cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scalpel: Information-based Dimensionality Reduction for Rare Cell Type Discovery

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) enables discovery of clinically and biologically interesting populations, but detecting rare cell types is a persistent challenge. Here we introduce Scalpel, a novel technique for extracting interpretable and maximally informative features from single-cell data, enabling population discovery, batch correction, and other downstream analyses at unprecedented resolution. On a collection of cytotoxic T-cells, Scalpel recovers subtle and biologically important populations, including gamma-delta T-cells and MAIT cells, which are invisible to standard pipelines. In multi-batched data, Scalpel effectively removes systemic batch effects, achieving robust and state-of-the-art performance. Unlike other methods, Scalpel is completely unsupervised, human-interpretable, and applicable to both continuous trajectories and clustered data, making it suitable in a wide range of analytic settings.
In-space inertial energy storage design

Flywheel energy storage is a means of significantly improving the performance of space power systems. Two study contracts have been completed to investigate the merits of a magnetically suspended, ironless armature, ring rotor 'Mechanical Capacitor' design. The design of a suitable energy storage system is evaluated, taking into account baseline requirements, the motor generator, details regarding the suspension design, power conditioning, the rotor, and an example design. It appears on the basis of this evaluation that the inertial (flywheel) energy storage design is feasible.
The Real Sector of the Economy in January 2014: Factors and Trends

In January 2014, the macroeconomic situation is under the effect of the same factors which determined the economic dynamics in 2013. In January 2014, a drop of 7.0% and 5.5% in investments in capital assets and the volume of building work, respectively, against January 2013 had a substantial impact on the domestic market. Also, slowdown of growth rates of consumer demand on the commodity market (to 102.4% against 104.4% a year earlier) and the market of paid services (to 101.6% against 105.6%) was observed.
Infectious lymphocytosis; a report of two cases noted following trauma.

Summary Two cases of infectious lymphocytosis in children noted following trauma are presented. The importance of careful examination of the blood smear and bone marrow aspirations are stressed. A differential diagnosis between this condition and acute leucemia and infectious mononucleosis is tabulated.
Trading zones in technical and scientific communication

This paper uses the concept of trading zone to theorize sites of symbolic exchange in the field of biological engineering. Focusing on the communication of procedural information, the author specifically examines how expert and amateur communities use online spaces to share experimental know-how, reinforce communal identity, and coordinate resources in a way that facilitates collective knowledge making. The author suggests that scholars and practitioners of technical communication have yet to take a prominent role in shaping these developments but have the potential both to intervene in interdisciplinary negotiations and promote collaboration between diverse stakeholder groups.
The critical band coder--Digital encoding of speech signals based on the perceptual requirements of the auditory system

The development of a digital encoding system designed to exploit the limited detection ability of the auditory system is described. By dynamically shaping the encoding error spectrum as a function of the input speech signal, the error is masked by the speech. Psychoacoustic experiments and results from the literature provide a basis for determining the system parameters that ensure that the error is inaudible. The encoder is a multi-channel system, each channel approximately of critical bandwidth. The input signal is filtered into 17 frequency channels via the quadrature mirror filter technique. Each channel is then coded using block-companding adaptive PCM. For 4.1 kHz bandwidth speech, the differential threshold of the encoding degradation occurs at a bit rate of 34.4 kbps. At 16 kbps, the encoder produces toll quality speech output.
Internal Information Quality and Investment Sensitivities to Market Value and Cash Flow

A growing literature asserts that the quality of external reporting affects investment responses to market value and cash flow—frequently used proxies for investment opportunities and internal funds. However, such associations are also shaped by the quality of internal information. We predict that investment is more sensitive to internal profit signals and less sensitive to external market value signals when managers have higher quality internal information. In line with recent theoretical and empirical research, we proxy for internal information quality using observable information properties. We find that the sensitivity of investment to profitability is increasing, while the sensitivity of investment to market-to-book is decreasing in internal information quality. This evidence is consistent with internal information-based predictions and inconsistent with external reporting-based explanations. Our results offer new and unique insights robust to several alternative explanations and hold up using recently developed techniques to correct for measurement error in market valuations.
Inhibition of Myeloid Dendritic Cell Accessory Cell Function and Induction of T Cell Anergy by Alcohol Correlates with Decreased IL-12 Production

Alcohol consumption inhibits accessory cell function and Ag-specific T cell responses. Myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) coordinate innate immune responses and T cell activation. In this report, we found that in vivo moderate alcohol intake (0.8 g/kg of body weight) in normal volunteers inhibited DC allostimulatory capacity. Furthermore, in vitro alcohol treatment during DC differentiation significantly reduced allostimulatory activity in a MLR using naive CD4+ T cells, and inhibited tetanus toxoid Ag presentation by DCs. Alcohol-treated DCs showed reduced IL-12, increased IL-10 production, and a decrease in expression of the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. Addition of exogenous IL-12 and IL-2, but not neutralization of IL-10, during MLR ameliorated the reduced allostimulatory capacity of alcohol-treated DCs. Naive CD4+ T cells primed with alcohol-treated DCs showed decreased IFN-γ production that was restored by exogenous IL-12, indicating inhibition of Th1 responses. Furthermore, CD4+ T cells primed with alcohol-treated DCs were hyporesponsive to subsequent stimulation with the same donor-derived normal DCs, suggesting the ability of alcohol-treated DCs to induce T cell anergy. LPS-induced maturation of alcohol-treated immature DCs partially restored the reduced allostimulatory activity, whereas alcohol given only during DC maturation failed to inhibit DC functions, suggesting that alcohol primarily impairs DC differentiation rather than maturation. NFκB activation, a marker of DC maturation was not affected by alcohol. Taken together, alcohol both in vitro and in vivo can impair generation of Th1 immune responses via inhibition of DC differentiation and accessory cell function through mechanisms that involve decreased IL-12 induction.
Transverse initiation of an insensitive explosive in a layered slab geometry: Front shapes and post-shock flow measurements

Abstract Experiments are presented that explore the shock initiating layer dynamics in an insensitive high explosive. Tests were conducted with a PBX 9502 slab bonded on one side to a PBX 9501 slab. For each test, a detonation in the PBX 9501 was generated to drive an oblique shock intended to initiate the PBX 9502. Shocks of sufficient strength generated an initiating layer, or region of delayed reaction (relative to typical PBX 9502 detonation reaction timescales) in the PBX 9502 immediately adjacent to the PBX 9501. These reactions result in a transition to detonation away from the 9501/9502 interface in a process analogous to the shock-to-detonation transition in shocked one-dimensional (1D) explosive configurations. The thickness of the PBX 9501 layer was varied from 0.5–2.5 mm to control the strength and duration of the transmitted shock into the 8 mm thick PBX 9502. Phase velocities at the explosive outer surfaces, wave front breakout shapes, and post shock particle velocity histories associated with the detonating and initiating zones in the two explosives are reported and discussed. The initiating layer thickness decreased with increasing PBX 9501 thickness for tests with PBX 9501 thicknesses larger than 1.0 mm. A 1.0 mm thick PBX 9501 slab was not able to initiate detonation in the 8.0 mm thick PBX 9502 slab. Further decreasing the PBX 9501 thickness to 0.5 mm resulted in detonation throughout both slabs, with no initiating layer due to the intersection of each explosive’s thickness effect curve at this condition. Initiating layers exhibited particle velocity profiles characteristic of non-detonating shocks. Measured phase velocities are in good agreement with Detonation Shock Dynamics (DSD) predictions for PBX 9501.
THE MULTIVARIATE HAZARD CONSTRUCTION

A representation, called the total hazard construction, of dependent random variables by means of independent exponential random variables is studied. Conditions which imply association of nonnegative random variables are found using this construction. Furthermore, new conditions which imply stochastic ordering between two nonnegative random vectors are obtained. These strengthen previous results of the authors. Further applications in reliability theory and in simulation are indicated.
Psychological characteristics of academically gifted students in a residential setting: A cluster analysis

Ball State UniversityStudents in one entering class at a Midwestern residential school for gifted and talented adoles-cents (N 5156) took three instruments: the Self-Description Questionnaire III (SDQIII; Marsh,1988), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory for Adolescents (MMPI-A; Butcher,Williams, Graham, Archer, Tellegen, Ben-Porath, & Kaemmer, 1992), and the Self-PerceptionProﬁle for Adolescents (SPPA; Harter, 1988) in order to determine the psychological makeup ofacademically gifted students who are admitted to and leave home to attend a residential school.Scores from the SDQIII were cluster analyzed using Ward’s hierarchical method. Clusters werevalidated using data from the MMPI-A and the SPPA. Results indicated six different clustergroups that were described as follows: a mathematics focus (21%); a social focus (18%); anonathletic group (21%); a low overall self-concept group (16%); a verbal group (9%); and anonspiritual/religious group (14%). Characteristics of the clusters and implications for residen-tial schools are discussed. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
First Demonstration of a Periodically Loaded Line Phase Shifter Using BST Capacitors

Periodically loaded line phase shifter circuits using voltage tunable BaSrTiO3 (BST) parallel plate capacitors have been demonstrated at X-band. The first such phase shifter circuit was capable of 100° of phase shift with an insertion loss of 7.6 dB at 10 GHz. Subsequently, the monolithic fabrication procedure was refined resulting in an improved phase shifter circuit with 200° of phase shift and an insertion loss of 6.2 dB at 10 GHz. In addition to promising loss performance (32°/dB) at 10 GHz, the circuits reported here have several desirable features such as moderate control voltages (20 V), room temperature operation, and compatibility with monolithic fabrication techniques.
Two Novel Bioactive Adjacent Bis-THF Acetogenins from the Leaves of Annona glabra

Abstract Continuing work on the bioactivity-directed fractionation of the ethanolic extracts of the leaves of Annona glabra has resulted in the discovery of two new bioactive adjacent bis-THF Annonaceous acetogenins, 6-OH desacetyluvaricin (1) and 6-OH 4-deoxysquamotacin (2). The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical methods, and the absolute stereochemistries were solved by preparing their respective per-Mosher ester derivatives. 1 and 2 showed potent and selective in vitro cytotoxicities among six human solid tumor cell lines.
Proteomic analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown under magnesium limitation

In this study, large-scale qualitative and quantitative proteomic technology was applied to the analysis of the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa grown under magnesium limitation, an environmental condition previously shown to induce expression of various virulence factors. For quantitative analysis, whole cell and membrane proteins were differentially labeled with isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT) reagents and ICAT reagent-labeled peptides were separated by two-dimensional chromatography prior to analysis by electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) in an ion trap mass spectrometer (ITMS). To increase the number of protein identifications, gas-phase fractionation (GPF) in the m/z dimension was employed for analysis of ICAT peptides derived from whole cell extracts. The experiments confirmed expression of 1331 P. aeruginosa proteins of which 145 were differentially expressed upon limitation of magnesium. A number of conserved Gram-negative magnesium stress-response proteins involved in bacterial virulence were among the most abundant proteins induced in low magnesium. Comparative ICAT analysis of membrane versus whole cell protein indicated that growth of P. aeruginosa in low magnesium resulted in altered subcellular compartmentalization of large enzyme complexes such as ribosomes. This result was confirmed by 2-D PAGE analysis of P. aeruginosa outer membrane proteins. This study shows that large-scale quantitative proteomic technology can be successfully applied to the analysis of whole bacteria and to the discovery of functionally relevant biologic phenotypes.
Isolation, culture, and functional characterization of adult mouse cardiomyoctyes

The use of primary cardiomyocytes (CMs) in culture has provided a powerful complement to murine models of heart disease in advancing our understanding of heart disease. In particular, the ability to study ion homeostasis, ion channel function, cellular excitability and excitation-contraction coupling and their alterations in diseased conditions and by disease-causing mutations have led to significant insights into cardiac diseases. Furthermore, the lack of an adequate immortalized cell line to mimic adult CMs, and the limitations of neonatal CMs (which lack many of the structural and functional biomechanics characteristic of adult CMs) in culture have hampered our understanding of the complex interplay between signaling pathways, ion channels and contractile properties in the adult heart strengthening the importance of studying adult isolated cardiomyocytes. Here, we present methods for the isolation, culture, manipulation of gene expression by adenoviral-expressed proteins, and subsequent functional analysis of cardiomyocytes from the adult mouse. The use of these techniques will help to develop mechanistic insight into signaling pathways that regulate cellular excitability, Ca2+ dynamics and contractility and provide a much more physiologically relevant characterization of cardiovascular disease.
Angular‐correlation data analysis in terms of positron trapping by vacancies in metals

Cross sections and rates for the trapping of positrons by vacancies in Aj, Cd, In, Zn, and Cu are derived from measurements of the angular correlation of positron-annihilation radiation. The assumptions which usually accompany the application of the trapping model to angular-correlation data are discussed in some detail. [Russian Text Ignored].
Synthesis and Characterization of Microcrystalline Tis2 for Use in Cathodes

Titanium disulfide is a particularly promising cathode material for very high cycle life applications in secondary lithium batteries due to the reversible nature of the intercalation of lithium into the host TiS2 lattice. It has long been known that the mechanical stress of the intercalation process is minimized if TiS2 crystal size is kept below 10μm. It has also been suspected that minimizing crystal thickness would improve the kinetics of at the onset of lithiation by minimizing the forces which would have to be overcome in expanding the host lattice. We have synthesized three different types of microcrystalline TiS2, two thin film and one powder, and have compared their performances to that of a large crystalline powder. Lithium ion diffusivity and pulse power performance of the four materials were compared. It was found that the two thin film materials exhibited extraordinary pulse power rate capabilities while the two powder materials were limited in their performance by the constraints of the composite cathode matrix.
Expanded ethanol production: Implications for agriculture, water demand, and water quality

Feedstock production for large scale development of the U.S. ethanol industry and introduction of cellulose-to-ethanol technology will require extensive changes in land use and field management. Hence, this production will likely have significant impact on water demand and quality. This study compares two ‘what if’ scenarios for attaining a 227.1 hm3 of ethanol by 2030 and 3.8 hm3 of biodiesel by 2012. In the first scenario cellulose-to-ethanol technology is introduced in 2012, while in the second scenario the technology is delayed until 2015. Results show that the timing of introduction of cellulose-to-ethanol technology will affect the water use and water quality related input use in primarily in the eastern part of the nation. Results also suggest policy emphasis on reduced and no-till practices needs to be complementary to increased crop residue use.
Probing Slow Atomic Motions in Metallic Glasses using NMR

We report a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study of slow atomic motions in Zr-Ti-Cu- Ni-Be bulk metallic glasses. The employed 9 Be spin alignment echo technique is able to probe Be motions with jump rate below 0.1 Hz. It was found that the Be motion is spatially homogeneous. The jump rate follows a perfect Arrhenius temperature dependence. The measured activation enthalpy of 1.2 eV is nearly identical to that obtained by Be diffusivity measurement using elastic backscattering (EBS); this indicates that energy barriers are the same for short and long range Be motions. The present work provides direct experimental evidences that exclude vacancy-assisted and interstitial diffusion mechanisms for Be motions in these systems. The result is interpreted in terms of the spread-out free volume fluctuation mechanism.
Synthesis and characterization of the monomeric gallium monoamides t-Bu2GaN(R)SiPh3 (R = t-Bu, 1-adamantyl), Trip2MN(H)Dipp (M = Al, Ga; Trip = 2,4,6-i-Pr3C6H2; Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3), and Trip2GaNPh2

The synthesis and characterization of the monomeric, main group 3 monoamides t-Bu 2 GaN(R)(SiPh 3 ) (R=t-Bu; R=1-Adamantyl, Trip 2 MN(H)Dipp (M=Al; M=Ga (Trip=2,4,6-i-Pr 3 C 6 H 2 , Dipp=2,6-i-Pr 2 C 6 H 3 ), and Trip 2 GaNPh 2 are described. The compounds were characterized by X-ray crystallography and 1 H NMR and IR spectroscopy. The crystal structures show the molecules to be monomeric with trigonal planar metal and nitrogen coordination.
T-cell regulation in rheumatoid arthritis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a chronic T-cell response that has escaped normal control mechanisms. This review summarizes recent insights in pathways that are functional in RA and that favor continuous and pathogenic T-cell activation. RECENT FINDINGS: T-cell activation is ultimately determined by positive signals from costimulatory molecules and negative signals from regulatory T cells. Blockade of the classic costimulatory pathway, CD28-CD80 or CD86, is beneficial in RA. Additional pathways that predominantly control the activation of memory and effector T cells are functionally important in synovial inflammation. Some of these costimulatory molecules (such as stimulatory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and NKG2D) appear to be relatively specific for RA and not to play a role in normal immune responses. In addition to this predominance of positive signals, age-disproportionate decline in thymic activity in RA may lead to a diminution of regulatory T cells and loss of their negative signals. SUMMARY: The successful treatment trial of RA with CTLA-4Ig clearly documents the importance of T-cell costimulation in RA disease activity. Novel costimulatory pathways may be of even greater significance than CD28 in RA and may represent promising new therapeutic targets. The finding of reduced thymic activity in RA is exciting and will stimulate further studies of T-cell homeostasis and the function of regulatory cells.
Results of long-term treatment with controlled-release levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet CR)

35 Parkinson's disease patients with motor response fluctuations (RF) participated in controlled clinical trials comparing Sinemet CR to Standard Sinemet (STD) at our institutions. 13 of 25 eligible patients continued to two years (the longest possible follow-up from the second study), and 5 of 11 have continued taking CR up to 4 years. At the end of both two and four years, patients were taking significantly fewer medication doses, with a significantly longer interdose interval, and up to two years, experienced fewer “off” periods than when on Standard Sinemet (STD) alone. Most patients required STD at at least one dose each day to hasten to onset of antiparkinson effect. Sinemet CR is a useful adjunct in the long-term management of motor response fluctuations in Parkinson's disease.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and conformation of 1,4-dihydropyridines☆

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of N-benzyl-1,4-dihydronocotinamide and NADH indicate that the two C-4 protons on the dihydropyridine ring of the former, and with less certainty on the latter as well, are in equivalent environments. Thus the dihydropyridine ring either is planar or if boat-like is undergoing rapid rotational enantiomeric interconversion. The resonances of the protons on the dihydropyridine ring of NADH are shifted upfield from those of the N-benzyl and N-methyl analogs, lending support to a folded conformation for NADH in which the dihydropyridine ring lies above the adenine ring and is shielded due to the magnetic anisotropy of the latter.
The Role of Responsibility Factors of Reducing Inefficiencies in IS Projects on Six Sigma Certification in Service Organizations

Service organizations worldwide are turning to Six Sigma Program (SSP) to remove variability in their processes to attain a competitive marketplace advantage. SSP offers methodology, concepts, and statistical tools to understand and standardize processes by reducing sources of variability. An effective â€œBeltâ€ certification program, considered a major contributor to successful implementation of SSP as it provides the SSP professionals a clear understanding of what their responsibilities should be. Itâ€™s been argued that a successful implementation of SSP in an organization may require a significant percentage of the organizationâ€™s workforce, about 25% to 50%, to become Green Belt (GB) certified. A significant number of professionals who attend GB certification training elect not to become certified. The certification challenge is even more daunting in an information systems (IS) environment due to number of certifications available to IS professionals and their weak intention to become certified. In this study the authorsâ€™ developed a predictive model to address the certification challenges that IS organizations face in implementing SSP by investigating the factors that can influence the intention of professionals to acquire GB certification. Five major responsibility factors along with specific responsibilities under each major factor were developed through a multi-phase grounded theory approach with IS professionals of a Fortune 500 company.
Pressure Drop in Curved Atherosclerotic Arteries

The influence of fluid dynamics in atherogenesis has been intensively studied by many researchers (Caro et al., 1971, Giannoglou et al., 2002, Perktold et al., 1991, Qiu and Tarbell, 2000). It is widely believed that the atherosclerosis development and progression are affected by many risk factors, such as, static pressure, wall shear stress, blood viscosity flow velocity and geometry of the artery. Amongst those, static pressure plays a very important role. The objective of this work is to numerically analyze the blood flow in curved arteries with or without the presence of atherosclerotic plaque and to reveal how does the pressure drop along the inner wall of the arteries depend on the pressure drop along the inner wall of the arteries depend on the geometry of artery, plaque size and Reynolds number. A three-dimensional mathematical model is used and the finite element method is applied to spatial variables for solving the differential equations numerically. Computations are carried out with various values of physiological parameters, such as the angle of the curved artery, the size of plaque and Reynolds number. The numerical results show the pressure drop pattern along the inner wall of the curved arteries with or without plaque.© 2003 ASME
The Use of Public Mental Health Services by Older Californians and Complementary Service System Effects

Older adults with mental disorders are less likely to use specialty care than any other population group. In this study, we created a multisource secondary data file and examined the use of public mental health services by older adults across California's county-based community mental health systems. We specifically considered complementary service system effects relative to compositional effects representing individual service users and more general contextual effects. Service use was defined in terms of treated prevalence rates, repeat service use, and intensity of service use. Differences across 49 county-based systems were evaluated by regressing the 3 service use measures onto compositional characteristics including client age, diagnosis, and insurance status; variables reflecting complementary service systems including mental health, health, long-term care, and aging services; and other contextual effects such as the size of the county population and average education level. The analyses were adjusted statistically for regional, yearly, and seasonal differences, and for longitudinal clustering within the 49 counties over 12 quarters of observation. Results suggested that older adults' service use varied significantly from one county to the next, and differences were associated with both compositional and contextual effects. As the aging population continues to grow and place an increasing demand on public mental health service systems, this research may help policy makers and program administrators understand some of the critical elements that affect service use patterns among older adults.
Altered Localization of Cav1.2 (L-Type) Calcium Channels in Nerve Fibers, Schwann Cells, Odontoblasts, and Fibroblasts of Tooth Pulp after Tooth Injury

We have determined the localization of Cav1.2 (L-Type) Ca2+ channels in the cells and nerve fibers in molars of normal or injured rats. We observed high levels of immunostaining of L-type Ca2+ channels in odontoblast cell bodies and their processes, in fibroblast cell bodies and in Schwann cells. Many Cav1.2-containing unmyelinated and myelinated axons were also present in root nerves and proximal branches in coronal pulp, but were usually missing from nerve fibers in dentin. Labeling in the larger fibers was present along the axonal membrane, localized in axonal vesicles, and in nodal regions. After focal tooth injury, there is a marked loss of Cav1.2 channels in injured teeth. Immunostaining of Cav1.2 channels was lost selectively in nerve fibers and local cells of the tooth pulp within 10 min of the lesion, without loss of other Cav channel or pulpal labels. By 60 min, Cav1.2 channels in odontoblasts were detected again but at levels below controls, whereas fibroblasts were labeled well above control levels, similar to upregulation of Cav1.2 channels in astrocytes after injury. By 3 days after the injury, Cav1.2 channels were again detected in nerve fibers and immunostaining of fibroblasts and odontoblasts had returned to control levels. These findings provide new insight into the localization of Cav1.2 channels in dental pulp and sensory fibers, and demonstrate unexpected plasticity of channel distribution in response to nerve injury.
The quark sea and the ΔI = 12 rule

Abstract The effect on nonleptonic processes of quark-antiquark pairs due to quantum chromodynamics is studied. Their presence improves agreement between theory and experiment for hyperon decays. In kaon decays a new ΔI = 1 2 contribution is found, but Δ = 3 2 effects are still large to to be in agreement.
Finding Donors by Relationship Fundraising

Abstract Our research utilizes revenue–business-based relationships and data to expand the donor bases of non-profit organizations. Fundraisers desire to predict who will donate and how much to allocate their marketing resources effectively. To answer both questions, we develop the Spatial Tobit Type 2 (ST2) model that integrates the auto-Logistic (AL) and auto-Gaussian (AG) models into the Tobit type 2 framework. The AL component is used to predict who is likely to donate by inferring inter-client similarities based on the clients' transaction information from the revenue businesses. Similarly, the AG component is used to predict how much based on a similar measure of inter-client similarities. The Tobit type 2 framework combines both components into the single framework of ST2. Our empirical application linking a veterinary school's medical treatment records to its donation records demonstrates that clients' relationships built through their medical treatments at the school hospital positively contribute to their donation decisions.
"Pre-Natal Physiology"

IN his comprehensive and excellent review of Sir Joseph Barcroft's "Researches on Pre-Natal Life" which appeared in Nature, 159, p. 383, Dr. F. H. A. Marshall makes the following statement : "With regard to the matter of permeability the author finds that, contrary to the views of Flexner, the greater the number of layers in the fœtal barrier, the more perfect is the fœtus at birth, . . .". On page 5 of his book, Sir Joseph states that my colleagues and I were interested in placental permeability rather than placental 'efficiency'. I should like to point out that we have made no statements about a possible correlation between placental structure and the maturity of the fœtus at birth, and there is consequently no conflict with Sir Joseph's views on this matter.
EXAFS analysis of plasticized zinc‐neutralized sulfonated polystyrene ionomers

The interaction of several plasticizers with the zinc cation in zinc-neutralized sulfonated polystyrene was examined with extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Glycerol and water were found to interact strongly with the zinc cation, plasticizing the ionic aggregates. At full solvation by glycerol, the zinc atom was found to be coordinated by three glycerol molecules. Dioctylphthalate, acetonitrile, and toluene, which are unable to coordinate to the zinc cation, were found to have a minimal effect on the cation's local structure.
Wideband Real-Time Signal Processing Using Integrated Optics

This paper presents a review of recent progress on planar guided-wave acoustooptics with application to wideband real-time signal processing and communications. Key parameters of an acoustooptic Bragg modulator/ deflector relevant to signal processing and communications are discussed first. A projection of the performance figures obtainable with these parameters using the existing technology is also made. Implementation of the acoustooptic time-integrating correlators using integrated optics techniques is then described.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effect of Transient Mood State on the Self-Serving Bias

(1990). Effect of Transient Mood State on the Self-Serving Bias. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 130, No. 4, pp. 565-567.
Incomplete development of human spermatozoa is associated with increased creatine phosphokinase concentration and abnormal head morphology

Our previous creatine phosphokinase (CK) activity studies in human sperm revealed differences among men and among sperm populations within the same specimen. Samples with low sperm concentrations, high incidence of abnormal sperm morphology, and diminished fertility had higher per sperm CK activity. In the present work, we demonstrated, with 14C-FDNB covalent CK active site modification and with direct CK immunocytochemistry, that the higher CK activity is related to an increased content of CK and of other proteins in sperm. Also, sperm heads with higher CK content were significantly larger and rounder and showed a higher incidence of amorph configuration. We suggest that these biochemical and morphological irregularities are related and are due to a failure of spermatogenesis, more specifically, to a higher retention of cytoplasm, which in normal sperm development is lost to the Sertoli cells as residual bodies. Thus higher CK activity and larger or irregular head size in human sperm signify cellular immaturity and a failure to complete spermatogenesis.
Semiempirical tight-binding band structures of wurtzite semiconductors: AlN, CdS, CdSe, ZnS, and ZnO

Semiempirical tight-binding electronic energy band structures of the following wurtzite materials are reported: AlN, CdS, CdSe, ZnS, and ZnO.
Failings and future of VR

The field of VR has come to another crossroad in its development. The field has spent hundreds of man years and untold millions of dollars developing technology without an explicit guiding vision. The search for the next big thing will not be ended in the focus on technology. The field of VR must begin to focus on the user to define and refine its technology.
Role of cell-cell adhesion in the regulation of prolactin gene expression by extracellular CaCl(2)

We have investigated a role for calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion in the regulation of prolactin gene expression in rat pituitary GH3 cells. Cells cultured in a calcium-free, serum-free medium (SFM) express low levels of prolactin and growth hormone mRNA. As expected, addition of 0.5 mM CaCl2 to GH3 cells in SFM produced a specific, severalfold increase in prolactin mRNA levels. CaCl2 also promoted intercellular adhesion, during which cells assembled end-to-end in to cords. Prolactin mRNA increased after a delay of several hours. This latency period ranged from 4–12 h among different experiments, but always occurred after the onset of cell-cell adhesion. The voltage-sensitive calcium channel (VSCC) blocker, nitrendipine, inhibited the CaCl2-induced increase in prolactin mRNA without affecting cord formation. However, the VSCC agonist, BAY K-8644, was unable to induce prolactin gene expression prior to the onset of intercellular adhesion at 8 h, even though it produced a cellular response (tyrosine phosphorylation of a ca. 130-kDa protein) within 30 min. Blocking cell-cell adhesion inhibited the calcium-dependent induction of prolactin gene expression. Low levels (0.0025–0.02%) of trypsin blocked cell-cell adhesion and the prolactin mRNA induction by CaCl2 without affecting the levels of other mRNAs or cell-matrix adhesion. Heparin also specifically blocked the induction of both cell-cell adhesion and prolactin gene expression. Based on these data, we propose a role for both VSCCs and calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion in the induction of prolactin gene expression by extracellular CaCl2.
Lack of proliferative activity of surface epithelial inclusion cysts of the ovary

Surface epithelial inclusion cysts (SEICs) of the ovary are epithelial inclusions in the ovarian cortex believed to form from invagination of the surface epithelium at the time of ovulation. It has long been theorized that SEICs are related to the development of epithelial ovarian cancer. Ki-67 antigen is a marker of cell proliferation and has been shown to be prognostic in epithelial ovarian cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Ki-67 activity in SEICs to evaluate their possible connection to ovarian neoplastic proliferation. A retrospective review of benign ovaries removed at the time of pelvic surgery was performed. Slides were immunostained with Ki-67. Proliferation index, expressed as the percent of cells staining in SEICs, was calculated. Proliferative activity was scored as negligible, low, moderate, or high, at 40%, respectively. Eighteen ovaries from 18 women were evaluated. The percentage of Ki-67 positive cells ranged from 0% to 7%. Ki-67 activity in SEICs of the ovary is negligible to low. Proliferative activity as assessed by Ki-67 staining does not explain any possible relationship of SEICs to epithelial ovarian cancer.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determinations of 3,5-diiodo-1,2,4-trithia-3,5-diborolane

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of 3,5-diiodo-1,2,4-trithia-3,5-diborolane (B 2 S 3 I 2 ) are examined theoretically using the Gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of six types of motion predicted by a group theoretical analysis (B–S stretch, B–I stretch, S–S stretch, S–B–S bend, B–I wag, B(SSI) umbrella motion) utilizing the C 2v symmetry of the molecule. The vibrational modes of the naturally isotopically substituted 10 B 11 BS 3 I 2 and 10 B 2 S 3 I 2 forms of 3,5-diiodo-1,2,4-trithia-3,5-diborolane were also calculated and compared against experimental data.
29 SCHOOL AGE ASSESSMENTS FOLLOWING NEONATAL POLYCYTHE MIA

We report a longitudinal study of children who had neonatal hyperviscosity (HV). The original cohort consisted of 111 HV infants prospectively identified at birth and matched with 110 control infants who had low peripheral hematocrits. Criteria for matching included birthweight, gestational age and Apgar scores. Neonatal, intrapartum and two year evaluations were copded. Hv subjects were more frequently meconium stained, (p <0.005) and had more neonatal hypoglycemia meconium stained, (p <0.005) than did controls. Four children had died prior to follow-up. At tow years of age HV children had more neurologic diagnoses (p<0.005) and motor delays (p<0.005). School age assessments for the same groups were made at a mean of 7 years. Evaluations included Slosson IQ, Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) for Arithmetic, Reading and Spelling, a scored neurologic examination (PANESS), Beery Visual Motor Test, reflex testing and timed fine motor skills. Forty-seven HV and 39 controls have been evaluated to date. There were no significant differences between the two groups in IQ, Beery, PANESS or WRAT scores. Two children had abnormal reflexes. Beery tests revealed more than a 6 month delay in 18 control (46%.) and 29 HV subjects (53%). NS. When 2 and 7 year outcomes were compared only 2 of the 20 subjects who had abnormalities on the earlier follow-up now had no delays. More than one delay was present in 15 of 22 children with abnormal outcome at 2. Ten of 36 who were normal at 2 now had more than one low score (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Neurologic handicaps and motor delays at two are associated with lower achievement scores at 7. 2. The children with HV examined in this study did not differ from weight-matched control infants from a similar medically-indigent population. School performance and behavior for these subjects are now being evaluated.
The heart remembers.

Time for primary review 21 days. Cardiac memory was characterized by Rosenbaum et al. in 1982 as ST-T wave changes induced by ventricular pacing or arrhythmia that persist long after normal ventricular activation has resumed [1]. Rosenbaum's work enlarged upon the earlier studies of Chatterjee et al. [2]who reported persistent postpacing changes in T wave morphology. The key aspects of cardiac memory were that the magnitude and persistence of the postpacing T wave changes increased with the duration of abnormal ventricular activation (referred to as ‘accumulation’) (Fig. 1), and the subsequent normalization of the T wave occurred slowly, requiring hours to months, depending on the duration of the inciting stimuli. Fig. 1 (A) T wave changes in a human subject in complete heart block before and after siting a ventricular pacemaker, and then with the pacemaker turned off after 15 minutes and 3, 8 and 15 days after the onset of pacing. Note the progressive evolution of the T wave change (reprinted from reference [2], by permission). (B) Cardiac memory evolution over 21 days of ventricular pacing (VP). Depicted are leads I and aVR from one dog during control, during VP, and at the end of 1 hour after pacing was discontinued on days 7, 14, and 21. In both leads, evolution of the T wave is such that it tracks the vector of the paced QRS complex (reprinted from reference [15], by permission). (C) Frontal plane vectorcardiographic depiction of cardiac memory from the same dog presented in Figure 1B. A shows P, QRS, and T wave vectors in control, before the onset of pacing. B: The QRS and T vectors during ventricular pacing. C: The T wave vector alone (note enlarged scale as well as dotted line indicating the change in vector) during sinus rhythm in control … * Corresponding author. Tel.: +1-212-305-8754; fax: +1-212-305-8351; e-mail: emf3@columbia.edu
Computers and Learning: A Review of Recent Research

This literature review examines recent research on computers and learning. It covers investigations of the computer in relation to: 1) effects on learning, 2) development of cognitive skills, 3) academic motivation, 4) learning environments, and 5) methodological issues. It notes three emerging trends; though these trends do not characterize the field as a whole, they set new and rigorous standards for research in the field. They include the integration of educational and psychological theory into research, precision in concept specification, and improvements in research design. The review notes the predominance of quantitative methods for hypothesis testing, with new interest emerging in the application of qualitative approaches for hypothesis formation. In addition, several new directions for research are proposed.
Morphological features of the surface of the sea urchin (Arbacia punctulata) egg: Oolemma-cortical granule association

Abstract Scanning microscopy and transmission electron microscopy of sectioned specimens and freeze-fracture replicas revealed the presence of slightly elevated regions, approximately one-fourth to one-half the diameter of microvilli, which were situated along the surface of unfertilized Arbacia eggs. These modifications of the surface of the egg were observed in areas occupied by cortical granules and were greatly reduced in number following the cortical granule reaction. Few such modifications were present in immature and urethane-treated ova, in which cortical granules were located in regions of the egg other than the cortex. Freeze-fracture replicas of unfertilized eggs revealed a significantly higher density of intramembranous particles within the plasmalemma when compared to replicas of the membrane surrounding cortical granules. Areas characteristic of the cortical granule membrane, i.e., sparsely laden with particles, were not observed within the plasmalemma of the fertilized egg. Hence, following its fusion with the egg plasma membrane there is a dramatic reorganization in particle distribution of the membrane derived from cortical granules.
Barley HVA1 gene confers salt tolerance in R3 transgenic oat

in the oat background, and the salt tolerance trait complexity (Cushman and Bohnert, 2000). Crop improveA major cause of oat crop yield loss worldwide is osmotic stress ment strategies that are based on the use of new technolduetodroughtand/orsalinity.Thisstudyinvestigatedthethirdgenerationoftransgenicoat(AvenasativaL.)expressingbarleyHVA1stress ogies, such as biotechnology, can be used in conjunction tolerance, -glucuronidase (uidA; gus) and bar herbicide resistance with traditional breeding efforts (Abebe et al., 2003; genes. Transgenic plants showed normal 9:7 third generation inheri- Epstein et al., 1980; Ribaut and Hoisington, 1998), offertance for glufosinate ammonium herbicide resistance. Molecular and ing a responsible way to enhance agricultural productivhistochemical studies confirmed the presence and stable expression ity. Biotechnology could help eliminate many obstacles of all three genes. Compared with the nontransgenic control plants, limiting crop production in developing countries. The transgenicR3plantsexhibitedgreatergrowthandshowedasignificant development of crops with the internal capacity to with(P 0.05) increase in tolerance to salt stress conditions (200 mM stand abiotic stresses would help to reduce the use of NaCl) for traits including number of days to heading, plant height, water (FAO, 1999), thus promoting sustainable yields flag leaf area, root length, panicle length, number of spikelets/panicle,
Epidemiology of Myomas

Fibroids are a prevalent disorder occurring in at least half of American reproductive-age women. In general, the incidence and size increases with age. Most women never attribute or report any symptoms from their fibroids, and because of this the actual contribution of disease to symptoms of pelvic pain,menstrual symptoms, and infertility is poorly understood. The presence of fibroids can lead to multiple and disabling difficulties. Fibroids may cause pain and menstrual bleeding to the point of anemia. Fibroids clearly reduce fertility,increase preterm labor and delivery, and markedly increase the risk for cesarean delivery. Because the incidence varies according to population of interest, fibroids may explain some health disparities in different populations. For example,African Americans have a relatively poor outcome with assisted reproductive techniques compared with whites. Controlling for fibroid disease may explain this disparity, at least in part. Fibroids represent a tremendous public health burden on women and economic cost on society. Strategies to prevent, limit growth, and treat nonsurgically are needed. Fundamental and significant questions remain about fibroid disease,such as whether different clinical disease phenotypes (multiple versus single leiomyomas) contribute equally to symptoms and possess an equal likelihood of disease progression. For epidemiologic assessment of disease, a scoring system is urgently needed. Well-designed, controlled, prospective studies are still needed to define the natural history and correlate the presence of disease with symptomatology in women.
Plate method for detection of phospholipase activity in Candida albicans

Intracellular phospholipase activity has previously been detected in Candida albicans. A plate method is described which allows rapid detection and measurement of the extracellular activity in a number of clinical isolates. The ratio of colony diameter to diameter of the dense white zone of precipitation around phospholipase positive colonies, (Pz value), correlates with hydrolysis of [14C]phosphatidylcholine by concentrated culture filtrates of selected test isolates. A large variation in phospholipase activity is found between different isolates of C. albicans, however the Pz value is constant for any one isolate regardless of the site from which it is recovered in the patient. Fifty five % of fresh blood isolates are positive and these are also the most potent phospholipase producers. Fifth % of wound isolates and 30% of urine isolates are also positive. A larger sample group must be studied, however, before it can be determined whether these differences are highly significant.