cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diet Quality Is Low and Differs by Sex in People with HIV

Background People with HIV (PWH) are at risk for developing metabolic comorbidities driven, in part, by immune activation/inflammation. Little is known about diet quality, a potential modifiable factor in PWH. Objectives This study aimed to explore diet quality in terms of conformance with US dietary guidelines by calculating Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI) scores among adults with and without HIV in Boston, MA, and determine associations with HEI and markers of immune activation/inflammation. Methods One-hundred and three HIV-infected [50 women, 53 men; mean ± SD age: 47 ± 7 y; body mass index (BMI, in kg/m2): 26 ± 5] and 38 uninfected adults (17 women, 21 men; age: 46 ± 7 y; BMI: 28 ± 4) were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Participants who completed a 4-d food record from which HEI could be calculated were included. HEI was compared between participants with and without HIV, within HIV-infected participants stratified by sex, and by HIV serostatus and sex. In the HIV group, predictors of HEI were determined in multivariable modeling. Univariate associations with diet quality and inflammation/immune markers were assessed. Results The HEI score was 51.3 in the HIV-infected participants and 57.3 in the HIV-uninfected participants (P = 0.052). In the comparison by HIV serostatus and sex, HIV-infected women had significantly lower HEI (49.2) compared with HIV-infected men (55.7) (P = 0.005) and HIV-uninfected men (61.8) (P = 0.002). Adjusting for potential confounding factors, sex remained an independent predictor of HEI in HIV (P = 0.02). In the HIV group, higher log HEI was associated with lower concentration of the immune activation marker sCD14 (P = 0.009). Conclusions Diet quality tended to be lower in HIV-infected individuals compared with HIV-uninfected individuals and was lower among HIV-infected women compared with HIV-infected men, and HIV-uninfected men. There may also be an association with diet quality and sCD14 in PWH. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine whether improving diet quality is a useful strategy to reduce metabolic abnormalities in this population. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00455793.
A nonlinear spectral problem with periodic coefficients occurring in magnetohydrodynamic stability theory

Three-dimensional quasi-helical plasma equilibria with flow are considered. A method for studying their instabilities and waves is described. The method uses the Fourier transformation to reduce the original spectral problem for a partial differential operator with linear coefficients in the physical space to a family of spectral problems for ordinary differential operators with periodic coefficients in the Fourier space. A qualitative description of the spectrum (including bounds for nonimaginary eigenvalues) is obtained. An efficient numerical procedure for finding the spectrum is presented. A complicated interplay between the flow and the magnetic field is illustrated.
Sub-Symmetries and Conservation Laws

The concept of sub-symmetry of a differential system was introduced in [ 40 ], where it was shown that a sub-symmetry is a considerably more powerful tool than a regular symmetry with regard to deformation of conservation laws. In this paper, we study the nature of a correspondence between sub-symmetries and conservation laws of a differential system. We show that for a large class of non-Lagrangian systems, there is a natural association between sub-symmetries and local conservation laws based on the Noether operator identity, and we prove an analogue of the first Noether theorem for sub-symmetries. We also demonstrate that a similar association can be established for infinite sub-symmetries of the system. We discuss the role of sub-symmetries in generation of infinite series of conservation laws for the constrained Maxwell system and the incompressible Euler equations of fluid dynamics. Despite the fact that infinite symmetries (with arbitrary functions of dependent variables) are not known for the Euler equations, we find infinite sub-symmetries for the two- and three-dimensional Euler equations with certain constraints. We show that these sub-symmetries generate known series of infinite conservation laws, and obtain new classes of infinite conservation laws.
Engineering the Nanoparticle–Electrode Interface

The chemical modification of electrodes has been an active area of research for decades. As the complexity of electrode modification has increased, nanoparticle (NP)-functionalized electrodes have emerged as a rich field of interest for investigating important applications such as energy conversion and storage, amperometric sensing, and the electrocatalytic synthesis of molecules. To enhance the performance of these systems, strategies to define the NP–electrode interface using molecular linkers have been investigated. By exploiting the advances made in modifying electrode surfaces with molecular monolayers and the synthesis of precise molecularly functionalized NPs, design strategies have been developed to fabricate NP-functionalized electrodes with a defined molecular interface. In this review, we discuss the current interfacing strategies utilized when designing a NP-functionalized electrode with a molecular linker. In this context, this review explores the different structural features that result fro...
Evolutionary Issues in Development of Behavioral Flexibility

The hypothesis that play behavior in animals evolved because play experience produced individual behavioral flexibility—complex, generalized skills for interacting with varied and novel social and physical environments—contrasts with the widely accepted hypothesis that the evolutionary significance of play is that it trains particular, species-typical motor skills used in the same few motivational and functional contexts by each individual. Experimental and observational information in support of both hypotheses is discussed. Experimental evidence for flexibility effects is excellent, but the evolutionary status of this hypothesis is still being debated. In this article I discuss the issues and their profound implications for ethology and the social sciences.
Estimation of model parameters for liberation and size reduction

In previous work at Virginia Tech, a population balance model describing the simultaneous processes of sise reduction and mineral liberation has been developed. Experimental verification of this model, however, has been limited to a binary mineral system containing only one composite particle class. When considering multiple classes of composite particles, estimation of model parameters becomes much more difficult. In the present work, a procedure for estimating model parameters for a multiple-composite-class model has been developed. Emphasis is placed on direct experimental determination of these parameters. The physical significance of the breakage rate function and the liberation function in characterizing the liberation process is also discussed.
Performing Deviance in Front Stage Spaces: Prince Roger Nelson and the Boundary Fluidity of Masculinity

The music entertainment industry is very influential in creating/extending conversation around social issues and controversies. This paper examines the influence that musicians have over the unders...
In what ways might stories and anecdotes impact upon the quality of small group teaching in obstetrics and gynecology

Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out how stories and anecdotes might improve the quality of the daily morning obstetrics and gynecology (O and G) teaching and determine if the emotions generated by the stories and anecdote deepened the understanding of medical topics. Materials and Methods: The overarching approach to this study was action research. On two occasions, I told stories using PowerPoint presentation during the morning teaching in the O and G seminar room to 10 and 11 learners instead of the traditional factual presentation of a medical topic. The learners ranged from the 3rd-year medical students to 4th-year specialist trainees in O and G and a consultant anesthetist. Each learner completed a feedback questionnaire at the end of the teaching session. I noted the learners' comments and analyzed written feedback. Results: More than 90% of the learners agreed or strongly agreed that the stories were appropriate for their level of training, and on both occasions, every single learner agreed or strongly agreed that the stories improved the quality of the morning teaching. On both days all but one learner agreed or strongly agreed that the stories improved their understanding of the medical topics, and a senior O and G trainee wrote that the story was: “useful – improved my understanding of situation involved.” The stories generated a lot of emotion in the learners, emotions that deepened their understanding of the topic covered. Conclusion: Stories and anecdotes appear to improve the quality of teaching, and this was the case regardless of level of training and experience of the learner. Hence, stories and anecdotes may be an excellent teaching tool in a setting like the morning teaching where the learners are quite varied.
Synthetic Strategies for Trapping the Elusive trans-Dirhodium(II,II) Formamidinate Isomer: Effects of Cis versus Trans Geometry on the Photophysical Properties.

The cis- and trans-dirhodium(II,II) complexes cis-[Rh2(μ-DTolF)2(μ-np)(MeCN)4][BF4]2 (1; DTolF = N,N'-di-p-tolylformamidinate and np = 1,8-naphthyridine), cis- and trans-[Rh2(μ-DTolF)2(μ-qxnp)(MeCN)3][BF4]2 [2 and 3, respectively, where qxnp = 2-(1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)quinoxaline], and trans-[Rh2(μ-DTolF)2(μ-qxnp)2][BF4]2 (4) were synthesized and characterized. A new synthetic methodology was developed that consists of the sequential addition of π-accepting axially blocking ligands to favor formation of the first example of a bis-substituted formamidinate-bearing trans product. Isolation of the intermediates 2 and 3 provides insight into the mechanistic requirements for obtaining 4 and the cis analogue, cis-[Rh2(μ-DTolF)2(μ-qxnp)2][BF4]2 (5). Density functional theory calculations provide support for the synthetic mechanism and proposed intermediates. The metal/ligand-to-ligand charge-transfer (ML-LCT) absorption maximum of the trans complex 4 at 832 nm is red-shifted by 1173 cm-1 and exhibits shorter lifetimes of the 1ML-LCT and 3ML-LCT excited states, 3 ps and 0.40 ns, respectively, compared to those of the cis analogue 5. The shorter excited-state lifetimes of 4 are attributed to the longer Rh-Rh bond of 2.4942(8) A relative to that in 5, 2.4498(2) A. A longer metal-metal bond reflects a decreased overlap of the Rh atoms, which leads to more accessible metal-centered excited states for radiationless deactivation. The 3ML-LCT excited states of 4 and 5 undergo reversible bimolecular charge transfer with the electron donor p-phenylenediamine when irradiated with low-energy light. These results indicate that trans isomers are a source of unexplored tunability for potential p-type semiconductor applications and, given their distinct geometric arrangement, constitute useful building blocks for supramolecular architectures with potentially interesting photophysical properties.
Development of a Deep Learning Network to Classify Inferior Vena Cava Collapse to Predict Fluid Responsiveness.

Objectives To create a deep learning algorithm capable of video classification, using a long short-term memory (LSTM) network, to analyze collapsibility of the inferior vena cava (IVC) to predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients. Methods We used a data set of IVC ultrasound (US) videos to train the LSTM network. The data set was created from IVC US videos of spontaneously breathing critically ill patients undergoing intravenous fluid resuscitation as part of 2 prior prospective studies. We randomly selected 90% of the IVC videos to train the LSTM network and 10% of the videos to test the LSTM network's ability to predict fluid responsiveness. Fluid responsiveness was defined as a greater than 10% increase in the cardiac index after a 500-mL fluid bolus, as measured by bioreactance. Results We analyzed 211 videos from 175 critically ill patients: 191 to train the LSTM network and 20 to test it. Using standard data augmentation techniques, we increased our sample size from 191 to 3820 videos. Of the 175 patients, 91 (52%) were fluid responders. The LSTM network was able to predict fluid responsiveness moderately well, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-1.00), a positive likelihood ratio of infinity, and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.3 (95% CI, 0.12-0.77). In comparison, point-of-care US experts using video review offline and manual diameter measurement via software caliper tools achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.83-0.99). Conclusions We demonstrated that an LSTM network can be trained by using videos of IVC US to classify IVC collapse to predict fluid responsiveness. Our LSTM network performed moderately well given the small training cohort but worse than point-of-care US experts. Further training and testing of the LSTM network with a larger data sets is warranted.
Effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors to prevent mortality in patients with laboratory-confirmed avian influenza A H7N9.

Abstract Objectives Human infection with avian influenza virus A(H7N9) remains a big threat and has a great potential to cause a pandemic in the foreseeable future. Antiviral treatment using the neuraminidase inhibitors has been recommended to treat H7N9 patients as early as possible, while evidence-based research on its effectiveness for the specific H7N9 infection was lacking. Methods We reviewed data from all laboratory-confirmed avian influenza A H7N9 cases in Zhejiang province between 2013 and 2017 and fit time-dependent survival models to evaluate the effectiveness of neuraminidase inhibitors treatment as an intervention to reduce death risk. Results The result of our final model indicated that there is no significant association (Odds Ratio = 1.29, 95% Confidence Interval [0.78–2.15]) between time to neuraminidase inhibitors treatment and survivorship after controlling for both age and white cell count. Sensitivity analyses with multiple imputation for missing data concurred with the primary complete case analysis. Conclusions . We did not find an association between neuraminidase inhibitors treatment and survival benefit in H7N9 patients across various adjusted models and sensitivity analyses of missing data imputations.
High yield production of nanocrystalline cellulose by microwave-assisted dilute-acid pretreatment combined with enzymatic hydrolysis

Abstract A dilute-acid pretreatment assisted with microwave irradiation was developed to efficiently fabricate nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) with the single use of the cellulase from Aspergillus niger. The use of microwave heating and diluted sulfuric acid solution (1, 2, 5, and 10 wt. %) in pretreatment considerably increased the NCC yield of subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis (feedstock to enzyme ratio of 2:1) with a maximum value of 84.4 wt.% from less than 10 wt.% without the pretreatment. The severity of pretreatment conditions affected the crystal dimension of rod-like nanocrystals. The crystallinity and thermal stability of extracted NCC varied by the acid concentration used in pretreatment conditions and also by the duration of enzymatic hydrolysis. The highest peak decomposition temperature of 378.1 °C as well as the highest NCC yield were recorded in the NCC extracted in 5 wt.% sulfuric acid with microwave heating. The pretreatment effectively facilitated enzymatic hydrolysis, and the synergetic effect of microwave irradiation in the presence of sulfuric acid was associated with the improved thermal stability and crystallinity in the final products.
The Birth of Injustice: COVID-19 Hospital Infection Control Policy on Latinx Birth Experience.

Disparities in maternal morbidity and mortality for Latinx populations are a paradigmatic example of the now widely acknowledged structural racism in U.S. health care that predisposed minorities to...
A cross-sectional analysis of infant-driven and traditional feeding outcomes for neonatal intensive care unit infants.

The goal of this study was to assess the impact of infant-driven feeding (IDF) compared to traditional feeding protocols in promoting earlier successful feeding outcomes. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of infants admitted to a level three neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a 2-year period. We compared infants fed with the traditional protocol to those under the IDF protocol. Infants in the IDF group were younger at first feed (p < 0.001). There was no difference in age at nasogastric (NG) tube removal or at discharge, length of stay, or percentage breastfeeding at discharge. There were no differences in outcomes within two subgroups born at <35 and <32 weeks gestation, respectively. The IDF program led to earlier initiation of oral feeding. However, this did not lead to earlier NG tube removal or discharge, a shorter length of stay, or increase in the rates of breastfeeding.
Targeting Airway Smooth Muscle Hypertrophy in Asthma: An Approach Whose Time Has Come

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell dysfunction is an important component of several obstructive pulmonary diseases, particularly asthma. External stimuli such as allergens, dust, air pollutants, and change in environmental temperatures provoke ASM cell hypertrophy, proliferation, and migration without adequate mechanistic controls. ASM cells can switch between quiescent, migratory, and proliferative phenotypes in response to extracellular matrix proteins, growth factors, and other soluble mediators. While some aspects of airway hypertrophy and remodeling could have beneficial effects, in many cases these contribute to a clinical phenotype of difficult to control asthma. In this review, we discuss the factors responsible for ASM hypertrophy and proliferation in asthma, focusing on cytokines, growth factors, and ion transporters, and discuss existing and potential approaches that specifically target ASM hypertrophy to reduce the ASM mass and improve asthma symptoms. The goal of this review is to highlight strategies that appear ready for translational investigations to improve asthma therapy.
Longitudinal Changes in Adolescents' School Bonding During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Individual, Parenting, and Family Correlates.

The current study examined changes in adolescents' school bonding from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic and its individual, parenting, and family-level correlates. Participants were two adolescents (50% male; Mage = 14 years) and one parent (85% female; Mage = 45 years) from 682 families (N = 2046) from an ongoing longitudinal study. Adolescents reported on their school bonding, stress, and coping, while parents reported on their involvement in adolescents' education and pandemic-related financial need. A two-wave latent change score model suggested that adolescents' school bonding decreased from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress and pandemic-related financial need served as risk factors, whereas coping and parental involvement served as protective factors against declines in adolescents' school bonding.
Outcomes of transcaval endoleak embolization via laser fenestration of the inferior vena cava following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

This report describes a single center experience with laser fenestration of the inferior vena cava for the treatment of type 2 endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Our technique is reviewed, and clinical data after treatment are reported. Twelve patients underwent transcaval embolization via laser fenestration. Technical success was achieved in all cases (100%) with no postoperative complications. At a median follow-up of 12.9 months, no patient demonstrated a persistent endoleak and there were no cases of aortocaval fistula. Transcaval embolization, via laser fenestration, provides an additional strategy for the management of type 2 endoleak after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
MGait: Model-Based Gait Analysis Using Wearable Bend and Inertial Sensors

Movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, affect more than 10 million people worldwide. Gait analysis is a critical step in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of these disorders. Specifically,...
The C. elegans gonadal sheath Sh1 cells extend asymmetrically over a differentiating germ cell population in the proliferative zone

The C. elegans adult hermaphrodite germ line is surrounded by a thin tube formed by somatic sheath cells that support germ cells as they mature from the stem-like mitotic state through meiosis, gametogenesis and ovulation. Recently, we discovered that the distal-most Sh1 sheath cells associate with mitotic germ cells as they exit the niche. Here we report that these distal sheath-associated germ cells differentiate first in animals with temperature-sensitive mutations affecting germ cell state, and stem-like germ cells are maintained distal to the Sh1 boundary. We analyze several markers of the distal sheath, which is best visualized with endogenously tagged membrane proteins, as overexpressed fluorescent proteins fail to localize to distal membrane processes and can cause gonad morphology defects. However, such reagents with highly variable expression can be used to determine the relative positions of the two Sh1 cells, one of which often extends further distal than the other.
Epidemiology of Salmonella and Shigella Infections in the United States

The epidemiologic characteristics of Salmonella and Shigella infections in the United States have been studied by examination of data from 3 major sources: a national laboratory-based surveillance system, outbreak investigations, and carefully designed field studies. In this presentation we will separately discuss Salmonella and Shigella infections and for each give examples of contributions from these 3 sources that have allowed identification of specific problems and development of appropriate control measures.
Time Scale Decomposition: The Role of Scaling in Linear Systems and Transient States in Finite-State Markov Processes

Abstract : This paper reports on recent work on time scale decomposition and aggregation of large-scale linear systems containing weak couplings and finite-state Markov processes containing rare transitions. This work builds on that of Coderch, et. al.. The focus of the work is on the asymptotic approximatin of the linear system. (Author)
Infectious hepatitis in pregnancy

Abstract Obstetricians have been slow to recognize that acute yellow atrophy of the liver is not a disease process peculiar to pregnant women, but is often the most severe form of hepatitis. The American Committee on Maternal Welfare in 1937 classified acute yellow atrophy of the liver as a toxemia of pregnancy and this same classification was unchanged in textbooks published as late as 1947. In the light of recent investigations it becomes obvious that acute yellow atrophy of the liver in pregnancy is a disease of infectious origin with the exception of a few rare cases caused by poisons (heavy metals, chloroform). The purpose of this paper is to add additional evidence that acute yellow atrophy develops in patients with severe forms of hepatic damage regardless of whether this results from infections or poisons and it is in reality the end result of these damaging processes to the liver. Thus it is not a disease entity in itself, as previously classified. The publications of Zondek, Mallory, Wood, Lucke and Mallory, and Dill, since World War II, have shed considerable light regarding infectious hepatitis and acute yellow atrophy of the liver. The pathology of the disease has been carefully and thoroughly presented in the articles of Mallory, Wood, Lucke and Mallory. Dill has reviewed the literature and has outlined the essential clinical, laboratory, and pathologic data. In view of the above-mentioned publications, it would be needless repetition to reiterate their findings. The publications of Zondek and Dill deal more directly with the main topic of this paper. Until Zondek presented his findings on infectious hepatitis in pregnancy in 1947, there was relatively little written or known about the relationship of infectious hepatitis to acute yellow atrophy in pregnancy. Prior to this time, the obstetric textbooks merely made reference to the occurrence of catarrhal jaundice (as it was then known) in pregnancy and considered the epidemic form of this disease to be rather dangerous and to carry a high mortality. Zondek's report of 29 cases of hepatitis in pregnancy and his carefully outlined regimen for the handling of such cases provided much of the needed information on this subject. After this careful study, Zondek realized and alluded to the fact that acute yellow atrophy was a severe form of infectious hepatitis and should be classified accordingly. Dill's article tends to corroborate Zondek's opinion.
The Radio-Frequency Quadrupole: General Properties and Specific Applications

The radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linac structure is being developed for the acceleration of low-velocity ions. Recent experimental tests have confirmed its expected performance and have led to an increased interest in a wide range of possible applications. We review the general properties of RFQ accelerators and present beam dynamics simulation results for their use in a variety of accelerating systems. These include the low-beta sections of the Fusion Materials Irradiation Test Accelerator, a 200-MHz proton linear accelerator, and a xenon accelerator for heavy ion fusion.
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF REZONING APPROVAL DECISIONS

This research examines how compatibility with a land use plan affects rezoning approval decisions and the consequences of such decisions on a community's spatial pattern of development. Compatibility with the land use plan is hypothesized to affect rezoning approvals from undevelopable land classifications to developable land classifications. An empirical model of binary decisions for rezoning approvals at the parcel scale is developed to test this hypothesis. The results show that the predicted approval rates for rezoning for development drop under hypothetical land use scenarios with expanded areas zoned for agricultural-rural residential use compared with the status quo land use plan. The decreases in predicted approval rates result from decreases in the approval rates in the expanded areas designated for agricultural-rural residential use. These results indicate that redrawing the area designated for agricultural-rural residential use can restrict the expansion of residential sprawl and commercial development.
Bar Wars: Changing Geographies of Gender in Spain

This paper looks at gender segregation in rural Spain from an historical viewpoint. The subject is gender apartheid: female seclusion and male dominance in public places and the vicissitudes therein. The paper shows how a venerable pattern of female seclusion has been challenged and describes what the social consequences cultural are of this cultural upheaval. Working from the premise of �public/private� as ethnographically valid, the author describes how women in Andalusia have created a new institution specifically designed to breech the barriers ofmasculine space and attain public access.
Chapter 2 Total synthesis of the azinomycin family of antitumor agents

Publisher Summary This chapter provides details on the study of two natural products—azinomycins A and B—that possess intricate and unusual structures and that exhibit potent and effective antitumor activity. These agents have presented a synthetic challenge that is notably greater than their size and functionality. The project discusses in the chapter began in the summer of 1988, with a research proposal prepared as part of an academic job search and has continued through the successful total synthesis of azinomycin A in 2001 and beyond. In 1954, there was a report on the isolation of a new antitumor agent from Streptomyces sahachiroi , named “carzinophilin.” The compound exhibited effective and notable single-dose antitumor activity against several tumor cell lines implanted in mice and possessed significant antibiotic activity. Three decades later, Lown proposed the dimeric and C2-symmetric structure for carzinophilin that was based partly on degradation work. The 1 H(nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra showed only 29 different protons.
16-QAM turbo coded modulation for the Gilbert-Elliot channel model

In this paper, performance of turbo trellis coded modulation (turbo-TCM) is investigated in the Gilbert-Elliot channel model. We consider three methods for transmission through this channel. In the first method no channel interleaver is used, in the second method we employ a channel symbol interleaver after the mapping to make the channel memoryless. Finally, in the last method a bit interleaver is used before mapping to increase to diversity. For all cases, we have assumed that the channel state is known at the receiver.
Exploring Associations Between Psychopathic Personality and Components of Disinhibition vs. Constraint

Recent models of psychopathy implicate Disinhibition vs. Constraint (DvC) as one of the primary underpinnings of psychopathic traits, although little research has examined associations between specific DvC components and psychopathy facets. The present study aimed to fill this gap by examining associations between psychopathy facets, as operationalized by two widely used self-report psychopathy instruments, and lower-order components of DvC within a racially diverse sample of 1,160 undergraduates. Path analyses confirmed the broad dimension of DvC as representing a general diathesis to psychopathy, with second-order components conferring more specific risks for particular psychopathy traits regardless of the model of psychopathy employed. Further, findings suggest that associations do not vary by race. Results suggest both generality and specificity of DvC dimensions as they relate to psychopathic traits, as well as potential avenues for further investigation of the associations between psychopathy and DvC.
Present Status of Tumor Immunology in Clinical Gynecology

: The function of the immune system is to protect the body from damage caused by invading microorganisms, that is, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The humoral mechanism functions through plasma cells producing antibodies that control bacterial infections. Viruses, fungi and parasites are controlled through the thymus dependent T lymphocytes. It is now clear that cancers also invoke immunologic reactions in their hosts. Cancer cells, like bacteria and viruses have their own characteristic antigens. An antigen is defined as a substance, usually a protein or polysaccharide, that the body recognizes as foreign, and to whose presence it reacts by forming antibodies. Antigenic differences represent the first known qualitative distinction between cancer cells and their normal counterparts. These qualitative differences between normal and cancer cells had escaped other methods of investigation, but were revealed by immunological techniques that take advantage of the extraordinary power of discrimination of the immune defense mechanism itself. This mechanism is capable of distinguishing even minute differences between protein molecules, probably one different amino acid in a chain of several thousand. Burnet's clonal selection theory has become the central dogma of immunology. It can be summarized by saying that lymphocytes have been destined from time immemorial to identify a specific antigen. When the lymphocyte encounters that antigen it becomes a sensitized lymphocyte, and on contact with similar antigens again produces an immune response including the production of very potent pharmacologic agents called lymphokines. Immunodeficiency diseases are identified by increased frequency of infections in patients. The impaired immunity decreases the patient's protection against developing a malignancy. Autoimmunity is the reaction of the immune system against the body's own tissue. Autoimmune disorders as well as autoimmune diseases often follow a malignancy or predispose to its development. Hypersensitivity is related to the immunopathology that occurs when there is an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response. There are five types of hypersensitivity; and the cell mediated immunity and delayed hypersensitivity reaction is related to the protection of the body against invasion by malignant cells. Tumor markers are providing a method for indentifying the type of cancer and at present have a particularly important part in monitoring the therapy for the treatment of malignancies. One of the recent areas of interest in the field of immunology is that of biologic response modifiers: The body's inherent biochemical capacity for killing cancer cells plus the new genetic technology of biologic response modification or biomodulation for short. It is a new wave in cancer treatment. Recombinant DNA technology, commonly referred to as genetic engineering or gene splicing, has provided scientists with the tool for the biosynthesis and subsequent mass production of a significant number of biologicals. It has added an entirely new armamentarium to the diagnosis and therapy of malignant diseases.
A model of the predator-prey relationship

Abstract A general nonlinear model of the predator-prey relationship is proposed. The model is justified on biological grounds and its parameters are constrained to reasonable biological values. Analytical and graphical methods are used to classify and to analyze the equilibrium points of the model. Finally, numerical integration on a digital computer illustrates the nature of the model solutions.
Chemical vapor detection using microfabricated flexural plate silicon resonator arrays

This presentation will describe the design, fabrication, and testing of 2-element, and 8-element micro-Chemical Analysis Array ((mu) CANARY) sensor chips and address electronics. The detailed performance characterization of (mu) CANARY sensors for vapor and liquid phase detection will be presented. For vapor detection, NRL has applied polymer receptor coatings targeted at detection of chemical weapon agents, and has performed extensive chemical vapor exposure tests using two chemical weapon simulants and four vapor phase interferents. Data describing temperature dependence, long term/short term drift stability, detection limits, detection linearity, and vapor selectivity will be presented.
Biliary sludge is formed by modification of hepatic bile by the gallbladder mucosa.

Background & Aims We studied 22 patients with symptomatic microlithiasis to determine whether a contributory role of the gallbladder in the early stage of cholesterol gallstone formation exists. We compared the merits of different methods (ultrasonography and microscopy) and sources (hepatic or gallbladder) of bile samples for diagnosing microlithiasis. Methods: Paired hepatic and gallbladder bile samples were studied with polarizing microscopy. Nucleation time, bile salts, phospholipid, cholesterol, cholesterol saturation index (CSI), bilirubin, total protein, albumin and mucin concentration were measured. All patients had abdominal ultrasound examination. Results: With polarizing microscopy as the standard, ultrasonography was positive in 13 patients (59%) and negative in 9 (41%). All gallbladder bile samples were positive for microlithiasis by microscopy. Only one hepatic bile sample was positive ( P P P P Conclusion Biochemical composition and physical chemical behavior of hepatic bile are modified during residence in the gallbladder, contributing to sludge formation. Gallbladder bile has a lower calculated CSI, higher deconjugation of bilirubin, protein and mucin concentration and crystals were present. Hepatic bile samples are inappropriate for microscopic detection of microlithiasis.
TSPY and its X-encoded homologue interact with cyclin B but exert contrasting functions on cyclin-dependent kinase 1 activities

Testis-specific protein Y-encoded (TSPY) is the putative gene for the gonadoblastoma locus on the Y chromosome (GBY). TSPY and an X-homologue, TSPX, harbor a conserved domain, designated as SET/NAP domain, but differ at their C termini. Ectopic expression of TSPY accelerates cell proliferation by abbreviating the G(2)/M stage, whereas overexpression of TSPX retards cells at the same stage of the cell cycle. Previous studies demonstrated that the SET oncoprotein is capable of binding to cyclin B. Using various protein interaction techniques, we demonstrated that TSPY and TSPX indeed bind competitively to cyclin B at their SET/NAP domains in vitro and in vivo. TSPY colocalizes with cyclin B1 during the cell cycle, particularly on the mitotic spindles at metaphase. TSPY enhances while TSPX represses the cyclin B1-CDK1 phosphorylation activity. The inhibitory effect of TSPX on the cyclin B1-CDK1 complex has been mapped to its carboxyl acidic domain that is absent in TSPY, suggesting that TSPX could serve a normal function in modulating cell-cycle progression at the G(2)/M stage, whereas TSPY has acquired a specialized function in germ cell renewal and differentiation. Epigenetic dysregulation of TSPY in incompatible germ or somatic cells could promote cell proliferation and predispose susceptible cells to tumorigenesis.
Spectra and energy levels of ions in the copper isoelectronic sequence from Ru 15+ to Sn 21+

Spectra of the copperlike ions Ru15+, Rh16+, Pd17+, Ag18+, Cd19+, In20+, and Sn21+ were observed with a laser-produced plasma and a 10.7-m grazing-incidence spectrograph. Wavelengths, energy levels, and ionization energies were determined for each of these ions. The wavelengths are compared with relativistic Hartree–Fock calculations.
Exemestane for primary prevention of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Purpose The benefits and risks of exemestane for the primary prevention of breast cancer are discussed and compared with other breast cancer chemoprevention therapies. Summary Selective estrogen-receptor modulators (SERMs) are the current mainstay for primary prevention of breast cancer. As an alternative, exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor, has been evaluated for breast cancer prevention in postmenopausal women. A study of 4560 high-risk postmenopausal women taking exemestane 25 mg daily for a median of three years found a 65% relative reduction in the annual occurrence of invasive breast cancer compared with placebo (0.19% versus 0.55%; hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18–0.70; p = 0.002) and a 53% reduction in invasive plus noninvasive breast cancer (0.35% versus 0.77%; hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27–0.79; p = 0.04). Adverse effects from exemestane are generally mild, with the most common being diarrhea, joint pain, and menopausal-related symptoms. Importantly, exemestane did not increase the risks of endometrial cancers, thromboembolism, cardiovascular events, or cataracts. However, joint stiffness and arthralgia were more common when compared with tamoxifen or raloxifene. Ongoing clinical trials with other aromatase inhibitors are underway to evaluate the benefits and long-term skeletal risks. Conclusion Exemestane 25 mg daily taken for at least three years is a new option for the prevention of breast cancer in high-risk postmenopausal women. Indirectly compared with SERMs, exemestane has a similar frequency of bothersome adverse effects without the risk of thromboembolic events or endometrial cancer, though an increased risk of osteoporosis is of concern.
Early Prostate-Specific Antigen Failure Following Radical Perineal Versus Retropubic Prostatectomy: The Importance of Seminal Vesicle Excision

Abstract Objectives. Because of renewed interest in the radical perineal prostatectomy, we chose to evaluate factors influencing differences in biochemical failure as measured by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) between radical perineal and the radical retropubic prostatectomies. Methods. We undertook a retrospective review of 87 men with clinically localized prostate cancer who underwent radical retropubic (64%) or radical perineal (36%) prostatectomy, noting age, race, preoperative PSA, Gleason score, clinical stage, capsular penetration, surgical approach, and completeness of seminal vesicle (SV) excision. The two groups were comparable with respect to tumor factors such as preoperative PSA, Gleason score, clinical stage, and capsular penetration. Time to postoperative PSA failure (0.2 ng/mL or greater) was evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis of multiple contributing factors. Results. Twenty-eight percent of patients had a PSA level rising to 0.2 ng/mL or greater in the follow-up period. Patients who underwent perineal prostatectomy had a higher PSA failure rate (45%) than those treated by the retropubic approach (18%) and patients with incomplete SV excision had a higher failure rate (69%) than patients with bilateral SV excision (20%). When time to PSA failure was examined by multivariate analysis, completeness of SV excision, clinical stage, and Gleason score had a statistically significant impact on this outcome. In perineal prostatectomy patients, bilateral SV excision had a significantly longer time to PSA failure than in patients with incomplete excision. There was no significant difference in time to PSA failure between patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy and the patients who underwent perineal prostatectomy with bilateral SV excision. Conclusions. Incomplete excision of SVs during a radical perineal prostatectomy contributes to an earlier postoperative biochemical recurrence as measured by a rising PSA, and may explain the higher disease recurrence rate for radical perineal prostatectomies as opposed to radical retropubic prostatectomies in this study.
The Characteristics and Function of Anode Spots in Glow Discharges

Brilliant hemispherical anode spots appeared on a small disk or spherical anode mounted at the center of a large copper spherical discharge chamber which served as cathode during an investigation of nitrogen glows. Such an arrangement permits large anode current densities with a normal cathode fall in potential. At a critical current density at the anode, the spots form and arrange themselves in beautiful geometrical patterns. In nitrogen the spots appeared only in the pressure range of 0.15 to 1.50 mm Hg. Space potentials, electron temperatures, electron and ion densities determined by a Langmuir probe analysis revealed that the spots are regions of intense ionization, and that the region just above them contains a net positive space charge. The potential fall through a spot is nearly equal to the first ionization potential of nitrogen. A method was developed for growing anode spots at will on a small disk probe mounted flush with the anode surface but insulated from it. The current-voltage characteristics for this probe, or auxiliary anode, exhibit peaks which account for the stability and size of the spots. An investigation of the current-voltage relationships of the entire discharge showed that anode spots occur chiefly in the region in which the current increases with small change in voltage. At sufficiently great current densities the spots move about because of the magnetic field accompanying the discharge. The function of the spots is to furnish the positive ions necessary for the maintenance of a stable discharge in the plasma extending from anode to negative glow and to aid in the collection of electrons at the anode. A mechanism for the formation of the spots as a combined space charge and bipolar current phenomenon is proposed.
Glycerol transport and phosphorylation by rat hepatocytes

The entry of glycerol into isolated rat hepatocytes appears to be catalyzed by a specific carrier. At a physiological concentration of 0.1 mM, glycerol utilization is rate limited by the permeation step. Intracellular glycerol is trapped by an excess of glycerol kinase, which has a higher apparent affinity for the substrate than that of the membrane carrier. The entry of glycerol into the hepatocytes is highly sensitive to inhibition by monoacetin and cytochalasin B, but not by DL-1,2-propanediol, erythritol, D-glucose, D-galactose, D-mannose, or D-fructose.
Purification and characterization of a (R)-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol-producing enzyme from Trichosporon fermentans AJ-5152 and enzymatic (R)-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol production.

An (R)-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol-producing enzyme was purified from Trichosporon fermentans AJ-5152. It was NADPH-dependent and converted 3-hydroxy-1-phenylpropane-1-one (HPPO) to (R)-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol [(R)-PPD] with anti-Prelog’s specificity. It showed maximum activity at pH 7.0 and 40 °C. Its K m and V max values toward HPPO were 20.1 mM and 3.4 μmol min−1 mg protein−1 respectively. The relative molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 68,000 on gel filtration and 32,000 on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. An (R)-PPD-producing reaction using the (R)-PPD-producing enzyme and an NADPH recycling system was carried out by successive feeding of HPPO. A total (R)-PPD yield of 8.9 g/l was produced in 16 h. The molar yield was 76%, and the optical purity of the (R)-PPD produced was over 99% e.e.
Grounding inference in distributed multi-robot environments

Abstract Traditional symbolic reasoning systems are typically built on a transaction model of computation, which complicates the process of synchronizing their world models with changes in a dynamic environment. This problem is exacerbated in the multi-robot case, where there are now n world models keep in synch. In this paper, we describe an inference grounding and coordination mechanism for robot teams based on tagged behavior-based systems. This approach supports a large subset of classical AI techniques while providing a novel representation that allows team members to share information efficiently. We illustrate our approach on two problems involving systematic spatial search.
Dispersion Polymerizations of Styrene in Carbon Dioxide Stabilized with Poly(styrene-b-dimethylsiloxane)

Herein we report the use of poly(styrene-b-dimethylsiloxane) block copolymers as steric stabilizers for dispersion polymerizations of styrene in a carbon dioxide continuous phase. It was demonstrated that the anchor-soluble balance (ASB) of the stabilizer has a dramatic effect on both the progress of the reaction and the morphology of the resulting polystyrene (PS) colloid. When a stabilizer with an appropriate ASB is employed, the initial concentrations of styrene, stabilizer, and helium have substantial effects on the resulting size and dispersity of the colloidal particles. Dispersion polymerizations carried out under a series of different pressures (143−439 bar) resulted in variations in the conversion, molecular weight, and PS particle diameter, suggesting that the reaction is extremely sensitive to the density of the continuous phase. An investigation of the progress of the reaction as a function of time at two different temperatures revealed that the average molecular weight increases gradually ove...