cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of blood flow past distal arteriovenous-graft anastomosis with intimal hyperplasia

Late-stage kidney disease patients have to rely on hemodialysis for the maintenance of their regular lives. Arteriovenous graft (AVG) is one of the commonly used devices for dialysis. However, this artificially created shunt may get clotted and eventually causes the dialysis to fail. The culprit behind the AVG clotting and failure is the intimal hyperplasia (IH), the gradual thickening of vein-wall in the vicinity of the blood vessel-graft conjunctions. The mechanism of IH is not well understood despite extensive studies. In this work, we investigate the effects of the IH development, including its location and severity on the flow and force fields in the distal AVG anastomosis using computational fluid dynamics. The stenosis due to IH is modeled in the shape of a Gaussian function with two free parameters. The blood is modeled as a viscous incompressible fluid, and the blood flow (pulsatile) is governed by the Navier–Stokes equations which are numerically solved by the lattice Boltzmann model (D3Q19). The fluid-structure interaction is modeled by the immersed boundary framework. Our computational results show that the IH severity has the most significant influences on the wall shear stress, wall-normal stress, and the axial oscillating index. The stenosis location and flow pulsatility do not have pronounced effects on flow and force fields. Our results indicate that the IH progression tends to exacerbate the disease and accelerate the closure of the vein lumen, and hence the dialysis failure.
The Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 open reading frame slr0201 that is homologous to sdhC from Archaea codes for a [2Fe-2S] protein

A hypothetical protein encoded by Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 open reading frame slr0201 shows high sequence similarity to the C subunit of a group of unusual succinate dehydrogenases found in some archaeal species. Slr0201 was originally annotated as HdrB, the B subunit of heterodisulfide reductase, but appears to be SdhC instead. This protein was overexpressed in E. coli by cloning the PCR-derived slr0201 open reading frame into a pET16b-based expression vector. The overproduced Slr0201 accumulated predominantly in inclusion bodies with an apparent molecular mass of 33 kDa. The protein contained at least one [2Fe-2S] cluster based on UV-visible absorbance and CD spectra and EPR spectroscopy, in conjunction with stoichiometric analysis of protein-bound iron and sulfur content. Redox titration showed a midpoint potential (Em) of + 17 mV at pH 7.0, which is consistent with Slr0201 serving a role in transferring electrons between succinate and plastoquinone. Slr0201 was also overproduced in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 by introducing an additional, His-tagged slr0201 into the Synechocystis genome replacing psbA3, creating the slr0201+-His overexpression strain. Immunoblot analysis shows that Slr0201 is membrane-associated in the wild type. However, in the Slr0201+-His strain, immunoreaction occurred in both the membrane and soluble fractions, possibly as a consequence of processing near the N-terminus. The results obtained with Slr0201 are discussed in the light of one of the cyanobacterial SdhB subunits, which shares redox commonalities with archaeal SdhB.
Whither the Material in New Media Studies

This article addresses how new media theory has been founded on an endemic exclusion and erasure of a concept of the material, because of the ascendancy of a concept of the virtual in theoretical and historical research on the development of new media technologies. In order to develop this claim, three influential accounts of the virtual in media studies are reviewed (the history of technologies of the virtual, embodiment and informatics, and post-structuralist theories of digital media) in order to demonstrate how each is grounded in an exclusion of the material. On the basis of this analysis, the article poses a definition of the material that responds to, but is not informed by, these exclusions, one that acknowledges the media’s role in enhancing one’s capacity to cognize the things in one’s immediate physical surroundings.
MORE ON INCOMPLETE AND BOUNDEDLY COMPLETE FAMILIES OF DISTRIBUTIONS

Let 2. be a family of distributions (probability measures) on a measurable space [Y,B) and let r be a group of B-measurable transformations of Y. The family 2. is said to be complete relative to r if no nontrivial r-invariant unbiased estimator of zero for 2. exists. (A function is called Γ-invariant if it is invariant under all transformations in Γ.) The family 2. is said to be boundedly complete relative to Γ if no bounded nontrivial Γ-invariant unbiased estimator of zero for 2. exists.
Nudity, Obscenity and Pornography: The Streetcars Named Lust and Desire

Darwinian evolutionary theory has enkindled, over the years, a strong biological interest in sociobiology or, the systematic study of the extent to which there is a biological basis for all social behavior. In tandem with this interest is also a co-ordinate one in measuring the influence of the science of genetics and eugenics as a force for good in improving the genetic health of all citizens. The effects of biological evolution upon the development of law has its genesis in the early scholarship of Corbin, Holmes, Maine and Wigmore. The extent to which normative limits of behavior or levels of social responsibility should be imposed on scientific study and advancement forms the central focus of investigation in this Article. Viewed as being not only an aid to resolving the tragedy of infertility in family planning but as a tool for enhancing the health of the Nation’s Citizenry, vital scientific research must continue in the new reproductive technologies and in efforts to engineer man’s genetic weaknesses out of the line of inheritance. Healthier and genetically sound individuals have a much better opportunity for pursuing and achieving the “good life” and thus make a significant contribution to society’s greater well being.
Asset Pricing Tests Under Price-Dividend Ratio Restrictions

I estimate seven popular asset pricing models using restrictions on the mean and variance of the price-dividend ratio. Matching the high variability in observed price-dividend ratios is an interesting challenge for the models. In addition, restrictions such as these are useful in evaluating second generation models, which have been designed to overcome specific deficiencies in earlier models. By construction, the newer models should make improvements in satisfying these deficiencies, so it is necessary to evaluate the new models in the context of alternative restrictions. Nearly all of the models considered are rejected by the price-dividend ratio restrictions, although many of the second generation models perform better than their earlier counterparts.
Cytokine Disarrangement And Increased Soluble Amyloid A (SAA) In Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Of Patients With Neurosarcoidosis (NS) (P5.170)

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder that may affect the central nervous system (CNS). Although the CSF is frequently abnormal there are no markers for diagnosis of NS in CSF. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether soluble amyloid A (SAA) in CSF (CSF-SAA) may serve as a biomarker in NS and to characterize the CSF profile of cytokines and chemokines in NS. METHODS: SAA in CSF (CSF-SAA) was determined by ELISA in 21 NS, 13 sarcoidosis without NS (S-NS), 20 multiple sclerosis (MS), 13 neuromyelitis optica (NMO), 23 infectious meningitis, 15 CNS neoplasm and 19 control patients. In addition, the profile of 39 cytokines and chemokines was established in the CSF from patients with NS (n=15), MS (n=11) and control subjects (n=13) by using a multiplexed array techniques. Levels of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in CSF, a putative marker of sarcoidosis, were also obtained. RESULTS: CSF-SAA in NS patients was markedly increased as compared with subjects with S-NS (p= 0.009), MS (p= 0.003), NMO (p= 0.001) and controls (p=0.004). However, elevated CSF-SAA concentration was found similarly elevated in subjects with CNS lymphomas and infectious meningitis. Concentrations of ACE in CSF were similar in all groups and its measure is useless in NS. The profile of cytokines and chemokines revealed increases of cytokines involved in monocyte/macrophage activation (TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-1a, IL1RA, CCL22), dendritic cell (DC) differentiation (FLT3-L), T-cell trafficking (CXCL8, CCL22), angiogenesis (FGF2) and Th-1 responses (IL-12, IFNa2 and IFN y) in NS as compared with MS and controls (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High CSF-SAA helps to differentiate cases of NS from other neuroinflammatory conditions and its measure might serve as biomarker in neurosarcoidosis. CSF in patients with NS shows a unique cytokine-chemokine profile that reflects neuroimmunological disarrangements that may be useful for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of CNS involvement in sarcoidosis. This study was supported by the Bart McLean Fund for Neuroimmunology Research and Johns Hopkins Project Restore Disclosure: Dr. Reyes-Mantilla has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kumar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ilieva has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pardo-Villamizar has nothing to disclose.
Verification and Validation of Tests Used in the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Abstract Test verification and validation are two very important, College of American Pathologists (CAP)-required processes used in the laboratory to ensure that a new test performs as expected and continues to perform as expected throughout its use. The initial analysis of test performance is achieved by performing test verification, which is a one-time process to confirm the expected test performance characteristics provided by the manufacturer. The type and depth of the verification are dependent upon the type of test being verified and can range from a rather simple comparison to a much more complex analysis. Conversely, test validation, is an ongoing process to monitor and ensure that the test continues to perform as expected and is typically achieved though the laboratory's quality assurance plan. Designing appropriate test verification and validation plans can be confusing; therefore, the purpose of this paper is to clarify the various processes and procedures that can be used.
Ancient scripts and phonological knowledge

This study investigates the properties of several ancient syllabic and linear segmental scripts to make explicit the aspects of linguistic knowledge they attempt to represent. Some recent experimental work suggests that nonliterate speakers do not have segmental knowledge and that only syllabic knowledge is 'real' or accessible, whence the ubiquity of syllabaries. Miller disputes this by showing that such tests do not distinguish relevant types of knowledge, and that linguistic analysis of the ordering and writing conventions of early Western scripts corroborates the evidence from language acquisition, use, and change for segment awareness. By coding segments, the ancient syllabaries represented more phonological knowledge than the alphabet, which was a poor compromise between the vowelless West Semitic scripts and the vowel-redundant syllabic scripts. A wide range of information about early scripts and their development is combined with a new theory of the syllable as 'Sonority Phrase'. The book's value is further enhanced by thorough discussion of the issues from a broad range of theoretical and applied viewpoints, including language play and change, cognition, literacy, and cultural history.
Identification of Armillaria species from Wisconsin and adjacent areas.

Single-spore isolates from 218 basidiomata of Armillaria from Wisconsin, the upper peninsula of Michigan, and eastern Minnesota were identified to species by pairing with known haploid testers. Collec? tions were made from 25 different host species and were identified as A. ostoyae, A. gallica, A. calvescens, A. mellea, or A. sinapina. The most frequently collected species were A. ostoyae and A. gallica. Within the sam? pling area, A. ostoyae and A. sinapina were collected only in the northern portions, and A. mellea was col? lected predominantly in the southern portions. Ar? millaria gallica and A. calvescens were collected throughout the area. Armillaria sinapina and A. ostoyae basidiomata were found equally on gymnosperms and angiosperms, whereas the other three species were collected predominantly from angiosperms. In addi? tion to the basidiomata collections, 71 cultures of Ar? millaria were isolated from roots and rhizomorphs in seven 10- to 20-year-old quaking aspen stands in northern Wisconsin. These were subsequently iden? tified by pairing with known haploid testers; A. sina? pina and A. ostoyae were recovered most often, whereas A. gallica was isolated less frequently. In comparison
Molecular weight, subunits, and multiple forms of glutathione S-transferase from the house fly

Abstract Glutathione S -transferase was purified 106 fold from an insecticide-resistant strain of the house fly. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the enzyme resolved multiple activity bands for 3,4-dichloronitrobenzene conjunction. Electrophoresis of the extracts of the individual bands suggested that they may be derived from the same enzyme. The molecular weight of the native enzyme and its primary dissociated form was estimated to be 54,000 and 37,000, respectively. The dissociated form showed a discontinuity at about 35 C in an Arrenhius plot, while the native enzyme exhibited a continuous line. SDS gel electrophoresis of the native enzyme and of the individual electrophoretic bands resulted in the separation of a predominant subunit with an approximate molecular weight of 22,700. Numerous minor bands with various molecular weights were also detected. It was suggested that the multiple forms of the house fly glutathione S -transferase observed in electrophoresis, or eluted from CM-cellulose columns, may be due to dissociation, aggregation, or binding with bromophenol blue which alters the molecular weight and the molecular charge of the enzyme.
Comment on “A new type of twinning in TiAl-2wt% Mn intermetallic compound”

A recent letter [1] by Hanamura and Tanino suggested that a new type of twin formation occurs in TiA1 with 2 wt % manganese. While the authors have presented interesting evidence to support their suggestion, we believe that several points in their letter are confusing and require clarification. In Fig. 1 a and b of their paper, the authors suggest that the alternating bright and dark bands represent twins. However, observations of alloys with similar 50 : 50 compositions by other investigators have suggested that the alternating bands represent a twophase TiA1/Ti3A1 lamellar microstructure [2, 3]. This point will have considerable bearing on the results of their letter because, in the event of a lamellar microstructure, twin-related [4], rather than twinned regions, may play an important role in the interpretation of the results. In their letter, Hanamura and Tanino present an analysis of the dislocation reactions observed in Fig. 3 using the relationships between the Burgers vectors and the g vectors as shown in Table I. However, the values in the table and in the figure do not correspond to each other. In addition, the use of the g vectors given in Fig. 3 is not sufficient to determine the Burgers vectors of the dislocations. Clearly, additional information concerning the dislocations will be needed to ascertain the nature of the interactions which were observed. The analysis of the twin relationships given by the authors in their Figs 5 and 6 suggests that the preexisting twin boundary was { 1 1 1 } and that the crossing twin boundary was {1 1 0}. However, the authors have not identified the dislocations involved in the interaction on the twin planes. Inspection of their micrographs suggests that these may be screw dislocations. If so, the dislocations with Burgers vectors of 1/217 1 0] and [1 0 1], which are given in Fig. 4, cannot co-exist in the (l 1 0) planes. And, if these dislocations are not of screw character, at least one of these two dislocations cannot glide on the (1 1 0) planes. Without clear information concerning a dislocation which exists in both planes, it must be assumed that the two twin boundaries may have crossed but did not interact. Because the {110} planes are not favoured slip planes in the f c c structure, the observations of the authors could represent a special case where the addition of' manganese could promote slip on this plane through a reduction in the energy requirements. However, it is also possible that the atomic-level defect production by the 1 MeV electron radiation in the electron microscope used for the observations could have contributed to the activation of the {1 1 0} dislocation slip, either positively or negatively, without respect to the presence of manganese. In the absence of more complete details concerning the exposure received by the specimen in the microscope, the relative extent of the contributions of these two possibilities cannot be ascertained.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis by multiplex denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and selective sequencing in pediatric patients with cardiomyopathy.

Mitochondrial DNA analysis by multiplex denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and selective sequencing in pediatric patients with cardiomyopathy
One Hundred and Fifty Years of American Navigation Policy

I. Introduction, 238. — II. The Development of American Policy, 1789–1914, 240. — III. The Post-War Problem, 246. — IV. The Merchant Marine Act of 1936, 248. — V. Alternative Provision for Government Ownership, 256. — VI. The Experience of the Commission under the Act of 1936, 256. — VII. Conclusion, 258.
Analyzing Market-Based Resource Allocation Strategies for the Computational Grid

In this paper, the authors investigate G-commerce--computational economies for controlling resource allocation in computational Grid settings. They define hypothetical resource consumers (representing users and Grid-aware applications) and resource producers (representing resource owners who "sell" their resources to the Grid). The authors then measure the efficiency of resource allocation under two different market conditions--commodities markets and auctions--and compare both market strategies in terms of price stability, market equilibrium, consumer efficiency, and producer efficiency. The results indicate that commodities markets are a better choice for controlling Grid resources than previously defined auction strategies.
Improving the operation of microgrid interfaced inverter using L-type filter

For microgrid interfaced sources, L-type filters are very useful for decoupling real and reactive power controls, but it has no voltage control loop. The absence of voltage loops complicates the implementations of virtual impedances and/or performing harmonics compensation. In this paper, methods are proposed to implement virtual impedances and compensate for the harmonics in L-type filters. The methods are verified by simulations and experimentally.
Dissection of the pheromone-modulated flight of moths using single-pulse response as a template

The upwind flight of male moths to conspecific females is mediated by the chemical and structural characteristics of a pheromone plume. We describe the reaction of maleCadra cautella, the almond moth, to the interception of single pulses of sex pheromone, the smallest structural units of odour plumes. Following loss of a pheromone plume, males cast, that is fly a crosswind course without progressing upwind. The response of casting males to interception of a pulse of 0.25 s duration was, after a delay of 0.21±0.07 s, to turn and briefly fly straighter upwind, resulting in average net upwind displacements of 18 cm in a 50 cm s−1 wind. Upwind progress in the single-pulse response was the result of steering more upwind and an increase in airspeed, although average ground speed remained unchanged. During the last third of the surge, males turned crosswind, returning to casting flight. These behavioural reactions to pheromone contact and loss support the phasic-tonic model of odour-modulated flight, in which an underlying tonic counterturning rhythm, expressed upon pheromone loss, is briefly overridden by phasic upwind surges, expressed upon interception of the pheromone filament. The surge portion of the cast-surge-cast response was diminished and more crosswind if individual pulses were shorter (0.02 s), probably due to ‘sub-optimal’ contact with pheromone. The cast-surge-cast response to interception of a single 0.25 s pulse was used as a template to interpret the form of flight tracks in plumes of known structure. The template matched portions of flight tracks of males flying in plumes of low pheromone pulse frequency, thus reflecting the male's pattern of pulse encounter. In plumes ensuring a high frequency of pulse interception, only the upwind surge portion of the template was expressed, resulting in nearly straight upwind flight tracks. Similar nearly straight upwind flight tracks occurred in flights along plumes of low pulse frequency with large volume. Thus flight tracks of maleC. cautella to point sources of pheromone depend on both the frequency and the size of filaments encountered.
Optimized Scheduling of Linear Projects

This paper presents a model, designed to optimize scheduling of linear projects. The model employs a two-state-variable, N-stage, dynamic programming formulation, coupled with a set of heuristic ru...
Race and Environmental Voting in the U.S. Congress

Objective. This article examines long-term trends in the environmental voting behavior in Congress and attempts to identify the factors that account for racial differences in voting patterns. Methods. Hypotheses about the various possible influences on environmental voting behavior are tested using longitudinal analyses and path analysis techniques. Results. Findings indicate African American members of Congress have been consistently more supportive of proenvironment legislation than either Republican or Democrat colleagues from 1981 to 1998. The data further suggest that much of these overall differences are explained by an especially large racial gap in proenvironmental voting among members from the South. Although such a gap among members from outside the South is eliminated by controlling for ideology and other variables, it remains substantial among Southern members. Conclusions. Based on the strong and consistent support for environmental legislation by African American members of Congress in the past, we expect significant racial differences in environmental voting to endure. Although results suggest that ideology plays a partial role in explaining such differences, future research will be needed to identify the reasons for the especially large racial gap in proenvironmental voting among members from the South. Given the growth in their numbers, their relatively safe seats, and their potential to chair important committees as they gain seniority, we expect African American legislators to play an increasingly important role in shaping and deciding the fate of national environmental policy in the future.
Gap junction blockade with carbenoxolone differentially affects fictive breathing in larval and adult bullfrogs.

Abstract This study examined the role of gap junctional communication in the modulation of respiratory related motor output using in vitro brainstem preparations of larval (N=14) and adult (N=14) bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). Superfusion of the isolated brainstem for at least 1 h with the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone (CBX; 100 μM and 1 mM) dissolved in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) elicited significant changes in respiratory-related burst frequency in both larval and adult preparations. In tadpole preparations, both concentrations of CBX significantly decreased gill and lung burst frequency over 20–40 min, with 1 mM CBX producing complete cessation of gill and lung burst activity by 40 min in all preparations. There was little or no change in other burst characteristics such as burst amplitude or duration. By contrast, superfusion of the adult brainstem preparation with CBX significantly increased lung burst frequency over 10–20 min, and caused cessation of lung burst activity with 100 μM CBX (five of seven preparations) and with 1 mM CBX (seven of seven preparations). Adult preparations that ceased activity with 100 μM CBX recovered in control aCSF, but those in 1 mM did not recover, despite up to 3 h superfusion with control aCSF. In two additional adult preparations, 1 h exposure to hypercapnic aCSF (7–10% CO2) following the cessation of fictive breathing with 1 mM CBX failed to evoke respiratory activity. The inhibition of fictive breathing in tadpoles suggests that gap junctional communication may be important for respiratory rhythmogenesis prior to the development of central CO2 chemosensitivity. Following metamorphosis to the terrestrial adult, however, gap junctional communication may contribute to regulation of respiratory frequency and possibly the transduction of central CO2 chemosensitivity.
The Red function of phage λ mediates the alteration of an interspersed repeated DNA sequence from the kangaroo rat dipodomys ordii

The kangaroo rat D. ordii is shown to contain an interspersed repeated sequence 3.25 kb in length. This sequence undergoes alteration (deletions) when cloned into a Red+ lambda vector but is stable in a Red- vector. Using the Red- clone it is shown that deletions are the result of the activity of the lambda Red, or E. coli RecE, recombination systems. Mixed infection experiments demonstrate that this activity is acting in trans. The deletions appear to yield fragments of specific size, suggesting that the recombination system is recognizing a specific sequence. The demonstration of small homologous fragments in the animal genomic DNA suggests that a similar system of recombination may exist in D. ordii.
Site preferences and formation energies of substitutional Si, Nb, Mo, Ta, and W solid solutions in L 1 0 Ti-Al

Modifications to alloy chemistry are often used to tailor the intrinsic flow behavior of structural materials. Models of solution strengthening, high-temperature yield stress and creep must relate the effects of chemistry to the mechanisms which influence these material properties. In ordered alloys, additional information regarding the crystallographic site occupancy of substitutional solid solutions is required. The energy of intrinsic and substitutional point defects in ${L1}_{0}$ TiAl are calculated within a first principles, local density functional theory framework. We calculate the relaxed structures and energies of vacancies, antisites, and substitutional defects using a plane-wave pseudopotential method. The results of these total energy calculations are incorporated into a simple thermodynamic model in order to determine the density of point defects as a function of temperature and stoichiometry. Defect densities are presented as a function of alloy chemistry and temperature for binary TiAl and ternary additions (Si, Nb, Mo, Ta, and W). Defect formation energies are calculated using the derived chemical potentials of each atomic species for several alloy compositions. The predicted site selection of the solutes are in excellent agreement with recent x-ray emission experiments using a quantitative statistical method for atom location by channelling enhanced microanalysis.
Transverse Mechanical Properties of Human Lateral Meniscal Attachments

The human knee joint bends during gait, running or similar dynamic activity. During such activity the ligaments and menisci provide joint stability. It is well know that the collagen fibers in knee ligaments are aligned parallel to the primary loading direction. In the knee meniscus, the fibers are aligned specifically to assist in the in vivo loading conditions. The human menisci are firmly attached to the tibia by means of ligamentous structures known as meniscal attachments [1]. Meniscal attachments are best modeled as fiber composite materials where the matrix is the ground substance and the collagen fibers are the reinforcement. The load is primarily transferred to the insertion sites which are designed to reduce the stress concentrations caused by the load transfer across the attachment-bone interface [1]. Determination of the transverse properties of human meniscal attachments will aid in the development of three dimensional knee joint models in which the attachments are treated as transversely isotropic, hyperelastic [2].Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Design and validation of a system for targeted observations of tornadic supercells using unmanned aircraft

This paper presents an aerial robot system designed to perform in situ sampling of supercell thunderstorms, including those that produce tornadoes. A description of the system architecture and concept of operations is given, along with a brief discussion of the evolution of critical system components. Results are given from two field campaigns, an airmass boundary intercept in Northern Colorado during the spring of 2009, and two supercell transects during the Spring 2010 campaign of the VORTEX2 project. The 2010 results represent the first aloft sampling of the rear-flank downdraft in a tornadic supercelluar storm.
Digital Curation and the GeoWeb: An Emerging Role for Geographic Information Librarians

The rise of the GeoWeb and the proliferation of volunteered geographic information (VGI) have permanently changed the volume and types of geospatial data available for consumption. This has simultaneously altered the role of data curation and information provision roles of geographic information librarians (GILs). The purpose of this paper is to provide a succinct history of geospatial data services in libraries and a discussion of current challenges encountered by information professionals with the GeoWeb. The paper concludes with an overview of the importance of incorporating the GeoWeb into future geospatial data curation training.
Mapping and restriction of a dominant viral CD4+ T cell core epitope by both MHC class I and MHC class II

Virus-specific CD4+ T cells contribute to effective virus control through a multiplicity of mechanisms including direct effector functions as well as “help” for B cell and CD8+ T cell responses. Here, we have used the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) system to assess the minimal constraints of a dominant antiviral CD4+ T cell response. We report that the core epitope derived from the LCMV glycoprotein (GP) is 11 amino acids in length and provides optimal recognition by epitope-specific CD4+ T cells. Surprisingly, this epitope is also recognized by LCMV-specific CD8+ T cells and thus constitutes a unique viral determinant with dual MHC class I- and II-restriction.
Indications and outcomes of surgical closure of ventricular septal defect in adults.

Objectives We sought to review our experience with surgical ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure in adults. Background Outcome data of VSD closure in adults on which to base recommendations are limited. Guidelines recommend closure of adult VSD for a Q p /Q s ratio ≥2, left ventricular volume overload, or endocarditis. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 46 patients (mean age 33.6 ± 11.2 years, 24 women) who underwent surgical VSD closure (1958 to 2008). Results VSDs were classified according to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons as type 2 (membranous, 72%) or type 1 (subarterial, 26%). Aortic regurgitation (AR) (28%), left ventricular dilation (20%), and pulmonary hypertension (20%) were the most common indications for closure. Associated lesions justified surgery in 39% of patients. There were no early deaths. Morbidity included 1 high-grade atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacemaker and a residual VSD in 7 patients. Late mortality was 5% (mean follow-up: 10.3 ± 12.4 years). Patient survival did not differ from expected survival in a reference population (p = 0.75). Late residual VSDs were more common after suture closure (6 of 8 patients). Late moderate AR developed in 5 patients (4 with a type 1 VSD) with aortic valve or sinus of Valsalva repair. The use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was associated with fewer residual VSDs and less ≥ moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation and AR. Conclusions Associated heart defects and AR were common indications for VSD closure in adults, which was performed with low mortality and morbidity. Patch closure and use of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography improve surgical outcomes. Important residua emphasize the need for life-long informed follow-up.
The redox-potential of the lactate-pyruvate system in blood as an indicator of the functional state of cellular oxidation

Abstract The redox-potentials of heart muscle, arterial and coronary-vein blood have been calculated from the ratio of lactate/pyruvate in the presence and absence of myocardial anoxia. In absence of myocardial anoxia, the redox-potential of heart muscle is more positive than that of arterial blood; the redox-potential of coronary-vein blood approaches that of the heart muscle. In myocardial anoxia the redox-potential of heart muscle is more negative than that of arterial blood; the redox-potential of coronary-sinus blood approaches that of the muscle. The results of this study suggest that alterations in ΔEh across the heart reflect parallel changes in the myocardium.
Optimum Markov replacement policies for using the most reliable components

Abstract Consider a system consisting of n components, where in case of any failure, k different types of components are available for an immediate replacement, to keep all n components working. Under the assumption of independent exponentially distributed failure times, optimum replacement decision rules are derived for several selected criteria. The ‘look-ahead-one’ Bayes approach is emphasized. Also considered are ad hoc (memoryless) replacement policies which do not utilize past experience.
A Novel Model-Free Analysis of13C NMR Relaxation of Alanine-Methyl Side-Chain Motions in Peptides

Abstract Alanine residues in two peptide sequences derived from the β- sheet domain of platelet factor-4: IA*TLK (P5) and TAQL IA*TLK NGRKICLDLQA (P20), were synthesized with 13 C enriched in C α and C β positions. 13 C NMR relaxation measurements (proton coupled and decoupled) were performed at two NMR frequencies (150 and 62.5 MHz) and over a wide range of temperatures (5 to 75°C) to study motional dynamics of the alanine side-chain methyl group and alanine side-chain–backbone motional correlations. Cross-correlation spectral densities, J HCH (ω C ), for C β H 3 in both peptides are positive, indicating methyl-group rotational anisotropy. Various rotational models and model-free approaches have been used to analyze NMR relaxation data. The overall correlation times show a stronger temperature dependence in P20 than in P5, indicating the influence on alanine motions of folded conformational populations in P20. For analysis of alanine side-chain motions, an alternative model-free approach parameterized with a novel mixing parameter, A 2 , that depends on the “geometry” of C α –C β and C α –H bond rotations is proposed. By plotting the standard order parameter S 2 versus A 2 , motional models may be visually differentiated. Molecular dynamics calculations were performed to compare C α –C β and C α –H motions. Significant anti-correlated ϕ( t ) and ψ( t ) backbone rotations can explain NMR relaxation data for P20.
The dynamic structure of optimal debt contracts

Abstract In a two-period model of costly state verification, the optimal contract is characterized and shown to exist. The optimal contract is interpreted as a bond contract. The model extends the result of one-period models that the verification region must be a left-tail interval to a multi-period setting. Conditions are identified for the optimal contract to exhibit features such as call (prepayment) option, coupon payment, or sinking fund. The optimality of certain bond covenants such as “refinancing covenants” and “dividends covenants” is also studied.
Consistency of closed string polyhedra from minimal area

Abstract It is shown that the string diagrams of polyhedral closed string field theory construct for a given punctured Riemann sphere the metric of minimal area under the condition that the length of any nontrivial closed curve must be greater than or equal to 2π. The uniqueness of a metric of minimal area is seen to guarantee the correct covering of moduli space at tree level. The minimal area problem may be used to define the higher genus string diagrams including vacuum graphs. This suggests that the full string action must include quantum restricted polyhedra.
Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium prevents the establishment of unresectable hepatic metastases and improves survival in a murine model

Abstract Purpose The authors investigated the utility of attenuated Salmonella typhimurium for preventing the establishment of hepatic metastases in a murine model. Methods A single, oral 10 8 cfu dose of attenuated S typhimurium was given 8 days before the establishment of a model of unresectable hepatic metastases. Animals were assessed for hepatic tumor number and volume, hepatic lymphocyte population analysis, and survival. Results Pretreatment with Salmonella provided a 10-fold reduction in hepatic tumor burden compared with saline-treated controls. The antitumor effect is associated with markedly elevated natural killer (NK), CD8+ and CD4+ hepatic lymphocytes. Pretreatment with Salmonella provided a 90-day survival rate of 30%, whereas control animals were dead by 30 days. All long-term survivors were devoid of hepatic tumor. Conclusions Attenuated S typhimurium effectively prevents the establishment of hepatic metastases in a murine model, providing a clear survival benefit. Thus, it may represent a novel form of in vivo immunotherapy for the prevention of hepatic metastases for patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer.
A Case for Scientific German

Author's Summary— The author looks upon Scientific German in the light of recent, present and future international conditions. He sees both the disciplinarian and functional values of Scientific German greatly enhanced and stresses its extension into the junior and senior years of the college curriculum.)
Protein synthesis in organ cultured chick lens.

The rate of crystalline polypeptide synthesis in organ cultured lenses from chickens of increasing age after hatching was analysed. There was an overall decline in synthesis with increasing age, so that in the 6-month-old lens only α- and some β-crystallins were synthesized in the epithelium and superficial fiber cells. δ-Crystallin was synthesized in all fiber regions of the 15-day post-hatching lens, but this was restricted to the superficial fibers of the 4-month-old lens and absent in the 6-month-old lens. The 34 K β-crystallin was synthesized only in the superficial fiber cells through 4 months of age.
Stereospecific nicotine receptors on rat brain membranes

A stereospecific binding site for nicotine has been detected on rat brain membranes. Competition studies with cholinergic agonists suggest that this site is a nicotinic cholinergic receptor.
Safety of ephedra and related anorexic medications

Background: The increasing incidence of obesity, anorexia and bulimia has resulted in an increased interest in anorexic medications that can modify human eating behaviors. History and medical resea...
Educating in Global Times: choice, charter and the market

The concepts of choice and charter are powerful and seductive images, evoking the sense of freedom, a continuity and enhancement of a freedom, democracy, negotiation, consensus, fairness and accountability. These images sell well, and most people would not want to oppose them. Yet the words themselves can be misleading. Often they can mean different things to different people. Our first task in this paper will be to try to get a grip on these slippery meanings, which, it could be argued, are used as a Trojan horse to bring fast capitalism into our classrooms. For this reason, these highly problematic developments need to be decoded, stripped naked, to use a phenomenological imagery, to reveal their Paleolithic conservatism, but also their social consequences. To begin our discussion, I would like to argue that because of the pluralistic and antagonistic make-up of contemporary societies, educational or public policies in general need to be to some extent ambiguous in order to elicit a broad social consensus. It is, therefore, to be expected that the implementation of public policies will often produce practical outcomes radically different from those anticipated in policy documents (cf. Torres, 1989). However, when these policies are intentionally couched in progressive terms in order to ensure consensus but also to achieve a hidden, often even contradictory outcome, the policy-making process moves beyond the realm of consensus seeking into a space reserved for a strategic manipulative action. This paper argues that to some extent this has always been the case with educational policy in North America since the emergence of early capitalism in the second half of the 19th century. The paper further argues that the current neoliberal educational policies in Canada, the UK, and New Zealand have shifted most decidedly towards the strategic, manipulative mode of policy making. This shift is examined in the context of the highly problematic concepts of choice
Performance and emission enhancements of a variable geometry turbocharger on a heavy-duty diesel engine

Variable Geometry Turbochargers (VGTs) have emerged in the heavy-duty diesel market with the simultaneous introduction of Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) in meeting emission standards. From a military perspective, VGTs offer considerable promise of improving low speed torque and overall fuel economy. Despite these gains, nitric oxides (NOx) emissions generally increase with increased boost. During times when the military can reduce its environmental impact, VGTs can drive EGR and counter the increase in NOx emissions with relatively minor penalty in particulate matter (PM) emissions. This study highlights the performance and emission enhancements enabled by a VGT on a heavy-duty diesel engine.
Critical period plasticity matches binocular orientation preference in the visual cortex

Changes of ocular dominance in the visual cortex can be induced by visual manipulations during a critical period in early life. However, the role of critical period plasticity in normal development is unknown. Here we show that at the onset of this time window, the preferred orientations of individual cortical cells in the mouse are mismatched through the two eyes and the mismatch decreases and reaches adult levels by the end of the period. Deprivation of visual experience during this period irreversibly blocks the binocular matching of orientation preference, but has no effect in adulthood. The critical period of binocular matching can be delayed by long-term visual deprivation from birth, like that of ocular dominance plasticity. These results demonstrate that activity-dependent changes induced by normal visual experience during the well-studied critical period serve to match eye-specific inputs in the cortex, thus revealing a physiological role for critical period plasticity during normal development.
Promoting a Trained MCH Epidemiology Workforce in State Public Health Agencies Through Strategies Developed From Continued Partnerships

Maternal and child health (MCH) epidemiology has become a major program component of most state Title V MCH programs [1]. MCH epidemiology is ‘‘the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of population-based and program-specific health and related data in order to assess the distribution and determinants of the health status and needs of the maternal child population for the purpose of planning, implementing, and assessing effective, science-based strategies and promoting policy development’’ [2], a definition derived from the work of others [3]. Increasing ‘‘the proportion of Tribal, State, and local public health agencies that provide or assure comprehensive epidemiology services to support essential public health services[4],’’ including MCH epidemiology, is of national importance and continues to be recognized as a Healthy People objective [4]. Maternal and child health epidemiology capabilities in state and territorial public health agencies have increased over the last decade. According to national surveys, the percentage of jurisdictions reporting substantial epidemiology and surveillance capacity has increased from 35 % in 2001 to 55 % in 2009, and the percentage reporting minimal to no capacity has decreased from 25 % in 2004 to 12 % in 2009 [5]. Moreover, 46 % of jurisdictions have an MCH epidemiologist with a doctoral degree (M.D., Ph.D., and other doctoral degrees), the highest percentage of any public health epidemiology specialty area. This advancement in the MCH workforce occurred because of the strong collaborative efforts of federal public health agencies, academia, and national public health membership organizations [such as the Association of MCH Programs (AMCHP), Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE), and CityMatCH] to bolster MCH epidemiology training at every stage of professional development. The beginnings of these national efforts to promote a trained MCH epidemiology workforce have been described by others [3, 6, 7]. These early efforts included: (1) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) MCH epidemiology program (MCHEP) assigning doctoral-prepared career MCH epidemiologists to state and local public health agencies since 1986, with support from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB); and (2) MCHB awarding grants to train existing staff through regional perinatal data projects and continuing education programs such as the Disclaimer The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Clinical perspective: monitoring sodium oxybate-treated narcolepsy patients for the development of sleep-disordered breathing

Purpose While the symptoms of narcolepsy are often amenable to treatment with sodium oxybate (SXB), the respiratory effects of long-term SXB treatment have not been systematically studied. Recent reports have implicated SXB with several cases of worsening sleep-related breathing disturbances and accidental death. In addition, these patients are at risk for obesity, which may aggravate co-morbid obstructive sleep apnea.
Evidence that nitric oxide modulates food intake in mice.

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO) may be an intercellular modulator within the central nervous system. L-arginine, which results in NO synthesis, increased food intake in mice while the inhibitor of NO synthesis, L-NG -nitro arginine (L-NO Arg) inhibited food intake in food deprived mice. L-arginine, but not D-arginine, partially reversed the inhibitory effect of L-NO Arg on food intake. These findings suggest the possibility that NO may be a physiological modulator of food intake and that the possibility of exploring the utility of L-NO arg in the treatment of obesity should be explored.
Rupture in rapid uniaxial extension of linear entangled melts

We have carried out uniaxial extension experiments on a monodisperse entangled melt to illustrate the origin of failure in the glass-like zone defined by Malkin and Petrie (J Rheol 41:1–25, 1997). The entangled melt was found to undergo a yield-to-rupture transition beyond a critical rate. We show that the onset of the “glass-like” zone defined by Malkin and Petrie is actually in the middle of the rubbery plateau where the mechanical response of entangled melts is not dictated by glassy chain dynamics. The rupture occurs plausibly through chain scission in the limit of finite chain extensibility.