cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF TURBULENT HYDROGEN DILUTE DIFFUSION FLAMES

Diffusion flame combustion of high-hydrogen fuels in land-based gas turbine combustors may include dilution of the fuel with inert gases and high velocity fuel injection to reduce NOx emissions. Stability regimes of such combustors are investigated in this study by examining turbulent dilute diffusion flames of hydrogen/nitrogen mixtures, issuing into a quiescent environment from a thin-lipped tube. This study has revealed two distinctly different types of lifted flames: lifted, laminar-base flames, for which liftoff heights vary from 1 to 3 jet diameters above the jet exit and are controlled by differential diffusion, and lifted, turbulent-base flames that stabilize much further downstream and are dominated by turbulent processes. In addition, stability limits governing the detachment or reattachment of the flame to the lip of the burner are examined, as well as the limits governing transitions between the two types of lifted flames and transition from these lifted flames to blowout.
The Role of Structural Factors in Limiting Women's Institutional Participation

The values and beliefs that we hold as a nation have created social structures and institutions whose norms and rules create barriers to women's full and equal participation. Until recently it was generally agreed that it was up to the individual woman to deal with these barriers and find personal solutions to the often conflicting demands posed by these institutions. Increasingly these barriers are being viewed as a societal problem, and societal solutions in the form of changes in institutions are being advocated. The economic and counternormative nature of such changes makes their realization problematic. Recent legal, political, and psychological forces are contributing to a climate for change.
The relationship between C-reactive protein and other cardiovascular risk factors in men and women.

INTRODUCTION C-reactive protein (CRP) has emerged as an important indicator of risk for cardiovascular disease. The impact of gender on the relationship between CRP and other cardiovascular risk factors, however, has not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS Ninety men and 75 women participated in this study. Age, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, body mass index, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and hs-CRP were ascertained. Maximal oxygen consumption was obtained via treadmill testing, and aortic stiffness was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Log hs-CRP level was significantly higher in the female subjects compared with the males subjects (0.86 +/- 0.67 mg/L vs 0.63 +/- 0.44 mg/L, respectively; P = .003). In the male group, Pearson product moment correlation analysis showed that log hs-CRP was not significantly correlated (P > .10) with any of the other variables of interest. In the female group, however, log hs-CRP was significantly correlated (P < .05) with total cholesterol (r = 0.30), low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.27), tryglycerides (r = 0.51), and body mass index (r = 0.36). Linear regression analysis determined that triglycerides and body mass index explained 30% of the variability in log hs-CRP. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the relationship between CRP and other cardiac risk factors is different between apparently healthy men and women. The prognostic characteristics of CRP and the impact of statin therapy on CRP may therefore differ between men and women. Future research should be directed toward resolving this issue.
Fast-Grown Interpenetrating Network in Poly(3-hexylthiophene): Methanofullerenes Solar Cells Processed with Additive

With the aim of revealing the role of additives in polymer solar cells, different amounts of 1,8-octanedithiol (OT) were added to the poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blend system in order to observe the transition between systems with and without additive. We found that highly efficient P3HT:PCBM networks can be formed in the very early stage of the spin-coating process when a small amount of additive was added. The carrier mobilities of this fast-grown network were found to be comparable with those processed with solvent annealing. As a result, short circuit current density (Jsc) as high as ∼9 mA cm−2 can be obtained and the fill factor (FF) can reach ∼62%. The power conversion efficiency (PCE), however, is limited by the low open circuit voltage (Voc) of the devices processed with OT. According to the grazing incidence X-ray diffraction data, a much shorter interlayer spacing (d(100) ∼ 15.6−15.7 A) compared with those processed with different methods i...
Controlling Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii DC) in southern New England, USA

Abstract Dense Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) stands have spread beyond manicured landscapes and are associated with a paucity of both tree regeneration and herbaceous plants in some forest stands. Studies over 2 years evaluated the effectiveness of various treatment alternatives to control barberry. A total of 375 barberry clumps at three study areas were selected for the first study in 2006. Treatments included directed flame using a 100,000 BTU propane torch on the following schedule: (1) pre-leafout and no follow-up treatment in July, (2) pre-leafout with directed flame in July, (3) post-leafout and no follow-up treatment, (4) post-leafout with follow-up treatment, and (5) untreated controls. Clumps treated once had higher mortality (45%) than untreated clumps (3%), but timing of initial treatment did not affect clump mortality. Clumps treated twice had the highest mortality of all (74%). All propane torch treatments reduced clump size, on average, by nearly 75%. Size of untreated clumps increased by 13%. In 2007, a two-step process to control barberry was examined for 1100 clumps at six study areas. Initial treatments (prescribed burning, mechanical mowing with a drum chopper or with a brush saw) were applied to reduce the size of established barberry clumps. The second, follow-up treatments in mid-summer that treated new sprouts included foliar application of triclopyr or glyphosate, directed flame, and untreated controls. All initial treatments were equally effective in reducing clump size. Mortality differed among follow-up treatments: untreated controls (14%), directed flame (40%), and herbicide (93%). Surviving clumps having no follow-up treatment recovered to half of their original size by the end of the growing season. Size of surviving clumps did not differ among the other follow-up treatments and averaged 20% of the original size. Excellent control of Japanese barberry can be achieved using either propane torches or herbicides. Propane torches provide a non-chemical alternative where in parks, nature preserves, or forests where herbicide use is restricted and where barberry infestations are still light.
The Softening of Secondary X-Rays

A NUMBER of experimenters have noticed that when a beam of X-rays or γ-rays traverses any substance, the secondary rays excited are less penetrating than the primary rays. Prof. J. A. Gray (Franklin Institute Journal, November, 1920) and the present writer (Phil. Mag., May, 1921, and Phys. Rev., August, 1921) have shown that the greater part of this softening is not due, as was at first supposed, to a greater scattering of the softer components of the primary beam, but rather to a real change in the character of the radiation. My conclusion was that this transformation consisted in the excitation of some fluorescent rays of wave-length slightly greater than that of the primary rays. Prof. Gray, on the other hand, showed that if the primary rays came in thin pulses, as suggested by Stokes's theory of X-rays, and if these rays are scattered by atoms or electrons of dimensions comparable with the thickness of the pulse, the thickness of the scattered pulse will be greater than that of the incident pulse. He accordingly suggests that the observed softening of the secondary rays may be due to the process of scattering.
An abiding issue in the treatment of children with speech sound disorders: A comparison of oral motor and production training for children with speech sound disorders

Abstracted from: Forrest, K., & Iuzzini, J. (2008). A comparison of oral motor and production training for children with speech sound disorders. Seminars in Speech and Language, 29, 304–311. Source of funding: No source of funding reported.
Short-pulse multiline and multiband energy extraction in high-pressure CO 2 -laser amplifiers

The ability of a nanosecond or shorter CO 2 -laser pulse consisting of a single vibrational-rotational transition to extract energy from an atmospheric-pressure CO 2 amplifier is limited owing to the finite rotational thermalization time in CO 2 and the larger number of rotational states which share the stored energy. Theoretical studies are reported which indicate that utilizing an incident pulse consisting of several vibrational-rotational lines within the 10.6-μ band substantial improvements can be obtained over single-line extraction. Even more dramatic improvements are possible if the pulse contains vibrational-rotational transitions at both the 10.6- and 9.6-μ bands. Quantitative energy-extraction results are presented for an input Gaussian pulse consisting of 1-5 10.6-\mu transitions, and for a pulse containing one line at 9.6 μ and one at 10.6 μ, traversing a 1-m amplifier, for a wide range of input energies, pulsewidths, and gas pressures. Possibilities of using multiband techniques for pulse shaping are also discussed.
What Shall We Say? To Whom Shall We Speak?1

Abstract What geographers say deserves as much attention as their written and graphic communications. American geography can be strengthened by substantive discourse that stresses places, regions, and global interconnections; by promoting physical geography; and by reviving geography's ecological tradition. Geographic information systems will be valuable tools for accomplishing those tasks and for reshaping the discipline to meet emerging needs. Geography's effectiveness will be augmented if we avoid self-defeating, unrealistic, and stultifying rhetoric; if we maintain a commitment to excellence in college and university teaching; and if we foster collegial discourse between those who profess and those who practice geography. We have an unprecedented opportunity to help improve geography in America's elementary and secondary schools.
Sharing motion information with close family and friends

We present the Motion Presence application, an augmented phone book style application that allows close friends and family to view each other's current motion status ("moving" or "not moving") on their mobile phones. We performed a two week long field trial with 10 participants to observe usage and investigate any privacy concerns that might arise. We found that our participants used the motion information to infer location and activity as well as to plan communication, to help in coordinating in-person get-togethers, and to stay connected to patterns in each others' lives. Participants saw the motion data as mostly confirming their existing thoughts about the locations and activities of others and expressed few privacy concerns. In fact, they frequently asked for more information to be shared to make the application more compelling.
Nisoldipine coat core as concomitant therapy in chronic stable angina pectoris

Abstract Nisoldipine is a second-generation dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that has been extensively studied as an antianginal and antihypertensive agent. As an antianginal agent, the immediate release formulation has shown significant activity at peak effect but less at trough. As a result, a sustained release formulation (coat core) has been developed. This report focuses on the studies evaluating the antianginal and anti-ischemic effects of nisoldipine coat core (NIS CC) when used alone or with add-on therapy with β-adrenergic blocking agents and/or long-acting nitrates (3 long-term extension trials), or as add-on therapy to existent β-adrenergic blocking treatment (in 1 double-blind, short-term trial). The long-term extension studies all demonstrated an improvement in exercise test variables and a reduction in angina frequency and sublingual nitroglycerin usage with NIS CC when compared with baseline. Discontinuation due to ischemic adverse events occurred in 5.4–13.6% of patients during the 1-year course of these trials. However, only 2 deaths and 9 myocardial infarctions occurred (in 503 patients enrolled and 342 patients completing the entire 1 year of therapy). The short-term, double-blind study evaluated the addition of NIS CC (20 or 40 mg vs placebo) to existent atenolol therapy (50 mg four times daily). Exercise test variables at peak and trough showed a trend toward improvement, although these changes did not reach statistical significance. Other support for the efficacy of NIS CC was also demonstrated, and double-blind studies with the immediate release formulation have also shown improvements when nisoldipine was utilized as add-on therapy. Overall, analysis of the data from these trials suggests that NIS CC is effective and safe when used as concomitant therapy with β-adrenoceptor antagonists and/or long-acting nitrates.
Puma strikes Bax.

The commitment to programmed cell death via apoptosis is largely made upon activation of the proapoptotic mitochondrial proteins Bax or Bak. In this issue, Gallenne et al. (Gallenne, C., F. Gautier, L. Oliver, E. Hervouet, B. Noel, J.A. Hickman, O. Geneste, P.-F. Cartron, F.M. Vallette, S. Manon, and P. Juin. 2009. J. Cell Biol. 185:279–290) provide evidence that the p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (Puma) protein can directly activate Bax.
General lack of fit tests based on families of groupings

Abstract Lack of fit tests based on groupings of the observations are developed. These tests are first applied to models with replication. In this case, the classic Fisher test assumes that the true model is contained in the one-way ANOVA model. However, Christensen [(2003). Significantly insignificant F tests. Amer. Statist. 57, 27–32] has noted that small values of the F -statistic may indicate lack of fit due to features which are not part of the proposed model. Such model inadequacy is called within-cluster lack of fit, whereas the standard Fisher lack of fit is called between-cluster lack of fit. Typically, lack of fit exists as a combination of these two pure types, and can be extremely difficult to detect depending on the nature of the mixture. In this paper, the one-way ANOVA model is embedded in larger models using groupings of the observations, which provides tests with good power for detecting all of the above types of model inadequacies, including mixtures. In particular, several such tests are considered, each based on a different grouping of the observations, and the multiple testing approach of Baraud et al. [(2003). Adaptive tests of linear hypotheses by model selection. Ann. Statist. 31, 225–251] is followed. More generally, the preceding testing procedure based on families of groupings is extended to the case of nonreplication. For this case, it is proposed that such families be determined by linear orders on the predictors based on disjoint parallel tubes in predictor space. Test statistics follow the cluster-based regression lack of fit tests presented by Christensen [(1989). Lack of fit based on near or exact replicates. Ann. Statist. 17, 673–683; (1991). Small sample characterizations of near replicate lack of fit tests. J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 86, 752–756], by considering the groupings as determining special types of clusterings. In order to detect general lack of fit, several such tests are again considered, each based on a different grouping of the observations, and the multiple testing approach given by Baraud et al. [(2003). Adaptive tests of linear hypotheses by model selection. Ann. Statist. 31, 225–251] is followed. Simulation results illustrating the power of the proposed testing procedure are given.
Biculturalism and Academic Achievement of African American High School Students

Biculturalism was examined as a factor that may positively affect the academic achievement of African American high school students, beyond cultural identity and self-esteem. Hierarchical regression analyses determined that cultural identity and academic self-esteem were important factors for academic achievement, but not biculturalism. Implications and future research are discussed. Se examino el biculturalismo como un factor que puede afectar positivamente al rendimiento academico de los alumnos de educacion secundaria Afroamericanos, mas alla de la identidad cultural y la autoestima. Los analisis de regresion jerarquica determinaron que la identidad cultural y la autoestima academica fueron factores importantes para el rendimiento academico, pero no el biculturalismo. Se discutieron implicaciones e investigaciones futuras.
Stringy Schrödinger truncations

Motivated by the desire to better understand finite-temperature holography for three-dimensional Schrodinger spacetimes, we: i) construct a four-parameter family of warped black string solutions of type IIB supergravity and ii) find the first consistent truncations of type IIB string theory to three dimensions that admit both supersymmetric Schrodinger solutions and warped generalizations of the BTZ black hole. Our analysis reveals a number of interesting features. One is that the thermodynamic properties of all the warped black strings, as well as the asymptotic symmetry group data, are identical to those of BTZ, in an appropriate parametrization. A more striking feature is that the spectrum of linearized perturbations around the various supersymmetric Schrodinger vacua oftentimes contains modes that carry energy flux through the spacetime boundary, which are usually believed to be unstable. A preliminary analysis indicates that, at least in the case of most interest, these modes do not lead to an instability.
Cerebral glucose hypermetabolism in Friedreich's ataxia detected with positron emission tomography

Local cerebral metabolic rate for glucose was studied with 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose and positron emission tomography (PET) in 22 patients with Friedreich's ataxia and 23 age-matched normal control subjects. The diagnosis of Friedreich's ataxia was established by the history and physical findings and by excluding other diseases through laboratory investigations. PET studies revealed a statistically significant widespread increase of local cerebral metabolic rate for glucose in the brains of patients with Friedreich's ataxia who were still ambulatory, in comparison with normal control subjects. Nonambulatory patients with Friedreich's ataxia, in comparison with normal control subjects, had significantly increased local cerebral metabolic rates for glucose in the caudate and lenticular nuclei, but not in the other structures studied. The rate was significantly greater in ambulatory patients with Friedreich's ataxia than in nonambulatory patients in all structures studied except the caudate and lenticular nuclei. The data suggest that early in the course of Friedreich's ataxia, the local cerebral metabolic rate for glucose is increased extensively in the central nervous system, and as the disease progresses, it decreases in a regionally specific manner.
A new variety of Pedicularis contorta (Scrophulariaceae) endemic to Idaho and Montana

Pedicularis contorta var.rubicunda, endemic to north-central Idaho and western Montana, is formally described and illustrated. Morphological and cytological comparisons are made with the two previously described varieties ofP. contorta. Specimens appearing morphologically intermediate between var.contorta and var.rubicunda are also examined.
Periodic response of an autommous, hysteretic system

Abstract This paper discusses systems for which Y in ẏ = Y [y] is a hysteric function. A criterion is reported for the existence of a periodic system response. The scope is limited by the properties of a hysteretic function from the class of hysteretic functions considered.
Functions of the GTPase Ran in RNA export from the nucleus

Significant and exciting advances in the field of RNA and protein export have been made recently, due in large part to discovery of the roles played by Ran, a small, soluble GTPase present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. Ran is thought to be primarily bound to GTP in the nucleus and to GDP in the cytoplasm, as a result of the assymetric distribution of factors that interact with Ran to promote guanine nucleotide exchange (in the nucleus) and GTP hydrolysis (in the cytoplasm). A key function of the nuclear Ran.GTP is to support formation of complexes containing an export receptor (an exportin) and cargos such as RNAs, RNPs or proteins that are destined for export. In the cytoplasm, removal of the Ran.GTP from the complex results in its destabilization and release of the export cargo. Although Ran.GTP is required for formation of the export complex, GTP hydrolysis does not appear to be necessary for translocation through the nuclear pore complex or cytoplasmic release. Nevertheless, the GTPase of Ran does appear to be required in as yet unidentified intranuclear steps prior to export of some, but not all, RNAs.
Arsenate adsorption on ruthenium oxides: A spectroscopic and kinetic investigation.

Abstract Arsenate adsorption on amorphous (RuO2⋅1.1H2O) and crystalline (RuO2) ruthenium oxides was evaluated using spectroscopic and kinetic methods to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) was used to determine the local coordination environment of adsorbed arsenate. Additionally, pressure-jump (p-jump) relaxation spectroscopy was used to investigate the kinetics of arsenate adsorption/desorption on ruthenium oxides. Chemical relaxations resulting from the induced pressure change were monitored via electrical conductivity detection. EXAFS data were collected for two initial arsenate solution concentrations, 3 and 33 mM at pH 5. The collected spectra indicated a similar coordination environment for arsenate adsorbed to RuO2⋅1.1H2O for both arsenate concentrations. In contrast the EXAFS spectra of RuO2 indicated differences in the local coordination environments for the crystalline material with increasing arsenate concentration. Data analysis indicated that both mono- and bidentate surfaces complexes were present on both RuO2⋅1.1H2O and RuO2. Relaxation spectra from the pressure-jump experiments of both ruthenium oxides resulted in a double relaxation event. Based on the relaxation spectra, a two step reaction mechanism for arsenate adsorption is proposed resulting in the formation of a bidentate surface complex. Analysis of the kinetic and spectroscopic data suggested that while there were two relaxation events, arsenate adsorbed to ruthenium oxide surfaces through both mono- and bidentate surface complexes.
Cryopreserved autologous marrow infusion following high dose cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract Seventeen patients with advanced malignancies received escalating doses of chemotherapy with adriamycin and cyclophosphamide. Sixty-five per cent of the courses produced circulating granulocyte counts of 500 cells/mm3 or less. Febrile episodes occurred in only 15% of courses and were seen only with doses of chemotherapy that produced granulocyte nadirs of less than 200 cells/mm3. There were no episodes of septicaemia. Ten of the 17 patients received an intensive dose followed by reinfusion of cryopreserved, autologous bone marrow. In 5 of these patients, recovery to 500 granulocytes/mm3 was more rapid following the intensive, marrow-supported course by comparison with the prior, less intensive, unsupported course. We conclude that higher doses of adriamycin and cyclophosphamide than are conventionally used can be given without serious toxicity. Autologous bone marrow reinfusion may have a role in reducing the period of drug-induced granulocytopenia, but effective storage and recovery of human bone marrow remains a major problem.
The emergence of gonadal hormone influences on dopaminergic function during puberty

Adolescence is the developmental epoch during which children become adults-intellectually, physically, hormonally and socially. Brain development in critical areas is ongoing. Adolescents are risk-taking and novelty-seeking and they weigh positive experiences more heavily and negative experiences less than adults. This inherent behavioral bias can lead to risky behaviors like drug taking. Most drug addictions start during adolescence and early drug-taking is associated with an increased rate of drug abuse and dependence. The hormonal changes of puberty contribute to physical, emotional, intellectual and social changes during adolescence. These hormonal events do not just cause maturation of reproductive function and the emergence of secondary sex characteristics. They contribute to the appearance of sex differences in non-reproductive behaviors as well. Sex differences in drug use behaviors are among the latter. The male predominance in overall drug use appears by the end of adolescence, while girls develop the rapid progression from first use to dependence (telescoping) that represent a female-biased vulnerability. Sex differences in many behaviors including drug use have been attributed to social and cultural factors. A narrowing gap in drug use between adolescent boys and girls supports this thesis. However, some sex differences in addiction vulnerability reflect biologic differences in brain circuits involved in addiction. The purpose of this review is to summarize the contribution of sex differences in the function of ascending dopamine systems that are critical to reinforcement, to briefly summarize the behavioral, neurochemical and anatomical changes in brain dopaminergic functions related to addiction that occur during adolescence and to present new findings about the emergence of sex differences in dopaminergic function during adolescence.
Multiscale analysis based on mathematical morphology

In the field of computer vision, multiscale analysis has received much attention in the past decade. In particular, Gaussian scale space has been studied extensively and has proven to be effective in multiscale analysis. Recent research has shown that morphological openings or openings or closings with isotropic structuring elements such as disks define a scale space, where the radius of a disk r is the scale parameter which changes continuously from 0 to infinity. The behaviors of objects described by the morphological scale space provide strong knowledge for multiscale analysis. Based on the theory of morphological scale space, we address in this paper the two fundamental problems in multiscale analysis: (1) how to select proper scale parameters for various applications, and (2) how to integrate the information filtered at multiscales. We propose two algorithms, binary morphological multiscale analysis (BMMA) and gray-scale morphological multiscale analysis (GMMA), for extracting desired regions from binary and gray images.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Photometric titrations—IX1: DTPA titration of zinc in presence of cadmium and other metals

Abstract Zinc can be titrated in the presence of large amounts of cadmium in the following manner. The sample is neutraused and buffered to pH 5.0 with an acetate buffer. Potassium iodide (up to about 60% w v , depending on cadmium concentration) and Xylenol Orange as indicator are added and the titration is performed photometrically at about 570 mμ with DTPA as titrant. Correct results have been obtained with Cd/Zn mole ratios up to 3300. Interferences and tolerable limits of concentrations of some other metal ions have been investigated.
Sample/spectrum relationships for resolution enhancement in near infrared reflectance spectrometry

Sample/spectrum relationships are investigated using both a low resolution rapid-scanning NIR monochromator and a Fourier transform instrument capable of high resolution and are evaluated in terms of whether or not the resolution of the instrument is sufficient for measuring the natural bandwidths corresponding to the sample. Based on the sample/spectrum relationship a criterion is developed which must be followed in order to apply either derivative spectroscopy or deconvolution to enhance the resolution of overlapped bands without generating spectral artifacts.
Sensitivity of the Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum climate to cloud properties.

The Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a significant global warming event in the Earth9s history (approx. 55 Ma). The cause for this warming event has been linked to increases in greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide and methane. This rapid warming took place in the presence of the existing Early Eocene warm climate. Given that projected business-as-usual levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide reach concentrations of 800–1100 ppmv by 2100, it is of interest to study past climates where atmospheric carbon dioxide was higher than present. This is especially the case given the difficulty of climate models in simulating past warm climates. This study explores the sensitivity of the simulated pre-PETM and PETM periods to change in cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and microphysical properties of liquid water clouds. Assuming lower levels of CCN for both of these periods leads to significant warming, especially at high latitudes. The study indicates that past differences in cloud properties may be an important factor in accurately simulating past warm climates. Importantly, additional shortwave warming from such a mechanism would imply lower required atmospheric CO 2 concentrations for simulated surface temperatures to be in reasonable agreement with proxy data for the Eocene.
The Effects of the Naltrexone Implant on Rodent Social Interactions and Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference

Two experiments were conducted to determine the behavioral properties of the naltrexone implant on: 1) rodent social interactions; and 2) the appetitive properties of cocaine. Rats were surgically implanted with a naltrexone implant (placebo, 10 or 30 mg) and placed into an open field for the recording of social interactions. The naltrexone implants increased latency to initiate contact and decreased pinning, bouts of grooming, and crawl unders on all 7 days. Other rats were surgically implanted with naltrexone (60, 120, or 240 mg) and habituated to a two-chambered conditioned place preference apparatus. After 6 days of conditioning, place preference was computer recorded. Cocaine produced a dose-dependent conditioned place preference in the rats implanted with placebo or 60 mg of naltrexone. The 120 and 240 mg naltrexone implants blocked the emergence of cocaine-induced place preference. The results indicate that naltrexone implants produce significant social behavioral effects within 1 day, and are effective at attenuating the conditioned place preference produced by cocaine.
Quantitative analysis of the CD8+ T–cell response to readily eliminated and persistent viruses

The recent development of techniques for the direct staining of peptide–specific CD8 + T cells has revolutionized the analysis of cell–mediated immunity (CMI) in virus infections. This approach has been used to quantify the acute and long–term consequences of infecting laboratory mice with the readily eliminated influenza A viruses (fluA) and a persistent γherpesvirus (γHV). It is now, for the first time, possible to work with real numbers in the analysis of CD8 + T CMI, and to define various characteristics of the responding lymphocytes both by direct flow cytometric analysis and by sorting for further in vitro manipulation. Relatively little has yet been done from the latter aspect, though we are rapidly accumulating a mass of numerical data. The acute, antigen–driven phases of the fluA and γHV–specific response look rather similar, but CD8 + T–cell numbers are maintained in the long term at a higher ‘set point’ in the persistent infection. Similarly, these ‘memory’ T cells continue to divide at a much greater rate in the γHV–infected mice. New insights have also been generated on the nature of the recall response following secondary challenge in both experimental systems, and the extent of protection conferred by large numbers of virus–specific CD8 + T cells has been determined. However, there are still many parameters that have received little attention, partly because they are difficult to measure. These include the rate of antigen–specific CD8 + T–cell loss, the extent of the lymphocyte ‘diaspora’ to other tissues, and the diversity of functional characteristics, turnover rates, clonal life spans and recirculation profiles. The basic question for immunologists remains how we reconcile the extraordinary plasticity of the immune system with the mechanisms that maintain a stable milieu interieur. This new capacity to quantify CD8 + T–cell responses in readily manipulated mouse models has obvious potential for illuminating homeostatic control, particularly if the experimental approaches to the problem are designed in the context of appropriate predictive models.
COMPLIANCE WITH FOLLOW-UP CARE AMONG ADOLESCENT MALES WITH SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES

The aim of the study was to investigate behavioral and sociodemographic characteristics of a sample of 45 male adolescents with sexually transmitted diseases who attended family planning clinics. Low rates of compliance with follow-up care were noted. Only 13 (28.9%) males returned to the clinic for their scheduled appointments. Neither behavioral nor sociodemographic variables were related to compliance.
Immunoglobulin Receptors: Handicapping the immune response

Abstract Gene targeting experiments that ‘knock out' the expression of cellular Fc receptors for immune complexes have confirmed previous assumptions about the receptors' function but have also revealed some surprises.
Design and implementation of the START (STem cells for ARDS Treatment) trial, a phase 1/2 trial of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells for the treatment of moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome

Background: Despite advances in supportive care, moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with high mortality rates, and novel therapies to treat this condition are needed. Compelling pre-clinical data from mouse, rat, sheep and ex vivo perfused human lung models support the use of human mesenchymal stem (stromal) cells (MSCs) as a novel intravenous therapy for the early treatment of ARDS. Methods: This article describes the study design and challenges encountered during the implementation and phase 1 component of the START (STem cells for ARDS Treatment) trial, a phase 1/2 trial of bone marrow-derived human MSCs for moderate-severe ARDS. A trial enrolling 69 subjects is planned (9 subjects in phase 1, 60 subjects in phase 2 treated with MSCs or placebo in a 2:1 ratio). Results: This report describes study design features that are unique to a phase 1 trial in critically ill subjects and the specific challenges of implementation of a cell-based therapy trial in the ICU. Conclusions: Experience gained during the design and implementation of the START study will be useful to investigators planning future phase 1 clinical trials based in the ICU, as well as trials of cell-based therapy for other acute illnesses. Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registration: NCT01775774 and NCT02097641.
Genetic relationships and population structure of the endangered Steamboat buckwheat, Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae (Polygonaceae).

Eriogonum ovalifolium var. williamsiae (Steamboat buckwheat) is a narrow endemic subshrub, known from a single locality in Washoe County, Nevada. We examined genetic structure of the only known population by analyzing patterns of allozyme variation. Our results suggest that Steamboat buckwheat has high genetic variability, with levels of variation similar to that typical of a widespread species rather than a narrow endemic. Genotype frequencies suggest that mating is random. We detected no genetic subdivision of the population. Several clones spanning up to 67 cm were found, but we do not know if such clones are common. We used allozyme data to assess the genetic similarity of var. williamsiae to five other varieties ofE. ovalifolium. All six varieties are very similar allozymically with var. williamsiae being the most similar to the widespread var. ovalifolium. Although var. williamsiae and var. ovalifolium are morphologically distinct, their genetic similarity warrants further study to determine whether or not they should be treated as separate taxa. Evidence of male sterility in var. williamsiae plus other data leads us to hypothesize that this taxon might be either a hybrid or undergoing cytoplasmic introgression. Information gathered from this study, in concert with ongoing work on the breeding system of Steamboat buckwheat, should be helpful in forming management strategies for this plant.
Local administration of a cannabinoid agonist alters norepinephrine efflux in the rat frontal cortex.

Abstract Δ 9 -Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, activates specific cannabinoid (CB) receptors to exert complex actions on modulatory neurotransmitters involved in attention and cognition. Previous research has demonstrated that systemic administration of the synthetic cannabinoid agonist, WIN 55,212-2, increases norepinephrine efflux in the frontal cortex. The distribution of CB1 receptors on noradrenergic fibers in the frontal cortex suggests this may be one potential site for the regulation of norepinephrine release. In the present study, we first examined the ability of a CB1 antagonist, applied locally in the frontal cortex of adult male Sprague–Dawley rats, to block the actions of systemic WIN 55,212-2. Pretreatment with SR 141716A (300 μM) significantly attenuated the excitatory effects of WIN 55,212-2 (15 mg/kg, i.p.). Next, the impact of direct perfusion of WIN 55,212-2 into the frontal cortex on extracellular norepinephrine efflux was measured. Direct application of WIN 55,212-2 (100 μM) into the frontal cortex elicited a significant increase in extracellular norepinephrine efflux suggesting that activation of cortical cannabinoid receptors contributes to alterations in norepinephrine levels in this brain region. Finally, local administration of SR 141716A followed by local administration of WIN 55,212-2 revealed a paradoxical inhibition of norepinephrine efflux.
Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Encephalitis With Ovarian Cystadenofibroma

We report the case of an adolescent girl with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis who presented with focal seizures and hemichorea, followed by agitation, speech disturbance, mutism, and autonomic dysfunction. The institution of immunotherapy and removal of an ovarian cystadenofibroma led to full resolution of her symptoms with disappearance of serum NMDAR antibodies. This is the first report linking ovarian cystadenofibroma to anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
Grand-canonical ensemble Monte Carlo study of dense liquid

The cavity biased Monte Carlo method for the (T, V, μ) ensemble has been tested on a system of Lennard-Jones particles near the triple point in the liquid and fluid state, on a system of dense soft spheres and on liquid water at room temperature. We demonstrate that the original (T, V, μ) algorithm of Adams is capable to provide accurate density at much higher densities than it was originally thought possible.
Overhung electrostatic microgripper

A monolithic microgripper unit suitable for mounting on a micropositioner has been designed and fabricated by a combination of surface and bulk micromachining. The unit consists of a silicon die (7*5 mm), a 1.5-mm-long support cantilever made from p/sup +/-substrate material and protruding from the die, and a 400- mu m-long polysilicon microgripper attached at the end of the support cantilever. The microgripper is electrostatically driven by flexible, interdigitated comb pairs. The microgripper has significantly smaller feature sizes than previously reported surface- and bulk-micromachined structures. Problems addressed successfully in the microgripper fabrication include the protection of surface-micromachined fine structures during etching and rinsing. Embedding the polysilicon structures in PSG (phosphosilicate glass) film during etching in EPW, introducing break lines to the PSG membrane, and partial blocking of liquid flow during final PSG etching and rinsing in DI water have been the keys to a successful fabrication sequence. >
Myosin Expression During Regeneration and in Denervated Skeletal Muscle

During skeletal muscle regeneration new fibers are built from the population of satellite cells that is normally associated with each fiber (72). As the adult fiber is injured the indwelling satellite cells are stimulated (somehow) to divide. At the same time invading macrophages clear out the degraded products of the old fiber and the new population of satellite cells, now myoblasts, are able to fuse within the space of the old basal lamina to produce the new muscle fiber (363,520). The questions we have focused upon are the following: When the new fiber differentiates in the old adult fiber space, what is the sequence of gene expression for the various muscle proteins? Does the regenerating fiber take its cues from the adult environment and express adult forms of muscle proteins? Or does the regenerating fiber in the adult recapitulate embryological development? If the latter case is true then we should be able to detect a sequence of myosin expression in which the new fiber first synthesizes embryonic myosin heavy chains (MHCs) followed by neonatal followed by adult MHCs (56). Figure 84 summarizes the possibilities for programmed growth during muscle fiber regeneration.
BOUNDARY STUDIES AND NATIONAL PREJUDICES: THE CASE OF THE SOUTH TYROL

(1963). BOUNDARY STUDIES AND NATIONAL PREJUDICES: THE CASE OF THE SOUTH TYROL. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 4-8.
Is the MVV:FEV1 Ratio Useful for Assessing Spirometry Validity?

The ratio between the maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 ) has been proposed as an indicator of the adequacy of a subject's efforts in disability determinations and other spirometry applications. Data from a large population of industrial workers tested in a university pulmonary function laboratory were examined and a smaller clinical population was used to validate the conclusions. The MVV:FEV 1 ratio was not affected to a clinically significant degree by age, degree of functional abnormality, or administration of an aerosolized bronchodilator. The ratio was too variable to be of use in determining whether an individuals results are reliable, but the determination of the average ratio for a large group of subjects may be useful in evaluating the overall performance of a spirometry laboratory.
Autonomous Acquisition of the Meaning of Sensory States Through Sensory-Invariance Driven Action

How can artificial or natural agents autonomously gain understanding of its own internal (sensory) state? This is an important question not just for physically embodied agents but also for software agents in the information technology environment. In this paper, we investigate this issue in the context of a simple biologically motivated sensorimotor agent. We observe and acknowledge, as many other researchers do, that action plays a key role in providing meaning to the sensory state. However, our approach differs from the others: We propose a new learning criterion, that of on-going maintenance of sensory invariance. We show that action sequence resulting from reinforcement learning of this criterion accurately portrays the property of the input that triggered a certain sensory state. This way, the meaning of a sensory state can be firmly grounded on the choreographed action which maintains invariance in the internal state.
The Infectivity of prM-Containing Partially Mature West Nile Virus Does Not Require the Activity of Cellular Furin-Like Proteases

Cleavage of the flavivirus prM protein by a cellular furin-like protease is a hallmark of virion maturation. While this cleavage is a required step in the viral life cycle, it can be inefficient. Virions that retain uncleaved prM may be infectious. We investigated whether cleavage by furin of prM on partially mature West Nile virus (WNV) during virus entry contributes to infectivity. Using quantitative assays of WNV infection, we found that virions incorporating considerable amounts of uncleaved prM protein were insensitive to treatment of cells with a potent inhibitor of furin activity. Thus, partially mature WNV does not require furin-like proteases for infectivity.
Some properties of spherical and rod-shaped semiconductor and metal nanocrystals

In this paper, we summarize our results on the effect of changing size and shape of semiconductor and metallic nanocrystals. The change in size (from 3.5 to 1.1 nm) and shape (from spherical to rod) of CdSe nanocrystals is found to affect both their optical and nonra- diative properties. In gold quasi-spherical nanocrystals, results on the dependence of the elec- tron-phonon relaxation of the surrounding medium are presented. For gold nanorods, results and conclusions on the mechanism of their self-assembly are presented. Enhanced Raman scattering on their surfaces is studied and compared with that on spherical particle surfaces.
In-Depth Analysis of the Interaction of HIV-1 with Cellular microRNA Biogenesis and Effector Mechanisms

ABSTRACT The question of how HIV-1 interfaces with cellular microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis and effector mechanisms has been highly controversial. Here, we first used deep sequencing of small RNAs present in two different infected cell lines (TZM-bl and C8166) and two types of primary human cells (CD4 + peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs] and macrophages) to unequivocally demonstrate that HIV-1 does not encode any viral miRNAs. Perhaps surprisingly, we also observed that infection of T cells by HIV-1 has only a modest effect on the expression of cellular miRNAs at early times after infection. Comprehensive analysis of miRNA binding to the HIV-1 genome using the photoactivatable ribonucleoside-induced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP) technique revealed several binding sites for cellular miRNAs, a subset of which were shown to be capable of mediating miRNA-mediated repression of gene expression. However, the main finding from this analysis is that HIV-1 transcripts are largely refractory to miRNA binding, most probably due to extensive viral RNA secondary structure. Together, these data demonstrate that HIV-1 neither encodes viral miRNAs nor strongly influences cellular miRNA expression, at least early after infection, and imply that HIV-1 transcripts have evolved to avoid inhibition by preexisting cellular miRNAs by adopting extensive RNA secondary structures that occlude most potential miRNA binding sites. IMPORTANCE MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a ubiquitous class of small regulatory RNAs that serve as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Previous work has suggested that HIV-1 might subvert the function of the cellular miRNA machinery by expressing viral miRNAs or by dramatically altering the level of cellular miRNA expression. Using very sensitive approaches, we now demonstrate that neither of these ideas is in fact correct. Moreover, HIV-1 transcripts appear to largely avoid regulation by cellular miRNAs by adopting an extensive RNA secondary structure that occludes the ability of cellular miRNAs to interact with viral mRNAs. Together, these data suggest that HIV-1, rather than seeking to control miRNA function in infected cells, has instead evolved a mechanism to become largely invisible to cellular miRNA effector mechanisms.