cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distributed filters for Bayesian network games

We consider a repeated network game where agents' utilities are quadratic functions of the state of the world and actions of all the agents. The state of the world is represented by a vector on which agents receive private signals with Gaussian noise. We define the solution concept as Bayesian Nash equilibrium and present a recursion to compute equilibrium strategies locally if an equilibrium exists at all stages. We further provide conditions under which a unique equilibrium exists. We conclude with an example of the proposed recursion in a repeated Cournot competition game and discuss properties of convergence such as efficient learning and convergence rate.
What is Needed to Improve Food Sales in Schools? Food Vendors' Opinion from El Salvador

Latin America and the Caribbean are at the forefront of the double burden of malnourishment, with rocketing rates of overweight, obesity and stagnant prevalence of stunting in many countries. School children are at a crucial age for setting eating habits, physical activity, nutritional status and long term outcomes both in their health as well as their education and economic productivity. Save the Children International implements a school health and nutrition program in 45 rural schools in El Salvador, Central America. The program aims at increasing the consumption of protein and micronutrients while reducing intake of sugar and fats in school children. In addition, there is great emphasis on food hygiene and safe handling, through training of the food vendors. We developed a conceptual framework for school nutrition programs that is phrased around five different moments: school snacks, school stores, nutrition learning, bringing food to school and eating at home. Monitoring and control lies in the hands of student brigades, which fosters child participation. We present findings of a qualitative evaluation on sale regulation in school food stores, documenting additional interventions that were needed to foster compliance. We explore how vendors are making money on healthy food if head teachers and parents are involved in regulating food stores and children are motivated to cherish fruits and vegetables. Based on these findings, we discuss a model of an enabling environment for healthy food at school.
Environmental enhancement of in vitro chondrogenesis. 3. The influence of external potassium ions and chondrogenic differentiation.

Abstract A simple manipulation, altering the potassium concentration of the nutrient medium, has a pronounced effect upon the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of chick somites, as measured by chondroitin sulfate synthesis and cartilage formation. Medium containing K+ ions in the balanced salt solution at a concentration of 2.69 mM promotes chondrogenesis over the 48-hr period studied. By increasing the K+ concentration to 4.68 mM there is a striking enhancement of initial chondroitin sulfate synthesis during the first 24 hr only. If the somite explants in a high K+ environment are transferred after 24 hr to a lower K+ concentration, the chondrogenic stimulation (chondroitin sulfate synthesis) continues. These effects can be obtained by altering only one variable in the nutrient medium, the K+ concentration.
Enzymatic Iodination of Sindbis Virus Proteins

Abstract Sindbis virus was iodinated by using the enzyme lactoperoxidase, an iodination technique which labels only surface proteins. By this technique, the two viral glycoproteins are labeled, and the internal viral protein is not. The two glycoproteins are iodinated to strikingly different extents. This difference in susceptibility to iodination apparently is due to the position or conformation of the glycoproteins in the envelope spikes of the virion and not to differing contents of tyrosine, the amino acid substrate of lactoperoxidase. Both viral glycoproteins are iodinated by lactoperoxidase on the surface of Sindbis-infected chicken cells. Here, as in the virion, the glycoproteins are iodinated unequally, with the smaller glycoprotein again being preferentially iodinated. Another virus-specific protein found in large amounts in infected cells, and from which the preferentially iodinated virion glycoprotein is produced by a proteolytic cleavage, is not iodinated by lactoperoxidase. Thus it appears that the viral glycoproteins are present on the cell surface and that the precursor protein is not.
Branched-chain in situ hybridization for κ and λ light chains: A powerful ancillary technique for determining B-cell clonality in cytology samples

BACKGROUND Current immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization (ISH) assays are generally inconclusive for clonality unless plasmacytic differentiation is present. This study examined a series of cytology specimens and explored the ability of a branched-chain RNA (bRNA) ISH assay for immunoglobulin κ constant (IGKC) and immunoglobulin λ constant (IGLC) to detect a clonal population of B lymphocytes. METHODS Pathology databases were used to identify fine-needle aspiration biopsies (n = 28) and exfoliative cytology samples (n = 20). Demographic, flow cytometry, and excision biopsy results were recorded. bRNA ISH was performed on the Leica Bond platform with the following probes: IGKC, IGLC, immunoglobulin λ-like polypeptide 5 (IGLL5), and a housekeeping gene (HKG). RESULTS The bRNA ISH assay was validated with 30 surgical biopsies. On bRNA ISH, a clonal B-cell population (light-chain ratio > 10:1) was detected in 22 of 28 cases with a final diagnosis of lymphoma. In 2 cases, a κ predominance was present, although the ratio was <10:1. Eleven of the 17 κ-clonal lymphomas also expressed IGLL5, the latter recognized by the presence of an intranuclear signal. Two B-cell lymphomas lacked IGKC and IGLC, whereas 2 cases were negative for the HKG. In 12 of the 20 cases with reactive lymphoid tissue, bRNA ISH identified a polyclonal lymphoid population. No light-chain messenger RNA was detected in 6 cases (typically those associated with very few B cells). CONCLUSIONS The automated bRNA ISH platform is a robust technique for detecting a clonal B-cell population in cytology material. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2015. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
The dynamics of market structure and firm-level adjustment to India's pro-market economic liberalizing reforms, 1988–2006: A Time Varying Panel Smooth Transition Regression (TV-PSTR) approach

Abstract This paper for the first time employs the Time Varying Panel Smooth Transition Regression (TV-PSTR) approach to model the dynamic adjustments of firms and the evolution of industrial structure in the bigger setting of decades against the backdrop of India's dramatic liberalizing reform starting from 1991. Using Indian manufacturing firm data, it finds that the transition of market structure and productivity after liberalization did follow a smooth transition process. Instead of the previously assumed instantaneous ‘big-bang’ shift just after reforms, it actually took years for the Indian manufacturing industries start to react to the reforms, and the transitional impact of reforms took approximately four to eight years to complete. There is strong evidence of increased competition after the transition, with shrinked returns to scale (RTS) in most industries except for leather and chemical industries. The results on total factor productivity (TFP) are mixed: most import-competing industries, which suffer most from the shrinking of market size experienced no change or decreasing TFP growth; whereas the export-oriented industry, as the industry which benefits most from economy of scale, enjoyed a huge TFP growth following the reforms.
A 1.3µW 0.0075mm 2 neural amplifier and capacitor-integrated electrodes for high density neural implant recording

A key issue in the design of biomedical implants is the design of low-power area-efficient circuits that allow for high-density neural recording. This paper presents an ultra low-power (<;1.4μW), area efficient low-noise neural amplifier that utilizes current-feedback miller-compensation technique and occupies ~ 0.0075mm2 silicon area. Integrating the large input capacitor within the electrodes saves valuable silicon area. The amplified signal is digitized by a 10-bit sigma-delta ADC that is based on an area-efficient self-biased amplifier. The ADC consumes only 4.8μW from a 1.2V supply, when sampled with a 1.6MHz, and occupies 0.03mm2 chip area. The chip was fabricated in 0.13μm CMOS.
Thin-layer chromatographic separation of dimethoate, dimethoate (oxygen analog), disulfoton, dioxathion, fonofos, fonofos (oxygen analog), and oxydemetonmethyl from each other

Abstract A thin-layer chromatographic method is reported for the separation of dimethoate, dimethoate (oxygen analog), dioxathion, disulfoton, fonofos, fonofos (oxygen analog), and oxydemetonmethyl. The method involves the concurrent use of two Eastman silica gel plates with fluorescent indicator and two solvent systems. One plate is developed in solvent system containing 2,2,4-trimethylpentane:methylcyclohexane:isoamyl alcohol:paraffin oil:acetone (4:2:2:3:1) and the other in solvent system containing n-heptane:xylene:benzene: toluene:cyclohexane:methylcyclohexane (1:1:1:1:1:1). The pesticides are located by spraying with ammoniacal silver nitrate solution in acetone followed by exposure to longwave UV light after drying at 100 °C for 2–3 min. A method is also reported for the thinlayer chromatographic separation of diazinon, dimethoate, dimethoate (oxygen analog), dioxathion, fonofos (oxygen analog), and oxydemetonmethyl from each other on fluorescent silica gel plates using solvent system containing 2,2,4-trimethylpentane:methylcyclohexane: isoamyl alcohol:paraffin oil:actone (4:2:2:3:1).
Blowing in the Wind: II, Creation and Redistribution of Refractory Inclusions in a Turbulent Protoplanetary Nebula

Ca-Al rich refractory mineral inclusions (CAIs) found at 1-6% mass fraction in primitive chondrites appear to be 1-3 million years older than the dominant (chondrule) components which were accreted into the same parent bodies. A prevalent concern is that it is difficult to retain CAIs for this long against gas-drag-induced radial drift into the sun. We reassess the situation in terms of a hot inner (turbulent) nebula context for CAI formation, using analytical models of nebula evolution and particle diffusion. We show that outward radial diffusion in a weakly turbulent nebula can overwhelm inward drift, and prevent significant numbers of CAI-size particles from being lost into the sun for times on the order of 10(exp 6) years. CAIs can form early, when the inner nebula was hot, and persist in sufficient abundance to be incorporated into primitive planetesimals at a much later time. Small (less than or approx. equal to 0.1 mm diameter) CAIs persist for longer times than large (greater than or approx. equal to 5mm diameter ones). To obtain a quantitative match t o the observed volume fractions of CAIs in chondrites, another process must be allowed for: a substantial enhancement of the inner hot nebula in silicate-forming material, which we suggest was caused by rapid inward drift of meter-sized objects. This early in nebula history, the drifting rubble would have a carbon content probably an order of magnitude larger than even the most primitive (CI) carbonaceous chondrites. Abundant carbon in the evaporating material would help keep the nebula oxygen fugacity low, plausably solar, as inferred for the formation environment of CAIs. The associated production of a larger than canonical amount of CO2 might also play a role in mass-independent fractionation of oxygen isotopes, leaving the gas rich in l60 as inferred from CAIs and other high temperature condensates.
Ionization of Rydberg atoms by Coriolis forces

When viewed from a rotating frame the ionization of a hydrogen atom in a circularly polarized microwave field is largely governed by Coriolis forces. Although simulations show that the ionization mechanism is chaotic, we find that ionization is governed by a linear resonance. Because the electron is fed into the resonance by chaotic scattering from the core the overall ionization process, when it occurs, is chaotic. Suppression of ionization by an applied magnetic field is shown to be possible: it is due to detuning of the linear resonance by the field.
Viral Vaccines and CTL Response

Immune induction by successful vaccine formulations seems to involve stimulation of both humoral and cellular arms of immunity. Nevertheless, CD8
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme a reductase activity and chemical composition of rat palatal tissue after gamma irradiation

Abstract The effect of various amounts of head and neck irradiation on the enzyme activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (E.C. 1.1.1.34) from rat palatal tissue was measured. Enzyme activity increased with increasing radiation exposure, showing a plateau at 800–1200 rads with about five times the original activity. Above 1200 rads, the enzyme activity returned to its previous range. It is suggested that irradiation may interfere directly or indirectly with some enzyme regulatory mechanisms. The DNA, RNA, total protein and total lipid content of the irradiated (1200 rads) and sham-irradiated rat palatal tissues were determined. Of these parameters, the total lipid was the only one significantly altered, with about a two-fold increase and with its cholesterol content greatly increased. As the liver is known to have received scattered radiation, (∼-5 per cent) the enzyme activity and total cholesterol were also determined in the liver of rats that received irradiation to the neck. These values when compared to those obtained from the livers of the sham-irradiated rats showed a 2.5-fold increase in the enzyme levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase while its total cholesterol doubled.
Survey of Beef Quality Assurance on California dairies

In October 2011, a mail and online survey of California dairy personnel was conducted to assess producer familiarity with and support of the Dairy Animal Care and Quality Assurance (DACQA) program. The DACQA program addresses cattle of all ages (birth to culling) and standard practices that affect the use of dairy cattle for beef. The survey was mailed to a random sample of 1,071 California dairies (65%) stratified by county, proportional to the number of dairies in each respective county. Data from the 158 responses received (15%) showed that 90% of culled cows on California dairies were sold for beef. However, personnel on more than one-half of California dairies (56%) had no knowledge of how their herd cull cows ranked in terms of beef quality measures (body condition score, US Department of Agriculture carcass grade, and hot carcass weight). Survey results showed that a considerable proportion of California dairy personnel were aware of recommended injection practices including a preference for subcutaneous injections (45%). A drug inventory was maintained on approximately 50% of the state's dairies. Management at these dairies was twice as likely to test for drug residues compared with dairies that did not maintain a drug inventory. More information about the DACQA program was requested by more than half of California dairies.
Low-temperature performance of an MBE-grown CdTe x-ray photoconductor detector

Photoconductor array devices were fabricated using molecular beam epitaxially (MBE) grown CdTe. The detectors are stable in the presence of hard x-rays, and they have been tested at room temperature for over a year without any noticeable degradation. The performance of the photoconductor was greatly improved when the detector was cooled using the Peltier effect. The uniformity of the 64 element linear array device was measured at various temperatures. We observed an exponential decrease of the photoconductor dark current with temperatures down to 200 degrees K. The dark current and noise of the array detector decreased by more than 3 orders of magnitude from 300 degrees K to 200 degrees K. As a result, the minimum sensitivity to x-ray photons was increased by nearly 3 orders of magnitude. Finally an x-ray transmission image was obtained using a single element MBE CdTe photoconductor at 230 degrees K.
How Well Do We Communicate?A Comparison of Intraoperative Diagnoses Listed in Pathology Reports and Operative Notes

Objectives: To compare surgeons’ interpretations of intraoperative diagnoses with those rendered by the pathologist. Methods: Consecutive intraoperative diagnoses over a nine-month period were retrospectively reviewed. For each case, operative notes were obtained from the hospital information system. The intraoperative diagnoses listed in the final pathology reports were compared with those dictated by the surgeon. Discrepancies were stratified by potential clinical impact: category A, overall correct diagnosis with minor unimportant differences; category B, discrepant diagnosis with both either benign or malignant; and category C, intraoperative diagnoses differing between benign and malignant. The method of communication of each discrepant intraoperative diagnoses (in person vs telephone) was also examined. Results: There was no record of the intraoperative diagnoses in 20% of operative notes. Comparison of intraoperative diagnoses was possible in 1,131 cases. Category A errors were noted in 94 (8.3%) cases, B in 11 (1%), and C in 4 (0.3%). The most frequent means of communication in A and B cases was the telephone, with more C cases being relayed in person. Conclusions: A subset of verbally reported intraoperative diagnoses is misinterpreted by surgeons. While rare events, miscommunication can lead to inappropriate intraoperative management. Communicating diagnoses by phone may increase the risk of perception errors.
SlC30A8 is a major target of humoral autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes and a predictive marker in prediabetes.

Type 1A diabetes (T1D) results from autoimmunity targeted at a limited number of molecules that are expressed in the pancreatic β cell. Putative novel autoantigen candidates were identified from microarray expression profiling of human and rodent islet cells. The highest ranking candidate was Slc30A8 (zinc transporter 8; ZnT8), which was screened by radioimmunoprecipitation assays against new-onset T1D and prediabetic sera. Such assays detected 63% of subjects with new-onset diabetes, but fewer than 2% of controls, 3% of those with type 2 diabetes, and 10% of patients with other autoimmune disorders. ZnT8 autoantibodies were found, however, in 26% of T1D subjects previously classified as autoantibody-negative on the basis of existing markers (GADA, IA2 A, IAA, and ICA). We conclude that SLC30A8 provides an important additional and independent predictive marker for T1D.
Anomalous behavior of aerosol produced by atomization of monodisperse polystyrene latex

Abstract A study was made of the uniformity of aerosol particles generated by the atomization of monodispersed polystyrene latices. It was found that the stabilizer associated with the latices formed extraneous particles as well as increased the size of the polystyrene particles. This was due to the fact that the stabilizer binds water strongly even in the presence of dry air. Heat drove the bound water off but adversely affected the polystyrene particles.
Entamoeba histolytica: is conversion of "nonpathogenic" amebae to the "pathogenic" form a real phenomenon?

Abstract Entamoeba histolytica isolates have been shown to fall into two groups based on isoenzyme analysis. These groupings (“pathogenic” and “nonpathogenic”) correlate well with the clinical course of the infection. A controversy exists over whether isoenzyme patterns are stable or whether under certain circumstances an isolate can convert from one form to the other. Resolution of this uncertainty is of importance since the nonpathogenic pattern has never been observed in amebae isolated from cases of active disease. This implies that, if the patterns are stable, carriers of amebae with this nonpathogenic pattern may never develop invasive disease. Although we set out to study isoenzyme conversion, we have been unable to replicate the two published accounts of this phenomenon. We have examined all of the variables proposed to be involved in the triggering of conversion, both individually and in combination. In none of the experiments was an alteration in the isoenzyme pattern observed. We now believe that isoenzyme patterns are stable and that all available evidence, other than the reported conversions, points to pathogenic and nonpathogenic E. histolytica being distinct species.
Unimolecular Combination of an Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Initiator and a Lactone Monomer as a Route to New Graft Copolymers

The synthesis, polymerization, and copolymerization of a new cyclic ester, γ-(2-bromo-2-methyl propionyl)-e-caprolactone (3), containing a pendent-activated alkyl bromide functional group is described. This new compound serves as both a monomer for “living” ring-opening polymerization (ROP) as well as an initiator for the controlled atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Three distinctive routes to poly(e-caprolactone)−graft−poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers were surveyed by either sequential or concurrent living polymerization procedures. The first approach involves the ROP of e-caprolactone with various compositions of 3, followed by the polymerization of methyl methacrylate via ATRP from the activated alkyl bromide sites along the polyester backbone. Alternatively, α-lactone functional methyl methacrylate macromonomers were prepared by ATRP of methyl methacrylate initiated from 3. The macromonomers were copolymerized with e-caprolactone via ROP to form the target graft copolymers. Finally, the...
Age of the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary in the Western Interior of the United States

Abstract High precision 40 Ar/ 39 Ar laser-microprobe ages of individual sanidines, 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plateau age spectra on bulk sanidine concentrates, U-Pb zircon ages, and zircon and apatite fission-track ages from three bentonites bracketing the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary in the Western Interior of the United States suggest an age for the boundary of 93.1 ± 0.3 (2σ. The lowermost bentonite comes from the Upper Cenomanian Sciponoceras gracile biozone, and gives a weighted mean laser-fusion single-crystal 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age of 93.50 ± 0.52 Ma (2σ, standard error of the mean, n = 14) for sanidine. The middle bentonite comes from the Upper Cenomanian Neocardioceras juddii biozone, accepted in both North America and Europe as the uppermost Cenomanian ammonite zone; it gives an average single-crystal 40 / 39 Ar age of 93.33 ± 0.50 Ma ( n = 29), a bulk-sample 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plateau age of 93.09 ± 0.34 Ma (2σ) for sanidine, and concordant 206 Pb/ 238 U and 207 Pb/ 235 U ages of 93.48 ± 0.32 Ma on zircon. The upper bentonite comes from near the base of the Turonian, immediately above the first occurrence of the basal Turonian bivalve Mytiloides and sanidines from it give an average single-crystal 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age of 93.46 ± 0.60 Ma ( n = 12) and a bulk-sample 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plateau age of 92.87 ± 0.34 Ma. The composition of these Cenomanian-Turonian bentonites from Colorado and Utah, the types of phenocrysts present, and the morphology of included zircons all indicate that the pre-alteration ash was rhyolitic and probably generated in a subduction setting involving a significant crustal component.
Viewpoint in speech–gesture integration: Linguistic structure, discourse structure, and event structure

We examine a corpus of narrative data to determine which types of events evoke character viewpoint gestures, and which evoke observer viewpoint gestures. We consider early claims made by McNeill (1992) that character viewpoint tends to occur with transitive utterances and utterances that are causally central to the narrative. We argue that the structure of the event itself must be taken into account: there are some events that cannot plausibly evoke both types of gesture. We show that linguistic structure (transitivity), event structure (visuo-spatial and motoric properties), and discourse structure all play a role. We apply these findings to a recent model of embodied language production, the Gestures as Simulated Action framework.
Reoperative Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection for Metastatic Germ Cell Tumors: Analysis of Local Recurrence and Predictors of Survival

Purpose: While reoperative retroperitoneal lymph node dissection results in durable long-term survival, outcomes are comparatively worse than in patients who undergo initial adequate resection. We identified predictors of cancer specific survival and correlated technical aspects of initial resection to local recurrence in patients treated with repeat retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.Materials and Methods: We reviewed subsequent data on 203 patients treated with reoperation for recurrent retroperitoneal germ cell tumor after initial retroperitoneal lymph node dissection with local relapse. We used multivariate Cox proportion hazard models for cancer specific survival and multivariate logistic regression for local recurrence.Results: The only 2 factors associated with local recurrence at lymph node dissection were incomplete lumbar vessel division at initial resection (p <0.01) and teratoma histology in the reoperative pathology specimen (p = 0.01). Median followup was 73 months. Initial survival analy...
Investigation of Transport Phenomena in Micro Flow Channels for Miniature Fuel Cells

This paper presents a study on the transport phenomena related to gas flow through fuel cell micro-channels, specifically the impact of dimensional scale on the order of 100 microns and below. Especially critical is the ability to experimentally verify model predictions, and this is made efficiently possible by the use of structural photopolymer (SU-8) to directly fabricate functional fuel cell micro-channels. The design and analysis components of this investigation apply 3-D multi-physics modeling to predict cell performance under micro-channel conditions. Interestingly, the model predicts that very small channels (specifically 100 microns and below) result in a significantly higher peak power density than larger counterparts. SU-8 micro-channels with different feature sizes have been integrated into fuel cell prototypes and tested for comparison against model predictions. The results not only demonstrate that the SU-8 channels with metal current collector show quite appreciable performance, but also provide experimental verification of the merits of channel miniaturization. As predicted, the performance in terms of peak power density increases as the feature size of the channel decreases, even though the pressure drop is higher in the more narrow channels. So it has been observed both theoretically and experimentally that cell performance shows an improving trend with micro-channels, and design optimization for miniature fuel cell provides a powerful method for increasing power density.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Enhancement of transcription factor, USF, binding to the adenovirus major late promoter: effect of dithiothreitol and high mobility group protein-1

Abstract Up-stream stimulatory factor (USF)1 is a human transcription factor which binds specifically to the E-box in the Ad MLP located at −58 from the start site. The nature of USF binding on a Ad MLP DNA fragment was investigated in the presence of DTT and also in the presence of purified HMG-1 using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. We show that the binding capacity of USF for the E-box increases significantly with increasing DTT concentrations. At the higher DTT levels, a second USF–DNA complex is formed in which there is co-occupation of both the E-box and the initiator sequence. The stability of the second complex is largely refractory to an excess of unlabeled oligonucleotide which contains the initiator sequence. These findings indicate a cooperative binding interaction between USF ligands bound simultaneously at the E-box and the Inr sequence. Two models are proposed which are consistent with these data. Furthermore, experiments indicate that the presence of HMG-1, a nuclear protein known to influence transcriptional activity, increases USF binding activity at the E-box by as much as 100%. These findings indicate that both reducing conditions and HMG-1 may act as modulators of USF-regulated transcription.
The maximal normal operator space and integration of subdifferentials on nonconvex functions

On definit des operateurs normaux maximaux et des fonctions primales sur des ensembles normaux. On trouve que la normalite maximale est conservee dans plusieurs operations, et que les operateurs normaux maximaux ont de bonnes proprietes de fermeture et de limitation
Prevention of relapse in pediatric patients with acute leukemias and MDS after allogeneic SCT by early immunotherapy initiated on the basis of increasing mixed chimerism: a single center experience of 12 children.

Prevention of relapse in pediatric patients with acute leukemias and MDS after allogeneic SCT by early immunotherapy initiated on the basis of increasing mixed chimerism: a single center experience of 12 children
Influence of testing parameters on biomass stove performance and development of an improved testing protocol

Biomass fuels are used by nearly half the world's population on a daily basis for cooking. While these stoves often look simple in appearance they are notoriously difficult to test. By their very nature biomass stoves are typically fairly uncontrolled devices which often exhibit a large amount of variability in their performance. In order to characterize a stove and understand the processes which are occurring inside, and through this begin to design better stoves, this variability and uncertainty needs to be reduced as much as possible. A parametric study was conducted to better understand what factors lead to variability and uncertainty in cookstove test results and should be controlled in order to obtain repeatable results. Using the Water Boiling Test as a starting point, it was found that significant reductions in test variability could be achieved through minimizing the amount of water vaporization which occurs during the test. Uncertainty was further reduced by using fuels with consistent moisture contents. Based on these findings a new testing methodology, the Emissions and Performance Test Protocol, has been proposed and the benefits of moving to this method presented.
Molecular Cloning of CD1a (T6), a Human Epidermal Dendritic Cell Marker Related to Class I MHC Molecules

To investigate the structure, function, and control of CD1a, we have cloned a 1.6-kbp cDNA which encodes the expressed CD1a protein and included untranslated 5' and 3' sequences and the poly-A tail. As the protein recognized by the monoclonal antibody OKT6, CD1a is a useful marker for Langerhans cells (LC), CD1a is found on these cells and on thymocytes, suggesting an important immunologic role for this molecule. We constructed cDNA library in lamba gt10 using mRNA from MOLT-4, a cell line that expresses the CD1a surface antigen. We then screened the library with an oligonucleotide synthesized according to a known partial sequence for CD1a, and subcloned the cDNA and its restriction fragments into pGEM for sequencing and probe production. Based on this sequence the CD1a protein is predicted to consist of three extracellular domains (alpha 13), a hydrophobic transmembrane region, and cytoplasmic tail. DNA 5' to the alpha 1 region may undergo alternative exon splicing. There is high sequence identity between the beta-2 microglobulin binding region of MHC I molecules of CD1a. The secondary structure predicte for CD1a is very similar to the actual structure of HLA-A2, a classical MHC I molecule. The similarity includes the beta pleated sheets and alpha helices which form the antigen binding groove of the alpha-1 and alpha-2 domains. The homology predicted between CD1a and HLA-A2 in these regions appears to exist on the level of secondary structure despite low primary nucleotide and amino acid sequence identity. The structural data and probes we have developed should facilitate studies of the function of CD1a as well as novel investigations of LC.
Mediated facilitation and interference in a four-stage paradigm

An acquired stimulus-equivalence paradigm (A-B, C-B, A-D, C-D) was employed in an attempt to demonstrate mediation effects in a four-stage paradigm without the use of pre-experimentally established associations. The A, C, and D terms were CVC syllables and the B terms were simple past-tense verbs. Two experimental conditions (facilitation and interference) and a control condition were employed. An additional facilitation condition was used in which the B terms were nouns. The results indicated mediated facilitation and mediated interference effects. The noun- and verb-mediation conditions did not differ.
Diverse attributes of healthy children

Summary A description has been given of the longitudinal study of average healthy children of Denver being conducted by the Child Research Council. The general method of investigation has been represented as consisting of, first, a well-rounded group of clinical observations designed to give a picture of the whole child from many aspects; second, the obtaining of as many permanent and more objective measures and pictures of the growth changes as it may be feasible to carry out on the same child; and third, the repetition of these observations at regular intervals on each of 100 children from birth through adolescence. The type and character of useful information which is being accumulated has been suggested by means of illustrations and charts. In presenting the concept of “normal standards” as wide zones rather than average lines, I have stressed repeatedly the need for appreciating the significance of individual variation among healthy children.
Human sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation by specific types of papillomavirus

Abstract Objective: Human papillomaviruses are present in up to 64.3% of patients' sperm. The objectives were (1) to determine human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid effects on sperm deoxyribonucleic acid integrity and (2) to assess human papillomavirus differential effects on the sperm cell. Study Design: Two-layer colloid washed sperm were exposed to E6-E7 deoxyribonucleic acid fragments generated from human papillomavirus types 16, 18, 31, 33, 6/11, or control (DQA1) for 24 hours. The motility parameters were measured and analyzed. Pilot studies were performed to develop a fixed sperm comet assay to assess deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation. Results: Significant sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation occurred after exposure to deoxyribonucleic acid of human papillomavirus types 16 and 31. Human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid fragment size was not a factor. Human papillomavirus types 18, 33, and 6/11 did not compromise sperm deoxyribonucleic acid integrity. Washed sperm motility was higher in the presence of human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid except for type 6/11. Amplitude of head displacement was lower for human papillomavirus types 16 and 6/11. Sperm linearity was increased for all human papillomavirus types except type 18. Conclusion: Human papillomavirus type 16 and 31 deoxyribonucleic acid caused deoxyribonucleic acid breakages characteristic of apoptotic but not necrotic sperm. The data suggest that these human papillomavirus types may adversely affect subsequent embryonic development after fertilization. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid appears to resist human papillomavirus types 18, 33, and 6/11 or repairing mechanisms occurred. Although enhanced motility was found in human papillomavirus–exposed sperm, important velocity parameters were decreased, suggesting impaired sperm function. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:1068-70.)
Pain and aggression in the rat

The hypothesis that pain produces aggression was examined by comparison of behaviors in an established rat colony (for dominant colony males and strange intruders) to those seen in “reflexive fighting” and in a tube-test involving tailshock. During reflexive fighting dominant colony rats switched abruptly from the attack pattern displayed in the colony, to show activities (boxing, freezing) typical of colony intruders in either task. Moreover, forelimb movements similar to the “strikes” seen in reflexive fighting could be obtained during footshock to rats held alone on the grid. Finally, bites to an anesthetized conspecific were potentiated by footshock or tailshock, but only when the snout could be bitten: Such snout-bites are typical of colony intruders and not of attacking colony rats. These data indicate that pain produces a pattern of behaviors different in every detail from the activities typical of a dominant colony rat attacking colony intruders: There is, however, excellent agreement between pain-elicited behaviors and the defensive activities of colony intruders, suggesting that pain produces not aggression but defense.
Factors Relating to a Successful Cryopreserved Blastocyst Transfer Program

Abstract Objective: To review the authors' experience in a successful frozen blastocyst program. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: University IVF program. Patients: Women of all ages undergoing 64 frozen blastocyst nondonor thaw cycles. Intervention(s): Thaw cycles with day 5 or day 6 frozen blastocysts replaced into luteal day 5 endometrium in natural or programmed cycles; cryopreservation of blastocysts by Menezo two-step protocol and Testart slow cool program; thawing by two step thaw protocol. Main Outcome Measure(s): Implantation, clinical pregnancy, and delivery rates. Result(s): The implantation rate was 16% and was similar with day 5 frozen blastocysts and day 6 frozen blastocysts cycles. The clinical pregnancy rate was 36% and the delivery rate was 27%, with no significant difference between day 5 and 6 blastocysts. Conclusion(s): Blastocyst cryopreservation is a viable option for patients of all ages and complements fresh blastocyst culture and transfer. The presence of good quality blastocysts for freezing on day 5 and day 6 yields comparable results and is critical for the success of thaw cycles.
Longitudinal prescribing patterns for psychoactive medications in community-based individuals with developmental disabilities: utilization of pharmacy records

Background Little is known about longitudinal prescribing practices for psychoactive medications for individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (IDDD) who are living in community settings. Methods Computerized pharmacy records were accessed for 2344 community-based individuals with IDDD for whom a total of 3421 prescriptions were written during a 17-month period of study. Forty-two psychoactive medications were rank ordered in terms of prescription frequency. Results Fifty-two per cent (52%) of all prescriptions written during the study period were for psychoactive medications. Anticonvulsant, antipsychotic and antidepressant medications were the most commonly filled prescriptions among psychoactive medications. Sixty per cent (62%) of the study population was given prescriptions for more than one psychoactive medication and 36% received three or more psychoactive medications. During the study period there was a statistically significant increase in prescriptions filled for olanzapine, risperidone, valproic acid, and clonazepam whereas prescriptions filled for thioridazine, haloperidol, and benzotropine showed a significant decline (P < 0.05–0.001). Distribution of psychoactive drug class by age showed that the majority of prescriptions were filled for individuals between 20 and 50 years with the exception of prescriptions for psychostimulants which peaked for individuals prior to 20 years. Conclusions (1) Analysis of pharmacy billing records provides a method for assessing prescribing patterns of psychoactive medications in community-based individuals with IDDD. (2) Polypharmacy for psychoactive medications is prevalent in this setting. (3) The second-generation antipsychotic medications are prominently represented by an increasing number of filled prescriptions during the study period.
An incremental finite-element determination of stresses around loaded holes in wood plates

Abstract An iterative finite-element method is developed for determining stresses and strains near pin-loaded holes in finite orthotropic plates. The work was motivated by the desire to analyze mechanical joints in wood. While a linear stress-strain relationship is assumed, the stresses and strains are nonlinear with load due to the increasing area of pin-plate contact with applied load. A rigid pin is considered, and friction and pin clearance are accounted for. The contact pressure distribution is evaluated rather than assumed. Numerically predicted results agree well with those measured experimentally.
Mechanisms for Flame Retardancy and Smoke suppression -A Review:

The prevailing mechanisms for halogen and phosphorus flame retardancy are reviewed. Halogens act in the vapor phase and phosphorus can act in either the vapor or condensed phase depending on the specific phos phorus compound and the chemical composition of the polymer. Halogen- antimony synergy is discussed. Convincing evidence is presented for bromine- phosphorus synergy in specific polymers. The mode of decomposition of polycarbonate is shown and the effect of salts of organic acids in changing the mode of decomposition hence producing a more flame resistant polymer is shown. Intumescence in polyolefins is discussed. Inorganic metal hydrates used in large concentration cool by endothermically releasing a large concentration of water. The effect of boron compounds is discussed. Methods of smoke suppres sion are presented as is the role of zinc borate, molybdenum and tin compounds acting as Lewis acids in PVC.
Application of photothermal and photoacoustic deflection techniques to sooting flames; velocity, temperature, and concentration measurements

Abstract Photothermal and photoacoustic deflection techniques have been applied for the first time to sooting flames. The values of these techniques for combustion diagnosis is demonstrated by measurements of velocity, temperature, and soot concentration profiles in a C 2 H 2 /O 2 flame.
Uncertainty quantification and stochastic-based viscoelastic modeling of finite deformation elastomers

Material parameter uncertainty is a key aspect of model development. Here we quantify parameter uncertainty of a viscoelastic model through validation on rate dependent deformation of a dielectric elastomer that undergoes finite deformation. These materials are known for there large field induced deformation and applications in smart structures, although the rate dependent viscoelastic effects are not well understood. To address this issue, we first quantify hyperelastic and viscoelastic model uncertainty using Bayesian statistics by comparing a linear viscoelastic model to uniaxial rate dependent experiments. The probability densities, obtained from the Bayesian statistics, are then used to formulate a refined model that incorporates the probability densities directly within the model using homogenization methods. We focus on the uncertainty of the viscoelastic aspect of the model to show under what regimes does the stochastic homogenization framework provides improvements in predicting viscoelastic constitutive behavior. It is show that VHB has a relatively narrow probability distribution on the viscoelastic time constants. This supports use of a discrete viscoelastic model over the homogenized model.
The liquidity effects of revisions to the S&P 500 index: an empirical analysis

Abstract We study liquidity effects following S&P 500 index revisions. Using a recent sample of S&P 500 additions, we find a sustained increase in the liquidity of the added stocks. Further, the improvement in the liquidity of added stocks is due primarily to a decrease in the direct cost of transacting and a smaller decline in the asymmetric information component. Finally, the event period cumulative abnormal returns for additions are significantly associated with the decrease in the effective spread, particularly the decline in the direct cost of transacting. In contrast, the liquidity of deleted stocks declines over the three months following deletion.
Relationship between analgesia and cardiovascular changes induced by electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic periaqueductal gray matter in the rat.

Abstract Analgesia and cardiovascular changes produced by electrical stimulation of the midbrain periaqueductal gray matter were examined in the lightly pentobarbital-anesthetized rat. The current intensity required to elicit analgesia was first determined, using the tailflick test, after which the effects on arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded from stimulating at the same intensity. Intensity thresholds for decreases and/or increases in arterial pressure were also ascertained at the same sites. Although stimulation at the analgesia threshold produced increases in arterial pressure at more than 60% of the sites within the periaqueductal gray, decreases, no change, and mixed responses were also observed. Below the periaqueductal gray, increases in arterial pressure occurred at analgesia threshold for more than 70% of the sites studied, and no cardiovascular changes were found for 20% of the sites. Above the periaqueductal gray, no changes and mixed responses were the predominant effects at analgesia threshold. A correlation across sites within the periaqueductal gray was found between the threshold for stimulation-produced analgesia and the threshold for a change in arterial pressure. No reliable alterations in heart rate were observed at any stimulation site. These results are in agreement with the existence of a common midbrain substrate for both the regulation of pain inhibition and cardiovascular function. However, they indicate that analgesia resulting from stimulation of the periaqueductal gray matter does not necessarily occur concurrently with an increase in arterial pressure.
Effect of zinc supplementation on incidence of infections and hospital admissions in sickle cell disease (SCD).

Zinc deficiency is a common nutritional problem in adult sickle-cell disease (SCD) patients. Hyperzincuria and increased requirement of zinc due to continued hemolysis in SCD are probable bases for zinc deficiency in these patients. Zinc deficiency affects adversely T-helper1 (TH1) functions and cell mediated immunity and interleukin (IL)-2 production is decreased in zinc deficient subjects. We hypothesized that zinc supplementation will improve T-helper1 function and decrease incidence of infections in patients with SCD. We tested this hypothesis in 32 SCD subjects who were divided in three groups (Grs A, B, and C). Grs A (n = 11) and B (n = 10) were zinc deficient based on cellular zinc criteria and Gr C (n = 11) were zinc sufficient. Gr A subjects were observed for 1 year (baseline), following which they received zinc acetate (50 to 75 mg of elemental zinc orally daily) for 3 years. Gr B subjects were observed for 1 year (baseline), following which they received placebo for 1 year and then switched to zinc supplementation (50 to 75 mg of elemental zinc orally daily) for 2 years. Gr C subjects did not receive any intervention inasmuch as they were zinc sufficient. Prolonged zinc supplementation resulted in an increase in lymphocyte and granulocyte zinc (P = 0.0001), and an increase in interleukin-2 production (P = 0.0001), decreased incidence of documented bacteriologically positive infections (P = 0.0026), decreased number of hospitalizations and decreased number of vaso-occlusive pain crisis (P = 0.0001). The predominant pathogens isolated were staphylococci and streptococci involving the respiratory tract and aerobic gram-negative bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli, involving the urinary tract. Further confirmation of our observations will require prospective studies of zinc supplementation in a larger number of SCD patients.