cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Forcefully Should Clinicians Encourage Treatment When Disagreement Persists About Obesity Risk

Pediatric obesity is a major public health problem, and weight reduction in children and adolescents with obesity is associated with improvement in health outcomes. This case of an adolescent diagnosed with obesity whose mother disagrees with the diagnosis illustrates challenges often encountered in clinical practice, including (1) diagnosing a disease in an asymptomatic patient whose future risk for negative health outcomes is uncertain, (2) addressing ethical implications of naming a stigmatizing disease, and (3) resolving conflicting goals and opinions of a patient, caregiver, and physician. Suggestions for navigating disagreement and implementing courses of action are discussed.
Incorporating travel time reliability in predicting the likelihood of severe crashes on arterial highways using non-parametric random-effect regression

Abstract Travel time reliability (TTR) modeling has gain attention among researchers' due to its ability to represent road user satisfaction as well as providing a predictability of a trip travel time. Despite this significant effort, its impact on the severity of a crash is not well explored. This study analyzes the effect of TTR and other variables on the probability of the crash severity occurring on arterial roads. To address the unobserved heterogeneity problem, two random-effect regressions were applied; the Dirichlet random-effect (DRE) and the traditional random-effect (TRE) logistic regression. The difference between the two models is that the random-effect in the DRE is non-parametrically specified while in the TRE model is parametrically specified. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations were adopted to infer the parameters' posterior distributions of the two developed models. Using four-year police-reported crash data and travel speeds from Northeast Florida, the analysis of goodness-of-fit found the DRE model to best fit the data. Hence, it was used in studying the influence of TTR and other variables on crash severity. The DRE model findings suggest that TTR is statistically significant, at 95 percent credible intervals, influencing the severity level of a crash. A unit increases in TTR reduces the likelihood of a severe crash occurrence by 25 percent. Moreover, among the significant variables, alcohol/drug impairment was found to have the highest impact in influencing the occurrence of severe crashes. Other significant factors included traffic volume, weekends, speed, work-zone, land use, visibility, seatbelt usage, segment length, undivided/divided highway, and age.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding Ceases after Heart Transplantation in Patients Bridged on Continuous-Flow LVAD Support

Purpose Continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) support has been associated with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), primarily from arteriovenous malformations or ulcers, and exacerbated by the requirement for anticoagulation. In this report, we explore whether GIB persisted after heart transplant in patients who experienced GIB events while on CF-LVAD support. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 701 patients who underwent implantation of CF-LVADs from August 2002 through August 2017 at our center, and identified patients who underwent CF-LVAD implantation as a Bridge-to-Transplant, experienced at least one GIB event during CF-LVAD support, and were successfully bridged to heart transplantation. We evaluated the incidence of GIB events in these patients after heart transplantation. Results A total of 46 heart transplant recipients fit the inclusion criteria. There were a total of 63 total GIB events while on CF-LVAD support. Locations of GIB events included esophagus (N=3), stomach (N=21), duodenum (N=7), jejunum (N=3), small intestine not-otherwise-specified (N=12), colon (N=14), and rectum (N=3). Etiologies included gastritis (N=10), ulcer (N=11), arteriovenous malformation (N=13), angiodysplasia (N=3), polyp (N=2), diverticulosis (N=8), and Mallory Wiess tear (N=2). Mean LVAD support time was 1.4±1.5 years (65.4 cumulative patient-years). Mean follow-up time after transplantation was 4.0±3.5 years (183.3 cumulative patient-years after transplantation). There was only 1 GIB event after heart transplantation (events per patient-year: 0.005). The etiology was non-specific acute colitis in a patient who had prior GIB from a gastric ulcer while on LVAD therapy. Time from transplant to GIB event was 3.9 years. The patient was taking aspirin 81mg daily at the time of GIB. Conclusion GIB during CF-LVAD therapy did not persist after heart transplantation. This may be due to restoration of pulsatile flow. Introduction of a greater degree of pulsatility into LVAD flow technology may improve the incidence of GIB while on CF-LVAD support.
Empirical Studies of Patent Pools

This book chapter from the forthcoming Research Handbook on the Economics of Intellectual Property Law provides an overview of the legal and economic impact of patent pools, with a special focus on the methods scholars have used to study these institutions empirically. Patent pools are privately governed institutions that license complementary patent rights under unified agreements. Licensees of the aggregated rights typically include members of the pool (i.e., licensors), and technology manufacturers, service providers, or researchers who are not members (sometimes referred to herein as “pure licensees”). The discussion is divided into five parts: first, sources that helped develop the historical record of patent pools; second, methods scholars have used to assess the impact of patent pools on competition and innovation; third, works that explore the relationship between patent pooling and litigation; fourth, new methods used to estimate the transaction cost savings of patent pools; and fifth, works that examine whether patent pools are useful forums for patent valuation. Because the present volume is focused on analytical methods used within empirical studies, economic and legal scholarship concerning pools that is not primarily empirical in nature (e.g., theoretical work) is discussed only to help explain the motivation for, or conclusions of, empirical studies.
Parental adiposity differentially associates with newborn body composition.

Background Maternal obesity increases offspring's obesity risk. However, studies have not often considered maternal metabolic and exercise patterns as well as paternal adiposity as potential covariates. Objective To assess the relationship between parental and newborn adiposity. Methods Participants were mother-child pairs (n = 209) and mother-father-offspring triads (n = 136). Parental (during gestation) and offspring (2 weeks old) percent fat mass (FM) were obtained using air displacement plethysmography. Maternal race, age, resting energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), physical activity (accelerometry), gestational weight gain (GWG), gestational age (GA), delivery mode, infant's sex and infant feeding method were incorporated in multiple linear regression analyses. The association between parental FM and offspring insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was assessed at age 2 years. Results Maternal adiposity was positively-associated with male (β = 0.11, P = .015) and female (β = 0.13, P = .008) infant FM, whereas paternal adiposity was negatively-associated with male newborn adiposity (β = -0.09, P = .014). Breastfeeding, female sex, GA and GWG positively associated with newborn adiposity. Vaginal and C-section delivery methods associated with greater adiposity than vaginal induced delivery method. Plasma IGF-1 of 2-year-old boys and girls positively associated with their respective fathers' and mothers' FM. Conclusions Maternal and paternal adiposity differentially associate with newborn adiposity. The mechanisms of this finding remain to be determined.
Human Factors in Healthcare: Theoretical Underpinnings for Simulation in Interprofessional Education

Interprofessional education (IPE) presents potential for inciting change in the medical community; however, the mechanisms through which educational opportunities are presented can drastically impact IPE potential for effectiveness. This chapter provides guidance leveraging the human factors literature base, a discipline concerned with understanding and improving human performance in complex systems and a longstanding history of application to improving patient safety in the health care setting. Recommendations stem from theory and are couched within the education program lifecycle to inform IPE across the continuum of program development and evaluation. Avenues for future research and practice are discussed.
Impact of plate shape and size on individual food waste in a university dining hall

Abstract Approximately 31% of food is lost or wasted at the retail and consumer levels in the U.S. Among consumers, young adults have been identified as one of the more wasteful segments of the population. In the U.S., many young adults (ages 18–24) attend a post-secondary education institution where they are often provided housing and meals through the college or university. Because of this, university dining facilities make an excellent target for food waste reduction strategies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate one food waste reduction strategy: changing the plate shape and size in university dining facilities. Specifically, this study compares individual food selection, consumption, and waste between round plates (9″ x 9″) and smaller oval platters (9.75″ x 7.75″) in a self-serve, all-you-care-to-eat dining environment. Compared to larger round plates, smaller oval platters significantly reduced average food selection (359.9 g vs. 318.0 g, P
Evidence of learning and memory in the juvenile dwarf cuttlefish Sepia bandensis

Measuring behavior in the form of numerical data is difficult, especially for studies involving complex actions. DanioVision is a closed-chamber system that utilizes subject tracking to comprehensively record behavior, while also mitigating the influence of environmental conditions. We used DanioVision to record activity of juvenile dwarf cuttlefish (Sepia bandensis) during the inaccessible prey (IP) procedure, a memory experiment in which cuttlefish learn to inhibit capture attempts towards inaccessible prey. By quantifying total movement and orientation of the body, we found that cuttlefish show memory by selectively inhibiting tentacle strikes without reducing total movement, or orientation towards the prey. We show that DanioVision can be used to assess multiple components of dynamic responses that are not measurable by direct observation alone and provide new evidence that strike inhibition is the product of learning, and not motor fatigue.
Taking Sides on Return Predictability

We study how 9 different market participants trade with respect to 130 different stock return anomalies and how each participant’s trades predict returns. Retail investors trade against anomalies, while firms’ and short sellers’ trades agree with anomalies. Institutional portfolios are weighted against anomalies, although some institutions’ trades agree with anomalies after the anomaly-measurement date. Retail trades predict returns in the wrong direction, firms’ and short sellers’ trades predict returns in the intended direction, institutional trades do not robustly predict returns. The return-predictability of trades by retail investors, firms and short sellers can be either mostly or completely explained by anomalies.
PCOR Partnership Program Lessons Learned

The PCOR Partnership Program’s CO2 utilization and storage research has evolved/matured over the past 15 years, including the creation of an adaptive management approach specific to carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). The program’s myriad of achievements can be attributed to showing that CCUS is a technically viable carbon management approach and that CO2 enhanced oil recovery processes can be efficiently monitored to verify safe, permanent associated storage of millions of tonnes of CO2. These achievements instill public awareness and trust so important to future CCUS projects.
Multi-Agent Maximization of a Monotone Submodular Function via Maximum Consensus.

Constrained submodular set function maximization problems often appear in multi-agent decision-making problems with a discrete feasible set. A prominent example is the problem of multi-agent mobile sensor placement over a discrete domain. However, submodular set function optimization problems are known to be NP-hard. In this paper, we consider a class of submodular optimization problems that consists of maximization of a monotone and submodular set function subject to a uniform matroid constraint over a group of networked agents that communicate over a connected undirected graph. Our objective is to obtain a distributed suboptimal polynomial-time algorithm that enables each agent to obtain its respective policy via local interactions with its neighboring agents. Our solution is a fully distributed gradient-based algorithm using the multilinear extension of the submodular set functions and exploiting a maximum consensus scheme. This algorithm results in a policy set that when the team objective function is evaluated at worst case the objective function value is in $1-1/e-O(1/T)$ of the optimal solution. An example demonstrates our results.
Management of Venous Thromboembolism in High-Grade Glioma: Does Low Molecular Weight Heparin Increase Intracranial Bleeding Risk?

Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs in up to 30% of patients with high-grade glioma (HGG). Concern for increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with therapeutic anticoagulation complicates VTE treatment. Some retrospective studies have reported an increased risk of ICH associated with therapeutic anticoagulation; however, effective alternatives to anticoagulation are lacking. The aim of our study is to assess the risk of ICH in HGG patients with VTE on low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Methods We performed a retrospective matched cohort study of HGG patients from 1/2005-8/2016. Blinded review of neuroimaging for ICH was performed. For analysis of the primary endpoint, estimates of cumulative incidence (CI) of ICH were calculated using competing risk analysis with death as competing risk; significance testing was performed using the Gray's test. Median survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Results 220 patients were included, 88 (40%) with VTE treated with LMWH, 22 (10%) with VTE, not on anticoagulation (AC), and 110 (50%) without VTE. A total of 43 measurable ICH was recorded: 19 (26%) in LMWH, 3 (14%) in VTE not on AC, and 21 (19%) in non-VTE cohort. No significant difference was observed in the 1-year CI of ICH in the LMWH cohort and non-AC with VTE group (17% versus 9%; Gray's test, p=0.36). Among patients without VTE, the 1-year CI of ICH was 13%. Median survival was similar among all three cohorts. Conclusions Our data suggest that therapeutic LMWH is not associated with substantially increased risk of ICH in HGG patients.
Anaerobic granulation of single culture Clostridium beijerinckii

Abstract This study utilizes Clostridium beijerinckii P260, an anaerobic bacterium capable of acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) production, as model bacteria to test the hypothesis that single culture anaerobic granulation can be achieved in accordance with the biogranulation theory developed from the mixed culture studies. After four months of cultivation, C. beijerinckii granules formed under the selection pressure of a selective settling velocity at 9.0 m h-1 in a sequential batch reactor. These C. beijerinckii granules possess excellent settleability and exceptionally high cell and enzyme concentrations, which demonstrate promising potential in the application for high-rate fermentation and separation of value-added products. However, C. beijerinckii granules only accounted for 25% of the cell mass in the sequential batch reactor (SBR), leaving the rest 75% still in the form of planktonic cells, which indicate an incomplete anaerobic granulation. The lack of ideal feast and famine conditions in the cyclic SBR operation was regarded as the reason. Future research should focus on the optimization of the bioreactor operation to create optimal conditions for inducing the phenotype switch from planktonic to granulated growth mode.
Direct differentiation of adult ocular progenitors into striatal dopaminergic neurons.

Parkinson’s disease, characterized by motor dysfunction due to the loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, is one of the most prevalent age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Given there is no current cure, the stem cell approach has emerged as a viable therapeutic option to replace the dopaminergic neurons that are progressively lost to the disease. The success of the approach is likely to depend upon accessible, renewable, immune compatible, and non-tumorigenic sources of neural progenitors from which stable dopaminergic neurons can be generated efficaciously. Here, we demonstrate that neural progenitors derived from limbus, a regenerative and accessible ocular tissue, represent a safe source of dopaminergic neurons. When the limbus-derived neural progenitors were subjected to a well-established protocol of directed differentiation under the influence of Shh and FGF8, they acquired the biochemical and functional phenotype of dopaminergic neurons that included the ability to synthesize dopamine. Their intrastriatal transplantation in the rat model of hemi-Parkinsonism was associated with a reduction in the amphetamine-induced rotation. No tumor formation was observed 6 weeks post-transplantation. Together, these observations posit limbus-derived neural progenitors as an accessible and safe source of dopaminergic neurons for a potential autologous ex-vivo stem cell approach to Parkinson’s disease.
Hybrid Markov logic networks

Markov logic networks (MLNs) combine first-order logic and Markov networks, allowing us to handle the complexity and uncertainty of real-world problems in a single consistent framework. However, in MLNs all variables and features are discrete, while most real-world applications also contain continuous ones. In this paper we introduce hybrid MLNs, in which continuous properties (e.g., the distance between two objects) and functions over them can appear as features. Hybrid MLNs have all distributions in the exponential family as special cases (e.g., multivariate Gaussians), and allow much more compact modeling of non-i.i.d. data than propositional representations like hybrid Bayesian networks. We also introduce inference algorithms for hybrid MLNs, by extending the MaxWalkSAT and MC-SAT algorithms to continuous domains. Experiments in a mobile robot mapping domain--involving joint classification, clustering and regression--illustrate the power of hybrid MLNs as a modeling language, and the accuracy and efficiency of the inference algorithms.
Control of the nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning of annexin II by a nuclear export signal and by p11 binding

This study investigated mechanisms controlling the nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning of annexin II (AnxII). AnxII and its ligand, p11, were localized by immunofluorescence to the cytoplasmic compartment of U1242MG cells, with minimal AnxII or p11 detected within nuclei. Similarly, GFP-AnxII and GFP-p11 chimeras localized to the endogenous proteins. Likewise, GFP-AnxII(1-22) was excluded from nuclei, whereas GFP-AnxII(23-338) and GFP alone were distributed throughout the cells. Immunoprecipitation and biochemical studies showed that GFP-AnxII did not form heteromeric complexes with endogenous p11 and AnxII. Thus, the AnxII N-tail is necessary and sufficient to cause nuclear exclusion of the GFP fusion protein but this does not involve p11 binding. A nuclear export signal consensus sequence was found in the AnxII 3-12 region. The consensus mutant GFP-AnxII(L10A/L12A) confirmed that these residues are necessary for nuclear exclusion. The nuclear exclusion of GFP-AnxII(1-22) was temperature-dependent and reversible, and the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin B (LmB) caused GFP-AnxII or overexpressed AnxII monomer to accumulate in nuclei. Therefore, AnxII monomer can enter the nucleus and is actively exported. However, LmB had little effect on the localization of AnxII/p11 complex in U1242MG cells, indicating that the complex is sequestered in the cytoplasm. By contrast, LmB treatment of v-src-transformed fibroblasts caused endogenous AnxII to accumulate in nuclei. The LmB-induced nuclear accumulation of AnxII was accelerated by pervanadate and inhibited by genistein, suggesting that phosphorylation promotes nuclear entry of AnxII. Thus, nuclear exclusion of AnxII results from nuclear export of the monomer and sequestration of AnxII/p11 complex, and may be modulated by phosphorylation.
Spray mechanism of the most primitive bombardier beetle (Metrius contractus)

The bombardier beetle Metrius contractus discharges its defensive secretion as a froth that clings to its body. When attacked from the rear, it allows the froth to build up over the gland openings near the abdominal tip; when attacked from the front, it conveys the secretion forwards along special elytral tracks. M. contractus has two-chambered defensive glands typical of bombardier beetles, and its secretion, like that of other bombardiers, is quinonoid and hot. Its frothing mechanism, however, is unique for bombardiers and possibly illustrative of the ancestral glandular discharge mechanism of these beetles. M. contractus, thus, could be the least derived of extant bombardiers.
Evaluation of Beta‐naphthoxyacetic Acid for Mutagenic Activity in the Salmonella/mammalian Microsome Assay

Beta-naphthoxyacetic acid (BNOA) is used as a plant growth regulator on tomatoes and strawberries. It is the active ingredient in Blossom-Set and Berry-Set, two plant hormone sprays for fruit-set. The mutagenic activity of BNOA was evaluated in four strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA97, TA98, TA100 and TA1535) in the presence and absence of liver microsomal and cytosolic enzymes derived from Aroclor induced rats. BNOA did not produce any significant increase (p less than 0.05) in the reversion of any of the four tester strains in the standard plate incorporation assay. Results of the agar overlay toxicity tests indicates that the chemical shows toxic effects at concentrations above 500 micrograms/plate. It was concluded that under the conditions of these tests, BNOA did not exhibit any mutagenic activity.
Principal Component Analysis of Vertical Profiles of Q1 and Q2 in the Tropics

Abstract Rotated Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to the combined vertical profiles of apparent heat source Q1 and apparent moisture sink Q2 from both disturbed and undisturbed periods of the Australian summer monsoon season. The data represent the heating and drying within two radiosonde arrays afforded by the Australian Monsoon Experiment (AMEX), The aim here is to identify dominant modes of variability in combined vertical profiles of Q1 and Q2. Rotation of the principal components (PCs)-done to assure stable, physically meaningful components-yields several PCs, deemed here to be statistically significant. The variation of individual Q1 and Q2 profiles from the mean profile can be expressed as linear combinations of the PCs; therefore, determination of the relative importance of each PC (through examination of its score) during differing convective conditions provides insight into their physical meaning. For instance, the contribution of PC 1 (that mode of variability that explains the max...
Hepatic Integrity Dependent on Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition, Not Tumor Necrosis Factor α or Different Bleeding Rates

Discrepancies in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) following hemorrhagic shock (HS) may be due to the inconsistent rates of bleeding. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of rapid versus slow bleeding rates on TNF-α levels and if inhibition of TNF-α convertase by a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI) affects hepatic integrity in animals exposed to 35% HS. Sprague–Dawley male rats (n = 24, 300–350 g) were divided into four groups: HS 15 (produced over 15 min), HS 30 (produced over 30 min), and HS with MMPI (2.5 mg/kg British Biotech 1101: HS15 + MMPI, HS30 + MMPI). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), serum TNF-α,levels, and hepatic resting membrane potentials (Em) were obtained. A Student t test was performed. TNF-α levels for HS 15, HS15 + MMPI, HS 30, and HS 30 + MMPI were 474, 40, 32, and 50 pg/ml, respectively. The hepatic resting membrane potentials for HS 15, HS15 + MMPI, HS 30, and HS 30 + MMPI were −26, −30, −23, and −31 mV, respectively. In conclusion, circulating TNF-α levels are affected by the rate of bleeding in hemorrhagic shock. However, despite the differences in the magnitude of TNF-α in untreated animals, hepatic integrity was compromised. Interestingly, MMPI, an inhibitor of TNF-α convertase, stabilizes the membrane potential in both types of hemorrhagic shock.
DFT for extremely low cost test of mixed signal SOCs with integrated RF and power management

Mixed signal SOCs with integrated RF and power management modules have some distinct requirements associated with them. They are often used in portable and battery operated consumer applications, which are extremely cost and power sensitive. This translates into a few unique design and test constraints on the amount of DFT logic integrated, the permissible test time, and power-up of individual modules in the SOC. In this paper, we propose some novel DFT and test techniques which have been devised keeping in mind these constraints, and illustrate how test cost has been significantly reduced in such cost and power constrained mixed signal SOCs. The paper discusses three significant components of the test time and techniques for their reduction through smarter DFT and BIST: (i) RF tests in multiple radio modules, (ii) test and calibration of complex power management logic and voltage regulators, and (iii) improved scan ATPG for all the digital logic. These techniques are being integrated into Texas Instruments' embedded SOCs designed for such portable application, resulting in an overall test cost reduction by half over the previous generation of such SOCs.
Clinical evaluation of blood flow to the hand. The false-positive Allen test.

One hundred fifty individuals of different ages without evidence of peripheral vascular impairment (100 normal persons and 50 patients with history of cerebral vascular disease) were examined with the Allen test; the radial and ulnar arteries were examined in both hands. A false-positive test could easily be obtained spontaneously or be provoked by intentional hyperextension of the hand more than 20° beyond the straight position. In the straight position of the hand, the time for appearance of rubor after opening of the hand exceeded 5 seconds in 34% of the normal persons. When a relaxed slight flexion at the wrist joint was used, the flush after opening the hand appeared at an average of 3 seconds for the ulnar artery and 2.75 for the radial artery. In 50 normal individuals examined with optimal technique described, no individual artery required more than 6 seconds for the flush to appear after opening of the hand. The authors recommend that the Allen test be performed with the patient's hand slightly fl...
Four New Fall Species of Andrena from the Southwestern United States (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)

Abstract Four new fall-emergent species of Andrena from the southwestern United States are described. Andrena brooksi n. sp., from southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, is a close relative of A. reflexa Cresson, and belongs to the subgenus Callandrena Cockerell. A. neffi n. sp., A. mimbresensis n. sp., and A. vogleri n. sp. were all collected in the same area of the Mimbres Mountains of New Mexico. These species belong to a clade formerly ascribed to Callandrena but which has been shown by phylogenetic analysis to be only distantly related.
Human control of climate change

The use of analogies and repeated feedback might help people learn about the dynamics of climate change. In this paper, we study the influence of repeated feedback on the control of a carbon-dioxide (CO2) concentration to a goal level in a Dynamic Climate Change Simulator (DCCS) using the “bathtub” analogy. DCCS is a simplification of the complex climate system into its essential elements: CO2 concentration (stock); man-made CO2 emissions (inflow); and natural CO2 removal or absorption in the atmosphere (outflow). In a laboratory experiment involving DCCS, we manipulated feedback delays in two ways: the frequency of emission decisions and the rate of CO2 absorption from the atmosphere (climate dynamics). Our results revealed that participants’ ability to control the CO2 concentration generally remained poor even in conditions where they were allowed to revise their emission decisions frequently (i.e., every 2 years) and where the climate dynamics were rapid (i.e., 1.6% of CO2 concentration was removed every year). Participants’ control of the concentration only improved with repeated feedback in conditions of lesser feedback delay. Moreover, the delay due to climate dynamics had a greater effect on participants’ control than the delay due to emission decisions frequency. We provide future research directions and highlight the potential of using simulations like DCCS to help people learn about dynamics of Earth’s climate.
Zero Field NMR: NMR and NQR in Zero Magnetic Field

Zero field NMR serves as the solution to a diverse grouping of very specific problems in solid state magnetic resonance. For some systems large magnetic fields interfere with the interesting phenomenon. In other cases high sensitivity may be achieved, paradoxically, not in high field but only where nuclear spins are transported from high to very low fields and back. And, finally, zero field NMR is of potential interest where the spectral resolution of dipoledipole couplings and/or quadrupole couplings is limited by the broadening introduced to the spectrum when these nuclear spin interactions are observed in the presence of a large magnetic field. These couplings can be represented in their full form as
Vaccine Adjuvants Alter TCR-Based Selection Thresholds

How T cell receptor (TCR) specificity evolves in vivo after protein vaccination is central to the development of helper T (Th) cell function. Most models of clonal selection in the Th cell compartment favor TCR affinity-based thresholds. Here, we demonstrated that depot-forming vaccine adjuvants did not require Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists to induce clonal dominance in antigen-specific Th cell responses. However, readily dispersible adjuvants using TLR-9 and TLR-4 agonists skewed TCR repertoire usage by increasing TCR selection thresholds and enhancing antigen-specific clonal expansion. In this manner, vaccine adjuvants control the local accumulation of Th cells expressing TCR with the highest peptide MHC class II binding. Clonal composition was altered by mechanisms that blocked the local propagation of clonotypes independently of antigen dose and not as a consequence of interclonal competition. This capacity of adjuvants to modify antigen-specific Th cell clonal composition has fundamental implications for the design of future protein subunit vaccines.
Non-quassinoid constituents from the twigs and thorns of Castela polyandra

The structures of two new constituents, a β-glycoside (1) and a steroid (2), isolated from the twigs and thorns of Castela polyandra, were established by a combination of spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray analysis.
Polarization analyzing power A(θ) in pp elastic scattering at 796 MeV

High precision data have been obtained for the polarization analyzing power $A(\ensuremath{\theta})$ in $\mathrm{pp}$ elastic scattering from 12 to 43\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} c.m. at 796 MeV. These data extend the angular range of data previously published by this group. Data at 428 MeV have also been obtained and are in agreement with recent double scattering data.
Morphological appearance, growth behavior and migratory activity of human tumor cells maintained on extracellular matrix versus plastic

Growth of human tumor cells (hepatocarcinoma, Ewing's sarcoma) on an extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by bovine corneal endothelial cells is associated with the adoption of a morphological appearance and growth properties that are not expressed when the cells are maintained on plastic. Within minutes after seeding cell aggregates onto an ECM, the aggregates attached firmly. Active cell migration leading to the formation of flattened and nonoverlapping cell clusters was subsequently observed. In contrast, no firm attachment, migratory activity or disorganization of cell aggregates was observed when the same cells were maintained on plastic. Cells seeded on ECM, instead of growing as floating or loosely attached aggregates, formed a cell monolayer composed of firmly attached, highly flattened and closely apposed epithelioid-like cells. Cell overlapping and subsequent detachment were observed only late at confluence. Cells maintained on ECM had a higher growth rate as well as a lower serum requirement than those maintained on plastic. These results demonstrate that the phenotypic expression as well as the proliferation of tumor cells can be modulated by their adhesive interaction with the extracellular matrix. Both tumor cells and normal cells of epithelial origin are more likely to resemble their in vivo counterparts when maintained on extracellular matrix than on plastic, and when so maintained can therefore provide a better model for oncogenic studies.
Correction to the Kubo formula

Abstract A correlation-function formula for electrical conductivity is derived, by a formalism which gives prominence to the total electric field, including fields which may arise from the charged particles which are part of the system being studied. This formula is contrasted to the well-known result of Kubo, which characterizes the response of the system to an external field. The particular formula derived depends on the charges of the particles in such a way that it is significant only for non-symmetrical electrolytes and plasmas. The importance of the new derivation is that its result differs from the exact and supposedly general Kubo formula, thus calling into question the Kubo formula's applicability to cases where “internal” electric fields might arise.
Double yield points in poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) and its copolymers under tensile loading

Double yield points before necking were observed in injection molded specimens of poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) (PTMT) and its copolymers under tensile loading. The first yield is associated with deformation of the amorphous region and the second yield is caused by the alpha to beta transition of PTMT crystallites. The first yield point became less apparent with an increase of crystallinity of the specimens. The second yield point became more apparent with an increase of crystallinity. Annealing of injection molded specimens increased the crystallinity and increased the second yield point on stress-strain curves. Copolymerization decreased the crystallinity and made the first yield point more prominent. Effects of annealing on mechanical and thermal properties of the specimens were also measured. The specimens changed their properties from ductile to brittle during annealing. Their change during annealing was mainly attributed to the increase of crystallinity and not to thermal degradation and/or crosslinking.
Quantitative two-photon LIF imaging of carbon monoxide in combustion gases

Two-dimensional imaging of CO concentration in combustion gases is demonstrated using two-photon-excited planar laser-induced fluorescence. A quantitative model is presented for the simultaneous two-photon excitation of several rotational transitions of the B1∑+ ← X1∑+ system and the subsequent visible fluorescence (B1∑+ → A1Π). The model is verified by comparison of predicted and measured excitation spectra and of temperature-corrected relative fluorescence measurements to standard probe measurements of the center line CO distribution in a CO–air diffusion flame. In addition, CO imaging experiments in a premixed methane–air flame indicate the production of C2 by laser photodissociation of acetylene.
On the stability of viscous flow between rotating cylinders. Part 1. Asymptotic analysis

The stability of Couette flow is discussed in the case in which the cylindes rotate in opposite directions by an asymptotic method in which the Taylor number is treated as a large parameter. On assuming the principle of exchange of stabilities to hold, the problem is then governed by a sixth-order differential equation with a simple turning point. It is shown how the solutions of this equation can be represented asymptotically in terms of the solutions of the comparison equation yvi = xy. The solutions of this comparison equation have recently been tabulated and we thus have an explicit representation of the solution of the stability problem in terms of tabulate functions. Detailed results for the critical Taylor number and wave-number at the onset of instability and the associated eigenfunctions are given for the limiting case μ → − ∞, where μ = Ω2/Ω1, and Ω1 and Ω2 are the angular velocities of the inner and outer cylinders respectively. In this limiting case it is found that there exists and infinite number of cells between the cylinders, but that the amplitude of the secondary motion in all but the innermost cell is small.
Comparisons of central Appalachian Carboniferous coal beds by benches and a raised Holocene peat deposit

Abstract Three Carboniferous age coals from southern West Virginia, U.S.A., were examined at bench level and compared to a Holocene peat deposit, the Snuggedy Swamp, South Carolina, U.S.A. Data for all deposits consisted of coal or peat thickness, ash content and petrographic composition as well as parting or overlying clastic sediment thickness. Comparison of coal and parting thickness showed an inverse relationship in all cases. Bimodal distribution patterns for coal/peat thickness versus area indicate that the transition between areas of extensive, thick coal/peat and extensive, thin coal/peat was rapid. In the coal deposits at bench level, both ash and organic inert content increased toward the transition to thin coal. The areas of thick coal contained the highest vitrinite/reactive contents and lowest ash values volumetrically. This is similar to the distribution of low-ash, well-preserved, thick peat occurring in the central, raised areas of the Snuggedy Swamp, surrounded by areas of high-ash, decomposed peat subject to flooding. Although the depositional environments interpreted for each of the three coal beds and the Snuggedy peat deposit differ widely, the deposits themselves show similar distribution trends in thickness, ash content and petrographic composition.
MOCVD manifold switching effects on growth and characterization

A combined modeling and experimental approach is used to quantify the effects of various manifold components on the switching speed in metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). In particular, two alternative vent-run high-speed switching manifold designs suitable for either continuous or interrupted growth have been investigated. Both designs are incorporated in a common manifold, instrumented with a mass spectrometer. The experiments have been performed using nitrogen as the transport gas and argon as the simulated source gas. The advantages and limitations of two designs are discussed. It is found that while constant flow manifold switching systems may have fluid dynamic advantages, care must be taken to minimize sections of the supply manifold with low flow rates if rapid changes in alloy composition are required.
Relations between hardness of water and death rates from certain chronic and degenerative diseases in the United States.

Further inquiry into the relationship between hardness of finished potable water by state and death rates from the ten leading causes of death and subdivisions thereof in white persons 55 to 64 years of age disclosed: 1. 1. A. Negative correlations with hypertensive diseases and with common conditions secondary to atherosclerosis (p < 0.01). B. No significant correlations with other diseases of the heart. 2. 2. A. A possibly significant negative correlation (p = 0.02) with neoplasms of the male respiratory system. B. No significant correlations with other common neoplasms. 3. 3. A. A suggestive negative correlation (p < 0.05) with cirrhosis of the liver. B. No significant correlations with diabetes mellitus, influenza and pneumonia, infantile disorders, ulcer of stomach or duodenum, “senility,” or intestinal obstruction. 4. 4. Positive correlations with motor vehicle accident deaths (p < 0.01) and congenital malformations (p < 0.01) in all age groups. In hardness or softness of potable water may lie a clue to an influence affecting death rates from hypertension and atherosclerosis, and possibly a few other chronic disorders.
Alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the mouse hippocampus following acute but not repeated benzodiazepine treatment

Benzodiazepines (BZs) are safe drugs for treating anxiety, sleep, and seizure disorders, but their use also results in unwanted effects including memory impairment, abuse, and dependence. The present study aimed to reveal the molecular mechanisms that may contribute to the effects of BZs in the hippocampus (HIP), an area involved in drug-related plasticity, by investigating the regulation of immediate early genes following BZ administration. Previous studies have demonstrated that both brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and c-Fos contribute to memory- and abuse-related processes that occur within the HIP, and their expression is altered in response to BZ exposure. In the current study, mice received acute or repeated administration of BZs and HIP tissue was analyzed for alterations in BDNF and c-Fos expression. Although no significant changes in BDNF or c-Fos were observed in response to twice-daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of diazepam (10 mg/kg + 5 mg/kg) or zolpidem (ZP; 2.5 mg/kg + 2.5 mg/kg), acute i.p. administration of both triazolam (0.03 mg/kg) and ZP (1.0 mg/kg) decreased BDNF protein levels within the HIP relative to vehicle, without any effect on c-Fos. ZP specifically reduced exon IV-containing BDNF transcripts with a concomitant increase in the association of methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) with BDNF promoter IV, suggesting that MeCP2 activity at this promoter may represent a ZP-specific mechanism for reducing BDNF expression. ZP also increased the association of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) with BDNF promoter I. Future work should examine the interaction between ZP and DNA as the cause for altered gene expression in the HIP, given that BZs can enter the nucleus and intercalate into DNA directly.
Tactile discrimination performance deficits following neglect-producing unilateral lateral hypothalamic lesions in the rat.

Abstract Unilateral lesions of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) which produced pronounced asymmetries on a battery of neurologic tests also produced a pattern of deficits on three appetitive tactile discrimination tasks which suggested a response deficit rather than “sensory neglect.” Deprived rats trained to turn toward a gentle touch to the flank to obtain sugar water were selectively impaired only when touches were presented contralateral to the lesion. A second group of rats trained to turn away from the side of the touch was only impaired when the touch was ipsilateral (and the response contralateral) to the lesion. A third group of rats trained to make the same forward-directed response following a touch on either flank was not impaired when either side was touched. Thus, across the three tasks, performance on trials in which touches were contralateral to the lesion was not impaired unless the response was also contralateral, and contralateral responses were always impaired regardless of where the touch occurred.
Classroom Response Systems for Implementing "Interactive Inquiry" in Large Organic Chemistry Classes.

The authors have developed “sequence response applications” for classroom response systems (CRSs) that allow instructors to engage and actively involve students in the learning process, probe for common misconceptions regarding lecture material, and increase interaction between instructors and students. “Guided inquiry” and “discovery-based learning” are based on the premise that the best learning occurs when students are actively engaged in developing hypotheses and arriving at conclusions for themselves, rather than learning in a passive lecture format. In this regard, we use CRSs to actively engage large lectures of 300+ students, where the traditional interaction between students and instructors is commonly limited to the first several rows of the lecture hall. Moreover, series response applications allow a nearly free response format for questioning students, as opposed to the traditional multiple-choice question format commonly used with CRSs. As such, we have observed that students are more engaged...
Variable sinograms and redundant information in single-photon emission computed tomography with non-uniform attenuation

Recently, we have developed the so-called 'potato peeler' perspective for heuristically revealing the existence of redundant information within the data function in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with non-uniform attenuation. In this work we seek to develop a mathematical formulation for the potato peeler perspective. Specifically, we introduce the concept of variable sinograms and derive equations that relate the variable sinograms to the object function and to the measured attenuated Radon transform. Using the variable sinograms and their equations, we show that redundant information exists within the attenuated Radon transform in SPECT and that an image can uniquely be reconstructed from knowledge of the attenuated Radon transform available in, for example, short-scan SPECT, where the scanning configuration includes angular views covering only 180o. Moreover, the concept of variable sinograms and the associated mathematical formulation may have significant implications for a variety of tomographic reconstruction problems.
Fast convolution technique for image generation

A fast recursive convolution for the precise digital simulation of imperfect lenses and motion blurring of scanning detectors was invented for the production of large sets of human and Automatic Target Recognizer (ATR) test imagery. The method shows a wide range of other possible applications. A robust algorithm for image segmentation, the explanation of horizontal-vertical preference and high periodicity acuity in the human visual system might emerge.