cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential synaptic processing separates stationary from transient inputs to the auditory cortex

Sound features are blended together en route to the central nervous system before being discriminated for further processing by the cortical synaptic network. The mechanisms underlying this synaptic processing, however, are largely unexplored. Intracortical processing of the auditory signal was investigated by simultaneously recording from pairs of connected principal neurons in layer II/III in slices from A1 auditory cortex. Physiological patterns of stimulation in the presynaptic cell revealed two populations of postsynaptic events that differed in mean amplitude, failure rate, kinetics and short-term plasticity. In contrast, transmission between layer II/III pyramidal neurons in barrel cortex were uniformly of large amplitude and high success (release) probability (Pr). These unique features of auditory cortical transmission may provide two distinct mechanisms for discerning and separating transient from stationary features of the auditory signal at an early stage of cortical processing.
Quiescent And Flaring Radio Emission From dMe Stars

In reviewing radio studies of M-dwarf flare stars one is struck by the curious way in which the field developed. Indeed, that is twenty years old may be the greatest surprise, for if one imagines the largest solar flares occurring at distances comparable to the nearest stars the expected flux densities would be < 10 mJy. Yet, despite the fact that detection thresholds in 1963 were about two orders of magnitude higher than the expected value, Lovell et al. (1963) made extensive observations and reported the detection of UV Ceti. This remarkable discovery was followed immediately by detections of V371 Ori (Slee et al., 1963) and EV Lac (Lovell et al., 1964). One might have thought that these unexpected discoveries would have spurred significant interest in this new field but they did not.
Seasonal Variation of Ozone in the Tropical Lower Stratosphere: Southern Tropics are Different from Northern Tropics

We examine the seasonal behavior of ozone by using measurements from various instruments including ozonesondes, Aura Microwave Limb Sounder, and Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment II. We find that the magnitude of the annual variation in ozone, as a percentage of the mean ozone, exhibits a maximum at or slightly above the tropical tropopause. The maximum is larger in the northern tropics than in the southern tropics, and the annual maximum of ozone in the southern tropics occurs 2 months later than that in the northern tropics, in contrast to usual assumption that the tropics can be treated as a horizontally homogeneous region. The seasonal cycles of ozone and other species in this part of the lower stratosphere result from a combination of the seasonal variation of the Brewer-Dobson circulation and the seasonal variation of tropical and midlatitude mixing. In the Northern Hemisphere, the impacts of upwelling and mixing between the tropics and midlatitudes on ozone are in phase and additive. In the Southern Hemisphere, they are not in phase. We apply a tropical leaky pipe model independently to each hemisphere to examine the relative roles of upwelling and mixing in the northern and southern tropical regions. Reasonable assumptions of the seasonal variation of upwelling and mixing yield a good description of the seasonal magnitude and phase in both the southern and northern tropics. The differences in the tracers and transport between the northern and southern tropical stratospheres suggest that the paradigm of well-mixed tropics needs to be revised to consider latitudinal variations within the tropics.
ACVisualizer: A visualization tool for APi-calculus

Process calculi are mathematical tools used for modeling and analyzing the structure and behavior of reactive systems. One such calculus, called APi-calculus (an extension to Pi-calculus), provides extensive support for modeling migration, intelligence, natural grouping and security in agent-based systems [18]. In this article, a visualization tool for APi-calculus is proposed. Although an invaluable formal method for mobile agent systems, APi-calculus is quite complex (as are other calculi) and not very well suited to working with practical applications by itself. Due to the dynamic nature of mobile agents, a graphical program based on the mathematics of the calculus would enhance the use of the calculus and its attraction to the mobile agents industry. The ability to provide instant demonstration of a designed system to the user and the support for verification and validation of such systems specified by the calculus would prove to be a great asset for APi-calculus as well as agents-based computing in general. This paper presents ACVisualizer, a visualization software for APi-calculus, which provides such high level support for modeling mobile agent systems. Due to the backward compatibility of APi-calculus with Pi-calculus, ACVisualizer can easily be adapted to work with Pi-calculus itself.
A procedure for predicting program editor performance from the user's point of view

A trace-driven model is derived for predicting the terminal session times for program editing tasks performed on interactive computer systems. The external parameters of the model are user think time, user: typing rate and computer response time. Possible applications of the model, including the selection of the most suitable subset of a program editor for a given task or user profile, are discussed. By way of example, the model is applied to command subsets suitable for novice and intermediate programmers on two program editors at the University of Nebraska. Statistically significant results are obtained for the difference between expected session durations on the two systems.
Epithelial and Neural Localization and Heparin Binding of the Cell-Substratum Adhesion Molecule, Epinectin

Abstract Epinectin, a cell-substratum adhesion promoting molecule, was first isolated from the extracellular matrix of A431 human squamous carcinoma cells. In order to determine the biologic significance of epinectin, we determined the distribution of epinectin in various rat epithelial tissues by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Polyclonal antibodies to epinectin stained basal cells and basilar regions of skin, urinary bladder, and vagina. There was predominantly cytoplasmic staining along with amorphous extracellular staining. Strong staining was also noted in sebaceous glands and hair follicles. The immunoreactivity for epinectin in the skin was distinct from that for fibronectin, laminin, and type IV collagen. Antibodies to epinectin also stained subpopulations of neurons in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Epinectin antibodies strongly stained the cytoplasm of some pineal cells and cells of the pars intermedia of the pituitary. The distribution of epinectin suggests a role not only in epithelial cell-substratum adhesion, but in neuronal cell function. Heparan sulfate is known to be involved in the binding of several adhesion promoting molecules to cell surfaces. In order to assess the mechanism of adhesion of epinectin to cells, we measured the binding of 3 H-heparin to epinectin. Binding of 3 H-heparin was concentration dependent and inhibitable with cold heparin.
Analytical controlled-potential coulometry

Abstract Advances in the technique and scope of controlled-potential coulometry during the past 30 years have made it ideally suited to the analysis of materials when high accuracy is desired. Its advantages include an inherent, routine measurement precision of better than 0.1% with 1–10 mg of analyte, minimal use of chemical calibrants, stable instrument calibrations, and excellent selectivity for elements such as the actinides and precious metals.
Behavioral and physiological effects of early handling and early malnutrition in rats

This experiment employed a 2 × 2 design in which the nutritional and early stimulation conditions of rat pups were manipulated during the 1st 3 weeks of postnatal life. Animals were observed in various open field activities at 22, 23, 29, 36, and 50 days of age, and killed at 55 days of age for neurochemical analysis. Early handling decreased the behavioral differences due to malnutrition and resulted in fewer, but larger cells in rat forebrain for both well-nourished and malnourished groups.
The relationship between physical properties of tubers measured during pendulum impact tests and tuber fracture damage

The relationship between physical factors measured electronically by using a pendulum (energy absorbed during impact, calculated from rebound of the pendulum arm, deformation, and time of contact of the indentor head with the tuber during impact) and fracture damage (external and internal damage) was investigated in potato genotypes showing a wide range of damage susceptibility. The physical factors were highly correlated one with another and all gave good correlations with fracture damage. However, the highest correlations with damage were generally found for energy absorbed and permanent deformation which, for example, respectively explained 91% and 93% of the variation in external damage. A slight improvement, particularly with tubers showing the maximum score for external damage, was found when the damage was expressed as a damage rating calculated from a multiple regression of external damage + depth of damage + width of damage.
The analysis of schizophrenia family data.

Schizophrenia is a relatively common familial disorder that has been the subject of numerous family, twin, and adoption studies. Despite the large amount of family data available, there is no consensus among geneticists about the mode of inheritance for the disorder. The methods that have been used in the analysis of schizophrenia family data are described and their results summarized. It is concluded that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the liability for developing schizophrenia. Environmental factors are more likely to be nonfamilial than familial. Genetic effects upon schizophrenia liability are consistent with either a multifactorial or a mixed multifactorial single-gene model of transmission; a single-major-gene model, however, is not consistent with the family data. Although major-gene effects upon schizophrenia are possible, it appears that the identification of such effects will be difficult unless a multivariate approach to segregation analysis is taken.
Maternal Antibodies Enhance or Prevent Cytomegalovirus Infection in the Placenta by Neonatal Fc Receptor-Mediated Transcytosis

How human cytomegalovirus (CMV) reaches the fetus across the placenta is unknown. The major viral cause of congenital disease, CMV infects the uterine-placental interface with varied outcomes depending on the strength of maternal humoral immunity and gestational age. Covering the surface of villi that float in blood, syncytiotrophoblasts express the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) that transports IgG for passive immunity. Immunohistochemical analysis of early-gestation biopsy specimens showed an unusual pattern of CMV replication proteins in underlying villus cytotrophoblasts, whereas syncytiotrophoblasts were spared. Found in placentas with low to moderate CMV-neutralizing antibody titers, this pattern suggested virion transcytosis across the surface. In contrast, syncytiotrophoblasts from placentas with high neutralizing titers contained viral DNA and caveolin-1-positive vesicles in which IgG and CMV glycoprotein B co-localized. In villus explants, IgG-virion transcytosis and macrophage uptake were blocked with trypsin-treatment and soluble protein A. Quantitative analysis in polarized epithelial cells showed that FcRn-mediated transcytosis was blocked by the Fc fragment of IgG, but not F(ab′)2. Our results suggest that CMV virions could disseminate to the placenta by co-opting the receptor-mediated transport pathway for IgG. These findings could explain the efficacy of hyperimmune IgG for treatment of primary CMV infection during gestation and support vaccination.
Perceived Multicultural Competency of Certified Substance Abuse Counselors

In this study, the authors explored the self-perceived multicultural counseling competencies of substance abuse counselors. Overall, the results indicate that substance abuse counselors perceived themselves to be competent; however, differences existed on the basis of race and educational level. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
PATULIN PRODUCTION BY Byssochlamys SPP. IN CANNED GRAPE JUICE

While it has previously been suspected that Byssochlamys spp. may grow in canned fruits and produce the mycotoxin patulin, direct evidence for this occurrence is not available: The effects of different initial static oxygen levels, and temperatures on the formation of patulin by B. nivea in Concord grape juice packed in glass jars was examined. The greatest amount of patulin(0.31 mg/SO ml) was formed after 28 days in jars with a 5.1 cm headspace incubated at 20°C. Patulin was formed more rapidly at 25° and 30°C, but declined in a mounts after reaching maximum values. Cultures of B. fulva and B. nivea produced less patulin in grape juice packed in glass jars with headspaces of 2.5 and 1.3 cm than in glass jars with a 5.1 cm headspace. More favorable conditions were used in this study to produce patulin than would be found in the commercial production of Concord grape juice.
Type A coronary-prone behavior pattern and cardiovascular risk factor variables in children and adolescents: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Abstract The relationship between Total score from the Hunter-Wolf A-B Self-Rating Scale for children (and derived Factors) and several cardiovascular risk factor variables was observed in children ages 10–17 in a biracial community. After analysis, effects of age, weight and height were removed from the Total A-B score, each Factor score, and risk factor variable. Differences in risk factor variables were observed in relation to A-B, race and sex. For each sex-race group, the four Factor scores and Total score were ranked into quintiles. Children in the upper quintile were referred to as Type A children and those in the lower quintile, Type B. For Factor 1, which describes eagerness and energy in children (Eagergy), significant mean differences were found for serum total, β- and pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. In each instance, children classified as Type A exhibited approximately 10 mg/dl higher readings, except for pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol in which a 2 mg/dl difference was noted. Two significant second order interactions were found for systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Black boys who scored in the A direction had higher systolic blood pressures, while Type A girls had higher diastolic blood pressures than their Type B counterparts ( p For Factor IV, which is related to feeling hurried, there was an approximate 10 mg/dl difference in serum total and β-lipoprotein cholesterol in the direction opposite to that predicted. Although the relationships between A-B coronary behavior pattern and risk factor variables in children are of low magnitude, the relationships are being observed in the direction that might be predicted. Measurement of Type A in children requires further refinement in concept identification and valid measurement.
Policy statement on folic acid and neural tube defects

It now recognized that the use of folate fortification and/or supplementation before initiation of pregnancy can impact the risk of the fetus developing a neural tube defect. This document serves to update the policy statement issued by the American College of Medical Genetics and published in 2005.
Conductivity enhancement mechanism of interstitial-type Li+ conductor, Li4 + xBxSi1 − x(0 ≤ × ≤ 0.7)

Abstract An electrical conductivity of σ 100° C = 4.5 × 10 −6 S cm −1 in Li 4.5 B 0.5 Si 0.5 O 4 was observed, which is more than three orders of magnitude higher than that of Li 4 SiO 4 . This enhancement is due to an increase of both the ionic hopping rate and the mobile-ion concentration. An expansion of the crystallographic unit-cell volume of Li 4 + x B x Si 1 − x (0 ≤ × ≤ 0.5) was observed with increasing x . A simple point-charge model calculation shows that the nearest-neighbor Li + Li + repulsive force mainly contributes to the expansion of each axis in the unit cell. The conductivity and only the b -axis length among the crystal lattice parameter decreases with x beyond x = 0.5. This results may be interpreted by the application of an BO 4 5− + Li + ⇌ BO 3 − + LiO − equilibrium model.
Looking Upstream and Downstream in Entrepreneurial Cognition: A Replication and Extention Study

We revisit the assertion that entrepreneurs are uniquely characterized in their ways of thinking; specifically being relatively more prone to the overconfidence bias and the representativeness heuristic in their decision-making. We replicate an earlier seminal study in entrepreneurial cognition, with a wider and more current survey. We then extend that analysis by investigating whether such ‘different thinking’ leads to different (i.e., less rational) choices and different (i.e., worse) firm performance. Given the expected differences, we also investigate whether there exist other factors that affect the use of such biases and heuristics, in order to control their effects on focal outcomes.
The free product of groups with amalgamated subgroup malnormal in a single factor

We discuss groups that are free products with amalgamation where the amalgamating subgroup is of rank at least two and malnormal in at least one of the factor groups. In 1971, Karrass and Solitar showed that when the amalgamating subgroup is malnormal in both factors, the global group cannot be two-generator. When the amalgamating subgroup is malnormal in a single factor, the global group may indeed be two-generator. If so, we show that either the non-malnormal factor contains a torsion element or, if not, then there is a generating pair of one of four specific types. For each type, we establish a set of relations which must hold in the factor B and give restrictions on the rank and generators of each factor.
A simplified model for dioxin and furan formation in municipal-waste incinerators☆

Abstract We have used the temperature-time profile derived from a one-dimensional energy-balance model, in conjunction with the kinetic estimates of Shaub and Tsang, to estimate the production of dioxins from chlorinated precursors in the gas phase and on fly ash. In agreement with earlier studies, we find that dioxin production on particulates is much larger than gas-phase formation. The scaling relation for dioxin production on fly ash shows that the adsorbed concentration in ng/g is proportional to the square of the gas-phase precursor concentration and inversely proportional to the particulate radius. Calculated dioxin outputs for flue-gas-fly-ash mixtures and for bottom ash fall in the general range observed for some of the available municipal-waste incinerator data. We suggest modifications needed in the model parameters to obtain agreement with the best of the newer incinerators. Work by Vogg et al on dioxin production, after maintenance of fly ash with adsorbed precursors for 2 h at relatively low temperatures, is accounted for quantitatively with the Shaub-Tsang model by introducing minor changes in the kinetic parameters. This slow, low-temperature conversion to dioxin may occur in low-temperature furnace sections, the baghouse or the electrostatic precipitator and may contribute to the dioxin concentration in bottom ash.
Results from a national survey of health communication master's degree recipients: an exploration of training, placement, satisfaction, and success

The field of health communication has seen substantial growth in recent years, but existing health communication research literature contains little information on individuals who practice health communication in applied settings. This study reports the results of a national survey that targeted the alumni of 5 institutions that offer a master's degree in health communication. Of the 522 total graduates to whom the survey was sent, 398 responded. Survey results provided information in a number of areas including undergraduate education background; criteria used to determine what type of master's degree in health communication to pursue; strategies used to gain employment; employment sector of first job after graduation; salaries received after completion of a master's degree in health communication; satisfaction with career choice after completion of master's degree; satisfaction with type of master's degree in health communication received; satisfaction with career choice after completion of master's degree; and the degree to which respondents felt their master's program in health communication prepared them to meet core competencies in the field. These findings have significant implications for the health communication field and the programs that prepare individuals for a career as a health communication practitioner.
Factors regulating the accumulation and spatial distribution of the emerging contaminant triclosan in the sediments of an urbanized estuary: Greenwich Bay, Rhode Island, USA

Abstract Triclosan (TCS) is an antimicrobial compound being increasingly used in personal care products (PCPs) over the last 40 years, and as a result is present in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. Widespread domestic use has resulted in environmental discharge of TCS, whose ecological consequences, especially in the marine environment, are poorly understood. Continuous discharge of wastewater effluent has resulted in the accumulation of PCPs such as TCS in coastal and estuarine sediments. The present study investigated whether WWTP effluent is the primary source of TCS within a small urbanized estuarine embayment that is supplied by a single domestic WWTP. Greenwich Bay, located within Narragansett Bay (RI, USA) contained dissolved water column TCS ranging between 0.5 and 7.4 ng L − 1 , and surficial sediment concentrations ranging between − 1 . Despite predictions, spatial distributions of TCS were not related to proximity to the WWTP outfall. Further, a Greenwich Bay-wide sediment TCS budget, estimated by spatial interpolation, suggested that annual accumulation rates exceeded the calculated annual discharge of TCS from the local WWTP. Contributors of TCS to Greenwich Bay include advection from upper Narragansett Bay, which receives effluent from several large WWTPs and contains TCS-contaminated sediments from past manufacturing activities. This study provides evidence that WWTP effluent is an important source of TCS. It also demonstrates that WWTP systems are important controls to mitigate environmental discharge of TCS and that TCS is sufficiently persistent in the environment. As a result, distant as well as local WWTP sources should be accounted for when considering management actions to limit environmental TCS exposure.
Laser Microprobe Modification for Transmitted-light Illumination

The Jarrell-Ash Mark II laser-microprobe incorporates a microscope stage and illuminating system designed for viewing opaque samples by reflected light. An easily fabricated modification allows viewing of transparent samples by transmitted light as well. This modification, developed for the analysis of fluid inclusions in geologic thin sections, could also have application for biologic samples.
Adaptive neural network consensus based control of robot formations

In this paper, adaptive consensus based formation control scheme is derived for mobile robots in a pre-defined formation when full dynamics of the robots which include inertia, Corolis, and friction vector are considered. It is shown that dynamic uncertainties of robots can make overall formation unstable when traditional consensus scheme is utilized. In order to estimate the affine nonlinear robot dynamics, a NN based adaptive scheme is utilized. In addition to this adaptive feedback control input, an additional control input is introduced based on the consensus approach to make the robots keep their desired formation. Subsequently, the outer consensus loop is redesigned for reduced communication. Lyapunov theory is used to show the stability of overall system. Simulation results are included at the end.
Malate Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes from Cotton Leaves: Molecular Weights

Malate dehydrogenase isolated from leaves of the cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum L.) appears in the form of several isoenzymes. Four of the isoenzymes found in cotton leaf extracts appear to be charge isomers with a molecular weight of approximately 60,000. A fifth malate dehydrogenase isoenzyme found in leaf extracts has a molecular weight of approximately 500,000. Under appropriate conditions it is possible to form this high molecular weight isoenzyme from at least one of the smaller isoenzymes. In addition, malate dehydrogenase isoenzymes of approximately 700,000 and 130,000 molecular weight have been observed under some conditions, although these isoenzymes do not appear in the crude cotton leaf preparations. The relationship of this heterogeneity with respect to size and to the discrepancies in the number and size of malate dehydrogenase isoenzymes reported from plant tissues may be significant.
Estimating Potency for Hierarchical Dichotomous Responses in an Aquatic Toxicology Study

Toxicants in aquatic organisms may impact a variety of responses including hatching, survival, growth, deformity, and reproduction. These responses have a hierarchical relationship since survival is only possible for hatched organisms and deformity is only possible if organisms survive. Linear models and generalized linear models have been widely used to analyze individual responses; however, an analysis that simultaneously considers the structure of all responses would allow a more comprehensive assessment of toxicity. Ignoring the hierarchy of these responses and applying separate modeling approaches could be misleading. Motivated by a study of hatching–survival–deformities in fish, we developed a method to model these responses simultaneously. In the present study, we propose a Bayesian multinomial regression model to analyze the hierarchical toxicity responses simultaneously and estimate the concentrations associated with a specified level of reproductive inhibition (RIp) on hatching success, post hatching survival and deformity, respectively. Simulation studies are conducted to compare the estimates from the hierarchical model with those from the response-specific separate models. The proposed model outperforms the separate model by producing more precise point estimates and interval estimates with better coverage probabilities. The proposed method is illustrated with data from a study of hatching–survival–deformities in fish. The proposed model captures the hierarchy in the multiple responses from animals in the toxicity test and hence improves the understanding of concentration–response relationships for these responses. It provides a useful template of modeling hierarchical dichotomous responses in the aquatic toxicity studies.
The pathophysiology of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is defined as a deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. The dysfunction cannot be better accounted for by another psychiatric disorder (except another sexual dysfunction) and must not be due exclusively to the physiological effects of a substance or a general medical condition. HSDD occurs in approximately 1 in 10 adult women in the USA and its prevalence appears to be similar in Europe. A number of potential causative and contributory factors to low sexual desire have been identified, reflecting the interplay among hormonal, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors. One theory is that sexual desire is controlled in the brain by a balance between inhibitory and excitatory factors. In general, dopamine, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play an excitatory role in sexual desire, whereas serotonin, prolactin, and opioids play an inhibitory role. It is hypothesized that decreased sexual desire may be due to a reduced level of excitatory activity, an increased level of inhibitory activity, or both. A greater understanding of the complex pathophysiology of HSDD would improve the identification and management of women for whom low sexual desire is a concern.
Valvular Heart Disease/Cardiac Surgery

This review contains the conclusions from the published abstracts with or without additions. The annual National Hospital Discharge Survey showed that VHD is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Mortality and hospitalization for VHD have increased since 1980, especially in
Signatures of tidal interference patterns in the South China Sea

The formation of arc-type structures in the surface elevation and temperature fields due to internal tidal (IT) waves is studied in the region of the South China Sea (SCS) and Luzon Strait. It is demonstrated that these arc-type structures in the surface elevation and temperature at depth result from the merging of IT waves. Predictions of internal baroclinic tides are conducted with a nonlinear hydrostatic model, the Luzon Strait Nowcast/Forecast System, forced with tides, realistic surface forcing and stratification (Appendix 1). It is shown that IT waves generated by the undersea ridges near the Batan and Babuyan Islands in the Luzon Strait propagate westward and merge into arcs in the SCS. The superposition of IT waves is also investigated with a linear knife-edge model (Appendix 2). M2 and K1 tidal waves are considered. It is demonstrated that K1, M2 tidal waves from the Babuyan Islands combine with waves from the Batan Islands to form arc signatures in sea surface elevation and warm spots in the South China Sea. Possible modulation effects of K1 waves on M2 waves are shown. Dynamics of the nonlinear hydrostatic model shape the arc segments differently from the linear model. Arc lengths increase from the sources in nonlinear and linear models. The model-predicted merged IT waves are compared with SAR images.
First Things First: The Pressing Danger of Crisis Instability in U.S.-China Relations

Since the mid-1990s, much has been written about the potentially disruptive impact of China if it emerges as a peer competitor challenging the United States. Not enough attention has been paid, however, to a more immediate danger—that the United States and a weaker China will find themselves locked in a crisis that could escalate to open military conflict. The long-term prospect for a new great power rivalry ultimately rests on uncertain forecasts about big shifts in national capabilities and debatable claims about the motivations of the two countries. By contrast, the danger of crisis instability involving these two nuclear-armed states is a tangible near-term concern. An analysis that examines the current state of U.S.-China relations and compares it with key aspects of U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War indicates that a serious Sino-American crisis may be more likely and more dangerous than expected. The capabilities each side possesses, and specific features of the most likely scenarios for U.S...
Isolation of molecules recognized by monoclonal antibodies and antisera: the solid phase immunoisolation technique

A simple technique for the isolation of antigens recognized by antisera and monoclonal antibodies has been developed. This method, the solid-phase immunoisolation technique, employs the protein-binding properties of polyvinylchloride microtiter plates. Antibodies are adsorbed to the plates either directly or via an anti-immunoglobulin reagent. Antigen is then placed in the wells, and allowed to adsorb to the antibody. The well is washed, and the antigen is then eluted with a denaturing electrophoresis sample buffer for one- or two-dimensional analysis. The solid-phase immunoisolation technique has been used to isolate a variety of cell membrane antigens with high signals and low backgrounds. The ease of the procedure and the high signal-to-noise ratio make this method preferable to the use of a staphylococcal adsorbent for many applications.
Implicit attitudes in prosopagnosia

We studied a male with acquired prosopagnosia using a battery of Implicit Association Tests (IATs) to investigate whether observing faces varying by social category would activate the patient's implicit social biases. We also asked him to categorize faces explicitly by race, gender, and political party. The patient, G.B., was marginally slower to categorize black compared to white faces. He showed congruency effects in the race and celebrity IATs, but not in the gender or political IATs. These results indicate that G.B. possesses an implicit social sensitivity to certain facial stimuli despite an inability to overtly recognize familiar faces. The results demonstrate that social biases can be retrieved based on facial stimuli via pathways bypassing the fusiform gyri. Thus the IAT effect can be added to the list of covert recognition effects found in prosopagnosia.
Carcinoid tumors of the extrahepatic bile duct. A rare cause of malignant biliary obstruction.

BACKGROUND Carcinoid tumors of the extrahepatic bile duct are rare and account for 0.2–2% of all gastrointestinal carcinoids. Similar to other tumors of the bile duct, these lesions are difficult to diagnose preoperatively and nearly impossible to distinguish from cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed all reported cases of carcinoid tumor of the bile duct and report on two additional cases. RESULTS Thirty cases of carcinoid tumor of the bile duct have been reported. Among this group were 20 women and 9 men (female-to-male ratio, 2.2:1) with an overall mean age of 47 years (range, 19–79 years). The most common anatomic sites for extrahepatic carcinoid tumors were the common bile duct (58%), perihilar region (28%), cystic duct (11%), and common hepatic duct (3%). Jaundice was the most common presenting complaint (55%). Sixty-nine percent of patients with extrahepatic biliary carcinoids had disease confined to the bile duct, whereas 31% had evidence of distant metastases. All patients who presented with localized disease remain disease free with a mean follow-up of 32 months (range, 3 months to 20 years). CONCLUSIONS Carcinoid tumor of the bile duct is a rare form of malignant biliary obstruction. Unlike cholangiocarcinoma, biliary carcinoids occur more commonly in younger patients and in women. Aggressive local invasion by the primary tumor is rare, and metastases occur in less than one-third of patients. All patients who underwent a curative surgical resection were alive and disease free at time of published report, implying a more favorable prognosis. Aggressive surgical resection is recommended. Cancer 1999;86:1959–65. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
Extracoronary abnormalities on coronary magnetic resonance angiography in the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis study: frequency and clinical significance.

Objective: We examined the frequency and significance of extracoronary findings in a sample of asymptomatic of Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants who had coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Subjects and Methods: The Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis is a cohort study that, at baseline, included 6814 participants 45 to 84 years old, and free of clinical cardiovascular disease. A random subset of 254 participants underwent coronary MRA. Two experienced readers evaluated all images, and a consensus reading was performed. The findings were classified based on their clinical significance. Results: Extracoronary findings were detected in 101 (39.8%) of the 254 participants. Additional imaging or clinical referral was need for 15 (5.9%) of the 254 participants. None of the participants required emergency referral. Signal loss in a pulmonary artery branch due to navigator beam saturation occurred in 59 (23%) of the 254 participants simulating a pulmonary embolus. Conclusions: The prevalence of reportable extracoronary findings on coronary MRA is high. Familiarity with noncardiac magnetic resonance imaging interpretation may help in avoiding unnecessary testing resulting from inconclusive identification of extracoronary abnormalities detected incidentally on coronary MRA.
Anomalous nitrogen and carbon isotopes in carbonaceous chondrites.

Isotopically anomalous nitrogen and carbon found in the carbonaceous chondrites Allende and Murchison can be attributed to the x-process nucleosynthesis, which produced, aside from the light elements D, Li, Be and B, appreciable quantities of 12C, 13C, 14N, 15N, 16O, 17O, 18O and so on during an intermediate stage in the early history of the solar system.
Linking birth and infant death records with assisted reproductive technology data: Massachusetts, 1997-1998.

Objectives: To link data from the US assisted reproductive technology (ART) registry with the Massachusetts birth–infant death file to create a comprehensive dataset on the circumstances surrounding conception and maternal and infant outcomes for a population of ART-conceived infants. Methods: The authors sought to link data for 3704 ART-conceived live-born infants from 2703 deliveries in 1997–1998 involving Massachusetts resident mothers who gave birth in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, or Connecticut to their corresponding Massachusetts birth record using a two-stage algorithm. Maternal and infant dates of birth served as the primary linkage variables. Maternal names for a subset of the ART-conceived infants were obtained and used in the second stage of the algorithm to confirm a sample of records that matched in Stage I, to resolve duplicate matches, and to link unmatched records. Results: In Stage I, 78% of ART deliveries matched with only one Massachusetts record, 2% matched with two records, and 20% remained unmatched. Overall, the complete algorithm using maternal name data for a portion of records yielded an 89% linkage rate. Nearly all of the records that matched during Stage I that were evaluated with maternal name data in Stage II were confirmed as correctly linked. Conclusions: This project confirms that high-yield data linkage can be achieved in the absence of specific identifiers (e.g., name and social security number). Nonetheless, additional matches were achieved when name data were obtained. This linkage creates the first population-based file in the US capturing detailed information on ART births.
Neutron spin quantum plasmas – Ferromagnetism as a relaxed state

Abstract It is shown that a ferromagnetic “minimum energy relaxed state” is accessible to a neutron fluid. We model the neutron fluid as a spin quantum plasma where the electromagnetic interaction is trough the magnetic moment of the neutron. The neutron ferromagnetism results from the macroscopic spin alignment that occurs due to a profound interplay between the classical and spin quantum vorticities carried by the charge-less neutron fluid. The simplest manifestation of a neutron superfluidity comes about by an exact cancellation of the quantum and classical vorticities to create a helicity free system.
Prototype Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device Supported on Magnetic Bearings.

This article describes a prototype continuous flow pump (CFVAD2) fully supported in magnetic bearings. The pump performance was measured in a simulated adult human circulation system. The pump delivered 6 L/min of flow at 100 mm Hg of differential pressure head operating at 2,400 rpm in water. The pump is totally supported in 4 magnetic bearings: 2 radial and 2 thrust. Magnetic bearings offer the advantages of no required lubrication and large operating clearances. The geometry and other properties of the bearings are described. Bearing parameters such as load capacity and current gains are discussed. Bearing coil currents were measured during operation in air and water. The rotor was operated in various orientations to determine the actuator current gains. These values were then used to estimate the radial and thrust forces acting on the rotor in both air and water. Much lower levels of force were found than were expected, allowing for a very significant reduction in the size of the next prototype. Hemolysis levels were measured in the prototype pump and found not to indicate damage to the blood cells.
Alternate Assessments of Students with Significant Disabilities: Alternative Approaches, Common Technical Challenges

This article examines three typical approaches to alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities—portfolios, performance assessments, and rating scales. A detailed analysis of common and unique design features of these approaches is provided, including features of each approach that influence the psychometric quality of their results. Validity imperatives for alternate assessments are reviewed, and approaches for addressing the need for validity evidence are outlined. The article concludes with an examination of three technical challenges—alignment, scores and scoring, and standard setting—common to all alternate assessments. In light of these challenges, existing methods and professional testing standards are endorsed as necessary guidance for understanding and advancing alternate assessment practices.
Biofilm production of clinical isolates ofStenotrophomonas maltophilia altered by sodium phosphate buffer supplementation of the medium

Biofilm plays an important role in the pathogenicity of the bacteriumStenotrophomonas maltophilia. When sodium phosphate buffer (SPB) supplemented the Luria-Bertani media of 11 clinical isolates of this bacterium, mean growth at 30 h was little changed compared to non-supplemented controls in 45% of the isolates, decreasing by 4%. Increase in mean biofilm formation in that low growth change sub-sample was statistically significant ( $$\underline t = 5.0$$ , dt 4,p < 0.008). For a further 36% of isolates, growth at 30 h with SPB supplementation was decreased by 8.5% of controls. Decrease in biofilm formation was seen in that sub-sample compared to controls ( $$\underline t = 4.0$$ , df 3,p < 0.03). The significant phenotypical variety of the clinical presentation of this pathogen may allow population adaptability to varying metabolic provision, improving its pathogenicity.
Solubility of lithium deuteride in liquid lithium

Abstract The solubility of LiD in liquid lithium between the eutectic and monotectic temperatures was measured using a direct sampling method. Solubilities were found to range from 0.0154 mol.% LiD at 199 °C to 3.32 mol.% LiD at 498 °C. The data were used in the derivation of an expression for the activity coefficient of LiD as a function of temperature and composition and an equation relating deuteride solubility and temperature, thus defining the liquidus curve. Similar equations were also derived for the Li-LiH system using the existing solubility data. Extrapolation of the liquidus curves yielded the eutectic concentrations (0.040 mol.% LiH and 0.035 mol.% LiD) and the freezing point depressions (0.23 °C for Li-LiH and 0.20 °C for Li-LiD) at the eutectic point. The results are compared with the literature data for hydrogen and deuterium. The implications of the relatively high solubility of hydrogen isotopes in lithium just above the melting point are discussed with respect to the cold trapping of tritium in fusion reactor blankets.
Discovery of a capuramycin analog that kills nonreplicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its synergistic effects with translocase I inhibitors

Capuramycin (1) and its analogs are strong translocase I (MurX/MraY) inhibitors. In our structure-activity relationship studies of capuramycin analogs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), we observed for the first time that a capuramycin analog, UT-01320 (3) killed nonreplicating (dormant) Mtb at low concentrations under low oxygen conditions, whereas selective MurX inhibitors killed only replicating Mtb under aerobic conditions. Interestingly, 3 did not exhibit MurX enzyme inhibitory activity even at high concentrations, however, 3 inhibited bacterial RNA polymerases with the IC50 values of 100-150 nM range. A new RNA polymerase inhibitor 3 displayed strong synergistic effects with a MurX inhibitor SQ 641 (2), a promising preclinical tuberculosis drug.
Electrogalvanizing using zinc recovered from nonferrous smelter dusts

Abstract An objective of the U.S. Bureau of Mines recycling research is to devise technology that enables the recovery of metals, minerals, and other values from waste products and thus promote the wise and efficient use of the resources of the U.S.A. In line with this objective, Bureau researchers are investigating the use of waste products containing zinc as a source of zinc for electrogalvanizing. Industrials wastes used in this work were lead smelter flue dust, wastewater treatment sludge, copper smelter flue dust, and brass smelter flue dust. After zinc extraction with sulfuric acid, the resultant solutions were partially purified and used to electrogalvanize 0.234-cm (0.092-in.) diameter 1070 alloy steel wire, a common electrogalvanized product. The corrosion resistance of the electrogalvanized wire from waste electrolyte was compared with electrogalvanized wire from relatively pure electrolyte prepared in the laboratory, and with electrogalvanized wire from an industrial electrogalvanizing plant. Corrosion rate measurements indicated that electrogalvanized wire obtained from waste electrolyte prepared from brass smelter flue dusts compared favorably with industrial electrogalvanized wire and electrogalvanized wire from the relatively pure electrolyte. The brass smelter flue dusts were chosen for more detailed studies. Impurities in the waste electrolyte caused some problems. Copper was undesirable because it passivated the soluble zinc anode. Other impurities such as cobalt and nickel were more tolerable but also slowly coated the anode. Owing to the ease of removal of copper by cementation, it posed no processing problem for electrogalvanizing. Successful completion of bench-scale work with brass smelter flue dusts led to large-scale trials at an industrial electrogalvanizing plant.
Centrally Administered Inhibitors of the Generation and Action of Angiotensin II Do Not Attenuate the Increase in ACTH Secretion Produced by Ether Stress in Rats

The role of the brain renin-angiotensin system in the ACTH response to ether stress in rats was investigated by injecting the angiotensin II receptor blocking drug saralasin, the angiotensin II converting enzyme inhibitors enalaprilat and captopril, and the renin inhibitor L 363714 intraventricularly and measuring the ACTH and corticosterone concentration in plasma 10 min after ether stress. ACTH and corticosterone were elevated to at least the same level in rats treated with the inhibitors as they were in rats treated with the corresponding vehicles; indeed, ACTH values were somewhat greater in stressed rats treated with the converting enzyme inhibitors and the renin inhibitor. ACTH values in the absence of ether were not affected by saralasin, enalaprilat, and captopril and were increased by L 363714. The data do not support the hypothesis that the brain renin-angiotensin system is involved in the maintenance of ACTH secretion or that it mediates the increase produced by ether stress.