cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human proximal duodenal ion and water transport. Role of enteric nervous system and carbonic anhydrase.

Intestinal ion transport is mediated by the interaction of enterocyte function, the enteric nervous system, humoral agents, and mucosal production of carbonic anhydrase. Our purpose was to examine the effect of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide and inhibition of the enteric nervous system with the topical anesthetic lidocaine on basal and prostaglandin E2-stimulated ion and water transport and transmucosal electrical potential difference. At rest, mean basal (95% confidence intervals) net ion secretion into the human proximal duodenum was: Cl− 670 (288–1052), Na+ 818 (410–1225), K+ 32 (14–51) µmol/cm/hr. Basal net water transport was 30 (14.6–45.3) ml/hr, and the potential difference (PD) was 7.0 (3.6–10.9) mV, lumen negative. Intraluminal prostaglandin E2 increased the secretion of all ions, water, and the PD. After pretreatment with acetazolamide and luminal administration of lidocaine, basal ion transport was unchanged, but the response to luminal PGE2 was inhibited. It is concluded that: (1) at rest there is a net secretion of Na+, K+, Cl−, and water by the human proximal duodenum; and (2) PGE2-stimulated water electrolyte secretion is dependent in part upon mucosal carbonic anhydrase activity and the enteric nervous system.
The 2-norbornyl cation via the fragmentations of exo- and endo-2-norbornyloxychlorocarbenes: distinction without much difference.

exo- and endo-2-norbornyloxychlorocarbenes (7) were generated photochemically from the corresponding diazirines (6). Both carbenes fragmented to [2-norbornyl cation (carbon monoxide) chloride] ion pairs in MeCN or 1,2-dichloroethane solutions. Products included exo-norbornyl chloride (8), endo-norbornyl chloride (9), norbornene (10), and nortricyclene (11). Fragmentation activation energies were very low (<∼4 kcal/mol) and, as a result, the (laser flash photolytic) rate constants for fragmentation were essentially identical for exo-7 and endo-7 (∼5 × 105 s-1 in MeCN). Due to chloride return within the ion pairs, product distributions from exo- and endo-7 differed, with more endo-chloride formed from the endo-carbene: the 8/9 product ratio in MeCN was ∼41 from exo-7, but only 4.6 from endo-7. Norbornene, formed by proton transfer to Cl- within the ion pairs, was a major product in both cases (44% from exo-7 and 62% from endo-7). In MeOH/MeCN, up to 28% of exo-2-norbornyl methyl ether formed at the expense...
Rats with one olfactory bulb removed and the contralateral naris closed can detect odors

Rats with one olfactory bulb removed were trained to detect 0.5%-0.005% concentrations of amyl acetate. These rats had only a slight decrement in performance when the naris ipsilateral to the intact olfactory bulb was closed. Thus, vapors inhaled through one naris can stimulate olfactory receptor neurons in the contralateral nasal vault. This internasal stimulation is probably mediated by the nasopharyngeal canal or nasopharynx.
Factors affecting fish assemblage structure during seasonal stream drying

– We evaluated fish assemblage structure during stream drying in north west Arkansas in 2002 and 2003. We sampled fish with a seine and backpack electrofisher and measured habitat variables along transects. Linear regression models were selected a priori and ranked according to Akaike's Information Criterion. In 2002, total fish density was negatively related to pool area and maximum depth, and positively related to canopy openness and substrate diversity. Similarly, central stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum, Rafinesque) and creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus, Mitchill) densities were negatively related to maximum pool depth. In 2003, fish species richness was positively related to pool area whereas total fish, central stoneroller, and creek chub densities were negatively related to maximum pool depth. In addition, total fish density was negatively related to substrate diversity. Results indicated that physical factors are important predictors of fish assemblage structure during stream drying. However, differences among response variables between years indicated that the magnitude of stream drying might be critical in intermittent streams.
CoFe2O4 spinel protection coating thermally converted from the electroplated Co–Fe alloy for solid oxide fuel cell interconnect application

Abstract CoFe 2 O 4 has been demonstrated as a potential spinel coating for protecting the Cr-containing ferritic interconnects. This spinel had an electrical conductivity of 0.85 S cm −1 at 800 °C in air and an average coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 11.80 × 10 −6 K −1 from room temperature to 800 °C. A series of Co–Fe alloys were co-deposited onto the Crofer 22 APU ferritic steel via electroplating with an acidic chloride solution. After thermal oxidation in air at 800 °C, a CoFe 2 O 4 spinel layer was attained from the plated Co 0.40 Fe 0.60 film. Furthermore, a channeled Crofer 22 APU interconnect electrodeposited with a 40-μm Co 0.40 Fe 0.60 alloy film as a protective coating was evaluated in a single-cell configuration. The presence of the dense, Cr-free CoFe 2 O 4 spinel layer was effective in blocking the Cr migration/transport and thus contributed to the improvement in cell performance stability.
High efficiency CCD detectors at UV wavelengths

The Faint Intergalactic Redshifted Emission Balloon (FIREBall) is a NASA/CNES balloon-borne ultraviolet multi-object spectrograph designed to observe the diffuse gas around galaxies (the circumgalactic medium) via line emission redshifted to ~ 205 nm. FIREBall uses a ultraviolet-optimized delta doped e2v CCD201 with a custom designed high efficiency five layer anti-re ection coating. This combination achieves very high quantum efficiency (QE) and photon-counting capability, a first for a CCD detector in this wavelength range. We also present new work on red blocking mirror coatings to reduce red leak.
A rare case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the thyroid.

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to report a recent case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the thyroid, review the pertinent literature, and highlight the importance of multimodal treatment in this potentially aggressive malignancy. Study design The study comprise a case report and a review of literature. Methods A 42-year-old woman had initially presented to another hospital with a painful left neck mass. She subsequently underwent left hemithyroidectomy. Surgical pathology was significant for lymphocytic thyroiditis and MEC. One month later, she presented to us with a right neck mass. Results The patient underwent completion thyroidectomy and selective neck dissection, including level 6, for high-grade MEC. Operative findings included 3 lymph nodes positive for metastasis and tumor invasion of the transverse cervical vein. Postoperative chemoradiation therapy was administered in 2 cycles separated by 1 month. The patient remains disease-free 22 months after the last treatment. Conclusion Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a rare malignancy of the thyroid with less than 35 cases reported to date. The origins of this tumor are not completely understood, with debate regarding whether it arises from solid cell nests of the ultimobranchial apparatus or from follicular epithelium. Although MEC of the thyroid has frequently been reported as low grade, the aggressive presentation in our patient suggests the appropriateness of multimodal therapy.
Auditory stream segregation in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Goldfish were classically conditioned to a mixture of two pulse trains differing in both repetition rate and the spectral profile of the pulses. Animals were then tested for generalization to single pulse trains having one or the other spectral profile presented at a variety of repetition rates. Generalization functions of repetition rate were qualitatively similar to those obtained following conditioning to either of the pulse trains alone. Thus, the spectral profile of each pulse type was appropriately associated with the repetition rate at which that pulse type was presented during conditioning. These results indicate that the two concurrent pulse trains making up the conditioning stimuli were analyzed independently, forming two auditory streams. When either of the two pulse trains were presented with a 500 ms onset asynchrony, stream segregation was enhanced. These and other results suggest that many fundamental features of the human sense of hearing are widely shared among vertebrate animals, and may have developed first among fishes.
RNA from rat hepatoma cells can activate phenylalanine hydroxylase gene of mouse erythroleukemia cells

Mouse erythroleukemia (MEL) cells do not synthesize any detectable level of phenylalanine hydroxylase and thus do not grow in Tyr- medium. Rat hepatoma cells that constitutively express phenylalanine hydroxylase were treated prior to fusion with MEL cells with biochemical inhibitors to inactivate different macromolecular components of the cells, and the fusion products were selected in Tyr- medium. Continuously growing populations of cells resembling the parental MEL cells and expressing mouse phenylalanine hydroxylase were obtained only when rat hepatoma cells treated with mitomycin or iodoacetamide, which inactivate DNA and SH proteins, respectively, were fused with MEL cells. Fusion of MEL cells with UV-treated rat hepatoma cells did not result in the activation of the mouse phenylalanine hydroxylase gene. UV treatment damages both DNA and RNA. These data suggested that RNA was involved in the regulation of phenylalanine hydroxylase gene. Additional evidence for the role of RNA in the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene regulation was obtained from RNA transfection studies. RNA only from cells which express phenylalanine hydroxylase, such as rat hepatoma cells and MEL cybrids, when introduced into MEL cells by the CaPO4 coprecipitation method, resulted in the permanent activation of the mouse phenylalanine hydroxylase gene.
Feasibility study for the simulation of beam propagation: consideration of coherent lidar performance

To analyze the effects of atmospheric refractive turbulence on coherent lidar performance in a realistic way it is necessary to consider the use of simulations of beam propagation in three-dimensional random media. The capability of the split-step solution to simulate the propagation phenomena is shown, and the limitations and numerical requirements for a simulation of given accuracy are established. Several analytical theories that describe laser beam spreading, beam wander, coherence diameters, and variance and autocorrelation of the beam intensity are compared with results from simulations. Although the analysis stems from a study of coherent lidar performance, the conclusions of the method are applicable to other areas related to beam propagation in the atmosphere.
Pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin urolithiasis: widening the differential diagnosis of radiolucent calculi on abdominal radiograph

Unenhanced helical computed tomography has played an increasingly important role in the management of urinary tract stones, guiding diagnosis and control of calculus disease. We report computed tomographic and radiographic appearances of a renal calculus composed of pseudoephedrine and guaifenesin in a patient who abused over-the-counter allergy medication.
Paternity and parental care in the black-throated blue warbler, Dendroica caerulescens

Much debate surrounds the relationship between male parental care and paternity. We quantified parental care of yearling (second year: SY) and older (after second year: ASY) male black-throated blue warblers and determined parentage with microsatellites over four breeding seasons. ASY males that had sired all young in their broods fed 7-day-old nestlings at higher rates than ASY males that sired only some of the young in their broods. This relationship was not present in yearling males. A negative relationship between level of paternity and paternal care may arise if males facultatively adjust their care in response to cues of paternity, if poor-quality males are both more likely to be cuckolded and less able to provide parental care, or if males reduce both mate guarding and parental care to pursue extrapair matings. Parental care given by ASY males was not associated with additional mating opportunities during the nestling period. Thus, pursuit of extra matings is unlikely to account for the association between paternity and parental care. ASY males in better condition had higher levels of paternity, but did not guard their mates more closely nor feed their young at higher rates. These results suggest that ASY males may be able to assess their paternity, possibly by using cues related to levels of local synchrony during their females' fertile periods, and adjust their care accordingly. Paternity obtained by SY males was not associated with local synchrony, however, suggesting that the apparent lack of a facultative response by males of this age class may be due to a lack of reliable cues to paternity.
Rethinking medical professionalism: the role of information technology and practice innovations.

In this article i argue that fulfilling essential norms of professionalism is difficult in the modern context of practice and thus requires new adaptations. After reviewing elements of professionalism and the challenges associated with medical and organizational trends, I examine how they can be mitigated by the effective use of such facilitators as information technology (IT), improved models of chronic disease management, and new ways of relating to and sharing responsibility for patient care. I also consider the potential role of modified payment arrangements to support these patterns of care and current programs of “paying for performance” and the extent to which they might help support professionalism. Of course, many competent, thoughtful, and caring physicians continue to provide a high standard of professional care without these facilitators. I maintain, however, that doing so is increasingly untenable given the evolving realities of medical science and the organization and financing of medical care.
Optically characterizing collagen gels made with different cell types

The ability of optical imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to non-destructively characterize tissue-engineered constructs has generated enormous interest recently. Collagen gels are 3D structures that represent a simple common model of many engineered tissues that contain 2 primary scatterers: collagen and cells. We are testing the ability of OCT data to characterize the remodeling of such collagen-based constructs by 3 different types of cells: vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), endothelial cells (ECs), and osteoblasts (OBs). Collagen gels were prepared with SMCs, ECs, and OBs with a seeding density of 1x10 6 cells/ml; additionally, acellular controls were also prepared. The disk-shaped constructs were allowed to remodel in the incubator for 5 days, with OCT imaging occurring on days 1 and 5. From the OCT data, the attenuation and reflectivity were evaluated by fitting the data to a theoretical model that relates the tissue optical properties (scattering coefficient and anisotropy factor) and imaging conditions to the OCT signal. The degree of gel compaction was determined from the volume of the culture medium that feeds the constructs. We found that gel compaction (relative to the acellular control) occurred in the SMC constructs, but not in the OB or EC constructs. The optical property data showed that at day 5 the SMC constructs had an overall higher reflectivity (lower g) relative to day 1, whereas there was no obvious change in reflectivity of the EC, OB constructs and acellular controls relative to day 1. Moreover, there was a difference in the attenuation of the OB constructs on day 5 relative to day 1, but not in the other constructs. The apparent decrease in anisotropy observed in the SMC constructs, but not in the OB and EC constructs and acellular controls, suggests that OCT is sensitive to the remodeling of the collagen matrix that accompanies gel compaction, and can offer highly localized information on the construct microstructure. The apparent increase in the scattering coefficient of the OB constructs is believed to be caused by a higher rate of proliferation by these cell types relative to the others. Overall, these results suggest that the optical properties of collagen gels contain information on both cell number and collagen gel microstructure.
Differential regulation of the cloned kappa and mu opioid receptors

Abstract To directly compare the regulation of the cloned κ and μ opioid receptor, we expressed them in the same cells, the mouse anterior pituitary cell line AtT-20. The coupling of an endogenous somatostatin receptor to adenylyl cyclase and an inward rectifier K+ current has been well characterized in these cells, enabling us to do parallel studies comparing the regulation of both the κ and the μ receptor to this somatostatin receptor. We show that the κ receptor readily uncoupled from the K+ current and from adenylyl cyclase after a 1 h pretreatment with agonist, as indicated by the loss in the ability of the agonist to induce a functional response. The desensitization of the κ receptor was homologous, as the ability of somatostatin to mediate inhibition of adenylyl cyclase or potentiation of the K+ current was not altered by κ receptor desensitization. The μ receptor uncoupled from the K+ current but not adenylyl cyclase after a 1 h pretreatment with agonist. Somatostatin was no longer able to potentiate the K+ current after μ receptor desensitization, thus this desensitization was heterologous. Interestingly, pretreatment with a somatostatin agonist caused uncoupling of the μ receptor but not the κ receptor from the K+ current. These results show that in the same cell line, after a 1 h pretreatment with agonist, the κ receptor displays homologous regulation, whereas the μ receptor undergoes only a heterologous form of desensitization. μ Receptor desensitization may lead to the alterations of diverse downstream events, whereas κ receptor regulation apparently occurs at the level of the receptor itself. Broad alterations of non-opioid systems by the μ receptor could be relevant to the addictive properties of μ agonists. Comparison of κ and μ receptor regulation may help define the properties of the μ receptor which are important in the development of addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal to opioid drugs. These are the first studies to directly compare the coupling of the κ and μ receptors to two different effectors in the same mammalian expression system.
New insights into the pathophysiology of the dysnatremias: a quantitative analysis.

Recent theoretical considerations have played an important role in advancing our understanding of the physiological mechanisms responsible for perturbing the plasma water sodium concentration ([Na+...
Child Care Research: A Clinical Perspective

Two new studies on day care suggest that young children demonstrate increased aggressive behavior in relationship to time spent in day care and increases in cortisol levels in relationship to full-time, group-oriented, out-of-home care. These observations can be more fully understood in a clinical context that looks at individual differences in children, families, and child care environments. Factors likely to increase risk include sensory processing and modulation challenges; family stress; and lack of sensitive, nurturing interactions associated with less high-quality child care. Because 85% to 90% of current day care is not considered to be of high quality, individual families that can provide high-quality care need to explore carefully their options to see if it is possible to provide direct nurturing care for their infants and young children for at least half of the day.
Mechanism of Formation Damage at Elevated Temperature

The pore and grain surface of reservoir rocks often has clay and other fine material attached onto pore walls. It has been long recognized that brine salinity and pH are key factors affecting the attractive forces between pore surfaces and fines. If mobilized particles are assembled in sufficient quantities, they obstruct pore throats and reduce the permeability of the formation. There is anecdotal evidence of substantial fines migration during steam injection enhanced oil recovery operations. As of yet, the mechanism of fines release with temperature is unexplained. The Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek theory of colloidal stability is used in conjunction with laboratory, core-scale experiments to demonstrate that high temperature, alkaline pH, and low salinity (typical characteristics of steam condensate) are sufficient to induce fines mobilization. Temperature is a key variable in calculations of fines stability. Hot-water floods are performed in Berea sandstone at temperatures ranging from 20°C to 200°C. Permeability reduction is observed with temperature increase and fines mobilization occurs repeatably at a particular temperature that varies with solution pH and ionic strength. A scanning electron microscope is used to analyze composition of the effluent samples collected during experiments. It confirms the production of fine clay material. On the practical side, this study provides design criteria for steam injection operations so as to control fines production.
New species of ternstroemia (Theaceae) from the Guayana Highland

Three new species ofTernstroemia are described and illustrated. Two of these,Ternstroemia aracae andT., prancei, are high-elevation taxa endemic to Serra Araca. Brazil. The third,T. campinicola, is a low-elevation, widespread species restricted to white-sand savannas in the Brazilian, Venezuelan, and Colombian Guayana.
Resilience: A Concept Analysis

TOPIC. Concept analysis of resilience. PURPOSE. To analyze the concept of resilience and provide a definition of resilience that is contextually independent of specific age-related groups or populations. SOURCES. Published literature. CONCLUSIONS. Resilience is being increasingly studied in innovative ways among diverse populations. The broadly accepted definition of the term, however, has evolved through literature related specifically to children and adolescents. This concept analysis can provide a fundamental definition of resilience that is derived from the evolution of the term but broadly supports contemporary applications. Resilience researchers can apply this definition when exploring the possibility of resilience-based interventions.
Characterization of Antarctic micrometeorites by thermoluminescence

In order to explore the nature and history of micrometeorites, we have measured the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of four micrometeorites, three cosmic spherules, and one irregular scoriaceous particle, that we found in a survey of 17 micrometeorites. These micrometeorites have TL sensitivities ranging from 0.017 ± 0.002 to 0.087 ± 0.009 (on a scale normalized to 4 mg of the H3.9 chondrite Dhajala). The four micrometeorites have very similar TL peak temperatures and TL peak widths, and these distinguish them from CI, most CM, CV, CO, and ordinary chondrites. However, the TL properties of these micrometeorites closely resemble those of the unusual CM chondrite MacAlpine Hills (MAC) 87300 and terrestrial forsterites. Heating experiments on submillimeter chips of a CM chondrite and a H5 chondrite suggest that these TL properties are have not been significantly affected by atmospheric passage. Thus we suggest that there is no simple linkage between these micrometeorites and the established meteorite classes, and that forsterite is an important component of these micrometeorites, as it is in many primitive solar system materials.
Penoscrotal transposition: review of 53 patients.

Purpose: Penoscrotal transposition is a rare congenital abnormality of the external genitalia. We determine whether there is a genetic basis for this disorder, define the incidence of coexisting organ system anomalies, and compare the results of surgical techniques to correct transposition and hypospadias.Materials and Methods: We report the largest, single institution series of 53 patients 1 day to 30 years old with penoscrotal transposition.Results: Of the patients 13% had a family history of penoscrotal transposition. Interestingly, we identified 1 family in which inheritance occurred in an X-linked recessive manner. There were 17 (32%) patients who had abnormalities in other organ systems, with the genitourinary system in 9 affected most. A total of 79% of patients had hypospadias and 81% chordee. These anomalies were corrected with a single stage Thiersch-Duplay urethroplasty in 6 patients and complex repair with bladder or buccal mucosa, or a staged procedure in 34. Complication rates for urethropla...
Cyanoacrylate‐assisted foreign body removal from the ear and nose in children

Abstract Two cases of foreign body removal using cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl blue, B.Braun Australia Pty. Ltd., Sydney, NSW) or tissue glue are described. Both cases involved children with beads, one in the external auditory meatus and the other in the nostril. The benefits of this technique are discussed.
Expected dose and associated uncertainty and sensitivity analysis results for the human intrusion scenario in the 2008 performance assessment for the proposed high-level radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

Abstract Extensive work has been carried out by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in the development of a proposed geologic repository at Yucca Mountain (YM), Nevada, for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste. In support of this development and an associated license application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the DOE completed an extensive performance assessment (PA) for the proposed YM repository in 2008. The conceptual structure and organization of the 2008 YM PA is based on decomposing the analysis into the following scenario classes: nominal, early waste package failure, early drip shield failure, igneous intrusive, igneous eruptive, seismic ground motion, and seismic fault displacement. This presentation describes how results obtained for the individual scenario classes are brought together in the determination of expected dose to the reasonably maximally exposed individual (RMEI) specified by the NRC in the regulatory requirements for the YM repository and presents associated uncertainty and sensitivity analysis results. The following topics are addressed: (i) determination of expected dose to the RMEI from all scenario classes, (ii) expected dose and uncertainty in expected dose to the RMEI for 0 to 20,000 yr, (iii) expected dose and uncertainty in expected dose to the RMEI from for 0 to 10 6 yr, (iv) justification for the decomposition procedure used to estimate expected dose to the RMEI from all scenario classes, and (v) effectiveness of individual barrier systems in reducing releases from the repository and thus dose to the RMEI. The present article is part of a special issue of Reliability Engineering and System Safety devoted to the 2008 YM PA; additional articles in the issue describe other aspects of the 2008 YM PA.
Distribution records and comments on mammals in western South Dakota

ABSTRACT. The mammal fauna of western South Dakota is imperfectly known; in particular there is a notable paucity of data from Indian reservations in the region. We collected mammals from January 2003 through May 2006 using a variety of standard methodologies, including trapping with snap-traps and Macabee traps, shooting, and salvaging road- and hunter-killed animals. Herein we provide 23 specimen-based county records representing 17 species of mammals. In addition, a photo record constitutes the first report of Dasypus novemcinctus from South Dakota and the northernmost record in the United States. The possible local extirpation of Marmota flaviventris in the southern Black Hills is discussed.
An investigation of the transfer film characteristics and the tribological behaviors of polyphenylene sulfide composites in sliding against tool steel

Abstract The effect of CuS, CuO, CaF 2 , and ZnF 2 fillers in particulate sizes of 200–350 mesh on the friction and wear behavior of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) was investigated. The filler proportion studied was 35 vol.%. The specimens which were prepared by compression molding were tested for friction and wear in a pin-on-disc configuration using hardened tool steel disc as the counterface. The morphologies of the worn surfaces and the transfer films were studied by scanning electron microscopy and the transfer films were analyzed by energy dispersive spectroscopy. The improvement in wear resistance with CuS was considerable and with CuO marginal, while the wear resistance decreased with CaF 2 and ZnF 2 . The coefficient of friction increased significantly with CuO and decreased with CaF 2 and was not significantly affected by the other fillers. The changes in the friction and wear behaviors were analyzed in terms of the morphology and the composition of transfer films.
Electric dipole moment of KrSO3

The radiofrequency spectrum of KrSO3 is reported. A beam of KrSO3 was produced by expanding a mixture of Ar, Kr and SO3 at 900 Torr through a nozzle at 25°C. The Stark spectrum and dipole moment are reported.
DPAL: historical perspective and summary of achievements

Alkali vapor lasers are under extensive research and development during the past decade because of their potential for scaling to high powers while maintaining a good beam quality. Also, a possibility of using efficient diode lasers for pumping alkali vapor promises high total wall plug efficiency for a Diode Pumped Alkali Laser (DPAL). Since the first DPAL demonstration with output power of 130 mW in 2005 1 , a significant progress in this field was achieved. The output power of about 1 kW in continuous wave (CW) operation with optical efficiency close to 50% was recently demonstrated for a Cs DPAL 2 . Also, the DPALs based on other alkali metals (Rubidium and Potassium) were demonstrated 3,4 . In spite of these significant achievements, there are still several problems in DPAL power scaling exist that must be addressed. Among them are the thermal 5 and photoionization 6 issues that become important even at power level about several tens of watts. In this paper we present a historical review of the alkali laser research and development, discuss the most important achievements and future perspectives in this field of research.
Clonal variation, autoimmunity, and neoplasia: an ecology lesson from paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Cancer occurring in immunodeficient states is attributed to loss of immune surveillance. In this issue, Dunn and colleagues propose that immune attack might actually confer an ecological advantage ...
Biologic therapeutics in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: translating disease mechanism into therapy.

Graves' disease (GD) is a systemic autoimmune disease which targets the thyroid, orbit, and skin. Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) refers specifically to the orbital and periorbital manifestations of GD. Several important concepts have emerged from our enhanced understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the disease. Considerable debate remains concerning the specific identity and roles of inflammatory T-cell subsets, soluble and contact-mediated signalling, and autoantigens driving TAO. However B and T lymphocytes appear central in the process through production of disease mediators including activating autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor; cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-16; and chemokines including RANTES. Many of these molecules appear central to the inflammation, accumulation of extracellular matrix macromolecules, and fibrosis in the disease. Novel therapeutics targeting other autoimmune diseases may provide an opportunity for disruptin...
LH stimulation of estrogen secretion by cultured rat granulosa cells.

Abstract The direct effect of LH on estrogen secretion by rat granulosa cells was investigated. Ovarian granulosa cells from immature hypophysectomized diethylstilbestrol-treated rats were primed with FSH for 2 days in vitro to induce LH receptors. After the FSH priming, the granulosa cells were washed, and recultured for 4 additional days in media containing aromatase substrate (10 −7 M androstenedione) and purified FSH or LH. After the incubations, estrogen (E), progesterone (P) and 20α-dihydroprogesterone (20α-OH-P) in the media were measured by RIA. When granulosa cells from hypophysectomized DES-treated rats were cultured for 6 days with FSH and androstenedione, the production of E, P and 20α-OH-P was stimulated to a maximum of 100-, 200- and 270-fold, respectively, above that of control levels. In contrast, LH did not increase steroidogenesis in these cells. Following 2 days of FSH priming in vitro, however, the cultured granulosa cells exhibited marked increases (400–600%) in E, P and 20α-OH-P production in response to LH treatment over a 4-day incubation period. This stimulatory effect of LH on estrogen and progestin production was dose-related; the minimum and maximum effective doses of LH for steroid production were 3 and 30 ng/ml, respectively, and the ED 50 was calculated to be 6 ng/ml of LH. As with LH, FSH also stimulated steroidogenesis in a dose-related manner and the apparent ED 50 of FSH on steroidogenesis was 45 ng/ml. To investigate whether LH can also stimulate aromatase activity in granulosa cells primed with FSH in vivo, immature hypophysectomized DES-treated rats were injected for 2 days with FSH after which the granulosa cells were isolated and cultured for 4 days in medium containing 10 −7 M androstenedione and LH or FSH. Both LH and FSH stimulated E, P and 20α-OH-P production, and the maximum steroidogenic responses of LH and FSH were similar to those observed in cultured granulosa cells primed with FSH in vitro. These results have demonstrated that LH is effective in stimulating both estrogen and progestin secretion in rat granulosa cells pretreated with FSH. This suggests an important role of LH in the direct control of both aromatization and luteinization in the granulosa cell.
An Envirotechnical Disaster: Nature, Technology, and Politics at Fukushima

This essay uses literatures and concepts from environmental history, the history of technology, and disaster studies to analyze what took place at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station on March 11, 2011, and all that has transpired in the months since. In particular, it considers Charles Perrow’s “normal accidents” and Thomas Parke Hughes’s “technological systems,” emphasizing the contributions and limits of these frameworks. It then uses the notion of envirotechnical systems, a blending of ecological and technological systems, to analyze the normal operating procedures at Fukushima as well as the emergency measures taken during the actual crisis. It argues that environmental factors such as radioactive elements, water, air, and also human bodies are critical to understanding how the events at Fukushima unfolded. Yet there is a risk in naturalizing the disaster. Ultimately, a complex, dynamic, porous, and inextricable configuration of nature, technology, and politics helps us understand all that “Fukushima” now signifies.
α-Alkyloximino Acid Thiol Esters: New Class of Compounds showing Antimalarial Activity

New derivatives of α-alkyloximino acids, the thiol esters, were prepared by modification of an application of mixed carboxylic-carbonic anhydrides. In general, the compounds show modest antimalarial activity, though one prolongs the lives of infected mice for more than 3 days longer than controls.
Information processing in Dendritic Trees

Abstract A mechanism is discussed whereby fully developed action potentials on a smooth dendritic tree can interact to cause conduction on the parent branch or can be extinguished. This approach makes use of the concept that threshold stimulation of a branch requires a certain charge (rather than voltage or current) which depends in a simple way upon the diameter of the branch. Some experiments are suggested to test this point of view.
HP means high-powered: FutureBusiness, side A

The author continues the Info Age series with an example or two of companies that have made the grade in the toughest Info Age FutureBusiness of all-the commodity-driven computer business. I claim that corporate survival depends on how well a company executes one or more basic Info Age principles. I look at the so-called box builders-the manufacturers who create platforms for doing FutureBusiness, considering Digital Equipment, IBM, Sun, Compaq, and HP. >
Retinal degeneration in the delayed amelanotic (DAM) chicken: an electroretinographic study

The retinal function of the delayed amelanotic (DAM) chicken that has progressive retinal degeneration, was investigated electroretinographically (ERG). Subjects showing a gradation of abnormalities of retinal morphology and impairment of visual behaviors were tested. Dark-adapted a-, b-, and c-wave responses to full-field stimuli were studied. In general, the more severe the anatomical abnormalities, the greater the compromise of sensitivity and amplitude of ERG responses. The DAM disease appears to affect c-waves more than a-waves, and a-waves more than b-waves. Dark-adapted responses are affected more than light-adapted responses. In DAM's with moderately to severely impaired visual behaviors, ERG studies should permit analysis of the distal retinal pathophysiology caused by this disease.
On Performance of Node Placement Approaches for Hierarchical Heterogeneous Sensor Networks

This paper considers a two-tier hierarchical heterogeneous wireless sensor network using the concept of clustering. The network has two type of nodes: regular sensor nodes (litenodes or LN) with limited communications, storage, energy, and computation power; and high-end sophisticated nodes (SNs), or clusterheads, with significantly additional resources. The litenodes communicate their data to the SNs and the SNs forward all collected data to a central gateway node called the base station (BS). Our network architecture allows the LNs to reach a SN via multiple hops through other LNs. We investigate the problem of optimally placing a minimum number of sophisticated nodes to handle the traffic generated by the lite nodes, while ensuring that the SNs form a connected network using their wireless links. This placement problem is formulated and solved as multi-constraint optimization problem using well known approaches: Binary Integer Linear Programming (BILP) approach, Greedy approach (GREEDY) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) approach. It was found through simulations that BILP performed best for regular grid topologies, while GA performed better for random LN deployment. Furthermore, the effects of various parameters on the solution are also presented. The paper also proposes a HYBRID approach that uses the solutions provided by GREEDY and/or BILP as the initial solution to the GA. Using HYBRID, results comparable to original GA could be obtained in only 11.46% of the time required for the original GA.
SYMMETRY OF k-MARKED DURFEE SYMBOLS

Andrews introduced the k-marked Durfee symbols in his work defining a variant of the Atkin–Garvan moments of ranks. He provided and proved many identities and congruences using analytical methods. Here, we give an equivalent description of k-marked Durfee symbols, and using it we give combinatorial proofs to two results of Andrews'.
Experimental Performance Evaluation of a High Temperature PEM Fuel Cell Prototype Under Various Operating Conditions

In this study, we experimentally evaluated our newly designed high temperature PEM fuel cell (HTPEMFC) prototype performance at different operating conditions. In particular, we investigated the effects of operating temperature, pressure, air stoichiometry and CO poisoning in the anode fuel stream on the current-voltage characteristics of the HTPEMFC prototype. Experimental results obtained from the single HTPEM fuel cell show that the performance is quite steady with high CO-level reformate at high operating temperature which makes it possible to feed the reformate gas directly from the reformer to the stack without further CO removal. In order to develop design parameters for fuel reformer, experimental data of this type would be very useful. The results obtained from this study showed significant variations in current-voltage characteristics of HTPEMFC at different temperatures with different CO poisoning rates. The results are promising to understand the overall system performance development strategy of HTPEMFC in terms of current-voltage characteristics while fed with reformate with different CO ratios in the anode fuel stream.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Hot- and Cold-Case Orbits for Robust Thermal Control

Realizing cheaper, more flexible alternatives to traditional satellites requires robust design approaches. Robust satellite subsystems are designed to meet a broad range of mission requirements; consequently, they drastically reduce nonrecurring engineering costs and greatly diminish design, development, assembly, integration, and test schedules. Robust thermal control subsystems must be capable of handling a broad range of thermal environments, thus reducing design and development costs but can be susceptible to overdesign. Therefore, improved design methodologiesareneededtomaintaintheiradvantageswhileminimizingexcessivedesign.Asa firststep,designhotandcold-case orbits shouldbe examined. Theprimarygoal of the study described in thispaper wasto identify single hot- and cold-case design orbits that work well in the design of robust thermal control subsystems over a wide range of satellite surface properties and likely operating environments. A general approach was developed to identify worst-case orbits that employ a combination of statistical and historical data such that statistically insignificant orbits are disregarded. Using this method, individual hot- and cold-case design orbits were found at beta angle/ inclinationcombinationsof72 deg =52 degand0 deg =28 deg,respectively.Theuseofthesedesignorbitsworkswell for a wide range of different satellite surface properties.
Pellicles for x-ray lithography masks

The feasibility of using thin films of organic material as a protective cover for x-ray lithography masks has been demonstrated. A pellicle structure that fits unobtrusively inside the mask-wafer gap and on the x-ray lithography NIST standard ring was developed. The pellicle solves several problems: 1) protects the mask absorber from direct contact to external sources of possible damage without itself contacting the absorber, 2) allows effective cleaning of the x-ray mask by preventing dust or debris particles from getting imbedded in the absorber pattern, 3) reduces contamination of the stepper and wafers by absorber metal debris in the event of catastrophic breakage of the mask membrane, 4) reduces contamination of the absorber pattern by debris generated by the resist or the stepper environment during x-ray exposure, and 5) reduces photoelectrons generated by the absorber during x-ray exposure from reaching the resist. Furthermore, pellicles may offer inspection advantages by providing a flat surface without absorber topography. Several approaches for the fabrication of suitable pellicles using organic and inorganic films will be presented in this paper. Pellicles have been successfully tested in the SVGL and SUSS steppers in the IBM Advanced Lithography Facility in the East Fishkill, NY. Results on pellicle's performance together with radiation damage measurements to estimate a pellicle's lifetime are presented in this paper.
Determination of atmospheric diffusion parameters

Abstract Many methods used to predict the concentration of effluents from a continuous point source require the diffusion parameters σ y , and σ z . There are several methods available to determine them: various forms of power laws, averaging wind records, and graphs. Based on field experiments, a general equation is developed that approaches the correct theoretical limits. This equation leads to a method for estimation of σ y and σ z , which gives satisfactory estimates in all cases except for vertical diffusion from ground sources during unstable stratification and vertical diffusion from elevated sources during stable stratification, presumably because of lack of vertical homogeneity. Alternate techniques are suggested for these cases.
Alz-50 immunoreactivity in the thalamic reticular nucleus in Alzheimer's disease

Examination of the thalamic reticular nucleus (Rt) with the monoclonal antibody Alz-50 in brains of Alzheimer's disease patients reveals dense extracellular and terminal-like immunoreactivity in the absence of neurofibrillary tangles or neuritic plaques. Similar terminal-like immunoreactivity is not present in other thalamic nuclei of AD brains or in the brains of controls. Based on (1) an immunocytochemical and histopathological analysis of areas known to project to the Rt, (2) that Alz-50 immunocytochemistry reveals immunoreactive neurons, neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques, and (3) evidence that Alz-50 immunoreactivity can be demonstrated in the terminal fields of immunoreactive neurons, the terminal-like immunoreactivity in the Rt probably corresponds to altered preterminal axons and terminals from degenerating basal forebrain neurons. Given the presumed physiological role of the Rt, these selective lesions could alter thalamocortical processing and contribute to the cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease.
Smoothing in an underdetermined linear model with random explanatory variables

In some physical systems, where the goal is to describe behaviour over an entire field using scattered observations, a multiple regression model can be derived from the discretization of a continuous process. These models often have more parameters than observations. We propose a technique for constructing smoothed estimators in this situation. Our method assumes the model has random explanatory and response variables, and imposes a smoothness penalty based on the signal-to-noise ratio of the model. Results are presentes using a known value for the ratio, and a method for estimating the ratio is discussed. The procedure is applied to modelling temperature measurements taken in the California Current. Lorsque l'on cherche a decrire le comportement global de certains phenomenes physiques a partir d'observations eparses, un modele de regression multiple peut etre obtenu par discretisation d'un processus continu. Dans de tels modeles, le nombre de parametres est souvent superieur a la taille de lechantillon. L'auteur montre ici comment construire des estimations lisses dans pareil cas. Il suppose pour ce faire que les variables exogenes et endogene du modele sont aleatoires et penalise l'absence de regularite des estimations au moyen d'une fonction du rapport signal/bruit. Ses resultats supposent la connaissance de ce rapport, dont il aborde ensuite l'estimation. Un echantillon de temperatures prelevees dans le courant de Califomie permet d'illustrer le propos.