cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diamine oxidase-gold enzyme-affinity ultrastructural demonstration that human gut mucosal mast cells secrete histamine by piecemeal degranulation in vivo.

Biopsy specimens of human ilea were prepared for the ultrastructural detection of histamine in vivo with a new enzymeaffinity method (Dvorak et al., J Histochem Cytochem 1993; 41:787–800). Human gut mucosal mast cells contained histamine in cytoplasmic secretory granules that were electron dense, regardless of underlying substructural patterns. Partially and completely empty cytoplasmic granules, characteristic for piecemeal degranulation (Dvorak et al., Int Arch Allergy Immunol 1992;99:74–83) had diminished and absent histamine stores, whereas electron-dense granules in the same cells retained their histamine. interstitial collagen (but not basal lamina of other cells) near secretory mast cells avidly bound histamine, thereby providing a potential source for re-release of extracellular histamine stores. These studies provide the first documentation of histamine secretion in vivo during piecemeal degranulation of human mast cells.
Risk Factors for Dive Injury: A Survey Study∗

Scuba diving is a world sport, but it is not medically regulated. Study objectives sought to identify risk behaviors, preexisting medical conditions, compliance to dive guidelines, and injury patterns of recreational scuba divers. An Internet-based survey examined risk behaviors and diver safety practices. Responses from 682 of 770 (88.6%) divers revealed that 80.6% were certified; 51.7% of certified divers reported diving injuries versus 75.0% for noncertified divers (RR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.16-1.48; P < 0.001); suspected decompression symptoms were witnessed by 52.6% of divers; 32.7% of certified divers reported medical problems including hypertension, asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy. No significant differences were observed in injuries among the certified divers based on dive frequency (P = 1.000), medical conditions (P = 0.750), smoking (P = 0.545), alcohol (P = 0.649), or illicit substances use (P = 0.230). Among certified divers, there was a positive association with fewer diving injuries but not with diving frequency, preexisting medical condition(s), smoking, alcohol, or illicit substance use.
Combined penetrating keratoplasty, extracapsular cataract extraction, and posterior chamber lens implantation

A retrospective chart review of 18 consecutive unselected cases of combined penetrating keratoplasty, extracapsular cataract extraction, and posterior chamber lens implantation was performed. Overall, 89% of the grafts remained clear with follow-up between six and 54 months (average 21 months). Visual acuities were 20/50 or better in 61% of the cases and 20/80 or better in 83%. Postoperative complications included two graft failures, two cases of secondary glaucoma, one case of cystoid macular edema, and one case of pupil capture. No patients to date have required a secondary discission.
On the value distribution theory for entire solutions of second-order linear differential equations

On montre que pour une solution f(z) d'une equation differentielle lineaire w''+A(z)w=0, ou A(z) est une fonction entiere arbitraire, on peut determiner completement quel polynome P(z,u 0 ,...,u n ) a la bonne propriete
Control of Shale Swelling Pressures Using Inhibitive Water-Base Muds

Over the years wellbore stability in shales has been achieved using oil base muds, however water base muds still plague the industry. Up until now it was not obvious what mechanisms were in operation during such shale/water base mud interactions. The research reported herein discusses the development of swelling pressures when water base muds are in contact with a troublesome North Sea shale. A mechanistic theory is presented that focuses on increases in total pore pressures that are reflected in swelling pressures. The results obtained showed that different mud filtrates produce swelling or shrinking pressures that are related to the type of salt present and its ionic concentration. Fluids tested included deionized water and solutions of CaCl 2 , Potassium Formate, Glycerol, Methyl Glucoside and NaCl/Methyl Glucoside. The range of swelling pressures measured were from +2800 psi (swelling) to -1400 psi (shrinkage). In addition to swelling pressures, the compressive strength of the shales was also measured under downhole insitu stress and conditions after the chemical interactions were complete. Strength reductions as high as 35% were measured for certain fluid systems.
Complement in Kidney Disease: Core Curriculum 2015

The complement cascade is part of the innate immune system and provides an important line of defense against invasive pathogens. However, the complement system also causes kidney injury in a variety of different diseases, and clinical evaluation of the complement system is an important part of the diagnostic workup of patients with glomerulonephritis. Complement activation is particularly important in the pathogenesis of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and C3 glomerulopathy. Complement inhibition is effective for treatment of aHUS, and complement inhibitors will likely be tested in other kidney diseases in the future. While the role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of many kidney diseases is well established, however, there is not a simple algorithm for identifying which patients should be treated with complement inhibitors or for how long complement inhibition should be continued.
Measures of depressed mood in workers exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)

Abstract Previous studies of workers exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) contaminated substances report symptoms associated with depressed mood. The effects of exposure to TCDD on measures of current symptoms of depression were evaluated as part of a cross-sectional medical study of 281 production workers and 260 unexposed age, race and community matched referents. Exposure occurred during the production of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and its derivative products. Symptoms of depressed mood were measured by the Beck Depression Inventory and the depression subscale of the Self-Report Symptom Inventory-Revised-90 (SCL-90-R). Exposure to TCDD was assessed by measuring serum TCDD levels at the time of the medical study. Based on both logistic and multiple regression analyses, neither status as a worker, nor serum TCDD levels were related to either measure of depressed mood.
Sequestration offsets versus direct emission reductions: Consideration of environmental co-effects ☆

Abstract Atmospheric greenhouse gas accumulation, and consequential temperature increase, can be remedied by emission reductions or agricultural carbon sequestration. Both options have direct and external environmental effects. This paper examines the magnitudes of existing estimates of corresponding external co-effects and how they could affect optimal combination of emission reductions and agricultural carbon sequestration. We discuss whether government intervention, in the form of taxation/subsidization, is justified for internalizing the externalities considering their relative magnitudes, implementation costs and potential benefits that could be derived from such intervention. We conclude that the existing estimates of external benefits from sequestration and emission reduction do not provide enough support for allocating resources to alter the market mix of carbon sequestration and direct emission reduction strategies.
The effect of maternal bladder volume on fundal height measurements

The effect of maternal bladder volume on fundal height measurements was studied in 200 non-obese Black women between 16 and 42 weeks gestation. Fundal height measurements were obtained by the same examiner immediately before and immediately after each subject voided. Examiners were blinded to fundal height measurements and the amount of urine voided. Prevoid fundal height measurements were significantly larger than postvoid fundal height measurements. The differences between pre- and postvoid fundal height measurements varied from -2.8 to 4.6 cm (mean 0.63 cm, SD 1.26). Postvoid fundal height measurements were smaller than the prevoid measurements in 69.5% of the women, and 34.5% of the differences were greater than 1.0 cm. Women who had voided within 30 min before measurement had significantly smaller differences between pre- and postvoid fundal height measurements (n = 20, mean 0.16, SD 1.22) than women who voided more than 30 min before measurement (n = 179, mean 0.68, SD 1.27). These findings indicate that women should be instructed to void within 30 min before fundal height measurements are obtained.
30 Si( 12 C, 12 C') reaction at 41.3 MeV

Abstract Angular distributions for the 0+, 2+ states of 30Si have been measured for the 30Si(12C, 12C') reaction at a lab energy of 41.3 MeV. The data have been analyzed using coupled-channels calculations incorporating three possible models for the structure of 30Si — an oblate rotor, a prolate rotor, and a harmonic vibrator. Based on the quality of the fits to the data as determined by the minimum χ2. a prolate-rotor model is favored.
Program analysis for event-based distributed systems

Designing distributed applications around the idiom of events has several benefits including extensibility and scalability. To improve conciseness, safety, and efficiency of corresponding programs, several authors have recently proposed programming languages or language extensions with support for event-based programming.The presence of a dedicated programming language and compilation process offers avenues for program analyses to further improve simplicity, safety, and expressiveness of distributed event-based software. This paper presents three program analyses specifically designed for event-based programs: immutability analysis avoids costly cloning of events in the presence of co-located handlers for same events; guard analysis allows for simple yet expressive subscriptions which can be further simplified and handled efficiently; causality analysis determines causal dependencies among events which are related, allowing unrelated events to be transferred independently for efficiency. We convey the benefits of our approach by empirically evaluating their performance benefits.
Quantitation of Lactate Dehydrogenase of Developing Molar Teeth of the Mouse

Of the numerous enzymes existing in multiple molecular forms (isozymes), lactate dehydrogenase has been studied the most extensively. The studies include both clinical and biological investigations on a wide range of tissues and species.1-5 The role of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the glycolytic pathway is well known; that is, it mediates the transfer between lactic acid and pyruvate, using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +) as coenzyme. The isozymic patterns of LDH in certain tissues have been shown to be related to the development of those tissues.6-8 Information on the presence of this enzyme in the tooth, therefore, may provide an insight into the enzymatic mechanisms responsible for the morphologic and chemical changes occurring during the development of the tooth. Recent histochemical investigations9-12 have shown the presence of LDH in the tooth but do not give either quantitative information on the amount or information on the isozymic composition of the enzyme, or both. This study, therefore, was designed to determine the types and amounts of lactate dehydrogenase in developing mouse molars during dentinogenesis and amelogenesis.
Energy-based cooperative spectrum sensing for emergency communications over fading channels in Cognitive Radio public safety networks

From the perspective of interoperability, Cognitive Radio (CR) is widely studied as an emerging alternative for public safety communications. Spectrum sensing is one of key functionalities enabling the opportunistic spectrum utilization for CR systems. The energy-based cooperative spectrum sensing is mostly adopted in current CR prototype systems due to the low complexity and high detection speed. The cooperative spectrum sensing performance is influenced by the number of collaborative CRs. However, the number of CRs is dynamically changing due to the dynamic behavior of public safety personnel. We study the dynamic behavior of CRs and also derive the exact analytical closed-form expressions for the sensing performance. These expressions lay the framework for utilizing the optimization tools to efficiently guarantee the global optimality for the system parameter design.
A floating spherical gaussian orbital model of molecular structure. XII. Analysis of energy terms affecting the geometry of the water molecule

The energy terms arising in the water calculation by the FSGO method are analyzed as a function of the bond angle in order to gain insight into the reasons for the particular equilibrium configuration. The analysis is made in terms of symmetrically orthogonalized orbitals so as to exclude three- and four-orbital electron repulsion terms.
Diffusion problems with a mixed nonlinear boundary condition

Abstract Existence results are established for a class of singular diffusion problems with a general nonlinear boundary condition. The proofs are based on a priori bounds for all solutions and a shooting technique applied to a corresponding initial value problem. Various uniqueness results are obtained by assuming either the variables in the diffusion coefficient or in the source term are separable.
Branching Ratio for Radiative Pion Capture with Respect to Absorption of Stopped Negative Pions

An initial effort to predict the branching ratio of radiative pion capture with respect to absorption of stopped negative pions is presented. The theory is developed by analogy to Primakoff’s theory for the total μ- capture1,2. Unlike muons negative pions are captured or absorbed from a mixture of atomic states, the l values increasing with Z. The branching ratio can be written as a weighted sum of the ratio for each contributing atomic state $$R = \mathop E\limits_{n,\ell } {w_{n\ell }}\frac{{{}^\Lambda n\ell (\pi \gamma )}}{{{}^\Lambda n\ell (\pi )}} $$ (1) .
Contemporary concepts of autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases

No single theory or mechanism can explain the phenomenon of autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases. Not all autoimmune responses are harmful or "forbidden." Considerable research has indicated that autoimmune response may be normal and important in the regulation of the immune system. Autoimmunity may play a role in a wide range of clinical states including physiological clearance of dead cells, and cell components, aging, response to viral and microbial infections, and generalized immunological diseases. There are many factors involved in autoimmunity including genetic, hormonal, immunological, and environmental factors. The susceptibility to autoimmune diseases is multifactorial and polygenic. There is a definite association of the autoimmune diseases with MHC alleles. Also, non-MHC genes are involved in disease susceptibility. Numerous mechanisms of autoimmunity have been discussed. There may be an alteration with dysregulation of the immune system with defective generation of normal suppressor mechanisms or an altered neuroendocrine regulation. The altered immune system will make the host more susceptible to autoimmune disease. Autoimmune reactions can occur in a host with a normal immune system. Some examples are as follows: 1. Infection or damage to host target organ with release or alteration of autoantigen 2. Molecular mimicry or cross-reactivity between virus or bacteria and host autoantigens 3. Abnormal expression of MHC molecules by antigen-presenting cells in target cells resulting in activation of autoreactive T-cells. 4. Drug administration
Electrical transport across grain boundaries in bicrystals of YBa2Cu3O7δ

Abstract The superconducting properties of about 20 bulk-scale flux-grown bicrystals of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ have been measured in order to deduce the nature of the coupling across their grain boundaries. Bicrystals with two types of misorientation relationship were studied: (i) θ [001] (C-type) and (ii) 90° [010] plus an additional rotation about the a I | c II axis (P-type). A general trend for a transition from flux pinning (FP) to Josephson Junction (JJ) to resistive (R) behavior was observed as the misorientation angle increased. However, FP character was observed well into the high-angle regime, in particular, for P-type bicrystals, and JJ behavior was observed at as low as 10° [001]. The J α values of two bicrystals were increased by a second oxygen anneal. In one case (28° [001] boundary), extended oxygenation produced a change form JJ to mixed JJ/FP behavior, markedly raising the transport critical current density (J α ) at all fields. HRTEM has been performed on two of the same bicrystals which were electromagnetically characterized. A thin second phase layer unobservable by conventional TEM was observed in a resistive boundary, whereas no such phase was detected at a JJ boundary. We conclude that the character of the boundary cannot be predicted either from its misorientation angle or the magnitude of its J c .
On a class of exact geodesics of the erez-rosen metric

In a previous paper, a class of exact geodesics for the motion of a particle in a gravitational-monopole-prolate-quadrupole field was investigated, both in Newtonian mechanics and in general relativity. This paper consists of both an amplification of the analysis contained in the previous paper and an extension of the analysis to the case for negative quadrupole moment, which was not treated previously. The relativistic results are based on the monopole-quadrupole metric of Erez and Rosen, the Newtonian results on the monopole-quadrupole potential of Laplace. In the limit of vanishing quadrupole parameter (q → 0), the relativistic results reduce to those of the familiar Schwarzschild case; in the weak-field limit (r/m → ∞), the relativistic results reduce to those of the Newtonian case. The existence and stability thresholds in the relativistic case yield values that uniquely characterize the Erez-Rosen metric.
Forward--backward semiclassical dynamics with information-guided noise reduction for a molecule in solution.

The forward−backward semiclassical dynamics (FBSD) methodology is used to obtain expressions for time correlation functions of a system (atom or molecule) in solution. We use information-guided noi...
Model conversions of uncertain linear systems using interval multipoint Pade approximation

Abstract Many dynamic systems and industrial control processes can be represented by a multirate sampled-data uncertain system, which consists of a continuous-time uncertain subsystem and a multirate discrete-time uncertain subsystem. The uncertainties in these systems arise from unmodeled dynamics, parameter variations, sensor noises, actuator constraints, etc. As is the common practice the sampled-data uncertain system needs to be converted to a purely continuous-time or discrete-time uncertain model, so that the well-established analysis and design methods in the continuous-time or discrete-time domain can be directly applied to the equivalent model. This paper presents a new interval multipoint Pade approximation method for converting a continuous-time (discrete-time) uncertain linear system to an equivalent discrete-time (continuous-time) uncertain model. The system matrices characterizing the state-space descriptions of the original uncertain systems are represented by interval matrices. Using the approximate uncertain models obtained based on interval analysis and multipoint Pade approximation the dynamic states of the resulting models have been shown to be able to closely match those of the original uncertain systems for a relatively longer sampling period.
Development and evaluation of an inexpensive sensor system for use in measuring relative finger positions.

Abstract An inexpensive sensor was developed using a carbon-based electrically conductive ink. A correlation of the actual flex angle to the measured flex angle of the sensors was obtained by experimentally determining a third-order polynomial that represented the response of the sensor and its hardware system (r = 0.999). The response time, when going from an angle of 0–90°, was extremely good. The sensors exhibited an acceptable dynamic response with an error of less than 5% when flexed repeatedly to an angle of 90°. A second-order polynomial was found to express the resistance as a function of angle (r = 0.999) for all of the sensors tested. Although these sensors are not as precise as the more expensive sensors that are available, it was estimated that the production cost of these sensors was less then US$0.50 a piece. In addition, there are many ways that the sensor production method might be improved to produce more accurate sensors using carbon-based electrically conductive ink. While much additional work is still necessary, the system presented in this paper could be incorporated into a complete device to monitor the rehabilitation of an impaired hand. Unlike other systems that are currently available commercially, this system is inexpensive, easily manufactured, accurate, and could be readily used in a variety of clinical settings.
Effects on adaptedness of variations in ribosomal DNA copy number in populations of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum).

Twenty alleles, 12 at Mendelian locus Rrn1 and 8 at locus Rrn2, control rRNA genes [ribosomal DNA (rDNA)] variability in barley. These alleles differ strikingly in their effects on adaptedness. In the present study, we determined variation in the copy number of 101 accessions of wild barley plants from 10 ecologically diverse sites in Israel and examined relationships between rDNA copy number and adaptedness. The average multiplicity of rDNA per haploid genome was 1881 copies and the average numbers of copies for Rrn1 and Rrn2 were 962 and 917, respectively. The total number of copies as well as the number of copies for Rrn1 and Rrn2 varied widely from plant to plant within sites and also from site to site. The predominant allele of Rrn2 had somewhat more copies on the average than the other alleles of this locus but differences between the predominant allele and other alleles of Rrn1 were not statistically significant. Overall, the results indicated that differing amounts of rDNA resulting from variations in copy number and/or number of subrepeats in the intergenic spacer region were not closely associated with adaptedness. This suggests that the high adaptedness of a few specific alleles results in large part from adaptatively favorable nucleotide sequences in the transcription units and/or the intergenic spacer regions of the favored alleles--i.e., that adaptedness in barley depends on the quality more than on the quantity of rDNA present.
Atomic View of Calcium-Induced Clustering of Phosphatidylserine in Mixed Lipid Bilayers

Membranes play key regulatory roles in biological processes, with bilayer composition exerting marked effects on binding affinities and catalytic activities of a number of membrane-associated proteins. In particular, proteins involved in diverse processes such as vesicle fusion, intracellular signaling cascades, and blood coagulation interact specifically with anionic lipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS) in the presence of Ca2+ ions. While Ca2+ is suspected to induce PS clustering in mixed phospholipid bilayers, the detailed structural effects of this ion on anionic lipids are not established. In this study, combining magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR (SSNMR) measurements of isotopically labeled serine headgroups in mixed lipid bilayers with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of PS lipid bilayers in the presence of different counterions, we provide site-resolved insights into the effects of Ca2+ on the structure and dynamics of lipid bilayers. Ca2+-induced conformational changes of PS in mixed...
Jockey: a user-space library for record-replay debugging

Jockey is an execution record/replay tool for debugging Linux programs. It records invocations of system calls and CPU instructions with timing-dependent effects and later replays them deterministically. It supports process checkpointing to diagnose long-running programs efficiently. Jockey is implemented as a shared-object file that runs as a part of the target process. While this design is the key for achieving Jockey's goal of safety and ease of use, it also poses challenges. This paper discusses some of the practical issues we needed to overcome in such environments, including low-overhead system-call interception, techniques for segregating resource usage between Jockey and the target process, and an interface for fine-grain control of Jockey's behavior.
A framework for understanding the workspace activity of design teams

Small group design sessions were empirically studied to understand better collaborative workspace activity. A conventional view of workspace activity may be characterized as concerned only with storing information and conveying ideas through text and graphics. Empirical evidence shows that this view is deficient in not accounting for how the workspace is used: a) in a group setting, rather than by an individual, and b) as part of a process of constructing artifacts, rather than just a medium for the resulting artifacts themselves. An understanding of workspace activity needs to include the role of gestural activity, and the use of the workspace to develop ideas and mediate interaction. A framework that helps illustrate an expanded view of workspace activity is proposed and supported with empirical data.
Excited-state dynamics of cofacial pacman porphyrins

Cofacial palladium(II) bisporphyrins anchored by xanthene [Pd2(DPX)] and dibenzofuran [Pd2(DPD)] pillars were prepared, and the dynamics of their triplet excited states were investigated. The phosphorescence quantum yield [Φp = 4.59(121) × 10-3 in CH2Cl2] and lifetime [τp = 18.2(2) μs in CH2Cl2] of Pd2(DPD) are significantly attenuated compared to those of its Pd2(DPX) congener [Φp = 29.4(5) × 10-3 and τp = 102(3) μs in CH2Cl2]. Electronic absorption and emission spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements establish that the porphyrin rings of the DPX cofacial analogue are closer to each other than the porphyrin rings of the DPD analogue in fluid solution. These observations are supported by X-ray crystallographic analyses, which show that the metal−metal distance for the dibenzofuran-bridged bisporphyrin in the solid state is almost 3 A greater than that for bisporphyrins linked by the xanthene spacer. The spectroscopic, photophysical, and structural results suggest that the decreased Φp and τp of Pd2(...
Reconsidering strain theory: Operationalization, rival theories, and adult criminality

Recently a revisionist view of strain theory's empirical adequacy has emerged which holds that the theory's explanatory power depends on how it is operationalized. With an adult community sample, we empirically assess three separate measures of strain to explain self-reported crime: the gap between aspirations and expectations, blocked opportunities, and relative deprivation. The findings reveal that the aspirations-expectations measure is not related to criminal involvement, while perceived blocked opportunities and feelings of relative deprivation significantly affect adult offending. These relationships, however, fail to persist after measures from competing theories (i.e., low self-control, differential association, and social bond) are introduced as controls in the regression equations. Thus, measures from rival theories offer a more fruitful approach to explaining self-reported adult offending.
Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Cytomegalovirus: Chronic Infections and Coronary Heart Disease

We conducted a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature from 1966-1999 on the association of chronic infections with Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) with coronary heart disease (CHD); additional literature was retrieved from references of selected articles. All human studies were included. Abstracts were excluded because of limited data. Chronic infections in CHD are speculated to be due to serum antibody concentrations of one or more of the three organisms. Data for H. pylori and CMV are difficult to interpret due to the confounding factor of childhood poverty and studies conducted in transplant recipients, respectively. Chlamydia pneumoniae data appear stronger with elevated IgG antibody titers (> or = 64) as a risk factor. Larger prospective studies are warranted to determine an association with CHD before universal prophylaxis or treatment of these chronic infections.
From Lateness To Waning To Crisis: the Burden of the Later Middle Ages

The common view of the Late Middle Ages as a time of decay is due to the very lateness imposed on this period by the idea of a Middle Ages, especially in the form of the "Waning model" created by Johan Huizinga in The Waning of the Middle Ages. The consequent "crises" predicated of most late-medieval phenomena, including the whole period, appear under critical analysis either as phantoms or as moments of progressive development. This discredits both the Waning model and the "Middle Ages" out of which it proceeds; they can best be replaced by the scheme that posits an "Old Europe" from the eleventh century to the eighteenth. Here the Middle Ages vanish and the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, redeemed from the curse of lateness, appear with the twelfth and thirteenth as Early Old Europe.
Parallel synthesis of a multi-substituted benzo[b]furan library.

The solution-phase parallel synthesis of a 121-member library of multi-substituted benzo[b]furans is described. 2,3,5-Trisubstituted benzo[b]furans have been prepared by the palladium-catalyzed substitution of 3-iodobenzofurans by Suzuki−Miyaura, carbonylative Suzuki, Sonogashira, Heck, and carboalkoxylation chemistry. The 3-iodobenzofurans are readily prepared in good to excellent yields by the palladium/copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of various o-iodoanisoles and terminal alkynes, followed by electrophilic cyclization with ICl.
Increased resistance to Staphylococcus aureus infection and enhancement in serum lysozyme activity by glucan

Glucan is a potent reticuloendothelial stimulant whose immunobiological activity is mediated, in part, by an increase in the number and function of macrophages. In studying the role of glucan as a mediator of antibacterial activity, we attempted to ascertain the ability of glucan to modify the mortality of mice with experimentally induced Gram-positive bacteremia, and to enhance antibacterial defenses in rats as denoted by serum lysozyme and phagocytic activity. After intravenous administration of glucan, serum lysozyme concentrations were increased approximately sevenfold over control concentrations. The increase in serum lysozyme appeared to parallel the glucan-induced increase in phagocytosis and induced hyperplasia of macrophages. Prior treatment of mice with glucan significantly enhanced their survival when they were challenged systemically with Staphylococcus aureus. These studies indicate that glucan confers an enhanced state of host defense against bacterial infections.
Decision Making in Engineering Design Tasks: Do Designers Benefit from Representations of Uncertainty?

Engineering design tasks require designers to compare, weigh and choose between many complex alternatives throughout the design processes. The uncertainty in design decisions and the high cost of poor choices has long made decision methods incorporating representations of uncertainty appealing from a theoretical standpoint. Yet, such methods have not been widely adopted in practical settings. This paper describes a study exploring reasons why this is so. The study found that in task of rank ordering a set of design alternatives from best to worst, a decision making method which incorporated a representation of uncertainty produced no better performance than a deterministic one. However, when compared to the informal methods typically followed by designers for rank ordering alternatives, both methods resulted in more consistent rankings for expert designers, but required more time. We will discuss the practical implications these findings may have for use of these methods in practice.
Kanamycin effects on vestibular, auditory, and renal function in mice

We reported previously that agonistic and discrimination behavior of HET mice could be disrupted by moderate doses of kanamycin. The present data suggest that, to produce vestibular, auditory, and renal effects, more prolonged or higher doses of this aminoglycoside antibiotic are required, suggesting that behavioral changes may be sensitive early indicators of kanamycin’s toxic properties.
Coordinating Anions: (Phosphino)tetraphenylborate Ligands as New Reagents for Synthesis

Anionic, electron-releasing phosphines that incorporate a borate counteranion within the ligand framework are promising reagents for organometallic catalysis. This report describes the synthesis of a new class of monodentate tertiary phosphines built upon the commonly employed tetraphenylborate anion. These new phosphines are highly stable and strongly electron-releasing and readily coordinate transition metals. Moreover, they are promising reagents for catalysis, as demonstrated by their ability to promote the Suzuki cross-coupling of aryl chloride substrates.
Karyotypic analysis of an epithelial-like cell line derived from normal adult human gingiva

Abstract Karyotypic analysis of a “transformed” cell line derived from clinically normal adult human gingiva revealed a modal chromosome number of 69 (77.2 per cent) and an epithelial-like cell phenotype. Chromosome monitoring carried on over a period of 11 months revealed two consistent marker chromosomes.
Magnetoconvective models of red dwarfs: constraints imposed by the lithium abundance

Magnetic fields impede the onset of convection, thereby altering the thermal structure of a convective envelope in a low mass star: this has an effect on the amount of lithium depletion in a magnetized star. In order to quantify this effect, we have applied a magneto-convective model to two low mass stars for which lithium abundances and precise structural parameters are known: YY Gem and CU Cnc. For both stars, we have obtained models which satisfy empirical constraints on the following parameters: R, L, surface magnetic field strength, and Li abundance. In the case of YY Gem, we have obtained a model which satisfies the empirical constraints with an internal magnetic field of several megagauss: such a field strength is within the range of a dynamo where the field energy is in equipartition with rotational energy deep inside the convection zone. However, in the case of CU Cnc, the Li requires an internal magnetic field which is probably too strong for a dynamo origin: we suggest possible alternatives which might account for the reported Li abundance in CU Cnc.
Comparison of Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure in Propofol-and Thiopental-anesthetized Eucapnic Dogs

Cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFp) was measured as part of the neurologic assessment of dogs with suspected intracranial disease. Because propofol has not been shown to cause an increase in intracranial pressure in humans, the authors examined its effect on (CSFp) in dogs to determine if it would be an appropriate substitute for thiopental as an anesthetic agent for the measurement of CSFp. The CSF pressure in eucapnic propofol-anesthetized dogs (105 +/- 5.6 mm H2O) was not significantly different (p < .05) from CSFp in eucapnic thiopental-anesthetized dogs (103.8 +/- 6.6 mm H2O).
Some aspects of the mineral composition of potato tubers in relation to blackening after cooking.

The results here reported throw considerable doubt upon the possibility that disturbance of balance among the total content of different mineral elements in the tuber is associated with blackening of boiled potatoes. This criterion has not been applied to different forms in which each such element may exist, so that the possibility of disturbance in this respect remains an open issue. It appears that if abnormality in mineral nutrition is a source of the reponse here considered, evidence for this condition should be sought also in the vine of the plant. Perhaps the method of foliar diagnosis, as extensively investigated by Thomas and Mack (14), can be applied to this problem advantageously.
Translocal assemblages and the circulation of the concept of “indigenous peoples” in Laos

Abstract Laos has long been recognized as a country with a high level of ethnic diversity. At present, the government of Laos recognizes 49 ethnic groups and over 160 sub-groups. Over the last couple of decades the modern concept of “indigenous peoples” has been introduced in Laos, albeit unevenly, partially, and in a quite limited way. The three broadly defined groups that have played important roles in variously promoting the concept of indigenous peoples ( xon phao pheun meuang ) in Laos are non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multilateral banks (the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank), and United Nations organizations. In this article I employ the analytic of translocal assemblages to examine the ways that the concept of indigeneity is circulating in Laos, and drawing on international and local influences. I briefly examine two issues frequently linked to the indigenous politics: communal land titling and bilingual education, and assess the extent to which new indigenous identities are being adopted in Laos. I present an example of how a Hmong group in the USA with links to Laos is constructing translocal assemblages through an indigenous peoples framework in order to resist the government in Laos. Unlike some other countries in Southeast Asia, which have increasingly embraced the concept, the government of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has not, preferring instead to acknowledge ethnic diversity, but within a framework that recognizes all ethnic groups as equal.
Observation of the one- to six-neutron transfer reactions at sub-barrier energies

Abstract Cross sections for the one- to six-neutron transfer reactions have been measured at sub-barrier energies in the system 58 Ni+ 100 Mo. The cross sections for multi-neutron transfer processesshow an exponential falloff in agreement with recent theoretical calculations. Upper limits for the absolute yields to the ground states have been extracted and are compared to theoretical predictions.
013 PP: AN ‘ENRICHED LANDSCAPE’ OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH: DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO THREE PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES

Qualitative methods have much to contribute to public health research. Below are three public health projects that provide a sampling of empirical research for reflection on the varied use of qualitative methods. Collaborative Community Health Assessment St. Vincent's Hospital closed in 2010, resulting in loss of an ER, in-patient facilities, a trauma center, and outpatient clinics. There was great concern about potential gaps in health care. Romero et al worked with community partners, elected officials, health and social services providers, residents and others to collect data to assess the impact of the hospital closure, via focus groups, key-informant interviews and a community survey. L-GEAR Project US rates of adolescent pregnancy are high among industrialized countries. There is a dearth of qualitative data from adolescents regarding life experiences, educational and career goals, and how their parents' own experiences might influence teens' attitudes and sexual behaviors. We are conducting in-depth interviews (IDIs) with adolescent girls, boys and their parents about their current life circumstances and future goals, and how sexual and childbearing behaviors factor into their lives. Welfare Policy Analysis US welfare reform in the 1990s included state “child-exclusion” policies prohibiting additional cash assistance to families with a newborn. We conducted several studies to analyze the policy involving (1) IDIs of women subject to the policy; (2) review of effectiveness evaluations and content analysis vis-a-vis human rights treaties; (3) key-informant interviews with state welfare directors. These three projects illustrate the wide range of qualitative research methods available to public health and other researchers, including in-depth and key-informant interviews, focus groups, and content analysis. It is clear that their combined use, including quantitative methods such as surveys, have much to offer to provide a deeper understanding of public health issues and related social programs and policies.
Self-diffusion along twist grain boundaries in Cu

In a previous paper we studied vacancy diffusion in two high-angle twist grain boundaries in Cu, using the EAM. In this paper, we discuss vacancy diffusion along four additional twist grain boundaries, from 8.8--43.6[degree]. Vacancy formation energies in all the possible sites were calculated (0.14--1.42 eV) and found to be directly related to the degree of coincidence with the neighboring crystal planes. The optimal migration paths were found to coincide with the screw dislocations which comprise the boundary. Vacancy migration energies were found to be low (0.02--0.52 eV). The activation energies for self-diffusion at the boundaries were found to be less than half of the bulk value, in general agreement with experiment. Calculated diffusion rates, [delta][ital D], for medium-high angle twist grain boundaries were in reasonable agreement with experimental data for polycrystalline material. Diffusion rates were found to decrease with increasing twist angle, in contrast with two sets of conflicting experimental data.
EDEN: an integrated computer-aided software engineering environment

EDEN, a computer-aided software engineering (CASE) environment, is currently being developed. The objective of this project is to integrate structure design methodologies, software module libraries, and rigorous testing through the entire software life-cycle. In addition to supporting each phase of the life-cycle, EDEN will provide project management tools such as metrics analysis, configuration management, and quality assurance compliance. An important concept inherent in this research is that an effective CASE environment cannot be achieved without completely integrating the different phases through a common database system. An interactive graphics interface to shelter the EDEN user from the complexity of the system will also be developed. >
Conservation of an AE3 Cl−/HCO3− Exchanger Cardiac-Specific Exon and Promoter Region and AE3 mRNA Expression Patterns in Murine and Human Hearts

A cardiac-specific variant of the rat AE3 Cl-/HCO3- exchanger mRNA is transcribed from a promoter located in the sixth intron of a larger transcription unit expressed in brain and other tissues. The cardiac mRNA contains an alternative first exon encoding a 73-amino acid NH2-terminal sequence that replaces the first 270 amino acids of the brain AE3 variant. The present study was conducted to determine whether the cardiac-specific promoter region and exon are conserved in other species and to examine the expression patterns of AE3 mRNAs in adult tissues and during development. Analysis of murine and human genomic clones showed that both contain counterparts of the rat alternative exon. The cardiac promoter region is highly conserved in all three species and contains several potential transcription factor binding sites, including consensus MCAT and E-box sequences. Tissue-specific and developmental patterns of AE3 gene expression were examined by Northern blot hybridization. Mouse and human, like the rat, express both the 3.6-kb cardiac-specific AE3 mRNA and a 4.4-kb AE3 transcript found in brain, heart, and other tissues. Levels of the cardiac-specific transcript in mouse heart increase 17-fold between the fetal and adult stages, while the amount of the longer AE3 mRNA in heart decreases substantially. Furthermore, although the cardiac-specific mRNA is expressed in both atria and ventricles of mouse heart, the longer transcript is confined to the atria. These results suggest that the two AE3 variants have distinct roles in cardiac function and that the mechanisms regulating their expression are different.
Unlocking V. O. Key Jr.: Southern Politics for the Twenty-First Century

V. O. Key Jr.'s two central insights in Southern Politics (1949) were that beneath an outwardly solid South, defined by forced unity that was maintained to keep African Americans subordinate, white politics was largely fragmented and disorganized; and that in such a fragmented polity, unstructured by ongoing competition between organized political parties, the white and black have-nots usually lost. The ten essays in this volume, drawn from a 2009 conference at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas, do not directly explain exactly how partisan competition came to the South after 1950, and they entirely ignore the processes and outputs of governance—an omission that reflects the largest failure of post-Key scholarship on southern politics. Disparate in topics and uneven in quality, the papers are inappropriate for assignment to undergraduate or graduate classes in political science, sociology, or history.
Evolution of Probabilistic Consensus in Digital Organisms

The complexity of distributed computing systems and their increasing interaction with the physical world impose challenging requirements in terms of adaptation, robustness, and resilience to attack. Based on their reliance on heuristics, algorithms for consensus, where members of a group agree on a course of action, are particularly sensitive to these conditions. Given the ability of natural organisms to respond to adversity, many researchers have investigated biologically-inspired approaches to designing robust distributed systems. In this paper, we describe a study in the use of digital evolution, a type of artificial life system, to produce a distributed behavior for reaching consensus. The evolved algorithm employs a novel mechanism for probabilistically reaching consensus based on the frequency of messaging. Moreover, this design approach enables us to change parameters based on the specifics of the desired system, with evolution producing corresponding flavors of consensus algorithms. Our results demonstrate that artificial life systems can be used to discover solutions to engineering problems, and that experiments in artificial life can inspire new studies in distributed protocol development.
Lipschitz selections of convexifications of pseudo-lipschitz multifunctions and the Lipschitz maximum principle for differential inclusions

We prove that, if X, Y are finite-dimensional real linear spaces and F : X → 2Y is a multifunction that has the pseudo-Lipschitz property at a point (x 0 , y 0 ) ∈ Graph(F), then for every e > 0 there exists a Lipschitz multifunction Ve : N(e) → 2Y , defined on a neighborhood N(e) of x 0 , such that (i) Ve has compact convex values, (ii) Ve(x 0 ) = {y 0 }, and (iii) for every x ∈ N(e), Ve(x) is a subset of the convex hull co(Fe(x)) of the intersection Fe(x) of F(x) with the closed e-ball centered at y 0 . In particular, this implies the existence of a Lipschitz single-valued selection fe of co(Fe) near x 0 satisfying fe(x 0 ) = y 0 .