cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biological effects of toxic products from Trichothecium roseum Link.

Extracts of rice cultures of 8 of 16 isolates ofTrichothecium roseum killed one or more ducklings or mice or both. One of the isolates (MC-156) obtained from shelled corn was the most toxigenic; extracts of this isolate killed all treated ducklings and mice. Doses of purified toxic fraction TR-1 of 166 mg/kg body weight given intraperitoneally killed all test mice but none of the mice given 100 mg/kg doses died. However, a partially purified fraction (Fraction VII), from which toxic fraction TR-1 was derived, killed two of three mice given 78 mg/kg doses. Crude ether extracts of rice cultures ofT. roseum (MC-156) produced death when injected intraperitoneally in rabbits and a 19-day-old pig and also produced dermal necrosis when applied to the skin of rabbits. The latter phenomenon was not observed when 5 mg of toxic fraction TR-1 was applied to the skin of rabbits. The greatest production of toxin occurred in rice cultures when incubated at 28° C and with 20 % (ml/g) water added to the rice. Incubation of rice cultures ofT. roseum (MC-156) under CO2 tension suppressed toxin production.
The history of spinal deformity

Spinal deformity is the oldest disease known to humankind. The first record of correction of spinal deformity was documented in an Indian religious mythological book written between 3500 BC and 1800 BC. Initially, all spinal deformities were treated with the use of braces, traction, or casts. Hippocrates was the first physician to treat spinal deformities by using axial traction combined with direct pressure. Galen specifically described the anatomy of the spine and spinal nerves. The treatment of spinal deformity was greatly improved by the development of radiographic imaging by Roentgen. After x-rays became available, spinal fusions began to be used to treat scoliotic curves. Hibbs described the first spinal fusion to stabilize a deformed tuberculous spine. Soon enough, other investigators began to report on a variety of surgical techniques used to treat spinal deformity. Surgical approaches from both the posterior and anterior directions were developed and modified in an attempt to achieve durable curve corrections. Harrington's distraction rod system was a major innovation in providing a method to improve coronal plane deformity. Luque introduced segmental instrumentation, which opened up the era of modern surgical techniques for spinal deformity. This concept allowed surgeons to begin to achieve three-dimensional corrections by respecting both the sagittal and coronal curves simultaneously. The introduction of pedicle screws, throughout the thoracolumbar spine, has increased the ability of surgeons to achieve greater degrees of curve correction than had previously been possible. The history of spinal deformity is still maturing as newer procedures continue to be performed on a daily basis.
An efficient synthesis of enantiomerically pure (+)-(2S,5R)-1-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-oxathiolan-5-yl]cytosine [(+)-BCH-189] from d-galactose

Abstract An efficient and short synthesis of enantiomerically pure (+)-BCH-189 has been accomplished from D-galactose via 1,6-thioanhydro-D-galactose.
Economic Returns to Holstein and Jersey Herds Under Multiple Component Pricing

This study analyzed component data from herds participating in the Mideast Federal Milk Marketing Order from 2000 through 2002, and its implications for herd profitability. A monthly simulation model was developed to evaluate the economic returns for a representative Holstein and Jersey herd in Pennsylvania under multiple component pricing. Component levels were highly seasonal and variable from farm to farm. A third of the herds during the course of a year realized a 1- to 3-mo temporary reduction in milk fat or protein greater than one standard deviation. Consistently producing milk fat and protein one standard deviation below the mean reduced the Class III value by $0.82/cwt (100 pounds), or 7.09%. The simulation model indicated that a herd of 100 Holstein cows generated $31,221 more income over feed costs (IOFC) a year than a herd of 100 Jersey cows. Although Jersey milk had greater gross value than Holstein milk due to higher component levels, total volume of milk and components produced by Holsteins offset this difference. Simulation results confirm that increasing milk fat and protein percentages by one standard deviation increased IOFC 7.7% for Holsteins and 9.2% for Jerseys relative to the baseline IOFC, with similar losses for component reductions. Increasing milk yield by one standard deviation increased IOFC by 19.6% for Holsteins and 23.9% for Jerseys relative to the baseline IOFC, again with similar losses for reductions in milk production. In all of the scenarios analyzed, the most important factor affecting IOFC was total amount of milk fat and protein produced, not the component percentage levels.
Discovery of an Unbound Hypervelocity Star in the Milky Way Halo

We have discovered a star, SDSS J090745.0+024507, leaving the Galaxy with a heliocentric radial velocity of 853 ± 12 km s-1, the largest velocity ever observed in the Milky Way halo. The star is either a hot blue horizontal-branch star or a B9 main-sequence star with a heliocentric distance of 39 or 71 kpc, respectively. Corrected for the solar reflex motion and to the local standard of rest, the Galactic rest-frame velocity is 709 km s-1. We suggest that this star is the first example of a hypervelocity star ejected from the Galactic center, as predicted by Hills and later discussed by Yu & Tremaine. The star's radial velocity vector points 174° from the Galactic center. The star has [Fe/H] ~ 0, consistent with a Galactic center origin, and a travel time of 80 Myr from the Galactic center, consistent with its stellar lifetime. If the star is indeed traveling from the Galactic center, it should have a proper motion of ~0.3 mas yr-1 observable with the Space Interferometry Mission or the Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics. Identifying additional hypervelocity stars throughout the halo will constrain the production rate history of hypervelocity stars at the Galactic center.
Extraction of thyrotrophin from pituitary glands, mouse pituitary tumors, and blood plasma by percolation.

A percolation method of extraction of thyrotrophin from dry powders of anterior pituitary glands, mouse pituitary tumors and blood plasma has been developed. The powder mixed with an equal weight of filter aid suspended in 95% ethanol was placed on a Buchner funnel and increasingly more aqueous solutions containing salt were run in succession through the filter cake in a stepwise manner. The TSH is removed with 57 or 67% ethanol solutions saturated with sodium chloride. The yields were estimated to be over 50% of the potency in about 2% of the weight, which is a concentration of the activity of about 30 times, whether from dried plasma or pituitary powder.
Ethynylation of 1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-D-xylo-pentodialdose derivatives. A synthetic route to uronic acids

Abstract Ethynylation of periodate-oxidized 1,2- O -isopropylidene-α- D -glucofuranose gave 6,7-dideoxy-1,2- O -isopropylidene-β- D - ido -hept-6-ynofuranose ( 2 ) together with a proportion of the α- D - gluco analog 6 ; ozonolysis of 2 and 6 gave 1,2- O -isopropylidene-β- L -idofuranurono-6,3-lactone ( 8 ) and 1,2- O -isopropylidene-α- D -glucofuranurono-6,3-lactone ( 7 ), respectively. The heptyne 2 gave a crystalline 3,5-dibenzoate 3 , which on ozonolysis gave 3,5-di- O -benzoyl-1,2- O -isopropylidene-β- L -idofuranuronic acid ( 4 ); saponification of 4 with methanolic sodium methoxide led to epimerization at C-5. Ethynylation of 3- O -benzyl-1,2- O -isopropylidene-5- aldehydo - D - xylo -pentodialdo-1,4-furanose ( 9 ) (characterized as its p -nitrophenylhydrazone, 13 ) gave a separable, 3:4 mixture of 3- O -benzyl-6,7-dideoxy-1,2- O -isopropylidene-α- D - gluco -hept-6-ynofuranose ( 14 ) and the β- L - ido epimer ( 10 ); ozonolysis of 14 and 10 followed by hydrogenolysis gave the lactones 8 and 7 , respectively. Crystalline 5-benzoates 11 and 15 were obtained from 10 and 14 , respectively. Ozonolysis of 11 gave 5- O -benzoyl-3- O -benzyl-1,2- O -isopropylidene-β- L -idofuranuronic acid ( 12 ); similar treatment of 15 gave the α- D - gluco analog ( 16 ) of 15 . Hydrogenolytic cleavage of the benzyl groups, and catalytic de-esterification, of 12 and 16 led to mixtures of the lactones 7 and 8 through epimerization at C-5.
NITRIC OXIDE INHALATION INCREASES BLOOD OXYGEN LEVELS OF INFANTS WITH RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME. † 1455

NITRIC OXIDE INHALATION INCREASES BLOOD OXYGEN LEVELS OF INFANTS WITH RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME. † 1455
The validity of indices for rural health manpower needs assessment.

Abstract Population-to-practitioner ratios have long been the primary index in the designation of health manpower shortage areas. This paper documents that application of the widely used population-to-dentist index results in understatement of the need for dental health manpower in rural areas. Through the analysis of utilization data collected from a statewide health screening program in Colorado, the practice of sole reliance on the population-to-dentist indices as an indicator of need was tested. Another measure, the area- (square miles) to-dentist ratio was formulated, examined, and found to be a more useful referent of the need for additional health manpower in rural areas. Utilization of dental services in sparsely settled rural counties of Colorado was unrelated to population-to-dentist ratios. A strong, statistically significant association of utilization with land area-to-dentist ratios was found. The findings of this analysis suggest a need for reevaluation of needs assessment methodologies used in the designation of health manpower shortage areas. Indices more sensitive to consumer circumstance than to the number of health care providers available must be considered.
Photoperiodic modulation of steroid-induced lordosis in golden hamsters

The photoperiodic modulation of steroid-induced receptive behavior was investigated using ovariectomized female hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) kept in short (6 hr of light/day) or long (16 hr of light/day) photoperiods. When a low dose of estradiol (E) was used, a significantly larger percentage of animals housed in long days displayed lordosis behavior than did animals housed in short days in tests with intact males as stimuli. This effect of photoperiod was reduced when a high dose of E was employed and was absent when E treatment was supplemented with progesterone. These observations suggest that a reduction in behavioral sensitivity to E may contribute to the reproductive quiescence induced by short photoperiods.
Self-Defensive Gun Use by Crime Victims: A Conjunctive Analysis of Its Situational Contexts

As a means for analyzing categorical data, conjunctive analysis is an emerging analytic approach used in both exploratory and confirmatory research. This technique is applied in the current study to examine two important issues related to the use of firearms as a means of self-defense by crime victims. Using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, the current study uses conjunctive analysis (a) to examine the contextual factors associated with the use of a firearm by crime victims as a means of self-defense and (b) to identify the situational factors most closely associated with instances where the self-defensive use of a firearm is most and least effective. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for future research.
Reciprocal control by the preoptic area of LH and prolactin

Plasma levels of LH and prolactin were measured by radioimmunoassay after stimulation of the preoptic area (POA) and basal medial hypothalamus (BMH). Stimulation of the BMH resulted in increased plasma levels of LH and prolactin. In contrast, stimulation of the POA elicited increased plasma LH but produced a decrement in prolactin levels. It was concluded that the POA may be an important mediator of the often encountered reciprocal relationship between gonadotropin and prolactin release.
Ultrasonic and high-temperature pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of lignocellulosic sweet sorghum to bio-ethanol

This study investigated the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to hexose and pentose sugars through ultrasonic and hot water pretreatment, followed by hydrolysis with a mixture of enzymes and fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae to bio-ethanol. Lignin concentration decreased by 52%, cellulose and hemicellulose concentrations increased by 49% and 25%, respectively, after the ultrasonic plus hot water pretreatment. Cellulose conversion to glucose was the highest when Accellerase 1500 + XC enzyme was used (89%), followed by Accellerase 1500 + BG (84%), Accellerase 1500 + XY (83%) and Accellerase 1500 (82%). Hemicellulose conversion to xylose and arabinose was the highest when Accellerase 1500 + XC enzyme was used (48%), followed by Accellerase 1500 + XY (40%). Optimum yield of bioconversion of the cellulose was 3.2–4.2 g ethanol/100 g of sweet sorghum biomass and ethanol concentration was 8–10 g/L based on cellulose conversions. The results in this study can be used to optimise processing conditions f...
Image compression for digital video tape recording with high-speed playback capability

In a digital video tape recorder (DVTR), the video data are stored serially on a sequence of parallel scan tracks running obliquely across the tape. In normal playback, the read heads scan along each track sequentially, while fast-forward is realized by a special subsampling process in which the read heads sweep across multiple tracks per scan and pick up a segment of data from each track to generate a patchwork quilt of subimages taken from successive fields. An image compression algorithm for DVTR is required to conform to the storage format implied by this fast-forward mechanism. Thus, a field of video is partitioned into a small number of subimages, each independently coded with a fixed number of bits. This requirement excludes the use of interframe coding and most variable-rate coding algorithms. We propose a new image coding algorithm that retains the efficiency of variable-rate coding while the above requirement is satisfied. In this algorithm a subimage is partitioned into non-overlapping 8 X 8 blocks, and each block is coded progressively by DCT and Vector Quantization to generate a finite set of candidate output blocks covering a range of bit rates. A procedure based on the Lagrange Multiplier method is used to select one of the candidate outputs for each 8 X 8 block such that the overall distortion is minimized subject to the constraint on the bit rate. Simulation results demonstrate the potential of this algorithm in image compression for DVTRs.
Arrhythmias and Social Drinking

Excerpt The "holiday heart" syndrome was described a few years ago by Ettinger and associates (1), who noted paroxysms of arrhythmias in alcoholic patients without overt cardiomyopathy more often a...
Optimizing metrics in police routing algorithms

A large part of the mission of state troopers is to prevent traffic accidents and to quickly respond to the accidents that do happen. However, driving about aimlessly during their shift is not efficient. Certain areas can be identified as "hotspots", places where crashes are known to frequently occur. It is advantageous to have officers target these critical locations during their patrol routes. Multiple officers taking similar routes is also inefficient. The number of officers patrolling is limited, and by keeping them spread out, response time to crashes can be decreased.The purpose of the Turn programming language is to create efficient routes daily, but with a degree of randomness to prevent the routes from becoming predictable. At its core is a graph representing the roads of Alabama, with vertices at each milepost and intersection. Turn programs utilize set reduction functions to choose what vertices officers should patrol. Depending on what functions the programmer uses and the order they are used, the route may be different to reflect the changing priorities.A Turn program's worth is measured by a number of metrics, such as how many hotspots were covered each day, how long those hotspots were patrolled, and time taken to respond to crashes in the simulation. Additionally, a program is worthless if the routes it creates are not realistic. In this paper, we present an analysis of various Turn programs, explain how they affect the metrics, and show a program that strikes a balance between them.
A new isotope of curium and its decay properties: 251Cm☆

Abstract The nuclide 251Cm ( t 1 2 = 16.8 ± 0.2 min ) was produced by neutron capture from 250Cm with an approximate cross section of 80 barns. In the decay of 251Cm, we measured the energies and intensities of 12 γ-rays from which we constructed a level scheme for 251Bk and assigned configurations for six single-particle states in 251Bk and for the ground state of 251Cm ( 1 2 ) + . The levels of 251Bk fed by 251Cm β-decay are compared with those of 249Bk fed by 249Cm β-decay. We also compare our measured Qβ− value of 1.42 MeV for 251Cm with previous closed-cycle estimates.
A university-developed 35 GHz airborne cross-track SAR interferometer: Motion compensation and ambiguity reduction

In this paper, an airborne Ka-band (35GHz) FMCW interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) and its preliminary processing results are presented. Among the issues that had to be addressed in the processing of the SAR imaginer was the correction of range ambiguities through the use of a phase gradient algorithm. In this paper, the results of the 35 GHz InSAR are presented to demonstrate the height mapping capability of the UMass 35 GHz radar system.
Characterization of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of acrylamide in complex environmental samples

This work describes the characterization of a solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based method for the analysis of acrylamide (AA) in complex environmental waters. The method involved the SPE of AA using activated carbon, and the AA was detected with tandem mass spectrometry after separating on an ion exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography column. The method incorporated two labeled AA standards for quantification using isotope dilution and to assess absolute extraction recovery. The method was evaluated for inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy. The method was both accurate (i.e., <30 % error) and precise (i.e., <20 % relative standard deviation), with absolute extraction recoveries averaging 37 %. The mass spectrometry provided excellent sensitivity, with instrumental limits of detection and quantitation values of 23 and 75 pg, respectively. The method detection limit was determined to be 0.021 μg/L. The analysis of AA was successfully performed in real-world samples that contained total dissolved solids concentrations ranging from 23,600 to 297,000 mg/L and AA concentrations ranging from 0.082 to 1.0 μg/L.
Changes in wealth in the United States, 1962-1983: savings, capital gains, inheritance, and lifetime transfers.

A simulation model is developed to account for observed changes in mean household wealth both overall and by age cohort over the 1962–1983 period in the United States. There are three major findings. First, capital gains are the major factor explaining overall wealth changes and account for 77% of the simulated growth in wealth over the entire period. Second, for cohorts under age 40, inheritance and inter vivos transfers dominate observed changes in wealth. Indeed, the oldest age groups appear to have transferred sizable amounts of their wealth to younger generations inter vivos, raising the wealth of these younger groups substantially above what it would be based on saving. Third, while differences in portfolio composition favored the younger cohorts over this period, such differences do not explain a large portion of the great variation in real wealth changes by cohort over the two decade period.
Bounds on the number of complete subgraphs

Let G be a graph with a clique number w. For 1jw, let kj be the number of complete subgraphs on j nodes. We show that . This is exact for complete balanced w-partite graphs and gives Turan theorem when j = 1. A coronally is w (8k329k23+3k316k32+9k23)/(4k3218k23. This new bound on the clique number supercedes an earlier bound from Turan's theorem.
Destabilization of the internal kink by energetic-circulating ions

A stability analysis is carried out for the m=1 internal kink mode, in the presence of energetic circulating particles. It is found that, including the effect of finite radial particle-orbit excursion, the m=1 internal kink mode is strongly destabilized by the resonance interaction with the energetic passing particles. Such an instability could explain the experimental observations of the ``fishbone'' oscillations during tangential neutral beam injection [W. W. Heidbrink et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 57, 835 (1986)].
Minimum Kolmogorov–Smirnov test statistic parameter estimates

We present and implement an algorithm for computing the parameter estimates in a univariate probability model for a continuous random variable that minimizes the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test statistic. The algorithm uses an evolutionary optimization technique to solve for the estimates. Several simulation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Early clinical experience with clonidine in spinal spasticity

The centrally active, alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine was given to 12 spinal cord injury patients with problematic spasticity not adequately controlled by recognized spasmolytic drug therapy. Five patients had an excellent reduction and 2 patients had some reduction in clinical spasticity (average dose 0.39 mg daily). Four of the 7 responders discontinued clonidine because of adverse reactions after an average of ten weeks of therapy. Three responders have continued to tolerate the drug well with excellent control of spasticity for 18 to 34 months. Five patients had no change in clinical spasticity (average dose of 0.24 mg daily). Three of the non-responders discontinued clonidine because of adverse reactions after an average of three weeks of therapy. Significant associated adverse reactions included syncopal seizures (3), cerebrovascular accident (1), deep vein thrombosis (1), autonomic hyperreflexia (3), lethargy/drowsiness (3), and nausea/vomiting (1). Possible mechanisms of action for clonidine to affect spasticity and the unstable cardiovascular system of quadriplegics is discussed. While spinal cord injured patients with severe spasticity may benefit from clonidine, great caution is recommended during its use until further study establishes safe parameters of administration and efficacy is confirmed on controlled studies.
Synthesis, Separation and Crystal Structures of E and Z Isomers of 3-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)Acrylic Acid

Synthesis, separation and X-ray crystal structures of E and Z isomers of 3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acrylic acid are reported. Separation of E and Z isomers from a 1:1 mixture has been carried out by selective acidification of their sodium salts carefully controlling the pH of the solution. The structures of E and Z isomers were confirmed by determining crystal structures of these isomers using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The E isomer crystallizes in the P21/c space group with a = 11.493(2) A, b = 5.5456(11) A, c = 24.900(5) A, α = 90°, β = 92.36(3)°, γ = 90°, Z = 4. The Z isomer crystallizes in the P21/c space group with a = 10.192(2) A, b = 12.893(3) A, c = 13.948(3) A, α = 90°, β = 92.18(3)°, γ = 90°, Z = 4. Details of the synthesis and structural characterization and X-ray crystal structure determination of the title compounds are presented. Synthesis, Separation and Crystal Structures of E and Z Isomers of 3-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)Acrylic Acid Balachandra Chenna, Bidhan A. Shinkre, Shweta Patel, Samuel B. Owens Jr., Gary M. Gray, Sadanandan E. Velu* Separation of E and Z isomers of 3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)acrylic acid from a 1:1 mixture has been carried out by selective acidification of their sodium salts and the structures of the individual isomers have been determined by X-ray single crystal diffraction.
Accuracy-Guided Runtime Adaptive Profiling Optimization of Wireless Sensor Networks

Optimization of sensor networks relies on accurate profiling information collected about the state of individual nodes and the network as a whole. A single fixed profiling methodology may incur significant overheads on the sensor network or produce inaccurate profiling results due to dynamic changes in application behavior at runtime. Alternatively, reconfiguring the profiling methodology at runtime in response to such changes can help maintain the accuracy of profiling results while minimizing the associated overheads. In this paper, we present a runtime adaptive profiling methodology that can adapt to runtime behavior of the network and preserve the accuracy of profiling data. This runtime adaptive profiling strategy further allows application experts to control the profiling accuracy, thereby providing a mechanism to tradeoff accuracy and overhead. Experimental results demonstrate that network, computational time, and power consumption overheads can be reduced by more than 50% compared to using a fixed profiling methodology while only missing 2% of profiled events.
Permanent segmental interchange complex in the termite Incisitermes schwarzi.

IN a cytogenetic survey of the termites of Florida, we have found two species, Incisitermes schwarzi (Banks) and Kalotermes approximatus (Snyder) (Isoptera; Kalotermitidae), that possess segmental interchange complexes as a regular feature of their breeding system. This report is concerned with the chromosomes of I. schwarzi, which has the most extensive complex of reciprocal translocations so far described in any animal species. The complex involves about half of the chromosome set, and is restricted to males. The occurrence of this interchange complex may be related to the social organisation of these insects, to an inbreeding habit of reproduction, or to the evolution of a mechanism of sex determination with multiple sex chromosomes.
Aroma of sherry wines

Over 130 volatile components have been identified in aromas of film (F), submerged-culture flor (S), and baked (B) sherries. The composition of these volatiles, which include more than 25 alcohols, five carbonyls, ten acetals, three amides, 35 esters, and five lactones, is influenced by the variety of grape used, the nature of the primary alcoholic fermentation, type of cooperage, aging and blending system, and filmphase yeast metabolism in (F) and (S) or reactions occurring during “baking” in (B). The influence of these factors on the aroma and several volatile formation mechanisms which contribute to the characteristic flavor of sherry, particularly during the film growth and during baking, are discussed.
Bargaining Behind the Scenes: Spousal Negotiation, Labor, and Work–Family Burnout

This study focuses on the negotiation process that partners in a couple engage in behind the scenes to negotiate whose career will take precedence in the household and the resulting effort and burnout that individuals experience at work and at home. The author finds that gender moderates the relationship between competitive negotiation tactics and an individual’s career responsibilities. Gender also moderates the relationship between both competitive and cooperative negotiation tactics and the emotional work conducted by one’s spouse or partner. The author also observes a moderating effect of gender between emotional and career effort and burnout—both from one’s job and from one’s relationship. Results suggest that men and women react differently to negotiation tactics used within a couple and tend to be affected by gendered norms regarding the work and family domains.
Infection with human rhinovirus 16 promotes enhanced IgE responsiveness in basophils of atopic asthmatics

BACKGROUND Rhinovirus and IgE act in concert to promote asthma exacerbations. While basophils are the principal cell type in the blood that is activated by IgE, their role in virus-induced asthma episodes remains elusive. OBJECTIVE To monitor IgE responsiveness in circulating basophils of rhinovirus-infected atopic asthmatics during acute infection and convalescence. METHODS The capacity for basophils to respond to IgE was assessed by testing the effects of allergen, or cross-linking anti-FceRI and anti-IgE antibodies, on surface TSLP receptor in 24-hour PBMC cultures. Activation profiles of basophils from atopic asthmatics challenged intranasally with human rhinovirus 16 were monitored directly ex vivo or else in 24-hour cultures, at baseline (day 0), and then at days 4 and 21 post-challenge. RESULTS Basophils in atopic asthmatics, but not in non-atopic controls, upregulated TSLP receptor upon IgE receptor ligation. The magnitude of this response was correlated with the proportion of serum total IgE that was allergen-specific (r = 0.615, P < 0.05). Following rhinovirus infection, all subjects developed nasal symptoms that peaked 3-5 days after viral challenge. Basophils displayed maximal IgE responsiveness 3 weeks post-challenge as judged by TSLP receptor levels in 24-hour cultures. No significant change in total IgE or specific IgE antibodies was detected during rhinovirus infection. By contrast, levels of IgE receptor-associated spleen tyrosine kinase, Syk, were increased on day 4 (P < 0.05), and elevated levels were also detected three weeks post-challenge. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Circulating basophils display increased IgE responsiveness 3 weeks after rhinovirus infection in atopic asthmatics. This observation, coupled with increased expression of Syk, implicates basophils in promoting, or else prolonging, rhinovirus-induced inflammation in atopic asthmatics.
Secure query processing using AI techniques

The use of AI (artificial intelligence) techniques for query processing in a multilevel secure database management system is described. The techniques ensure that a query is modified in such a way that if the modified query is posed, then the response generated will not violate security requirements. These techniques also handle constraints that classify data by content and context, and constraints that classify data that depend on the classifications of other data. >
Curiosity and Openmindedness in Open and Traditional Classrooms.

In an attempt to determine if an open classroom environment encourages greater curiosity and/or openmindedness than does a traditional classroom environment, 41 open classroom children and 42 traditional classroom children completed an openmindedness scale and 5 subtests of a curiosity scale. Sex was included as a factor and IQ was included as a covariate in all analyses. No significant sex differences were found. The significantly higher mean curiosity score for the open classroom group was primarily due to significant differences between classrooms on 2 of the subtests: those measuring preference for novelty and change (p <.05). The results were interpreted as an indication that the open classroom may encourage some aspects of curiosity to a greater extent than does the traditional classroom.
Cognitive Behavioral Techniques for Hypertension: Are They Effective?

Purpose: To assess by analysis of published controlled trials the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapies (such as biofeedback, relaxation, meditation) for essential hypertension. Data Identific...
A limit study of local memory requirements using value reuse profiles

Modern high-performance microprocessors are devoting more and more resources to the problem of the von Neuman bottleneck. In this limit study, we measure the bare minimum amount of local memories that programs require to run without delay. Our measurements are made by using the Value Reuse Profile, which contains the dynamic value reuse information of a program's execution, and by assuming the existence of efficient memory systems. The results show that the group of 16 benchmarks we use require considerably less memory than a typical superscalar microprocessor has. We also measure the amount of performance improvement that is possible in the presence of an autonomous memory system. For the DEC Alpha 21064, this figure ranges from 15% to 102%. The results provide motivation for the development of more effective memory management policies.
Crystal structure of a full-length autotransporter.

The autotransporter (AT) secretion mechanism is the most common mechanism for the secretion of virulence factors across the outer membrane (OM) from pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, ATs have attracted biotechnological and biomedical interest for protein display on bacterial cell surfaces. Despite their importance, the mechanism by which passenger domains of ATs pass the OM is still unclear. The classical view is that the β-barrel domain provides the conduit through which the unfolded passenger moves, with the energy provided by vectorial folding of the β-strand-rich passenger on the extracellular side of the OM. We present here the first structure of a full-length AT, the esterase EstA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, at a resolution of 2.5 A. EstA has a relatively narrow, 12-stranded β-barrel that is covalently attached to the passenger domain via a long, curved helix that occupies the lumen of the β-barrel. The passenger has a structure that is dramatically different from that of other known passengers, with a globular fold that is dominated by α-helices and loops. The arrangement of secondary-structure elements suggests that the passenger can fold sequentially, providing the driving force for passenger translocation. The esterase active-site residues are located at the apical surface of the passenger, at the entrance of a large hydrophobic pocket that contains a bound detergent molecule that likely mimics substrate. The EstA structure provides insight into AT mechanism and will facilitate the design of fusion proteins for cell surface display.
The Influence of Musical Training on Patterns of EEG Asymmetry During Musical and Non‐Musical Self‐Generation Tasks

Musically proficient and non-proficient right-handed subjects were requested to list in a pre-experimental questionnaire three familiar songs, whose words and melody were well known. They were then instructed in two separate experiments, to whistle the melody of a song, talk the lyrics to a song, or sing a song each for 3 1-min trials performed with eyes closed. EEG was recorded from the left and right occipital areas (O1 and O2) in Experiment I and from the left and right parietal areas (P3 and P4) in Experiment II, and filtered for 8–13 Hz activity on-line. Comparable results were obtained in both experiments and indicated that non-musically trained subjects show significantly greater relative right hemisphere activation while whistling the melody of a song vs talking the lyrics to a song. Musically trained subjects show no differences in EEG asymmetry between these tasks. In addition, there were no group differences in asymmetry during the talking and singing conditions. These data are consistent with recent evidence suggesting that musical training is associated with the adoption of an analytic and sequential processing mode toward melodic information, and suggest that long term training in complex cognitive skills has functional neural concomitants.
Doubly Charged Higgs Bosons and Lepton Number Violating Processes

The discovery of doubly charged Higgs bosons may signal violation of lepton flavor by two units ($\ensuremath{\Delta}L=2$) in various processes. Although somewhat exotic for the usual $\mathrm{SU}{(2)}_{L}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{U}(1)$ model, such Higgs bosons do occur naturally associated with Majorana neutrinos in left-right-symmetric models with low right-handed mass scales. We examine the properties of such exotic Higgs bosons and the corresponding $\ensuremath{\Delta}L=2$ reactions within a recently proposed model of this kind. Such exotic bosons could be produced at the next round of new accelerators with significant cross sections.
The N-terminal 17% of apoB binds tightly and irreversibly to emulsions modeling nascent very low density lipoproteins

The N-terminal 17% of apolipoprotein B (apoB-17) readily associates with dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) multilamellar vesicles (MLV) to form large (240-A diameter) discoidal particles. Because apoB is normally secreted with triacylglycerol (TAG)-rich lipoproteins, we studied the binding of apoB-17 to triolein-rich emulsions modeling nascent TAG-rich very low density-like lipoproteins. Emulsions with the following composition (by weight) were prepared: 85--89% triolein, 1.1--1.4% cholesterol, and 10--14% phosphatidylcholines (PC) including either egg yolk (EY)-, dimyristoyl (DM)-, or dipalmitoyl (DP)-PC representing (at 25 degrees C), respectively, a fluid surface, a surface at transition, and a mainly solid surface. The respective sizes were 1,260 +/- 500, 1,070 +/- 450, and 830 +/- 300 A mean diameter. The emulsions were incubated with conditioned medium containing apoB-17, and then reisolated by ultracentrifugation. Analysis of the emulsion-bound proteins by gel electrophoresis showed that all three emulsions bound primarily apoB-17. The DPPC emulsions bound more apoB-17 than EYPC or DMPC emulsions. Immunoaffinity-purified apoB-17 exhibited saturable, high affinity binding to EYPC and DPPC emulsions. The respective K(d) values were 32 +/- 23 and 85 +/- 27 nM and capacities (N) were 10 and 58 molecules of apoB-17 per particle. When apoB-17 bound to emulsions was incubated with DMPC MLV at 26 degrees C for 18 h, it remained bound to the emulsions, indicating that once bound to these emulsions it is unable to exchange off and solubilize DMPC into discs. In contrast, apoE-3 bound to emulsions dissociated from the emulsions when incubated with DMPC MLV and formed discs.Thus, apoB-17 binds strongly and irreversibly to emulsions modeling nascent lipoproteins. It therefore may play an important role in the stabilization of nascent VLDL and chylomicrons.- Herscovitz, H., A. Derksen, M. T. Walsh, C. J. McKnight, D. L. Gantz, M. Hadzopoulou-Cladaras, V. Zannis, C. Curry, and D. M. Small. The N-terminal 17% of apoB binds tightly and irreversibly to emulsions modeling nascent very low density lipoproteins. J. Lipid Res. 2001. 42: 51;-59.
Perceived social support predicted quality of life in patients with heart failure, but the effect is mediated by depressive symptoms

Purpose Depressive symptoms and inadequate social support are well-known independent predictors of increased mortality and morbidity in heart failure (HF). However, it is unclear how depressive symptoms and social support interact to influence quality of life. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the relationships (direct, mediator, and moderator) among depressive symptoms, social support, and quality of life in patients with HF.
Mobile device security considerations for small- and medium-sized enterprise business mobility

Purpose – This paper's purpose is to identify and accentuate the dilemma faced by small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who use mobile devices as part of their mobility business strategy. While large enterprises have the resources to implement emerging security recommendations for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, SMEs often lack the IT resources and capabilities needed. The SME mobile device business dilemma is to invest in more expensive maximum security technologies, invest in less expensive minimum security technologies with increased risk, or postpone the business mobility strategy in order to protect enterprise and customer data and information. This paper investigates mobile device security and the implications of security recommendations for SMEs. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper reviews mobile device security research, identifies increased security risks, and recommends security practices for SMEs. Findings – This paper identifies emerging mobile device secur...
Sedimentology, facies and depositional environments of the Rochester Shale (Silurian; Wenlockian) in western New York and Ontario

ABSTRACT In western New York and Ontario, the Rochester Shale (Silurian; Wenlockian; Clinton Group) is everywhere divisible into lower (Lewiston) and upper (Burleigh Hill-Stoney Creek) members; thin units within these members are traceable east to west for distances exceeding 100 km, without substantial change in lithology, or fossil content. In contrast, abrupt lateral facies changes occur within the Rochester Shale along short north-south sections (for example, Niagara Gorge). Such stratigraphic evidence suggests that Rochester shale facies belts are elongate east-west, parallel both to a northern paleoshoreline and also to the present outcrop trend. The Rochester Shale consists of sparsely to richly fossiliferous, gray, shaley mudstone with abundant interbedded carbonates, including intrasparrudites, lenticular biosparites and biomicrites (= calcarenites) and laminated pelmicrites (= calcisiltites). Such interbeds provide evidence for episodic concentration and transport of carbonate sediments by storm-wave action on a gently southwards-sloping shelf. Calcarenite lenses were formed as erosion-lag deposits in regions within storm-wave base. Finer debris, winnowed from such areas, formed suspension clouds which flowed downslope, depositing storm silt- (calcisiltite) and mud layers. A crinoidal bank facies (Wiarton) accumulated in the area of the Algonquin Arch during Rochester deposition. Adjacent shelf areas, to the south, received a mixture of terrigenous muds from southeastern source areas (Taconics) and detrital carbonate sediments from the Wiarton shoal, forming argillaceous carbonates and/or calcareous shales (Stoney Creek-upper Burleigh Hill). During times of low sedimentation this area became the site of abundant bryozoan growth--"bryozoan belt" (Lewiston B, D and E). Farther southward (basinward), facies comprise a mixture of sparsely fossiliferous mudstones and storm-silt layers (Lewiston C, lower Burleigh Hill). Vertical facies changes in the Rochester Shale are attributed to north-south shifting of environmental belts, due to migration of the northern paleoshoreline. As a whole, the formation comprises two (eustatic?) trangressive-regressive cycles. The Lewiston Member represents a nearly symmetrical cycle of deepening (units A-C) and shallowing (units C-E), while the upper units (Burleigh Hill, Stoney Creek) reflect aspects of an asymmetrical, shallowing-upward hemicycle. During the last event, allodapic carbonate sedimentation was considerably increased, as a result of migrating crinoidal bars, inhibiting the growth of bryozoans and other organisms. The Rochester Shale provides a paradigm for interpreting numerous marine units in western New York which exhibit layer-cake arrays of facies.
Children's Living Arrangements in Unmarried-Mother Families

Children in the United States are more likely than ever before to spend part of their lives in single-mother families. However, researchers usually ignore the complexity of household living arrangements, focusing solely on the marital status of mothers. Drawing on 1990 census data, we show that over two fifths of children in single-mother families live in households with other adults—relatives, nonfamily members, or mothers' cohabiting partners. We demonstrate the importance of employing this measure of household living arrangements by examining the race-ethnic gap in child poverty. The actual extent of race-ethnic gap in child poverty is masked when children's household living arrangements are ignored. We expect that answers to other research questions related to family structure will also depend on detailed knowledge about children's household living arrangements.
Adaptive optical system for neural computing

The authors deal with an adaptive optical neural network using Kohonen's self-organizing feature map algorithm for unsupervised learning. It is shown that the optical neural network is capable of performing both unsupervised learning and pattern recognition operations simultaneously, by setting matching scores in the learning algorithm. By using a slower learning rate, the construction of the memory matrix becomes topologically more organized. By introducing forbidden regions in the memory space, the neural network would be able to learn new patterns without erasing the old ones. Test results provided show the success of the technique. >
Vapor phase crystal growth in the system PbS-Bi2S3

Abstract An investigation of crystal growth in the system PbS-Bi2S3 was made by vapor phase techniques, using the closed tube method. For most experiments the source was held at 746 °C and the growth region was maintained at about 670 °C. Cubic crystals of PbS were obtained. Prismatic crystals of the following phases: Phase II (6Pb1−xBi2x/3S·Bi2S3), Phase III (3Pb1−xBi2x/3S·Bi2S3), Phase IV (Pb1−xBi2x/3S·Bi2S3) and Bi2S3 were acquired. Crystal growth was achieved by utilizing I2 and NH4Cl as transporters, and by volatilization under vacuum. A comparison of the magnitude of the transport rates obtained by these three methods was made. For Bi2S3 growth in I2, the curve plotting the variation of the transport rate with I2 concentration was found to show a maximum value. The highest rates were found for the transportation of Phase II, Phase III, Phase IV and Bi2S3 by I2; much lower rates were found for these same substances in NH4Cl and by volatilization. The moderate rates found for PbS in NH4Cl were higher than the corresponding rates in I2 and by volatilization. The largest crystals obtained for Phase II, Phase III, Phase IV and Bi2S3 were grown in I2; the largest PbS crystals were grown in NH4Cl. At temperatures lower than those employed for the main group of experiments, and using I2 as a transporter, crystals of Pb5S2I6 were grown in the case of Pb2, and crystals of Bi6.3IS9 in the case of Bi2S3. At a growth temperature of about 400 °C, NH4Cl was the only effective transporter for the phases in the system PbS-Bi2S3.
Using Calls And Puts As Risk Management Tools

A very strong case is presented for why the financial manager of an electric utility company should use hedging strategies to ensue a continuous supply of natural gas to his/her utility. A combination of hedging strategies has been presented and tested for the natural gas market. The combination of strategies works and works well while substantially reducing risk at the same time.
Clinical Validation of a Murine Model of Sepsis: Defining Thresholds for Deterioration

METHODS: We used CCR2 Depleter (DTR) mice that express a functional diphtheria toxin receptor under the control of CCR2 promoter. In these mice, CCR2-expressing monocytes and macrophages are selectively eliminated with diphtheria toxin treatment. Although the control mice receive the same treatment, their CCR2 positive cells remain intact. The immunologic status of these septic animals was assessed by measuring cytokine levels and bacterial counts from blood, peritoneal lavage fluid, and vital organs 6 and 16 hours after CLP in CCR2 DTR and control (CO) mice. Survival and various markers of tissue damage were assessed as well.
“Coming out” among gay Latino and gay White men: implications of verbal disclosure for well-being

AbstractWe examined how verbal disclosure affects subjective well-being among gay Latino and White men. In Study 1, increased gay identification predicted increased verbal disclosure for gay White men but not for gay Latino men, who reported verbal disclosure levels in line with a tacit coming out strategy (expressing one’s sexual orientation to others more non-verbally) regardless of their gay identification. Moreover, low verbal disclosure hindered subjective well-being only for gay White men. In Study 2, we show that increased intrinsic self-expression and higher relational self-construal explained the positive relationship between verbal disclosure and well-being among gay White men. This mediational model did not hold for gay Latino men. We discuss verbal disclosure in relation to mainstream understandings of coming out.