cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOLVABLE TWO-DIMENSIONAL FIELD THEORY BASED ON CURRENTS.

In this paper we study a solvable 2-dimensional field theory specified by a closed equal-time algebra generated by commutation of the components of the electric current and the energy-momentum tensor ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$. As in the Thirring model, from which this model is abstracted, the physical content of the theory turns out to be trivial. The results are nevertheless of interest (a) because they allow one to readily understand why the Thirring model is solvable and why it has trivial physical consequences and (b) because they provide an example of a case where the requirement of a positive energy spectrum places important, and explicit, constraints on a theory written in terms of currents. We emphasize that although the present model was abstracted from the Thirring model we do not maintain that the resulting theory, or its solution as given here, is the same as the Thirring model, if by this term one means the conventional field-theoretic model.
Antibodies to denatured deoxyribonucleic acid in lupus erythematosus serum II. Characterization of antibodies in several sera

Abstract Antibodies reacting by C′ fixation with denatured DNA have been found in 11 of 37 samples of lupus erythematosus serum, and in none of 124 other sera. Unlike other DNA preparations, unheated ΦX174 bacteriophage DNA reacted as well as boiled material. Lupus sera showed different characteristics as measured by (a) reaction with DNA from various sources such as Bacillus natto, Escherichia coli and T4 bacteriophage; (b) inhibition with deoxyribooligonucleotide fragments; and (c) reactivity with denatured, and sometimes, native DNA. With a given serum, reproducible differences were observed in the reactivities of DNA samples from various sources, but not with six separate preparations from one source. Such differences could not be correlated with variations in overall base compositions, molecular weights, sensitivity of denatured DNA to thermal degradation, or the presence of dialyzable inhibitors.
Expressing eMotions Through Participation in Painting

The cover of the Winter 2013 Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, titled Miles eMOTION, was created by Miles Scharfenberg, an 18-year-old young man with multiple developmental impairments. Miles’ story and his artwork provide a reflection on the ways in which creativity and art can enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Miles’ art exists because of his drive toward engagement and participation in life, but also essential is his mother’s commitment to providing opportunities for him to be creative. The Miles eMOTION series of paintings can inspire occupational therapists, families, caregivers, and people with disabilities to incorporate art making as a part of their occupational profile.
Relaxation Times of Remanent Magnetisation in Lunar Fines

On the basis of an analysis of the magnetic parameters, it appears that the bulk of metallic Fe particles in the lunar fines are essentially spherical and have a short remanent relaxation time. These spherical metallic Fe particles could account for the apparently low blocking temperature observed for the unstable components of the natural remanent magnetization detected in the returned lunar samples.
Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Triggers

In 2010, plans call for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission to pioneer the next generation of robotic entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems by delivering the largest and most capable rover to date to the surface of Mars. Improved altitude performance, coupled with latitude limits as large as 45 degrees off the equator and a precise delivery to within 10 km of a surface target, will allow the science community to select the MSL landing site from thousands of scientifically interesting and previously inaccessible locations. Realizing these impressive performance metrics requires proper execution of a complex sequence of time-critical flight system reconfiguration events. This sequence, which begins approximately 15 minutes prior to touchdown, includes cruise stage separation, cruise balance mass jettison, entry balance mass jettison, parachute deployment, heatshield separation, backshell separation, rover separation, and flyaway start. Each of these events must occur within a narrow operational envelope and must be triggered autonomously based on estimates of the spacecraft state. Triggers are either 'timed', whereby the spacecraft state estimate is reliant upon pre-flight predictions, or 'sensed', whereby the spacecraft state estimates are constructed in real-time using data from the on-board sensor suite. Regardless of method, all triggers must execute properly in the presence of potentially significant variability in Martian winds, atmospheric properties, and surface topography. Careful budgeting is necessary to manage uncertainties and impacts on EDL performance. This paper discusses the design of trigger algorithms that control event execution during the EDL sequence and highlights some of the related challenges faced by the MSL design team.
Electron-spectroscopy study of inner-shell photoexcitation and ionization of Xe

Electron spectroscopy, combined with synchrotron radiation in the photon-energy range $h\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\simeq}60\ensuremath{-}190$ eV, was used to measure the angular distributions of Xe $5p$ and $5s$ photoelectrons and of ${N}_{4,5}\mathrm{OO}$ Auger electrons. The branching ratios and partial cross sections for photoionization and Auger processes were also measured in certain cases. The measured asymmetry parameter $\ensuremath{\beta}$ for $5p$ photoelectrons agrees well with many-electron calculations, which predict a pronounced oscillation in ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{5p}$ above the $4d$ ionization threshold due to the $4d\ensuremath{-}5p$ intershell interaction. The ${N}_{4,5}\mathrm{OO}$ Auger electrons are produced with photon-energy-dependent anisotropic angular distributions, resulting from alignmentof ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{+}$ by photoionization. The theoretical analysis of Auger-electron angular distributions is described, and theoretical calculations are found to predict the measured asymmetries well. In addition, Auger-electron peaks were observed to broaden and shift at photon energies near the $4d$ ionization threshold because of postcollision interaction. The measured shifts of the ${N}_{5}{O}_{1}{O}_{1}$ $^{1}S_{0}$ line agree with previous measurements and theory. Electron spectra recorded through the energy region of the $4d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{np}$ Rydberg states show that they decay primarily by the Auger process, while the $5p$ and $5s$ partial cross sections are relatively weakly affected by autoionization. However, distinct resonance structure was observed in the $\ensuremath{\beta}$ parameters for $5{p}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ and $5{p}_{\frac{1}{2}}$ photoelectrons. The measured results are compared with a theoretical calculation of resonant photoionization for the $4d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}6p$ excitation.
The potential pathophysiological role of tissue factor in age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible central vision loss in the elderly. Although the precise pathogenesis of AMD remains unknown, the pathology of advanced AMD is characterized by the degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors in the macular region, either with choroidal neovascularization (neovascular AMD) or without (geographic atrophy). Tissue factor (TF) is the primary cellular initiator of blood coagulation. An increased expression of TF has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neoplasia, specifically in angiogenesis, inflammation and apoptosis, all of which also appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of AMD. This article reviews the pathogenesis of AMD, biological functions of TF and the potential association of increased TF expression with AMD.
N6(N-methyl-2-pyrrolidine amidine)deoxyadenosine - a new deoxynucleoside protecting group

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of N 6 (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidine amidine) 2′-deoxyadenosine is described. This amidine is significantly more stable toward acid catalyzed depurination than N-benzoyldeoxyadenosine, is easy to prepare and can be removed rapidly and quantitatively.
Molecular systems for light driven hydrogen production

Recent work towards the production of hydrogen via reduction of protons is described. Most of the systems examined in this perspective use a molecular chromophore for harvesting visible light, a catalyst, which is reduced by the excited (or reduced) chromophore, and finally a sacrificial electron source to oxidatively or reductively quench the chromophore. The reduced catalyst is then responsible for the reduction of protons resulting in hydrogen evolution. Relevant mechanistic work on this topic is also discussed.
Study of free and complexed prostate‐specific antigen in mice bearing human prostate cancer xenografts

Background Our objective was to evaluate five preclinical prostate cancer (CaP) xenograft models to determine whether (1) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) formed complexes in murine serum, (2) the percentage of free PSA (f-PSA) was characteristic of a given xenograft line, and (3) the percentage of f-PSA was similar to that in the patient at time of tumor harvest. Our fourth objective was to identify which murine serpin(s) bind(s) to PSA in vivo. Methods Xenografts were established from metastatic foci. The percentage of f-PSA, and total PSA (t-PSA) in serum of animals bearing CaP xenografts was determined by immunoassay. Size exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography and Western blots were used to evaluate the presence of PSA complexes in murine serum. Edman degradation was used to determine the N-terminal sequence of complexed proteins. Results PSA was detected as both free and complexed forms in murine serum from all mice bearing the CaP xenografts. Three xenografts (related sublines) produced PSA that resulted in low mean percentages of f-PSA (1.9-6.4%). In sera from the other two xenografts, the mean percentages of f-PSA were high (>25%); patient sera, where available at time of tumor acquisition, were in agreement. Western blots showed that murine protease inhibitors formed complexes with PSA. Edman degradation yielded a sequence with 80% homology over 15 amino acids with that of murine alpha1-protease inhibitor (alpha1-PI). Conclusions Our data have shown that the majority of PSA secreted by these CaP xenografts complexes in murine serum with a protease inhibitor with high homology to murine alpha1-PI and that the percentage of f-PSA is a characteristic of each xenograft line tested, which is in agreement with patient values at time of tumor harvest. These CaP xenografts offer opportunities for study of human PSA biology and phenomenology.
Laser flash photolysis studies of alkoxyl radical kinetics using 4-nitrobenzenesulfenate esters as radical precursors

4-Nitrobenzenesulfenate esters were used as precursors for the generation of alkoxyl radicals under laser flash photolysis conditions. The esters were efficiently cleaved using the Nd:YAG third harmonic (355 nm) to produce alkoxyl radicals and the 4-nitrobenzenethiyl radical. Rate constants for β-scission and 1,5-hydrogen abstraction reactions of alkoxyl radicals were measured.
Layer-by-Layer Construction of Nanostructured Porphyrin−Fullerene Electrodes

The fabrication of high quality, robust, and photoactive ITO electrodes is reported. Electrostatic and van der Waals interactions have been used for the step-by-step deposition of layers containing...
A monotone method for infinite systems of nonlinear boundary value problems

Monotone iterative methods have been successfully used to generate improvable two-sided point-wise bounds on solutions of nonlinear boundary value problems for both ordinary and partial differential equations. While such procedures take a simple form when the nonlinearities are independent of gradient terms [6, 9], the extension of such techniques to fully nonlinear problems has been quite formidable. In the case of scalar ordinary differential equations of the type
Approaches to modeling intramammary infections in dairy cattle

In this paper, three approaches (Markov processes, discrete-event simulation, and differential equations) to modeling intramammary infections (IMI; focusing on the dynamic changes between uninfected, subclinical, and clinical udder health states) are described. The objectives were to describe the various approaches to modeling intramammary infections, determine if simulations of the examples of the three approaches yield stable prevalences, and discuss the approaches' limitations. The literature review showed that there is no agreement on the proportion of animals that change health states. The approach of discrete-event simulation modeling included the most cow-level risk factors and udder-health states (hence, was judged to replicated best the dynamics of the infection process) and yielded stable prevalences for all udder-health states. However, there remain parts of the dynamics that need further research. These include the pathogen-specific probabilities and times of occurrence for: regression of clinical IMI to subclinical IMI, flare-up of subclinical IMI to clinical IMI, and incidence of subclinical IMI. Also, the assumption in all current approaches of homogeneous mixing is violated because the primary contact structure for contagious pathogens during milking is either between cows through residual infectious milk in the milking machine or within a cow by vacuum fluctuations or teat-cup liner slips. Better contact structures should be incorporated so that the effects of control strategies can be better-estimated. Moreover, the three modeling approaches discussed assumed that all non-infected quarters are susceptible to infection--which might be denied by work in genetic resistance.
A network model for permeability in partially molten rocks

Abstract Estimation of permeability in partially molten rocks requires knowledge of the melt phase distribution at the grain-scale. The melt distribution in an isotropic two-phase (solid+melt) system under equilibrium conditions is well defined. In such a system, all of the melt channels are identical and they are either interconnected or isolated depending upon the dihedral angle and the melt fraction. A simple power-law relationship between permeability, grain size and melt fraction has been derived for such a system. However, several factors, such as non-hydrostatic stress, anisotropic interfacial energy, or the existence of a third phase, will alter this relationship. We developed a three-dimensional network model to calculate permeability as a function of melt fraction for a system with a distribution of dihedral angles. In our model, each channel is treated as a prism with a length of the grain edges. The cross-sectional area of each prism is determined by a given dihedral angle and a melt fraction. By incorporating different dihedral angles into a network model, we are able to model permeability of partially molten rocks, taking the grain-scale heterogeneity of melt distribution into account. Our results show that the permeability of a heterogeneous system can be significantly smaller than the calculated permeability of an isotropic system with the same median dihedral angle.
Evaluation of determinants of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) catch abundance along a Southwest Atlantic subtropical shelf

Generalized linear models were applied to identify factors affecting the capture rates (catch per unit effort, cpue) of Xiphopenaeus kroyeri and to estimate time-series data with standardized abundance indices. The adjusted models revealed that the most powerful vessels (with greater HP) were up to 3.5 times more efficient than vessels with less powerful engines. The seasonal variation of the resource changed from year to year, most likely due to variations in the recruitment season and the timing of temporary fishing bans. The variation of cpue was similar between the northern and southern sectors of the study area. In these, X. kroyeri abundances increased in the years 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002, while in the central sector, the cpue fluctuated with a period duration of approximately two years. During the period, the relative abundance of the species displayed neither a decreasing nor an increasing trend, indicating that this has been harvested at stable levels. However, X. kroyeri stock was reduced by overfishing during the 1980s and exhibits variations in abundance that may occur in response to environmental fluctuations; thus, the harvesting of this species should be managed with extreme caution.
A multilayer space-time-frequency coding scheme for MIMO-OFDM

We present a multilayer space-time-frequency (STF) coding scheme for wideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems employing orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM). With multiple receive antennas, we employ an iterative demodulator consisting of a low-complexity multilayer detector and a simple soft extrinsic combiner. The system performance is optimized by efficient power allocation among layers, as well as interleaver design and extrinsic scaling to reduce the extrinsic correlation. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed multilayer STF coding scheme performs close to or even better than the optimized linear dispersion (LD) STF codes with maximum likelihood (ML) decoding. Unlike the existing STF codes, which need to be designed for different system configurations and channel statistics, the proposed multilayer STF strategy is a universal scheme that exhibit excellent performance under various conditions.
Robust dynamic modeling and control of dual-stage actuators

In a hard disk drive with a dual-stage actuator the standard rotary actuation of the voice coil motor (VCM) is combined with an additional micro- or milli-actuation to accomplish high-bandwidth and highly accurate track following. For extremely high density recording, the servo control algorithm designed for a specific dual-stage actuator needs to maintain high performance track following in lieu of external disturbances and uncertainties in the dynamic response induced by product manufacturing tolerances. Essential in the robust design of a servo control algorithm is to bound these uncertainties and design a robust track following servos accordingly. In this paper, we present an experiment based methodology to characterize and bound the uncertainties in the dynamic response of a dual-stage actuator in the form of an uncertainty model. Subsequently, the uncertainty model is used for the analysis and synthesis of a robust dual-stage servo controller that is able to optimize position error variance in the presence of uncertainty information.
High-dynamic-range MCP structures

We report on the development of a new high-dynamic-range two-stage Multi-Anode Microchannel Array (MAMA) imaging tube designed for improved high count rate performance at FUV and EUV wavelengths. The new two-stage MAMA tube employs two 25-mm-diameter format MCPs placed in tandem with a small gap between the plates. The front (input) MCP is designed to be a low-gain converter plate that supports an opaque photocathode and converts the detected photons to electrons, while the second (output) MCP is of higher conductivity and thus maintains the overall gain of the multiplier at high count rates. The second MCP is mounted in proximity focus with a (224 x 960)-pixel fine-fine coincidence MAMA array for high-spatial-resolution imaging studies. The applied voltage across each MCP can be controlled independently. We report on the gain and dynamic range performance characteristics of the two-stage MAMA tube in two different configurations: first, with the output MCP having moderate conductivity (about 100 MOhm); and second, with the output MCP having very high conductivity (about 2 MOhm). These results are compared and contrasted with those of the more conventional MAMA tube configuration which employs a single high-gain curved-channel MCP.
Hierarchical message dissemination in very large WANs

A hierarchical broadcasting technique in very large arbitrary networks which achieves near optimal cost and time measures is proposed. The network is partitioned into hierarchical clusters which are interconnected with each other through gate nodes. The approach is based on using a fully distributed minimum spanning tree algorithm within the gate-node network while achieving time optimal broadcasting within the local clusters by formulating the problem as finding maximum matching in constrained bipartite graphs. Extensive simulation results are presented which show the tradeoff between the two conflicting performance criteria. >
Quantitative Detection of Hepatitis A Virus and Enteroviruses Near the United States-Mexico Border and Correlation with Levels of Fecal Indicator Bacteria

For decades, untreated sewage flowing northward from Tijuana, Mexico, via the Tijuana River has adversely affected the water quality of the recreational beaches of San Diego, California. We used quantitative reverse transcription-PCR to measure the levels of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and enteroviruses in coastal waters near the United States-Mexico border and compared these levels to those of the conventional fecal indicators, Escherichia coli and enterococci. Over a 2-year period from 2003 to 2005, a total of 20 samples were assayed at two sites during both wet and dry weather: the surfzone at the mouth of the Tijuana River and the surfzone near the pier at Imperial Beach (IB), California (about 2 km north of the mouth of the Tijuana River). HAV and enterovirus were detected in 79 and 93% of the wet-weather samples, respectively. HAV concentrations in these samples ranged from 105 to 30,771 viral particles/liter, and enterovirus levels ranged from 7 to 4,417 viral particles/liter. The concentrations of HAV and enterovirus were below the limit of detection for all dry weather samples collected at IB. Regression analyses showed a significant correlation between the densities of both fecal bacterial indicators and the levels of HAV (R2>0.61, P 0.70, P<0.0001), a finding that supports the use of conventional bacterial indicators to predict the levels of these viruses in recreational marine waters.
The impact of analytic method on interpretation of outcomes in longitudinal clinical trials

Summary Aims: Various analytical strategies for addressing missing data in clinical trials are utilised in reporting study results. The most commonly used analytical methods include the last observation carried forward (LOCF), observed case (OC) and the mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM). Each method requires certain assumptions regarding the characteristics of the missing data. If the assumptions for any particular method are not valid, results from that method can be biased. Results based on these different analytical methods can, therefore, be inconsistent, thereby making interpretation of clinical study results confusing. In this investigation, we compare results from MMRM, LOCF and OC in order to illustrate the potential biases and problems in interpretation. Methods: Data from an 8-month, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled (placebo; n = 137), outpatient depression clinical trial comparing a serotonin-noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI; n = 273) with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI; n = 274) were used. The study visit schedule included efficacy and safety assessments weekly to week 4, bi-weekly to week 8, and then monthly. Visitwise mean changes for the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD17) Maier subscale (primary efficacy outcome), blood pressure, and body weight were analysed using LOCF, MMRM and OC. Results: Last observation carried forward consistently underestimated within-group mean changes in efficacy (benefit) and safety (risk) for both drugs compared with MMRM, whereas OC tended to overestimate within-group changes. Conclusions: Inferences are based on between-group comparisons. Therefore, whether or not underestimating (overestimating) within-group changes was conservative or anticonservative depended on the relative magnitude of the bias in each treatment and on whether within-group changes represented improvement or worsening. Preference should be given in analytic plans to methods whose assumptions are more likely to be valid rather than relying on a method based on the hope that its results, if biased, will be conservative.
Observations of interaction regions and corotating shocks between one and five AU: Pioneers 10 and 11

Interaction regions between adjacent solar-wind streams have been identified between 1 and 5 AU by Pioneer 10 and 11 magnetic-field and plasma measurements. Beyond 1 AU, a relatively large fraction of the interaction regions have been found to be accompanied by either forward shocks, reverse shocks, or shock pairs. The observations are consistent with previous theoretical proposals that the interaction between adjacent streams leads to the development of corotating interplanetary shocks.
Biodegradation of Hexahydro-1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-Triazine and Its Mononitroso Derivative Hexahydro-1-Nitroso-3,5-Dinitro-1,3,5-Triazine by Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain SCZ-1 Isolated from an Anaerobic Sludge

In previous work, we found that an anaerobic sludge efficiently degraded hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), but the role of isolates in the degradation process was unknown. Recently, we isolated a facultatively anaerobic bacterium, identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae strain SCZ-1, using MIDI and the 16S rRNA method from this sludge and employed it to degrade RDX. Strain SCZ-1 degraded RDX to formaldehyde (HCHO), methanol (CH3OH) (12% of total C), carbon dioxide (CO2) (72% of total C), and nitrous oxide (N2O) (60% of total N) through intermediary formation of methylenedinitramine (O2NNHCH2NHNO2). Likewise, hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX) was degraded to HCHO, CH3OH, and N2O (16.5%) with a removal rate (0.39 μmol · h−1 · g [dry weight] of cells−1) similar to that of RDX (0.41 μmol · h−1 · g [dry weight] of cells−1) (biomass, 0.91 g [dry weight] of cells · liter−1). These findings suggested the possible involvement of a common initial reaction, possibly denitration, followed by ring cleavage and decomposition in water. The trace amounts of MNX detected during RDX degradation and the trace amounts of hexahydro-1,3-dinitroso-5-nitro-1,3,5-triazine detected during MNX degradation suggested that another minor degradation pathway was also present that reduced —NO2 groups to the corresponding —NO groups.
The Representation of Petrarch in the Eighteenth-century Encyclopédie

The colossal project of the Encyclopedie (1751-1772), directed by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert, aimed to create, as Voltaire contends, “a repository of all sciences and arts,” therefore establishing itself as the point of reference for literature, sciences, arts and crafts. This pretentious ambition contrasts in direct proportion with the peripheral depiction of Francis Petrarch. Although they acknowledge Petrarch’s poetic talent and innovation, the authors of the Encyclopedie confine the Tuscan poet within the French poetical tradition. This gesture of appropriating what is exterior to the French image can be partly justified by the objective of the encyclopedistes to design a venue where a homogenous French identity can emerge. This paper attempts to track—by exploring various articles in the Encyclopedie along with their ramifications in other published works of the period—the ambivalent reception and portrayal of the Italian poet and humanist.
Did the repeated debt ceiling controversies embed default risk in US Treasury securities

Abstract We examine whether the financial market charged a default risk premium to US Treasury securities when the US Federal government repeatedly reached the legally binding debt limits between 2002 and 2006. We show that for the first two of the four recurrences since the first episode in 1996, the financial market charged a small default risk premium to the Treasury securities. However, we find no significant evidence of a pricing effect in the last two recurrences. The results suggest that the financial market gradually perceived the budget standoffs as the boy who cried wolf.
Speciation and decomposition pathways of ruthenium catalysts used for selective C–H hydroxylation

Mechanistic insight into a C–H hydroxylation reaction catalysed by [(Me3tacn)RuCl3] has been obtained using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) to identify reactive intermediates and to determine the fate of the starting metal complex. Our studies provide direct evidence for the formation of a high-valent dioxo-Ru(VI) species, which is believed to be the active oxidant. Other unexpected Ru-oxo intermediates, however, have been identified and may also function as competent hydroxylating agents. Mass spectral data that substantiate putative mechanisms for catalyst arrest and highlight reactivity differences between [(Me3tacn)RuCl3] and the corresponding tribromide adduct are also described.
Using the Amniotic Cavity of the Developing Chick Embryo for the In Vivo Culture of Early-Stage Mammalian Embryos

Abstract The fertile chicken egg may provide an effective, inexpensive method for promoting the development of early-stage embryos from other species. Presently, the loss of viability associated with the in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is hindering the use of in vitro fertilization with farm animals. Consequently, alternative in vitro laboratory methods are needed for the culture of mammalian embryos. A new method has been developed that involves the culture of mammalian embryos in the amniotic cavity of a developing chick embryo. Chick embryos were placed into shell-less incubation (37 C) at the 72-h developmental stage. After 24 h of shell-less incubation, agarose-embedded mammalian embryos were injected into the amniotic cavity of the chick embryo. The mammalian embryos were first placed into a drop of liquid agarose. One to four embryos were then aspirated into a beveled injection pipette and cooled, allowing the agarose to harden. Following penetration of the amnion with the beveled pipette, the agarose cylinder containing the embryos was expelled into the amniotic cavity. The shell-less culture system was then returned to incubation at 37 C for an additional 72 to 96 h. Following incubation, the amniotic cavity containing both chick and mammalian embryos was isolated and the agarose-embedded mammalian embryos were harvested. Significantly more embryos developed in the chick embryo amnion than in the control medium alone. Results obtained using this method on laboratory animals (mice) and on domestic mammals (goats and cattle) indicate that the chick-embryo amnion can support the development of early-stage, mammalian embryos to the blastocyst stage of development. This unique approach may be an alternative to existing systems for culturing the embryo in vivo and in vitro.
Interdisciplinary and Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Explanatory Coexistence

Natural and supernatural explanations are used to interpret the same events in a number of predictable and universal ways. Yet little is known about how variation in diverse cultural ecologies influences how people integrate natural and supernatural explanations. Here, we examine explanatory coexistence in three existentially arousing domains of human thought: illness, death, and human origins using qualitative data from interviews conducted in Tanna, Vanuatu. Vanuatu, a Melanesian archipelago, provides a cultural context ideal for examining variation in explanatory coexistence due to the lack of industrialization and the relatively recent introduction of Christianity and Western education. We argue for the integration of interdisciplinary methodologies from cognitive science and anthropology to inform research on explanatory coexistence.
MuRanker: a mutant ranking tool

Mutation testing is a fault-based software testing technique in which a large number of mutants are generated in order to assess the adequacy of test cases devised. One of the daunting problems in this area consists in determining whether a mutant can be killed by a test case or it cannot be killed easily because the mutant is semantically equivalent to the original programme. A possible solution, as proposed in this paper, is to measure the complexity of each mutant and prioritize them according to how easy or hard they are to be exposed. As a result, using a proper metric based on the mutants' complexity, the tester may decide whether to focus on killing easy or hard mutants first.
An epidemic of hepatitis C virus infection while treating endemic infectious diseases in Equatorial Africa more than a half century ago: did it also jump-start the AIDS pandemic?

Two articles in this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases by Pepin et al [1, 2] report how intravenous and intramuscular prophylaxis and treatment of endemic infectious diseases led to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV)–1 infection in Equatorial Africa. Both of the rural areas, in southeast Central Africa Republic (where there was a high incidence of trypanosomiasis) [2] and in southern Cameroon (where there was extensive use of parenteral therapy for malaria and other endemic infectious diseases) [1], are near sites where SIVcpz, believed to be the precursor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–1, has been isolated from chimpanzees [3, 4]. Thus, they hypothesize that these iatrogenic exposures may have jump-started the HIV pandemic from a few isolated cases of infected persons exposed to “bush meat.”
Too Old for Child Care? Too Young for Self-care?: Negotiating After-school Arrangements for Middle School

The transition to middle school when children are 10 or 11 can be difficult for employed-parent families; often they must fashion new after-school arrangements in a context of limited options and conflicting views about appropriate care. Based on interviews in a California city with 22 preteens and 26 of their working-class through upper-middle-class parents, this article examines how families negotiated those arrangements. The transition to middle school entailed an abrupt drop-off in school-based care resources and school-to-parent communication and emboldened most of the preteens to press for more autonomy. Some families slipped into self-care arrangements, usually despite parents' misgivings; others pieced together complicated plans for after-school coverage. The author analyzes structural and cultural factors that influenced family negotiations and discusses how middle schools and their communities can be more responsive to the needs of employed-parent families.
Temporal decomposition for logic optimization

Traditional approaches for sequential logic optimization include (1) explicit state-based techniques such as state minimization, (2) structural techniques such as retiming, and (3) methods that exploit sequential don't-cares derived from unreachable states. These approaches optimize a logic circuit as a single component with a single input/output behavior. In this paper we present a novel concept for sequential optimization referred to as temporal decomposition, which distinguishes the logic that initializes the circuit from the logic needed for the behavior after startup. This work was motivated by a recent observation made for bounded property verification: There is a substantial optimization potential for transition relations when the first execution steps are applied as satisfiability don't-cares. This result suggests that current designs include circuitry that is only used during the first few clock periods after reset and could be discarded or disabled after startup. In this paper we describe how temporal decomposition could be applied to treat the logic for startup separately from the remaining circuitry and discuss multiple alternatives to exploit this for an improved implementation.
X-ray absorption by ionized oxygen in ASCA spectra of the infrared quasar IRAS 13349+2438

We present evidence for X-ray absorption by ionized oxygen in ASCA spectra of the prototype infrared quasar IRAS 13349+2438. This powerful (2E46 erg/s) quasar was studied in detail with ROSAT, and the combination of the X-ray data and optical/near-infrared spectropolarimetry strongly suggested the presence of a dusty ionized (`warm') absorber along the line of sight to the central X-ray source. The ASCA spectra, in contrast to an earlier claim, show evidence for ionized oxygen edges, and the presence of such edges appears to provide the most physically plausible interpretation of the data. Thus, the ASCA spectra support the dusty warm absorber hypothesis. The ASCA data also allow the physical properties of the warm absorber to be constrained far better than before. A one-zone warm absorber model indicates the ionized column to be in the range (2--6) x 10^{21} cm^{-2}, and it gives an ionization parameter of xi=31^{+12}_{-12} erg cm s^{-1}. The dusty warm absorber appears to have a density below 3E8 cm^{-3}, and it is probably located outside the broad-line region. The dust in the warm absorber does not appear to have been heavily sputtered or destroyed via other means. Based on the ASCA fitting, we suggest that ultraviolet absorption lines from the warm absorber may be detectable and discuss how they can further constrain the warm absorber properties. We compare and contrast the X-ray properties of IRAS 13349+2438 with those of broad absorption line quasars. We comment on the steep > 2 keV continuum of IRAS 13349+2438 and examine the relevance to some models of radiative Fe II formation.
Recovery of coordinated gait: randomized controlled stroke trial of functional electrical stimulation (FES) versus no FES, with weight-supported treadmill and over-ground training.

Background. No single intervention restores the coordinated components of gait after stroke. Objective. The authors tested the multimodal Gait Training Protocol, with or without functional electric...
Effects of estrone and organic carbon exposure on the transformation of estrone

Exposure of biomass to estrone (E1) and alternate organic substrates was studied to determine whether cometabolism or multiple substrate utilization is an operating mechanism for the transformation of E1 and if feeding intervals affect the selection of E1 degrading bacteria. Biomass generated in membrane bioreactors (MBRs) was capable of degrading E1 regardless of E1 exposure. Nevertheless, pre-exposed biomass had higher E1 transformation rates (P = 0.05) and un-exposed biomass showed a clear lag phase (6 h) prior to E1 tranformation. These results are consistent with and strongly suggest metabolic transformation of E1 via multiple substrate utilization. In the feeding interval study, longer intervals between feeding periods selected for E1 degraders at high organic carbon loads (100 mg COD L−1 d−1; P = 0.018), but had no effect at low organic carbon loads (30 mg COD L−1 d−1; P = 0.32). A lag phase was observed in E1 transformation during famine periods but was absent during feast periods. This result indicates that the presence of other organic carbon substrates speeds the transformation of E1. This research is the first to demonstrate evidence for the role of multiple substrate utilization in the transformation of E1 and suggests operating conditions to improve selection for and activity of E1 degrading bacteria.
MRI Evaluation of Bipolar Bone Loss Using the On-Track Off-Track Method: A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the simultaneous MRI evaluation of Hill-Sachs lesions and glenoid bone loss by use of the on-track off-track method can be used to predict engagement during arthroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The records of 75 consecutively registered patients (60 male patients, 15 female patients) with a history of previous anterior shoulder instability who underwent preoperative MRI of the shoulder and arthroscopy at our institution were reviewed. A total of 76 MRI examinations were included. Two readers reviewed the MR images of each patient blindly and independently and used the on-track off-track method to predict engagement. These results were compared with the findings related to engagement seen during arthroscopy, which was performed by one of seven orthopedic surgeons. Statistical analyses included Fisher exact test, logistic regression, ROC analysis, and calculation of intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS. Using the on-track off-track techniq...
The impact of billing/reimbursement structures on the integration of aSBI into primary care practice: implementation experiences at five different types of clinics

Background The purpose of the Screen-All Project was to promote adoption of alcohol SBI (aSBI) in five primary care clinics within the University of Nevada School of Medicine Health System (System). Prior to this project, no formal aSBI activities were being conducted in these clinics or within the System. The five clinics included in the project provide healthcare services to adult men and women, including those at risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancies (e.g. women of reproductive age; college students). Two of the five clinics have non-Medicaid/Medicare/insurance funding sources for providing services, whereas three of the five clinics have Medicaid/Medicare/insurance funding sources. The objective is to determine how billing/reimbursement impacts implementation of aSBI.
Interaction between the bound Mg·ATP and the Walker A serine residue in NBD2 plays a crucial role for ATP-dependent leukotriene C4 transport by multidrug resistance protein MRP1

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 3249 Overexpression of multidrug resistance protein (MRP1) confers the cancer cells resistant to multiple anticancer drugs (MDR). Substitution of the Walker B aspartic acid D792 in nucleotide binding domain 1 (NBD1) of MRP1 with a hydrophobic amino acid that eliminated the carboxyl group caused misfolding of the protein and prevented the sorting of the mutated protein to plasma membrane. Cells expressing this mutated MRP1 are not MDR any more. Structural analysis of human MRP1-NBD1 revealed that the Walker A S685 forms hydrogen-bond with the Walker B D792 and interacts with the Mg++ and the β-phosphate of the bound Mg·ATP. We have found that substitution of the Walker A S685 with an amino acid that potentially prevents the formation of the hydrogen-bond with D792 resulted in misfolding of the protein, suggesting that the interactions of this serine residue with surrounding residues including D792 play a very important role for the protein folding and processing. In this report we tested whether the corresponding substitution in NBD2 would also result in misfolding of the protein. In contrast to the NBD1 mutations, none of the mutations in NBD2, including S1334A, S1334C, S1334D, S1334H, S1334N, S1334T, D1454L and D1454N, caused misfolding of the protein. However, S1334A, S1334C, S1334D, S1334H or S1334N mutation abolished the ATP-enhanced ADP trapping at the mutated NBD2, significantly decreased the rate of ATP hydrolysis and eliminated the ATP-dependent leukotriene C4 transport. In contrast, S1334T mutation exerts similar activity as wild-type MRP1, indicating that the hydroxyl group at this position plays a crucial role for ATP binding, hydrolysis and ATP-dependent solute transport.
Long-term Outcomes of Titanium Ossiculoplasty in Chronic Otitis Media:

ObjectiveThe primary objective is to report long-term hearing outcomes (>2 years) after titanium ossiculoplasty in patients with chronic otitis media.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care hospital.Subjects and MethodsIn total, 156 patients with chronic otitis media undergoing titanium ossiculoplasty were included. The primary outcome measure was the long-term postoperative ABG. The stability of hearing over time was determined by comparing short-term and long-term postoperative air-bone gap (ABG). Secondary outcome measures included ΔABG, postoperative speech reception thresholds, air-conduction pure-tone average (AC PTA), word recognition scores, and percentage of patients achieving ABG ≤20 dB. Revision and extrusion rates were examined.ResultsAt short-term follow-up ( 2 years), mean ABG was 20.0 dB ± 15.4 and AC PTA was 35.3 ± 16.1 dB;...
Solar Hydrogen Production Using Molecular Catalysts Immobilized on Gallium Phosphide (111)A and (111)B Polymer-Modified Photocathodes

We report the immobilization of hydrogen-producing cobaloxime catalysts onto p-type gallium phosphide (111)A and (111)B substrates via coordination to a surface-grafted polyvinylimidazole brush. Successful grafting of the polymeric interface and subsequent assembly of cobalt-containing catalysts are confirmed using grazing angle attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Photoelectrochemical testing in aqueous conditions at neutral pH shows that cobaloxime modification of either crystal face yields a similar enhancement of photoperformance, achieving a greater than 4-fold increase in current density and associated rates of hydrogen production as compared to results obtained using unfunctionalized electrodes tested under otherwise identical conditions. Under simulated solar illumination (100 mW cm–2), the catalyst-modified photocathodes achieve a current density ≈ 1 mA cm–2 when polarized at 0 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode reference an...
Phospha-Michael additions to activated internal alkenes: steric and electronic effects.

The addition of P(O)–H bonds to internal alkenes has been accomplished under solvent-free conditions without the addition of a catalyst or radical initiator. Using a prototypical secondary phosphine oxide, a range of substrates including cinnamates, crotonates, coumarins, sulfones, and chalcones were successfully functionalized. Highly activated acceptors such as isopropylidenemalononitrile and ethyl 2-cyano-3-methyl-2-butenoate underwent the phospha-Michael reaction upon simple trituration of the reagents at room temperature, whereas less activated substrates such as ethyl cinnamate and methyl crotonate required heating (>150 °C) in a microwave reactor to achieve significant consumption of the starting alkenes. For the latter alkenes, a competing reaction involving disproportionation of the ditolylphosphine oxide into ditolylphosphinic acid and ditolylphosphine was observed at the high temperatures needed to promote the addition reaction.
Beneficial effects of liver on growth and survival in the immature hyperthyroid mouse.

SummaryWhole liver powder prolonged survival and counteracted the growth retardation of immature mice fed massive doses of desiccated thyroid, thyroxin or iodinated casein. The protective factor(s) was retained in the water-insoluble fraction of liver.
Survey on rubella antibody level in neonatal cord blood in Beijing

OBJECTIVE To know the intrauterine rubella virus infection and the immune level of rubella in women of childbearing age in Beijing,and to provide scientific basis for preventing congenital rubella syndrome(CRS).METHODS 1 000 pairs of pregnant women and their newborns were randomly selected in the People's Hospital of Peking University.A quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to test the level of rubella IgM and IgG antibodies in cord blood.RESULTS In 1 000 newborns,one case of rubella IgM antibody positive was found.The positive rate of rubella IgG antibody in women of childbearing age was 84.20%,and the geometric mean concentration(GMC) was 54.10 IU / ml.The differences of the positive rate and GMC between different age groups were statistically significant.With age increasing,the positive rate and GMC decreased.CONCLUSION When rubella outbreaks,the immunization should be strengthened for the women of childbearing age to prevent CRS.