cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breast-duct endoscopy to study stages of cancerous breast disease

Summary Background In breast-cancer research, we lack reproducible non-invasive access to breast tissue. Breast cancer is thought to start in the lining of the milk duct or lobule. We have had no direct access to this area other than in tissue removed surgically or by fine-needle aspiration. Our objective was to explore an intraductal approach to studying breast cancer and precancerous changes by duct cannulation and endoscopy. Methods In this pilot study, women in a university hospital were asked to participate. Nine patients with previously diagnosed ductal carcinoma-in-situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer who were about to undergo mastectomy under general anaesthesia agreed. After the patient was asleep but before the operation, we spent 15 minutes cannulating their ducts, obtaining washings, and attempting endoscopy. The ducts that had been cannulated were marked by instillation of dye or other materials, the nipple was sutured shut, and the mastectomy proceeded as planned. The mastectomy specimen underwent extensive histopathological examination. Findings We were successful in intraductal cannulation and endoscopy in seven of the nine patients. In five of the nine, we obtained epithelial cells in the washings. In one the cells were consistent with proliferative disease, in three there was atypical epithelium, and in one there was frank DCIS. With several different contrast materials injected into separate duct orifices, DCIS was confined to a single duct system. Interpretation We found that the intraductal approach is feasible for the study of the early changes of breast cancer. Technical difficulties include identification of the breast-duct orifices, determining the distensibility of the duct, and developing a reliable technique to obtain washings.
A comparison of herpetofauna and small mammal diversity on black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) colonies and non-colonized grasslands in Colorado

Abstract Research suggests that prairie dogs play a keystone role in grassland ecosystems. We examined the relationship between black-tailed prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) and herptiles and small mammals in eastern Colorado. Using pitfall traps, funnel traps, and ground captures, we captured a total of 152 herptiles representing 10 species. Captures of herptiles and small mammals varied with annual precipitation. As predicted, we captured some species more frequently on colonies and others more commonly off colonies. Bullsnakes ( Pituophis catenifer ) and prairie rattlesnakes ( Crotalus v. viridis ) comprised 49% of herptiles captured, with significantly more rattlesnakes captured on colonies, but more bullsnakes (not significant) off colonies. We found similar herptile species richness and both Shannon–Wiener and evenness diversity indices on colonies and off-colony sites, but slightly higher diversity when calculated across the two habitat types. We inadvertently caught 134 mammals in traps; 59% on colonies and 41% on off-colony sites. Deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus ) represented the most frequent mammal caught. Captures of desert cottontail rabbits ( Sylvilagus audubonii ) were significantly higher on colonies. Higher species richness and diversity of small mammals was associated with colonies. These results support our hypothesis that the presence of prairie dogs increases diversity between habitats or ecosystems (i.e. beta diversity) on grasslands they inhabit.
Integrated velocity model estimation for improved positioning with anisotropic PSDM

There are many geologic settings where anisotropic migration is necessary to obtain accurate seismic images. While this is well known, stable anisotropic parameter estimation has posed a serious challenge. Seismic data, though extensive in coverage, cannot constrain the anisotropy parameters alone (Tsvankin and Thomsen, 1995). The set of parameters is better constrained by integrating the seismic information with certain types of well data. However, the well data are generally sparse, so the parameters are only constrained at a few locations. Nonuniqueness is obviously a fundamental issue in our estimation problem.
Two Types of Tables for Use with the Seven-Subtest Short Form of the WAIS-R

Differences between Verbal and Performance IQ estimates required at the 95% and 99% levels of significance are reported for the Ward (1990) seven-subtest short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R). Precision ranges are also provided for the Verbal, Performance, and Full Scale IQs at the same levels of confidence. IQ differences and precision ranges are given for each of the nine age groups in the standardization sample as is the average for the entire group. All calculations are based on the standard errors of measurement for the short form reported by Axelrod, Woodard, Schretlen, and Benedict (1996).
Growth, nitrogen doping and characterization of isolated single-wall carbon nanotubes using liquid precursors

Abstract Isolated single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were prepared on bare quartz and SiO 2 /Si substrates using a chemical vapor deposition process in which xylene was used as the carbon source. Controlled doping of isolated SWNTs with nitrogen was achieved by mixing appropriate amounts of acetonitrile with xylene. As the nitrogen concentration in the feed was increased from 0 to 33 at.%, the radial breathing mode intensity decreased dramatically while the intensity of the D-band increased gradually relative to that of the G-band. The D′-band at ∼1620 cm −1 was observed in the Raman spectrum when the nitrogen concentration reached ∼2–3 at.%.
Complex variables boundary element analysis of three-dimensional crack problems

Abstract This paper presents a new boundary element-based approach for solving three-dimensional problems of an elastic medium containing multiple cracks of arbitrary shapes. The medium could be loaded by far-field stress (for infinite domains), surface tractions (including those at the cracks surfaces), or point loads. Constant body forces are also allowed. The elastic fields outside of the cracks are represented by integral identities. Triangular elements are employed to discretize the boundaries. Integration over each element is performed analytically. In-plane components of the fields are combined in various complex combinations to simplify the integration. No singular integrals are involved since the limit, as the field point approaches the boundary, is taken after the integration. The collocation method is used to set up the system of linear algebraic equations to find the unknown boundary displacements and tractions. No special procedure is required to evaluate the fields outside of the boundaries, as the integration is performed before the limit is taken. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the capacity of the method.
Streptomycin reduces plant response to mycorrhizal infection

Additions of streptomycin to lettuce plants reduced their response to infection by a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhixal (VAM) fungus as assessed by shoot dry weight. This reduction in response to mycorrhizal infection was not associated with either a decrease in mycorrhixal infection or a decrease in host plant phosphorus or nitrogen concentration. We offer testable alternative hypotheses to account for this phenomenon. Numerous experiments have demonstrated that VAM fungi can increase plant growth and reproduction (Koide, 1991). The degree to which the plant responds to infection, however, may be strongly affected by many environmental factors including the soil fertility (Hayman, 1983), temperature (Smith and Roncadori, 1986), the availability of light (Bethlenfalvay and Pacovsky, 1983) and the presence of other microorganisms in the rhizosphere. These root-associated microorganisms may influence the extent to which a plant responds to mycorrhixal infection in, a number of ways. One mechanism may involve an effect on the rate of infection development. The germination of VAM fungal spores (Daniels and Trappe, 1980; Axcon-Aguilar et al., 1986; Axcon, 1989), the extension of germ tubes (AzconAguilar and Barea, 1985), the formation of appressoria and penetration into the cortex (Mosse, 1962), the fractional root colonization (Meyer and Lindennan, 1986; Ames, 1989) and the density of external hyphae (Ames, 1989) may all be increased by the presence of other root-associated microorganisms. These microorganisms may also increase plant response to mycorrhizal infection in the absence of an effect on the rate of infection development (Meyer and Linderman, 1986; Axcon, 1989), by acting in concert with mycorrhixal fungi to increase P availability (Bagyaraj, 1984; Meyer and Linderman, 1986; Linderman, 1988). We investigated the effects of an antibiotic (streptomycin) on the response of lettuce to vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhixal infection. Seeds of lettuce (Lactucu suriua L. cv. Salinas) were sown on 12 April 1989 in vermiculite. Eight days later, seedlings were transplanted into pots (150 ml) containing a mixture of autoclaved sand and soil (Hagerstown silty-clay loam) at a ratio of 1: 1. The bicarbonate-extractable P concentration of the soil was approx. 3 pg g-r. The plants were placed in a greenhouse. There were four treatment combinations (myc-
Correlation of calculated excited-state energies and experimental quantum yields of luminescent tb(III) β-diketonates

Theoretical calculations employing time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) are used to characterize the excited states of Tb(III) β-diketonate complexes. Calculated results are compared directly with experimental results that together show a correlation between relative quantum yields and the excited-state energies that depend on the electronic properties of the p,p′-substituent group associated with the coordinating N-donor neutral ligand. It is found that changes in the electron donating nature of the neutral ligand structure lead to shifts in the lowest triplet energy level of the complex that consequently change the relative quantum yield. This work provides critical direction for the synthesis of high quantum yield terbium complexes.
The ecology of skylarks on arable farmland

Skylarks are common birds on arable farmland throughout Britain and have recently been implicated in grazing damage to sugar-beet seedlings in Eastern England. Their feeding habits and their relationship to variations in food supplies were described.
Teacher Test Accountability.

Given the high stakes of teacher testing, there is no doubt that every teacher test should meet the industry guidelines set forth in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing. Unfortunately, however, there is no public or private business or governmental agency that serves to certify or in any other formal way declare that any teacher test does, in fact, meet the psychometric recommendations stipulated in the Standards. Consequently, there are no legislated penalties for faulty products (tests) nor are there opportunities for test takers simply to raise questions about a test and to have their questions taken seriously by an impartial panel. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the psychometric results reported by National Evaluation Systems (NES) in their 1999 Massachusetts Educator Certification Test (MECT) Technical Report, and more specifically, to identify those technical characteristics of the MECT that are inconsistent with the Standards. A second purpose of this article is to call for the establishment of a standing test auditing organization with investigation and sanctioning power. The significance of the present analysis is twofold: a) psychometric results for the MECT are similar in nature to psychometric results presented as evidence of test development flaws in an Alabama class-action lawsuit dealing with teacher certification (an NES-designed testing system); and b) there was no impartial enforcement agency to whom complaints about the Alabama tests could be brought, other than the court, nor is there any such agency to whom complaints about the Massachusetts tests can be brought. I begin by reviewing NES's role in Allen v. Alabama State Board of Education, 81-697-N. Next I explain the purpose and interpretation of standard item analysis procedures and statistics. Finally, I present results taken directly from the 1999 MECT Technical Report and compare them to procedures, results, and consequences of procedures followed by NES in Alabama.
Joseph II and the Jews: the Origins of the Toleration Patent of 1782

That Austria's monolithic refusal to tolerate religious minorities within its borders in an age of increasingly general religious permissiveness would not for long outlive Empress Maria Theresa must have been apparent to all but the most obtuse contemporary observers. Throughout the period of his coregency (1765–1780), Joseph II had made it plain on more than one occasion that while, unlike Frederick the Great, he did not believe that all his subjects might attain their salvation in whatever way seemed best to them, he was, nevertheless, aware that many of them would persist in assuring their damnation in spite of the best efforts of Church and crown to save them. And he was unwilling to let the obduracy of a minority of his subjects cause the state to lose their wealth, their services, and their loyalty. Dominated by such radical ideas on the place of religious minorities in a state, Joseph, State Chancellor Prince Wenzel Kaunitz, and Franz Joseph Heinke, once Kaunitz's man but now independently charged with drawing up policy guidelines for a subsequent reorganization of Church-state relations, were as early as 1769 discussing not the advisability of tolerating non-Catholic religions but ways and means of implementing such toleration.
Benzopyrenes: Correlations between HMO theoretical reactivity indices and carcinogenicity

Abstract Methyl substitution in benzo[a]pyrene 1 leads to isomeric derivatives with distinctly different carcinogenic potencies. Using the elements of “Bay‐Region”; carbonium ions and Seybold‐Smith reactivity theory, these differences in carcinogenic activity can be explained using HMO reactivity indices. Theoretical reaction indices will also be presented for the lesser studied benzo [e]pyrene system 2.
Quantitative trait loci influencing drought tolerance in grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Drought is a major constraint in sorghum production worldwide. Drought-stress in sorghum has been characterized at both pre-flowering and post-flowering stages resulting in a drastic reduction in grain yield. In the case of post-flowering drought stress, lodging further aggravates the problem resulting in total loss of crop yield in mechanized agriculture. The present study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling post-flowering drought tolerance (stay green), pre-flowering drought tolerance and lodging tolerance in sorghum using an F7 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross SC56×Tx7000. The RIL lines, along with parents, were evaluated for the above traits in multiple environments. With the help of a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) map, which spans 1,355 cM and consists of 144 loci, nine QTLs, located over seven linkage groups were detected for stay green in several environments using the method of composite interval mapping. Comparison of the QTL locations with the published results indicated that three QTLs located on linkage groups A, G and J were consistent. This is considered significant since the stay green line SC56 used in our investigation is from a different source compared to B35 that was used in all the earlier investigations. Comparative mapping has shown that two stay green QTLs identified in this study corresponded to stay green QTL regions in maize. These genomic regions were also reported to be congruent with other drought-related agronomic and physiological traits in maize and rice, suggesting that these syntenic regions might be hosting a cluster of genes with pleiotropic effects implicated in several drought tolerance mechanisms in these grass species. In addition, three and four major QTLs responsible for lodging tolerance and pre-flowering drought tolerance, respectively, were detected. This investigation clearly revealed the important and consistent stay green QTLs in a different stay green source that can logically be targeted for positional cloning. The identification of QTLs and markers for pre-flowering drought tolerance and lodging tolerance will help plant breeders in manipulating and pyramiding those traits along with stay green to improve drought tolerance in sorghum.
Squash vein yellowing virus Identified in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in Indiana

During September 2006, moderate vine decline symptoms including vine collapse and wilt and root rot were observed on numerous watermelon plants growing in a commercial field in Sullivan County, Indiana. No symptoms were observed on the fruit. Six plants displaying typical vine decline symptoms were collected and assayed for potyvirus infection and subsequently for Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) and Papaya ringspot virus type W (PRSV-W). SqVYV is a whitefly-transmitted member of the Potyviridae, recently shown to cause watermelon vine decline in Florida (1,4). Plants infected with SqVYV in Florida are also frequently infected with PRSV-W, although SqVYV is sufficient for watermelon vine decline. The six field samples harbored one or more potyviruses as determined by ELISA (Agdia, Elkhart, IN). Mechanical inoculation of squash (Cucurbita pepo) and watermelon with sap from three of the field samples induced mosaic symptoms in both that are typical of potyviruses. Vein yellowing in squash and plant death in watermelon typical of SqVYV (1) later developed in plants inoculated with one field sample. A coat protein gene fragment was amplified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with SqVYV primers (1) from total RNA of five of the six field samples and also from the symptomatic, inoculated plants. Nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of a 957-bp region of the RT-PCR product (primer sequences deleted prior to analysis) were 100% identical to SqVYV (GenBank accession No. DQ812125). PRSV-W also was identified in two of the five SqVYV-infected field samples by ELISA (Agdia) and by sequence analysis of a 3' genome fragment amplified by RT-PCR with previously described degenerate potyvirus primers (3). No evidence for infection by other potyviruses was obtained. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SqVYV in Indiana and the first report of the virus anywhere outside of Florida. The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci, B strain) vector of SqVYV is relatively uncommon in Indiana and the cold winter temperatures make it unlikely that any SqVYV-infected watermelon vines or whiteflies will overseason, necessitating reintroductions of virus and vector each season. We feel that the moderate and restricted occurrence of SqVYV in Indiana observed in September 2006 should pose little or no threat to commercial watermelon production in Indiana and should not cause growers to alter their growing practices. The occurrence of SqVYV in Indiana does not appear to explain the similar symptoms of mature watermelon vine decline (MWVD) that has been observed in Indiana since the 1980s. In contrast with the insect vectored SqVYV, MWVD seems to be caused by a soilborne biological agent (2). References: (1) S. Adkins et al. Phytopathology 97:145, 2007. (2) D. S. Egel et al. Online publication. doi:10.1094/PHP-2000-1227-01-HN. Plant Health Progress, 2000. (3) A. Gibbs and A. Mackenzie. J. Virol. Methods 63:9, 1997. (4) P. Roberts et al. Citrus Veg. Mag. December 12, 2004.
Surgical Management of Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), typically defined as elevated serum calcium levels associated with inappropriately elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, can occur also in patients with normal serum calcium levels. This study investigated the characteristics, workup, and surgical management of patients with normocalcemic pHPT. A retrospective chart review of a prospectively collected, single-institution parathyroid database was performed on patients with sporadic pHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy between 12/99 and 12/08. In all, 93 of 771 (12%) pHPT patients had normal serum calcium levels 3 months prior to surgery. Ionized calcium (iCa) levels were available for 58 patients and were elevated in 50 (86%). Among those with elevated iCa levels 90% had single-gland disease (SGD), whereas 63% with normal iCa levels had SGD (p = 0.07). Preoperative imaging identified SGD in 60% of patients with normal iCa and in 66% with elevated iCa levels. Intraoperative PTH (IOPTH) monitoring identified cure in 51 of 58 (88%) patients including 6 (75%) with normal iCa. At a median follow-up of 358 days, postoperative calcium and PTH levels were similar in the groups. One (1%) patient had recurrent disease. Most patients with apparent normocalcemic pHPT have elevated ionized calcium levels. For patients with normocalcemic pHPT, we recommend measuring iCa levels preoperatively, performing localization studies, and utilizing IOPTH monitoring to guide a successful operation.
Internal friction of solid neon and argon films

Abstract The internal friction of solid neon and argon films, with thicknesses of several hundred nanometers, was measured at temperatures up to 25% of the triple point temperature, T tr . At temperatures higher than 0.12 T tr , the internal friction increased strongly, following an Arrhenius law. The activation energy scaled with triple point temperature and was independent of film thickness. The value suggests that lowered energy barriers for dislocation motion enhance the plasticity and give rise to the internal friction peak.
A COLD PRECIPITABLE PROTEIN IN THE LENS.

THE biochemical basis for the phenomenon termed ‘cold cataract’ (that is, opacification of lenses due to cooling) has been elucidated. A soluble protein which comprises approximately 10 per cent of the total soluble lens protein and which precipitates both in lenses and in aqueous extracts of lenses when they are cooled below 10° C has been isolated. This finding validates the suggestion made by van Heyningen1 that a protein is responsible for clouding of mammalian lenses in the cold. It has been further observed that cold precipitation is a reversible process, since warming the lenses or extracts results in complete restoration of their transparency.
Liberalization Policies and Welfare in a Financially Repressed Economy: Comment on KÃ¤hkÃ¶nen

IN HIS RECENT PAPER Kahkonen (1987) shows, with the help of a parsimonious intertemporal framework, that liberalization programs can produce unexpected results. In particular, following the standard recommendation of raising artificially low deposit rates in a financially repressed economy may reduce welfare. Kahkonen notices, however, that his results may be sensitive to the assumption that there is no capital flight. This is a potentially serious drawback because of the empirical importance of capital flight (Cuddington (1986)), but Kahkonen's results do not seem to depend critically on this exclusion. In this note I indicate how Kahk6nen's model can be extended to incorporate capital flight (see Haaparanta (1987) for a more thorough treatment). It turns out that, although most of the results derived by Kahkonen hold in this extended framework, capital flight reduces the likelihood of welfare losses resulting from higher deposit rates. The model is exactly the same as in Kahkonen except that, besides saving in the domestic bank (SD), the individual can illegally invest abroad an amount SF to earn the return r* with probability ( (if not caught); if she is caught she loses both the value of investment and the interest on it. The individual determines the allocation of savings to maximize welfare. This is presented by risk-neutral "ordinal certainty equivalent" preferences introduced by Selden (1978). For any levels of savings, the indirect utility is (with Kahkonen's notation)
Kinetics of the disordered chain-to-β transformation of Poly(L-Tyrosine) in aqueous solution

Abstract The kinetics of the transformation of poly(L-tyrosine) from the disordered chain to the intramolecular β structure in aqueous solution has been studied. The reaction is induced by an isothermal pH jump and is followed by conventional circular dichroism methods. Upon application of curve-fitting procedures, it is found that the kinetics are poorly represented by a single first-order process, but a two-step sequential first-order equation is adequate. Sharp pH-dependent maxima in the phenomenological rate constants and in the fractional amplitude of the rapid step were found. It is proposed to attribute these phenomena to a transition in initial states which is shown to occur over the same pH range within the domain of the disordered-to-β transition. No sigmoid transient curves were observed, indicating that no slow nucleation events are discernible in this system. These observations contrast strikingly with the mechanism elaborated for β formation in (Lys) n [R- Hartman et al., J. Mol. Biol. 90 (1974) 415].
The Calcineurin-Dynamin 1 Complex as a Calcium Sensor for Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis *

Exocytosis of synaptic vesicles is calcium-dependent, with synaptotagmin serving as the calcium sensor. Endocytosis of synaptic vesicles has also been postulated as a calcium-dependent process; however, an endocytic calcium sensor has not been found. We now report a physical association between the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin and dynamin 1, a component of the synaptic endocytic machinery. The calcineurin-dynamin 1 interaction is calcium-dependent, with an EC(50) for calcium in the range of 0.1-0. 4 microM. Disruption of the calcineurin-dynamin 1 interaction inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Thus, the calcium-dependent formation of the calcineurin-dynamin 1 complex, delivered to the other endocytic coat proteins, provides a calcium-sensing mechanism that facilitates endocytosis.
Modes of binding interaction between viologen guests and the cucurbit[7]uril host.

Host−guest interactions between cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and a series of dialkyl-4,4‘-bipyridinium (viologen) dicationic guests were investigated by NMR spectroscopy. CB7 includes the aromatic nucleus of short chain viologens, but the mode of interaction is different with longer chain viologens due to the favorable hydrophobic interactions between the terminal alkyl substituents and the inner cavity of the host. A new pseudorotaxane was designed and synthesized on the basis of viologen−CB7 binding interactions.
Status Crystallization, Social Class, Integration and Sport

Consistent with Lenski's theory of status crystallization, a pilot study shows that athletes have comparatively low status crystallization; moreover, those with high levels of performance crystalli...
Mechanism for the electrooxidation of water to OH and O bonded to platinum: quantum chemical theory

Based on B3LYP hybrid density functional calculations, it is concluded from activation and reaction energies that OH will not form on a Pt dimer by OH bond cleavage in H2O: (i). Figure options Download full-size image Download as PowerPoint slide Neither will the hydroxyl bond dissociate over the Pt dimer: (ii). Figure options Download full-size image Download as PowerPoint slide Recent experimental measurements for Pt surfaces yield PtO and PtH bond strengths that lead to the same conclusion, and show that the Pt dimer is a worthwhile model for the above chemistry on Pt surfaces. This means that the initial step in the electrochemical generation of OH(ads) on platinum electrodes is not OH bond cleavage in H2O over a dual Pt site as previously proposed. Bond strengths similar to PtO and PtH surface values are also calculated for H2O, OH, and H bonded to a single Pt atom. This allows the calculation of potential-dependent activation energies for oxidative deprotonation of H2O and OH over a onefold surface site modeled by a single Pt atom by using an approach recently developed in this laboratory. Transition states are calculated with respect to hydrogen bonded precursors using the following optimized structure models: (iii). Figure options Download full-size image Download as PowerPoint slide and (iv). Figure options Download full-size image Download as PowerPoint slide The activation energies for (iii) and (iv), based on ab initio MP2 theory, show that H2O(ads) and OH(ads) can oxidatively deprotonate with low activation energies at the respective calculated reversible potentials of ∼0.57 and ∼1.32 V, to yield OH(ads) and O(ads). The model is extended to include the effect of the electrolyte ions on the potential at the reaction center i.e. by adding a Madelung potential to the Hamiltonian. The results are consistent with the formation of the important OH(ads) oxidant on fuel cell anodes being under thermodynamic control, with low activation barriers at the reversible potential.
Coding for Frequency-Hopped Spread-Spectrum Communication with Partial-Band Interference--Part I: Capacity and Cutoff Rate

The performance of optimal codes on frequency-hopped channels with partial-band interference is investigated. The performance measures considered are channel capacity and cutoff rate. Worst-case partial-band Gaussian noise interference is assumed with the interference independent of the transmitted signal. The capacity and cutoff rate are calculated as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio. We consider soft decision receivers and hard decision receivers with and without side information. Optimal code rates are found for each of the above cases. The required signal-to-noise ratio for reliable communication when codes are used is determined as a function of the code rate.
Use of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Highly Viremic, Hepatitis B Mono-Infected Pregnant Women

Antiviral therapy in addition to immunoprophylaxis at birth has been shown to further reduce perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in highly viremic women. The aim of this study was to describe the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) prophylaxis to reduce maternal HBV DNA levels and potentially vertical transmission in highly viremic women. After receiving IRB approval, we performed a retrospective chart review of mothers positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) who delivered between 2009 and 2012. We identified women with HBV DNA levels ≥6 log copies/mL who were treated with TDF in pregnancy. There were 22 women identified. The majority were of Micronesian ethnicity. All were negative for hepatitis C antibody and HIV infection. The median gestational age of TDF initiation was 31 weeks with a median duration of treatment of 45 days. There was a reduction in median HBV DNA levels from baseline 9.0 ± 2.0 to 5.4 ± 1.1 log copies/mL after treatment. There were five (22.7 %) preterm deliveries and five (22.7 %) cesarean deliveries. All infants received immunoprophylaxis at birth. Postnatal HBsAg testing at 9–12 months was available for 13 infants, 12 of which were negative. There was one case of perinatal transmission. This is the second published case series to date on the use of TDF prophylaxis in HBV mono-infected, highly viremic mothers. This series suggests the use of TDF in pregnancy reduces maternal HBV DNA levels and is well tolerated.
Anti-depressant action of caesium chloride and its modification of chlorpromazine toxicity in mice.

Abstract 1. Adult male mice were treated with caesium chloride (1.0 mEq/kg, i.p.) once daily for 54 consecutive days before administration of a single dose or reserpine (2.0 mg/kg) or (+)-amphetamine (1.0 mg/kg). Pretreatment with caesium chloride resulted in potentiation of amphetamine-produced enhancement of motility and in antagonism of reserpine-induced behavioural depression in mice as measured by a locomotor activity test, compared to the respective controls. 2. Chronic administration of caesium chloride (1.0 mEq/kg daily) with gradual dose build-up of chlorpromazine (up to 50 mg kg-1 day-1) counteracted chlorpromazine-produced mortality in mice. 3. The results suggest an antidepressant property of Cs+ and the combined treatment of caesium chloride with chlorpromazine might have a clinical application, i.e. in the management of chlorpromazine-induced adverse reaction.
Antibody‐mediated selection of a Mycoplasma gallisepticum phenotype expressing variable proteins

A variant phenotype of Mycoplasma gallisepticum S6 was isolated from an in vitro antibody-culture system utilizing metabolism-inhibiting antibodies against the 64 kDa lipoprotein (LP64). M. gallisepticum populations grown in medium alone or medium containing normal rabbit serum maintained expression of the parental phenotype. This paper describes the identification of proteins which undergo variable expression. Several of these were integral membrane proteins, with estimated molecular masses of 91, 43, 41, 38, 37, and 18 kDa, which were expressed in the variant phenotype but not in the parental phenotype. Three proteins (LP64, p63 and p47) were expressed in the parental phenotype, but not in the variant phenotype. The data suggest that the interaction of specific immunoglobulins with target epitopes resulted in the selection of a subpopulation of organisms expressing an alternative array of membrane proteins which, lacking the target epitopes, was able to escape the metabolism-inhibiting effects of the specific antibodies.
Establishment of a Cell Line Retaining Langerhans Cell Characteristics

A discontinuous gradient of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used to induce fusion between guinea pig epidermal cells (GPEC) enriched in Langerhans cells (LC) and cells of a human fibrosarcoma line (T-1080) deficient in hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT). The rapidly proliferating carrier T-1080 cells lack plasma membrane ATPase activity, Fc receptors, C3b receptors, guinea pig Ia-antigens, and nonspecific esterase activity, all characteristic of LC, and absent on other guinea pig epidermal cells. GPE/T-1080 hybrid cells were selected in hypoxanthine/aminopterin/thymidine (HAT) medium and by C3b and Fc rosette formation. A resultant continuous cell line was characterized karyotypically, histochemically, ultrastructurally and immunologically.
Interaction between helium bubbles and migrating grain boundaries in copper

Abstract The interaction between migrating grain boundaries and helium bubbles in copper was studied in the temperature range 840–990°C. Helium bubbles (0.22 μ radius) were formed in the single-crystal specimens by cyclotron irradiation with alpha particles and subsequent isothermal annealing. Grain boundaries introduced into the crystals by indenting and annealing were observed to drag the gas bubbles as the boundaries migrated. The kinetics of bubble dragging were investigated as a function of time and temperature. The kinetics of the process are approximately an order of magnitude slower than expected from the surface-diffusion mechanism. These results are discussed on the basis of a bubble-migration model that considers the nucleation of surface steps required for the migration of faceted bubbles.
Cerebral white matter--historical evolution of facts and notions concerning the organization of the fiber pathways of the brain

Gross and microscopic studies by early investigators led the cerebral white matter from being regarded as an amorphous mass to an intricately organized system of fasciculi that facilitate the highest expression of cerebral activity. Here we pay homage to the anatomists whose observations resulted in the evolution of ideas about the cerebral white matter. We also draw attention to limitations of the earlier methodologies and to some of the conflicts and controversies that have characterized this field and that persist in the current literature. We conclude with brief reference to the principles of organization of the fiber pathways derived from our studies in the monkey using the autoradiographic tract tracing technique, another step in the ongoing investigations of the cerebral white matter. This historical review has contemporary relevance because the fiber pathways of the brain are crucial components of the distributed neural circuits that subserve nervous system function; the clinical manifestations of white matter damage are recognized with greater frequency and clarity; and magnetic resonance imaging tractography has made it possible to view these fiber bundles within the living human brain.
Genetic screening of prospective oocyte donors.

Abstract Objective: To report our experience with genetic screening of oocyte donor candidates and to determine the frequency with which significant genetic issues are identified. Design: Prospective genetic screening of oocyte donor candidates. Setting: University hospital oocyte donation program. Patient(s): Women presenting consecutively as volunteer oocyte donors. Intervention(s): Genetic screening was performed by pedigree analysis and laboratory studies. Main Outcome Measure(s): Inclusion in the oocyte donor pool based on the results of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests consisting of polymerase chain reaction–based mutational analysis for cystic fibrosis carrier status, cytogenetic analysis for karyotype, enzymatic assay for Tay-Sachs disease carrier status, and complete blood count and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Result(s): Eight (11%) of 73 oocyte donor candidates were excluded from the donor pool because of a potentially serious genetic finding. Cystic fibrosis mutations were identified in 5 candidates (7%), abnormal karyotypes were found in 2 (3.5%), and an autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia was identified in 1 (1.4%). Conclusion(s): A significant proportion of women who present as candidates for oocyte donation are inappropriate for donation because of their genetic history or genetic testing results. A thorough genetic evaluation, including a history and laboratory screening, is essential to any oocyte donation program to maximize positive outcomes in pregnancies achieved through assisted means.
Further Evaluation of the Composite Seat Cloth-Covered Aortic Prosthesis

Abstract From August, 1968, to August, 1970, 121 patients underwent isolated aortic valve replacement and 48 had multiple valve replacement with the composite seat cloth-covered Model 2310 prosthesis. The operative mortality was 13% and 15%, respectively. In contrast to the experience with earlier style prostheses, none of the patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement with the composite seat valve have experienced any embolic complications in 1,976 patient-months of follow-up, despite the fact that a number of them were not taking anticoagulants. Hemodynamic performance has continued to be excellent. No tears have been noted in the orifice cloth of the composite seat valve, but reports of cloth wear on the valve struts have prompted continued research and evaluation in this area. Hemolysis has been shown to be slightly more brisk with the composite seat Model 2310 valve than with the Model 1200 prosthesis, but not to the point of being statistically significant. The striking improvement in performance with regard to embolic complications and potentially greater durability of the hollow metallic poppet versus silicone rubber prompts our continued use of the current generation of cloth-covered valves.
THE TIME ELEMENT IN THE PITUITARY-OVARIAN RESPONSE TO LARGE DOSES OF THE ESTROGENIC HORMONE1

Following the lucid demonstration of the dependency of the gonads upon the anterior hypophysis (1, 2), it has also been shown that, at a given height of concentration, gonad hormones of either sex suppress the activity of the anterior hypophysis (3, 4, 5, 6). This, in turn, causes regressive changes in the gonads (3,4,7,8,9,10). However, Hohlweg’s more recent observations (11) on the pituitaryovarian response to massive doses of estrogenic substance in both adult and infantile rodents indicated the existence of a hitherto unsuspected reciprocal relationship between gonad hormones and the anterior hypophysis. Most remarkable was his demonstration of premature development of corpora lutea in the ovaries of infantile rats given 500 R.U. of hydroxyestrin benzoate as a single dose. The concomitant changes observed by Hohlweg in the anterior hypophyses of the rodents included alterations of the chief cells and a slight increase of the eosinophile cells. The possible mediation of a hypothetical sex center (12), ...
Strategies for the Identification of T Cell–Recognized Tumor Antigens in Hematological Malignancies for Improved Graft-versus-Tumor Responses after Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Abstract Allogeneic blood and marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) is an effective immunotherapeutic treatment that can provide partial or complete remission for patients with hematological malignancies. Mature donor T cells in the donor inoculum play a central role in mediating graft-versus-tumor (GVT) responses by destroying residual tumor cells that persist after conditioning regimens. Alloreactivity towards minor histocompatibility antigens (miHA), which are varied tissue-related self-peptides presented in the context of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on recipient cells, some of which may be shared on tumor cells, is a dominant factor for the development of GVT. Potentially, GVT can also be directed to tumor-associated antigens or tumor-specific antigens that are more specific to the tumor cells themselves. The full exploitation of allo-BMT, however, is greatly limited by the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which is mediated by the donor T cell response against the miHA expressed in the recipient's cells of the intestine, skin, and liver. Because of the significance of GVT and GVHD responses in determining the clinical outcome of patients, miHA and tumor antigens have been intensively studied, and one active immunotherapeutic approach to separate these two responses has been cancer vaccination after allo-BMT. The combination of these two strategies has an advantage over vaccination of the patient without allo-BMT because his or her immune system has already been exposed and rendered unresponsive to the tumor antigens. The conditioning for allo-BMT eliminates the patient's existing immune system, including regulatory elements, and provides a more permissive environment for the newly developing donor immune compartment to selectively target the malignant cells. Utilizing recent technological advances, the identities of many human miHA and tumor antigenic peptides have been defined and are currently being evaluated in clinical and basic immunological studies for their ability to produce effective T cell responses. The first step towards this goal is the identification of targetable tumor antigens. In this review, we will highlight some of the technologies currently used to identify tumor antigens and anti-tumor T cell clones in hematological malignancies.
Inter-disciplinary doctor of science with computer science and information systems

This work discusses the design of an inter-disciplinary doctoral program with Computer Science and Information Systems. By combining the strengths of the two related disciplines, the design capitalizes on areas of overlapping expertise, combining the technical understanding of computer science with the innovation and business-focused areas to meet the needs of high-tech employers and innovators. Computing its application to an organization is unique in that the technology itself can be an innovative product with a competitive advantage in the marketplace, and also the application of computing technology to an organization can improve its business processes to yield a competitive advantage through lowered operating ratio, accelerated processes, and opportunity agility.
Crevice Corrosion of Titanium and AISI 304 in Acid Solutions. Comparison of experimental and calculated results

The beginning of crevice corrosion of titanium and AISI 304 in acid solution was investigated experimentally. In addition, the current and potential distributions along the crevices were determined by numerical integration of the differential equation that describes the phenomenon. The experimental results agree satisfactorily with those obtained by calculation and confirm the assumptions introduced in the schematization of the phenomenon. However, long time experiments revealed a progressive deviation of the experimental results from the calculated ones, in the opposite direction for AISI 304 and titanium. Thus, in the first case, following a time that seems to be independent of the potential imposed upon the free surface, the entire surface within the crevice becomes gradually passivated. In contrast, in the case of Titanium the corrosion behaviour of the area within the crevice reaches a steady state.
Glutathione reductase functions as vanadate(V) reductase.

Abstract The oxidation of NADPH by vanadate(V) in the presence of glutathione reductase showed typical enzymatic kinetics. The oxidation was inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide, a glutathione reductase inhibitor. Superoxide dismutase had no significant effect on the oxidation, indicating noninvolvment of the superoxide radical. The vanadate(V) reduction was found to be a one-electron transfer process. These results suggest a new pathway for vanadate(V) metabolism and a new function of glutathione reductase.
The theorems of international trade in time-phased economies

Abstract Numerous recent studies conclude that the basic results of the Heckscher-Ohlin theory are vitiated by ‘capital’: a collection of heterogeneous produced means of production. where production takes time and the interest rate is positive. This paper examines the sensitivity of the four basic theorems to the presence of capital and concludes that all four are impervious. The pessimistic conclusions permeating the literature are consequently due not to the nature of capital but rather to other departures from the two-by-two neoclassical model, departures that can be handled fully in a timeless context and, for the most part, have been.
Defibrillation and the geometry of the heart: a novel measurement with implications for defibrillation mechanisms.

We present a novel measurement for studying defibrillation mechanisms: the time course of changes in the size of the left ventricular (LV) cavity within 500 ms following defibrillation. Mechanical changes can be linked to electrical mechanisms via an understanding of excitation-contraction coupling. Eight mongrel dogs were internally defibrillated 5-50 seconds (including backup shocks) after the onset of 20 ventricular fibrillation (VF) episodes per animal. Two dimensional, short axis, LV cavity, ultrasound images were recorded at 30 frames per second just prior to inducing VF, during defibrillation and following the shock. Each frame was individually analysed to yield the LV cavity area as a function of time. Defibrillation shocks were followed by a highly reproducible phenomenon: (1) a dramatic and rapid increase in LV area, (2) a more or less prominent LV area plateau and (3) a decrease in the LV area. The peak fractional area increase ranged from 1.65 to 4.64 times larger than the baseline (LV area just prior to defibrillation), averaging 2.18±0.686. Successful shocks took significantly longer (p < 0.01) to return to 1.3 times the baseline (407±209 ms) than unsuccessful shocks (296±130 ms). Extrapolating to electrical mechanisms, our novel measurement demonstrates that defibrillation causes immediate relaxation and therefore suggests a significant role for de-excitation in defibrillation.