cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impaired auditory sensory memory in Cystinosis despite typical sensory processing: A high-density electrical mapping study of the mismatch negativity (MMN)

Abstract Cystinosis, a genetic rare disease characterized by cystine accumulation and crystallization, results in significant damage in a multitude of tissues and organs, such as the kidney, thyroid, eye, and brain. While Cystinosis’ impact on brain function is relatively mild compared to its effects on other organs, the increased lifespan of this population and thus potential for productive societal contributions have led to increased interest on the effects on brain function. Nevertheless, and despite some evidence of structural brain differences, the neural impact of the mutation is still not well characterized. Here, using a passive duration oddball paradigm (with different stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs), representing different levels of demand on memory) and high-density electrophysiology, we tested basic auditory processing in a group of 22 children and adolescents diagnosed with Cystinosis (age range: 6-17 years old) and in neurotypical age-matched controls (N = 24). We examined whether the N1 and mismatch negativity (MMN) significantly differed between the groups and if those neural measures correlated with verbal and non-verbal IQ. Individuals diagnosed with Cystinosis presented similar N1 responses to their age-matched peers, indicating typical basic auditory processing in this population. However, whereas both groups showed similar MMN responses for the shortest (450 ms) SOA, suggesting intact change detection and sensory memory, individuals diagnosed with Cystinosis presented clearly reduced responses for the longer (900 ms and 1800 ms) SOAs. This could indicate reduced duration auditory sensory memory traces, and thus sensory memory impairment, in children and adolescents diagnosed with Cystinosis. Future work addressing other aspects of sensory and working memory is needed to understand the underlying bases of the differences described here, and their implication for higher order processing.
Restoring the Promise of Federal Reserve Governance

The US Federal Reserve System (Fed) is famous for its organizational complexity. Overlooked in debates about the costs and benefits of this complexity for the Fed’s legitimacy, independence, and accountability is the congressional vision of what the Fed should be. The central bank is governed by a highly accountable seven-person Board of Governors to manage the rest of the system. Time and experience have eroded this authority as a matter of practice but not as a matter of law. The Fed governors are supposed to supervise the system, a legal aspiration that has increasingly been enervated by institutional drift. Using empirical and historical tools, this paper discusses the erosion of the Board of Governors over the Fed’s century-long history, including the substantial reduction in real compensation for the governors, their diminished participation in Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings, and the increased vacancies that recently have been driven by the political process. To address these problems, the paper suggests reforms across three divides: cultural, regulatory, and legislative. Remedies include changing norms of FOMC meeting participation to place nonvoting members of the FOMC as “observers”; clarifying the role of the Fed’s Board of Governors in supervising the Federal Reserve Banks, particularly with respect to the presidential search process; increasing attention to vacancies and promoting bipartisan interest in credible candidates; and increasing governor salaries to match those of their colleagues at the 12 Federal Reserve Banks, consistent with legislative intent from 1913.
RIGHT VENTRICLE-TO-PULMONARY ARTERY CONDUIT FAILURE: A LATE COMPLICATION IN COMPLEX ADULT CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

RV-to-PA conduits are widely used in the treatment of severe RVOT lesions. They may be homografts or prosthetic conduits with bioprosthetic valves within the conduit. Over time, the conduits become dysfunctional due to progressive PR and/or PS, and either surgical or percutaneous intervention is
High contribution of canopy to oleoresin accumulation in loblolly pine trees

The shoot system of all loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) contains abundant resin ducts, and the oleoresins contained within them have demonstrated roles in constitutive defenses. This study is providing a quantitative assessment of oleoresin biosynthesis and accumulation in resin ducts. Morphometric analyses of representative tissue sections indicate that the fractional volume of resin ducts is particularly high in the cortex of young stems and their needles, representing a major portion of total pine resins from primary growth of the canopy. We demonstrate that it is possible to extrapolate oleoresin formation from the microscopic scale (tissues sections) to the macroscale (entire trees), which has implications for assessing resins as renewable feedstocks for bioproducts.
Characterization and evaluation of guayule processing residues as potential feedstock for biofuel and chemical production

Abstract In the processing of guayule (Parthenium argentatum) for bulk rubber production using solvent extraction, two residue streams are produced: a complex resin-rich liquid and a ground, dry woody bagasse. In order to enhance the economic viability of guayule as an industrial crop, value-added use of the residues is needed and has the potential to reduce gross rubber production costs. The main objective of this research is the characterization of these two residues using analytical techniques to identify potential value-added components and applications. Here, guayule bagasse and resin were characterized by CNHS/O elemental analysis, bomb calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy (FT-ICR MS). Guayule bagasse has high energy content (22–24 MJ/kg), less moisture (0.5–1.5 wt.%) and ash (3.7–4.1 wt.%), low cellulose crystallinity (29–34 %), and abundant carbohydrates (36–38 wt.%) and lignin (22–23 wt.%) relative to plenty of other lignocellulosic biomass, indicating bagasse’s potential for thermochemical conversion to fuels. By FT-ICR MS with negative ionization mode, the most abundant classes among the 7200 heteroatom-containing compounds detected in guayule resin were O3, followed by O4 and O2. Identified compounds included fatty acids, steroids, triterpenoids, and sesquiterpene esters, some of which have never been reported, as potential precursors of industrial chemicals. Characterization of guayule bagasse and resin guides exploring potential applications of waste streams, beneficial for enhancing techno-economic feasibility of guayule rubber-derived tires manufacturing industry.
Induction of diverse T cell memory through antibody-mediated activation in mice.

Recent studies have demonstrated that laboratory mice lack a robust repertoire of memory T cell. Administration of an anti-CD3e activating antibody (clone 145-2C11) induces persistent CD4 and CD8 T cell memory in both lymphatic and solid organs while maintaining T cell responses and without increased anergy or altering innate immunity.
Pancreatic insufficiency following pancreatectomy: Does underlying tumor syndrome confer a greater risk?

Abstract Background The risk of postoperative pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PPEI) is unknown in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN1) and von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) who require resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent resection of PNETs at the National Institutes of Health from 2007 to 2019 was performed. Results Our cohort included 82 patients (VHL n = 25, MEN1 n = 20, sporadic n = 37), 6 of whom developed PPEI. While VHL compared to all non-VHL patients (p = 0.046), non-functional PNETs (p = 0.050), and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) (p= Conclusions The rate of PPEI in patients with hereditary tumor syndromes was similar to that of sporadic PNETs. PD was independently associated with PPEI, and this increased risk should be included in preoperative counseling.
Solid solution softening in dislocation-starved Mg–Al alloys

Abstract Here, we report molecular dynamics (MD) calculations of spall strength in pure magnesium and magnesium alloys with 1–8 at.% aluminum in solid solution. The Mg–Al solid solution alloys are found to have a weaker spall strength than pure magnesium, e.g. the spall strength of Mg-8 at.% Al is found to be 12% lower than pure magnesium. Moreover, we find that the spall strength of Mg–Al alloys monotonically decreases with increasing concentration of Al content. We term this phenomena solid solution softening (SSS) of spall strength, which is contrary to the conventional solid solution strengthening observed in most alloys (including Mg–Al alloys) deformed at quasi-static loading rates. We argue that this transition from solid solution strengthening at quasi-static rates to SSS at extreme loading rates is due to a transition from dislocation glide dominated failure at low rates to dislocation nucleation dominated failure at extreme rates. The distortion of the host lattice by solute atoms is found to retard dislocation glide, but aids dislocation nucleation. We thus conclude that SSS may manifest in any dislocation-starved system, regardless of loading rate. To this end, we propose a theoretical model for spall strength in dislocation-starved bulk and nanoporous alloys that exhibits remarkable agreement with our molecular dynamics calculations. Our theory bares some resemblance to the double kink nucleation enhancement theory for low-temperature SSS in some body centered cubic metals, e.g. refractory metals alloyed with group IV-VIII elements.
Compartment Syndrome in Children With a Supracondylar Fracture: Not Everyone has Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVES To clarify the incidence, associated conditions, and timing of fasciotomy for compartment syndrome (CS) in children with a supracondylar (SC) fracture of the humerus. DESIGN A retrospective trauma system database study. SETTING Accredited trauma centers in Pennsylvania. PATIENTS A statewide trauma database was searched for children 2-13 years of age admitted with a SC fracture between January 2001 and December 2015. Four thousand three hundred eight children met inclusion criteria. INTERVENTION Treatment of a SC fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT Diagnosis of CS/performance of a fasciotomy. RESULTS During the study period, 21 (0.49%) children admitted with a SC fracture of the humerus were treated with fasciotomy. CS/fasciotomy was more likely in males (P = 0.031), those with a nerve injury (P = 0.049), and/or ipsilateral forearm fracture (P < 0.001). Vascular procedure, performed in 18 (0.42%) children, was strongly associated with CS/fasciotomy (P < 0.001). Closed reduction and fixation of a forearm fracture was associated with CS (P = 0.007). Timing of SC fracture treatment did not influence outcome. Fasciotomy was performed subsequent to reduction in 13 subjects; mean interval between procedures was 23.4 hours (r = 4.5-51.3). CONCLUSIONS Risk factors for CS exist; however, they are not required for the condition to develop. CS may develop subsequent to admission and/or SC fracture treatment. In timing of operative management and hospitalization, the results support contemporary practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
“Striking out on your own”—A study of research information management problems on university campuses

Abstract Here, we report on a qualitative study that examined research information management (RIM) ecosystems on research university campuses from the perspectives of research information (RI) man...
A novel framework for estimating and analyzing pesticide risk on golf courses

This study develops a framework that quantifies golf course pesticide risk, explores environmental and economic factors that may be responsible for the observed risk, develops a method to compare golf course pesticide risk to other agricultural crops and investigates how pesticide risk on golf courses can be most effectively reduced. To quantify pesticide risk, we adapt the Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) and hazard quotient models for use on golf courses. The EIQ model provides an estimate of overall environmental risk, while the hazard quotient model, as applied here, provides an estimate of pesticide risk to mammals. This novel framework was applied to twenty-two courses in Wisconsin and New York, USA. Using both pesticide risk models, all twenty-two golf courses showed a high coefficient of variation of pesticide risk (<0.76). Within a golf course, mean absolute pesticide risk was at least two times higher on fairways than on greens, tees, or roughs. Mean area normalized risk was at least three times higher on greens than the other three golf course components. Pesticide risk of a component-weighted average of greens, tees, fairways and roughs on each course were within the range of pesticide risk calculated for five other agricultural crops. Our data suggest that variation in pesticide risk on golf courses is related to economic factors, such as maintenance budget, and can be effectively lowered by reducing pesticide use on fairways and selecting products of lower risk. To assist golf course superintendents in developing programs that lower pesticide risk, a new metric was developed: the Risk to Intensity Quotient (RIQ). The RIQ is the ratio of pesticide risk to use intensity and quantifies the average risk of product selection by a golf course superintendent.
Facile synthesis of GalNAc monomers and block polycations for hepatocyte gene delivery

The ability to design liver-targeted polymers for nucleic acid delivery vehicles is plagued with difficulties ranging from polymer-mediated cellular toxicity to challenges in synthesizing monomers that enable facile cell-specific polymeric gene delivery vehicles. Herein is presented an improved synthetic route to a N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (GalNAc)-derived monomer (two steps, 91% overall yield) and its incorporation into a library of nine diblock co-polymers with 2-aminoethylmethacrylamide (AEMA) and two end-group functionalized AEMA homopolymers. These polymers were complexed with plasmid DNA (pDNA) into polyplexes and evaluated for the toxicity, uptake and transfection efficiency against cultured hepatocytes (HepG2) at N/P ratios of 2.5, 5, and 10. All polyplexes showed a range of cell survivability between 60–90%, an improvement over JetPEI, a commercial transfection reagent, when dosed at standard concentrations. Although GalNAc block length does not play a significant role in cellular uptake of Cy-5 labeled pDNA, it has a heavy influence on the transfection efficiency of luciferase-encoded pDNA where longer GalNAc block lengths give rise to higher transfection efficiencies. Overall, this work demonstrates a greatly improved route to GalNAc monomer synthesis, which that can be incorporated into polymers that target hepatocytes.
A Review of “Creating Digital Collections: A Practical Guide”

This book presents practical information for creating digital collections and covers wide-ranging topics such as planning, purchasing equipment, staffing and training, and launching Web sites. The ...
Advanced transponders for deep space applications

Three architectures for advanced deep space transponders are proposed. The architectures possess various digital techniques such as fast Fourier transform (FFT), digital phase-locked loop (PLL), and digital sideband aided carrier detection with analog or digital turn-around ranging. Preliminary results on the design and conceptual implementation are presented. Modifications to the command detector unit (CDU) are also presented. >
Implementations of Dijkstra’s Algorithm Based on Multi-Level Buckets

A 2-level bucket data structure [6] has been shown to perform well in a Dijkstra’s algorithm implementation [4]. In this paper we study how the implementation performance depends on the number of bucket levels used. In particular we are interested in the best number of levels to use in practice.
An Approach to the Linguistic Summarization of Data

We introduce a new approach to the summarization of data based upon the theory of fuzzy subsets. This new summarization allows for a linguistic summary of the data and is useful for both numeric and non-numeric data items. It summarizes the data in terms of three values: a summarizer, a quantity in agreement, and a truth value. We also discuss a procedure for investigating the informativeness of a summary. Finally, we describe Summarizer, an implementation of this new approach to the summarization of data.
Error correction in the bounded storage model

We initiate a study of Maurer's bounded storage model (JoC, 1992) in presence of transmission errors and perhaps other types of errors that cause different parties to have inconsistent views of the public random source. Such errors seem inevitable in any implementation of the model. All previous schemes and protocols in the model assume a perfectly consistent view of the public source from all parties, and do not function correctly in presence of errors, while the private-key encryption scheme of Aumann, Ding and Rabin (IEEE IT, 2002) can be extended to tolerate only a O(1/log(1/e)) fraction of errors, where e is an upper bound on the advantage of an adversary. In this paper, we provide a general paradigm for constructing secure and error-resilient private-key cryptosystems in the bounded storage model that tolerate a constant fraction of errors, and attain the near optimal parameters achieved by Vadhan's construction (JoC, 2004) in the errorless case. In particular, we show that any local fuzzy extractor yields a secure and error-resilient cryptosystem in the model, in analogy to the result of Lu (JoC, 2004) that any local strong extractor yields a secure cryptosystem in the errorless case, and construct efficient local fuzzy extractors by extending Vadhan's sample-then-extract paradigm. The main ingredients of our constructions are averaging samplers (Bellare and Rompel, FOCS '94), randomness extractors (Nisan and Zuckerman, JCSS, 1996), error correcting codes, and fuzzy extractors (Dodis, Reyzin and Smith, EUROCRYPT '04).
The Story of Crane v. Commissioner

This paper presents the story of Crane v. Commissioner, 331 U.S. 1 (1947), the case described by Prof. Bittker as having "laid the foundation stone of most tax shelters." Drawing upon newspaper stories, briefs, unpublished judicial opinions and memoranda, and other sources, it describes what was really involved in the case, the government's and the taxpayer's litigation strategies, the decision-making processes of the courts, and the case's impact on the development of the tax law. The paper will be published as a chapter in a book to be entitled Tax Stories: An In-Depth Look at Ten Leading Federal Income Tax Cases (Foundation Press). Additional financial support for the project has been provided by the American Tax Policy Institute.
The Artilect Debate

Twenty-first-century technologies will allow the creation of massively intelligent machines, many trillions of times as smart, fast, and durable as humans. Issues concerning industrial, consumer, and military applications of mobile autonomous robots, cyborgs, and computer-based AI systems could divisively split humanity into ideological camps regarding whether “artilects” (artificial intellects) should be built or not. The artilect debate, unlike any before it, could dominate the 21st-century political landscape, and has the potential to cause conflict on a global scale. Research is needed to inform policy and individual decisions; and healthy debate should be initiated now to prepare institutions and individuals alike for the impact of AI.
Calibration and validation of the CASA phased array antenna

This paper describes the calibration and validation of one-dimension scanned phased array antenna for an X-band weather radar being developed at the Engineering Research Center for the Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA). The antenna aperture is based on a linear array of vertical subarrays. Each subarray is fed by a separate Transmit/Receive (T/R) module which provides phase, amplitude and polarization diversity. The characterization and calibration of the array are based on single element measurements obtained from a portable near-field probe test system. The calibration is validated by measuring the antenna radiation pattern in a near-field antenna range. In addition, thermal stability tests are performed to estimate the system performance loss.
Hybrid States of tRNA During Translation

The elongation cycle of protein synthesis was formalized by Watson (1964), who proposed a simple two-site model that accounted for most of the experimental observations concerning the interactions between tRNA and ribosomes known at that time. The robustness of this classical model was apparent from the fact that it withstood nearly two decades of experimental testing. In the meanwhile, a number of studies led to proposals advocating additional ribosomal binding sites for tRNA. Eventually, it was recognized that a new feature, the E site, had to be accounted for (Rheinberger et al. 1981; Grajevskaja et al. 1982; Kirrilov et al. 1983; Lill et al. 1984), and so the two-site model was expanded to accomodate three tRNA binding sites, although the main features of the mechanism remained essentially unchanged (Fig. 1). Beginning with a peptidyl-tRNA (or initiator tRNA) in the P site (Fig. la), a new aminoacyl-tRNA is delivered to the A site via a tRNA EF-Tu-GTP ternary complex (Fig. lb). The roles of EF-Tu and GTP were recognized to be important for translational accuracy, and appear to involve a kinetic proofreading mechanism (Thompson 1988; Kurland et al. 1990). Once the A and P sites are filled, peptide bond formation occurs spontaneously, catalyzed by peptidyl transferase, an integral part of the large ribosomal subunit; in the classical model, this results in transfer of the nascent polypeptide chain to the A-site tRNA, leaving a deacylated tRNA in the P site (Fig. lc).
Hedge Fund Regulation: The President's Working Group Committees' Best Practices Reports: Raising the Bar But Missing Risks

Two private-sector committees empaneled by the President's Working Group on Financial Markets have released their reports on "best practices" in hedge fund regulation. The more notable of the two is the Asset Managers Committee report, which reflects the views of hedge-fund managers themselves. The report does go beyond previous compilations of best practices in some ways, such as by recommending enhanced disclosures of the types of assets that funds hold. But its discussion of counterparty risk management - the key to controlling any systemic risk that hedge funds may pose - is cursory and inadequate. A more detailed discussion of this issue seems important to any serious attempt to address the systemic risks posed by hedge funds.
Idiopathic infant pyocele: a case report and review of the literature.

Abstract Background Pyocele is a rare emergent urologic condition that requires rapid recognition and treatment to prevent testicular loss. Cases of pediatric pyocele have not been previously reported in the emergency medicine literature. Case Report We describe a case of a 6-week-old male who presented to the emergency department for a sepsis evaluation. The patient displayed subtle scrotal findings but had an otherwise benign physical examination. Subsequent sonographic imaging suggested a possible scrotal abscess and surgical exploration revealed a pyocele. A literature review of previously reported cases of patients with pyocele is also presented. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? A pyocele is a rare cause of both an acute scrotum and neonatal fever. It is important for emergency physicians to consider this entity when evaluating pediatric patients with fever, particularly those with symptoms related to the scrotum.
AN ASSAY FOR AND SOME PROPERTIES OF DEOXYRIBONUCLEASE INHIBITOR IN RAT LIVER.

Abstract A simple, convenient assay for DNase I protein inhibitor has been devised. Some of the conditions affecting the assay such as Mg++ concentration, pH and ionic strength, have been investigated. Some properties of DNase inhibitor have been studied. The inhibitor is relatively labile to storage, is not affected by sulfhydryl reagents, and is destroyed by heating at 60 °C. Evidence is presented that suggests the mechanism of inhibitor action is through combination with a Mg++-DNA complex. The inhibitor-DNA-Mg++ combination is not wholly resistant to the action of DNase I.
Role of electrokinetic phenomena in the preparation of supported metal catalysts

A model accounting for the effect of electrokinetic phenomena on the prepartion of supported metal catalysts by wet impregnation is presented. The model is able to explain the dependence of catalyst distribution profile and loading on the concentration of the impregnant, on the pH and ionic strength of the impregnating solution, as well as on the presence of a co-impregnating species.
Demonstrating distributed signal strength location estimation

Distributed estimation of sensor location is a key enabling technology for sensor networks. This demonstration will provide an interactive display of distributed, cooperative localization, using wideband received signal-strength measurements, and the distributed weighted multi-dimensional scaling (dwMDS) algorithm.
Genomic analysis of the H-2 complex region associated with mouse t Haplotypes

Abstract Naturally occurring t haplotypes suppress recombination over a region of mouse chromosome 17 that includes the H-2 complex. Each of these t haplotypes is associated with a specific set of H-2 alleles and can be placed into one of a limited number of complementation groups. Genetic studies have demonstrated the existence of a basic homology in genomic organization among all t haplotypes. We used an H-2 cDNA probe to investigate, at the molecular level, possible relationships among the H-2 regions of different t haplotypes. We identified a family of t haplotype-specific restriction fragments that carry DNA sequences homologous to the H-2 -like genes. Surprisingly, the H-2 -defined restriction patterns from all five complete t haplotypes analyzed are highly homologous, even though H-2 gene products expressed are antigenically distinct. These data lead to two major conclusions. First, all t haplotypes were derived from a small number of closely related ancestors. Second, the H-2 complex region associated with each primordial t chromosome has been maintained within at least the five present-day t haplotypes analyzed here. Hence the H-2 complex is an integral component of naturally occurring t haplotypes.
Relationship Conflict and Restoration Model: A Preliminary Exploration of Concepts and Therapeutic Utility

The article examines preliminary results of the reconciliation cycle presented as part of the Relationship Conflict and Restoration Model (RCRM). This model is an integration of attachment theory, contextual family therapy, and narrative approaches. The model was implemented in a workshop format with 5 couples. Implications from this workshop are presented regarding the relationship between the primary constructs of the reconciliation cycle. Initial impressions indicate that the constructs of justice, empathy, trust, forgiveness, and grace are related to a couple’s overall experience of intimacy, offering support for the model. Implications of the RCRM are discussed.
Backlighter development at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Zinc to Zirconium

Abstract K-shell X-ray emission from laser-irradiated planar Zn, Ge, Br, and Zr foils was measured at the National Ignition Facility for laser irradiances in the range of 0.6–9.5 × 10 15 W/cm 2 . The incident laser power had a pre-pulse to enhance the laser-to-X-ray conversion efficiency (CE) of a 2–5 ns constant-intensity pulse used as the main laser drive. The measured CE into the 8–16 keV energy band ranged from 0.43% to 2%, while the measured CE into the He-like resonance 1 s 2–1 s 2 p (1P) and intercombination 1 s 2–1 s 2 p (3P) transitions, as well as from their 1 s 2(2 s ,2 p ) l –1 s 2 p (2 s ,2 p ) l satellite transitions for l = 1, 2, 3, corresponding to the Li-, Be-, and B-like resonances, respectively, ranged from 0.3% to 1.5%. Absolute and relative CE measurements are consistent with X-ray energy scaling of ( hν ) −3 to ( hν ) −5 , where hν is the X-ray energy. The temporal evolution of the broadband X-ray power was similar to the main laser drive for ablation plasmas having a critical density surface.
Kaizen: A Process Improvement Model for the Business of Health Care and Perioperative Nursing Professionals

Kaizen is a proven management technique that has a practical application for health care in the context of health care reform and the 2010 Institute of Medicine landmark report on the future of nursing. Compounded productivity is the unique benefit of kaizen, and its principles are change, efficiency, performance of key essential steps, and the elimination of waste through small and continuous process improvements. The kaizen model offers specific instruction for perioperative nurses to achieve process improvement in a five-step framework that includes teamwork, personal discipline, improved morale, quality circles, and suggestions for improvement.
The effect of adding a lipid tail to tyrosine-azobenzenearsonate: In vivo and in vitro consequences for cell-mediated immunity☆

Abstract Coupling lipid tails of increasing length to the tyrosine-azobenzene-arsonate molecule resulted in a decrease in in vivo immunogenicity. When used to induce in vitro stimulation of sensitized lymphocytes a decrease in dose was required to produce an optimal response as the lipid sidechain increased in size. This was attributable to the cytotoxic effects produced by the detergent-like activity of the large lipid side-chain derivatives. When used for pulsing of macrophages the stickiness of the larger lipid derivatives made them more effective at low doses and times for initiation of lymphocyte stimulation.
Further development of recombinant baculovirus insecticides

On the basis of recent laboratory and field experiments, recombinant baculoviruses expressing insect-specific neurotoxin genes show an increased speed of insect killing compared with natural baculoviruses. They can also induce symptoms similar to those induced by chemical insecticides and have the potential for widespread use in agriculture. Current studies of the ecology and molecular biology of baculoviruses should further improve efficacy and better define safety.
Is taurine a neurotransmitter in rabbit retina

Abstract Rabbit retina was used as a model to study the possible role of taurine in the retina. The taurine-synthesizing enzyme, cysteine sulfinic acid decar☐ylase (CSAD), is localized immunohistochemically using specific antibodies against CSAD. The CSAD-immunoreactivity appears to be most prominent in the inner nuclear layer (INL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). The inner plexiform layer (IPL), the outer nuclear layer and outer plexiform layer are sporadically stained. The CSAD-positive neurons include some amacrine cells and probably the bipolar cells in the INL and some large and small ganglion cells in the GCL. Autoradiographic studies reveal that the uptake of [ 3 H]taurine is most prominent in the INL. The IPL and GCL, as well as the Mu¨ller cells, also show a moderate degree of [ 3 H]taurine accumulation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the presence of the taurine-synthesizing enzyme and uptake systems in rabbit retina. Based on the above evidence, we propose that taurine may be used by some neurons, presumably amacrine cells, as a transmitter in the rabbit retina.
Vesiculobullous Eruptions of the Oral Cavity

The spectrum of vesiculobullous eruptions of the oral cavity is wide and rich, with different disease entities that encompass different etiologies, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, treatment plans, and prognostic ends. Trying to present all these entities in a comprehensive fashion is challenging, but in this article, most of the important entities pertaining to this topic have been encompassed in a concise manner.
How Involvement, Citation Style, and Funding Source Affect the Credibility of University Scientists

Many factors influence public perception of university scientists as credible sources of environmental news. This study looks at three of them: the scientist's funding source, the citation style, and participant involvement. In a 2× 2× 3 mixed-subjects factorial design, participants read newspaper articles and rated the credibility of the scientists identified therein. No main effects occurred for funding source or for citation style. A main effect occurred for involvement, but not as predicted: those highly involved rated the scientists as more credible than those less involved. No interactions occurred. Reasons for these inconclusive but still informative results are explored.
Properties of fatty-acid esters of starch

This work examines the properties of starch esters for their possible application as environmentally degradable thermoplastics. The rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties of a series of fatty-acid esters of high-amylose starch (as well as the effects of adding plasticizer on some selected properties) were evaluated. The ester group acts like an internal plasticizer, with an increase in the size of the fatty-acid chain, resulting in greater internal plasticization. This is reflected in the rheological and thermal measurements as well as in the mechanical properties. Overall, larger ester groups and the addition of external plasticizer make these starch-based materials more processable and more ductile. However, comparing their properties and cost to commodity thermoplastics leads us to believe that their commercial applications are likely to be limited, at least in the near future. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
CONVICTION AND COMMITMENT, WIT AND WISDOM: THE GIFT OF JOSEPHINE VAN DYKE BROWNSON

While wandering through the recesses of history one occasionally stumbles upon relatively uncelebrated persons whose contributions to the quality of life and faith of a given population merit attention.
The influence of the scattering law on the radiation damage displacement cascade

Abstract The asymptotic solution to the integral equation describing the radiation damage displacement cascade is derived under weaker assumptions than made previously. The results of the earlier calculation have been completely confirmed, even for inverse power scattering laws having infinite total scattering cross sections, as long as the stopping cross sections are finite.
Orthogonal collocation — application to diffusion from point sources

Abstract Turbulent atmospheric diffusion from single or multiple point sources is simulated using the K- theory and solved by orthogonal collocation. The physical and chemical behavior of pollutant species in the atmosphere is described by the three-dimensional, unsteady-state diffusion equation including chemical reactions. Orthogonal collocation is used to reduce the partial differential equation governing the mean concentration of contaminants to first-order ordinary differential equations. This system of equations is then solved in a digital computer. Mean wind velocities and turbulent diffusivities are represented by empirical equations. Several meteorological parameters are included in these equations so that a variety of atmospheric conditions can be simulated. The present method was evaluated by comparing the results to existing experimental atmospheric concentration profiles. Good agreement was found in all the cases simulated. In addition, the sensitivity of the present model to variations in atmospheric conditions was analyzed by means of a parametric study. Proper responses were observed in all cases.
Kernel density estimation as a technique for assessing availability of health services in Nicaragua

Typically, accessibility ratios have been calculated through a simple mathematical division of the number of people in an area by the number of facilities (or staff) in that area. This approach does not take into account the service area of the facility or its proximity to population centers, and is often performed using aggregate numbers for an administrative region. This paper describes an approach to calculating accessibility ratios such as population to facility ratios or population to staff ratios using Kernel density estimation (KDE) within a geographic information system. KDE disperses discrete phenomena across continuous space and is unrestrained by administrative boundaries. Therefore it provides a better representation of the spread of people and services across the landscape. Two types of accessibility ratios are calculated on a national level for Nicaragua: population-per-facility and population-per-staff; the merits of using KDE over traditional approaches are discussed.
Dielectronic recombination rates for the He-like ions

Abstract A detailed study of the dielectronic recombination rate for the He-like ion targets is presented. Individual decay widths and fluorescence yields for the dominant autoionization states are also tabulated. The results compare well with other recent calculations and with experimental data, although sizable differences were found in some cases.
Electric fields, conductivity, and estimated currents from aircraft overflights of electrified clouds

[1] Using rotating vane electric field mills and Gerdien capacitors, we measured the electric field profile and conductivity during 850 overflights of clouds and thunderstorms. The measurements were made with NASA ER-2 and Altus-II aircrafts. Peak electric fields, with lightning transients removed, ranged from −1.0 kV m−1 to 16. kV m−1, with a mean value of 0.9 kV m−1. The median peak field was 0.29 kV m−1. Flash rates ranged from 0 to over 27 flashes min−1 with the mean flash rate of 1.2 flashes min−1. The median flash rate for an overpass was 0.25 flashes min−1. The positive plus negative conductivity ranged from 0.6 pS m−1 to 3.6 pS m−1 at the nominal flight altitudes of 15 to 20 km. The mean and median total conductivity was 2.2 pS m−1. Peak current densities during the overpasses ranged from −2.0 nA m−2 to 33. nA m−2. The mean peak current density was 1.9 nA m−2, and the median value was 0.6 nA m−2. Using the peak electric fields, a median field falloff with distance based on all overflights, and cylindrical storm symmetry, the total upward current flow from storms in our data set ranges from −1.3 to 9.4 A with a mean value of 0.8 A. The median total current was 0.27 A. The contributions from lightning field changes do not significantly affect the total derived currents. We found that 7% of the storms were producing current flows above the storms that were opposite in polarity from the standard role that thunderstorms play in the global electric circuit. Approximately one third of the storms had no detectable lightning during the overpasses but still had significant electric fields. Owing to a possible sampling bias, the fraction of nonlightning storms with electric fields may not reflect the global probability of these clouds.
Estimating the intensity of rock discontinuities

This paper presents an approach for estimating the intensity of discontinuities and formulating intensity and orientation as a fracture tensor. Specifically the size distribution and the number of discontinuities are estimated first, from which the fracture tensor is then derived. Discontinuity size distribution is inferred from the trace data sampled in circular windows by using a general stereological relationship between the true trace length distribution and the discontinuity diameter distribution assuming circular shaped discontinuities. Because the measured trace lengths are biased, a method is proposed to estimate the true trace length distribution for circular window sampling. Circular window sampling has the advantage of automatically eliminating the orientation bias when estimating the true trace lengths. A method is then presented with which the total number of discontinuities in an objective volume can be estimated from the number of discontinuities observed in normal-size boreholes and using the inferred discontinuity diameter from the circular window sampling on the rock surface. With the derived size distribution and number of discontinuities, the intensity of discontinuities, which is the total surface area of discontinuities per unit volume, can then be calculated and included in a new definition of a fracture tensor. An application of the approach to analyze simulated discontinuities produces satisfactory results.
Some universally optimal row-column designs with empty nodes

SUMMARY General forms of the reduced coefficient matrix for estimation of treatment effects and the intrablock analysis of variance of row-column designs with n experimental units and v treatments are obtained from earlier work by the authors. These results are used to identify desirable properties for row-column designs with empty nodes. A need for such designs is apparent when the blocking criteria are implemented in sequence and empty nodes do not represent wasted experimental units. The construction and properties of three special classes of row-column designs with some empty nodes are discussed and examples given. In particular, it is shown that, if a row-column design belongs to one of these classes, then it is universally optimal for specified design parameters, where universally optimal designs are designs that maximize a generalized optimality criterion as defined by Kiefer.
Carbon monoxide exposure from cooking in snow caves at high altitude.

Objective To determine the physiological consequences of acute CO exposure from cooking in snow caves at 3200m. We hypothesized that ambient CO and serum carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels would increase and that even low levels of COHb would be associated with symptoms of CO poisoning at high altitude. Method This was a prospective observational study. Twenty-two healthy volunteers age 18 years or older were recruited during a winter camping trip at 3200m. Subjects filled out symptom questionnaires, and heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ), serum COHb, and ambient CO were all measured before and after cooking inside snow caves. Results Median age of subjects was 32 years, and 87% were male. The median ambient CO level increased by 17ppm (IQR, 2–27ppm), P =.005. Mean serum COHb level rose from 0.3% (IQR, 0.2%–0.4%) to 1.2% (IQR, 0.7%–2.6%) after cooking, for a difference of 1% (IQR, 0.4%–2.3%), P 2 . Conclusion A single exposure to CO at 3200m increases ambient CO and COHb but not to clinically important levels. Further studies are needed to examine the risks of longer exposures at higher altitudes.
Addition of Mild Electrophiles to a Mo≡N Triple Bond and Nitrile Synthesis via Metal-Mediated N-Atom Transfer to Acid Chlorides

The addition of mild electrophiles to the anionic terminal Mo-nitride {[(t)BuOCO]Mo[triple bond]N]Na(DMF)}(2) (1) and the synthesis of nitriles via metal-mediated N-atom transfer is reported. The X-ray structure of a pivaloylimido intermediate indicates the presence of a weakly coordinated DMF molecule. Kinetic studies confirm that cyclometalation and DMF dissociation occur prior to nitrile extrusion.
Characterizing Ground Motions That Collapse Steel Special Moment-Resisting Frames or Make Them Unrepairable

This work applies 64,765 simulated seismic ground motions to four models each of 6- or 20-story, steel special moment-resisting frame buildings. We consider two vector intensity measures and categorize the building response as “collapsed,” “unrepairable,” or “repairable.” We then propose regression models to predict the building responses from the intensity measures. The best models for “collapse” or “unrepairable” use peak ground displacement and velocity as intensity measures, and the best models predicting peak interstory drift ratio, given that the frame model is “repairable,” use spectral acceleration and epsilon (ϵ) as intensity measures. The more flexible frame is always more likely than the stiffer frame to “collapse” or be “unrepairable.” A frame with fracture-prone welds is substantially more susceptible to “collapse” or “unrepairable” damage than the equivalent frame with sound welds. The 20-story frames with fracture-prone welds are more vulnerable to P-delta instability and have a much higher probability of collapse than do any of the 6-story frames.
Toxicity of field-weathered insecticide residues to Anaphes iole (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), an egg parasitoid of Lygus lineolaris (Heteroptera: Miridae), and implications for inundative biological control in cotton

Abstract Anaphes iole Girault is an egg parasitoid that has potential as an inundative biological control agent for the tarnished plant bug Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) in cotton in the midsouth USA. Our research addressed survival of A. iole wasps exposed to field-weathered residues of insecticides important to cotton production in the region. Our objectives were to identify insecticides with decay profiles that might be compatible with augmentative releases of A. iole in cotton. Survival of female wasps exposed to field-weathered residues on cotton leaves was determined at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 23, and 30 days after treatment with field rates of nine compounds. Immediately after treatment, residues of most insecticides (acephate, cyfluthrin, λ-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, spinosad, fipronil, and oxamyl) resulted in 50 estimates (days for 50% survival) were ⩽5 days for these insecticides. Survivorship of wasps exposed to λ-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam was intermediate (95% CI values between 5 and 11 days). Of the insecticides tested, residues of cyfluthrin, fipronil, and spinosad were most deleterious to A. iole (95% CI values > 11 days). Precipitation and wind speed during the study period were less than 30-year averages; thus, under typical weather conditions insecticides might decay more rapidly than observed in this study. Our results suggest that while most insecticides tested exhibited high acute toxicity to A. iole wasps, residues of several compounds decayed rapidly enough to show promise in an augmentative release program.
Hapten-specific Helper Effects in Antibody Formation

ANTIBODY synthesis is known to result from cooperation between antigen specific bursal equivalent (B) cells and thymus-dependent (T) cells1,2. When hapten-protein conjugates are used as antigens, the T cells recognize the carrier protein determinants and the B cells produce the hapten-specific antibody3,4.
Some direct measurements of atmospheric sulfur fluxes over a pine plantation

Abstract Direct measurements of the turbulent fluxes of total atmospheric sulfur have been made over a plantation of loblolly pine in Alamance County, North Carolina, during July 1977. Fluxes of total sulfur are found to have a strong diurnal cycle, with daytime peaks of about 0.04 μg m −2 s −1 and with daytime deposition velocities typically in the range 0.5–2.0 cm s −1 . At night, fluxes of sulfur appear to have been zero or directed slightly upward, out of the canopy. On occasions when no gaseous sulfur compounds were detected, the measurements indicate deposition velocities for particulate sulfur that average about 0.7 cm s −1 in daytime. Eddy fluxes of small particles with diameter near 0.07 μm also display considerable variability; in this case the net transfer was upward during most of the diurnal cycle, but strongly downward in the afternoon.