cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
c-Myb Is Critical for B Cell Development and Maintenance of Follicular B Cells

The c-Myb transcription factor is crucial during definitive hematopoiesis. However, the embryonic lethality of Myb traditional null mutations has precluded analysis of c-Myb function in lymphocytes. Using tissue-specific inactivation at the Myb locus, we demonstrate that loss of Myb causes a partial block during B cell development at the pro-B to pre-B cell transition, resulting in greatly decreased output of new B cells from the bone marrow. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Myb is not essential for the proliferation of splenic B cells, but that loss of c-Myb function prevents normal B cell homeostasis due to decreased splenic B cell survival. Decreased survival is accompanied by hyporesponsiveness to the B cell survival factor BLyS (also termed BAFF), decreased expression of the BLyS receptor 3 (BR3), and altered regulation of PKCδ nuclear accumulation. Thus, c-Myb is important during multiple stages of B-lymphopoiesis.
Innate Anti-breast Cancer Immunity of Apoptosis-resistant Human γδ-T cells

We previously identified a CD2-initiated signaling pathway which inhibits activation-induced cell death in mitogen-stimulated human γδ-T cells permitting the large-scale expansion of these cells. Here we report the innate anti-tumor activity of expanded human γδ-T cells against human breast cancer cells. Apoptosis-resistant human γδ-T cells which were expanded in vitro from cultured human peripheral blood mononuclear cells displayed lytic activity against breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and T-47D, but failed to kill normal human skin fibroblasts and normal human liver cells. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against the γδ-T cell receptor (TCR) or mAb directed against either the Vγ9 or the Vδ2 TCR chains were able to block γδ-T cell-mediated lysis of MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, mAb against intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1/CD54) or CD18 (β subunit of ICAM-1 counter–receptor) also blocked γδ-T cell-mediated killing of MDA-MB-231 cells. Ex vivo expanded human γδ-T cells are thus able to innately recognize and kill human breast cancer cells in a γδ-TCR-dependent manner; ICAM-1 and CD18 also appear to be involved in the interactions between sensitive breast cancer cells and cytolytic γδ-T cells. As apoptosis-resistant human γδ-T cells can now readily be expanded to large numbers (clinical scale), these findings must be considered in the context of developing adoptive immunotherapy strategies to exploit γδ-T cell innate immune responses for the primary or adjuvant treatment of breast cancer.
Management of the prolonged QT syndrome and recurrent ventricular fibrillation with an implantable automatic cardioverter‐defibrillator

Two patients with the prolonged QT syndrome and recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias are presented, one of them refractory to combination antiarrhythmic drug therapy and bilateral stellate ganglion blockade. We implanted and tested in vivo an automatic cardioverter-defibrillator to provide a cardiac monitoring system with the capability of delivering a 25 J electrical discharge to the heart if rapid ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation is detected. Arrhythmia induction in the electrophysiology laboratory confirmed the appropriate recognition of the arrhythmias in each patient, with prompt discharge of the device and resultant termination of the tachycardias. We suggest that implantation of such a device may provide an effective adjunct to antiarrhythmic drug therapy in the management of infrequent, but potentially lethal, ventricular arrhythmias occurring in patients with the prolonged QT syndrome.
Principles of counting low numbers of leukocytes in leukoreduced blood components.

N THE LAST decade leukoreduced blood components have become widely used for the prevention of a variety of transfusion complications. A fundamental tool for the advance and evaluation of this technology has been new methods to count residual leukocytes in leukoreduced blood. Because the concentration of leukocytes is below the level of detection of most standard automated hematology analyzers, 1 methods have been specifically designed and developed to count low numbers of white blood cells (WBC) in red cell and platelet concentrates. This review summarizes the principles of rare event analysis as applied to counting leukocytes in leukoreduced blood components and describes some of the methods currently used for cell counting. Readers will note that many of the principles of rare event analysis are applicable to other areas of transfusion medicine. For example, accurate and precise enumeration of CD34-positive hematopoietic progenitor cells in the blood of patients undergoing growth-factor stimulation presents challenges similar to those encountered in the enumeration of residual donor leukocytes.
SUB-GAP AND BAND EDGE OPTICAL ABSORPTION IN a-Si:H BY PHOTOTHERMAL DEFLECTION SPECTROSCOPY

Using photothermal deflection spectroscopy, the optical absorption of various a-Si:H films was investigated in the range of 2.1 to 0.6 eV. An absorption shoulder which depends on deposition conditions and on doping was found and was attributed to dangling bonds. The exponential edge broadens with increasing spin density.
The effect of gestational age and fetal indomethacin levels on the incidence of constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of gestational age and fetal serum indomethacin levels on constriction of the ductus arteriosus after maternal indomethacin administration. METHODS Twenty-five pregnant Rh-sensitized patients were given a 50-mg oral dose of indomethacin 6 hours before fetal serum indomethacin levels were determined at the time of 50 diagnostic or therapeutic funipunctures. The ductus arteriosus was evaluated with Doppler ultrasound immediately before 40 of the procedures. Constriction of the ductus arteriosus was defined as a peak diastolic flow greater than 35 cm/second. Least-squares regression and multiple regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The peak diastolic velocity of the fetal ductus arteriosus after maternal indomethacin ingestion was constant at 25 cm/second before 27 weeks, increased between 27-30 weeks to a mean of 39 cm/second, and was stable thereafter (R2 = 0.35; P < .05). There was no significant correlation between constriction of the ductus and fetal serum indomethacin levels (P = .17). CONCLUSIONS The constrictive effect of maternal indomethacin ingestion on the fetal ductus arteriosus begins as early as 27 weeks' gestation. Constriction of the ductus arteriosus is independent of fetal serum indomethacin levels.
Competitive replacement of invasive congeners may relax impact on native species: interactions among zebra, quagga, and native unionid mussels.

Determining when and where the ecological impacts of invasive species will be most detrimental and whether the effects of multiple invaders will be superadditive, or subadditive, is critical for developing global management priorities to protect native species in advance of future invasions. Over the past century, the decline of freshwater bivalves of the family Unionidae has been greatly accelerated by the invasion of Dreissena. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current infestation rates of unionids by zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (D. rostriformis bugensis) mussels in the lower Great Lakes region 25 years after they nearly extirpated native unionids. In 2011–2012, we collected infestation data for over 4000 unionids from 26 species at 198 nearshore sites in lakes Erie, Ontario, and St. Clair, the Detroit River, and inland Michigan lakes and compared those results to studies from the early 1990s. We found that the frequency of unionid infestation by Dreissena recently declined, and the number of dreissenids attached to unionids in the lower Great Lakes has fallen almost ten-fold since the early 1990s. We also found that the rate of infestation depends on the dominant Dreissena species in the lake: zebra mussels infested unionids much more often and in greater numbers. Consequently, the proportion of infested unionids, as well as the number and weight of attached dreissenids were lower in waterbodies dominated by quagga mussels. This is the first large-scale systematic study that revealed how minor differences between two taxonomically and functionally related invaders may have large consequences for native communities they invade.
In Vitro Induction and Characterization of Mast Cells from Murine Peyer's Patches

The present study was carried out in vitro to determine whether murine Peyer's patches (PP) can be a source of mucosal mast cells, using a well-defined mast cell growth factor, interleukin 3 (IL-3). The non-T, non-B, non-adherent (null) cell population of PP contained the precursor cells for mast cells. The mast cells induced possessed toluidine blue and alcian blue (pH 3)-positive granules, which were heterogeneous and contained histamine. The IL-3-induced mast cells were IL-3-dependent, did not express Ia, T-cell, B-cell or macrophage markers, and released histamine in response to Ca ionophore, but not in response to compound 48/80. These cells bore IgE-specific surface receptors and intracellular 20 alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The latter enzyme activity was induced by IL-3 in null cells. All these features of the mast cells support the view that these cells belong to a lineage of mucosal mast cells (MMC) and are no different from those of other lymphoid tissues, such as the bone marrow and spleen. In the analysis of MMC precursor frequency, PP had a similar frequency to that of other gut-associated lymphoid tissues (mesenteric lymph nodes and lamina propria), but was much lower when compared to those of the bone marrow and spleen. Furthermore, like IL-2, PP are capable of producing IL-3 in vitro by activating their helper marker-bearing T cells. Thus, under certain conditions, such as the initial participation by PP in MMC-associated intestinal immune responses, PP are likely to provide MMC in their microenvironment, like mucosal T and B cells.
A tauberian theorem for distributional point values

We give a tauberian theorem for boundary values of analytic functions. We prove that if $$f \in {\mathcal{D}}^{\prime} (a, b)$$ is the distributional limit of the analytic function F defined in a region of the form (a, b) × (0, R), if F (x 0 + iy)→ γ as y → 0+, and if f is distributionally bounded at x = x 0, then f (x 0) = γ distributionally. As a consequence of our tauberian theorem, we obtain a new proof of a tauberian theorem of Hardy and Littlewood.
Design of 11-Residue Peptides with Unusual Biophysical Properties: Induced Secondary Structure in the Absence of Water

A series of oligopeptides with beta-forming and adhesive properties, were synthesized and analyzed for adhesion shear strength, secondary structure, and association properties. The sequences contained related hydrophobic core segments varying in length from 5 to 12 residues and flanked by di- or tri-lysine segments. Three remarkable peptides consisting of just 11 residues with hydrophobic core sequences of FLIVI, IGSII, and IVIGS flanked by three lysine residues gave the highest dry adhesion shear strength and displayed unusual biophysical properties in the presence and absence of water. KKKFLIVIKKK had its highest adhesion strength at 2% (w/v) at pH 12.0 and showed the highest adhesion strength after exposure to water (water resistance). Both KKKIGSIIKKK and KKKIVIGSKKK, at 4% (w/v) at pH 12.0, displayed nearly identical dry shear strength values to that with the FLIVI core sequence. The peptide with IGSII core, however, displayed a lower water resistance and the latter, IVIGS, showed no water resistance, completely delaminating upon soaking in water. These are the smallest peptides with adhesive properties reported to date and show remarkable adhesion strength even at lower concentrations of 0.2% (w/v), which corresponds to 1.6 mM. The FLIVI containing peptide adopted a beta-sheet secondary structure in water while the IGSII- and IVIGS-containing sequences folded similarly only in the absence of water. Analytical ultracentrifugation studies showed that when the FLIVI sequence adopts beta-structure in aqueous solution, it associates into a large molecular weight assembly. The random coils of IGSII and IVIGS showed no tendency to associate at any pH.
Maximal arcs and quasi-symmetric designs

We show that the construction of quasi-symmetric designs with parameters 2-$$(q^3, q^{2}(q-1)/2, q(q^3 -q^2 -2)/4)$$(q3,q2(q-1)/2,q(q3-q2-2)/4) and block intersection numbers $$q^{2}(q-2)/4$$q2(q-2)/4 and $$q^{2}(q-1)/4$$q2(q-1)/4 (where $$q \ge 4$$q?4 is a power of 2) given by Blokhuis and Haemers (J Stat Plan Inference 95:117---119, 2001) leads to exponential numbers of such designs. For $$q=4$$q=4, there are already at least 28,844 isomorphism classes.
Narcolepsy/cataplexy. IV: Diagnostic value of daytime nap recordings.

— Sleep and wakefulness patterns in daytime naps of 50 patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy were compared with those of 50 controls. Each subject was monitored polygraphically during 2 one-hour nap periods. A sleep-onset REM period in either of the 2 daytime naps was observed to have a higher diagnostic sensitivity (78%) than an abnormally shortened sleep latency (68%). However, the specificities of a sleep-onset REM period (88%) of abnormally shortened sleep latency (90%) were quite similar. When the occurrence of either a sleep-onset REM period or a shortened sleep latency was evaluated in either of the two naps, the overall sensitivity was increased to 84% while the specificity was decreased only to 80%. The limitations of and indications for the use of testing for sleep and REM latencies in the diagnosis of narcolepsy in clinical practice are discussed.
Do trench sediments affect great earthquake occurrence in subduction zones

Seismic energy release is dominated by the underthrusting earthquakes in subduction zones, and this energy release is further concentrated in a few subduction zones. While some subduction zones are characterized by the occurrence of great earthquakes, others are relatively aseismic. This variation in maximum earthquake size between subduction zones is one of the most important features of global seismicity. Previous work has shown that the variation in maximum earthquake size is correlated with the variation in two other subduction zone properties: age of the subducting lithosphere and convergence rate. These two properties do not explain all the variance in maximum earthquake size. I propose that a third subduction zone property, “trench sediments”, explains part of the remaining variance in maximum earthquake size. Subduction zones are divided into two groups: (1) those with excess trench sediments, and (2) those with horst and graben structure at the trench. Thirteen of the 19 largest subduction zone events, including the three largest, occur in zones with excess trench sediments. About half the zones with excess trench sediments are characterized by great earthquake occurrence. Most of the other zones with excess trench sediments but without great earthquakes are predicted to have small earthquakes by the age-rate correlation. Two notable exceptions are the Oregon-Washington and Middle America zones. Overall, the presence of excess trench sediments appears to enhance great earthquake occurrence. One speculative physical mechanism that connects trench sediments and earthquake size is that excess trench sediments are associated with the subduction of a coherent sedimentary layer, which at elevated temperature and pressure, forms a homogeneous and strong contact zone between the plates.
Best Huffman trees

Given a sequence of positive weights, W=w 1?...?w n >0, there is a Huffman tree, T? ("T-up") which minimizes the following functions: max{d(wi)}; Σd(wi); Σf(d(wi)) w i(here d(w i) represents the distance of a leaf of weight w i to the root and f is a function defined for nonnegative integers having the property that g(x) = f(x + 1) ? f(x) is monotone increasing) over the set of all trees for W having minimal expected length. Minimizing the first two functions was first done by Schwartz [5]. In the case of codes where W is a sequence of probabilities, this implies that the codes based on T? have all their absolute central moments minimal. In particular, they are the least variance codes which were also described by Kou [3]. Furthermore, there exists a Huffman tree T?, ("T-down") which maximizes the functions considered above. However, if g(x) is monotone decreasing, T? and T?, respectively maximize and minimize Σf(d(wi) w i) over the set of all trees for W having minimal expected length. In addition, we derive a number of interesting results about the distribution of labels within Huffman trees. By suitable modifications of the usual Huffman tree construction, (see [1]) T? and T? can also be constructed in time O(n log n).
Abstract 2276: Proteomic analysis of chemoresistance in colorectal cancer cells: potential paracrine mechanisms of resistance

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Background: Chemoresistance occurs in nearly all patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), and mechanisms to reverse chemoresistance remain elusive. We tested the hypothesis that CRC cells resistant to 5-fluorouracil (5FU-R) and oxaliplatin (Ox-R) exhibit proteomic profiles that may identify previously unrecognized mediators of resistance. In prior studies, we found that conditioned media from oxaliplatin-resistant HT29 cells (Ox-R) could mediate growth and chemoresistance in chemonaive parental HT29 cells in vitro. We sought to identify soluble factors in conditioned media that are potential mediators of the paracrine cell survival mechanisms. Methods: Parental HT29 (Par) cells were grown in increasing concentrations of 5-FU and oxaliplatin to generate 5FU-R and Ox-R cells. Protein from cell lysates and conditioned media (CM) were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and spectral counts were compared. Antibody-conjugated bead technology and ELISAs were used to obtain cytokine profiles of CM. Reverse phase proteomic arrays (RPMA) were used to determine signal transduction pathways activated in cells treated with CM. Ox-R cells were injected into nude mice to determine the paracrine effect on Par cells growing on the opposite flank. Results: Chemoresistant cells displayed significantly different proteomic profiles. In 5FU-R cells, pathways involving oxidative phosphorylation, inositol metabolism, actin cytoskeleton signaling, regulation of actin-based motility by Rho, and ATM signaling were significantly altered vs Par cells. In Ox-R cells, pathways mediating pyruvate metabolism, integrin signaling, caveolar-mediated endocytosis signaling, and mitochondrial dysfunction were among the most altered vs Par cells. Comparison of 5FU-R and Ox-R cells revealed differences in RNA post-transcriptional modification, ERK/MAPK, RAN, and chemokine signaling. Cytokine profiling demonstrated a significant increase in stem cell factor/c-Kit ligand (p=0.02) and a decrease in TRAIL (p=0.008) and IL-10 (p=0.04). RPPA analysis demonstrated early phosphorylation of EGFR and MEK1 followed by GSK, and mTOR activation. Ox-R tumors growing in vivo induced faster and larger tumor growth of contralateral Par tumors indicating a systemic effect. Conclusions: Chemoresistant CRC cells exhibit proteomes that reflect specific survival pathways, with many previously unrecognized potential mediators of resistance. Analysis of soluble factors from chemoresistant CRC cells demonstrates the presence of numerous potential mediators of cancer cell survival that may act, not only in an autocrine/paracrine manner, but also systemically. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2276.
Simultaneous glutamate recordings in the frontal cortex network with multisite biomorphic microelectrodes: New tools for ADHD research.

Abstract Background The aberrant regulation of glutamate has been implicated in numerous psychiatric disorders including drug addiction and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. To understand glutamate signaling and its role in facilitating disease, tools to directly measure glutamate in a complex, neural network are needed. New method The development of a ceramic-based, dual-sided, biomorphic microelectrode array with four recording sites on each side to facilitate a more detailed measurement of glutamate in awake, behaving rodents. Results In vitro calibrations of these biosensors showed selective and specific responses to glutamate. In awake rats, these biomorphic electrode arrays enabled the concurrent evaluation of glutamate in a network, the frontal cortex: including the cingulate, prelimbic, infralimbic and dorsal peduncle regions. Regions within the frontal cortex exhibited varying phasic glutamate patterns in awake animals.Comparison with existing method: Existing methodologies to measure glutamate neurotransmission employ single-sided biosensors or biosensors capable of measuring neurochemicals at only one location in space. Conclusions Multi-site, biomorphic neurochemical biosensors provide a method for simultaneously measuring glutamate in multiple areas of a neural network in the brain.
Ultrathin foils used for low-energy neutral atom imaging of the terrestrial magnetosphere

Magnetospheric imaging by remote detection of low-energy neutral atoms (LENA5) that are created by charge exchange between magnetospheric plasma ions and neutral geocoronal atoms has been proposed as a method to provide global information of magnetospheric dynamics. For LENA detection, carbon foils can be implemented to (1) ionize the LENAs and electrostatically remove them from the large background of solar UV scattered by the geocorona to which LENA detectors (e.g. , microchannel plates) are sensitive and (2) generate secondary electrons to provide coincidence and/or LENA trajectory information. Quantification of LENA-foil interactions are crucial in defining LENA imager performance. We present equilibrium charge state and angular scatter distributions for 1- to 30-keV atomic hydrogen, helium, and oxygen transiting nominal 0.5 μg cm2 carbon foils. Results obtained after coating the exit surface of foils with either aluminum or gold suggest that the intended alteration of the exit surface chemistry has no effect on the charge state distributions due to foil contamination from exposure to air. Angular scattering that results from the projectile-foil interaction is quantified and is shown to be independent of the charge state distribution.
Effects of the vitamin D3 analog 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐3β‐bromoacetate on rat osteosarcoma cells: Comparison with 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3

The actions of the hormonal form of vitamin D, 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1 alpha, 25-(OH)2 D3], are mediated by both genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. Several vitamin D synthetic analogs have been developed in order to identify and characterize the site(s) of action of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 in many cell types including osteoblastic cells. We have compared the effects of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 and a novel 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 bromoester analog (1,25-(OH)2-BE) that covalently binds to vitamin D receptors. Rat osteosarcoma cells that possess (ROS 17/2.8) or lack (ROS 24/1) the classic intracellular vitamin D receptor were studied to investigate genomic and nongenomic actions. In ROS 17/2.8 cells plated at low density, the two vitamin D compounds (1 x 10(-8) M) caused increased cell proliferation, as assessed by DNA synthesis and total cell counts. Northern blot analysis revealed that the mitogenic effect of both agents was accompanied by an increase in steady-state osteocalcin mRNA levels, but neither agent altered alkaline phosphatase mRNA levels in ROS 17/2.8 cells. ROS 17/2.8 cells responded to 1,25-(OH)2-BE but not the natural ligand with a significant increase in osteocalcin secretion after 72, 96, 120, and 144 hr of treatment. Treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with the bromoester analog also resulted in a significant decrease in alkaline phosphatase-specific activity. To compare the nongenomic effects of 1 alpha, 25-(OH)2D3 and 1,25-(OH)2-BE intracellular calcium was measured in ROS 24/1 cells loaded with the fluorescent calcium indicator Quin 2. At 2 x 10(-8) M, both 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3 and 1, 25-(OH)2-BE increased intracellular calcium within 5 min. Both the genomic and nongenomic actions of 1,25-(OH)2-BE are similar to those of 1 alpha,25-(OH)2D3, and since 1,25-(OH)2-BE has more potent effects on osteoblast function than the naturally occurring ligand due to more stable binding, this novel vitamin D analog may be useful in elucidating the structure and function of cellular vitamin D receptors.
A sixth sense for Rab5.

It has long been known that the mammalian small GTPase Rab5 is involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis. However, most Rab5-interacting proteins are localized to endosomes rather than to the plasma membrane. A newly discovered nucleotide-exchange factor for Rab5 in Caenorhabditis elegans now provides the missing link for activating Rab5 at the plasma membrane.
A note on Gani's models on phage attachment to bacteria

Abstract In this note, the solution for the distribution of the relevant random variables has been obtained for Gani's “general stochastic model” [1] for the attachment of phages to bacteria, for the special case with r = 1, where r is the upper limit to the number of phage particles that can become attached to a bacterium. This distribution is then compared with the corresponding distribution already obtained by Gani [1] under his “simplified stochastic model”. It is found that in general the simplified model appears to be a good approximation to the general model only when the total number v 00 of phages is much larger than the total number n 00 of bacteria. The distribution of the time it takes before either all the bacteria (when n 00 v 00 ) or all the phages (when n 00 > v 00 ) are exhausted is also considered under the general model with r = 1.
Model for laser-generated acoustic wave in soil

Laser induced acoustic imaging as a prospective technique in landmine detection has been studied experimentally in our previous work. When a laser pulse impinges on the surface of a medium (solid or liquid), several processes occur in a short time, including reflection, absorption, heat conduction, medium expansion and contraction. Acoustic pulses will be generated during this period. Underground objects can be imaged by detecting the echoes of these sound pulses. In this paper, we developed a one-dimensional model for heat generation and sound pulse excitation. The acoustic pulse shape strongly depends on the medium properties and boundary conditions. Results for both a constrained surface and a free surface are given in this paper.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ALLOY PHASE FORMATION BY MECHANICAL ALLOYING: CONSTRAINTS AND MECHANISMS

Alloy phase formation in binary metallic systems by mechanical alloying (MA) of elemental powders is briefly reviewed. Our recent results indicate the inadequacy of the current understanding of the MA process, which has been depicted as an isothermal solid-state interdiffusion reaction under interfacial, metastable, equilibrium in layered composites. A structural and thermodynamic analysis of the supersaturation followed by amorphization in the Zr-Al system demonstrates that a system can be constrained to be a single phase without reaching two-phase (metastable) equilibrium during MA. Alloying, resulting in a single metastable phase, has also been achieved in immiscible systems with positive heat of mixing, such as Fe-Cu. In both cases, the interfacial free energy associated with a repeatedly deformed, fine-structured, two-phase alloy appears to pose polymorphous constraints. In addition, equilibrium phases can be formed during MA in an exothermic, self-sustained fashion, as observed for the formation of ...
Evidence for an ordered arrangement in erythrocyte membranes.

Abstract Osmotically prepared membranes derived from rabbit, man and guinea pig erythrocytes exhibit large numbers of ring-like structures after treatment with a-toxin of Staphylococcus aureus . The ring-like structures are disposed in rectangular arrays (as opposed to similar ring-like structures that are distributed at random when synthetic lipid membranes are substituted for natural membranes). Pre-treatment of rabbit erythrocyte membranes with phospholipase C abolishes the capacity to yield the characteristic rectangular pattern. It is suggested that the membrane phospholipid exists as micelles that are arranged in a rectilinear lattice.
The effects of dispositional empathy on emotional reactions and helping: A multidimensional approach

Recent research indicates that an affective state termed empathic emotion, and characterized by feelings of sympathy and compassion for another, is associated with altruistic responding. That is, persons experiencing high levels of empathic emotion offer help to another even when escape from the situation is easy. Persons experiencing high levels of another emotional state—personal distress—help much less when escape from the situation is easy. A study was conducted to test two related hypotheses. The first was that individual differences in empathy can influence empathic emotion and personal distress, above and beyond the influence of situational factors. The second hypothesis was that this effect of individual differences is due to variation in emotional and not cognitive empathy. The results provide support for both hypotheses. Regarding hypothesis 1, a significantly greater proportion of the variance in emotional reactions was accounted for when individual difference factors were included as predictors. Hypothesis 2 was also supported: It was found that a dispositional measure of emotional empathy was clearly related, and a dispositional measure of cognitive empathy was clearly unrelated, to these emotional reactions. The results provide support for a multidimensional view of empathy.
Stochastic error whitening algorithm for linear filter estimation with noisy data

Mean squared error (MSE) has been the most widely used tool to solve the linear filter estimation or system identification problem. However, MSE gives biased results when the input signals are noisy. This paper presents a novel stochastic gradient algorithm based on the recently proposed error whitening criterion (EWC) to tackle the problem of linear filter estimation in the presence of additive white disturbances. We will briefly motivate the theory behind the new criterion and derive an online stochastic gradient algorithm. Convergence proof of the stochastic gradient algorithm is derived making mild assumptions. Further, we will propose some extensions to the stochastic gradient algorithm to ensure faster, step-size independent convergence. We will perform extensive simulations and compare the results with MSE as well as total-least squares in a parameter estimation problem. The stochastic EWC algorithm has many potential applications. We will use this in designing robust inverse controllers with noisy data.
Phase correlation in cascade spontaneous emission by a multilevel system: atomic memory

It is shown that phase correlation exists between two consecutive spontaneous-emission processes of an atom—although the phase in each individual process is random—when the atom is initially in a coherent superposition of the top and bottom levels. This correlation persists even when the two emission processes are separated by a finite time interval.
Pulsed plasma source spectrometry in the 80--8000-eV x-ray region

The general characteristics are compared for the plane, convex, and concave fixed crystal analyzers which may be applied to the spectrometry of concentrated, intense plasma sources of x radiation involved, for example, in fusion energy and x‐ray laser research. The unique advantages of the elliptical analyzer for precise and absolute spectral measurements are noted and detailed descriptions of its geometrical and physical optics are presented. With a source point at one of the foci of the elliptical analyzer profile, the spectrum is Bragg reflected (45°<2θ<135°) at normal incidence upon a detection circle with its center at the second focal point, at which an effective scatter aperture and filter window is located. A primary monochromator consisting of a cylindrical, grazing‐incidence mirror is placed between the source and the analyzer to provide an efficient cutoff for high‐order diffracted background radiation and to focus the divergent rays so as to obtain an adjustable spectral line length at the detection circle. Photographic film may be transported along the detection circle. Linear position‐sensitive electronic detection arrays or a streak camera slit window may be placed along a chord of the detection circle. Calibration procedures for absolute line and continuum intensity measurement are described and examples of calibrating spectra are presented as measured with elliptical analyzers of LiF, PET, KAP, and molecular multilayers for the 80–8000‐eV photon energy region. The instrumental effects that contribute to the spectral line shape as measured by the elliptical analyzer spectrograph are defined and a simple line‐shape analysis procedure is presented for the determination of the line‐broadening contributions of the source. The effects of an off‐axis positioning of a source point and of an extended source are analyzed and the application of the elliptical analyzer spectrograph for one‐ and two‐dimensional imaging or an extended source at a given photon energy is discussed. Finally, methods and materials for the construction of the elliptical analyzers are described.
TeV Cosmic Ray Anisotropy and the Heliospheric Magnetic Field

Abstract. Cosmic rays are observed to possess a small non uniform distribution in arrival direction. Such anisotropy appears to have a roughly consistent topology between tens of GeV and hundreds of TeV, with a smooth energy dependency on phase and amplitude. Above a few hundreds of TeV a sudden change in the topology of the anisotropy is observed. The distribution of cosmic ray sources in the Milky Way is expected to inject anisotropy on the cosmic ray flux. The nearest and most recent sources, in particular, are expected to contribute more significantly than others. Moreover the interstellar medium is expected to have different characteristics throughout the Galaxy, with different turbulent properties and injection scales. Propagation effects in the interstellar magnetic field can shape the cosmic ray particle distribution as well. In particular, in the 1–10 TeV energy range, they have a gyroradius comparable to the size of the Heliosphere, assuming a typical interstellar magnetic field strength of 3 μG. Therefore they are expected to be strongly affected by the Heliosphere in a manner ordered by the direction of the local interstellar magnetic field and of the heliotail. In this paper we discuss on the possibility that TeV cosmic rays arrival distribution might be significantly redistributed as they propagate through the Heliosphere.
Rat hepatoma cells show extreme sensitivity to aflatoxin B1

Abstract Aflatoxin B 1 (Afl B 1 ) is a potent hepatotoxin and hepatocarcinogen that requires metabolic activation to exert its cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. FU-5 cells are a rat hepatoma cell line originally derived from Reuber hepatoma cells. We found that the FU-5 cell line and an FAO-1 subclone showed extreme sensitivity to Afl B 1 . However, the FAO-1 line was about 50 times more sensitive to Afl B 1 cytotoxicity compared with the parental FU-5 line. Upon exposure to Afl B 1 , the FAO-1 line produced one major metabolite, which we identified as Aflatoxicol (AFl R 0 ). In constrast, the FU-5 line produced Afl R 0 and many polar metabolites that may be detoxification products. The FAO-1 cell bound slightly more Afl B 1 to its DNA than did the FU-5 line. The differences in metabolism of Afl B 1 may account for the differential cytotoxicity that this mycotoxin exerted on FAO-1 and FU-5 cells. Although both hepatoma cell lines were efficient at converting Afl B 1 into cytotoxic metabolites, they bound small amounts of Afl B 1 to their DNA and were inefficient in converting Afl B 1 into mutagenic metabolites. In addition, both lines were incapable of converting 2-acetylaminofluorene, benzo( a )pyrene, and dimethylnitrosamine into cytotoxic metabolites.
The role of prosody in the mental lexicon.

Current models of spoken word recognition take into account factors such as word frequency, word onset cohort size, and phonological neighborhood density. Using the word onset gating technique we tested word recognition when bandpass filtering was used to allow subjects to hear the full prosodic pattern of a word (number of syllables and syllabic stress), deprived of segmental information beyond that contained in the onset gate. Subjects also heard either word onsets plus duration information or only word onsets. Results suggest that word prosody is represented in the mental lexicon and is effectively used by listeners in spoken word recognition.
Production theory, uncertain prices and investment portfolios

This paper examines the allocative decisions of a competitive firm where input and output prices are uncertain and where the capital asset pricing model prevails. The firm behaves much as a profit maximizer under certainty, except that certainty equivalent prices formally replace the known prices. These certainty equivalent prices are composed of the expected price, the covariance of the price with the market (a measure of systematic risk) and a measure of risk aversion in the economy. Both static and comparative static propositions emerge in a natural way as extensions of standard, competitive and profit maximizing behavior. In addition, the model contains both the certainty case and the risk-neutral case as limiting examples.
The use of pulsed laser deposition to produce low-temperature barium titanate films on nickel tape and carbon fiber fabric

In order to explore the functionalization of wearable fabrics for power generation, barium titanate (BTO) was deposited on nickel tape and on carbon fiber fabric employing pulsed laser deposition (PLD) methods under conditions normally not considered ideal to produce optimum ferroelectric properties, namely, at temperatures as low as 100°C and under various oxygen partial pressures. The remnant charge polarization and film resistance properties were evaluated to determine the effect of the aforementioned deposition conditions. The P–V characterization indicates that the BTO films still retained ferroelectric properties down to 200°C, below which, the behavior was only paraelectric. Piezoelectric measurements were made with a resulting potential of 4 kV/m.
High spatial resolution measurements of ram accelerator gas dynamic phenomena

High spatial resolution experimental tube wall pressure measurements of ram accelerator gas dynamic phenomena are presented. The projectile resembles the centerbody of a ramjet and travels supersonically through a tube filled with a combustible gaseous mixture, with the tube acting as the outer cowling. Pressure data are recorded as the projectile passes by sensors mounted in the tube wall at various locations along the tube. Data obtained by using a special highly instrumented section of tube has allowed the recording of gas dynamic phenomena with a spatial resolution on the order of one tenth the projectile length. High spatial resolution tube wall pressure data from the three regimes of propulsion studied to date (subdetonative, transdetonative, and superdetonative) are presented and reveal the 3D character of the flowfield induced by projectile fins and the canting of the projectile body relative to the tube wall. Also presented for comparison to the experimental data are calculations made with an inviscid, 3D CFD code.
Risk of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Vaginal VS Cesarean Delivery

Risk of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Vaginal VS Cesarean Delivery
Artifacts of gendered space: American yard decoration

This article explores the prescribed decorations used to adorn the Anglo‐American home as contemporary visual forms of the historic paradigm that metaphorically equates female with nature and the domestic sphere in complementary opposition to male, culture, and the public domain. Yard ornaments are powerful multivocal symbols that reflect cultural beliefs about ideal gender and the relationship of gendered domains to the processes of biological and social reproduction. Because yard ornaments act as markers of the cultural space that mediates the public and private spheres, they are also fruitfully discussed as liminal objects that serve as forms of social commentary on Anglo‐American culture.
Mass Derivatives of Molecular Parameters and Distortions in r((2))(m) Structures.

Abstract Expressions are derived for the derivatives of various molecular vibration–rotation parameters with respect to atomic masses. These are applied to determine an expression for the mass derivatives of the zero-point moments of inertia, and hence the theoretical substitution coordinates. It is then possible to calculate the distortions in structures determined by means of the r (2) m method. The latter agree well with the distortions found in r (2) m fits of synthetic data.
Improving colorectal cancer screening: a partnership between primary care practices and the American Cancer Society.

Background. The American Cancer Society (ACS) is interested in facilitating colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) in primary care. Methods. Similar clinics were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 CRCS arms: (1) usual care, (2) exam-room posters designed by the ACS; and (3) posters plus patient reminder calls from an ACS volunteer. Results. Compared to patients due for screening in Arm 1, the odds ratio for getting CRCS in Arm 2 was 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–1.34), P value not significant; in Arm 3, it was 1.49 (95% CI, 1.16–1.90), P value < .001. Conclusions. Exam-room posters plus patient reminder calls from the ACS can increase CRCS in primary care.
Dipole reorientation kinetics in rare earth-doped CaF2

Abstract The thermal depolarization technique has been used to determine the kinetics of defect dipole reorientation in single crystal CaF2 doped with 0.01 mol% Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Yb and 0.05mol% Er. The activation energy for dipolar reorientation W was found to be 0.53 ± 0.05 eV over the entire lanthanide series. Least-mean-square analysis of the average values of relaxation time τ0 at 1 T = O( K −1 ) , showed a variation from 6 × 10−17 sec for Ce-doped samples to 4 × 10−18 for those containing Yb, the estimated error of any one measurement being 10±1.5 sec. The magnitudes of the observed values of W and τ0 are supported by an analysis of the energetically most probable dipole reorientation mechanism, interstitialcy migration. The vibrational frequencies to be expected for interstitial ions and the entropy of activation are also discussed in terms of the experimentally observed kinetic parameters.
Use of a Computerized Evaluation System in a Psychiatry Clerkship

Objective: Paper-based evaluations of medical students on clerkships are inefficient and time consuming to compile and analyze. To improve the evaluation process, the authors developed a web-based program. Methods: A secure web-based system was designed to collect evaluations of students and their feedback about the clerkship. Acceptance, compliance, and impact of the web-based system on the clerkship were assessed. Results: The web-based program was universally accepted by medical students who have been 100% compliant with prompt completion of their evaluations of the rotation. Most of the preceptors have utilized the program, resulting in a more timely receipt of their evaluations of students. The web-based program computes numerical scores, compiles comments, and formats reports. The clerkship director has unlimited access to all of the data, which allows for efficient and timely communication with preceptors, medical students, and the dean’s office. Conclusions: During the clerkship, the web-based program for evaluation and feedback has improved the efficiency of the evaluation process and the timely communication with students and preceptors.
Resource Dependence and Fiscal Effort in Sub-Saharan Africa

High natural resource prices in recent years have resulted in sizeable increases in fiscal revenue for many resource-exporting countries in sub-Saharan Africa. However, this revenue source is volatile, and arguably these countries should also rely on other forms of taxation to help fund public expenditure. This paper asks whether the availability of higher resource revenue in these countries has led to lower taxation effort of other revenue categories. The question is analyzed both in terms of the relationship between non-resource tax revenue and resource revenue, and between non-resource tax revenue and statutory tax rates. The paper finds evidence suggesting that nonresource revenue is negatively influenced by a higher resource revenue-to-GDP ratio. The lower take up of nonresource taxes in resource-rich countries is correlated with higher levels of corruption in these countries, suggesting weaker institutions affect nonresource revenue through incentives for tax evasion and/or large tax exemptions as argued in the literature.
HIV INFECTION IN WOMEN AND CHILDREN: SPECIAL CONCERNS IN PREVENTION AND CARE

Unfortunately, HIV infection continues to spread rapidly among women in the United States, and infected women still have a poorer outcome than do infected men. Prevention, early diagnosis, and facilitation of care in women are critical to both their own and their children's health. Fortunately, significant advances continue to be made in prevention of HIV transmission to children. Not only HIV experts but also primary care physicians play an important role in identification and care of HIV-infected women and children. In addition, prevention of HIV infection requires the efforts of professionals throughout the healthcare spectrum.
Dual perfluorocarbon method to noninvasively monitor dissolved oxygen concentration in tissue engineered constructs in vitro and in vivo

Noninvasive in vivo monitoring of tissue implants provides important correlations between construct function and the observed physiologic effects. As oxygen is a key parameter affecting cell and tissue function, we established a monitoring method that utilizes (19) F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, with perfluorocarbons (PFCs) as oxygen concentration markers, to noninvasively monitor dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) in tissue engineered implants. Specifically, we developed a dual PFC method capable of simultaneously measuring DO within a tissue construct and its surrounding environment, as the latter varies among animals and with physiologic conditions. In vitro studies using an NMR-compatible bioreactor demonstrated the feasibility of this method to monitor the DO within alginate beads containing metabolically active murine insulinoma βTC-tet cells, relative to the DO in the culture medium, under perfusion and static conditions. The DO profiles obtained under static conditions were supported by mathematical simulations of the system. In vivo, the dual PFC method was successful in tracking the oxygenation state of entrapped βTC-tet cells and the surrounding peritoneal DO over 16 days in normal mice. DO measurements correlated well with the extent of cell growth and host cell attachment examined postexplantation. The peritoneal oxygen environment was found to be variable and hypoxic, and significantly lower in the presence of metabolically active cells. The significance of the dual PFC system in providing critical DO measurements for entrapped cells and other tissue constructs, in vitro and in vivo, is discussed.