cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monoclonal Antibodies to Embryonic Neurons

Both genetic and epigenetic events are involved in the generation of precise connections in the nervous system. Vast numbers of individual interactions between single neurons and their microenvironments contribute to the formation of complex neuronal pathways. Environmental cues may come to a developing neuron from many different sources, but there are at least three for which there is good experimental evidence: (1) the insoluble intercellular matrix or substratum consisting of collagens, glycosaminoglycans, fibronectin, etc.1; (2) soluble diffusible factors (neurotrophic factors, growth factors, hormones)2; and (3) the cell surfaces of other neuronal and nonneuronal cells with which a developing neuron comes in contact.3 The cell surface of the target tissue or material associated with it such as the basal lamina probably serves to trigger the formation of the synapse4 and, at least in amphibians,5 its specific regeneration.
Response rates for CBT for anxiety disorders: Need for standardized criteria

Full appreciation of the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) requires both effect size data and individual rates of positive response. Response rates are particularly helpful for clinicians when choosing among treatment options. However, systematic reviews on cross-study response rates have not been conducted, possibly due to the absence of a standardized metric for calculating response rates. We conducted a systematic review of the treatment outcome literature to determine overall response rates to CBT for anxiety disorders and whether current methods of defining treatment response influence overall response rates. Our database search (2000-2014) resulted in 87 studies that reported response rates and included at least one CBT condition. Results showed that overall treatment response rates across anxiety disorders averaged 49.5% at post-treatment and 53.6% at follow-up. Response rates varied significantly as a function of the properties used to define them. Measures that incorporated more than one criterion, the combination of a reliable change index with a clinical cutoff (a clinically significant change), and intent-to-treat samples yielded lower response rates at post-treatment. Blinded independent assessors yielded higher response rates than unblinded assessors. Based on previous empirical and theoretical work, we recommend that future studies use a clinically significant change index, in an intent-to-treat analysis (using a mixed-model approach), reflecting multiple modalities, and assessed by independent blinded assessors. Our results indicate that such measures are likely to reduce response rates, but may result in a less biased and more accurate representation of improvement and achievement of normative functioning.
Controller Design for Unstable Distributed Plants

In this paper we solve the H ? mixed sensitivity minimization problem for a class of unstable distributed systems. The solution is based on an extension of the skew Toeplits methodology developed in [1], [3], [4], [6], [10]. The key mathematical fact used is that the skew Toeplits operators arising in the unstable case are finite rank perturbations of the classical skew Toeplits operators obtained from compressions of rational functions.
A COMPARISON OF ROUTE GUIDANCE DESTINATION ENTRY METHODS

This paper examined four touchscreen methods for entering a destination into a route guidance system. Different issues were studied, including interface, performance, errors, and levels of difficulties.
DETERMINATION OF STOKES SHAPE FACTOR FOR SINGLE PARTICLES AND AGGLOMERATES

The large octahedral crystals of spinel can precipitate from glass during the high-level waste vitrification process and potentially block the glass discharge riser of electrically heated ceramic melters. To help predict the settling behavior of spinel in the riser, the settling of single particles and agglomerates was studied in stagnant and transparent viscosity oils at room temperature with developed optical particle-dynamics-analyzer. Determined dimensions and terminal settling velocities of particles were used for calculation of their Stokes shape factors. Calculated shape factor for the glass beads was almost identical with the theoretical shape factor of 2/9 for a perfect sphere. The shape factor for single spinel crystal was about 7.6 % higher compare to the theoretically predicted value for octahedron. Stokes shape factor of irregularly shaped multi-particle agglomerates was lower than that of the glass beads and individual spinel crystals because of the higher surface drag caused by the larger surface area to volume ratio.
Cloning and transcriptional regulation of a novel adipocyte-specific gene, FSP27. CAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) and C/EBP-like proteins interact with sequences required for differentiation-dependent expression.

We have reported previously the cloning of several cDNAs whose mRNAs are induced during differentiation of the adipogenic cell line TA1. Here we characterize an adipocyte-specific gene, which we refer to as FSP27 (formerly clone 47), that encodes a protein of 27 kDa, the sequence of which is unrelated to any in the current data banks. The FSP27 promoter confers adipocyte-specific expression to a heterologous reporter gene in transfected adipogenic cell lines, e.g. TA1 and 3T3-L1. Analysis of regulatory elements in the FSP27 promoter region indicates the presence of (a) a proximal palindromic sequence that is necessary for adipocyte-specific expression; and (b) a distal differentiation-independent enhancer-like element. The palindromic sequence TTCGAAA is protected from digestion by DNase I using nuclear extracts from TA1 preadipocytes and adipocytes. Heated rat liver nuclear extract, a very abundant source of the transcription factor CAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) and related proteins, generates an equivalent footprint over the palindrome. However, C/EBP can account for only a portion of the protein-DNA complexes in TA1 cells because preadipocytes as well as adipocytes contain proteins distinct from C/EBP which interact with the same sequence. We suggest that C/EBP and other C/EBP-like proteins play a critical role in regulating the transcription of the fat-specific gene FSP27.
Managing the Failing Allograft

Managing the failing allograft juxtaposes immunosuppressive management and routine chronic kidney disease care. The complications of immunosuppression can be more pronounced in those with renal failure (infection, anemia, bone disease). The withdrawal of immunosuppression may be associated with acute allograft rejection, arthralgias, and the development of antidonor antibodies. Likewise depression is prevalent. Improving well-being and overall survival necessitates proper titration of immunosuppressive medications and control of blood pressure, anemia, lipids, and glucose along with attention to treatment of depression.
Recent Astronomical Observations obtained with the Lallemand Electronic Camera

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses astronomical observations obtained with the Lallemand electronic camera. During September and October 1959, a Lallemand electronic camera was brought to the Lick Observatory by Prof. A. Lallemand and Dr. M. Duchesne. The camera was installed at the focus of the 20-in. focal length Schmidt camera of the coude spectrograph of the 120-in. reflector. Observations of a number of objects of different type have been obtained with the electronic camera. These include nuclei of extra-galactic nebulae, old novae, stars in globular clusters, and gravitationally contracting stars in extremely young clusters. One of the most interesting groups of faint stars brought within range of observation by the improvements in the signal-to-noise ratio is that of the faint, gravitationally contracting stars in the Orion Nebula and NGC 2264 having ultraviolet excesses. Using the camera, spectra of five stars having ultraviolet excesses have been observed. These are, in order of decreasing ultraviolet excess: VY Ori, LT Ori, MO Mon, YY Ori, and IP Mon. These observations show that the electronic camera could produce important scientific results which could not be obtained with the same telescope and spectrograph using ordinary photographic plates.
Conserved mechanism of tRNA splicing in eukaryotes.

Abstract The ligation steps of tRNA splicing in yeast and vertebrate cells have been thought to proceed by fundamentally different mechanisms. Ligation in yeast cells occurs by incorporation of an exogenous phosphate from ATP into the splice junction, with concomitant formation of a 2' phosphate at the 5' junction nucleotide. This phosphate is removed in a subsequent step which, in vitro, is catalyzed by an NAD-dependent dephosphorylating activity. In contrast, tRNA ligation in vertebrates has been reported to occur without incorporation of exogenous phosphate or formation of a 2' phosphate. We demonstrate in this study the existence of a yeast tRNA ligase-like activity in HeLa cells. Furthermore, in extracts from these cells, the entire yeastlike tRNA splicing machinery is intact, including that for cleavage, ligation, and removal of the 2' phosphate in an NAD-dependent fashion to give mature tRNA. These results argue that the mechanism of tRNA splicing is conserved among eukaryotes.
Procrastinators’ online experience and purchase behavior

This paper seeks to understand how marketers might capitalize on consumers’ increasing time spent online and convert online procrastination tendencies into purchase behavior. More specifically, the authors explore whether the propensity to use the Internet to avoid work tasks (online procrastination) leads to purchase behavior, and if so, what the mechanism underlying such an effect might be. Through two studies, the authors find that online procrastination positively impacts purchase, which in turn is indirectly affected by the consumers’ propensity to delay their decisions. The authors further find different likelihoods of purchase based on degrees of tendency to delay decisions, online users’ age, and type of online activities. Implications of these findings for informing managers about the ways to increase purchases for decisive and indecisive consumers who waste time online and raising online procrastinators’ awareness about their vulnerability to marketers are discussed.
VP16-activation of the C. elegans neural specification transcription factor UNC-86 suppresses mutations in downstream genes and causes defects in neural migration and axon outgrowth

The POU homeobox gene unc-86 specifies many neuroblast and neural fates in the developing C. elegans nervous system. Genes regulated by unc-86 are mostly unknown. Here we describe a genetic strategy for the identification of downstream pathways regulated by unc-86. We activate UNC-86 transcription activity by inserting the VP16 activation domain into an unc-86 genomic clone that bears all regulatory sequences necessary for normal expression in C. elegans. unc-86/VP16 complements unc-86 mutations in the specification of neuroblast and neural cell fates, but displays novel genetic activities: it can suppress non-null mutations in the downstream genes mec-3 and mec-7 that are necessary for mechanosensory neuron differentiation and function. These data suggest that UNC-86/VP16 increases the expression of mec-3 and mec-7 to compensate for the decreased activities of mutant MEC-3 or MEC-7 proteins. The suppression of mutations in downstream genes by an activated upstream transcription factor should be a general strategy for the identification of genes in transcriptional cascades. unc-86/VP16 also causes neural migration and pathfinding defects and novel behavioral defects. Thus, increased or unregulated expression of genes downstream of unc-86 can confer novel neural phenotypes suggestive of roles for unc-86-regulated genes in neural pathfinding and function. Genetic suppression of these unc-86/VP16 phenotypes may identify the unc-86 downstream genes that mediate these events in neurogenesis.
Statistical modeling of gas-solid reaction with pore volume growth: kinetic regime

Abstract In this paper, we propose a statistical model for gas-solid reactions systems, which are accompanied by the growth of pore volume. The model employs the concepts of percolation theory to describe the effect of the connectivity of the porous solid on the reaction processes and the concepts of dynamic scaling to describe the evolution of the distribution of the sizes of the fragments, which are produced as a result of the reaction. We focus our attention here on reactions in the kinetic regime, and report the results of Monte Carlo simulations in porous solids, which are represented by three-dimensional regular tessellations of space. The model accounts for the existence of a maximum in the reaction rate at some well-defined value of conversion and for the fragmentation phenomenon, which takes place at a finite value of porosity. It also suggests the existence of a dynamic scaling for the distribution of the sizes of the fragments, which is somewhat similar to that previously developed for aggregation and polymerization processes. The results also reveal the strong effect of the initial configurations of the porespace on the reaction processes. Previous models of gas-solid reactions, which were solely based on the concepts of percolation theory and those models of porespace which were based on the use of a Bethe network, an endlessly branching structure with no closed loops, are also examined critically.
Speciation of Mercury Compounds in Biological Samples Using GC-AA

Abstract An interfaced GC-thermal atomizer AA system has been developed and used for the speciation and determination of volatile mercury compounds in biological fluids, perspiration and urine. The interfaced system is highly selective to mercury compounds and has high sensitivity. No sample preparation was necessary, avoiding losses during pretreatment procedures such as the cold vapor technique. The levels of inorganic mercury found in urine were from 0.0 to 3.3 ppm, and 0.0 to 0.6 ppm for sweat. Total mercury ranged from 0.6 to 3.9 ppm in urine and 0.2 to 1.0 ppm in sweat. The results also indicated the presence of unidentified non-volatile mercury in the samples. However, inorganic mercury seemed to be the major form of excretion of mercury from human bodies.
Household Task Participation of Children With and Without Attentional Problems

Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often demonstrate problems in their participation in family occupations, such as household tasks, due to their needs for assistance and their behavior. Because participation in household tasks is part of family life and may be one way that families prepare children for adult roles, it is important to have a better understanding of the nature and extent of these difficulties. Forty-four parents of children in grades three through five (22 who had a child with ADHD and 22 whose child had no disabilities) completed the Children Helping Out: Responsibilities, Expectations, and Supports (CHORES) measure to provide quantitative and qualitative information about their child's participation in household tasks. Children with ADHD did not differ significantly from the comparison group in their frequency of participating in household tasks. Children with ADHD, however, required significantly more assistance with the tasks than did the comparison group. The results have implications for family occupations and children's occupational development.
Advances in congenital heart surgery.

Congenital heart surgery is a young and constantly evolving field. Since the first patent ductus arteriosus ligation by Robert Gross of Boston in 1938, a greater understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of congenital heart disease, improved diagnostics, and the advent of cardiopulmonary bypa
Catheter management programs and postoperative urinary dysfunction

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of two approaches to urinary catheter management in controlling postoperative urinary dysfunction in 110 patients following abdominoperineal resection or low anterior bowel resection. Patients, stratified by sex and surgical procedure, were randomly assigned to either straight gravity drainage or a 6-day progressive catheter clamping program. The bladder training program following abdominoperineal resection reduced significantly the urinary dysfunction rate in women but not in men. Marked differences in dysfunction rates were related to type of surgery, gender, and surgeon. Etiology of postoperative voiding dysfunction in various groups is discussed.
Vulnerability, Partnerships and the Pursuit of Survival: Urban Livelihoods and Apprenticeship Contracts in a West African City

This paper analyses local level apprenticeship contracts and networks to highlight informal urban livelihoods within the context of socio-economic vulnerability and wider contemporary changes taking place in Koforidua, Ghana. It does so by specifically examining the complex entanglements of interpersonal relationships that characterize apprenticeship contracts within which home-based entrepreneurs and artisans in Koforidua engage in to sustain both current livelihoods, as well as to shore themselves against socio-economic vulnerability triggered in part by adjustment. As a result of the changing geography of the city, network entanglements, comprising resilient ties and egalitarian relations, have become vital to urban livelihoods in this community. However, apprenticeship contracts and the networks they engender can be a double-edged sword. For instance, demands of reciprocity or support from co-network members, neighbours and family, can be so taxing that some individuals opt out of the network. This tension notwithstanding, this paper contends that apprenticeship contracts and the network spaces they create have created a new social cohesion and community that transcend the traditionally known spaces of social support, i.e. ethnic ties, family ties or even institutional support.
Loan Loss Severity and Optimal Mortgage Default

This paper tests the contingent claims model of mortgage default in its ruthless or frictionless form. The principal tests of the model are based on an unconventional source of data, namely, loan loss severities on defaulted mortgages. The frictionless model has well-defined predictions about loss severities which we test in detail. The data analyzed include a random sample of all mortgages originated during the period 1975–90 and purchased by Freddie Mac, as well as the loss severities on all mortgages purchased by Freddie Mac which defaulted during the period. The frictionless model does not do well in these tests.
An improved result on the stability analysis of nonlinear systems

An improved approach for stability analysis of nonlinear systems that works when traditional methods do not is proposed. The complex, possibly higher-dimensional nonlinear system is viewed as being composed of several isolated but interconnected subsystems. The proposed approach divides the complicated stability analysis job into two simpler jobs: analyzing the stability of each isolated subsystem and studying the properties of the interconnections. It is assumed that the interconnections can be bounded by a function of the norm of the state variables. This allows for more general interconnections than other approaches. Examples and computer simulations show that the approach can give results even when the problem is not tractable by other standard techniques. The method is applied to mobile robots. >
Variation of Latitude with the Moon's Position

RECENT investigations at this laboratory have suggested a possible connexion between the variation in latitude of a given place on the earth's surface and the position of the moon in the sky at the time observations for latitude are made. An analysis of the whole series of the latitude observations which were made by Ross at Gaithersburg from 1911 to 1914, has revealed a striking correlation between the moon's hour angle and the value of the latitude obtained. The data were restricted to results obtained with the photographic zenith telescope, thus eliminating all personal equation. For convenience the observations were divided into two periods, one from 1911 to 1913, the other from 1913 to 1914. According to Ross's estimates, the 1913 to 1914 observations were considerably superior to those of the earlier years, as is evidenced by the smaller probable error.
Spectroscopic studies of energy transfer in fluorene co-polymer blend nanoparticles

Abstract Nanoparticles of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-bis- N , N -(4-butylphenyl)-bis- N , N -phenyl-1,4-phenylenediamine) [PFB] and poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole) [F8BT] (1:1 w/w) were studied using scanned probe and single particle spectroscopy techniques. Photoluminescence (PL spectra of ∼58 and ∼100 nm PFB/F8BT nanoparticles show efficient energy transfer from the PFB (donor) component to the F8BT (acceptor) component that is independent of particle size. We propose that nanoparticles are phase segregated into discrete PFB/F8BT nanodomains on the order of ∼20–40 nm for both particle sizes. Pressure-dependent nanoparticle PL spectra support this assignment where lineshape maxima of each component red-shift in a similar manner due to increased interchain packing within the single nanodomains.
The fast block against polyspermy in fucoid algae is an electrical block.

Fertilization potentials in Pelvetia fastigiata, Fucus vesiculosus, and Fucus ceranoides were studied to examine whether eggs of fucoid algae have an electrical block against polyspermy. The resting potential of eggs of all species was about -60 mV, depolarizing, respectively, to -24 +/- 5 mV (SD, n = 9) for 7.5 +/- 2.1 (n = 8) min, -26 +/- 5 (n = 9) mV for 6.4 +/- 2.3 (n = 9) min, and -24 +/- 6 (n = 5) mV for 6.7 +/- 1.9 (n = 4) min. The depolarization was slower, and the fertilization potential was about 10 mV more negative in eggs of both F. vesiculosus and Pelvetia fertilized in 45-mM Na+ ASW; many of these eggs were polyspermic. Steady current was passed through unfertilized eggs of F. vesiculosus prior to insemination to test the potential dependence of fertilization. Eggs (n = 10) bound sperm at all potentials tested (-45 to -23 mV), but fertilization was prevented if eggs were held at potentials more positive than -45 to -37 mV. Eggs underwent a second depolarization if artificially hyperpolarized to potentials more negative than -50 mV immediately after the rise of a normal fertilization potential. Thus, fucoid eggs have an electrical fast block against polyspermy. Only in F. ceranoides does the formation of the cell wall after fertilization appear to be fast enough (i.e., 3-6 min postfertilization versus at 10-15 min in F. vesiculosus and P. fastigiata) to replace the fertilization potential as a polyspermy block. Nonfertilizing fucoid sperm swim away from the egg surface by 1-3 min after rise of the fertilization potential. This suggests that there is another "intermediate block" against polyspermy.
Effect of β2-adrenoceptor agonists on plasma potassium and cardiopulmonary responses on exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: The effect of β2-adrenoceptor agonist-induced hypokalaemia on cardiac arrhythmias might be exacerbated during exercise, especially in patients with more compromised airway function. Methods: To evaluate the effect of β2-adrenoceptor agonists on plasma potassium and cardiopulmonary function during exercise, two identical submaximal treadmill exercise tests were performed, at least 48 h apart, by 13 patients with moderate to severe COPD (11 men and 2 women, mean age 66 y, mean FEV1/FVC ratio 48.9 (2.8)%) 30 min after they had received nebulised fenoterol or salbutamol (2 mg). The experiment was done as a randomised, double-blind, crossover trial after an initial baseline study with vehicle (0.45% saline). Plasma potassium concentration, spirometry and the degree of breathlessness (Borg scale) were measured before treatment and immediately after exercise; oxygen saturation, QTc interval and cardiac rhythm were monitored continuously before, during and for 30 min after exercise. Results: After the saline control, exercise caused an increase in Borg rating (of 4.9), a premature ventricular contractions (VPC) (2.8 beats/min), and a fall in oxygen saturation (-6.7%), but no significant change in plasma potassium (+0.04 mEq·dl−1), FEV1 or QTc interval. Inhalation of fenoterol and salbutamol did not affect QTc interval, Borg scale or VPC frequency at rest, but significantly increased the duration of exercise undertaken to reach the submaximal levels (786 s, versus 783 s) compared to the vehicle control. Following exercise, plasma potassium fell after fenoterol by 0.2 mEq·dl−1 and it increased after salbutamol by 0.1 mEq·dl−1 compared to baseline levels. Plasma potassium after exercise was significantly lower after fenoterol (3.2 mEq·dl−1) compared to the saline control (3.7 mEq · dl−1) and salbutamol (3.6 mEq · dl−1). Neither fenoterol nor salbutamol had any significant effect on the change in FEV1, oxygen saturation, Borg scale, frequency of VPCs or QTc interval during or after exercise compared to the saline control. Conclusion: When compared to salbutamol 2 mg, fenoterol 2 mg caused more marked hypokalaemia but no significant difference in cardiopulmonary response in patients with COPD during exercise.
Dayside midlatitude ionospheric response to storm time electric fields: A case study for 7 September 2002

[1] With the storm of 7–8 September 2002 as a study case, we demonstrate that an ionospheric model driven by a suitable storm time convection electric field can reproduce the F region dayside density enhancements associated with the ionospheric storm positive phase. The ionospheric model in this case is the Utah State University Time Dependent Ionospheric Model (TDIM); the electric field model is the University of Michigan's Hot Electron and Ion Drift Integrator (HEIDI). Extensive ground truth is available throughout the study period from two independent sources: ground-based vertical TEC and ionosonde stations; our simulation results are in good agreement with these observations. We address the question of what is the source of the high-density plasma that is seen during the positive storm phase and show that in this case a magnetospheric electric field with an eastward component that penetrates to midlatitudes increases local production on the dayside to a degree that is sufficient to account for the storm time density increases that have been observed.
Treatment of Small Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Comparison of Surgical and Endovascular Options

Background Small intracranial aneurysms pose significant challenges to endovascular therapy. Surgical clipping is considered by many to be the preferred treatment for these lesions. We present the results of the first study comparing the 2 treatment modalities in small ruptured aneurysms. Methods and Results Between 2004 and 2011, 151 patients with small ruptured aneurysms (≤3 mm) were treated in our institution: 91 (60.3%) with endovascular therapy and 60 (39.7%) with surgical clipping. The surgical and endovascular groups were generally comparable with regard to baseline demographics, with the exception of larger mean aneurysm size in the endovascular group versus the surgical group (2.8 versus 2.5 mm, respectively; P <0.001) and a higher proportion of posterior circulation aneurysms in the endovascular group. Endovascular treatment failed in 9.9% of patients. Procedure-related complications occurred in 23.3% of surgical patients versus 9.8% of endovascular patients ( P =0.01). Only 3.7% of patients undergoing endovascular therapy experienced an intraprocedural aneurysm rupture. There were no procedural deaths or rehemorrhages in either group. The rates of aneurysm recanalization and retreatment after endovascular therapy were 18.2% and 12.7%, respectively. Favorable outcomes (moderate, mild, or no disability) were not statistically different between the endovascular (67.1%) and surgical (56.7%) groups ( P =0.3). Conclusions Surgical clipping was associated with a higher rate of periprocedural complications, but overall disability outcomes were similar. Endovascular therapy, if technically feasible, might be a preferred option in this setting. Inclusion of patients with small aneurysms in randomized controlled trials seems feasible and will be needed to provide definitive information on the best therapeutic approach.
A case of adult onset of stuttering

Abstract A 36-yr-old adult male was treated for stuttering after a “sudden onset” of disfluency according to the client, 3 yr before. The treatment method and results are described and the “awareness” feature of stuttering onset is discussed.
Five trademark law strategies for managing brands

Abstract This installment of BUSINESS LAW & ETHICS CORNER offers business professionals a selection of five trademark law strategies for more effectively protecting and managing brand names. The legal strategies profiled herein introduce readers to a variety of trademark issues that are often overlooked in the management and protection of brand names, even by sophisticated and savvy business people.
Regulation of natural killer cell activity by anti-I-region monoclonal antibodies☆

The effects of a monoclonal antibody directed against immune response gene products on mouse NK activity were examined. In vivo administration of an anti-I-Ak antibody to C3H/He (H-2k) mice modulated their peritoneal cell (PC) and spleen cell (SC) natural killer (NK) activity against YAC-1 lymphoma target cells in vitro. No such effect was observed when BALB/c (H-2d) mice were treated with this antibody. Administration of anti-I-Ak antibody to mice before and after infection with Toxoplasma or treatment with poly(I:C) leads to suppression of NK activity in comparison to NK activity of mice infected with Toxoplasma or injected with poly(I:C) alone. A similar treatment regimen with M5/114 antibody which reacts with I-Ab, I-Ad, I-Ed, and I-Ek molecules resulted in decreased NK activity in B10.D2 (H-2d) but not in B10.BR (H-2k) mice. Serum and cell culture supernatant interferon (IFN) concentrations were not altered as a result of anti-I-Ak treatment. Removal of adherent cells did not restore NK activity of anti-I-Ak-treated Toxoplasma-infected mice to levels obtained with mice infected with Toxoplasma. In contrast, depletion of Ly 2.1+ cells from nylon-wool nonadherent SC of mice treated with anti-I-Ak antibody, before and after infection with Toxoplasma, resulted in restoration of NK activity to the same level as that observed in Toxoptasma-infected mice.
Enterprise Analysis and Assessment

As military command and control (C2) applications evolve and become immersed within a growing net-centric operational environment, the complexity of interactions among component C2 enterprise capabilities will rapidly increase. The adoption of a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) approach to C2 development, coupled with the incremental fielding of Internet Protocol (IP) based Global Information Grid (GIG) capabilities, will serve as the principal catalysts for this scenario. As a result of the sheer number of anticipated web service interdependencies, analysis and assessment of C2 behavior at the enterprise scale will be both necessary and challenging. This paper will provide an initial discussion of the emerging need for such analysis and will suggest some important implementation concepts to be considered, each of which could significantly impact future enterprise systems engineering (ESE) processes.
Epidemiology of Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. Understanding the epidemiology of anaphylaxis has important implications for preventing anaphylaxis and managing patients. Unfortunately, estimates of the prevalence and incidence of anaphylaxis vary widely. Inconsistent definitions of anaphylaxis contribute to these divergent estimates. The implementation of a simple clinical definition to diagnose anaphylaxis not only would help in the management of patients but also would advance epidemiologic research on the distribution and determinants of this potentially life-threatening disease.
A true neuronal consensual pupillary reflex in chicks.

The existence of a true neuronal consensual pupillary reflex (CPR) in birds has long been debated. In this century Noll (Noll, A. (1915). Archiv fur Physiologie (Leipzig), 350-372.) claimed to observe a neuronal CPR in a pigeon, but this was contradicted by Levine (Levine, J. (1955). Science, 122, 699.), who observed a direct transillumination effect (Durchleuchtungs-effekt) due to the retinas of the two eyes of the pigeon being in close apposition. To determine if a neuronal CPR exists, we transected the optic nerves of 28 chicks and observed and videotaped the direct and indirect pupillary responses. Twenty-one of the chicks exhibited no direct response in the operated eye but did exhibit an indirect pupillary response. The non-operated eye showed a direct but no indirect response. These results conclusively demonstrate for the first time that a true neuronal CPR does exist in chickens.
Influence of asymmetries in resource quality and age on aggression and dominance in black-chinned hummingbirds

Abstract According to current theory, dominance relationships may depend on asymmetries between adversaries in their expected net gain from contested resources. A prediction derived from this theory was confirmed in the field by experimentally creating asymmetries between neighbouring territorial hummingbirds with regard to their net energy gains from their territories, and then forcing them to fight for ownership of the combined resources of the two territories. When territory productivity was increased to levels well above the daily energy requirements of each contestant, energetic asymmetries no longer detectably influenced dominance, and the amounts of aggression per contest were lower. Contests in which an energetic asymmetry was partially offset by an age-related asymmetry involved more fights than contests in which opponents belonged to different age classes but controlled feeders of identical productivity. The predicted negative correlation between the magnitude of the asymmetry in net energy gain and agonistic investment in the contest did not occur.
COLOR-MATCHING RESPONSES TO RED LIGHT OF VARYING LUMINANCE AND PURITY IN COMPLEX AND SIMPLE IMAGES.

The parts of a complex, semirandom image containing 100 different mixtures of red and tungsten light were matched to Munsell color papers. Similar combinations of the two illuminants were matched separately as aperture colors (i.e., as isolated test patches in a dark surround) and also as test patches on eight homogeneous backgrounds containing mixtures of the two illuminants. A total of 3500 matches were obtained from 14 observers. The complex image and certain of the simple-image sets gave hue, lightness, and saturation patterns, over the sampled ranges of purity and luminance, that were almost identical, especially when compared with the aperture color responses. However, the results may support the possibility of a complex image that would produce “richer” hue characteristics than those generated by a set of simple images, if the latter were confined to a single background mixture of red and tungsten light.
Conservation genetic inferences in the carnivorous pitcher plant Sarracenia alata (Sarraceniaceae)

Conservation geneticists make inferences about their focal species from genetic data, and then use these inferences to inform conservation decisions. Since different biological processes can produce similar patterns of genetic diversity, we advocate an approach to data analysis that considers the full range of evolutionary forces and attempts to evaluate their relative contributions in an objective manner. Here we collect data from microsatellites and chloroplast loci and use these data to explore models of historical demography in the carnivorous Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia alata. Findings indicate that populations of S. alata exhibit high degrees of population genetic structure, likely caused by dispersal limitation, and that population sizes have decreased in western populations and increased in eastern populations. These results provide new insight to the management and conservation of plants restricted to small, declining populations isolated in increasingly scarce and highly threatened habitat, including other rare and endangered species of Sarracenia.
ISOLATION OF METAPHASE CHROMOSOMES FROM HELA CELLS

The authors have developed a method for large-scale isolation of metaphase chromosomes from HeLa cells. The distinguishing feature of this method is the use of a pH sufficiently low (about 3) to stabilize the chromosomes against mechanical damage. Many milligrams of fairly pure, morphologically intact chromosomes can be isolated in 8 hr or less of total working time. The isolated chromosomes contain about 2.0 mg of acid-soluble protein, 2.7 mg of acid-insoluble protein and 0.66 mg of RNA for each milligram of DNA. The RNA bound to the isolated chromosomes consists mainly of ribosomal RNA, but there is also a significant amount of 45S RNA.
A unique formulation of elastic airplane longitudinal equations of motion

Control-configured vehicle technology has increased the demand for detailed analysis of dynamic stability and control, handling and ride qualities, and control system dynamics at early stages of preliminary design. An approximate, but reasonably accurate, set of equations of motion are needed for these early analyses. Such a formulation is developed for the longitudinal dynamics of elastic airplanes. It makes use of only rigid-body aerodynamic stability derivatives in formulating the forces and moments due to elastic motion. Verification of accuracy using data for the B-1 airplane shows very good agreement. Frequencies and damping ratios of the coupled modes corresponding to complex roots of the characteristic equations agree closely with four symmetric elastic modes included.
Communication algorithms for isotropic tasks in hypercubes and wraparound meshes

Abstract We consider a broad class of communication tasks, which we call isotropic, in a hypercube and in a wraparound mesh of processors. These tasks are characterized by a type of symmetry with respect to origin node. We show that executing such tasks in a minimum number of steps is equivalent to a matrix decomposition problem. We use this property to obtain minimum completion time algorithms. For a special communication task, the total exchange problem, we find algorithms that are simultaneously optimal with respect to completion time, and average packet delay. We also prove that a particularly simple type of shortest path algorithm executes isotropic tasks in time which is optimal within a small bound.
Growth expectations from alternative thinning regimes and prescribed burning in naturally regenerated loblolly-shortleaf pine stands through age 20

Abstract Pine growth was monitored for 14 years after mechanically strip-thinning a dense, naturally regenerated, even-aged stand of 6-year-old loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.) and shortleaf pines (Pinus echinata Mill.) that averaged 41000 trees per hectare in southeastern Arkansas, USA. Prescribed winter burns were conducted biennially between ages 9 and 20 years. A commercial thinning during the 17th growing season left a residual stocking of either 19.5 m2 ha−1 or 494 crop trees ha−1 in merchantable-sized ( > 9.0 cm dbh) pines on plots that were precommercially thinned and on plots that were not. Precommercial thinning enhanced pine growth in total height and in diameter at breast height (dbh, taken at 1.37 m) through stand age 20 years. At age 20, present net value (PNV) averaged highest on plots that were precommercially thinned at age 6 then commercially thinned to 494 crop trees per hectare after 16 years because of increased production in sawtimber (trees over 24 cm dbh). The second highest PNV at age 20 was on unmanaged control plots because no costs were incurred for precommercial thinning, hardwood injection, prescribed burning, or timber sale administration. Within each thinning treatment, pine dbh growth decreased in the 18th and 20th year relative to an increase in the degree of crown scorch from prescribed winter burns that were conducted after 17 and 19 years, respectively.
Publishing systematic, pragmatic case studies in program evaluation: collatoral on a ‘promisory note’

Abstract In the introduction to this Special Section, we proposed “the creation of a database of systematic, pragmatically focused case studies in program planning and evaluation [that] will be useful to both theorist and practitioner.” Six case studies have been presented to ‘pilot test’ the value and feasibility of this proposal. This concluding statement offers lessons learned from these case studies that argue for the database proposal's viability and that point to its future prospects.
TU-A-I-617-01: Positron Emission Tomography Data Corrections and Calibrations

There are several undesired physical effects inherent to the process of detecting annihilation photons in PET. These factors include photon attenuation, detector response non-uniformity, detector saturation, random and scatter coincidence background, and isotope decay. Acquired PET data must be corrected for these physical factors either before or during image reconstruction in order to facilitate qualitative and quantitative accuracy. Quantitative accuracy of PET image data further relies upon factors such as proper calibration to true isotope activity and correction for resolution blurring. We will give an overview of undesired physical factors affecting PET data and methods used to reduce or remove their effects through measurements and software algorithms. We will focus only on those techniques implemented in the current state-of-the-art commercial PET systems. Educational Objectives: 1. To become familiar with physical effects that degrade the accuracy of PET data. 2. To understand common approaches taken to reduce or remove these unwanted effects.
Advances in computer-aided process design

Abstract Current research in computer-aided process design can be classified into three basic aspects: analysis, synthesis and evaluation. This paper reviews improved methods for these tasks from a quantitative perspective. Examples will be given in all three areas on applications of operations research, numerical analysis and mathematical programming to solve chemical process problems. The paper briefly outlines planning for flow-sheeting and continues with flow-sheet optimization. Next, process synthesis is introduced and the specific example of heat integration is described. A description of the quantification of process operability for evaluation is given. Finally, some future directions are defined and studies are cited that support these directions.
SU‐E‐T‐85: Dose Rate and Energy Dependence of EBT, EBT2, EDR2 Films, and Mapcheck2 Diode Arrays in Beam Profiles from a Varian TrueBeam System

Purpose: To investigate the dose rate and energy dependence of dosimetric systems radiographic film (EDR2), Gafchromic films (EBT, EBT2), and MapCheck2 diode system, using regular and flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) profiles from a Varian TrueBeam system. Methods: EBT, EBT2, EDR2 films and Mapcheck2 were exposed to open field regular beams with energies 6MV, 8MV, 10MV and 15MV and FFF beams of 6MV and 10MV on the Varian Truebeam accelerator. A field size of 20cm × 20cm was used and the films were placed at the depth of dose maximum for the various energies. The MapCheck was setup to measure profiles at 5 cm depth for all energies. Profiles measured with ionization chamber were used as a reference. Dose profiles from regular beams were used to investigate energy response effects where the beam is hardened in the center relative to the edges. While, dose profiles from FFF beams were used to investigate dose rate effects. Results: The profiles from EBT and EBT2 films relative to chamber showed gradually increasing energy response from center of the beam (2%) towards edges (10%). The profiles from EDR2 film showed no energy response in flat profile regions, however, there was increased energy response (8%) in the penumbra region. MapCheck2 profiles showed an increasing energy response (3%) at the edges of the beam. The energy response showed small dependence on beam energy (4%). Profiles from the different films and Mapcheck2 showed negligible dose rate effects (2%) forthe profiles from flattening‐filter‐free beams for all energies and the dose rate effects where 2% was uncertainty due to cumulative errors of scanner reproducibility and film stability. Conclusion: The EBT, EBT2 films showed stronger energy response effect compared with EDR and MapCheck2. The dose rate effects in the profiles from FFF beams werenegligible in the previous four dosimetry systems.
A Simple Soil Test for Detecting Sites that are Nonresponsive to Nitrogen Fertilization

Recent work indicates that accumulation of amino sugar N in soil reduces the yield response of corn (Zea mays L.) to N fertilization, and that nonresponsive sites are detectable by determination of amino sugar N in soil hydrolysates. Unfortunately, the hydrolysis process is too complicated and time-consuming for use in routine soil testing. A much simpler technique was developed to estimate amino sugar N without the need for acid hydrolysis. In this test, 1 g of air-dried soil is treated with 10 mL of 2 M NaOH in a 473-mL (1-pint) wide-mouth Mason jar, and the sample is heated for 5 h at 48 to 50°C on a hot plate to liberate (NH 4 + amino sugar)-N as gaseous NH 3 . The NH 3 is collected in H 3 BO 3 -indicator solution, and subsequently determined by acidimetric titration. Recovery ranged from 97 to 102% when analyses were performed after treating samples with 15 N-labeled (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 or glucosamine, but did not exceed 6.5% with labeled glycine and was undetectable with labeled NO 3 or NO 2 . Comparative studies using 12 nonresponsive and 13 responsive soils showed a very high correlation between soil-test N and hydrolyzable amino sugar N (r = 0.90 *** ). Test values were significantly higher (P < 0.001) for nonresponsive (237-435 mg N kg -1 ) than for responsive (72-223 mg N kg -1 ) soils. The soil test described has important economic implications for production agriculture, and also should be of value for controlling NO 3 pollution of ground and surface water.
Airway management for intubation in newborns with Pierre Robin sequence.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To review airway management in Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) newborns undergoing general anesthesia and to determine if endotracheal intubation is safe in this population. Study Design: Case series and retrospective chart review at a tertiary children's hospital. Methods: PRS newborns who underwent endotracheal intubation or other airway intervention before 3 months of age between January 2000 and July 2011 were identified from a pediatric otolaryngology practice database. Indications for airway intervention, anesthetic management, method of intubation, and comorbid conditions were collected. Results: Thirty-three PRS newborns were identified. Twenty had isolated PRS, and 13 had PRS related to a coexisting syndrome. Thirteen of 35 (37%) endotracheal intubations performed in PRS newborns prior to mandibular distraction osteogenesis were accomplished with direct laryngoscopy. The remaining 22 of 35 (63%) who failed intubation with direct laryngoscopy were intubated over a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope. No significant difference was observed between the isolated and syndromic PRS newborns with regard to technique utilized for intubation. No patient required rescue laryngeal mask airway or emergent tracheotomy, and no case resulted in death. Conclusions: This series demonstrates that endotracheal intubation is safe and effective in PRS newborns. In patients who failed intubation with direct laryngoscopy, intubation over a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope provided a reliable alternative method. Although airway management in PRS newborns poses a significant challenge, experienced otolaryngologists and anesthesiologists can successfully manage these difficult airway cases.