cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serologic markers of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation are associated with increased disease activity, inflammation, and interferon pathway activation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract SLE is a clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by an unpredictable relapsing-remitting disease course. Although the etiology and mechanisms of SLE flares remain elusive, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation is implicated in SLE pathogenesis. This study examined the relationships between serological measures of EBV reactivation, disease activity, and interferon (IFN)-associated immune pathways in SLE patients. Sera from adult SLE patients (n = 175) and matched unaffected controls (n = 47) were collected and tested for antibodies against EBV-viral capsid antigen (EBV-VCA; IgG and IgA), EBV-early antigen (EBV-EA; IgG), cytomegalovirus (CMV; IgG), and herpes simplex virus (HSV-1; IgG). Serological evidence of EBV reactivation was more common in SLE patients compared to controls as demonstrated by seropositivity to EBV-EA IgG (39% vs 13%; p = 0.0011) and EBV-VCA IgA (37% vs 17%; p = 0.018). EBV-VCA, CMV1, and HSV-1 IgG seropositivity rates did not differ between SLE patients and controls. Furthermore, concentrations of EBV-VCA (IgG and IgA) and EBV-EA (IgG) were higher in SLE patients. SLE patients with high disease activity had increased concentrations of EBV-VCA IgA (mean ISR 1.34 vs. 0.97; p = 0.041) and EBV-EA IgG levels (mean ISR 1.38 vs. 0.90; p = 0.007) compared with those with lower disease activity. EBV reactivation was associated with enhanced levels of the IFN-associated molecule IP-10 (p
Crowdsourcing Increases Employee Innovation: Field Experimental and Qualitative Evidence from CHCs (WITHDRAWN)

Are there long-term, spillover outcomes to crowdsourcing ideas from employees, beyond the innovations generated from it? This paper examines whether and how innovation contests, a crowdsourcing int...
Adolescent effects on mothers' bedtime cortisol: Cognitive interference as a mediating mechanism.

Prior studies have shown that parent and adolescent cortisol are associated across days and that this covariation may be adolescent-driven. This study extends this literature by (a) testing whether parents' cognitive interference (i.e., distracting and ruminative thoughts potentially due to worry) mediates the linkages between adolescent and next-day parent cortisol and (b) whether these linkages were moderated by parent gender or warmth. Daily diary data, including bedtime cortisol, were collected on two samples of employees and their adolescent-aged children (N = 318 dyads, Myouth age = 13.18 years, 74% mothers). We tested mediation with autoregressive cross-lagged models. Moderated mediation by parent gender was found in our bedtime cortisol models. Higher adolescent bedtime cortisol levels were associated with higher next-day levels of mothers' cognitive interference. In turn, higher levels of mothers' cognitive interference were linked to higher mothers' same-day bedtime cortisol levels. These linkages were not significant for fathers. Cognitive interference did not mediate the associations between child and parent area under the curve or cortisol awakening response. No moderation was evident for parental warmth. Results suggest that mothers' cognitions play a key role in the transmission of elevated bedtime cortisol levels from adolescents to their mothers.
Totally Robotic Low Anterior Resection

Rectal cancer surgery is complex and technically challenging. This is largely because the surgical field is in the bony pelvis, a restrictive anatomical area. Robotic technology allows the surgeon to maneuver, despite these restrictions, in a more precise and safe way. From the surgeon’s point of view, the superior precision and dexterity of the four-arm da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive) give it a clear advantage over conventional laparoscopy. Robotic low anterior resection (LAR) is for patients who present with mid and low rectal cancers that do not invade the sphincters. A thorough understanding of the principles of total mesorectal excision (TME) and an adequate yearly volume of rectal surgical procedures are required to ensure patient safety and optimal perioperative and oncologic outcomes. Recent review of outcomes associated with robotic-assisted colorectal surgery, laparoscopic, and open surgical approaches indicates that robotic surgical approaches are safe and feasible with comparable short-term and long-term outcomes to open and laparoscopic procedures. In this chapter we describe our rationale, technique, and considerations for robotic LAR.
Local information processing in dendritic trees : subsets of spines in granule cells of the mammalian olfactory bulb

The anaxonic granule cell of the olfactory bulb is believed to inhibit mitral and tufted cells through reciprocal dendrodendritic synapses. However, little is known about the detailed input-output properties of the granule cell. This study explores the functional properties of granule cells by using detailed reconstructions of Golgi-impregnated granule cells as the basis for computational models. Three Golgi-impregnated granule cells from the olfactory bulbs of C57BL/6j mice were selected for detailed analysis. Measurements were made of the diameter and length of all spine heads, spine necks, and dendritic branches. These measurements formed the basis of a compartmental model of each cell in which simulations of the spread of synaptic potentials within the dendritic tree were performed with SABER (Analogy, Inc.), a circuit analysis program. The results show that the degree of spread of synaptic potentials can define functionally related subsets of spines within the dendritic tree. The size of these subsets varies with the anatomical location of the input spine, the magnitude of the input, the time course of the input, the size of the spine neck resistance, and the activity of other spines. The data indicate that the functional organization of granule cell dendritic arbors is more complex than previously thought: between the level of the individual spine and the entire dendritic tree are several levels of subsets of spines that can mediate discrete localized inhibition onto subsets of mitral or tufted cell secondary dendrites within the external plexiform layer of the olfactory bulb.
The FMO protein is related to PscA in the reaction center of green sulfur bacteria.

The Fenna–Matthews–Olson protein is a water-soluble protein found only in green sulfur bacteria. Each subunit contains seven bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a molecules wrapped in a string bag of protein consisting of mostly β sheet. Most other chlorophyll-binding proteins are water-insoluble proteins containing membrane-spanning α helices. We compared an FMO consensus sequence to well-characterized, membrane-bound chlorophyll-binding proteins: L & M (reaction center proteins of proteobacteria), D1 & D2 (reaction center proteins of PS II), CP43 & CP47 (core proteins of PS II), PsaA & PsaB (reaction center proteins of PS I), PscA (reaction center protein of green sulfur bacteria), and PshA (reaction center protein of heliobacteria). We aligned the FMO sequence with the other sequences using the PAM250 matrix modified for His binding-site identities and found a signature sequence (LxHHxxxGxFxxF) common to FMO and PscA. (The two His residues are BChl a. binding sites in FMO.) This signature sequence is part of a 220-residue C-terminal segment with an identity score of 13%. PRSS (Probability of Random Shuffle) analysis showed that the 220-residue alignment is better than 96% of randomized alignments. This evidence supports the hypothesis that FMO protein is related to PscA.
Synergism in the solvent extraction of di, tri and tetravalent metal ions—III: Antisynergism with thenoyl trifluoracetone

Abstract Greatly enhanced extraction (synergism) of di, tri and tetravalent cations from aqueous solution has previously been reported for the system H 2 O/M n + /HTTA/S/diluent, where S is a neutral organophosphorus ester and HTTA is thenoyl trifluoracetone. Examples are now given where S contains no phosphorus and is an amide, alcohol or ketone. Complete destruction of this greatly enhanced extraction by addition of excess S whether the neutral additive is a phosphorus ester, an amide, alcohol or ketone is demonstrated. These antisynergic effects are shown to be greater than, but the same type as, the effects due to some so called inert diluents. This phenomenon of antisynergism is shown to be connected with the water contents of the organic phase and the destruction of the anhydrous synergic species M(TTA) x S y . The HTTA thermodynamic activity is lowered and water probably enters the complex. Absorptiometric measurements demonstrate three different spectra for HTTA/TBP in non-aqueous solution (a) the enolate form in dry TBP, probably hydrogen bonded to the TBP (b) the normal enol form in hexane solution in the presence or absence of low concentrations of TBP and water and (c) the ketohydrate form in water equilibrated TBP. UO 2 (TTA) 2 or Th(TTA) 4 in dry TBP have the HTTA enolate spectra whereas in wet TBP the metal/TTA enol spectra obtains, evidence that water helps to destroy the anhydrous synergic species, causing antisynergism to occur.
2-year-old girl with pancytopenia due to vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency.

Case A 2-year-old girl of Mexican and Spanish descent came to our hospital with her mother for 2 weeks of pallor and fatigue. She was born full term to parents who were first cousins. Past medical history was unremarkable, and development was appropriate. Diet was balanced and unrestricted. Growth parameters were appropriate. She appeared well nourished but with obvious pallor. Liver and spleen were not palpable. Neurologic examination was unremarkable. Laboratory tests revealed pancytopenia with white blood cell count of 2.9 × 10 3 /μL, haemoglobin of 4.8 g/dL, platelets of 98 × 10 3 /μL, mean corpuscular volume of 94 fL and red cell distribution width of 43%. Additional serum tests showed lactate dehydrogenase of 3128 U/L (normal 90‐220), total bilirubin 1.2 mg/dL (normal 0‐1) and direct bilirubin 0.3 mg/dL (normal 0‐0.3). On review of the peripheral blood smear, macrocytosis and hypersegmented neutrophils were seen. The differential diagnosis of macrocytosis in infants and children is shown in Table 1. The finding of megaloblastic anaemia, defined by hypersegmented neutrophils in the peripheral blood, raised concern for a problem with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis during red blood cell production. Therefore, serum levels of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and folate were obtained. Vitamin B12 was 45 pg/mL (normal 211‐911), and folate was 14 ng/mL. Urine dipstick showed 30 mg/dL protein. DNA mutation analysis revealed a homozygous mutation of the amnionless gene (AMN) consistent with ImerslundGrasbeck syndrome (IGS, megaloblastic anaemia 1; OMIM #261100). Our patient was treated with intramuscular vitamin B12 injections. At a clinic visit 2 months later, serum vitamin B12 level was 384 pg/mL. The patient is now a healthy and thriving 6-year-old girl. She continues to have mild proteinuria (30‐ 100 mg/dL) without evidence of impaired glomerular function.
Differential Shortening of Repeated Content Words Produced in Various Communicative Contexts

Three experiments examined the conditions under which repeated words undergo durational shortening in speech. Previous research (Fowler and Housum, 1987) showed that repeated content words are shor...
A Personal Value‐Based Model of College Students' Attitudes and Expected Choice Behavior Regarding Retailing Careers

This study was to develop a value-based model of career attitude and expected choice behavior in the context of retail management. A total of 754 college students nationwide returned a mailed survey. A structural equation modeling technique was used to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that personal values had an influence on all three aspects of retail career attitude, which in turn had a direct influence on the expected choice behavior. The examination of the total effects indicates that the extent to which self-actualizing values and social affiliation values influence expected retail career choice indirectly through retail career attitudes was similar, although their roles were somewhat different in terms of their path of influence. The intrinsic aspect of retail career attitude had the greatest effect on expected retail career choice, followed by the extrinsic and lifestyle flexibility aspects of retail career attitude. Theoretical and educational implications are presented.
Group process during a consultation an institution copes with perceived homosexual onslaught

The authors illustrate how the consultative process may use group interventions to lead to an institutional solution of a longstanding problem via the mobilization of the consultees themselves in a concerted effort. The concerted effort in this example related to the loss of autonomy and territory by a school of education to homosexuals who pursued a particular lifestyle within that school of education and in which previously used security measures were all of no avail. The consultative group process itself paralleled the successful institutional coping device of shared assertiveness.
Gas Chromatography/Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry Analysis of Semivolatile Coal Gasification Pollutants

Gas chromatography/Fourier transform infrared spectrometry has been used to analyze a sample of semivolatile organic pollutants collected during a coal gasification using a bench scale coal gasifier. The compounds identified include benzene, phenol, naphthalene, and some of their alkyl derivatives.
Comparison of eigenvalue, logarithmic least squares and least squares methods in estimating ratios

Abstract Three methods—the eigenvalue, logarithmic least squares, and least squares methods—used to derive estimates of ratio scales from a positive reciprocal matrix are analyzed. The criteria for comparison are the measurement of consistency, dual solutions, and rank preservation. It is shown that the eigenvalue procedure, which is metric-free, leads to a structural index for measuring inconsistency, has two separate dual interpretations and is the only method that guarantees rank preservation under inconsistency conditions.
Sexual risk and HIV prevention behaviours among African-American and Latino MSM social networking users:

This study explores the feasibility of recruiting minority men who have sex with men Facebook users for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention studies and notes demographic and sexual risk behaviours. Facebook-registered men who have sex with men (MSM; N = 118) were recruited using online and offline methods. Participants validated Facebook-user status through using a Facebook Connect (computer science) application. Participants were primarily Latino (60.2%) and African-American (28.0%), with 33.1% using social media to find sex partners. Black MSM social networking users reported engaging in a lower frequency (coefficient = -0.48, p < 0.05) of unprotected receptive anal intercourse compared to Latino MSM. Results suggest that minority social media users can be recruited for HIV studies and that sexual risk behavioural differences exist among minority social networking users. Findings highlight the importance of incorporating technologies into population-focused HIV interventions.
Insurance type influences the use of drug-eluting stents.

Objectives We sought to examine the effect of insurance type upon the likelihood of receiving a drug-eluting stent (DES). Background Recent guidelines suggest that consideration of a patient's resources should play a role in decisions to use DES. Previous studies have also documented disparities in both access to care and cardiovascular outcomes according to race, insurance, and socioeconomic status. The effect of insurance status upon the decision to use DES is unclear. Methods Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting from April 2003 to June 2009, the so-called DES era, were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed separately for patients Results Among the 12,584 patients who underwent PCI with stenting, 6,157 (48.9%) had private insurance, 5,689 (45.2%) had Medicare, 467 (3.7%) had Medicaid, and 271 (2.2%) were uninsured at the time of hospital discharge. There were no significant differences by insurance type in duration of dual antiplatelet therapy at 1 year. Both multivariable logistic regressions showed that Medicaid patients (odds ratio [OR]: 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46 to 0.78 for age Conclusions Insurance status has a significant impact upon the decision to use DES. Efforts to address this disparity should focus on the patient-provider level.
INHIBITION OF THE ENDOGENOUS METABOLISM OF MYCOBACTERIUM SMEGMATIS BY PENICILLIN AND ISONIAZID.

Vaichulis and Doll1 have shown that the true susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to penicillin was never validly determined. Recent experiments2 have shown that penicillin is bactericidal for and acts synergistically with isoniazid against isoniazid sensitive and resistant M. tuberculosis. Utilizing the Warburg technique to examine the mode of action of penicillin on Mycobacteria we have found that penicillin inhibits the endogenous respiration of Mycobacterium smegmatis and that penicillin potentiates the inhibitory action of isoniazid.
Constitutive Activation of NF-κB and Secretion of Interleukin-8 Induced by the G Protein-coupled Receptor of Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus Involve Gα13 and RhoA

The Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) open reading frame 74 encodes a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) for chemokines. Exogenous expression of this constitutively active GPCR leads to cell transformation and vascular overgrowth characteristic of Kaposi's sarcoma. We show here that expression of KSHV-GPCR in transfected cells results in constitutive transactivation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and secretion of interleukin-8, and this response involves activation of Gα13 and RhoA. The induced expression of a NF-κB luciferase reporter was partially reduced by pertussis toxin and the Gβγ scavenger transducin, and enhanced by co-expression of Gα13 and to a lesser extent, Gαq. These results indicate coupling of KSHV-GPCR to multiple G proteins for NF-κB activation. Expression of KSHV-GPCR led to stress fiber formation in NIH 3T3 cells. To examine the involvement of the Gα13-RhoA pathway in KSHV-GPCR-mediated NF-κB activation, HeLa cells were transfected with KSHV-GPCR alone and in combination with the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) from p115RhoGEF or a dominant negative RhoA(T19N). Both constructs, as well as the C3 exoenzyme from Clostritium botulinum, partially reduced NF-κB activation by KSHV-GPCR, and by a constitutively active Gα13(Q226L). KSHV-GPCR-induced NF-κB activation is accompanied by increased secretion of IL-8, a function mimicked by the activated Gα13 but not by an activated Gαq(Q209L). These results suggest coupling of KSHV-GPCR to the Gα13-RhoA pathway in addition to other G proteins.
Dosimetric consequences of manual pullback procedure for coronary artery radiotherapy with 90Sr/90Y β-source

Abstract Purpose This work presents a quantitative dosimetric analysis of the Novoste 90 Sr/ 90 Y β-source cardiovascular brachytherapy treatments using a manual pullback technique for patients with in-stent restenosis. Methods and materials Based on our previous measurements, a model was developed to estimate the dose in the middle of the junction region for tandem irradiation expressed as fraction of prescription dose (FPD) and dosimetric overlap length (DOL) receiving more/less than a threshold dose. The overlap/gap size was measured using the digital cine images recorded during treatment and then FPD and DOL were quantified. Results Statistical analysis of 55 patients showed that the overlap size and the FPD at 2 mm radial distance were in range of 0 to 23 mm and 13–200% of prescription dose (Rx), respectively. Four gaps out of 76 pullback cases were found, but their size was at most 5 mm. Conclusion Use of a 5 mm overlap avoided underdosed regions in the vast majority of the cases. These results are the first step towards an analysis of the clinical outcome of these patients.
Optimization framework for the simultaneous process synthesis, heat and power integration of a thermochemical hybrid biomass, coal, and natural gas facility

Abstract A thermochemical based process superstructure and its mixed-integer nonlinear optimization (MINLP) model are introduced to convert biomass (switchgrass), coal (Illinois #6), and natural gas to liquid (CBGTL) transportation fuels. The MINLP model includes simultaneous heat and power integration utilizing heat engines to recover electricity from the process waste heat. Four case studies are presented to investigate the effect of CO 2 sequestration (CCS) and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets on the process topology along with detailed parametric analysis on the role of biomass and electricity prices. Topological similarities for the case studies include selection of solid/vapor-fueled gasifiers and iron-catalyzed Fischer-Tropsch units that facilitate the reverse water–gas-shift reaction. The break-even oil price was found to be $57.16/bbl for CCS with a 50% GHG reduction, $62.65/bbl for CCS with a 100% GHG reduction, $82.68/bbl for no CCS with a 50% GHG reduction, and $91.71 for no CCS with a 100% GHG reduction.
The hemorrhages of late pregnancy and labor: Placenta previa and ablatio placentae

Abstract The essence of therapy for placenta previa includes these measures: 1. 1. Arrest hemorrhage promptly (respect blood losses) by Hicks version, or by hystereurysis, or even by the objectionable tampon when needful. 2. 2. Give timely blood or saline transfusions on indication. 3. 3. Employ measures for delivery which are slow but sure. 4. 4. Whatever the temptation may be, never practice rapid extraction of the fetus. 5. 5. Circumspect management of the third stage. 6. 6. On proper indication tampon the uterus and vagina— never the vagina alone . 7. 7. Never repair the lacerated cervix unless the woman is in a remarkably fine condition. A secondary repair is always strongly desirable. If the tear bleeds the uterovaginal tampon will arrest it. A vaginal tampon is a transgression. 8. 8. The routine swabbing of the vagina with an approved antiseptic (mercurochrome or liquor cresolis), where possible, will sterilize the vagina to a degree: or these antiseptic may be instilled into the vagina by means of a catheter. Bichloride of mercury is absolutely contramdicated where there is blood or its serum, as was pointed out by Lister himself.
Festivals, special events, and the "rising tide".

Purpose – The accurate measure of the economic contribution of festivals and special events is a challenge. Using a case study, the purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a previously un‐captured economic contribution from increased hotel rates during the period of festival or event; the “rising tide” effect.Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a case study on Charleston's hotel occupancy changes, and how the changes coincide with the occurrence of festivals and events in the community, to demonstrate the increased tourism income due to rising accommodation prices during festivals and events.Findings – The study validates the increased tourism income due to rising accommodation prices during festivals and events, which can provide a significant boost to the economy of a local community.Practical implications – Festival organizations, as well as hoteliers and other beneficiaries of tourist spending during festivals and events, should note how this additional contribution benefits them and their c...
Optimal spatio-temporal pooling of neural responses in area MT

Bistable visual stimuli such as Rubin's vase/face or the Necker cube refer to the phenomena of spontaneously alternating percepts while viewing the same visual image. The uncoupling between the stimulus and percept offers a means for understanding neural basis of visual perception. Here we asked whether pooling the responses of a large population of MT neurons over time and space could improve the predictability of perceptual decisions during ambiguous visual stimulation. Two well trained rhesus monkeys indicated the perceived direction of rotation of bistable structure-from-motion (SFM) stimuli by pushing one of two levers. During this task, multi-channel intracortical recordings including single-unit activity (SUA), multi-unit activity (MUA), and local field potentials (LFP) were collected from area MT. We sorted the neural data according to the monkeys' behavioral choices and employed statistical algorithms to classify brain states (i.e., the subjective interpretation of a bistable stimulus). Classification was performed with linear discriminant analysis with leave-one-out cross-validation. We found that SUA, MUA and LFP all had a rather modest capability of predicting the monkeys' perceptual report when considered in isolation. We developed dynamic models for spatio-temporal integration of distributed neural signals. We found that the discriminative information of neuronal population activity accumulates over time and the combination of simultaneously collected data greatly improved the prediction accuracy of each of the signals. The accuracy and statistical power of determining the monkeys' perception increased with the number of channels as well as with the types of neural signals used for analysis. Our results demonstrate that simultaneous collection of multiple neural responses in area MT can improve the determination of perceptual states.
Proposed origin of aragonite Bahaman and some Pleistocene marine ooids involving bacteria, nannobacteria(?), and biofilms

The vast majority of laminae in the cortex of modern Bahaman ooids and ooids in the Pleistocene Miami Limestone in the Florida Keys are aragonite. The aragonite has two forms: rod-shaped batons (0.5–3.0 μm long and 0.17–0.7 μm in diameter), and nannoballs (0.025–0.3 μm in diameter). Nannoballs are always subordinate to batons and are much more common in Bahaman ooids than in ooids in the Miami Limestone.
Water in tendon : Orientational analysis of the free induction decay

The orientation dependence of the free induction decay (FID) of 1H NMR water signal in ex vivo bovine digital flexor tendon at the native level of hydration is reported. Residual dipolar coupling due to the overall tissue anisotropy produces a 6:1 change in the signal intensity as an angle between the long axis of a specimen and the external magnetic field is changed from the "magic angle" of 54.7 degrees to 0 degrees. The strength of residual dipolar interactions between water protons was estimated by orientational analysis of the signal intensity to be equal to 780 Hz. Apparent signal maxima are observed at orientations 8-13 degrees away from 54.7 degrees due to an inhomogeneous contribution to the decay. A small fraction of total water in tendon is detectable at all orientations and exhibits a shift in the precession frequency. It is hypothesized that this water fraction resides in the interconnecting gaps at the ends of collagen molecules. The gaps have a disordered environment that allows for a zero time average of dipolar interactions. Measured frequency and phase shifts are interpreted as signatures of the bulk magnetic susceptibility effect due to geometry of the cavity formed by adjacent gaps at the ends of the collagen molecules. The multiexponentiality of the FID decay is hypothesized to be due to the exchange between orientationally restricted water structured along the length of the collagen molecule and disordered water in the cavity.
Inorganic Solids of CdSe Nanocrystals Exhibiting High Emission Quantum Yield

A general strategy for the assembly of all-inorganic light-emitting nanocrystal films with emission quantum yield in the 30–52% range is reported. The present methodology relies on solution-processing of CdSe nanocrystals into a crystalline matrix of a wide band gap semiconductor (CdS, ZnS), which replaces the original molecular ligands on nanocrystal surfaces with an inorganic medium. Such matrices efficiently protect nanoparticles from the surrounding environment and preserve the quantum confinement of electrical charges in embedded CdSe NCs. In addition to strong emission, fabricated films show excellent thermal and chemical stability, and a large refractive index, which avails their integration into emerging solid-state nanocrystal devices, including light-emitting diodes, solar concentrators, and quantum dot lasers.
Biomass relations of shrub components and their generality

Abstract Biomass relations for six components of five tall shrubs: (Acer spicatum Lam., Alnus crispa (Ait.) Pursh., Alnus rugosa (Du Roi) Spreng., Amelanchier spp. Medic., and Corylus cornuta Marsh.) were analyzed to assess the extent to which species- and site-specific models were better than generalized regression models. With few exceptions, species- and site-specific models significantly improved goodness of fit, especially for annual production-related components such as current annual twig production. Where specific models are not available, generalized models fit reasonably well, especially for components dealing with cumulative biomass. However, if high precision or estimates of annual production-related components are desired, generalized models may not be adequate.
PLATELET STUDIES IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE WITH CYANOSIS

The etiology of thromhocytopenia in children with congenital heart disease with cyanosis (CHDWC) is unknown. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) as a possible cause of thrombocytopenia is controversial. We studied the hemostatic mechanism in 20 children with CHDWC (arterial O2 saturation, 50-907,). Tests included platelet count, Cr51 platelet survival times, prothrombin and partial thromboplastin times, and levels of fibrinogen, fibrin degradation products, factors V and VIII. Defects of the soluble coagulation system were found but no coherent pattern was seen. No evidence for DIC was found. Abnormal platelet half-lives(<80 hrs)were found in 12 of 20 patients (32-75 hrs); 9 of these 12 patients had normal platelet counts. Our patients may be divided into three groups: a) 8 patients with normal platelet count and normal survival, b) 9 with normal count and shortened survival, and c) 3 with thrombocytopenia and shortened survival. Our data suggest two new findings: 1) thrombocytopenia in CHDWC can be due to rapid platelet destruction without evidence of DIG, 2) some patients have a thrombocytolytic state where increased platelet production compensates for increased destruction resulting in a normal peripheral platelet count. We postulate that in CHDWC there is a spectrum of platelet survival from normal to a “compensated” thrombocytolytic phase, sometimes progressing to a “decompensated” stage where thrombocytopenia results from destruction too rapid to be met by increased production.
The articulation of military training onto engineering degree plans

The expected US military draw-downs (reductions in force) combined with a strong GI-Bill will create challenges for engineering programs and colleges nationwide as they work to serve a large influx of veterans who wish to pursue engineering degrees. We have conducted a comparative analysis of Marine Corps engineering training curriculum to determine if military training may be used as a substitute for courses within engineering degrees. SDSU's degree plans are used as a model for ABET-accredited degree program and the Marine Corps training was chosen as the model for generalized military training. The disciplines of civil and construction engineering have the largest amount of relevant training, with possible direct articulation of two courses, Surveying and Project Management. Beyond these two courses, no direct (complete) substitutions were noted, suggesting future analysis might need to consider combinations of military training courses as substitutes for additional technical courses. Analysis through the framework of military profession was necessary to determine course sequencing.
Simulation of recent global temperature trends

Observations show that global average tropospheric temperatures have been rising during the past century, with the most recent portion of record showing a sharp rise since the mid-1970s. This study shows that the most recent portion of the global temperature record (1970 to 1992) can be closely reproduced by atmospheric models forced only with observed ocean surface temperatures. In agreement with a diverse suite of controversial observational evidence from the past 40 years, the upward trend in simulated tropospheric temperatures is caused by an enhancement of the tropical hydrologic cycle driven by increasing tropical ocean temperatures. Although it is possible that the observed behavior is due to natural climate variability, there is disquieting similarity between these model results, observed climate trends in recent decades, and the early expressions of the climatic response to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide in numerical simulations.
An adaptive lattice algorithm for recursive filters

The purpose of this correspondence is to introduce an adaptive algorithm for recursive filters, which are implemented via a lattice structure. The motivation for doing so is that stability can be achieved during the adaptation process. For convenience, the corresponding algorithm is referred to as an "adaptive lattice algorithm" for recursive filters. Results pertaining to using this algorithm in a system-identification experiment are also included.
Ex vivo enzymatic treatment of aged CD4 T cells restores antigen-driven CD69 expression and proliferation in mice

Declines in immune function have been associated with declines in the function of naive CD4 T cells. In vitro studies of naive CD4 T cells in TCR-specific transgenic AND mice have shown age-related defects in immunosynapse formation, activation, proliferation and cytokine production. Previous work has also documented age-related alteration in the glycosylation of surface proteins involved in TCR signaling, and shown that enzymatic treatments to remove specific surface glycoproteins can restore in vitro function in CD4 cells from aged mice. Here an adoptive transfer system shows that a large percentage of naive CD4 T cells from old mice fail to express CD69 and expand in antigen-primed mice, but these declines in CD69 and expansion can be restored by ex vivo pretreatment of the T cells with the bacterial enzyme O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase (OSGE). OSGE treatment also repairs the age-dependent loss of CD69 expression after in vivo activation.
The major advances in epilepsy in the 20th century and what we can expect (hope for) in the future.

The management of many of these cases of chronic convulsive disease is a task of difficulty, requiring the utmost patience and perseverance on the part of both the patient and the physician. The old power of casting them out has gone from the earth, and it is only the study of their origin and history, and careful experiment in their treatment, that we can hope to regain over them such power as may still be possible to man. And the present generation has witnessed an advance in the treatment of these diseases equaled in perhaps no other branch of therapeutics. Thanks to the influence of one drug and its combinations, hundreds of epileptics have been cured, and thousands are leading useful lives who would otherwise have been incapacitated by the disease. Although the condition of many sufferers is still gloomy enough, it is not now without hope, and to them also, we may surely trust the progress of
Evaluation of multidimensional linear zeta functions

Abstract It is shown how to evaluate functions of the form ∑ m l ,…m N =1 ∞ (c 1 m 1 +c 2 m 2 +⋯+c n m m ) −s in terms of the Riemann zeta-function.
The effect of background conditions on the ionospheric response to solar flares

The ionospheric response to two X5 solar flares that occurred in different seasons was investigated using the global ionosphere-thermosphere model. Two questions were investigated: (a) how do different solar flares with similar X-ray peak intensities disturb the ionosphere during the same background and driving conditions? and (b) how do the geomagnetic field and season affect the ionospheric response to solar flares? These questions were investigated by exchanging the two X5 flares for each other so that there were two pairs of flares with (1) the same background conditions but different irradiances and (2) different background conditions but the same irradiance. The simulations showed that the different solar flares into the same background caused ionospheric disturbances of similar profiles but different magnitudes due to differences in the incident energies, while the same flare spectra caused perturbations of similar magnitudes but different profiles in different backgrounds. On the dayside, the response is primarily controlled by the total integrated energy of the flare, independent of the background. For the northern and southern polar regions, the response is strongly controlled by the solar zenith angle and the incident energy, while the background plays a secondary role. On the nightside, the background conditions, including the magnetic field and season, play a primary role, with the neutral winds and electrodynamics driving the ionospheric response.
Real-time monitoring of contact behavior of RF MEMS switches with a very low power CMOS capacitive sensor interface

This paper presents the first ultra-low power, fully electronic methodology for real-time monitoring of the dynamic behavior of RF MEMS switches. The measurement is based on a capacitive readout circuit composed of 67 transistors with a 105 μm × 105 μm footprint consuming as little as 60 μW. This is achieved by accurately sensing the capacitance change around the contact region at sampling rates from 10 kHz to 5 MHz. Experimental and simulation results show that timing of not only the first contact event but also all subsequent contact bounces can be accurately measured with this technique without interfering with the switch performance. This demonstrates the potential of extending this technique to real-time on-chip dynamic monitoring of packaged RF MEMS switches through their entire lifetime and after their integration in the final system.
Reactive nitrogen oxygen species metabolize N-acetylbenzidine.

A close association has been reported for certain types of cancers influenced by aromatic amines and infection/inflammation. Reactive nitric oxygen species (RNOS), components of the inflammatory response, are bactericidal and tumoricidal, and contribute to the deleterious effects attributed to inflammation on normal tissues. This study assessed the possible transformation of the aromatic amine N-acetylbenzidine (ABZ) by RNOS. RNOS were generated by various conditions to react with ABZ, and samples were evaluated by HPLC. Conditions which generate nitrogen dioxide radical (NO2- + myeloperoxidase + H2O2, ONOO-, and NO2- + HOCl) produced primarily a single new product termed 3‘-nitro-ABZ. The myeloperoxidase-catalyzed reaction with 0.3 mM NO2- was completely inhibited by 1 mM cyanide, and not effected by 100 mM chloride with or without 1 mM taurine. In contrast, conditions which generate N2O3, such as spermine NONOate, did not produce 3‘-nitro-ABZ, but rather two compounds termed 4‘-OH-AABP and AABP. 1H NMR ...
Roles of CD4 and coreceptors in binding, endocytosis, and proteolysis of gp120 envelope glycoproteins derived from human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Infections by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) involve interactions of the viral envelope glycoprotein gp120 with CD4 and then with a coreceptor. R5 isolates of HIV-1 use CCR5 as a coreceptor, whereas X4 isolates use CXCR4. It is not known whether coreceptors merely trigger fusion of the viral and cellular membranes or whether they also influence the energetics of virus adsorption, the placement of the membrane fusion reaction, and the metabolism of adsorbed gp120. Surprisingly, the pathway for metabolism of adsorbed gp120 has not been investigated thoroughly in any cells. To address these issues, we used purified125I-gp120s derived from the R5 isolate BaL and from the X4 isolate IIIB as ligands for binding onto human cells that expressed CD4 alone or CD4 with a coreceptor. The gp120 preparations were active in forming ternary complexes with CD4 and the appropriate coreceptor. Moreover, the cellular quantities of CD4 and coreceptors were sufficient for efficient infections by the corresponding HIV-1 isolates. In these conditions, the kinetics and affinities of125I-gp120 adsorptions and their subsequent metabolisms were strongly dependent on CD4 but were not significantly influenced by CCR5 or CXCR4. After binding to CD4, the 125I-gp120s slowly became resistant to extraction from the cell monolayers by pH 3.0 buffer, suggesting that they were endocytosed with half-times of 1–2 h. Within 20–30 min of endocytosis, the 125I-gp120s were proteolytically degraded to small products that were shed into the media. The weak base chloroquine strongly inhibited125I-gp120 proteolysis and caused its intracellular accumulation, suggesting involvement of a low pH organelle. Results supporting these methods and conclusions were obtained by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. We conclude that the energetics, kinetics, and pathways of 125I-gp120 binding, endocytosis, and proteolysis are determined principally by CD4 rather than by coreceptors in cells that contain sufficient coreceptors for efficient infections. Therefore, the role of coreceptors in HIV-1 infections probably does not include steerage or subcellular localization of adsorbed virus.
Multi-Disciplinary Conceptual Modeling and Optimization With Uncertainty Effects Consideration

A multi-disciplinary modeling and design optimization formulation for uncertainty effects consideration is presented in this paper. The optimization approach considers minimization of uncertainty factors related to the overall system performance while satisfying target requirements specified in the form of constraints. The design problem is decomposed into two analysis systems; performance design and uncertainty effects analysis. Each design system can be partitioned into several subsystems according to the different functions they perform. Performance evaluation is considered by minimizing the variations between specified expected values of performance functions and their target values. Uncertainty effects analysis is defined by minimizing the ratio of the maximum variations caused by uncertainty factors over the expected function values. The entire problem has been treated as a multi-disciplinary design optimization (MDO) for maximum robustness and performance achievement. An electromechanical system is used as an example to demonstrate this optimization methodology.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Tryptamine and some related molecules block the accumulation of a light-sensitive pool of cyclic AMP in the dark-adapted, dark-incubated mouse retina.

: Dark-adapted retinas of mice (C57BL/6J) incubated in the dark in media containing 1 mM 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine (IBMX) or 5 mM Co2+ accumulate cyclic AMP (cAMP). A portion of this pool is light sensitive, as light can prevent or reverse its accumulation. Similarly, tryptamine, serotonin, 5-methoxytryptamine, bufotenine, and 5-methoxydimethyltryptamine can block the accumulation of the light-sensitive pool of cAMP, whereas tryptophan, melatonin, N-acetylserotonin, 5-methoxytryptophol, and tetrahydro-β-carbolines are inactive. The phenomenon is not seen with mutant mouse retinas (rd/rd), which lack most photoreceptors, but persists in abnormal retinas containing photoreceptors but with extensive neuronal depletion in the inner retina. Tryptamine also inhibits cAMP accumulation in either dark or light-adapted retinas exposed to forskolin alone but not in media containing high levels of forskolin plus 1 mM IBMX. There is some suggestion that serotonin 5-HT-2 antagonists can partially reverse the action of the tryptamines, but hitherto undescribed receptors may be involved. Current data suggest that photoreceptors are the target for the action of the tryptamines.
Metabolism of trifluralin in the rat and dog.

Abstract The metabolism of trifluralin (2,6-dinitro- N,N -di- n -propyl-α,α,α-trifluoromethyl- p -toluidine), a preemergence herbicide, was studied in rats. About 80% of an oral dose of trifluralin was found to be excreted in the feces, while the remaining portion appeared in the urine. Unchanged trifluralin was isolated from the feces. Oral doses of trifluralin were not readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. One other product, present in fecal material, was identified as an amino derivative of trifluralin resulting from the reduction of one nitro group. The absorbed fraction was found to be extensively metabolized. Three urinary metabolites, formed by nitro reduction and/or the removal of one or both propyl groups, were isolated and identified. N -Dealkylation and nitro reduction were shown to be two of the principal pathways for the metabolism of trifluralin. The metabolic fate of trifluralin was similar in the rat and the dog.
Functional anthropometry and ranges of motion of older Mexican American adults

Among all older adult groups in the US, older Mexican American adults report the most functional limitation in activities of daily living. Upper extremity functional reaches and range of motion measures in older Mexican American adults may help explain their functional limitations and task performance in activities of daily living. However, there is little information on functional reaches and ranges of motion of older Mexican American adults, and how age and gender may influence their reach capability. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are to determine the effects of age and gender of older Mexican American adults on functional reaches and range of motion measures. Stature and 20 functional reaches and ranges of motion were measured in 250 (125 females and 125 males) older Mexican American adults recruited randomly from 3500 older Mexican American adults in a retired senior volunteers program. Regression analyses indicate that age and gender have significant cross-sectional effects on several important functional reaches and ranges of motion in older Mexican American adults. Insights on product design and living space considerations for older adults based on age-related functional performance changes are discussed. Language: en
Effects of High-School Size on Student Outcomes: Response to Howley and Howley.

I take issue with several points in the Howleys' reanalysis (Vol. 12 No. 52 of this journal) of "High School Size: Which Works Best and for Whom?" (Lee & Smith, 1997). That the original sample of NELS schools might have underrepresented small rural public schools would not bias results, as they claim. Their assertion that our conclusions about an ideal high-school size privileged excellence over equity ignores the fact that our multilevel analyses explored the two outcomes simultaneously. Neither do I agree that our claim about "ideal size" (600-900) was too narrow, as our paper was clear that our focus was on achievement and its equitable distribution. Perhaps the most important area of disagreement concerns non-linear relationships between school size and achievement gains. Ignoring the skewed distribution of school size, without either transforming or categorizing the variable produces findings that spuriously favor the smallest schools. Our recent involvement as expert witnesses on opposite sides in a court case may have motivated the Howleys' attempt to discredit our work. Finally, I argue that research attempting to establish a direct link between school size and student outcomes may be misguided. Rather, school size influences student outcomes only indirectly, through the academic and social organization of schools. Considerable evidence links these organizational factors to student outcomes (especially learning and its equitable distribution).