cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The design and implementation of the MRRR algorithm

In the 1990's, Dhillon and Parlett devised the algorithm of multiple relatively robust representations (MRRR) for computing numerically orthogonal eigenvectors of a symmetric tridiagonal matrix T with O(n2) cost. While previous publications related to MRRR focused on theoretical aspects of the algorithm, a documentation of software issues has been missing. In this article, we discuss the design and implementation of the new MRRR version STEGR that will be included in the next LAPACK release. By giving an algorithmic description of MRRR and identifying governing parameters, we hope to make STEGR more easily accessible and suitable for future performance tuning. Furthermore, this should help users understand design choices and tradeoffs when using the code.
Bidirectional leveling as evidence for relational rules

Abstract While analogical leveling has long been recognized as a means of promoting paradigmatic uniformity, the direction of such leveling has received little attention. Within Generative theory, it is to be expected that, given variant A and variant B, the former generated by the opaque Rule P, either A or B will be made basic in all paradigms in which Rule P operates. Examples from the development of Frisian, French, and English are presented however, which show that this need not always be so. Such cases, where A becomes central in one lexical item and B in another, are referred to as bidirectional leveling . It is proposed that such ‘schizophrenic’ leveling entails that both allomorph A and B must be entered into the lexicon, and hence this view supports the position taken in Hudson (1974) that non-productive alternation must be dealt with by means of suppletion. It is further proposed that such unproductive alternation be handled by means of non-directional, non-generative relational rules , which have as their function the relating of lexical items to one another, rather than generating a surface form from an underlying representation. In conclusion, the implications of this proposal for Natural Generative Phonology are discussed.
Adolescents' sexually transmitted disease protective attitudes predict sexually transmitted disease acquisition in early adulthood.

BACKGROUND: Estimates suggest that about 48% of nearly 19 million cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occurring annually in the United States are acquired by persons aged 15-24 years. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that adolescents’ attitudes about protecting themselves from STDs predict their laboratory-confirmed prevalence of STDs in early adulthood. METHODS: Wave 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health assessed Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae ,a ndTrichomonas vaginalis. This wave 3 data were regressed on data collected in wave 1 (when those followed were teens). A single-item measure (with a 5-point response option) assessed adolescents’ attitude: ‘‘It would be a big hassle to do the things necessary to completely protect yourself from getting an STD.’’ RESULTS: Valid urine specimens were provided by 8297 adolescents who also completed the self-reported measures needed for this study. Overall, 6.4% of the weighted sample tested positive for at least 1 of the 3 STDs. Controlling for age, gender, minority status, and age of sexual debut (all of which are well-established predictors of STD prevalence), attitude toward STD protection achieved significance (P , .001). Each additional point on the 5-point scale increased adolescents’ odds of testing positive for an STD in early adulthood by about 13%. Of interest, the attitudinal measure did not interact with any of the other variables.
Simultaneous determination of indole- and catecholamines in small brain regions in the rat using a weak cation exchange resin.

Abstract A fluorometric procedure is described which allows the measurement of nanogram amounts of serotonin, horepinephrine, and dopamine in small brain areas (20–350 mg) from individual rats. The amines are separated from their precursor amino acids and acid metabolites by a single-column chromotography step using a weak cation exchange resin. It is possible quantitatively to determine 10–30 ng of each amine when all three are measured simultaneously. When either serotonin or the catecholamines are assayed in a tissue sample, as little as 5–15 ng may be detected. Recoveries of the amines range from 85 to 93% as measured by addition of 14 C-labeled amines to tissue supernatants.
Usage of Eight Forms of Equity-Based Compensation in the San Diego Life Sciences Industry

The objective of this article is to report the usage of eight different forms of equity-based compensation (specifically, ownership among employees) in the life sciences industry of San Diego. We gathered data from 103 out of 420 companies in San Diego. Of the eight forms of employee ownership, the most widely used is 401(k). Among the four employee ownership practices pertaining to stocks, quite a few companies in the life sciences industry have adopted stock options (67%) and stock grants (31%). The practices least used are stock appreciation rights (2%) and employee stock ownership plans (4%). Qualified employee stock purchase plans were adopted by 11% of the companies. The two cash-based practices (profit sharing and gain sharing or a monetary incentive for efficiency gains) were used by almost 20% of the companies. We discussed these results as they relate to the need for alternative business models to sustain the life sciences industry.
Endocrine Carcinoma of the Kidney

A 4-cm mass in the right kidney of a 43-year-old female had an endocrine appearance by light microscopy and electron microscopy confirmed this impression, demonstrating the presence of numerous cytoplasmic granules of endocrine caliber. Unusual features were patchy immunoreactivity for chro-mogranin, and polarity of the granules within the neoplastic cells. Extrarenal extension and liver metastasis were documented.
The dayside reconnection X line

[1] The antiparallel reconnection hypothesis states that reconnection occurs at or near the locus along which magnetosheath and magnetospheric fields are antiparallel and the reconnecting component of the magnetic field is maximal. Recent observations have pointed toward significant reconnection rates in locales with much less than antiparallel field shear. We explore the alternative component reconnection hypothesis that reconnection occurs along a locus determined by integrating the local X line (XL) direction away from that region with the largest reconnecting field magnitude. We develop a description of the magnetospheric and magnetosheath magnetic fields at the magnetopause, compute the angle between the sheath and boundary layer fields, and the reconnecting component, everywhere on the magnetopause. We then integrate the XL across the magnetopause from a starting point or points where the reconnecting component is maximal. The resultant XL lies across the equatorial subsolar magnetopause for southerly Bz, as expected. For typical interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions dominated by By, the XL tilts poleward and loops around the cusps into the high-latitude regions, consistent with throat-like cusp region flows. For northerly Bz, the XL bifurcates into high-latitude and low-latitude segments with subsolar reconnection disappearing only for mainly northward Bz. We argue that the component reconnection XL represents the mean location of quasi-steady reconnection on the magnetopause, subject to of course to nonuniformities and variations of the interplanetary magnetic field and plasma. We conclude that reconnection should have appreciable rates across the subsolar magnetopause for most IMF clock angles, with higher rates at high latitudes for northward Bz.
Use of flow cytometry to characterize immunodeficiency syndromes in camelids

Abstract Disorders in immune function in lamas have been observed over the past years. However, it has been difficult to determine how many types of deficiencies exist. Through the use of flow cytometry and monoclonal antibodies specific for leukocyte differentiation molecules, it has been possible to characterize the immune system of lamas and determine the genetic basis of one disease, the juvenile lama immunodeficiency syndrome (JLIDS). The availability of monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry now afford an opportunity to clinically diagnose animals with JLIDS at birth and characterize other immunodeficiencies in animals presenting with similar clinical signs of immune dysfunction. The findings also show that flow cytometry can be used to characterize disorders in other species.
Sustainability Assessment of the Injection Molding Process and the Effects of Material Selection

This paper discusses the use of the proposed Material Information Model (MIM) [1] in assessing the sustainability of the Injection Molding (IM) process, and clarifies how to use the material information (based on the characteristics of different types of polymers) to quantify the material impacts. The assessment criteria include energy/water consumption and waste (pollution) production during the process and the effects of other materials during production (like the use of additives) that may add to environmental burdens. This paper addresses issues mainly at the IM process level taking the followings into account — pollution and manufacturing cost, energy and water consumption, waste management, operation safety, hazards to the plastic manufacturing personnel and other environmental impacts — to develop requisite process metrics for measuring the sustainability performances of the IM process. The ideas discussed in the paper lead to the development of computational approaches for selecting the “best” process-material combination.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Experimental and computational studies reveal an alternative supramolecular structure for fmoc-dipeptide self-assembly.

We have investigated the self-assembly of fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-conjugated dialanine (Fmoc-AA) molecules using combined computational and experimental approaches. Fmoc-AA gels were characterized using TEM, circular dichroism, FTIR, and WAXS. Computationally, we simulated the assembly of Fmoc-AA using molecular dynamics techniques. All simulations converged to a condensed fibril structure in which the Fmoc groups stack mostly within in the center of the fibril. However, the Fmoc groups are partially exposed to water, creating an amphiphilic surface, which may be responsible for aggregation of fibrils into nano-scale fibers observed in TEM. From the fibril models, radial distribution calculations agree with d-spacings observed in WAXS for the fibril diameter and π-stacking interactions. Our analyses show that dialanine, despite its short length, adopts a mainly extended polyproline II conformation. In contrast to previous hypotheses, these results indicate that β-sheet-like hydrogen bonding is not prevalent. Rather, stacking of Fmoc groups, inter-residue hydrogen bonding and hydrogen bonding with water play the important roles in stabilizing the fibril structure of supramolecular assemblies of short conjugated peptides.
Origin and behavior of bicentriolar centrosomes in the bryophyte Riella americana

Basal bodies in embryophyte spermatozoids develop from centrosomes which arisede novo in spermatid mother cells (SMC). The centrosomes at SMC spindle poles in those land plants producing biflagellated sperms comprise a coaxial pair of centrioles, a bicentriole (BC). Ultrastructural observations of antheridia of the aquatic liverwortRiella americana indicate that the centrosome is first evident as a dark staining body on the outer surface of the nucleus. Numerous short microtubules (MT) diverge from this body which next separates into two lobes, each with divergent MTs. Within each lobe, a BC differentiates-the cartwheel hub and spokes developing before the triplet MTs. Constituent centrioles of each BC are apposed by their proximal ends and connected only by the central hub. As the BCs migrate toward opposite spindle poles, they appear to be connected by MTs that terminate in granular material partially investing each BC. Each spermatid resulting from SMC division will inherit a bicentriole.
Oriented overgrowth of alkali halides on metals.

IN a recent discussion of oriented overgrowth, Sir George Thomson1 has pointed out that near equality of spacing of atoms in the two crystals in contact is not always a necessary condition for such growth to occur. It appeared that the presence of cracks or steps in the mother crystal plays an important part. Some evidence for this belief was the observation of Andrade and Martindale2 that small crystals of gold or silver grown on glass and diamonds show a preference for nucleation on cracks or scratches on the surface.
The granulocytic in vitro growth potential of foetal liver.

Summary The recently described method for producing granulocytic colonies in soft agar from bone marrow cell suspensions has been extended to studies on murine foetal liver cell suspensions. The colonies in agar are considered to arise from a proliferating and committed myeloid stem cell compartment. It has been shown that a linear relationship exists between the number of foetal liver cells plated and the number of colonies produced. Further, for foetal liver and bone marrow, similar numbers of colonies are produced from similar cell numbers plated. This would imply a significantly sized committed myeloid stem cell compartment in the 161/2-day-old foetal liver, previously considered at this stage of development to be predominantly an erythroid organ. Wide differences in content of pluripotential stem cells have been demonstrated in foetal liver when compared to adult bone marrow.
The atomic fluorine laser: Spectral pressure dependence

Abstract Atomic fluorine has been lased at pressures up to 30 psia in a double discharge laser with vigorous flashboard pre-ionization. The spectral output of the laser is a function of pressure, with low pressure favoring doublet transitions and high pressure inducing new laser transitions in the quartet manifold.
Granular and gas-particle flows in a channel with a bidisperse particle mixture

Abstract Steady state solutions of granular and gas–particle flows in a channel with a bimodal particle mixture have been computed using kinetic theory. For granular channel flows we find granular energy equipartition breaks down with an increase in the system inelasticity and the mass ratio of particles. The effect of the particle size ratio on breakdown of energy equipartition is very small if the two particle species have the same mass. The species segregation in the solid phase is enhanced with a decrease in the system inelasticity, an increase in the average solid fraction or an increase in the size ratio, due to the competition of three diffusion forces: the thermal diffusion force, the ordinary diffusion force, and the pressure diffusion force. In addition, we find a competition mechanism exists in the equal density case (particles with equal density but different sizes) since in the equal mass case (particles with equal mass but different sizes) small particles have a higher concentration in low granular energy regions, whereas in the equal size case (particles with equal size but different masses) heavy particles have a higher concentration in low granular energy regions. These findings are in agreement with the results for granular Couette flows. For equal density particles, the segregation of large particles has a transition from the walls to the center when the restitution coefficient ( e p ) decreases from 1 to 0.99. This sensitivity is reduced when the system becomes more inelastic. For a given monodisperse granular system, we show that if larger particles are mixed in the system the sensitivity of the total solid distribution to the restitution coefficient is suppressed, while if smaller particles are added in the system the situation reverses. Lastly, we extend our work to gas–particle flows in a channel where particles are fluidized by gas flowing upwards, and find that for the kinetic theory models used in the present study, the solid fraction, the species segregation and the granular energy profiles are quite similar between the granular flows and the gas–particle flows.
The production of gallium-67 with a Tandem accelerator

67Ga is produced by the66Zn(d,n) reaction at 9 MeV bombarding energy. Deuterons of about 30 μA obtained from the T-11 Tandem accelerator are used to bombard targets of natural Zinc prepared by electroplating onto thick copper disks. Radiochemical separation of gallium is performed by using a cation exchange column. The optimum conditions for an efficient separation are given in detail.
Unexpected Outcomes of Thai Cassava Trade: A Case of Global Complexity and Local Unsustainability

Abstract Tracing the Thai cassava (Manihot esculenta) trade network, between 1960 and 2000, offers a compelling example of global complexity at work. The emergence of Thailand's dominance of world export markets caught the world by surprise. The opening up of a European market for cassava was supposed to be met by Brazilian and Indonesian producers. Instead, Thailand took over the market by 1975. Several factors facilitated this emergence including: entrepreneurial diasporic networks of Thai-Chinese traders, local political economy conditions in both Europe and Thailand, and ecological conditions in Thailand. These same factors also shaped the subsequent timing of the closing of the European market, the emergence of a new industry association, the creation of new cassava products, and the expansion to other markets. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of cassava market yielded equivocal outcomes for both Europe and Thai farmers. A Chinese version of this article's abstract is available online at: www.informaw...
Difficulties in making implicit government risk-bearing partnerships explicit

This article explains how lobbying pressure intensifies tax-transfer inefficiencies in disaster prevention and relief. The social-welfare tradeoff in the government's joint provision of safety regulation and disaster relief is distorted by disinformational lobbying activity by disaster-exposed households and by conflict between principles of horizontal and vertical equity. Horizontal equity presupposes that no group of taxpayers wants to transfer wealth ex ante to equally wealthy disaster-exposed parties. But vertical equity implies that, when disaster strikes, households that were previously able to hide the mitigability of their exposure to a ratable hazard can nevertheless extract sizable transfers from other taxpayers ex post.
The Effects of Nutrient Deficiencies and Analogs on the Cell and Nuclear Volume of Tetrahymena pyriformis

SYNOPSIS. Cell volume and nuclear volume measurements were made on Tetrahymena pyriformis strain E cells that had been either (a) suspended in a medium deficient in some nutrient or (b) suspended in a medium containing a metabolic inhibitor. Media deficient in a nucleotide or containing nucleotide analogs did not significantly inhibit growth. However, cell volume changes were observed for cells grown on nucleotidedeficient medium. Amino acid deficient medium inhibited growth completely and both cell and nuclear volume decreased significantly. The minimal volumes attained were 2/3 of the control volume. Media containing amino acid analogs did not completely inhibit growth nor did appreciable volume changes occur. Both cell and nuclear volumes were closely intercorrelated throughout the results.
Determining Pigment Optical Properties for Use in the Mie and Many‐Flux Theories

Normalized phase functions p(ϑ), the angular dependence of light scattering, were determined experimentally for diluted aqueous dispersions of iron-oxide pigments. The best means of representing p(ϑ) through a series of Legendre polynomials was studied. From the Legendre coefficients it was possible to calculate by the Mie theory both the complex refractive index of the pigment and the single-scattering absorption and scattering coefficients. The latter coefficients were used in the many-flux theory to calculate the reflectance of a paint film made from the pigment. Reasonable agreement was obtained with the experimental value of reflectance of a paint film prepared from the same, but undiluted, dispersion.
Observations of the Dynamics and Kinematics of the Atmospheric Surface Layer on the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica

Abstract Row Island, Antarctica with its 3000 m volcanic peaks a prodigious barrier to the predominant southerly airflow of the western Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica. This study investigates the relationship of Ross Island to the dynamics and kinematics of the atmosphere using surface data from an army of six automatic weather stations on the Ross Ice Shelf just south of Ross Island. After the actual horizontal pressure gradients had been determined, dynamical relations were obtained which confirmed previous related research. The values of geostrophic departure angle found in this study are in good agreement with the findings of other researchers. Furthermore, a previously determined tendency of the geostrophic departure angle to increase with increasing wind speed over open ice has been confirmed in the region far to the south of the influence of Ross Island. Near the south side of Ross Island, however, this relation does not apply. It is postulated that the forcing of Ross Island on the dynamics of the low...
Interframe Coding of Canonical Patches for Mobile Augmented Reality

Local features are widely used for content-based image retrieval and augmented reality applications. Typically, feature descriptors are calculated from the gradients of a canonical patch around a repeatable key point in the image. In previous work, we showed that one can alternatively transmit the compressed canonical patch and perform descriptor computation at the receiving end with comparable performance. In this paper, we propose a temporally coherent key point detector in order to allow efficient interframe coding of canonical patches. In inter-patch compression, one strives to transmit each patch with as few bits as possible by simply modifying a previously transmitted patch. This enables server-based mobile augmented reality where a continuous stream of salient information, sufficient for the image-based retrieval, can be sent over a wireless link at the smallest possible bit-rate. Experimental results show that our technique achieves a similar image matching performance at 1/10 of the bit-rate when compared to detecting key points independently frame-by-frame.
Arctic aerosols: Model estimates of interactive influences upon the surface-atmosphere clearsky radiation budget

Abstract It is known that a significant fraction of the Arctic's tropospheric aerosol is of anthropogenic origin. But in order to interpret the possible impact of this anthropogenic component upon the Arctic climate, it is necessary to understand how the aerosol alters the radiation budget of the Arctic's surface-troposphere system. The present study addresses several aspects of this possible radiative perturbation, such as the importance of the aerosol's vertical distribution, the importance of vertical variations of aerosol optical properties as induced by vertical variations of relative humidity, the estimation of diurnally-averaged seasonal perturbations of the surface-troposphere system and how these are influenced by interactions between the anthropogenic and natural components of the aerosol and a suggestion as to how to interpret observed aerosol-induced changes in the surface radiation budget.
Contesting Globalization: Space and Place in the World Economy

Contesting Globalization: Space and Place in the World Economy. By Andre C. Drainville. New York: Routledge, 2004. 208p. $145.00 cloth, $41.95 paper. The literature on globalization has come a long way. The first-generation scholarship debated the “decline of the nation-state” thesis. Globalization critics predicted widespread regulatory races to the bottom. They blamed technological innovations that allow firms to decouple various stages of the production processes for privileging capital over other societal actors. While the globalization optimists agree with the causal story of the critics, they welcomed the emergence of a “borderless world.” For them, capital mobility leads to good governance because it privileges economic efficiency over rent-seeking politics.
Three new phthalocyanines with potential for PDT studies

The synthesis and characterization of a tetradibenzobarrelenoocta-n-butoxyzinc phthalocyanine, as well as the phthalocyanines t-butyldimethylsiloxy-N(3(beta) -acetoxy-23, 24-dinor-5-cholenoyl)-4-amino-n-butyldimethylsiloxysilicon phthalocyanine and bis- N(3(beta) -acetoxy-23,24-dinor-5-cholenoyl)-4-amino-n-butyldimethylsiloxysilicon phthalocyanine are reported. The zinc phthalocyanine is soluble, open at its center and highly hindered. It has a deep red absorption and a long triplet state lifetime. The silicon phthalocyanines have red absorptions and ligands bearing functions that have a resemblance to a part of the core of the low density lipoprotein fraction of blood serum. The zinc phthalocyanine has the potential to be a good photosensitizer, and the silicon phthalocyanines or related compounds have the potential to be preferentially accumulated by tumor cells. All three compounds are of interest for photodynamic therapy studies.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Glycosylation mutants and the functions of mammalian carbohydrates

Abstract Glycosylation mutants of mammalian cells synthesize novel carbohydrate structures that are expressed on cellular glycoconjugates. Such mutants provide many avenues for investigating the functions of carbohydrates, both in their effects on the behavior of individual macromolecules (endogenous or introduced into the cell) and on the array of structures expressed at the surface of cells.
Tumor Grade at Margins of Resection in Radical Prostatectomy Specimens Is an Independent Predictor of Prognosis

OBJECTIVES To assess whether reporting the grade of cancer at the site of positive margins in a radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen was independently prognostic of the outcome. METHODS We restricted our study to 108 patients with Gleason score (GS) 7, nonfocal extraprostatic extension (EPE) (Stage pT3a), and positive surgical margins. Patients with a tertiary pattern 5, those who had received neoadjuvant therapy, and those with positive margins because of an intraprostatic incision were excluded. RESULTS The overall GS was 3 + 4 in 73 patients (67%) and 4 + 3 in 35 (33%). The median length of the positive margin was 3.0 mm (range 0.5-10). The GS at the margin was 3 + 3, 3 + 4, 4 + 3, and 4 + 4 in 40 (37%), 41 (38%), 16 (14.8%), and 11 (10.2%) cases, respectively. Of the 108 patients, 45 (42%) remained free of disease after RP (median follow-up 6 years, range 3-13). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed no correlation between biochemical recurrence and either the preoperative serum prostate-specific antigen level (P = .7) or overall GS (P = .5). A strong association was noted between biochemical recurrence and the GS at the positive surgical margin (P = .007), with length of cancer at the margin also predictive (P = .015) on multivariate analysis. Using the median length of the positive margin (3 mm) as the cutoff, the association with biochemical recurrence was significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .004) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show that the grade of cancer at the site of a positive margin influences the outcome. We were able to stratify the grade into 3 categories: 3 + 3, 3 + 4, and 4 + 3 or greater (4 + 3 and 4 + 4 at the positive margin provided equal prognostic information).
Psychotherapy by the Non-Psychiatrist

In this review, correlation between various personality traits and marital satisfaction will be discussed. Previous studies have shown that similarity in almost all of the researched traits, including five-factor model traits and some traits related to values and worldview, predicts greater marital satisfaction. An exception could be a similarity in conscientiousness, because it doesn't have a clear connection to marital satisfaction. When it comes to individual traits associated with happy marriage, higher agreeableness and emotional stability are the best predictors of marital happiness, while the dark triad traits are associated with unhappy marriage. Moreover, some possible moderation effects, including sex differences, will be analyzed.
L-arginine, prostaglandin, and white cell filtration equally improve myocardial protection in stressed neonatal hearts.

Abstract Objectives: L -Arginine may improve cardioplegic protection by increasing nitric oxide production. However, L -arginine may also be detrimental because it generates the free radical peroxynitrite. It would, therefore, be advantageous if the benefits of L -arginine could be achieved by another means. Methods: Twenty neonatal piglets underwent 60 minutes of ventilator hypoxia (inspired oxygen fraction 8%-10%) followed by 20 minutes of ischemia on cardiopulmonary bypass (stress) and were then protected for 70 minutes with multiple doses of blood cardioplegic solution. In 5 piglets (group 1), the cardioplegic solution was not modified; in 5 (group 2), low-dose L -arginine (4 mmol/L) was added; in 5 (group 3), prostaglandin E 1 (alprostadil, 4 μg/L) was added; and in 5 (group 4), the cardioplegic solution was passed through a leukodepleting filter. Myocardial function was assessed by pressure volume loops and expressed as percentage of control, and coronary vascular resistance was measured with each cardioplegic infusion. Results: Unmodified blood cardioplegic solution (group 1) was unable to protect the severely stressed myocardium, resulting in depressed systolic function (39% ± 1%) and preload recruitable stroke work (40% ± 1%), increased diastolic stiffness (239% ± 3%), and high conjugated diene production, myeloperoxidase activity, and coronary vascular resistance. In contrast, cardioplegic solutions modified with L -arginine, prostaglandin E 1 , or leukodepletion, resuscitated the stressed myocardium, resulting in complete return of systolic function (100% vs 101% vs 101%; P P P P Conclusions: (1) Unmodified blood cardioplegic solution is unable to protect the severely stressed myocardium. (2) L -Arginine, prostaglandin E 1 , and leukocyte filtration all improve myocardial protection equally and appear to work by limiting a white blood cell–mediated injury. This reduces oxygen-derived free radical formation, maintains vascular function, and restores functional recovery. Since L -arginine may be detrimental, surgeons should consider using prostaglandin E 1 and/or a leukocyte filter instead. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;118:665-73)
Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Red Claw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) Stored in Different Package Systems at 2 °C

This study compared 3 package systems for their influence on the stability of shell-on red claw crayfish tail meat stored at 2 degrees C for 14 d. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP, with 80% CO(2)/10% O(2)/10% N(2)) suppressed (P < 0.05) the growth of aerobic bacteria and coliforms when compared with aerobic packaging using polyvinylchloride (PVCP) and vacuum packaging (VP). MAP and VP tended to retard lipid oxidation, inhibited Ca-ATPase activity change, but produced more intense protein denatuation when compared with PVCP. The MAP packaging enhanced proteolysis and resulted in more (P < 0.05) cooking losses and a higher (P < 0.05) shear force than VP and PVCP for samples stored for 6 and 14 d (P < 0.05). Sensory panel results were in general agreement with the physicochemical changes, suggesting that the specific package systems had a significant impact on the quality of refrigerated red claw crayfish raw meat.
Novel design of att-PSM structure for extreme-ultraviolet lithography and enhancement of image contrast during inspection

Attenuated Phase Shift Masks (Att-PSM) have been actively investigated and developed for conventional optical lithography to enhance the lithographic performance. In this paper, Att-PSM for Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) is compared to binary EUVL masks through simulation. Additionally, a new structural design for EUVL Att-PSM that is intended to enhance the image contrast during the inspection is also presented. Aerial image simulation for 50 and 35-nm wide contact holes was performed using an internally developed optical projection lithography simulator. Analysis of phase shift and attenuation for various combinations of Att-PSM layers was also done using an internally developed simulator based on optical multilayer thin film theory. The results of aerial image simulation agree with previously published results in that Att-PSM for EUVL provide steeper edge profile and higher peak intensity compared to the binary EUVL mask. These enhanced aerial images provide greater exposure latitude and 28 percent to 80 percent greater depth of focus for Att-PSM compared to binary masks for printing contacts. The simulations were also used to set initial targets for phase and reflectance control of the PSM stack for 35-nm contacts. Mean reflectance between 3 and 6 percent and phase of 180 +/- 10 degrees result in significantly larger DOF than for binary masks. The prototype structure simulated for an EUVL Att-PSM consists of an upper dielectric layer (SiON) and a lower metal layer (TaN or Cr) on top of Mo/Si multilayer mirror. With this dual layer scheme, satisfying the optical requirements is easier than with a single layer structure because accurate control of phase shift and attenuation is possible by controlling the thickness of both the upper and lower layers. Obtaining the desired phase shift and transmission using a single layer is difficult. The advantage of having a dielectric (SiON) top layer is that the thickness of dielectric layer can be optimized to enhance the image contrast at inspection wavelength (normally DUV) as well as to provide the desired phase shift at exposure wavelength (13.4-13.5nm). Another advantage of Att-PSM for EUVL is the reduced height of patterned structure on the multilayer mirror which provides a relative advantage in resolution by reducing the image blur caused by the shadowing effects of the taller absorber stack.
Glutamine Is Essential for Epidermal Growth Factor-Stimulated Intestinal Cell Proliferation

In this study, Ko et al determined whether L-glutamine (GLN) is essential for epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated enterocyte proliferation in an in vitro cell culture system by using the nontransformed rat small intestinal crypt cell line IEC-6. In addition, specific mitogenic actions of EGF that require GLN were investigated.IEC-6 cells were maintained in monolayer culture by incubation in standard culture medium (Dulbecco's minimum essential medium) containing 5% bovine serum, grown to quiescence, and then incubated in serum-free Dulbecco's minimum essential medium containing 0.1 to 0.2 mmol/L GLN for 36 hours (as in almost all other cell culture systems, GLN is required to prevent IEC-6 cell death in serum-free medium). Cells were then stimulated with a previously determined maximal trophic dose of EGF (20 ng/mL) plus varying concentrations of L-GLN (0 to 10 mmol/L) added to the culture medium. Under these conditions, DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis were quantitated over time (0 to 30 hours) by us...
IFN-gamma production by adoptively transferred CD8+ T lymphocytes and host cells contributes to successful tumor immunotherapy

Abstract Introduction: Adoptively transferred antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells can specifically produce IFN-gamma in response to tumor stimulation. We hypothesized that IFN-gamma production solely by adoptively transferred T-cells was required for anti-tumor efficacy. Methods: A murine model with analogous components to the treatment of patients was established. CD8+ T-cell receptor gp100-specific transgenic mice (Pmel-1) were crossed with IFN-gamma knockout mice (IFN-gamma−/−). Pmel-1 and Pmel-1IFN-gamma−/− cells were analyzed in vitro. In vivo function was assessed by adoptive transfer of Pmel-1 or Pmel-1IFN-gamma−/− cells into wild-type C57BL/6 or IFN-gamma−/− mice bearing large, established subcutaneous B16 melanoma (> 50mm 2 ). Cell transfer was undertaken in combination with active immunization with fowlpox virus encoding human gp100 (rFPVhgp100) plus interleukin-2 (IL-2). Tumor size (rank-sum test) and survival (Kaplan-Meier) were analyzed. Results: Pmel-1IFN-gamma−/− cells did not produce IFN-gamma, in vitro; yet, Pmel-1 and Pmel-1IFN-gamma−/− cells were able to produce GM-CSF, TNF-alpha, MIP-1alpha, and RANTES. Adoptive transfer of Pmel-1+rFPVhgp100+IL-2 led to the regression of large tumor burden in both wild-type and IFN-gamma−/− hosts. Pmel-1IFN-gamma−/− T-lymphocytes were less efficacious in a wild-type host. However, when Pmel-1IFN-gamma−/− cells were employed into IFN-gamma−/− hosts, therapeutic efficacy was abrogated with tumor growth similar to no treatment controls. Conclusions: These data suggest that IFN-gamma is essential for treatment of large, established melanoma, but this cytokine is not necessarily produced solely by adoptively transferred antigen specific T-lymphocytes and may be provided by the host's cells. These findings have important implications for the design of immunotherapy trials in humans.
Conical nanopores fabricated via a pressure-biased chemical etch

Controlling the size and shape of nanopores in polymer membranes can significantly impact transport of molecular or ionic species through these membranes. Here we describe a facile method to controllably form conical nanopores in ion-tracked polycarbonate membranes. Commercial polycarbonate ion-tracked membranes were placed between a concentrated alkaline solution and an acidic solution. By varying the height of the acidic solution, the hydrostatic pressure was controlled, regulating the acid flux through the nanopores. The resulting asymmetric etching of the membrane produced conical pores with controllable aspect ratios. Scanning electron microscopy of both the pores and nickel nanostructures electrolessly templated in the pores confirms their conical shape. This safe, straightforward approach obviates the need to use large voltages, currents, and/or plasma etching equipment traditionally employed to create conical nanopores.
The C Terminus of the Human Nicotinic α4β2 Receptor Forms a Binding Site Required for Potentiation by an Estrogenic Steroid

In addition to actions mediated by changes in gene expression, steroids can directly modulate several transmitter-gated and voltage-gated ion channels. Despite numerous studies showing that steroids enhance or reduce ion channel activity, the site(s) that mediates steroid recognition is not known. To identify the regions in which steroids bind and affect ion channel activity, we have taken advantage of the observation that human α4β2 neuronal nicotinic receptors are potentiated by an estrogen steroid, 17β-estradiol, whereas a rat α4β2 receptor is not. Mutations indicate that a sequence (AGMI) at the end of the C terminus of the human α4 subunit forms a binding site required for 17β-estradiol potentiation. In contrast, ethynyl β-estradiol (an oral contraceptive) potentiates both human and rat α4β2 receptors. A single tryptophan in the C terminus of both the rat and the human α4 subunit is sufficient for potentiation by ethynyl β-estradiol, probably through a π–π interaction. Mutation of this tryptophan eliminates the ability of ethynyl β-estradiol to potentiate rat receptors. However, in human receptors it was necessary to mutate both the AGMI sequence and the tryptophan to eliminate potentiation by ethynyl β-estradiol. The findings that β-estradiol requires the AGMI sequence but that a single C-terminal tryptophan is sufficient for potentiation by ethynyl β-estradiol indicate that the C terminus forms a binding site for these steroids. The binding site(s) for block appears to differ from those involved in potentiation because the C-terminal sequence does not affect block by steroids such as progesterone, and progesterone does not competitively inhibit potentiation.
Comparison of existing methods for building triangular irregular network, models of terrain from grid digital elevation models

Abstract Triangulated irregular networks (TINs) are increasingly popular for their efficiency in data storage and their ability to accommodate irregularly spaced elevation points for many applications of geographical information systems. This paper reviews and evaluates various methods for extracting TINs from dense digital elevation models (DEMs) on a sample DEM. Both structural and statistical comparisons show that the methods perform with different rates of success in different settings. Users of DEM to TIN conversion methods should be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the methods in addition to their own purposes before conducting the conversion.
Ecological risk assessment in a large river-reservoir : 5. Aerial insectivorous wildlife

Risks to aerial insectivores (e.g., rough-winged swallows, little brown bats, and endangered gray bats) were assessed for the remedial investigation of the Clinch River/Poplar Creek (CR/PC) system. Adult mayflies and sediment were collected from three locations and analyzed for contaminants. Sediment-to-mayfly contaminant uptake factors were generated from these data and used to estimate contaminant concentrations in mayflies from 13 additional locations. Contaminants of potential ecological concern (COPECs) were identified by comparing exposure estimates generated using point estimates of parameter values to NOAELs. To incorporate the variation in exposure parameters and to provide a better estimate of the potential exposure, the exposure model was recalculated using Monte Carlo methods. The potential for adverse effects was estimated based on the comparison of exposure distribution and the LOAEL. The results of this assessment suggested that population-level effects to rough-winged swallows and little brown bats are considered unlikely. However, because gray bats are endangered, effects on individuals may be significant from foraging in limited subreaches of the CR/PC system. This assessment illustrates the advantage of an iterative approach to ecological risk assessments, using fewer conservative assumptions and more realistic modeling of exposure.
The role of CTCF in regulating nuclear organization

The spatial organization of the genome is thought to play an important part in the coordination of gene regulation. New techniques have been used to identify specific long-range interactions between distal DNA sequences, revealing an ever-increasing complexity to nuclear organization. CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a versatile zinc finger protein with diverse regulatory functions. New data now help define how CTCF mediates both long-range intrachromosomal and interchromosomal interactions, and highlight CTCF as an important factor in determining the three-dimensional structure of the genome.
Implementing school-based substance abuse interventions: methodological dilemmas and recommended solutions.

Aims To review current knowledge about the most effective school-based interventions for child and adolescent problems, and to present dilemmas and potential solutions in mounting and evaluating school-based interventions for adolescent alcohol and other drug (AOD) use problems. Design Two literature reviews were conducted: (1) a broad and encompassing review of English-language articles published from 1990 to the present concerning school-based interventions for child and adolescent problems and (2) an exhaustive review of articles concerning Student Assistance Programs, which are the most popular approach to school-based AOD intervention in the United States. Findings Ten key components of effective school-based interventions were identified. In addition, six pervasive dilemmas in school-based AOD intervention research were discussed. Examples of potential solutions to these dilemmas were gleaned from an ongoing randomized clinical trial of a Student Assistance Program. Conclusions School-based AOD interventions have several potential advantages over more traditional clinic-based AOD interventions. Nonetheless, there are many challenges and dilemmas to conducting and evaluating interventions in school settings. With patience and guidance, these challenges can be addressed successfully.
Assessing the impact of airline travel on the geographic spread of pandemic influenza

The objective of this research is to explore what would happen if the Hong Kong influenza pandemic strain of 1968-1969 returned in 2000. We report the results of a series of simulations of an SEIR epidemic model coupled with air transportation data for 52 global cities. Preliminary results suggest that if the 1968-1969 pandemic strain returned, it would spread concurrently to cities in both the northern and southern hemispheres thereby exhibiting less of the characteristic seasonal swing. In addition, after recognition of pandemic onset in the focal city, the time lag for public health intervention is very short. These findings highlight the importance of coordinated global surveillance and pandemic planning.
Visual Attention Measures Predict Pedestrian Detection in Central Field Loss: A Pilot Study

Purpose: The ability of visually impaired people to deploy attention effectively to maximize use of their residual vision in dynamic situations is fundamental to safe mobility. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate whether tests of dynamic attention (multiple object tracking; MOT) and static attention (Useful Field of View; UFOV) were predictive of the ability of people with central field loss (CFL) to detect pedestrian hazards in simulated driving. Methods: 11 people with bilateral CFL (visual acuity 20/30-20/200) and 11 age-similar normally-sighted drivers participated. Dynamic and static attention were evaluated with brief, computer-based MOT and UFOV tasks, respectively. Dependent variables were the log speed threshold for 60% correct identification of targets (MOT) and the increase in the presentation duration for 75% correct identification of a central target when a concurrent peripheral task was added (UFOV divided and selective attention subtests). Participants drove in a simulator and pressed the horn whenever they detected pedestrians that walked or ran toward the road. The dependent variable was the proportion of timely reactions (could have stopped in time to avoid a collision). Results: UFOV and MOT performance of CFL participants was poorer than that of controls, and the proportion of timely reactions was also lower (worse) (84% and 97%, respectively; p=0.001). For CFL participants, higher proportions of timely reactions correlated significantly with higher (better) MOT speed thresholds (r=0.73, p=0.01), with better performance on the UFOV divided and selective attention subtests (r= 20.66 and 20.62, respectively, p,0.04), with better contrast sensitivity scores (r=0.54, p=0.08) and smaller scotomas (r= 20.60, p=0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that brief laboratory-based tests of visual attention may provide useful measures of functional visual ability of individuals with CFL relevant to more complex mobility tasks.