analyses of NK cells from PKC-θ–deficient mice indicated that PKC-θ is absolutely required for ITAM-mediated IFN-γ secretion, whereas it has no marked influence on the release of cytolytic mediators. Moreover, we found that PKC-θ deficiency preferentially impairs sustained extracellular-regulated kinase signaling as well as activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and the transcription factors AP-1 and NFAT but does not affect activation of NF-κB. These results indicate that NK cell–activating receptors require PKC-θ to generate sustained intracellular signals that reach the nucleus and promote transcriptional activation, ultimately inducing IFN-γ production.
Crossing Over: Drug Network Characteristics and Injection Risk Along the China-Myanmar Border

Border areas are important locations for understanding HIV transmission. This study examines individual and network correlates of border crossing and equipment sharing among methadone maintenance clients in Ruili City, a Chinese city on the Myanmar border. Data are from 298 clients enrolled in the Ruili Methadone Treatment Center. Clients were interviewed about drug use, HIV/AIDS knowledge, treatment motivation, and their social networks. Multinomial and logistic regression analysis were performed. Thirty percent of clients reported injecting in Myanmar. Compared to drug networks that usually inject in China, networks that inject equally in both places (border crossing) are more likely to share equipment. The association between HIV positive status and border-crossing was marginally significant and robust. Results indicate some added degree of risk among clients and drug networks who border-cross to use drugs. More research is needed to understand this phenomenon.
The RNA Polymerase II Machinery: Structure Illuminates Function

Essential components of the eukaryotic transcription apparatus include RNA polymerase II, a common set of initiation factors, and a Mediator complex that transmits regulatory information to the enzyme. Insights into mechanisms of transcription have been gained by three-dimensional structures for many of these factors and their complexes, especially for yeast RNA polymerase II at atomic resolution.
Femtochemistry of Norrish type-I reactions: II. The anomalous predissociation dynamics of cyclobutanone on the S1 surface.

The anomalous nonradiative dynamics for three cyclobutanone isotopomers ([D_0]-, 3,3-[D_2]-, and 2,2,4,4-[D_4]cyclobutanone) have been investigated using femtosecond (fs) time-resolved mass spectrometry. We have found that the internal motions of the molecules in the S_1 state above the dissociation threshold involve two time scales. The fast motion has a time constant of <50 fs, while the slow motion has a time constant of 5.0±1.0, 9.0±1.5, and 6.8±1.0 ps for the [D_0], [D_2], and [D_4] species, respectively. Density functional theory and ab initio calculations have been performed to characterize the potential energy surfaces for the S_0, S_1(n,π^*), and T_1(n,π^*) states. The dynamic picture for bond breakage is the following: The fast motion represents the rapid dephasing of the initial wave packet out of the Franck–Condon region, whereas the slow motion reflects the α-cleavage dynamics of the Norrish type-I reaction. The redistribution of the internal energy from the initially activated out-of-plane bending modes into the in-plane ring-opening reaction coordinate defines the time scale for intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR), and the observed picosecond-scale (ps) decay gives the rate of IVR/bond cleavage across the barrier. The observed prominent isotope effect for both [D_2] and [D_4] isotopomers imply the significance of the ring-puckering and the CO out-of-plane wagging motions to the S_1α-cleavage dynamics. The ethylene and ketene (C_2 products)—as well as CO and cyclopropane (C_3 products)—product ratios can be understood by the involvement of an S_0/S_1 conical intersection revealed in our calculations. This proposed dynamic picture for the photochemistry of cyclobutanone on the S_1 surface can account not only for the abnormally sharp decrease in fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime but also for the dramatic change in the C_3:C_2 product ratio as a function of increasing excitation energy, as reported by Lee and co-workers (J. C. Hemminger, E. K. C. Lee, J. Chem. Phys.1972, 56, 5284–5295; K. Y. Tang, E. K. C. Lee, J. Phys. Chem.1976, 80, 1833–1836).
Zero-defect sputter deposition metallization method for high-volume manufacturing of grafted multilayer thin film modules

Such products as multichip modules, stripline filters, and thin-film hybrid circuits typically require the metallization of ceramic-based substrates and subsequent dielectric layers such as polyimides and benzocyclobutene. When dry etching processes are employed for the dielectric layers, an additional metallization step is required to serve as the etch mask. Therefore, the need for a high-volume zero-defect metallization technique is apparent. An inline DC magnetron sputter deposition process that provides such a metallization technique is discussed. High equipment reliability (>99% up-time), low defect levels ( >
The physics and modeling of heavily doped emitters

The physics of minority-carrier injection and internal quantum efficiency of heavily doped emitters is studied through a novel computer simulation. It is shown that in the shallow emitters of modern devices, the transport of carriers through the bulk of the emitter, and the surface recombination rate are the dominant mechanisms controlling the minority-carrier profile. Carrier recombination in the bulk of the emitter only produces a small perturbation of this profile. This observation permits us to develop a simple and accurate analytical model for the saturation current and internal quantum efficiency of shallow emitters.
Long‐term decrease in satellite vegetation indices in response to environmental variables in an iconic desert riparian ecosystem: the Upper San Pedro, Arizona, United States

The Upper San Pedro River is one of the few remaining undammed rivers that maintain a vibrant riparian ecosystem in the southwest United States. However, its riparian forest is threatened by diminishing groundwater and surface water inputs, due to either changes in watershed characteristics such as changes in riparian and upland vegetation, or human activities such as regional groundwater pumping. We used satellite vegetation indices to quantify the green leaf density of the groundwater-dependent riparian forest from 1984 to 2012. The river was divided into a southern, upstream (mainly perennial flow) reach and a northern, downstream (mainly intermittent and ephemeral flow) reach. Pre-monsoon (June) Landsat normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values showed a 20% drop for the northern reach (P 0·05). NDVI and enhanced vegetation index values were positively correlated (P < 0·05) with river flows, which decreased over the study period in the northern reach, and negatively correlated (P < 0·05) with air temperatures in both reaches, which have increased by 1·4 °C from 1932 to 2012. NDVI in the uplands around the river did not increase from 1984 to 2012, suggesting that increased evapotranspiration in the uplands was not a factor in reducing river flows. Climate change, regional groundwater pumping, changes in the intensity of monsoon rain events and lack of overbank flooding are feasible explanations for deterioration of the riparian forest in the northern reach. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Business Case for Shared Medical Appointments in Dermatology: Improving Access and the Bottom Line

Objectives To evaluate the economic viability of shared medical appointments (SMAs) in dermatology. Secondary objectives include a comparison of the hourly adjusted census levels generated by SMAs compared with regular clinic appointments (RCAs), as well as a comparison between the economic viability of dermatology SMAs and SMAs in other fields of medicine. Design Cost-benefit analysis. Setting Outpatient clinics within an academic medical center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire. Patients No patient-identifying information was obtained or reported. The SMA census data included 301 SMAs (11 different programs and 5 separate departments), representing 2045 appointments over 16 months. Comparisons between patient groups were based on data from the SMA census and mean provider census (MPC) for RCAs, matched on reason for appointment. Main Outcome Measures Hourly adjusted census levels and profit differences (charges less costs) between SMAs and MPC for RCAs. Results All individual and departmental SMAs generated significantly higher mean census levels and profits per hour than the respective non-SMA MPC of the health care provider leading the SMA (individual, P P P Conclusion Taken together, the results of this study provide strong evidence to support a business case for SMAs in dermatology as a means of simultaneously improving access, productivity, and the bottom line.
Speckle reduction and tumor detection using split spectrum processing technique

The Split Spectrum Processing (SSP) technique is applied to breast scan data to enhance the detectability of tumorous regions. An extensive literature search has been performed to assess the differences in the scattering and absorption characteristics in metals and human tissue. The results of this investigation are used to modify the current SSP algorithms for enhanced biomedical imaging. The modified SSP algorithms are applied to both A-scan plots and B-scan images from cancer patients to assess the resulting image enhancement and tumor detection capabilities. The comparison of the experimental results with the biopsy reports reveal the viability of the technique in biomedical ultrasonography. >
Methodological Rigor in Naturalistic Inquiry: Some Issues and Answers

As naturalistic approaches to administrative inquiry are employed with increasing frequency, it becomes important to establish rigorous standards in judging the adequacy of such studies in the proposal, execution, and final report stages. This article proposes some ways of dealing with three specific issues in judging the methodological adequacy of naturalistic inquiry.
The polarization of a complex vector in higher dimensions

The use of trigonometric identities facilitates the determination of the polarization of a vector quantity in two dimensions, but becomes rapidly unwieldy in higher dimensions. Instead, the polarization can be obtained from simple algebraic considerations when the problem is viewed as an eigenvalue-eigenvector problem. The authors derive the formulas, show that, regardless of the dimension, the eigenvalue may assume at most only two values, and conclude that because of this fact, the polarization of a complex vector is a two-dimensional concept with no higher dimensional analog. >
Design-oriented analysis of log-domain circuits

A simple change in the form of the state variables clarifies previously published analyses of log-domain circuits. The change highlights the role of bias currents and leads to a simple design procedure based an self-contained building blocks. A new nonlinear equivalent circuit is presented fur the building blocks with a topology that emphasizes the applicability of small-signal analysis for log-domain circuits. The nonlinear equivalent circuit suggests a novel single-ended inverting cell that works at very low supply voltage V/sub DD/ and dues not require p-n-p transistors.
Comparison of High Tunnel and Field Production of Specialty Cut Flowers in the Midwest

The U.S. specialty cut flower market has grown over the last several years because stems of many specialty cut flower species cannot be transported long distances and therefore need to be grown regionally. High tunnel production of cut flowers is an alternative to field and greenhouse production that has several benefits. Specialty cut flower species Antirrhinum majus L. 'Potomac Orange' and 'Rocket Red', Celosia argentea L. var. cristata Kuntze 'Chief Red', Dahlia 3hybrida Cav. 'Karma Thalia Dark Fuchsia', Dianthus barbatus L. 'Amazon Neon Cherry', Eustoma russellianum Salisb. 'Mariachi Blue', Helianthus annuus L. 'Premier Lemon' and 'Sunrich Yellow', Matthiola incana (L.) W.T. Aiton 'Katz Lavender Blue', and Zinnia elegans Jacq. 'Benary Giant Scarlet' were grown in both field and high tunnel environments in the midwestern United States. High tunnel production resulted in a first week's harvest of 44.8 (46%), 115, and 21.1 (110%) more stems for Antirrhinum 'Rocket Red', Dianthus, and Zinnia, respectively. Compared with field production, high tunnel production yielded a greater number of stems/m 2 for Antirrhinum 'Potomac Orange', Celosia, Dianthus, and Zinnia and longer stems for Antirrhinum 'Potomac Orange' and 'Rocket', Eustoma, Matthiola, and Zinnia. For example, high tunnel production yielded 185 (39%) and 192 (59%) more stems/m 2 and 12.6 (34%) and 8.9 (32%) cm longer stems for Mathiola and Zinnia, respectively. Other stem characteristics such as inflorescence length and flower width showed more variation among cultivars. Our results indicate that cut flower yield and/or quality of Antirrhinum 'Rocket Red', Dianthus, Matthiola, Zinnia, Dahlia, Eustoma, and Helianthus 'Sunrich Yellow' and 'Premier Lemon' significantly increases when produced in high tunnels located in the Midwest.
Increased Risk of Radiographic Emphysema in HIV Is Associated With Elevated Soluble CD14 and Nadir CD4

BACKGROUND:The association between HIV and emphysema remains incompletely understood. We sought to determine whether HIV is an independent risk factor for emphysema severity and whether markers of HIV severity and systemic biomarkers of inflammation (IL-6), altered coagulation (D-dimer), and immune activation (soluble CD14) are associated with emphysema. METHODS:We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 114 participants with HIV infection and 89 participants without HIV infection in the Examinations of HIV-Associated Lung Emphysema (EXHALE) study. Participants underwent chest CT imaging with blinded semiquantitative interpretation of emphysema severity, distribution, and type. We generated multivariable logistic regression models to determine the risk of HIV for radiographic emphysema, defined as > 10% lung involvement. Similar analyses examined associations of plasma biomarkers, HIV RNA, and recent and nadir CD4 cell counts with emphysema among participants with HIV infection. RESULTS:Participants with HIV infection had greater radiographic emphysema severity with increased lower lung zone and diffuse involvement. HIV was associated with significantly increased risk for > 10% emphysema in analyses adjusted for cigarette smoking pack-years (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.12-4.48). In multivariable analyses restricted to participants with HIV infection, nadir CD4 10% emphysema. IL-6 and D-dimer were not associated with emphysema in HIV. CONCLUSIONS:HIV is an independent risk factor for radiographic emphysema. Emphysema severity was significantly greater among participants with HIV infection. Among those with HIV, nadir CD4 < 200 cells/μL and elevated soluble CD14 level were associated with emphysema, highlighting potential mechanisms linking HIV with emphysema.
Two New Species of Chlamydopsis Westwood (Coleoptera: Histeridae)

Abstract Two new species of the myrmecophilous histerid genus Chlamydopsis Westwood are described. One, C. doutti Caterino, new species, belongs to the C. epipleuralis group, and is closely related to C. convexa Caterino. The close relatives of this species all occur in temperate areas in southeastern Australia, while C. doutti is known only from a single locality in central Queensland. The other species, C. chadster Caterino, new species, represents the third true Chlamydopsis known from New Guinea. It is known only from the type locality on Japen Island, off the northwest coast of Papua, Indonesia, and is not obviously related to the other two New Guinean Chlamydopsis.
Likelihood ratio tests for maternal and fetal genetic effects on obstetric complications.

It is well recognized that both maternal and fetal genes could contribute to susceptibility for obstetric complications. Logistic regression models are usually adopted to model the separate or joint action of maternal and fetal loci with case-control data. The standard likelihood ratio tests (LRTs) can be used to test the significance of appropriate odds ratio parameters. This method, although simple to implement, fails to exploit a unique feature of genetic epidemiology studies of obstetric complications. Specifically, it does not take into consideration the correlation between the maternal and offspring genomes. We propose novel LRT that take advantage of this information by incorporating the fact that half of a child's genome is inherited from the mother. Our methods have substantially improved power for detecting marginal, main, and interactive maternal and fetal genotype effects, as evidenced by results from extensive simulation studies. We demonstrate our new methods by applying them to the analysis of data from a pilot study of preeclampsia. Genet. Epidemiol. 33:526–538, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.