cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organizing principles for the design of classification and coding software

Abstract This paper describes several organizing principles useful in designing classification and coding (C&C) software in a relational database management system (DBMS) environment. Specifically, these software design principles include the usage of Operational Constructors, Meta Models, Dynamic Binding, and Associative Naming to aid the design of full-purpose classification and coding software that can take as input a classification model of part families. These principles aid the software development effort in the following ways. Operational Constructors are universal programming concepts that allow the programmer to take advantage of the graphical user interface (GUI) features of the DBMS, such as list boxes, scroll boxes, subforms, and the like. Meta models represent the structure of the classification model. By implementing any classification model as a meta model, it can easily be instantiated into the software without the need for custom development. Dynamic Binding provides a general mechanism to query the database for part information by dynamically stitching user selections to a general structured query language (SQL) query. Finally, Associative Naming allows the user to retrieve data in a general manner through an innovative table-naming scheme and traversal process. A case study is presented showing application of these principles in support of a C&C system for a purchasing application used for procurement of raw materials, electronic components, and consumable supplies.
Maximum likelihood x-ray computed tomography with real data

We present experimental results for a maximum likelihood (ML) reconstruction algorithm for x-ray computed tomography (CT) which incorporates both the Poisson nature of photon counts and the finite width of the x-ray beam. Count data, obtained from an industrial CT scanner, are used to reconstruct an image of a concrete rebar-reinforced cube. The internal structure of the cube is reconstructed using both ML and filtered backprojection (FBP). We find that the ML method reduces noise and streak artifacts in the reconstructed image thus supporting our earlier work with simulated count data.
Tetanus toxin binding to neuroblastoma cells differentiated by antimitotic agents

We have examined the binding of tetanus toxin (TT) to surface receptors of neuroblastoma cells by flow cytometry following chemically induced differentiation. Cells were treated with mitomycin C, bromodeoxyuridine, prostaglandin E1 or cyclic adenosine monophosphate at different doses, alone or in combination for 4 days. Cells extended long neurites within 24 h in the presence of prostaglandin/cyclic AMP or mitomycin/bromodeoxyuridine treatment while single-drug treatment was less efficient in morphological differentiation of these cells. Cells exposed to the drug combinations stopped growing after 3 days while flow-cytometric analysis of DNA levels of each cell stained with propidium iodide indicated that at least 60% of these cells were arrested in phase G0/G1 of the cell cycle. Drug-treated cultures were stained for TT binding by immunofluorescence of cells in suspension and analyzed by flow cytometry. Chemically differentiated N2AB-1 cells were shown to bind significantly more TT than control cultures. Receptors for TT could be saturated by increasing doses of TT and differentiated cells bound twice as much toxin at saturation as did control cells. Immunofluorescence of TT binding to monolayers revealed staining in a stippled fashion along all neurites and cell bodies. These data support the concept that drugs which stimulate differentiation of neuroblastoma cells as determined by morphological and cell-cycle criteria also increase the presence of ganglioside receptors on the cell surface available for toxin binding.
Reconstructing Galicia: Mapping the Cultural and Civic Traditions of the Former Austrian Galicia in Poland and Ukraine

Abstract This article examines the cultural legacy of Galicia, a region comprising parts of Poland and Ukraine, once united under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Using survey data compiled by the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems, we reconstruct the region of Galicia electoral district by electoral district, finding that Galicians today are far more civic than their compatriots. Sharing higher levels of political efficacy, Galicians are more likely to vote, and when they do, they are more likely to support parties who oppose the successor left. The vehicle for this cultural persistence, we argue, could be the (Greek) Catholic Church, which Galicians attend at far higher rates than the rest of Ukraine or Poland.
Comparative in Vivo Stability of Copper-64-Labeled Cross-Bridged and Conventional Tetraazamacrocyclic Complexes

The increased use of copper radioisotopes in radiopharmaceutical applications has created a need for bifunctional chelators (BFCs) that form stable radiocopper complexes and allow covalent attachment to biological molecules. The chelators most commonly utilized for labeling copper radionuclides to biomolecules are analogues of 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1,4,8,11-tetraacetic acid (TETA); however, recent reports have communicated the instability of the radio-Cu(II)-TETA complexes in vivo. A class of bicyclic tetraazamacrocycles, the ethylene "cross-bridged" cyclam (CB-cyclam) derivatives, form highly kinetically stable complexes with Cu(II) and therefore may be less susceptible to transchelation than their nonbridged analogues in vivo. Herein we report results on the relative biological stabilities and identification of the resulting radiolabeled metabolites of a series of (64)Cu-labeled macrocyclic complexes. Metabolism studies in normal rat liver have revealed that the (64)Cu complex of 4,11-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazabicyclo[6.6.2]hexadecane ((64)Cu-CB-TE2A) resulted in significantly lower values of protein-associated (64)Cu than (64)Cu-TETA [13 +/- 6% vs 75 +/- 9% at 4 h]. A similar trend was observed for the corresponding cyclen derivatives, with the (64)Cu complex of 4,10-bis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazabicyclo[5.5.2]tetradecane ((64)Cu-CB-DO2A) undergoing less transchelation than the (64)Cu complex of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid ((64)Cu-DOTA) [61 +/- 14% vs 90.3 +/- 0.5% protein associated (64)Cu at 4 h]. These data indicate that the structurally reinforcing cross-bridge enhances in vivo stability by reducing metal loss to protein in both the cyclam and cyclen cross-bridged (64)Cu complexes and that (64)Cu-CB-TE2A is superior to (64)Cu-CB-DO2A in that regard. These findings further suggest that a bifunctional chelator derivative of CB-TE2A is a highly desirable alternative for labeling copper radionuclides to biological molecules for diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy.
Are bedding and rebreathing suffocation a cause of SIDS

Suffocation by bedclothes became a popular diagnosis in the 1940s but gradually became replaced with the diagnostic label of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In 1991 a paper purported that, instead of SIDS, pillows filled with polystyrene beads had caused death by rebreathing suffocation; this conclusion was reached on the basis of experiments with anesthetized rabbits breathing through a doll's head that was placed face down on the pillow. Because of the anesthesia, rabbits could not change their face down position. The doll's nares could not collapse, which would have resulted in rapid death due to conventional suffocation. The rabbits required up to 3 hours or more to die of hypercarbia and hypoxia. Studies in normal infants revealed that they turned from the face-down position after only 2 minutes. (The only infant who retained CO2 soon died of a fatal neurologic disorder, with central hypoventilation). Using the rabbit/doll's head and mechanical models, a wide range of bedding was indicted, including cushions, sheepskins, pillows, comforters, foam mattresses, and even simple blankets and sheets as potentially causing fatal rebreathing. Except for the use of pillows in general, as well as mattresses filled with kapok and bark, there has been no epidemiologic support for these indictments. Although normal infants are unlikely to succumb to rebreathing suffocation, infants with blunted ventilatory responsiveness and delayed arousal due to prior hypoxia were hypothesized to be at increased risk. Support for this concept was found in the pathology of the brain stem in victims of SIDS that was attributed to prior hypoxic injury. In infants who survived prolonged apnea, less than 20% have demonstrated a diminished ventilatory responsiveness to hypercarbia, but, more significantly, none had an absent response. Arousal to hypercarbia, an abnormality which is crucial to the hypothesis of rebreathing suffocation, is regularly present in normal subjects, but the threshold is higher in near-SIDS infants; however, no instances of failure to arouse have been reported in near-SIDS. If the infant is placed on his or her back or side, the issue of bedding could become moot; unfortunately, a sizable percentage of infants are still being placed prone for sleep. Instead of confusing parents with an ever-expanding list of "dangerous bedding," the message "Back to Sleep" should be emphasized.
Nitrogen immobilization by rice straw incorporated in lowland rice production

The nitrogen supplying power of rice straw for flooded rice production was studied in three field experiments. The net nitrogen immobilization was observed to be 0.54 per cent of the original dry weight of the straw as determined by grain yield responses over single growing seasons. Straws with higher nitrogen concentrations increased grain yield on nitrogen deficient soil, and straws with lower nitrogen concentrations depressed yield.
Tritium inventories of the world oceans and their implications

Tritium inventories are given for the Pacific Ocean from 51°N to 60°S. As expected, the highest inventories are found north of 20°N. Inventories drop rapidly from 20°N to 10°N. From 10°N southwards, inventories in the top 500 m are essentially constant. From these data, it is calculated that 107±21 kg of tritium were present in the Pacific Ocean in 1970. A total of ∼ 300±80 kg of tritium was present on the Earth's surface in 1970. This indicates that 550±160 kg of tritium have been produced by nuclear detonations. It is estimated that 62% of the tritium in the Pacific Ocean was added through molecular exchange, 5% through runoff from the continents, and 33% as precipitation.
Sleep-wake misperception in sleep apnea patients undergoing diagnostic versus titration polysomnography

Objective Insomnia is commonly co-morbid with obstructive sleep apnea. Among patients reporting insomnia symptoms, sleep misperception occurs when self-reported sleep duration under-estimates objective measures. Misperception represents a clinical challenge since insomnia management is based entirely on patient self-report. We tested the hypothesis that misperception occurring in sleep apnea patients would improve with subsequent treatment.
Effect of target composition on the crystallinity of YBa2Cu3Oy epitaxial films fabricated by Nd:YAG pulsed laser deposition

Abstract We have studied the influence of atomic composition of the targets on the crystallinity of the YBa 2 Cu 3 O y films deposited by the Nd:YAG pulsed laser ablation technique. The films deposited by using a target that has a stoichiometric ratio show superconductivity with a transition temperature of 90.0±0.5 K. They are epitaxially grown with c -axis orientation. The films deposited from six targets whose composition is deviated by ±5% for every metal element have also shown a good c -axis orientation and a slightly low transition temperature in the range 82–89 K. In this case, however, formation of amorphous material occurs, resulting in deterioration of the crystallinity. In addition, a number of CuO, BaO and BaCu 2 O 2 impurity particles appear on the film surface. From these results, it has been confirmed that the atomic composition of the fabricated films does not largely shift from that of the target in the laser ablation method. The target with 1:2:3 composition should be used to fabricate high-quality films.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND PERCEIVED EMPLOYABILITY FOR INTERNSHIP CURRICULUM

Emotional Intelligence dimensions of motivation as well as social and communication skills were associated with perceived entry-level employability. Feedback from internship hosts was the measure of association for 77 college juniors or seniors between the ages of 18 and 22 (49 women, 28 men), enrolled in a one-semester communications internship. Chi squared supported the hypothesis that interns scoring high on emotional intelligence are more likely to be considered for employment by the internship host than those scoring low. Given replication of this work applications for an internship curriculum can be identified.
Reconsidering assessment in online/hybrid courses: Knowing versus learning

This study explores the influence of assessment on students' online written discussions. A two-by-two design was used to understand students' expression of knowledge and of learning in the contexts of ''regular'' online discussions versus ''final test'' online discussions. Findings suggested that assessment had an impact on how students interacted online and in their use of rhetorical moves; and that knowing and learning are related but distinct constructs, correlated within each writing context, dissociated across contexts, and performing differentially as a function of students' perceptions of academic demands. We discuss the limitations of traditional assessment, offer an alternative approach, and conclude with practical suggestions for online/hybrid course instructors.
An implicit gradient model by a reproducing kernel strain regularization in strain localization problems

Abstract A reproducing kernel strain regularization (RKSR) as a mathematical generalization of gradient theory and non-local theory for strain localization problems is presented. RKSR introduces a correction of the weight function in the non-local strain by imposition of gradient reproducing conditions. Both continuum and discrete forms of RKSR are presented, and they lead to an implicit representation of gradient models. As such, RKSR provides a gradient type regularization to the localization problem without increasing the order of differentiation in the governing equations. Hence no additional boundary conditions are required, and the need for higher order continuity for the approximation of unknowns in the governing equations is no longer an issue. A von Neumann spectral analysis is employed to study the spectral properties of RKSR of various orders in one dimension. It is shown that RKSR almost duplicates the spectral properties of second and fourth order gradient theories. In summary, RKSR reproduces the regularization properties of gradient methods without dealing with additional boundary conditions or higher order continuity issues.
Flagella-Mediated Differences in Deposition Dynamics for Azotobacter vinelandii in Porous Media

A multiscale approach was designed to study the effects of flagella on deposition dynamics of Azotobacter vinelandii in porous media, independent of motility. In a radial stagnation point flow cell (RSPF), the deposition rate of a flagellated strain with limited motility, DJ77, was higher than that of a nonflagellated (Fla(-)) strain on quartz. In contrast, Fla(-) strain deposition exceeded that of DJ77 in two-dimensional silicon microfluidic models (micromodels) and in columns packed with glass beads. Both micromodel and column experiments showed decreasing deposition over time, suggesting that approaching cells were blocked from deposition by previously deposited cells. Modeling results showed that blocking became effective for DJ77 strain at lower ionic strengths (1 mM and 10 mM), while for the Fla(-) strain, blocking was similar at all ionic strengths. In late stages of micromodel experiments, ripening effects were also observed, and these appeared earlier for the Fla(-) strain. In RSPF and column experiments, deposition of the flagellated strain was influenced by ionic strength, while ionic strength dependence was not observed for the Fla(-) strain. The observations in all three setups suggested flagella affect deposition dynamics and, in particular, result in greater sensitivity to ionic strength.
A proposed mechanism of benzene toxicity: Formation of reactive intermediates from polyphenol metabolites

Abstract Male Fischer-344 rats were given 100 μCi (14 mg/kg) [14C]catechol or [14C]hydroquinone by injection into the lateral tail vein. For a period of at least 24 hr, soluble radioactivity associated with either compound was retained in the bone marrow, but not in the liver or thymus. The amount of covalently bound radioactivity increased with time in all tissues examined and was significantly depressed in liver, white blood cells, and bone marrow in rats pretreated with Aroclor 1254, a regimen which protects against benzene toxicity. Potential enzymatic and nonenzymatic activation pathways for catechol, hydroquinone, and other known benzene metabolites were examined. In air-saturated 50 m m phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) at 37°C, only hydroquinone and 1,2,4-benzenetriol autoxidized. The oxidation product of hydroquinone had an uv absorption maximum (248 nm) identical to that of benzoquinone. With 250 units superoxide dismutase, hydroquinone autoxidation increased fivefold, whereas the oxidation of 1,2,4-benzenetriol was inhibited (4% of control). Epinephrine autoxidation, an indirect measure of superoxide anion generation, was stimulated by 1,2,4-benzenetriol and hydroquinone, but was barely detectable in the presence of catechol. Of the compounds studied, only benzoquinone augmented the oxidation of NADPH by a 3000g rat bone marrow supernatant. These data support a mechanism for benzene toxicity in which the formation of potentially cytotoxic metabolites, semiquinone, and quinone oxidation products and superoxide radicals, result from autoxidation of at least two polyphenol metabolites of benzene, hydroquinone, and 1,2,4-benzenetriol.
Concerted Effects of Substituents in the Reaction of •OH Radicals with Aromatics: The Cresols

The concerted effects of hydroxyl and methyl substituents in controlling the site of •OH radical attack on aromatics in aqueous solutions are explored using the cresols as typical examples. The distributions of dihydroxytoluenes produced in the radiolysis of aqueous solutions of the cresols containing ferricyanide as a radical oxidant were examined by capillary electrophoretic and liquid chromatographic methods. Because •OH is a strong electrophile, it adds preferentially at the electron-rich sites of an aromatic ring. As a result, the observed distributions of dihydroxytoluenes reflect the charge distributions in the cresols. It is shown that in the case of m-cresol the hydroxyl substituent has a dominant ortho−para directing effect similar to that observed for phenol. In o- and p-cresol, this effect is modified, indicating that the methyl substituent has a significant effect on the electronic structure of those cresols. Correlation of the charge distribution in the cresols indicated by the observed dist...
Comparative investigation of kinetic consequences associated with long-range electronic effects on catalytic ruthenium-promoted ring-closing metathesis

Abstract When exposed to the Grubbs ruthenium catalyst, trienyl substrates of type 4 undergo highly regioselective ring closure to give the common product 5 . These reactions proceed invariably under pseudo-first-order kinetics, considerably faster when X=H ( t 1/2 =9.1), followed by X=CO 2 Et ( t 1/2 =26.5).
Predator driven reproductive behavior in a tropical frog

Life history trade-offs in reproductive strategy are often invoked as ecological agents of evolutionary change, despite a limited amount of experimental data from the field. The larval deposition strategy of Allobates femoralis was tested in Southeastern Peru using a blocked, fully crossed experimental design. Arrays of four pools were used to test the effects of pool size and the presence of a predatory insect (Belostomatid) on the deposition behavior of A. femoralis. Further experiments investigated the colonization of insect predators into potential larval habitats and interactions between predatory insects. Results suggest that pool size, the presence of predatory aquatic insects, and interactions between predators, influence larval deposition in A. femoralis. Similar ecological interactions may have driven toxic dendrobatids to the use of arboreal phytotelmata and associated derived reproductive strategies.
Infrared transmission properties of sapphire, spinel, yttria, and ALON as a function of temperature and frequency

Experimental characterization of the bulk absorption properties of sapphire, spinel, yttria, and ALON as a function of temperature is accomplished using a Bomem DA3.02 vacuum Fourier transform spectrometer and a heated cell. The measurements are performed between 2 and 20 μm from room temperatures to 775 K. Spectra of two samples of different thicknesses are ratioed to reduce surface effects and to provide a direct measure of the bulk extinction coefficient. Absorption coefficient and reflectivity data are used to determine parameters in a multiphoton absorption model. The model has proved valid up to the melting temperature of the material. This model provides an accurate means of interpolating and extrapolating the measurements to give a comprehensive characterization of intrinsic absorption properties with frequency and temperature (in the multiphonon region).
Human Leukocyte Antigen Mismatch in Heart Transplants Continues To Predict Outcomes in Modern Era of Immunosuppression

Purpose HLA mismatches (HLA-MM) have been shown to affect survival after heart transplantation (HTX). However, it is generally felt that current immunosuppressive therapies (IS) minimize the effects of HLA-MM. This study wishes to test the hypothesis that despite advances in IS, HLA-MM still plays a predictive role in determining outcomes. Methods and Materials We retrospectively analyzed survival and freedom from immunologic adverse events on all patients undergoing HTX at our institution between 2005 and 2012 (n=129). Groups were stratified by number of HLA-MM at HLA-A, B, DQ and DR (Group 1, 3-4 MM) (Group 2, 5-6 MM) (Group 3, 7-8 MM). Events considered as adverse were biopsy-proven rejection (BPR) (ISHLT grade > 2R), allograft dysfunction (EF Results 100% of patients had > 3 MM. Group 1-15/129, (12%), Group 2-59/129 (46%), Group 3-55/129 (43%). Freedom from adverse events and survival were significantly worse in patients with >4 MM (Group 2 and 3) (Figure 1). Conclusions Despite the use of triple-drug immunosuppression including tacrolimus in our patients, HLA-MM remains a significant predictor of adverse events and survival. Given this, novel immunologic strategies to abrogate the effect of HLA-MM are urgently needed.
Emerging principles in machine learning

Machine learning, a field concerned with developing computational theories of learning and constructing learning machines, is now one of the most active research areas in artificial intelligence. An inference-based theory of learning will be presented that unifies basic learning strategies. Special attention will be given to comparing and unifying inductive learning and deductive learning strategies.Inductive learning strategies include empirical techniques for learning from examples and learning from observation and discovery. Deductive learning techniques include analytic learning on the basis of the explanation of a given fact using prior domain knowledge. We will show that the “similarity-based learning” (a form of inductive learning) and the “explanation-based learning” (a form of deductive learning) are two extremes in the spectrum of techniques representing different relative role of the learner's prior knowledge and the information supplied to the learner. We will also show how inductive and deductive learning can be integrated within one theoretical framework. Some experimental results will be used to illustrate presented ideas.
A Letter to Our Next President

The next president of the United States faces monumental challenges in the areas of national defense, the economy, and health care. However, one daunting domestic issue the nation must face is the ...
Case report of interferon alfa therapy for multiple myeloma during pregnancy

Abstract Interferon alta is broadly accepted as treatment for multiple myeloma, but its potential teratogenicity and mutagenicity during pregnancy in the human are still in dispute. We report a case of successful delivery after interferon alfa therapy for multiple myeloma during the first trimester of pregnancy. We reviewed the cases of interferon alfa treatment given during pregnancy for a malignancy and discovered that all of them have had successful deliveries and normal healthy babies. Additional studies should be encouraged to confirm the safety of interferon alfa therapy during pregnancy.
Induction of Mouse Leukæmia with Purified Nucleic Acid Preparations

RECENT studies by Gross1 and others2,3 have shown that leukaemia with immunogenetic characteristics of the recipient strain can be induced in certain low-leukaemia-incidence strains of mice by injecting into newborn animals cell-free extracts of tissues of certain high-leukaemia strains. Although the active leukaemogenic agent has been referred to as a virus, direct evidence on this point has been lacking. At present it can be said only that the agent is filtrable and thermolabile, and is transmitted in certain families of mice from one generation to another directly through the embryos. Under certain poorly defined conditions, cell-free extracts of leukaemic organs may also produce parotid gland tumours, sarcomas and perhaps other neoplasms, indicating that the active agent is either multipotent or that extracts contain several oncogenic agents.
Development and loss of toluene diisocyanate reactivity: immunologic, pharmacologic, and provocative challenge studies

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) sensitivity accompanied by nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness occurs in approximately 5% of occupationally exposed workers. We report the case of a 32-yr-old worker followed longitudinally after removal from isocyanate exposure. TDI reactivity was lost 11 mo after removal from exposure and nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness resolved after 17 mo. Bronchial reactivity to radishes (Raphanus sativus), which developed concurrently with TDI reactivity, was lost 2 yr later. Immunopharmacologic results show that the worker's initial decreased ability of lymphocytes to produce cyclic AMP returned to near normal after 2 yr. IgE antibodies to a human serum albumin tolyl monoisocyanate conjugate were still present at this time.
The Sonochemical Degradation of Azobenzene and Related Azo Dyes: Rate Enhancements via Fenton's Reactions

The sonochemical degradation of aqueous solutions of azobenzene and related azo dyes (methyl orange, o-methyl red, and p-methyl red) was performed at 500 kHz and 50 W, under air, O2, or Ar saturation at 288 K. Reaction products and intermediates were identified by HPLC-ES-MS. Total organic carbon (TOC) was also determined as a function of reaction time. We propose a reaction mechanism based on the observed species and the extent and rate of TOC depletion. The addition of OH radicals to the azo double bond is considered to be the first step of the sequence of oxidative bond cleavages leading to the production of carboxylic acids, quinones, carbon dioxide, and nitrate ions as the main degradation products. The effects of the dye structures and of the background gas on the sonochemical bleaching rates were also investigated. The reaction rates for o-methyl red were approximately 30−40% faster than those for the other compounds. This appears to be a strong influence by a carboxylic group ortho to the azo grou...
Socioeconomic Status in the Treatment of Depression

This study examined outcomes and attrition across three treatments for depression in relation to socioeconomic status (SES). The study was based on data available from the Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (TDCRP) of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH; Elkin, 1994), a multisite collaborative study that examined the effectiveness of two forms of psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy. Results indicated that lower SES, measured by the Hollingshead Index of Social Position, was associated with less improvement across all three treatments for depression. The effect of SES on outcome did not differ by treatment modality. Contrary to expectations, SES was not associated with attrition. These findings suggest that there may be limitations in the use of these empirically validated treatments with lower SES depressed patients, as their improvement rates may be less than those of middle SES depressed patients treated by the same modalities. The results of this study also suggest that a standardized measure of SES may be more sensitive to SES differences in outcome than the more easily obtained measures of education or income. Suggestions are provided for additional research in this area to address the potential mediators and moderators of the association between SES and outcome.
Transduction and recombination study of linkage relationships among the genes controlling tryptophan synthesis in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The relationship between gene sequence and the sequence of biochemical reactions in the biosynthesis of tryptophan was investigated in the K12 strain of Escherichia coli. Transduction with phage P1kc was employed for genetic mapping. All the tryptophan auxotrophs examined were found to be mutant in a small region of genetic material (>80% joint transduction of the most distal markers). One strain with a block in the synthesis of several aromatic compounds, including tryptophan, was found to be mutant at a site weakly linked to the other tryp genes. Two cysteine auxotrophs were also mutant at sites linked to the tryp region. The transduction tests employed suggested the following order of the tryp genes and the cysteine markers: cys … tryp 4. tryp 3. tryp 1. tryp 2. This order differs from the gene order established with the corresponding mutants of Salmonella typhimurium only with respect to the last two tryp genes, tryp 1 and tryp 2. However, since the proteins controlled by these genes are both involved in the terminal reaction in tryptophan synthesis, and thus cannot be assigned a biosynthetic order, the results obtained indicate that the clustered tryp genes of E. coli are arranged in the same relative order as the steps in the biosynthesis of tryptophan which they control. An examination of the category of tryptophan auxotrophs which acquired a requirement for tryptophan simultaneously with mutation to resistance to phage T1 suggested that these strains arose as a result of deletions including the V1r locus and one or more tryp genes. It was found that in strain B, where mutations of this type are fairly frequent, most of the V1r tryp mutants lack all the clustered tryp genes. In strain K12, where V1r tryp mutants are rare among V1r isolates, the few strains obtained did not lack all the clustered tryp genes. Studies with hybrids formed between strains K12 and B suggested that genic material at or near the tryp region in the two strains determines the type of mutation pattern when cells are exposed to T1. The deletion from one V1rtryp mutant was transferred by transduction and 60% of the phage carrying the tryp 4 marker were found to carry the entire tryp region and thus were capable of converting tryp deletion mutants to tryptophan-independent strains.
Inhibition of the Lymphocytolytic Activity ofCortisol by Total Hepatectomy1

The lymphocytolytic effect of cortisol was assessed in totally hepatectomized- adrenalectomized rats in order to evaluate a possible role of the liver in lymphocytolysis induced by cortisol. Blood lymphocyte values and lymphoid tissue weights were determined following steroid administration in laparotomized animals, and in animals subjected to either partial or total evisceration. Cortisol elicited a marked lymphopenia and diminution of thymus and lymph node weights in laparotomized or partially eviscerated rats with their liver and kidneys in situ. Following total removal of the liver, however, cortisol, injected subcutaneously or intravenously, failed to induce the usual lymphopenic response. In addition, no involution of lymph nodes was observed in these animals; depression of thymus weight did occur but was significantly less than that found with animals whose abdominal viscera were removed except for the liver and kidneys. These results suggest that the liver plays a significant role in the manifesta...
Biomimetic Peptide Surfaces That Regulate Adhesion, Spreading, Cytoskeletal Organization, and Mineralization of the Matrix Deposited by Osteoblast‐like Cells

In an effort to regulate mammalian cell behavior in contact with solid material surfaces, we have functionalized surfaces with different ratios of both the putative cell binding (-Arg-Gly-Asp-) domain and a consensus heparan-binding domain. The peptide sequences -Arg-Gly-Asp- (-RGD-) and -Phe-His-Arg-Arg-Ile-Lys-Ala- (-FHRRIKA-) or mixtures of the two in the ratios of 75:25 (mimetic peptide surface I), 25:75 (mimetic peptide surface II), and 50:50 (mimetic peptide surface III) were immobilized on model surfaces using a heterobifunctional cross-linker to link the peptide(s) to amine-functionalized quartz surfaces. Contact angle measurements, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to confirm the chemistry, thickness of the overlayers, and surface density of immobilized peptides ( approximately 4-6 pmol/cm2). The degree of rat calvaria osteoblast-like cell spreading, focal contact formation, cytoskeletal organization, proliferation, and mineralization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on model biomaterial surfaces was examined. Mimetic peptide surface II (MPS II) and MPS III supported the highest degree of cell spreading (p 0.1). Following 24 d in culture, the areas of mineralized ECM formed on MPS II and MPS III surfaces were significantly (p < 0.05) larger than those of other surfaces. These results demonstrate that utilizing peptide sequences incorporating both cell- and heparin-adhesive motifs can enhance the degree of cell surface interactions and influence the long-term formation of mineralized ECM in vitro.
History and Fiction in the Acts of Thomas: The State of the Question

The Acts of Thomas has not yet received as much attention as the Gospel associated with the same individual, and this is understandable. Current students of this early Christian work, however, are in danger of missing out on the discussions and differing perspectives long offered by scholars of the Indian church and Indian history on this work. This study suggests that, while the Acts of Thomas is almost certainly a work of novelistic fiction, this should not lead us to ignore the instances of confirmable historical information embedded therein, as in many other works of historical fiction. The Acts of Thomas merits renewed detailed study by historians interested in early Christianity both in Syria and in India.
Sense Making and the Emergence of a New Form of Market Governance: The Case of the European Defense Industry

The problem of sense making is particularly acute when established organizations face a sudden set of changes in their fields. This article offers some conceptual clarification of this issue in sev...
Cellular and humoral immune responses to a tetanus toxoid booster in perinatally HIV-1-infected children and adolescents receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected children treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may develop a significant reduction of plasma viremia associated with an increase in CD4+ T-cell counts. Functional capacity of this reconstituted immune system in response to recall antigens is important to maintain protective immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases. We therefore determined cellular and humoral immune responses to tetanus toxoid (TT) booster in perinatally HIV-1-infected children and adolescents receiving HAART. Immune responses were prospectively evaluated pre- and post-tetanus booster using lymphocyte proliferation assay (LPA) stimulation index (SI≥3.0) and tetanus antibody (TAb≥0.15) in 15 patients. The median interval from primary tetanus immunization series was 6 years (range 2–12 years). We compared patients by their virological response to HAART (complete responders, CR, n=7; incomplete responders, ICR, n=8). There were no significant differences in median age 12.6 years (CR: 12.9; ICR: 10.6) or median CD4 T-cell pre-booster (CR: 35%/819; ICR: 26%/429) between groups. Tetanus LPA responses were observed in one patient prior to booster and in seven patients post-booster. In contrast, 38% of patients had protective TAb pre-booster, but 92% developed protective TAb post-booster. All of the CR and 5/6 ICR patients developed protective TAb. HIV-1-infected children and adolescents had modest LPA responses to tetanus following booster, similar to HIV-1-infected adults. However, the majority of patients developed protective TAb levels after booster and maintained the response. Shorter intervals may need to be considered for TT immunization boosters in HIV-1-infected pediatric patients, as only 38% had protective TAb at baseline.
The prevention and psychotherapeutic treatment of postpartum depression.

¶The efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions for the acute treatment of postpartum depression is strongly supported by empirical data, which suggest that counseling is of benefit as a stand-alone treatment for postpartum depression. Given the paucity of treatment trials using medication for postpartum depression, and the fact that psychotherapeutic interventions do not confer any “exposure” risks to breastfeeding infants, the data also suggest that psychotherapy should be considered a first-line treatment, rather than as an adjunct to medication treatment. There is also some data supporting the use of psychotherapy as a means of preventing postpartum depression, though research is still needed regarding the type of interventions to be used and the types of patients towards whom the interventions should be directed.
Translational regulation of lipoprotein lipase in adipocytes: depletion of cellular protein kinase Cα activates binding of the C subunit of protein kinase A to the 3′-untranslated region of the lipoprotein lipase mRNA

Adipose LPL (lipoprotein lipase) plays an important role in regulating plasma triacylglycerols and lipid metabolism. We have previously demonstrated that PKCalpha (protein kinase Calpha) depletion inhibits LPL translation in 3T3-F442A adipocytes. Using in vitro translation experiments, the minimum essential region on the 3'UTR (3'-untranslated region) of LPL mRNA required for the inhibition of translation was identified as the proximal 39 nt. These results were confirmed by RNase protection analysis using cytoplasmic proteins isolated from the adipocytes treated with PKCalpha antisense oligomers and the LPL 3'UTR transcript (LPL 3'UTR nt: 1512-1640). The protein components involved in this RNA-binding interaction from PKCalpha depletion were passed through an affinity column containing a sequence of the LPL 3'UTR and, after Western blotting, the RNA-binding proteins were identified as the catalytic and the regulatory subunits of PKA (protein kinase A), Calpha and RIIbeta, and AKAP (A-kinase-anchoring protein) 121. This RNA inhibitory complex consisted of the same RNA-binding proteins that have been identified previously as mediators of LPL translational inhibition by PKA activation, suggesting that PKCalpha depletion inhibits LPL translation through PKA activation. In additional experiments, PKC depletion by prolonged PMA treatment or PKCalpha antisense oligomers resulted in an increase in PKA activity in 3T3-F442A adipocytes, comparable with PKA activation with adrenaline (epinephrine) treatment. These results demonstrate that LPL translational inhibition occurs through an RNA-binding complex involving PKA subunits and AKAP121, and this complex can be activated either through traditional PKA activation methods or through the depletion of PKCalpha.
Molecular dynamics calculation of the viscosity of xenon gas

The density variation of the viscosity of xenon gas is determined using molecular dynamics simulation with a semi-empirical pair potential fit to low-density gas properties. The gas states ranged in density from 0.37 to 7.62 mol · dm−3, and varied in temperature from 240 −591 K. The simulation results match the kinetic-theory predictions for the model potential at the lowest density, and systematically lie below the experimental values for higher densities. This indicates the need for many-body interactions to accurately predict the viscosity of xenon gas at even moderate densities. An operational criterion for identifying the density region where kinetic theory is appropriate is proposed.
An analysis of second-order slip flow and temperature-jump boundary conditions for rarefied gases

Abstract The effects of second-order terms on the velocity and temperature jumps at a wall are obtained by a physical derivation. The analysis uses the concepts of effective mean free paths for momentum and energy transfer; the effective mean free paths are obtained from known viscosities and thermal conductivities. The second-order slip flow analysis is applicable at somewhat lower pressures than is the first-order analysis and applies to non-monatomic as well as to monatomic gases. Several illustrative examples, including fully developed flow and heat transfer in a tube are considered. Differences between the first- and second-order corrections on the order of 20 per cent were noted in the region for which the analysis appears applicable.
Changes in Brown Eggshell Color As the Hen Ages

The color of eggshells from eggs laid by commercial-type Hy-Line brown hens 25 wk of age was studied over a period of 10 mo. Color measurements were made by a color machine vision system and were analyzed using a mixed model to calculate between and within hen variances and to investigate the effect of time on shell color. Hens laid eggs with lighter colored shells as the flock aged, as evidenced by the lightness (L*) values increasing in time. A decrease in pigmentation was associated with a decrease in the amount of redness (a*) in the eggshell. When L* and a* values were corrected for egg weight, the rate of change in the L* and a* values decreased, indicating that size of the egg was a major factor affecting the color of the eggshell. These findings quantified the observations that older hens lay lighter colored eggs due to an increase in egg size associated with no proportionate change in the quantity of pigment deposited over the shell surface. Using a 2-stage sampling analysis and the variances between and within hens, sample sizes required to estimate the color of eggshells within 5% of the true mean were calculated. Accordingly, 11 eggs would need to be collected from each of the 51 hens housed for a study of brown eggshell color using the L*, a*, and b* (yellowness) coordinates.
Feedforward correction of the pulsed circularly polarizing undulator at the Advanced Photon Source

A circularly polarizing undulator capable of switching the polarization very rapidly was installed at the Advanced Photon Source. The net magnetic field perturbation is characterized in both planes by a transient orbit motion, which lasts about 30 ms, and a DC orbit shift. In addition, multipole magnetic moment errors are present. The correction system consists of small dipole and multipole correction magnets at the ends of the undulator, a multichannel arbitrary function generator (AFG) to program the corrector magnet current triggered on the polarization change event, low-level software to load and interpolate the AFG waveforms, and high-level software running on a workstation to determine the optimum AFG waveforms for the dipole correctors. We rely on the existing real-time feedback system to acquire the orbit transient and to automatically generate a close approximation of the required corrector wave forms. A choice of deterministic correction or trial-and-error manual adjustments of the wave forms is available in the high-level software.
Corroboration among Data Sets in Simultaneous Analysis: Hidden Support for Phylogenetic Relationships among Higher Level Artiodactyl Taxa

In the taxonomic congruence approach to systematics, data sets are analyzed separately, and corroboration among data sets is indicated by replicated components in topologies derived from the separate analyses. By contrast, in the total evidence and conditional combination approaches, characters from different data sets are mixed in combined phylogenetic analyses. In optimal topologies derived from such simultaneous analyses, support for a particular node may be attributed to one, some, or all of the individual data sets. Partitioned branch support (PBS) is one technique for describing the distribution of character support and conflict among data sets in simultaneous analysis. PBS is analogous to branch support (BS), but recognizes hidden support and conflicts that emerge with the combination of characters from different data sets. For both BS and PBS, support for a particular node is interpreted as the difference in cost between optimal and suboptimal topologies. A different measure, the clade stability index (CSI), assesses the robustness of a particular node through the successive removal of characters. Here, we introduce variations of the CSI, the data set removal index (DRI) and nodal data set influence (NDI), that indicate the stability of a particular node to the removal of entire data sets. Like PBS, the DRI and NDI summarize the influence of different data sets in simultaneous analysis. However, because these new methods and PBS use different perturbations to assess stability, DRI and NDI scores do not always predict PBS scores and vice versa. In this report, the DRI and NDI are compared to PBS and taxonomic congruence in a cladistic analysis of 17 data sets for Artiodactyla (Mammalia). Five indices of hidden support and conflict are defined and applied to the combined artiodactyl character set. These measures identify substantial hidden support for controversial relationships within Artiodactyla. Hidden character support is ignored in the taxonomic congruence approach to systematics, but the DRI, NDI, and PBS utilize this cryptic information in estimates of support among data sets for a given node.
Challenges in the application of geometric constraint models

Discerning the processes influencing geographical patterns of species richness remains one of the central goals of modern ecology. Traditional approaches to exploring these patterns have focused on environmental and ecological correlates of observed species richness. Recently, some have suggested these approaches suffer from the lack of an appropriate null model that accounts for species ranges being constrained to occur within a bounded domain. Proponents of these null geometric constraint models (GCMs), and the mid-domain effect these models produce, argue their utility in identifying meaningful gradients in species richness. This idea has generated substantial debate. Here we discuss what we believe are the three major challenges in the application of GCMs. First, we argue that there are actually two equally valid null models for the random placement of species ranges within a domain, one of which actually predicts a uniform distribution of species richness. Second, we highlight the numerous decisions that must be made to implement a GCM that lead to marked differences in the predictions of the null model. Finally, we discuss challenges in evaluating the importance of GCMs once they have been implemented.