cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural properties and convergence results for contours of sample statistical depth functions

Statistical depth functions have become increasingly used in nonparametric inference for multivariate data. Here the contours of such functions are studied. Structural properties of the regions enclosed by contours, such as affine equivariance, nestedness, connectedness and compactness, and almost sure convergence results for sample depth contours, are established. Also, specialized results are established for some popular depth functions, includinghalfspace depth, and for the case of elliptical distributions. Finally, some needed foundational results on almost sure convergence of sample depth functions are provided.
Nitric oxide-producing myeloid-derived suppressor cells inhibit vascular E-selectin expression in human squamous cell carcinomas.

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are sun-induced skin cancers that are particularly numerous and aggressive in immunosuppressed individuals. SCCs evade immune detection at least in part by downregulating E-selectin on tumor vessels, thereby restricting entry of skin-homing T cells into tumors. We find that nitric oxide (NO) potently suppresses E-selectin expression on human endothelial cells and that SCCs are infiltrated by NO-producing iNOS+ CD11b+ CD33+ CD11c− HLA-DR− myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSCs from SCCs produced NO, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and arginase, and inhibited endothelial E-selectin expression in vitro. MDSCs from SCCs expressed the chemokine receptor CCR2 (chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2) and tumors expressed the CCR2 ligand human β-defensin 3 (HBD3), suggesting that CCR2/HBD3 interactions may contribute to MDSC recruitment to SCCs. Treatment of SCCs in vitro with the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor Nω-nitro-L-arginine(L-NNA) induced E-selectin expression at levels comparable to imiquimod-treated SCCs undergoing immunologic destruction. Our results suggest that local production of NO in SCCs may impair vascular E-selectin expression. We show that MDSCs are critical producers of NO in SCCs and that NO inhibition restores vascular E-selectin expression, potentially enhancing T-cell recruitment. The iNOS inhibitors and other therapies that reduce NO production may therefore be effective in the treatment of SCCs and their premalignant precursor lesions, actinic keratoses.
Estimating the early household market for light-duty hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles and other “Mobile Energy” innovations in California: A constraints analysis ☆

Facing stiff competition from conventional and gasoline-hybrid vehicles, the commercialization prospects for hydrogen-fuel-cell vehicles (H2FCVs) are uncertain. Starting from the premise that new consumer value must drive their adoption, early markets for H2FCVs are explored in the context of a group of promising opportunities collectively called mobile energy (ME) innovation. An estimate of the initial market potential for ME-enabled vehicles is produced by applying various constraints that eliminate unlikely households from consideration for early adoption of H2FCVs and other ME technologies (such as plug-in hybrids). Currently 5.2 million of 33.9 million Californians live in households pre-adapted to ME-enabled vehicles, 3.9 million if natural gas is required for home refueling. Several differences in demographic and other characteristics between the target market and the population as a whole are highlighted, and two issues related to the design of H2FCVs and their supporting infrastructure are discussed: vehicle range and home hydrogen refueling. These findings argue for continued investigation of this and similar target segments—which represent more efficient research populations for subsequent study by product designers and other decision-makers wishing to understand the early market dynamics facing H2FCVs and related ME innovations.
Traumatic brain injury and mental health among two American Indian populations.

OBJECTIVES: Describes prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and associated neuropsychiatric problems among two American Indian (AI) communities. DESIGN: Analysis of cross-sectional epidemiological data. SETTING: A Southwest (SW) and 2 Northern Plains (NP) AI reservations. PARTICIPANTS: AI tribal members (N = 2687; 394 with history of TBI and 2293 noninjured comparisons) aged 15 to 54. OUTCOME MEASURES: Mood or anxiety disorders present more than 1 year after injury. RESULTS: Prevalences were high (>20% in males; >10% in females) in these populations. Associations between TBI and disorders meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fourth Edition criteria were strong in the SW community (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-3.8), less so in the NP community (adjusted OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 0.9-2.2). CONCLUSIONS: TBI is prevalent among AIs and is associated with increased OR of neuropsychiatric difficulties. This association may vary between tribes, though no interaction effect was found. AIs with TBI may require more thorough psychiatric screening to promote healthier outcomes. Language: en
Effect of Ethanol and Temperature on the Hydrolysis of a Nickel(II) Ion in Ethanol−Water Solutions

The hydrolytic reactions of a nickel ion in an ethanol−water mixture system were studied by using titration techniques and by considering the nickel nitrate complexes in the system. It is shown that Ni4(OH)44+ is the main species in 21.2 and 44.4 wt % ethanol-in-water solutions between 25 and 75 °C. The values of the formation constant Q4,4 for Ni4(OH)44+ and the formation constants for the nickel nitrate complexes (β1 and β2) are obtained by fitting the experimental data to equilibrium models. The solvating reaction of a nickel ion in ethanol−water solutions is included in the analysis of data and the equilibrium constant (α) is found to be a number smaller than 10-9. It is shown that the precipitation pH of the Ni(OH)2 will decrease as the ethanol content increases and as the temperature of the solution increases. The values of log Q4,4 change from −26.3 ± 0.10 to −20.4 ± 0.06 when the temperature changes from 25 to 75 °C in 1.0 M Ni(NO3)2 aqueous solutions. The values of log Q4,4 change from −23.9 ± 0....
Molecular and morphological systematics of neustonic nudibranchs (Mollusca : Gastropoda : Glaucidae : Glaucus), with descriptions of three new cryptic species

A recent molecular phylogenetic study on Glaucus, a genus of neustonic aeolid nudibranchs, revealed undescribed cryptic diversity. Glaucus atlanticus is sister to the traditional species Glaucus marginatus, which is a complex of four genetically distinct cryptic species (Informal clade ‘Marginatus’). The present paper revises the systematics of Glaucus and provides formal descriptions for three new species in the informal clade ‘Marginatus’ substantiated by species delimitation analyses. Molecular and morphological evidence confirms that the type species of Glaucus, Glaucus atlanticus, has a cosmopolitan subtropical distribution and is characterised by having a uniseriate ceratal arrangement, a penial spine and a longitudinal, medial silver stripe on the sole of the foot. Examination of type material indicates that the name G. marginatus should be retained for the most widespread of these species, found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This species is characterised by molecular diagnostic characters as well as the presence of a bursa copulatrix. Glaucus marginatus is sister to the undescribed species Glaucus bennettae, sp. nov., which is found in the South Pacific Ocean and lacks a bursa copulatrix. The other two undescribed species, Glaucus thompsoni, sp. nov. and Glaucus mcfarlanei, sp. nov. are only known from the North Pacific Ocean, and are characterised by molecular diagnostic characters as well as possessing and lacking a bursa copulatrix, respectively. Because sister species of Glaucus differ in their reproductive anatomy, we hypothesise that mating behaviour has played a role in cladogenesis in this group. ZooBank Publication code: http://zoobank.org/References/E352E264-A440-4AF1-8565-B57B7EEE25BC
A Ca2+-dependent tryptic cleavage site and a protein kinase A phosphorylation site are present in the Ca2+ regulatory domain of scallop muscle Na+-Ca2+ exchanger.

Abstract Digestion of scallop muscle membrane fractions with trypsin led to release of soluble polypeptides derived from the large cytoplasmic domain of a Na+-Ca2+exchanger. In the presence of 1 mm Ca2+, the major product was a peptide of ∼37 kDa, with an N terminus corresponding to residue 401 of the NCX1 exchanger. In the presence of 10 mm EGTA, ∼16- and ∼19-kDa peptides were the major products. Polyclonal rabbit IgG raised against the 37-kDa peptide also bound to the 16- and 19-kDa soluble tryptic peptides and to a 105–110-kDa polypeptide in the undigested membrane preparation. The 16-kDa fragment corresponded to the N-terminal part of the 37-kDa peptide. The conformation of the precursor polypeptide chain in the region of the C terminus of the 16-kDa tryptic peptide was thus altered by the binding of Ca2+. Phosphorylation of the parent membranes with the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A and [γ-32P]ATP led to incorporation of 32P into the 16- and 37-kDa soluble fragments. A site may exist within the Ca2+ regulatory domain of a scallop muscle Na+-Ca2+ exchanger that mediates direct modulation of secondary Ca2+ regulation by cAMP.
OBSERVATIONS ON DEUTERIUM TREATMENT OF A VIRUS-INDUCED MOUSE LEUKEMIA.

Abstract The effects of deuterium administered as drinking water on a virus-induced mouse leukemia were studied. Generally, the earlier the initiation of deuterium administration following tumor virus inoculation the higher was the percentage of survivors. There also appeared to be a dosage factor in that 30 per cent deuterium oxide provided greater beneficial results than a concentration of 15 per cent.
A modified prenatal growth assessment score for the evaluation of fetal growth in the third trimester using single and composite biometric parameters.

AbstractObjective: To define modified Prenatal Growth Assessment Scores (mPGAS) for single and composite biometric parameters and determine their reference ranges in normal fetuses.Methods: Nine anatomical parameters (ap) were measured and the weight estimated (EWTa, EWTb) in a longitudinal study of 119 fetuses with normal neonatal growth outcomes. Expected third trimester size trajectories, obtained from second trimester Rossavik size models, were used in calculating Percent Deviations (% Dev's) and their age-specific reference ranges in each fetus. The components of individual % Dev's values outside their reference ranges, designated +iapPGAS, -iapPGAS, were averaged to give +apPGAS and −apPGAS values for the 3rd trimester. The +iapPGAS and −iapPGAS values for different combinations of ap (c1a (HC, AC, FDL, ThC, EWTa), c1b (HC, AC, FDL, ThC, EWTb), c2 (ThC, ArmC, AVol, TVol), c3 (HC, AC, FDL, EWTa)) were then averaged to give +icPGAS and −icPGAS values at different time points or at the end of the third...
Analysis of electrophoretic behavior of cytochrome c oxidase subunits Retardation coefficient versus molecular weight in dodecyl sulfate urea gels

Abstract 1. 1.|Standard proteins were examined by electrophoresis in highly cross-linked polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate and urea. Their behavior was analyzed at a single gel concentration (by molecular weight vs. relative mobility) and at several gel concentrations (molecular weight vs. retardation coefficient). The validity of the latter method of analysis was established for this gel system. 2. 2.|Cytochrome c oxidase was subjected to analysis by this method. Compared to standards, subunits I and III showed increased free electrophoretic mobility, while that of subunit V was slightly decreased. The molecular weight values derived were: I, 44 600; II, 22 700; III, 23 500; IV, 16 900; V, 9400; VI, 7600; VII, 4300. The standard errors were all less than ±7%. 3. 3.|Isolated V and VI were analyzed by two dimensional dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis, in which the second dimension also contained urea. In contrast to their behavior when the holo-enzyme was examined, these isolated subunits V and VI no longer exchange migrating positions relative to each other during the two dimensional analysis. The molecular weight values of the isolated subunits agree with those of the holo-enzyme.
A Mehrotra-type predictor-corrector algorithm with polynomiality and Q-subquadratic convergence*

Mehrotra's predictor-corrector algorithm [3] is currently considered to be one of the most practically efficient interior-point methods for linear programming. Recently, Zhang and Zhang [18] studied the global convergence properties of the Mehrotra-type predictor-corrector approach and established polynomial complexity bounds for two interior-point algorithms that use the Mehrotra predictor-corrector approach. In this paper, we study the asymptotic convergence rate for the Mehrotra-type predictor-corrector interior-point algorithms. In particular, we construct an infeasible-interior-point algorithm based on the second algorithm proposed in [18] and show that while retaining a complexity bound ofO(n1.5t)-iterations, under certain conditions the algorithm also possesses aQ-subquadratic convergence, i.e., a convergence ofQ-order 2 with an unboundedQ-factor.
A team approach to the audit of nutritional care in community hospitals

This paper discusses a collaborative multidisciplinary exploratory audit project to examine the nutritional care received by patients within Norwich Community Health Partnership NHS Trust. A project team was formed to identify the key areas and develop an audit tool. An audit assistant was employed to assist the team with this particular project. Eleven community hospitals were involved; catering, nursing, dietetic staff and patients took part. The key areas that the audit project examined were nutritional adequacy, documentation and recording of nutritional assessments, nurses» nutritional knowledge base, patients» perceptions of the meal service, and good nutritional practice. Overall the results were better than initially anticipated. Where pertinent issues were identified, discussions are taking place within the Trust to write an action plan, implement recommendations and re-audit.
From nurse's craft to physician's specialty: anesthesia specialization in the USA

Abstract Anesthesia administration in the United States has never been the exclusive domain of physicians. This legacy of professional ambiguity is rooted in the complex social history of medicine and anesthesia use as it developed in the young frontier nation. The Mayo Model of the surgeon–nurse anesthetizer dyad working together in the operating theater was entrenched by the time physician specialization in anesthetics took hold in America. The physician anesthetist educational model created by Dr. Ralph Waters at the University of Wisconsin became the foundation for the scientific practice of anesthesia as a medical specialty.
Extraocular photoreceptors and oscillators can control the circadian rhythm of behavioral activity inAplysia

The daily rhythm of behavioral activity inAplysia does not require the eyes as essential photoreceptors or essential driving oscillators; activity can be diurnal in lightcycles (Figs. 1, 2) and can freerun in constant darkness (Fig. 2) after the eyes have been surgically removed. The eyes, however, do play a role in modulating the activity rhythm; eye removal may change the temporal distribution of diurnal activity; reduce the punctuality of activity onsets, increase the amount of nocturnal activity, and decrease the total amount of activity (Fig. 1). These results, together with previously published ones, make it unlikely that a circadian oscillator known to reside in the eye and another one located in the abdominal ganglion are the sole sources of behavioral rhythmicity inAplysia.
Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndromes in pediatrics.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The hyper-IgE syndromes (HIES) are primary immunodeficiencies (PID) characterized by eczema, sinopulmonary infections, and elevated serum IgE. This review discusses the clinical similarities and differences between the autosomal dominant (AD-HIES) and autosomal recessive (AR-HIES) forms of this disease, as well as their causative genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms.
A New Parameterization of Cloud Droplet Activation Applicable to General Circulation Models

Abstract A new parameterization is proposed to link the droplet number concentration to the size distribution and chemical composition of aerosol and updraft velocity. Except for an empirical assumption of droplet growth, the parameterization is formulated almost entirely on first principles to allow for satisfactory performance under a variety of conditions. For a series of updraft velocity ranging from 0.03 to 10.0 m s−1, the droplet number concentrations predicted with the parameterization are in good agreement with the detailed parcel model simulations with an average error of −4 ± 26% (one standard deviation). The accuracy is comparable to or better than some existing parameterizations. The parameterization is able to account for the effects of droplet surface tension and mass accommodation coefficient on activation without adjusting the empirical parameter. These desirable attributes make the parameterization suitable for being used in the prognostic determination of the cloud droplet number concent...
Human Low-Molecular-Weight Salivary Mucin Expresses the Sialyl Lewisx Determinant and Has L-Selectin Ligand Activity†

Previously we showed that the low-molecular-weight mucin (MG2, encoded by MUC7), a major component of human submandibular/sublingual saliva, is a bacterial receptor that coats the tooth surface. Here we tested the hypothesis that the structure of its carbohydrate residues contains important information about its function. Purified MG2 (Mr 120 000) was digested with trypsin, and the resulting Mr 90 000 fragment, which carried primarily O-linked oligosaccharides, was subjected to reductive β-elimination. The released oligosaccharides were characterized by using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Of the 41 different structures we detected, the most prominent included NeuAcα2→3Galβ1→3GalNAc-ol (sialyl-T antigen), Galβ1→4(Fucα1→3)GlcNAcβ1→6(Galβ1→3)GalNAc-ol [type 2 core with Lewisx (Lex) determinant], and NeuAcα2→3Galβ1→4(Fucα1→3)GlcNAcβ1→6(Galβ1→3) GalNAc-ol [type 2 core with sialyl Lex (sLex) determinant]. We also detected di-, tri-, and pentasaccharides with one sulfate group. L...
Solubility behavior of alkaline earth and alkali aluminosilicate components in aqueous fluids in the Earth's upper mantle

Abstract The solubility of aluminosilicate components in aqueous fluids in the 1200 to 1400°C and 0.8 to 2.0 GPa temperature- and pressure-range, respectively, has been determined for three compositions on the join CaSi4O9-Ca(Ca0.5Al)4O9 with 0, 3, and 6 mol % Al2O3. The aluminosilicate solubility, Xsil, ranges from 0.5 to 4.2 mol %. Its temperature dependence is linear and ranges between 0.7 and 4.2·10−3 mol %/°C depending on pressure. The pressure-dependence of Xsil is also positive but nonlinear. The solubility decreases with increasing Al2O3 content. The solubility was fitted to the expression: X sil (mol %) = −2.6±0.7−0.20±0.02·X Al 2 O 3 (mol %) +0.002±0.001·T (°C) +0.86±0.04·P 2 (GPa)R 2 =0.96 This relationship is qualitatively similar to that of equivalent compositions in the Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O system (2Na+ is exchanged for 1Ca2+). However, in the latter system, the solubility is 2 to 3 times greater. The magnitude of the pressure, temperature, and composition effects in the latter system is also greater. The partial molar volume of H2O in the Ca silicate–saturated aqueous fluids, VH2Ofluid, ranges between ∼17 and ∼27 cm3/mol depending on pressure, temperature, and compositions so that, V H 2 O fluid =20.1±0.7−0.0019±0.015X Al 2 O 3 +7.0±0.5·10 −4 T(°C)−6.97±0.08P, R 2 =0.995 where T is in K, P in GPa, and XAl2O3 in mol %. The molar volume of silicate-saturated aqueous fluid is nearly identical to VH2Ofluid because H2O is the dominant component. The isochors of Ca-aluminosilicate-saturated aqueous fluids differ from those of pure H2O. The pressure difference at given temperature ranges between 5 and 10% in the 0.8 to 2.0 GPa and 1000 to 1400°C pressure- and temperature-range. For comparison, in the Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O system this difference is between 5 and 30% depending primarily on fluid density and pressure. This difference between the Na- and Ca- system reflects the different solubility of Ca- and Na-silicate in aqueous fluids.
Flavor and oxidative stability of soybean, sunflower and low erucic acid rapeseed oils

Three samples each of soybean, sunflower and low erucic acid rapeseed (LEAR) oils were evaluated for flavor and oxidative stability. The commercially refined and bleached oils were deodorized under identical conditions. No significant differences were noted in initial flavor quality. After storage at 25°C or 60°C in the dark, soybean oils—with or without citric acid—were more stable than either sunflower or LEAR oils. However, in the presence of citric acid, soybean oils were significantly less stable to light exposure than either LEAR or sunflower oils. In contrast, in the absence of citric acid, soybean oils were significantly more light stable than LEAR oils. In either the presence or absence of citric acid, sunflower oil was significantly more stable to light than soybean oil. Analyses by static headspace gas chromatography showed no significant differences in formation of total volatile compounds between soybean and LEAR oils. However, both oils developed significantly less total volatiles than the sunflower oils. Each oil type varied in flavor and oxidative stability depending on the oxidation method (light vs dark storage, absence vs presence of citric acid, 100°C vs 60°C).
Electron impact ionization in the vicinity of comets

The solar wind interacts very strongly with the extensive cometary coma, and the various interaction processes are initiated by the ionization of cometary neutrals. The main ionization mechanism far outside the cometary bow shock is photoionization by solar extreme ultraviolet radiation.Electron distributions measured in the vicinity of comets Halley and Giacobini-Zinner by instruments on the VEGA and ICE spacecraft, respectively, are used to calculate electron impact ionization frequencies. Ionization by electrons is of comparable importance to photoionization in the magnetosheaths of Comets Halley and Giacobini-Zinner. The ionization frequency in the inner part of the cometary plasma region of comet Halley is several times greater than the photoionization value. Tables of ionization frequencies as functions of electron temperature are presented for H2O, CO2, CO, O, N2, and H.
State of binding of natural manganese in human cerebrospinal fluid, blood and plasma.

IT was suggested earlier1,2 that the physiological behaviour of microconstituents of the body might not be reflected in nutritional, enzymological or even ‘physiological’ experiments conducted exclusively with pure or synthetic forms of these agents. More specifically, investigations using manganese additives to diets or to enzyme systems in vitro had been quoted as an illustration of experiments that might not bear directly on physiological parameters3. The basis for the reservation lay with the suspicion that these manœuvres might not result in quantitative duplication of the chelates, postulated to be characteristic of individual tissues and foodstuffs, and that, on the contrary, they might create artefactual complexes as well. It was conceded, however, that the natural state of binding of this element had not been investigated and that its natural chelates remained largely putative.
Endoscopic Management of Early Esophageal Neoplasia: an Emerging Standard

Introduction Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and ablation technologies have markedly changed the treatment of early esophageal neoplasia. We analyzed treatment and outcomes of patients undergoing multimodal endoscopic treatment of early esophageal neoplasia at our institution. Methods Recordsofpatientsundergoingendoscopictreatmentforesophageallow-gradeintraepithelialneoplasia(LGIN,n=11), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN, n=24), or T1N0M0 neoplasia (n=10), presenting between 2007 and 2009, were reviewed. Outcomes included eradication of neoplasia/intestinal metaplasia, development of metachronous neoplasia, and progression to surgical resection. Results There were 45 patients, 96% male, with a mean age 67 years. The degree of neoplasia prior to intervention was intramucosal (8) or submucosal (2) carcinoma in 10, HGIN in 24, and LGIN in 11. Patients underwent a total of 166 procedures (median 3/patient, range 1–9). These included 120 radiofrequency ablation sessions, 38 EMRs, and 8 cryoablations. Mean follow-up was 21.3 months. Neoplasia and intestinal metaplasia were eradicated in 87.2% and 56.4% of patients, respectively, while 15.4% developed metachronous neoplasia. Three patients underwent esophagectomy. No patient developed unresectable disease or died. Conclusion Endoscopic treatment of early esophageal neoplasia is safe and effective in the short term. A minority of treated patients developed recurrent neoplasia, which is usually amenable to further endoscopic therapy. Complications are relatively minor and uncommon. Endoscopic therapy asthe initial treatment for early esophagealneoplasia isanemergingstandardofcare.
Anterior Superior Iliac Spine Asymmetry Assessment on a Novel Pelvic Model: An Investigation of Accuracy and Reliability

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to develop a novel pelvic model and determine the accuracy and the inter- and intraexaminer reliability of anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) positional asymmetry assessment from both sides of the model by osteopathic predoctoral fellows and osteopathic physicians and to evaluate the effect of training. Methods Five osteopathic predoctoral fellows and 5 osteopathic physicians assessed 13 settings of varied ASIS asymmetry of a novel pelvic model for superior/inferior positional asymmetry from both sides of the model in a random order. Assessment from the right and left sides of the model occurred on 2 separate days. Fellows were trained for a week and retested. Results Average interexaminer reliability was greatest from the left side of the model for physicians and from the right side for fellows (physicians: κ = 0.46, fellows: κ = 0.37), whereas intraexaminer reliability was greatest from the right in both groups (physicians: κ = 0.49, fellows: κ = 0.52). Following training of fellows, interexaminer reliability remained highest from the right side of the model (right: κ = 0.48, left: κ = 0.36), whereas intraexaminer reliability was higher from the left side (right: κ = 0.53, left: κ = 0.59). Physicians and fellows before training were more accurate from the right side of the model ( κ = 0.56 and κ = 0.52, respectively). Following training of fellows, accuracy increased from both sides of the model (right: κ = 0.59, left: κ = 0.53). Conclusions A novel pelvic model was developed to allow assessment of accuracy and reliability of ASIS asymmetry assessment. Individually, physicians and fellows varied in accuracy and inter-/intraexaminer reliability. Further investigation is warranted to understand the clinical and educational application of these results.
Secure fingerprint-based authentication for Lotus Notes®

Fingerprints have been used to recognize people for several decades. The advent of low cost inkless fingerprint scanners coupled with extra compute power available in client workstations, biometrics in general and fingerprints in particular are being considered for many secure authentication applications. Lotus Notes is a groupware supporting email access and other activities such as calendar management included in it. In this paper, we describe the architecture of a system that integrates both the high security of Notes with conveniences of fingerprints for client authentication. Several design challenges have been addressed that have led to a successful system design and development.
Synthesis of perfluorinated functionalized, branched ethers

We wish to report synthesis of perfluorinated functionalized, branched ethers from their hydrocarbon analogues by direct fluorination. Yields up to 90%, with high purities, have been obtained at ambient temperature and pressure. This technique will likely develop into a new general method for producing perfluorinated, hyperbranched and dendritic polymers.
Tyrosine sulfation site is located in the C-terminal fibrin-binding domain in secreted fibronectin from rat embryo fibroblasts, line 3Y1.

Abstract Tryptic fragments of [ 35 S]sulfate-labeled 3Y1 secreted fibronectin were fractionated by hydroxylapatite column chromatography and examined using sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, followed by autoradiography. Radioactive bands containing tyrosine-O-[ 35 S]sulfate were detected at 17- and 40-kDa positions under reducing conditions. Under nonreducing conditions, the 17-kDa band was no longer present and new bands at 57-and 80-kDa positions appeared, indicating a disulfide linkage between the two smaller fragments in the native state. These fragments exhibited binding affinity toward fibrin and could be immunoprecipitated by the monoclonal antifibronectin Fib-2 domain antibody. These results suggested that the tyrosine sulfation site in 3Y1 secreted fibronectin is located in the C-terminal fibrin-binding (Fib-2) domain, being within 17 kDa of the C-terminus.
An efficient modeling approach for multilayered dielectric embedded with periodic metal

In this article, an accurate and efficient approach to model the multilayered dielectric with periodic metal inclusions is presented. The modeling combines effective medium theory and an efficient integral equation approach. Numerical results are provided to validate the accuracy and efficiency of this approach. Printed circuit board-based test structures are fabricated and measured to compare with the modeling results. Good agreements have been observed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1387–1391, 2014
Balloon measurement of vertical and horizontal atmospheric electric fields

Vertical and horizontal atmospheric electric fields measurements at balloon altitudes, considering magnetospheric processes effect and potential differences
Late Holocene history of the Central Texas coast from Galveston Island to Pass Cavallo

Mid-Holocene facies underlying Matagorda Peninsula and Galveston Island record a complex history of transgressive and regressive fluvial, deltaic, and estuarine sedimentation along the central Texas coast. Data from 80 borings and jet-down holes reveal a dissimilar sequence of depositional events for northeastern and southwestern Matagorda Peninsula. Along northeastern Matagorda Peninsula and the area now occupied by the Colorado-Brazos delta plain, all major river valleys were flooded during the Holocene transgression; gulfward, a barrier system developed and was driven landward by rising sea level. As the rate of sea-level rise decreased, the Colorado and Brazos Rivers completely filled their common estuary and prograded across ancestral Matagorda and West Bays. Deltaic progradation terminated after the landward-migrating barrier system overrode the delta front; at that time, sediment was delivered directly to the Gulf of Mexico. Shortly thereafter, beach and shoreface progradation began along barrier island systems lateral to the now rapidly eroding deltaic headland. This was accompanied by renewed deposition of estuarine mud in Matagorda and West Bays. Facies underlying southwestern Matagorda Peninsula indicate Pass Cavallo was initially established over the axis of the Lavaca River valley. Southwestward migration of the pass accompanied by landward migration of the barrier peninsula has resulted in a well-preserved facies tract of bay, distal and proximal flood tidal delta, and spit-related sediments now underlying this coastal segment. Modern physiographic features, as well as rates of shoreline erosion and recession, are directly related to these middle and late Holocene depositional events.
Tutorial Nuclear Cardiography And Scintigraphy

Almost 50 years have passed since Blumgart and Weiss first used a cloud chamber to follow a radium salt solution through a patient's heart (1). Extensive advances in the technology of the detectors, data analysis systems, and tracers used have resulted in greatly expanded applications of radioisotopes to the assessment of cardiac function and disease. The development of nuclear cardiology has proceeded along four lines: 1) radionuclide angiography, 2) myocardial perfusion imaging, 3) intracoronary microsphere imaging, and 4) regional myocardial blood flow determination using inert gases.© (1976) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Physical Attractiveness A Determinant of Two Types of Goodness

This experiment was designed to test the idea that physically attractive (PA) persons are perceived as having two types of goodness-sex-relevant and sexirrelevant. Three hypotheses were tested to determine the validity of this notion. It was predicted that perceived masculinity increases with PA for males but not for females, that perceived femininity increases with PA for females but not for males, and that perceived social desirability increases with PA for both males and females. Subjects were asked to fill in the Bem Sex Role Inventory for males and females representing low, moderate, and high levels of PA. The obtained results supported all three experimental hypotheses.
Ferredoxin:thioredoxin Reductase: Disulfide Reduction Catalyzed via Novel Site-specific [4Fe-4S] Cluster Chemistry.

Thioredoxin-mediated light regulation in plant chloroplasts involves a unique class of disulfide reductases that catalyze disulfide reduction in two one-electron steps using a [2Fe–2S] ferredoxin as the electron donor and an active site comprising a [4Fe–4S] cluster and a redox-active disulfide. This review summarizes structural and spectroscopic studies of ferredoxin:thioredoxin reductase (FTR) and a chemically modified form, termed NEM–FTR, which provides a stable analog of the one-electron reduced catalytic intermediate. Detailed spectroscopic characterization of FTR and NEM–FTR using absorption, EPR, electron–nuclear double resonance, variable-temperature magnetic circular dichroism, resonance Raman and Mossbauer spectroscopies indicate that the one-electron reduced catalytic intermediate involves two-electron disulfide reduction coupled with one-electron cluster oxidation of a [4Fe–4S]2+ cluster to yield a unique type of S= 1/2 [4Fe–4S]3+ cluster with two cysteine residues ligated at a specific Fe site. The results provide the basis for a novel mechanism for disulfide cleavage in two one-electron steps involving site-specific [4Fe–4S] cluster chemistry. A similar mechanism is proposed for direct [4Fe–4S]-mediated cleavage of the CoM–S–S–CoB heterodisulfide in methanogenic archaea by heterodisulfide reductases.
Task Selection for the Multiscalar Architecture

The multiscalar architecture advocates a distributed processor organization and task-level speculation to exploit high degrees of instruction level parallelism (ILP) in sequential programs without impeding improvements in clock speeds. The main goal of this paper is to understand the key implications of the architectural features of distributed processor organization and task-level speculation for compiler task selection from the point of view of performance. We identify the fundamental performance issues to be: control flow speculation, data communication, data dependence speculation, load imbalance, and task overhead. We show that these issues are intimately related to a few key characteristics of tasks: task size, intertask control flow, and intertask data dependence. We describe compiler heuristics to select tasks with favorable characteristics. We report experimental results to show that the heuristics are successful in boosting overall performance by establishing larger ILP windows. We also present a breakdown of execution times to show that register wait, load imbalance, control flow squash, and conventional pipeline losses are significant for almost all the SPEC95 benchmarks.
Breath Ammonia Depletion and Its Relevance to Acidic Aerosol Exposure Studies

It is thought that gaseous ammonia in breath neutralizes acidic air pollution and thereby potentially mitigates the pulmonary effects of pollution. The efficacy of breath ammonia depletion methods reported in recent acid aerosol exposure-health response studies was investigated. Fourteen subjects (21 to 54 y of age) performed one or more of the following hygiene maneuvers: (a) acidic oral rinse (pH 2.5); (b) tooth brushing, followed by acidic oral rinse; (c) tooth brushing, followed by distilled water rinse; and (d) distilled water rinse. Initial ammonia levels ranged from 120 to 1,280 ppb (147-1,570 micrograms/m3). Acidic rinsing resulted in an immediate 90% reduction in exhaled ammonia in all subjects, and a return to 50% of baseline levels occurred within 1 h. Depletion that resulted from tooth brushing or distilled water alone was not significant. It was concluded that acidic oral rinsing is an effective method of reducing airway ammonia, but repeated oral rinsing may be required to maintain consistent, low-breath-ammonia conditions during acid aerosol exposure studies.
The cyclic dilemma: Organic, functional, and environmental interaction in a young teenager

This Grand Rounds considers an early-adolescent female who demonstrated a mixed clinical picture including rapid cycling of psychotic behavior. The case presents issues commonly faced in hospital practice and provides an example of the use of standardized instruments in assessment and monitoring treatment, as well as a discussion of issues germane to inpatient child and adolescent psychiatrists and related treatment team members.
Bone mineral density deficits in pediatric patients treated for sarcoma.

Background Children treated for sarcoma are at risk of treatment-associated deficits in bone mineral density (BMD). We investigated the severity of risk factors for BMD deficits in this patient population. Procedure Using signed-rank test and logistic regression analysis, we retrospectively analyzed the relation of treatment variables and other potential risk factors to BMD (using quantitative computed tomography (QCT)) of 99 patients treated for pediatric sarcoma who had completed therapy at least 1 year previously. Results The study group (38% rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), 25% osteosarcoma (OS), 24% Ewing-family tumors, and 12% non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft-tissue sarcoma (NRSTS)) represented 22% of the sarcoma survivors treated between 1982 and 2003 who remained in follow-up at St. Jude. These patients underwent QCT between July 1, 1997 and February 5, 2003. Their median age was 8.7 years (range, 0.2–21.3 years) at diagnosis and 17.4 years (range, 3.3–30.2 years) at the time of BMD measurement; 58% were male and 82% Caucasian. Median BMD Z-score was −0.75 (range, −3.33–3.02), and median BMD was 168.0 mg/cc (range, 89.2–264.8 mg/cc). Risk of BMD deficit increased significantly with younger age at diagnosis (P = 0.044) and higher cumulative cyclophosphamide dose (P = 0.007). Patients with lower extremity primary disease had a significantly lower risk of BMD deficits than others. We found no association between BMD and body habitus, primary disease, lifestyle factors, or endocrinopathy. Conclusion A significant subset of sarcoma survivors are at risk of BMD deficits warranting prospective study of BMD to verify our results and refine risk factors contributing to BMD deficits. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1032–1038. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Triggering and exacerbation of autoimmune arthritis by the Mycoplasma arthritidis superantigen MAM.

Objective. It has been postulated that superantigens might play a role in the human rheumatic diseases, by activation of self-reactive T cells or by induction of autoantibodies. The Mycoplasma arthritidis superantigen MAM, which is derived from a naturally occurring murine arthitogenic mycoplasma, uses certain Vβ chains of the murine T cell receptor (TCR) that have been proposed to be involved in murine collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The present study was designed to determine whether MAM influences the course of arthritis mediated by immunization with porcine type II collagen (PII). Methods. MAM or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was injected locally or systemically into mice convalescing from CIA or mice suboptimally immunized with collagen. Results. In contrast to PBS, MAM caused an exacerbation of arthritis in mice that were recovering from CIA. MAM also triggered arthritis onset in mice that had been suboptimally immunized with PII up to 160 days previously. Injection of MAM during the onset phase of CIA also triggered and enhanced the severity of arthritis in mice given low doses of PII. Conclusion. MAM can both trigger and exacerbate murine autoimmune arthritis induced by immunization with type II collagen. Since T cells bearing the same Vβ TCRs as are used by MAM have been found to comprise a major portion of the activated cells in the synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible that superantigens similar to MAM may play a role in this human disease.
Cardiogenic oscillations: a potential mechanism enhancing oxygenation during apneic respiration

Adequate oxygen uptake by the lungs for prolonged apneic periods is possible even in the absence of respiratory movements provided that 100% O2 is applied at the airway opening. The mechanism by which adequate gas mixing takes place during this apneic respiration is not entirely clear. We propose that a major mechanism producing O2 uptake during apnea is the enhanced gas mixing secondary to airflow generated by the beating heart.
Glycogen in the central neurons of insects: Massive aggregations induced by anoxia or axotomy

Abstract Large nerve cell bodies in the metathoracic ganglion of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana were examined for glycogen content. Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining of frozen sections, together with electron microscopic evidence, confirmed the low glycogen content in normal neuron somata. Subjecting animals to a variety of stressful factors including axotomy and CO 2 or N 2 anaesthesia resulted in a rapid and substantial increase in neuronal glycogen. The glycogen appeared as large aggregates 1–3 μm in diameter closely associated with numerous mitochondria. These structures were principally restricted to the trophospongial regions of the nerve cell cytoplasm. Glycogen was rarely encountered in the trophospongial glia either in normal or experimental animals. The glycogen response, which persisted in large nerve cell bodies for at least 6.25 days, is discussed in relation to fluctuations in circulating trehalose resulting from the rapid mobilization of fat body glycogen.
Effect of Cetane Improver on Combustion and Emission Characteristics of Coal-Derived Sasol IPK in a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine

Sasol IPK is a coal-derived synthetic fuel under consideration as a blending stock with JP-8 for use in military ground vehicles. Since Sasol IPK is a low ignition quality fuel with Derived Cetane Number (DCN) of 31, there is a need to improve its ignition quality. This paper investigates the effect of adding different amounts of Lubrizol 8090 cetane improver to Sasol IPK on increasing its DCN. The experimental investigation was conducted in a single-cylinder research type diesel engine. The engine is equipped with a common rail injection system and an open Engine Control Unit (ECU). Experiments covered different injection pressures and intake air temperatures. Analysis of test results was made to determine the effect of cetane improver percentage in the coal-derived Sasol IPK blend on autoignition, combustion and emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), total unburned hydrocarbon (HC), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). In addition, the effect of cetane improver on the apparent activation energy of the global autoignition reactions was determined.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Attitudes and perceptions of perinatal concepts during pregnancy in women from three cultures

Interviewed Black-American, White-Anglo, and Cuban-Hispanic women (N = 126) during pregnancy and the puerperium in a longitudinal study of perinatal attitudes. Cultural differences emerged for the attitude toward Pregnancy, and differences across time emerged for the perception of activity of Unborn (Newborn) Baby. Such cultural and psychological factors need to be considered in the development of comprehensive prenatal care programs.
Hardware-based anti-Brownian electrokinetic trap (ABEL trap) for single molecules: control loop simulations and application to ATP binding stoichiometry in multi-subunit enzymes

The hardware-based Anti-Brownian ELectrokinetic trap (ABEL trap) features a feedback latency as short as 25 μs, suitable for trapping single protein molecules in aqueous solution. The performance of the feedback control loop is analyzed to extract estimates of the position variance for various controller designs. Preliminary data are presented in which the trap is applied to the problem of determining the distribution of numbers of ATP bound for single chaperonin multi-subunit enzymes.
An analysis of the sensitivity of non-rereduced PRS medium in endodontic therapy

A total of 244 paired samples were obtained from sixty-one root canal systems at four specific stages of endodontic treatment. Half the samples were placed in a commonly used endodontic medium and incubated aerobically. The remaining samples were placed in PRS medium and incubated in an anaerobic environment. The rereduction procedure, used to remove oxygen entering the PRS medium at the time of insertion of the sample, was not employed. A statistical analysis of the results indicates that the non-rereduced PRS medium is not as sensitive as rereduced PRS and offers no significant advantages over trypticase soy broth with 0.1 percent agar.
Deep fluids and ancient pore waters at the backstop: Stable isotope systematics (B, C, O) of mud-volcano deposits on the Mediterranean Ridge accretionary wedge

Products of two mud volcanoes from the distal part of the Mediterranean Ridge accretionary complex have been investigated regarding their B, C, and O stable isotope signatures. The mud breccias have been divided into mud matrix, lithified clasts, biogenic deposits, and authigenic cements and crusts related to fluid flow and cementation. Isotope geochemistry is used to evaluate the depth of mobilization of each phase in the subduction zone. B contents and isotope ratios of the mud and mud clasts show a general trend of B enrichment and decreasing δ 11 B values with increasing consolidation (i.e., depth). However, the majority of the clast and matrix samples relate to moderate depths of mobilization within the wedge (1–2 km below seafloor). The carbonate cements of most of these clasts as well as the authigenic crusts, however, provide evidence for a deep fluid influence, probably associated with the decollement at 5–6 km depth. This interpretation is supported by δ 13 C ratios of the crust, which indicate precipitation of C from thermogenic methane, and by the δ 11 B ratios of pore-water samples of mud-breccia drill cores. Clams ( Vesicomya sp.) living adjacent to fluid vents have δ 11 B and δ 18 O values corresponding to brines known in the area, which acted as the parent solution for shell precipitation. Such brines are most likely Miocene pore waters trapped at deep levels within the backstop to the accretionary prism, probably prior to desiccation of the Mediterranean in the Messinian (6–5 Ma). Combining all results, deep fluid circulation and expulsion are identified as the main processes triggering mud liquefaction and extrusion, whereas brines contribute only locally. Given the high B contents, mud extrusion has to be considered a major backflux mechanism of B into the hydrosphere.