cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential effect of tetramethylammonium chloride and sodium chloride on duplex melting temperatures of deoxyoligonucleotides: resolution of a salt effect into specific and non-specific components

Temperature-dependent uv spectroscopy has been used to determine the differential salt effect of tetramethylammonium chloride (Me4NCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl) on the thermal stabilities of a series of deoxyoligonucleotide duplexes that systematically differ in base composition and sequence. This approach has allowed us to resolve the AT-specific effect of Me4N+ from the more general, non-specific cation effects of Me4N+ versus Na+. Our results reveal that in the absence of AT-specific effects, Me4N+ (relative to Na+) significantly reduces the thermal stability of duplex structures. We offer an interpretation of this differential salt effect in terms of the influence of the condensed cation on water structure at the surface of the duplex. We also observe an AT-specific effect of Me4N+ which results in an increased thermal stability for AT-containing duplexes in Me4NCl relative to NaCl. This specific effect which is governed by mass action is found to be uninfluenced by base sequence and to be a linear f...
Dosimetry of Cæsium-137 in Sheep

The relationship between radiation dose to whole body and that to gonads from internally deposited Cs/sup 137/ was determined by dose measurements on young male sheep which were fed Cs/sip 137/ for up to 20 days. The body burdens and individual tissue doses were measured after the last Cs/sup 137/ feeding, and the sheep were then killed for Cs/sup 137/ determination in the tissues. The highest dose rates were found on the rectum surface; the highest tissue dose rates, in the kidneys. The results, however, confirm the soundness of the policy of using total-body dose as an estimator of Cs/sup 137/ radiation dose to the gonads. (D.J.C.)
Management of Postoperative Complete Heart Block in Infants and Children

Surgically induced complete heart block (CHB) occurred in 40 (9 percent) of 425 infants and children who underwent intracardiac repair of congenital heart disease. Thirteen patients died in the immediate postoperative period from causes other than CHB, and there was one late death following a Stokes-Adams attack. Among the 26 survivors, 18 reverted to a sinus rhythm and eight patients required permanent cardiac pacing. The complications of permanent cardiac pacing were numerous; yet all eight patients survived and enjoyed normal activities up to five years after surgery. A new method of managing postoperative CHB in infants and children has been presented.
1-Methyl-3-pyrrolines and 2-methylisoindolines: new classes of cyclic tertiary amine monoamine oxidase B substrates

Abstract Both 1-methyl-3-pyrrolines and 2-methylisoindolines are substrates for MAO-B with Vmax/Km values ranging from 200 to 2000 min−1 mM−1 at 37°C. These compounds represent new classes of cyclic tertiary amine substrates for this flavoenzyme. The only other known cyclic amines that are MAO-B substrates are 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridinyl derivatives. The presence of an allylic (benzylic) amino functionality in all of these compounds may be linked to their substrate properties since related piperidinyl and pyrrolidinyl analogs are stable in the presence of MAO-B. This paper discusses energetic and geometric features of these compounds in relationship to their substrate properties and in anticipation of their utility to probe the active site of this flavoenzyme.
6Li-doped silicate glass for thermal neutron shielding

Abstract Glass formulations are described that contain high concentrations of 6 Li and are suitable for use as thermal neutron shielding. One formulation contained 31 mol% of 6 Li 2 O and 69 mol% of SiO 2 . Studies were performed on a second formulation that contained as much as 37 mol% of 6 Li 2 O and 59 mol% of SiO 2 , with 4 mol% Al 2 O 3 added to prevent crystallization at such high 6 Li 2 O concentrations. These lithium silicate glasses can be formed into a variety of shapes using conventional glass fabrication techniques. Examples include flat plates, disks, hollow cylinders, and other more complex geometries. Both in-beam and in-core experiments have been performed to study the use and durability of Li silicate glasses. In-core experiments show the glass can withstand the intense radiation fields near the core of a reactor. The neutron attenuation of the glasses used in these studies was 90%/mm. In-beam studies show that the glass is effective for reducing the gamma-ray and neutron fields near experiments.
Alternative formulations of first quantized covariant string action

Abstract In the covariant formulation of the first quantized action for a string propagating in Minkowski space it is natural to introduce a field (called dualbein) which is a worldsheet vector as well as a spacetime vector. The dualbein is a logical generalization of the zweibein. In terms of the dualbein field we construct new covariant actions for the bosonic strings and the superstrings. The casev of massless superparticles is also discussed.
Some reflections on contemporary writing in the indigenous languages of America

AbstractThis article surveys recent literatures in the indigenous languages of Latin America. The past decade has witnessed a continent-wide rise in indigenous-language publications – a rise calling for a reevaluation of the critical state of indigenous rights and language policies that was expressed in the context of protests around the quincentennial celebrations of Columbus' 'discovery' of the Americas. The new wave of indigenous literatures has arisen in the wake of dramatic acts of violence, such as military repression and neoliberal economic restructuring. However, the large-scale displacement of indigenous peoples that has resulted from these processes has also provoked a desire among indigenous writers to utilize print media in order to preserve knowledge and communal memory. Drawing on specific examples from contemporary indigenous poetry of Peru and Mexico, the article argues that indigenous literature challenges conceptions of indigenous expressive culture as inherently oral, traditional, rural...
Poisoning the catalytic reduction of peroxide on Pb underpotential deposition modified Au surfaces with iodine

Abstract The electrocatalysis of peroxide reduction by Pb underpotential deposition on Au(1 1 1) was studied through poisoning of the active surface by I−. The addition of I− decreases the catalytic peroxide reduction activity; this decrease was fit with a Langmuir-type isotherm yielding a Gibbs free energy of adsorption of −43 kJ/mol. Analysis of STM images suggests that the active site for peroxide reduction is at the edge of the circular Pb islands as the reduction in island circumference scales with the reduction in catalytic activity as I− is added. At high-I− concentrations, oblong PbI2 islands are observed throughout potentials where a smooth Pb monolayer was present in the system absent I−.
Analysis of dose-response curves

The central theme of this chapter will be a consideration of what information can be obtained from analysis of dose-response curves. Generally, as the extent to which one can make mechanistic interpretations increases, so, too, does the degree of caution that should be associated with the interpretation. At one extreme we have a purely empirical measurement such as a determination of the relation between dose and effect. One can simply say that this is what was found and the result is a matter of fact. On the other hand, if the why of it is raised, one can attempt a more mechanistic analysis, but only at the expense of introducing assumptions such that the argument becomes less rigorous. Thus, one tends to seek a middle ground. If possible, the experiment is designed so that not only can it yield empirical information but also shed light on mechanisms. It is often also possible to examine the same experimental results with different underlying models in mind. Thus, one objective of this chapter will be to indicate how best to approach analysis of dose—response curves so that the results may be interpreted as widely as possible.
397 CHOLESTYRAMINE TNHIBITION OF JEJUNAL NaSECRETOH IN SMALL BOWEL BACTERIAL COLONIDATION

The effect of cholestyramine(Ch)on cAMP-mediated jejunal Na+ secretion associated with increased luminal free fatty acids(FFA) and deconjugated bile salts(DBS)during bacterial colonization of the small bowel was studied.Male Wistar rats(70-90 gm) were injected with mecamylamine HCl for 3 days, to induce bacterial proliferation in the upper small bowel(MC);controls received NaCl(C). Half of each group were fed Ch 4% in the diet.Supernatants of small intestinal contents were assayed for FFA and DBS;jejunal mucosa was examined for cAMP and ATPases;jejunal Na+ transport was measured by in vivo perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit buffer.MC rats not fed Ch had higher luminal concentrations of FFA and DBS as compared to C(FFA:.21±.03 vs .13±.003 mEq/l;p<.02. DBS: 1.11 vs .23 mM).They also had elevated cAMP(34.14±6.17 vs 10.7±2.73 pmol/mg protein;p<.01)and a marked Na+ efflux into the jejunum(secretion of 101.07±33.5 vs absorption of 90.15±14.9 μEq/min/cm;p<.001). Feeding Ch to MC rats inhibited these effects:FFA and DBS were lower than in C and CAMP did not differ from C.While Na+ efflux was noted in MC rats,Na+ absorption did occur in MC rats fed Ch (38.14±21.6 μEq/min/cm;p<.001).The ATPases were similar in all groups. The data indicate that the cAMP-mediated jejunal Na secretion and the increased luminal FFA and DBS during small intestinal bacterial colonization is inhibited by oral Ch,which binds these products and renders them innocuous.
Feasibility and benefits of exercise training in patients on maintenance dialysis

Feasibility and benefits of exercise training in patients on maintenance dialysis. Fourteen of 174 patients receiving maintenance dialysis volunteered to participate in a 12-week exercise conditioning program. Seven patients attended more than 50% (range, 55 to 75%) of the sessions held three times each week. These seven patients achieved a 42% (P La possibilite et les avantages du entrainement a l'exercice chez les malades en dialyse chronique. Quatorze parmi 174 malades en dialyse chronique ont ete volontaires pour participer a un programme de conditionnement a l'exercice durant 12 semaines. Sept malades ont assiste a plus de 50% (de 55 a 75 %) des seances tri-hebdomadaires. Ces sept malades sont parvenus a une amelioration de 42% (P
Union and actualization of module specifications: some compatibility results

Abstract In recent papers, a notion of algebraic module specification has been introduced, along with operations to combine them. Here we take a closer look at the operations of union of module specifications with import and export interfaces and of actualization of the parameter specification that the two interfaces share. We show that both the standard and parametrized actualization are compatible with the previously introduced notion of submodule and with the union operation.
The development of the mother-infant relationship in wild baboons (Papio anubis)

In this investigation of mother-infant behaviour in the field, quantitative data were collected that are comparable to those available from studies of captive baboons (Papio anubis) and rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Using a variety of measures, the course of the mother-infant relationship for seven infants over ages 3 to 23 months is described. Many of the measures of the mother-infant contact decreased most sharply between 10 and 12 months of age. Maternal rejection had an important role in decreasing the infant's suckling and riding. These behaviour patterns were replaced by the infant grooming its mother or staying nearby. Individual differences between mother-infant pairs were marked. It is postulated that such differences in infant experience would lead to the marked differences in ‘personalities’ observable in adult baboons.
Novel strategies for the management of uterine malignant mixed mullerian tumors: 0012

Uterine malignant mixed mullerian tumors (MMMTs), also referred to as carcinosarcomas, have historically been viewed and treated like uterine sarcomas. The present understanding of this tumor type is shifting toward that of uterine epithelial tumors. The fact that the epithelial component of uterine MMMTs is often the most influential in terms of survival is responsible for this shift. The best treatment for uterine MMMTs has yet to be determined. Yet given the poor response rates and high recurrent rates associated with current therapies, it is critical to increase the number of treatment options. First and foremost, future trials must evaluate sarcomas with different histologies individually. The histological, clinical, and molecular differences among sarcoma subtypes must be recognized. Second, the best treatment may be combined regional systemic therapy after optimal surgical debulking of the tumor. We know that adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy decreases the risk of pelvic recurrence. As more effective systemic and molecular therapy is developed to control microscopic distant disease, the role of radiation therapy to control locoregional disease in the pelvis and abdomen may become more important. Future research should consider programs that integrate surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and molecularly directed therapy to maximize the probability of cure.
First Report of Artichoke yellow ringspot virus in Globe Artichoke in Turkey.

Turkey is one of the main globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus (L.) Hayek) producers in the world. Cultivation of this crop is done mainly in the Aegean and Eastern Marmara regions with asexually propagated cultivars such as Bayrampasa and Sakiz. More than half of total globe artichoke production in Turkey is obtained from the provinces of Izmir, Aydin, and Mugla in the Aegean region. Surveys in 2011 and 2012 were carried out to look for the presence of Artichoke yellow ringspot virus (AYRSV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in the globe artichoke production areas in these three provinces. Double antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA and reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR assays conducted for TMV and TSWV showed that the samples were not infected with these two viruses. Due to the lack of commercial ELISA kits against AYRSV, RT-PCR and biological indexing were used for its identification. Leaf tissues from 35 symptomatic and 25 symptomless plants were sampled and ana...
T = 2 states in 16N

T = 2 levels have been observed in ^(16)N at excitations of 9.928 and 11.701 MeV in the ^(14)C(^3He, p)^(16)N reaction. Analysis of the proton angular distributions indicates 0^+ for the 9.928 MeV level and 1− or 2^+ for the 11.701 MeV level.
Enhanced Raman spectroscopic study of the adsorption of thiocarbohydrazide on silver and copper electrode surfaces

Abstract Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy has been used to study the surface chemistry of thiocarbohydrazide (TCH) on Ag and Cu electrodes. The TCH molecule is adsorbed on Ag and Cu surfaces through its S atom. The electrochemistry of TCH in acidic solutions is also investigated. In contrast to thiosemicarbazide, no decomposition of TCH on the Ag or Cu electrode surfaces is observed in acidic solutions. TCH is stable for a wide range of pH's and applied electrode potentials.
Organization of Programming Knowledge of Novices and Experts.

Dix programmeurs profanes et dix programmeurs experimentes en langage FORTRAN ont ete sollicites sur un programme redige en anglais de facon a comparer leur rapidite et leur exactitude. Les reactions des deux groupes sont tres contrastees; les experts ayant de meilleurs resultats meme sur des programmes simples
A clinical and electrophysiological investigation of anterior transposition for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow

Previous studies have shown good clinical results following anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for compression neuropathy. However, no studies have examined all patients pre- and post-operatively with both clinical and electrophysiological studies to determine if a correlation exists. Twenty-three of 24 (96%) anterior transpositions performed consecutively over 6 years were followed up at a mean of 33.2 months with clinical and electrophysiological examinations. All patients were male "blue-collar" workers with a mean age of 52.1 years. The mean duration of preoperative symptoms was 11.3 months. Preoperatively, 30% were graded moderate and 70% severe. The motor conduction velocity (MCV) across the elbow and electromyography (EMG) correlated with the severity of the clinical findings. Postoperatively, 70% of patients improved, with 40% having a good result and 30% fair, and the MCV improved to a highly significant degree (P less than 0.0005). Thirty percent had a poor result with no clinical improvement, yet the MCV improved to a significant degree (P less than 0.05). There was no correlation between the clinical result and the distal motor or sensory latencies, MCV below the elbow, or EMG. Advanced age, duration of preoperative symptoms, diabetes, hypertension, alcoholism, etiology, type of transposition, tourniquet time, and atrophy did not correlate with a poor result, either clinically or electrophysiologically. Severe clinical findings confirmed by electrophysiological studies do not contraindicate surgery and have a reasonable success rate. In conclusion, preoperative electrophysiological studies correlate with the clinical findings but postoperative ones do not, including the MCV. The MCV improves after anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve regardless of the clinical outcome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Carbonaceous compounds in interstellar dust

SEVERAL infrared bands found recently in astronomical sources have not been assigned to specific substances in a convincing way (see refs 1–6). Resonance features in solids seem to be the most plausible emission and absorption mechanisms, but the features cannot be identified with known or suspected compounds in the interstellar dust grains such as silicates, water ice, silicon carbide, or graphite. We propose here a new substance, consisting of carbonaceous material, which may be responsible for some or all of the unidentified infrared features.
Viscoelastic response of woven composite substrates

Abstract Micromechanical models are developed to predict the time and temperature dependent response of woven composite substrates used in multilayer printed circuit boards. In the first part of this study, the elastic–viscoelastic correspondence principle is applied to previously reported elastic micromechanical models. The time-dependent creep compliance of a particular composite substrate (7628 style fabric) is predicted and compared with experimental measurements. Several deficiencies and possible modifications to the analytical models are identified. In the second part, a finite element model is adopted to examine the influence of boundary conditions and relevant matrix properties on the composite viscoelastic response. Parametric studies reveal the importance of shifts in the relaxation spectrum local to the matrix in the high volume fraction fiber bundles and the need to account for time-dependent Poisson’s ratio of the matrix.
Synergistic Interaction between Leptin and Cholecystokinin in the Rat Nodose Ganglia Is Mediated by PI3K and STAT3 Signaling Pathways: IMPLICATIONS FOR LEPTIN AS A REGULATOR OF SHORT TERM SATIETY

Research has shown that the synergistic interaction between vagal cholecystokinin-A receptors (CCKARs) and leptin receptors (LRbs) mediates short term satiety. We hypothesize that this synergistic interaction is mediated by cross-talk between signaling cascades used by CCKARs and LRbs, which, in turn, activates closure of K+ channels, leading to membrane depolarization and neuronal firing. Whole cell patch clamp recordings were performed on isolated rat nodose ganglia neurons. Western immunoblots elucidated the intracellular signaling pathways that modulate leptin/CCK synergism. In addition, STAT3, PI3K, Src, and MAPK genes were silenced by lentiviral infection and transient Lipofectamine transfection of cultured rat nodose ganglia to determine the effect of these molecules on leptin/CCK synergism. Patch clamp studies showed that a combination of leptin and CCK-8 caused a significant increase in membrane input resistance compared with leptin or CCK-8 alone. Silencing the STAT3 gene abolished the synergistic action of leptin/CCK-8 on neuronal firing. Leptin/CCK-8 synergistically stimulated a 7.7-fold increase in phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), which was inhibited by AG490, C3 transferase, PP2, LY294002, and wortmannin, but not PD98059. Silencing the Src and PI3K genes resulted in a loss of leptin/CCK-stimulated pSTAT3. We conclude that the synergistic interaction between vagal CCKARs and LRbs is mediated by the phosphorylation of STAT3, which, in turn, activates closure of K+ channels, leading to membrane depolarization and neuronal firing. This involves the interaction between CCK/Src/PI3K cascades and leptin/JAK2/PI3K/STAT3 signaling pathways. Malfunctioning of these signaling molecules may result in eating disorders.
Note on solutions to a class of nonlinear singular integro-differential equations

Abstract Certain classes of nonlinear singular integro-differential equations are considered. These equations are mapped, via explicit transformations, to either ordinary differential equations or to linearizable partial differential equations.
Fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery for the treatment of meningiomas.

Background: Although the vast majority of meningiomas are not malignant, their location within the cranial vault often leads to the development of symptoms. Traditional therapy has included observation, surgical resection, radiation therapy or a multimodality approach. The objective of this study is to review the outcomes in patients with meningioma treated at our institution using stereotactic radiosurgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 73 patients (median age of 59, 15 male and 58 female) with meningioma (median volume of 5.54 cc) underwent Cyber Knife TM stereotactic radiosurgery at our institution. Sixty patients had WHO grade 1 meningioma, eleven patients had WHO grade 2 meningioma, and two patients had WHO grade 3 meningioma. Treatment consisted of a median dose of 17.5 Gy (range, 6 - 27 Gy) delivered over a median of three fractions (range: 1 - 5). The patients were followed by clinical examination as well as serial imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: The median follow-up was 16.1 months (range, 1.5 - 98.0). Follow-up MRI was available in all 73 patients. Local failure was documented in 11 cases. Actuarial local control at one year was 95, 71, and 0% for WHO grade 1, WHO grade 2, and WHO grade 3, respectively. There was no acute grade 3 or greater toxicity and only one episode of late grade 3 toxicity. A subjective improvement in the existing, tumor-related symptoms was noted in 60% of the patients. Conclusion: Stereotactic radiosurgery is a safe and effective treatment for meningioma. Tumor-related symptoms often improve after treatment.
Axon terminals containing PACAP- and VIP-immunoreactivity form synapses with CRF-immunoreactive neurons in the dorsolateral division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in the rat

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) is a highly heterogeneous forebrain structure, within which the median and lateral BST play distinct functional roles. The medial BST (BSTM) is thought to be related to sexual behavior, while the lateral BST (BSTL) may have a stress-related function. In the human brain, the BST shows marked sexual dimorphism in the distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) immunoreactive fibers and also contains a very high concentration of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) immunoreactivity (ir). Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to examine the rat brain, the present study found that both VIP and PACAP containing afferent fibers are abundant in the BSTLd (dorsolateral division of BST), but not in the BSTM. IHC did not reveal any apparent difference between the sexes in the size of distribution of either immunoreactivity. Double staining IHC showed that axonal terminals of both VIP and PACAP neurons were in close proximity to dendrites or perikarya of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) neurons. At the electron microscopic level IHC revealed the presence of axodendritic or axosomatic synapses between VIP-ir and PACAP-ir axon terminals and CRF-ir neurons. Although the origin of PACAP-ir fibers in the BSTLd remains to be determined, these morphological findings suggest that PACAP and VIP regulate the activity of CRF neurons in the BSTLd as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators.
Choose your own path: specificity in Ras GTPase signaling

The Ras superfamily of small G proteins contributes importantly to numerous cellular and physiological processes (M. F. Olsen and R. Marais, Semin. Immunol., 2000, 12, 63). This family comprises a large class of proteins (more than 150) which all share a common enzymatic function: hydrolysis of the γ-phosphate of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to create the products guanosine diphosphate (GDP) and inorganic phosphate (Y. Takai, T. Sasaki and T. Matozaki, Physiol. Rev., 2001, 81, 153). For this reason Ras family proteins, which include the Ras, Rho, Arf/Sara, Ran and Rab subfamilies, are classified as GTPases (G. W. Reuther and C. J. Der, Curr. Opin. CellBiol., 2000, 12, 157). Guanine nucleotide coupling is a key regulator of enzymatic function; thus, Ras family GTPases participate in signal transduction. Ras signaling depends on binding to effectors. Many of the known effectors can bind to multiple Ras isotypes, often leading to common cellular outcomes, but each Ras isotype also engages specific effector pathways to mediate unique functions. Further, each Ras isotype can propagate multiple signaling pathways, indicating the presence of cellular determinants which allow for promiscuity in Ras-effector interactions while also maintaining specificity. Small distinctions in sequence, structure, and/or cellular regulation contribute to these differences in Ras–effector binding and subsequent cellular effects. A major focus of investigation in the Ras signaling field is identifying the determinants of these individualized functions. This review will attempt to summarize the current state of understanding of this question (with a particular focus on the Ras subfamily) and the approaches being taken to address it, and will discuss prospective areas for future investigation.
Undercover Social-distancing Techniques

This article explores the excuses undercover narcotics officers in high schools make to maintain social distance (i.e., affective detachment) from students. Social distance is necessary to prevent students from later claiming in court they were entrapped. Officers used four social-distancing techniques, each linked to particular conditions and circumstances: (1) claims of existing interpersonal attachment, (2) parental-recrimination excuses, (3) extracurricular-role-obligation excuses, and (4) feigned interest followed by unforeseen-circumstance excuses or appeals to defeasibility. Discussion focuses on the conceptual importance of social-distancing excuses for the sociology of accounts. The data's larger microstructural implications are considered through the notion of attenuated ties. I interviewed 30 undercover officers operating out of a large U.S. city.
Decreased mortality from necrotizing pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing pancreatitis has been associated with mortality rates of 25% to 80%. We reviewed our experience to determine whether aggressive debridement and comprehensive critical care improves survival. METHODS: The records of 989 patients with the diagnosis of pancreatitis admitted between January 1990 and September 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-six patients required surgery for necrotizing pancreatitis and are the subjects of this review. RESULTS: Five of twenty-six patients (19%) died. For all patients, mean Ranson's score was 4.3 of 11, mean admission APACHE II score was 17.2, and mean Multiple Organ Dysfunction (MOD) score was 9.1. Poor outcome was associated with infected pancreatic necrosis (P = 0.03), elevated APACHE II score on admission (P = 0.04), and progression of MOD during the week after admission (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates improved survival in seriously ill patients with necrotizing pancreatitis as a result of comprehensive surgical and critical care.
A cyclic voltammetric study of vitamin B12 derivatives

Summary The cyclic voltammograms of vitamin B12 and a number of derivatives were investigated. Variation of the cathodic peak potentials with axial ligand indicated the same trend that has been reported earlier from polarography. The interconversion between the cobalt(II) and cobalt(I) oxidation states was studied in some detail. For the cobalamins, this interconversion is not reversible unless the lower benzimidazole nucleotide base is protonated. On the other hand, for the cobinamides in which there is no strong axial ligand present, the cobalt(II)-cobalt(I) interconversion is a reversible process
Gordon Bell prize lectures 1993

The Gordon Bell Prize recognizes significant achievements in the application of snpercompnters to scientific and engineering problems. In a special session at Supercomputing '93 the finalists of the 1999 prize competition will give presentations about their winning entries. In this note we summarize the rules for the Gordon Bell Prize, and give a brief review of the history oflhis Prize, which reflects some of Ihe developments in high performame computing in the last jive years.
Carbon Metal Fluoride Nanocomposites High-Capacity Reversible Metal Fluoride Conversion Materials as Rechargeable Positive Electrodes for Li Batteries

The structure and electrochemistry of FeF 3 :C-based carbon metal fluoride nanocomposites (CMFNCs) was investigated in detail from 4.5 to 1.5 V, revealing a reversible metal fluoride conversion process. These are the first reported examples of a high-capacity reversible conversion process for positive electrodes. A reversible specific capacity of approximately 600 mAh/g of CMFNCs was realized at 70°C. Approximately one-third of the capacity evolved in a reaction between 3.5 and 2.8 V related to the cathodic reduction reaction of Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ . The remainder of the specific capacity occurred in a two-phase conversion reaction at 2 V resulting in the formation of a finer Fe:LiF nanocomposite. Upon oxidation, selective area electron diffraction characterization revealed the reformation of a metal fluoride. Evidence presented suggested that the metal fluoride is related to FeF 2 in structure. A pseudocapacitive reaction is proposed as a possible mechanism for the subsequent Fe 2+ → Fe 3+ oxidation reaction. Preliminary results of FeF 2 , NiF 2 , and CoF 2 CMFNCs were used in the discussion of the electrochemical properties of the reconverted metal fluoride.
Cosmic Rays and the Sun's Magnetic Field: Apparent Absence of Low-energy Cosmic-ray Primaries

Cosmic Rays and the Sun's Magnetic Field: Apparent Absence of Low-energy Cosmic-ray Primaries
Limitations of Rituximab/IVIg desensitization protocol in kidney transplantation; Is this better than a tincture of time?

BACKGROUND A plasmapheresis-free protocol for desensitization of donor kidney transplant candidates with high Calculated Panel Reactive Antibody (CPRA) was initiated at our center. The protocol was adopted from previously published work by Vo, Jordan et al. MATERIAL/METHODS Five patients with CPRA of 94 ± 18%, awaiting kidney transplant from living or deceased donors received rituximab (1 g × 2 doses) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG 2 g/kg × 2 doses) without plasmapheresis. Levels of donor specific antibodies (DSA) and T/B cell crossmatches were followed using solid phase flow cytometry. RESULTS Three out of 5 patients were sensitized only to Class II HLA antigens. All patients had very high levels of alloantibodies before initiation of the treatment. All of the candidates initially demonstrated reduced levels of HLA antibody, but statistical significance was only obtained in one patient Class II antibody and in another only for Class I. Depletion was transient with observed antibody rebound. Rituximab effectively depleted CD20 cells in peripheral blood. None of the patients were transplanted due to persistently high levels of antibody and strong positive flow cytometry crossmatches. Under this protocol, reduction of HLA antibodies in patients with high levels was insufficient. CONCLUSIONS Highly allo-sensitized patients with a CPRA above 85% may not benefit from a combination of rituximab-IVIG alone. The previously published protocol does not help all patients achieve an acceptable crossmatch. An individualized approach to the treatment of highly sensitized patients is still required.
Vibronic Coupling Models for Mixed-Valence Line Shapes: Going beyond the PKS Approach

The MO vibronic coupling model for mixed-valence line shapes we have described in recent papers is summarized and compared with the PKS model. The model differs from the PKS approach in that a molecular orbital basis is used rather than a valence-bond type basis. In addition multi-center vibrations (such as the A-B stretch in a simple A-B dimer) play an important role, while the PKS model includes vibronic coupling only to linear combinations of vibrations localized on the metal-ion centers. Bersuker’s orbital vibronic constants (OVC) are used to parameterize vibronic coupling. Our earlier discussions of how the OVC may be estimated are extended using the Creutz-Taube (C-T) ion as an example.
Carbohydrate specificity of the recognition of diverse glycolipids by natural killer T cells

Most T lymphocytes recognize peptide antigens bound to or presented by molecules encoded in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The CD1 family of antigen-presenting molecules is related to the MHC-encoded molecules, but CD1 proteins present lipid antigens, mostly glycolipids. Here we review T-lymphocyte recognition of glycolipids, with particular emphasis on the subpopulation known as natural killer T (NKT) cells. NKT cells influence many immune responses, they have a T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) that is restricted in diversity, and they share properties with cells of the innate immune system. NKT cells recognize antigens presented by CD1d with hexose sugars in alpha-linkage to lipids, although other, related antigens are known. The hydrophobic alkyl chains are buried in the CD1d groove, with the carbohydrate exposed for TCR recognition, together with the surface of the CD1d molecule. Therefore, understanding the biochemical basis for antigen recognition by NKT cells requires an understanding of how the trimolecular complex of CD1d, glycolipid, and the TCR is formed, which is in part a problem of carbohydrate recognition by the TCR. Recent investigations from our laboratories as well as studies from other groups have provided important information on the structural basis for NKT-cell specificity.
Progresividad en la Construcción

This paper deals with the conceptualization of progressiveness in housing and shows applied cases in the 5th region in Chile. From these cases the following conclusion are drown: self-construction must correspond to a self-constructible design where the user's intervention does not harm the house's quality and where the user inhibits its intervention. Initiatives if the building perimeter is rigid.
Environment dependent noise tracking for speech enhancement

Numerous efforts have focused on the problem of reducing the impact of noise on the performance of various speech systems such as speech recognition, speaker recognition, and speech coding. These approaches consider alternative speech features, improved speech modeling, or alternative training for acoustic speech models. This study presents an alternative viewpoint by approaching the same problem from the noise perspective. Here, a framework is developed to analyze and use the noise information available for improving performance of speech systems. The proposed framework focuses on explicitly modeling the noise and its impact on speech system performance in the context of speech enhancement. The framework is then employed for development of a novel noise tracking algorithm for achieving better speech enhancement under highly evolving noise types. The first part of this study employs a noise update rate in conjunction with a target enhancement algorithm to evaluate the need for tracking in many enhancement algorithms. It is shown that noise tracking is more beneficial in some environments than others. This is evaluated using the Log-MMSE enhancement scheme for a corpus of four noise types consisting of Babble (BAB), White Gaussian (WGN), Aircraft Cockpit (ACN), and Highway Car (CAR) using the Itakura-Saito (IS) (Gray et al. in IEEE Trans. Acoust. Speech Signal Process. 28:367---376, 1980) quality measure. A test set of 200 speech utterances from the TIMIT corpus are used for evaluations. The new Environmentally Aware Noise Tracking (EA-NT) method is shown to be superior in comparison with the contemporary noise tracking algorithms. Evaluations are performed for speech degraded using a corpus of four noise types consisting of: Babble (BAB), Machine Gun (MGN), Large Crowd (LCR), and White Gaussian (WGN). Unlike existing approaches, this study provides an effective foundation for addressing noise in speech by emphasizing noise modeling so that available resources can be used to achieve more reliable overall performance in speech systems.
Laser Deposition of Molybdenum Oxide Thin Films From Organometallic Precursors

Thin films of crystalline molybdenum oxides were formed on silicon surfaces by laser deposition. An ArF excimer laser was used to photodissociate molybdenum hexacarbonyl in an oxygen-containing ambient. Normal incidence of the laser led to the formation of very thin (< 1000 A) films of crystalline MO4O11. The films were characterized by color, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
Symposium-in-Print Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) and Its Derivatives Are Efficient Singlet Oxygen Quenchers and Potential Fungal Antioxidants

Abstract Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, 1) and its derivatives: pyridoxal (2), pyridoxal 5-phosphate (3) and pyridoxamine (4) are important natural compounds involved in numerous biological functions. Pyridoxine appears to play a role in the resistance of the filamentous fungus Cercospora nicotianae to its own abundantly produced strong photosensitizer of singlet molecular oxygen (1O2), cercosporin. We measured the rate constants (kq) for the quenching of 1O2 phosphorescence by 1–4 in D2O. The respective total (physical and chemical quenching) kq values are: 5.5 × 107 M−1 s−1 for 1; 7.5 × 107 M−1 s−1 for 2, 6.2 ×107 M−1 s−1 for 3 and 7.5 × 107 M−1 s−1 for 4, all measured at pD 6.2. The quenching efficacy increased up to five times in alkaline solutions and decreased ∼10 times in ethanol. Significant contribution to total quenching by chemical reaction(s) is suggested by the degradation of all the vitamin derivatives by 1O2, which was observed as declining absorption of the pyridoxine moiety upon aerobic irradiat...
Distinct Patterns of Dysregulated Expression of Enzymes Involved in Androgen Synthesis and Metabolism in Metastatic Prostate Cancer Tumors

Androgen receptor (AR) signaling persists in castration-resistant prostate carcinomas (CRPCs), due to several mechanisms that include increased AR expression and intratumoral androgen metabolism. We investigated the mechanisms underlying aberrant expression of transcripts involved in androgen metabolism in CRPC. We compared gene expression profiles and DNA copy number alteration (CNA) data from 29 normal prostate tissue samples, 127 primary prostate carcinomas (PCas) and 19 metastatic PCas. Steroidogenic enzyme transcripts were evaluated by qRT-PCR in PCa cell lines and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from CRPC patients. Metastatic PCas expressed higher transcript levels for AR and several steroidogenic enzymes, including SRD5A1, SRD5A3, and AKR1C3, while expression of SRD5A2, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP3A7 was decreased. This aberrant expression was rarely associated with CNAs. Instead, our data suggest distinct patterns of coordinated aberrant enzyme expression. Inhibition of AR activity by itself stimulated AKR1C3 expression. The aberrant expression of the steroidogenic enzyme transcripts were detected in CTCs from CRPC patients. In conclusion, our findings identify substantial interpatient heterogeneity and distinct patterns of dysregulated expression of enzymes involved in intratumoral androgen metabolism in PCa. These steroidogenic enzymes represent targets for complete suppression of systemic and intratumoral androgen levels, an objective that is supported by the clinical efficacy of the CYP17 inhibitor abiraterone. A comprehensive AR axis targeting approach via simultaneous, frontline enzymatic blockade and/or transcriptional repression of several steroidogenic enzymes, in combination with GnRH analogs and potent anti-androgens, would represent a powerful future strategy for PCa management.
Evaluating collaborative information seeking - synthesis, suggestions, and structure

Evaluating the performance of collaborative information seeking CIS systems and users can be challenging, often more so than individual information-seeking environments. This can be attributed to the complex and dynamic interactions that take place among various users and systems processes in a CIS environment. While some of the aspects of a CIS system or user could be measured by typical assessment techniques from single-user information retrieval/seeking IR/IS, one often needs to go beyond them to provide a meaningful evaluation, helping to provide not only a sense of performance, but also insights into design decisions regarding systems and behavioural trends regarding users. This article first provides an overview of existing methods and techniques for evaluating CIS synthesis. It then extracts valuable directives and advice from the literature that inform evaluation choices suggestions. Finally, the article presents a framework for CIS evaluation with two major parts: system-based and user-based structure. The proposed framework incorporates various instruments taken from computer and social sciences literature as applicable to CIS evaluations. The lessons from the literature and the framework could serve as important starting points for designing experiments and systems, as well as evaluating system and user performances in CIS and related research areas.
Government virtual service networks

Governments and their partners have developed sophisticated networks of services to reach their common customers. Those networks developed to reach the citizen in the physical world should be extended to reach citizens in the virtual world. Virtual networks should stretch from government agencies to public portals, through public or private service providers and fully leveraging the Internet as a feature rich, low cost, ubiquitous, and accessible service infrastructure. A few governments have been testing elements of this model already. However, many of them are still struggling with business and policy issues, which do not allow full development of these partnership dynamics. This paper discusses some business and technical features of virtual service networks: role of intermediaries and service channel providers, partnership non-exclusivity, quality of service based partnership agreements, end-to-end citizen relationship management, and importance of open Internet standards adoption.
Percutaneous Pedicle Screws

Minimally invasive techniques in pedicle screw insertion provide an additional option to a spine surgeon’s armamentarium in dealing with various spine pathologies. It can be applied to practically any surgical setting where conventional open technique is indicated. The most apparent advantage of percutaneous pedicle screw insertion relates to reduced paraspinal muscle damage. Studies have shown that this decreased approach-related morbidity results in decreased operative blood loss, reduced postoperative narcotic use, and greater preservation of trunk extension strength.
Horizontal transmission of Salmonella Enteritidis in experimentally infected laying hens housed in conventional or enriched cages

Abstract The majority of human illnesses caused by Salmonella Enteritidis are attributed to contaminated eggs, and the prevalence of this pathogen in commercial laying flocks has been identified as a leading epidemiologic risk factor. Flock housing and management systems can affect opportunities for the introduction, transmission, and persistence of foodborne pathogens in poultry. The animal welfare implications of different types of housing for laying hens have been widely discussed in recent years, but the food safety consequences of these production systems remain incompletely understood. The present study assessed the effects of 2 different housing systems (conventional cages and colony cages enriched with perching and nesting areas) on the horizontal transmission of experimentally introduced Salmonella Enteritidis infection within groups of laying hens. In each of 2 trials, 136 hens were distributed among cages of both housing systems and approximately one-third of the hens in each cage were orally inoculated with doses of 108 cfu of Salmonella Enteritidis (phage type 13a in one trial and phage type 4 in the other). At regular intervals through 23 d postinoculation, cloacal swabs were collected from all hens (inoculated and uninoculated) and cultured for Salmonella Enteritidis. Horizontal contact transmission of infection was observed for both Salmonella Enteritidis strains, reaching peak prevalence values of 27.1% of uninoculated hens in conventional cages and 22.7% in enriched cages. However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the overall frequencies of horizontal Salmonella Enteritidis transmission were evident between the 2 types of housing. These results suggest that opportunities for Salmonella Enteritidis infection to spread horizontally throughout laying flocks may be similar in conventional and enriched cage-based production systems.
Filter considerations in color correction

The quality of color correction is dependent on the filters used to scan the image. This paper introduces a method of selecting the color filters using a priori information about the viewing illuminants. Color correction results using the derived filters are compared with color correction results using filters that are optimal for individual viewing and recording illuminants. The comparison is performed using the CIE PEL/sub L*a*b*/ perceptual color difference measure. Applications of this work are found in the design of scanners, copiers, and television systems. >
A Marketmetrics Knowledge System

Marketmetricsrefers to the modeling and statistical analysis of marketing data on the performance of brand items in markets over time. Marketmetrics is to marketing what econometrics is to economics. This chapter deals with the problem of estimating a marketmetrics model, such as a marketing response model or a forecasting model.