cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of carbon starvation on stress resistance, survival in soil habitats and biocontrol ability of Pseudomonas putida strain 2C8

Abstract Exposure to carbon-limited growth conditions has been shown to induce resistance to a variety of environmental stresses in bacteria. Adaptation to nutrient-limited conditions by repeated culture on soil agar media was found to induce resistance to osmotic tension, oxidative stress and carbon limited culture conditions in Pseudomonas putida strain 2C8. Rifampicin resistant derivatives of strain 2C8 adapted to nutrient-limited conditions (strains 2C8-26Arif and 2C8-28Crif) did not exhibit enhanced survival in bulk soil relative to the parental strain. However, colonization of the apple rhizosphere by 2C8-26Arif and 2C8-28Crif was superior to that of the parental strain, 2C8rif. Improved colonization of the apple rhizosphere was not the result of an elevated ability to utilize apple root exudates as a sole carbon source. Enhanced colonization of the rhizosphere by carbon starved derivatives of 2C8rif was associated with improved biological control of Rhizoctonia root rot of apple caused by an introduced strain of Rhizoctonia solani AG 5. These findings demonstrate that inoculum production conditions can significantly alter the survival and efficacy of strain 2C8, and should be carefully considered in optimizing the use of this biocontrol rhizobacterium.
New Einstein metrics on 8#(S2×S3)

Abstract We show that #8( S 2 × S 3 ) admits two 8-dimensional complex families of inequivalent non-regular Sasakian–Einstein structures. These are the first known non-regular Sasakian–Einstein metrics on this 5-manifold.
National Survey of Preventive Health Services in US Emergency Departments

Study objective We describe the availability of preventive health services in US emergency departments (EDs), as well as ED directors' preferred service and perceptions of barriers to offering preventive services. Methods Using the 2007 National Emergency Department Inventory (NEDI)–USA, we randomly sampled 350 (7%) of 4,874 EDs. We surveyed directors of these EDs to determine the availability of (1) screening and referral programs for alcohol, tobacco, geriatric falls, intimate partner violence, HIV, diabetes, and hypertension; (2) vaccination programs for influenza and pneumococcus; and (3) linkage programs to primary care and health insurance. ED directors were asked to select the service they would most like to implement and to rate 5 potential barriers to offering preventive services. Results Two hundred seventy-seven EDs (80%) responded across 46 states. Availability of services ranged from 66% for intimate partner violence screening to 19% for HIV screening. ED directors wanted to implement primary care linkage most (17%) and HIV screening least (2%). ED directors "agreed/strongly agreed" that the following are barriers to ED preventive care: cost (74%), increased patient length of stay (64%), lack of follow-up (60%), resource shifting leading to worse patient outcomes (53%), and philosophical opposition (27%). Conclusion Most US EDs offer preventive services, but availability and ED director preference for type of service vary greatly. The majority of EDs do not routinely offer Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–recommended HIV screening. Most ED directors are not philosophically opposed to offering preventive services but are concerned with added costs, effects on ED operations, and potential lack of follow-up.
Effects of viewing an evidence-based video decision aid on patients' treatment preferences for spine surgery.

STUDY DESIGN Secondary analysis within a large clinical trial. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the changes in treatment preference before and after watching a video decision aid as part of an informed consent process. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA A randomized trial with a similar decision aid in herniated disc patients had shown decreased rate of surgery in the video group, but the effect of the video on expressed preferences is not known. METHODS Subjects enrolling in the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) with intervertebral disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or degenerative spondylolisthesis at 13 multidisciplinary spine centers across the United States were given an evidence-based videotape decision aid viewed prior to enrollment as part of informed consent. RESULTS Of the 2505 patients, 86% (n = 2151) watched the video and 14% (n = 354) did not. Watchers shifted their preference more often than nonwatchers (37.9% vs. 20.8%, P < 0.0001) and more often demonstrated a strengthened preference (26.2% vs. 11.1%, P < 0.0001). Among the 806 patients whose preference shifted after watching the video, 55% shifted toward surgery (P = 0.003). Among the 617 who started with no preference, after the video 27% preferred nonoperative care, 22% preferred surgery, and 51% remained uncertain. CONCLUSION After watching the evidence-based patient decision aid (video) used in SPORT, patients with specific lumbar spine disorders formed and/or strengthened their treatment preferences in a balanced way that did not appear biased toward or away from surgery.
Prognostic significance of clinicopathologic and deoxyribonucleic acid flow cytometric variables in non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the modern era

Abstract Objective The prognostic value of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ploidy in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not well-defined among modern surgical nephrectomy series. We sought to determine which variables correlated with overall survival and recurrence-free survival in the modern era. Methods We reviewed all patients from 1992 to 2000, who prospectively had DNA ploidy analysis of their primary tumor determined at the time of nephrectomy for nonmetastatic RCC. Variables examined included age, gender, ethnicity, presentation (incidental vs. symptomatic), preoperative laboratory studies, American Society for Anesthesiology class, tumor size, tumor-nodes-metastasis stage, histology, Fuhrman grade, and diploid versus nondiploid tumor. Statistical analyses of overall survival and recurrence-free survival were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox regression model using commercially available software. Results Sixty men and 41 women, median age 61 years (range, 23–85), were included. Pathologic stage included T1 (54 patients), T2 (14), and T3 (33). Eighty-four patients had conventional RCC. A total of 58 patients had well-differentiated (Fuhrman Grade 1 [12] or Grade 2 [46]), 28 had moderately differentiated (Grade 3), 12 had poorly differentiated tumors (Grade 4), and 3 were not specified. There were 52 patients who had diploid tumors, and 49 had aneuploid tumors. Median follow-up was 39 months (range, 0–109). Actuarial 5-year overall survival was 70%, and 5-year recurrence-free survival was 76%. Diploid tumors were significantly associated with better recurrence-free survival ( P = 0.02) but not overall survival ( P = 0.17). On multivariate analysis, the American Society for Anesthesiology class ( P = 0.01), abnormal preoperative platelet count ( P = 0.03), and tumor differentiation ( P = 0.01) were independent predictors of overall survival, whereas only tumor differentiation ( P = 0.05) was an independent predictor of recurrence-free survival. Conclusions In the modern era, DNA ploidy is not an independent predictor of either overall survival or recurrence-free survival in patients with nonmetastatic RCC. The most important predictor of recurrence-free survival is tumor differentiation.
Discounting health: the issue of subsistence and care in an undeveloped country.

Abstract The concept “discounting health” is proposed as a heuristic model for analysis of differing perceptions concerning “cost-benefit”, as these relate to systems of health care. This procedure became necessary during analysis of data gathered in rural Ethiopia to measure the effectiveness of new Health Centers. Ethnological research accompanying the quantitative study of health attitudes found that “subsistence anxiety” dominated all other concerns of the majority in the rural areas. The landless peasant sharecropper and his divorced wife represent the most prevalent social problem in Ethiopia. Holistic solutions should include some form of social security and safe wells, so that the population can stop “discounting health”.
Nuclear form factors for the scattering of weakly interacting massive particles

Abstract We discuss the scattering of supersymmetric dark matter particles from nuclei at nonzero momentum transfer. After a brief treatment of spin-independent form factors, we carefully formulate the spin-dependent scattering problem. We conclude with a calculation of a spin-dependent cross section in 131Xe; it falls as the momentum transfer increases, but more slowly than the spin-independent cross section.
Modeling dynamic reciprocity: Engineering three-dimensional culture models of breast architecture, function, and neoplastic transformation

In order to understand why cancer develops as well as predict the outcome of pharmacological treatments, we need to model the structure and function of organs in culture so that our experimental manipulations occur under physiological contexts. This review traces the history of the development of a prototypic example, the three-dimensional (3D) model of the mammary gland acinus. We briefly describe the considerable information available on both normal mammary gland function and breast cancer generated by the current model and present future challenges that will require an increase in its complexity. We propose the need for engineered tissues that faithfully recapitulate their native structures to allow a greater understanding of tissue function, dysfunction, and potential therapeutic intervention.
Physicians are less willing to treat suicidal ideation in older patients.

OBJECTIVE: Older adults have the highest rate of suicide of any age group, and reducing the number of late-life suicides has become a national priority. The objective of this study was to determine if an age bias exists among primary care physicians when they contemplate treating suicidal patients. DESIGN: Primary care providers were mailed one of two case vignettes of a suicidal, depressed patient. The only difference between the two vignettes was the age of the patient (38 or 78 years old) and employment status (employed vs retired as a factory worker). A questionnaire was included to determine provider recognition of suicidal ideation, and a scale was designed to detect willingness to treat the vignette patient. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Physicians were selected randomly from the University of California, San Francisco physician roster and invited to participate in the study. A total of 342 physicians (63% response rate), including specialists, responded to the mailings. For this study, the responses of 215 primary care physicians were analyzed. INTERVENTION: The randomly assigned experimental group received a vignette of a geriatric, retired patient who was depressed and suicidal (n = 100 participants). The control group received an identical but younger, employed patient (n = 115 participants). MEASUREMENTS: A 21-item Suicidal Patient Treatment Scale measured willingness to treat the suicidal patient. RESULTS: The physicians in this study recognized depression and suicidal risk in both the adult and the geriatric vignette, but they reported less willingness to treat the older suicidal patient compared with the younger patient. The physicians were more likely to feel that suicidal ideation on the part of the older patient was rational and normal. They were less willing to use therapeutic strategies to help the older patient, and they were not optimistic that psychiatrists or psychologists could help the suicidal patient. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that primary care physicians are capable of recognizing suicidal ideation but are less willing to treat it if the patient is older and retired. Future research needs to determine etiologic factors for this age bias. Language: en
Influence of nucleon mean-free paths on intranuclear cascade results

Abstract Results of the intranuclear cascade calculation are compared for 62 MeV protons on 89 Y and 54 Fe targets. Standard calculations and results with mean free paths increased fourfold are compared. The latter set gives poorer results versus experimental data due to an overestimate of nuclear transparency.
Role of fibroblast growth factor signaling in vascular formation and maintenance: orchestrating signaling networks as an integrated system

The vascular system has begun to be perceived as a dynamic organ actively controlling a wide variety of physiological processes. The structural and functional integrity of blood vessels, regulated by signaling activities finely modulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, is crucial for vessel physiology, as well as basic functionality of the tissue. Throughout the process of new vessel formation, while blood vessels are actively reorganized and remodeled with migration and proliferation of vascular cells, maintenance of vascular barrier function is essentially important. These conflicting properties, i.e., dynamic cellular mobilization and maintenance of barrier integrity, are simultaneously achieved through the interaction of highly organized signaling networks governing coordinated cell-cell interplay. Recent evidence suggests that the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) system plays a regulatory role in several physiological conditions in the vascular system. In this article, we will attempt to summarize current knowledge in order to understand the mechanism of this coordination and evaluate the pivotal role of FGF signaling in integrating a diverse range of signaling events in vascular growth and maintenance.
Abdominal pain and seizures in a young man

Summary Dr Davis: This case clearly illustrates that the emergency physician must be aware not only of surgical causes of the acute abdomen, but should also be cognizant of treatable medical causes of abdominal pain (Figure 1). The diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria should be considered in any patient with recurrent episodes of abdominal pain and constipation that begin after the onset of puberty. This is particularly true if neurologie symptoms accompany these complaints. The diagnosis of acute porphyria can be established quickly with the performance of a Watson-Schwartz test on the patient's urine. The emergency physician must remember the factors that can precipitate attacks in individuals known to have the disease. In particular, the physician must avoid the use of medications known to exacerbate acute intermittent porphyria (Figure 4). Caution must be exercised in evaluating patients with this disease when viral or bacterial infection are present. Subtle signs of an acute attack must be sought and, if present, admission to the hospital should be consid ered. Patients who are not admitted should be advised tc maintain a high carbohydrate intake. Finally, the emergency physician must be aware of the medications that can be used safely during an acute attack of porphyria. These include meperidine and morphine to control of abdominal pain, chlorpromazine, and other phe nothiazines for nausea and vomiting, and diazepam to reverse acute seizure activity.
Mutagenic and carcinogenic potency of extracts of diesel and related environmental emissions: Two-stage carcinogenesis in skin tumor sensitive mice (SENCAR)

Skin tumors can be induced by the sequential application of a subthreshold dose of a carcinogen (initiation phase), followed by repetitive treatment with a noncarcinogenic tumor promoter. There is a very good dose-response relationship between the induction of the number of papillomas per mouse at early times (10 to 20 weeks) by either tumor initiators and promoters and the final carcinoma incidence after a longer latency (20 to 50 weeks) in SENCAR mice. This system not only can be used to determine the tumor initiating and promoting activities of a compound but if the agent is given repeatedly by itself one can also determine if it is a complete carcinogen, i.e., if it has both tumor initiating and promoting activity. In addition, if the agent is given concurrently with a known complete carcinogen or a tumor initiator one can also determine if the agent has cocarcinogenic or cotumor initiating activity or even possibly anticarcinogenic activity. Likewise, if the agent is given concurrently with a known tumor promoter one can determine if the agent has copromoting or antipromoting activity. Using the SENCAR skin carcinogenesis system we have undertaken the determination of the skin carcinogenic, cocarcinogenic, tumor initiating and promoting activities of various diesel emission particle extracts as well as for comparative purposes, standards such as benzo(a)pyrene and 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate and extracts of emissions from a gasoline engine, roofing tar, coke oven and cigarette smoke condensate. Most of the studies are still in progress but some preliminary data is available on the comparative tumor initiating activities of the various samples at 14 weeks. Caterpillar diesel and cigarette smoke condensate were essentially without activity, whereas the Mustang gasoline catalyst and Olds diesel gave extremely low values although they were slightly above background. Roofing tar, coke oven and Nissan Diesel all gave moderate activity at high doses (1 to 10 mg) but when compared to benzo(a)pyrene were relatively low values.
GALAXY BIAS AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE BARYON ACOUSTIC OSCILLATION MEASUREMENTS

The baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) feature in the clustering of matter in the universe serves as a robust standard ruler and hence can be used to map the expansion history of the universe. We use high force resolution simulations to analyze the effects of galaxy bias on the measurements of the BAO signal. We apply a variety of Halo Occupation Distributions (HODs) and produce biased mass tracers to mimic different galaxy populations. We investigate whether galaxy bias changes the nonlinear shifts on the acoustic scale relative to the underlying dark matter distribution presented by Seo et al. For the less biased HOD models (b 3) show a shift at moderate significance (0.79% {+-} 0.31% for the most extreme case). We test the one-step reconstruction technique introduced by Eisenstein et al. in the case of realistic galaxy bias and shot noise. The reconstruction scheme increases the correlation between the initial and final (z = 1) density fields, achieving an equivalent level of correlation at nearly twice the wavenumber after reconstruction. Reconstruction reducesmore » the shifts and errors on the shifts. We find that after reconstruction the shifts from the galaxy cases and the dark matter case are consistent with each other and with no shift. The 1{sigma} systematic errors on the distance measurements inferred from our BAO measurements with various HODs after reconstruction are about 0.07%-0.15%.« less
Dynamic decision making in the brain

How do we make decisions? A study uses MEG to provide the spatial as well as the temporal resolution needed to answer this question, together with computational modeling, which allows for complex non-linear decision models. This work helps resolve some of the seemingly contradictory results from previous work.
Specular and diffuse reflectivity from thin films containing misfit dislocations

Abstract We discuss the effects of misfit dislocations on the specular and diffuse scattering observed in X-ray reflectivity at the Bragg reflections of thin films. Using experimental results from ErAs/GaAs(001), it is shown that an interfacial displacement-difference correlation function can be used to model the scattering from misfit dislocations. We find that the diffuse scattering is correlation-length-limited for weak disorder whereas it has a rotational character for strong disorder. It is suggested that the correlation length arises from the elastic image field of a misfit dislocation.
Estrogen action in the mouse uterus: An additional nuclear event

Abstract An in vivo injection of 3 H-estradiol to an ovariectomized mouse resulted in the appearance of two increases of nuclear receptor: the first at 1 hr and the second occurring at approximately 7–8 hrs post-injection. These findings were substantiated by quantifying cytoplasmic and nuclear receptor levels with the exchange assay after injections of unlabeled estradiol. Cytosol receptor levels were depleted at 0.5–1 hr and replenished from 2–10 hr with values at 15–24 hr significantly greater than those at zero time. Nuclear receptors decreased precipitously to near control values after the initial translocation event. At 7–8 hr a second smaller nuclear increase occurred which then declined to near zero levels. Both of these nuclear events appear to be dose related. Similar experiments using cycloheximide did not abolish either of these events, but did significantly diminish the cytosol receptor replenishment.
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION AND GENETIC VARIATION IN THE SUBAERIAL ALGA CEPHALEUROS VIRESCENS (ULVOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA)

Cephaleuros virescens is a pantropical subaerial green alga with no known long-range dispersal mechanisms. Sexual reproduction is relatively rare and may involve intragametangial fusion of identical, mitotically produced gametes. This situation may be a consequence of adaptation to the subaerial habitat. Genetic variation among populations of C. virescens may be very low and might be positively correlated to the distance (hence, time) separating populations. Thus, assessing the global biogeography of C. virescens requires analysis of what might be low levels of variation. Because C. virescens occurs on literally hundreds of different host species, the question of host-races must also be considered. Preliminary analysis of local populations of C. virescens, originally obtained as field collections from three different host species and subsequently raised in culture, is the first step in addressing the biogeography of this alga. We are using the AFLP plant mapping protocol by PE Applied Biosystems to detect genetic variability in the three isolates of C. virescens. AFLP is a PCR-based DNA fingerprinting technique that detects the presence or absence of restriction fragments rather than fragment length differences. Because the number of restriction fragments that can be detected with the AFLP technique is “virtually unlimited,” it is a very powerful tool for assessing the degree of relatedness or variability among cultivars or isolates. AFLP techniques have been used successfully to distinguish morphologically identical bacteria, determine relatedness among soybean accessions, reveal genetic variability within bee samples, and identifyfall armyworm strains and hybrids.
Organization of cardiovascular nuclear medicine units

Progress in the development of cardiovascular nuclear medicine can be accelerated by close cooperation between cardiologists and nuclear medicine physicians in the planning, performance and interpretation of diagnostic tracer studies. The special needs of patients with acute cardiovascular disorders often require supplementation of the hospital's central nuclear medical facility with one or more satellite units in or near the coronary care unit, cardiac operating suite, postoperative intensive care unit or emergency room. Newly emerging noninvasive cardiac diagnostic laboratories should be equipped to perform certain nuclear medicine procedures. Selected nuclear diagnostic procedures also can provide useful supplemental information during cardiac catheterization and angiography.
Latency hiding by redundant processing: a technique for grid-enabled, iterative, synchronous parallel programs

The increase in interconnected computational resources brought about by the Grid creates the possibility to port multiple parallel programming techniques to it. Porting parallel applications to the Grid could reduce the total computation time, or it could be used to create solutions with higher degrees of resolution. However, the Grid brings with it network state conditions that all too often work to the detriment of expediency in parallel applications. This paper proposes an algorithm designed to significantly reduce the amount of Wide Area Network (WAN) latency experienced when running an interactive synchronous parallel program on the Grid. The algorithm is called Latency Hiding by Redundant Processing (LHRP) and in tests done on two Grid nodes with emulated latency, it complemented Latency Hiding (LH) by performing better than LH on jobs with low internal computation time and performing worst than LH when the computation time was enough to hide the latency.
Rheology of high solid coatings. II. Analysis of combined sagging and leveling

The rheology of combined sagging and leveling of high solid coatings is analyzed in terms of non-Newtonian power-law model. The results indicate that, in order to have good leveling, good sag control, and good sprayability at the same time, high solid coatings should have pseudoplastic rheology with power constant of about 0.5 and viscosity at sec-1 of about 50 poises. This theoretical prediction is confirmed experimentally.
Ego defects in nonpsychotic adolescents

The adolescent psychiatric patient must be considered on the basis of his ego maturity and integration and his relationship ability. There is a distinct group of adolescent patients who present a bizarre symptom pattern which is not psychotic but is reflective rather of their stunted ego growth. It is necessary to distinguish such patients because the total treatment program and eventual prognosis differs greatly with them as compared with schizophrenic patients or patients with established character disorders.
1/f2 Noise and Electromigration in Al-Cu Interconnects

Electromigration in Al-1.5%Cu interconnects was studied using a direct current (d.c.) induced 1/f2 noise spectrum. The interconnects were fabricated with a multi-step sputter deposition process, with deposition temperatures of 25°C, 300° C, and 475°C. The resulting microstructures were analyzed using SEM and TEM, and grain size distribution parameters were measured. The minimum temperature at which 1/f2 noise could be detected was found to depend on the deposition temperature; for the 25°C, 300°C, and 475°C depositions the lowest temperature at which 1/f2 noise could be measured was 190°C, 220°C, and 265°C, respectively. The activation energy of 1/f2 noise was measured and compared with the electromigration activation energy. The noise activation energy was found to depend on deposition temperature; 0.56 eV, 0.64 eV, and 0.96 eV for the 25°C, 300°C, and 475° C depositions, respectively. SEM analysis of the samples after measurement show initial stages of void and hillock formation. Corresponding electromigration activation energies, 0.56 eV, 0.69 eV, and 1.04 eV were also dependent on deposition temperature. Noise measurements of interconnects made prior to electromigration testing were highly correlated with the electromigration failure times.
The response of Candida utilis and Escherichia coli to 4-aminopyrazolo (3,4-d) pyrimindine.

Abstract The inhibition of growth of Candida utilis by 4-aminopyrazolo(3,4-d)pyrimidine (4-APP) has been observed in simple glucose-nitrate and glucose-ammonia media. Effective inhibition by the antimetabolite may be obtained at concentrations as low as 5.4 × 10−6 M. The inhibition can be overcome by adenine, adenosine, hypoxanthine, thiamine, or pyridoxine. The rates at which these metabolites act lead to the proposal that the primary site of action of the inhibitors is in purine metabolism. Spectrophotometric data indicate that no measureable alteration or oxidation of 4-APP by C. utilis or Escherichia coli occurs.
Body size estimation in anorexia nervosa: A brief review of findings from 2003 through 2013

Body size overestimation is a fundamental feature in anorexia nervosa (AN). The extent or even existence of body size overestimation in AN is controversial. The most recent review (Farrell et al., 2005) found that only half the studies reported overestimation of body size in individuals diagnosed with AN. The remaining studies found no overestimation or in some instances underestimation. The discrepancy in these findings has been attributed to the wide variety of assessment techniques that are used, including many with questionable psychometric properties. We review all 9 contemporary studies conducted in this area since the last review in 2005. For each study we describe the number of participants, methodology, reliability/validity data, amount of whole body distortion, effect sizes, and a summary of findings. In all studies that included a healthy control group, individuals with AN overestimated their whole body size more than healthy controls did. The difference was significant in all except two studies. Based on these contemporary findings, we conclude that individuals with AN overestimate their body size and that the greater consistency of findings in the studies conducted over the last decade is attributable to the use of improved methodologies and assessment tools with documented psychometric properties.
Effect of viscosity on ultrasound wave reflection from a solid/liquid interface

A study of the simulated reflection of a wideband ultrasound shear wave from the solid/viscous fluid interface is presented. Various parameters affecting reflection factors including the material properties of the solid, fluid properties like density and viscosity, and the operating frequency are discussed. Simulated ultrasonic response waveforms are compared with the experimentally obtained data for NIST traceable calibration standards of viscosity. A good agreement was observed between the simulated and experimental waveforms at various viscosities and for different solid substrates.
Multivalent Fvs: characterization of single-chain Fv oligomers and preparation of a bispecific Fv

Single-chain Fv proteins are known to aggregate and form multimeric species. We report here that these molecules represent a new class of molecular assembly, which we have termed multivalent Fvs. Each binding site in a multivalent Fv comprises the variable light-chain (VL) domain from a single-chain Fv, and the variable heavy-chain (VH) domain from a second single-chain Fv. Each single-chain Fv in a multivalent Fv is part of two binding sites. We have characterized the multivalent forms of the 4-4-20, CC49 and B6.2 sFvs. The degree of multivalent Fv formation is linker-dependent. Multivalent Fvs cannot form in the absence of an intact linker. Multivalent Fvs can be stabilized by their antigen. The conversion between different forms of the multivalent Fvs can be catalyzed by disassociating agents such as 0.5 M guanidine hydrochloride with 20% ethanol. Multivalent Fvs have significantly different stabilities depending on the specific variable domains from which they are constructed. Two models have been proposed for the structure of a multivalent Fv. We have tested each model by attempting to produce a heterodimer from the anti-fluorescein 4-4-20 and anti-tumor CC49 variable regions. We successfully produced a 4-4-20/CC49 heterodimer that comprises two mixed sFvs. The first mixed sFv is composed of the 4-4-20 VL domain, a 12 residue linker and the CC49 Vh domain. The second mixed sFv is composed of a CC49 VL domain, a 12 residue linker and the 4-4-20 VH domain. The 4-4-20/CC49 heterodimer bound both fluorescein and the tumor-associated glycoprotein-72 antigen. These results support a VH/VL 'rearrangement' model in which each variable domain of a multivalent Fv binding site comes from a different polypeptide chain.
Retrieval of artificial facts from long-term memory

This paper deals with how properties of a referential noun are organized and retrieved from long-term memory. In two experiments S judged the truth or falsity of previously learned artificial facts, each fact consisting of a noun from a natural language hierarchy paired with an arbitrary digit, e.g., Bird-2. Experiment I used a two-level hierarchy and the results were consistent with Collins and Quillian's (1969) model which assumes that those properties of a noun which are also properties of its superordinate are stored with and retrieved from the superordinate. Experiment II used a three-level hierarchy and the results were inconsistent with Collins and Quillian's model, but rather supported a model in which all properties of a noun are stored with and retrieved from that noun. A resolution of the present results with those of Collins and Quillian (1969) was discussed.
Employing shimming for clamping compliant sheet-metal parts

The purpose of clamping is to hold the part against locators and to resist the effects of manufacturing process forces. As initial matching gaps exist between the part and the locators, these gaps are forced to close during the clamping action by deforming the part to the nominal position. This is especially true for compliant sheet-metal parts. One way to reduce clamping deformation is to apply shim spacers between the part and its corresponding clamp, which slightly changes the normal clamping position of the part. However, it is generally very time-consuming to determine the optimal shim size for each clamp. An algorithm for clamp shimming optimisation is proposed in this paper. Application results of an industrial part demonstrated that the proposed algorithm effectively achieves the objective.
Virtual reality simulation of 5dof upper-limb rehabilitant robot based on repetitive control

In this paper, aiming at control method and treatment of upper-limb rehabilitant robot, establish the virtual reality simulation model for 5dof upper-limb rehabilitant robot based on repetitive control, analyzing simulation result. The simulation results show that control accuracy takes the precedence over the traditional methods and it has a fast convergence speed and good stability. The virtual-reality simulation of 5dof upper-limb rehabilitation robot based on repetitive control, which is benefit to understand the complex relationships among the objects, can emulate the features of real rehabilitation robot, laying a solid foundation for rehabilitation evaluation system and telemedicine.
Effect of acute and prolonged alcohol administration on Mg2+ homeostasis in cardiac cells

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy represents a major clinical complication in chronic alcoholics. Previous studies from our laboratory indicate that acute and chronic exposure of liver cells to ethanol results in a major loss of cellular Mg(2+) as a result of alcohol oxidation. We investigated whether exposure to ethanol induces a similar Mg(2+) loss in cardiac cells. The results indicate that chronic exposure to a 6% ethanol-containing diet depleted cardiac myocytes of >25% of their cellular Mg(2+) content. Acute ethanol exposure, instead, induced a time- and dose-dependent manner of Mg(2+) extrusion from perfused hearts and collagenase-dispersed cardiac ventricular myocytes. Pretreatment with chlormethiazole prevented ethanol-induced Mg(2+) loss to a large extent, suggesting a role of ethanol oxidation via cyP4502E1 in the process. Magnesium extrusion across the sarcolemma occurred via the amiloride-inhibited Na(+)/Mg(2+) exchanger. Taken together, our data indicate that Mg(2+) extrusion also occurs in cardiac cells exposed to ethanol as a result of alcohol metabolism by cyP4502E1. The extrusion, which is mediated by the Na(+)/Mg(2+) exchanger, only occurs at doses of ethanol ≥0.1%, and depends on ethanol-induced decline in cellular ATP. The significance of Mg(2+) extrusion for the onset of alcoholic cardiomyopathy remains to be elucidated.
Demythification of electroproduction local duality and precocious scaling

In an effort to develop a quantitative check of asymptotically free color-gauge theories, we analyze the logarithmic corrections to ξ-scaling coming from anomalous dimensions and coefficient functions of twist-two operators and compare with electroproduction data for 1 ⩽ Q^2 ⩽ 16 GeV^2. Excellent agreement is obtained using g^2(2 GeV)4π^2 = 0.17 for the effective quark-gluon coupling in the color-gauge theory. Effects of higher-twist operators are suppressed by powers of M_0^2Q^2. We use data from the resonance region to show M_0 ⋍ 400 MeV, in agreement with theoretical expectations. Our fit to νW_2 in the scaling region also describes the resonance region in the sense of Bloom-gilman local duality. We show that local duality is a consequence of the moment predictions obtained from the operator-product expansion in quantum chromodynamics. We resolve a paradox associated with local duality and spin-zero targets. Present measurements of R = σLσT at large x and Q^2 are systematically higher than our predictions.
Dose‐Dependent Response to Phenylpropanolamine: Inhibition of Orthostasis

Phenylpropanolamine, a widely consumed over-the-counter drug, is known to elevate blood pressure, but the mechanism is unknown; it may be both a direct and indirect sympathomimetic. This study investigated the effects of 75-mg sustained-release phenylpropanolamine, 75-mg phenylpropanolamine plus 400-mg caffeine, and 150-mg phenylpropanolamine on blood pressure, plasma norepinephrine, and epinephrine levels in 16 normotensive subjects in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Mean peak phenylpropanolamine levels of 317 +/- 26, 152 +/- 17, and 157 +/- 17 ng/mL for 150-mg phenylpropanolamine, 75-mg phenylpropanolamine, and 75-mg phenylpropanolamine plus 400-mg caffeine, respectively, were reached at about 3.6 hours after dosing. The maximal increases in supine diastolic blood pressures after all three phenylpropanolamine-containing drugs were almost three times that after placebo (P less than .05), but peak blood pressures occurred at about 2.3 hours earlier than peak phenylpropanolamine levels. Blood pressure increases correlated with phenylpropanolamine plasma levels (r = .49 for systolic blood pressure and r = .34 for diastolic blood pressure; P less than .0001 for both). Norepinephrine levels increased after the administration of 150-mg phenylpropanolamine and 75-mg phenylpropanolamine plus 400-mg caffeine; norepinephrine increases correlated with phenylpropanolamine levels (r = .34, P less than .0001). The expected increment in norepinephrine induced by standing was significantly decreased by phenylpropanolamine in a dose-dependent mode. The study supports the idea that phenylpropanolamine as both a direct (at alpha -1 and alpha-2 receptors) and an indirect sympathomimetic agent.
ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECTS OF SODIUM AND OTHER IONS IN FOODS: A REVIEW

Salt or sodium chloride (NaCl) is a common ingredient in many processed foods, and especially in cured meats. In addition to flavoring and functional contributions, NaCl is believed to play an important antimicrobial role in these products. The antimicrobial activity of NaCl is reviewed in light of currrent calls for a reduction of Na+ in the human diet due to health reasons, and the possible replacement of NaCl in processed foods with chloride salts of other ions (i.e. KCl, MgCl2, CaCl2). Factors interacting with NaCl and complicating the nature of the preservative system in processed foods are examined; recent work with alternative chloride salts is summarized; complex solute-water activity interactions are highlighted; and, several important factors are considered in relation to the antimicrobial effects of NaCl and the possibility of its replacement with other chloride salts.
Orthogonal spatial coding in indoor wireless optical link reducing power and bandwidth requirements

Although uniform distribution of optical power is one of the main requirements for multi-access support in a wireless optical link, Multi Spot Diffusing Configuration (MSDC) provides uniformity along with spatial independence that allows spatial diversity techniques over the link. Independent spatial channels are generated by a multibeam transmitter producing spatially confined diffusing spots, and a multibranch receiver with narrow field-of-view branches. In this paper, we propose an orthogonal spatial coding technique that utilizes the independence of channels to reduce power and bandwidth requirements. The technique is based on treating the m channels between a transmitter and a receiver as an m-dimensional space. Thus, enabling data transmission through varying signal level and its location in space. Our study shows that using 8 channels, the proposed technique enables transmission at rates 10 and 12 times higher than combining when power per channel and user are constrained, respectively.
Vibrational Excitation and Compound States in NO

The cross section for elastic scattering by electron impact on NO shows resonances in the energy range 0-2 eV. These resonances, with a spacing of about 0.16 eV (${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{e}=0.17$ eV), are associated with vibrational levels of ${\mathrm{NO}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and there is a near-coincidence in energy between the 4th vibrational state of NO and the 6th vibrational state of ${\mathrm{NO}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. The width of these resonances increases monotonically from 0.02 to 0.10 eV as the vibrational quantum number of ${\mathrm{NO}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ goes from 1 to 6. The energy dependence of the vibrational cross sections exhibits peaks at the positions of these resonances, and the magnitude of these peaks is measured. The vibrational states of ${\mathrm{NO}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ can decay by the emission of an electron into various vibrational levels of NO. The branching ratio for a few of these decays is measured. A potential energy diagram of ${\mathrm{NO}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ is drawn, using the experimental evidence.
Alternate tracking schemes for reducing fade probability

Correlation tracking is investigated as a method for reducing fade probability in free-space laser communication (LaserCom) systems. Challenging operating scenarios can lead to spot breakup in the focal plane image. During moments of spot breakup a traditional centroid tracker can force an intensity valley to the on-axis position and cause unnecessary drops in received power. We investigate alternate tracking schemes to specifically prevent the occurrence of this detrimental mode of operation. Correlation tracking is proposed and evaluated as one approach for improving performance in terms of fade probability. From a broader perspective, we also begin to investigate the phenomenology of deep fades. This approach may lead to additional methods to improve performance in situations where fade probability is the metric of interest.
Seeing for the state: the role of social scientists in China's ethnic classification project

This article proposes a new understanding of the Ethnic Classification project (minzu shibie) undertaken in China's southwesternmost province of Yunnan in 1954 – a project in which social scientists and Communist Party cadres set out to determine which of the dozens, if not hundreds, of minority communities in the province would be officially recognized by the state. Specifically, this article argues that ethnologists and linguists played a far greater role in the Classification and early Chinese Communist governmentality than is typically assumed. The Chinese Communists did not teach themselves how to ‘see like a state,’ to use James Scott's formulation, at least not when it came to the fundamentally important problem of ethnic categorization. To the contrary, the history of the Classification project is one of an inexperienced Chinese state that was able to orient itself only by observing the world through the eyes of its social scientific advisors. The ‘mentality’ within early Chinese Communist Party (...
Polyaniline nanofiber-silica composite aerogels

Abstract Strong, electrically conducting aerogels were prepared by introducing polyaniline nanofibers to a silica sol just prior to gelation and drying through supercritical carbon dioxide processing. The addition of a few milligrams of polyaniline per cm 3 increased the flexural strength of the cylindrical monoliths by 200%. Using preformed polymeric nanofibers avoided filling of microporosity often observed with polymer reinforcement of aerogels and allowed preparation of polyaniline–silica composite aerogels with surface areas over 900 m 2 /g. Despite the small amount of polyaniline nanofibers (1.3–16.5 wt.%), the composite aerogels were electrically conducting (8.0 × 10 − 8 –1.83 × 10 − 5 S/cm) and it was possible to prepare chemiresistor sensors for detection of acidic (HCl) and basic (ammonia) gaseous molecules with response times similar to thin film sensors containing orders of magnitude more polyaniline.
Congenital osteoma cutis of the lateral canthus

Osteoma cutis is a rare condition involving the formation of bone in skin or subcutaneous tissue. This may be a primary event or, more often, secondary to an inflammatory, traumatic, or neoplastic process. There is little evidence in the literature of this condition involving the eye or ocular adnexal structures. The authors report two remarkably similar cases involving children with congenital isolated osteoma cutis involving the left lateral canthus.
Short-Term Triglyceride Lowering With Fenofibrate Improves Vasodilator Function in Subjects With Hypertriglyceridemia

Objective— The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of lowering plasma triglycerides (TGs) on endothelial function and gain insight into the role played by free fatty acids (FFAs) in hypertriglyceridemia-associated vascular dysfunction. Methods and Results— Eleven hypertriglyceridemic subjects without coronary artery disease, diabetes, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, tobacco use, or hypertension were studied using a randomized, double-blinded, crossover design (fenofibrate and placebo, 14 days). After each regimen, forearm blood flow was assessed by plethysmography in response to arterial acetylcholine, nitroprusside, and verapamil infusion. Hourly plasma TGs, FFA, glucose, and insulin were measured during a 24-hour feeding cycle to characterize the metabolic environment. Changes in plasma FFA after intravenous heparin were used to estimate typical FFA accumulation in the luminal endothelial microenvironment. Fenofibrate lowered plasma TG (P<0.001), total cholesterol (P<0.0...
Confirmation of the Identification of the Major C-29 Hydrocarbons of Sarcina lutea

Abstract Although there is agreement on the fact that Sarcina lutea strain FD-533 has branched C-29 monoalkenes as major hydrocarbon components, there is disagreement in the literature as to the nature of the branching. This has been resolved by analyses of the fatty acids produced by permanganate-periodate treatment of each of the resolvable hydrocarbon fractions making up the C-29 complex. The three major components are identified as doubly branched, Δ13 species with two iso terminations, one iso and one anteiso termination, and two anteiso terminations.
Confocal Imaging of Thermal Lensing Induced by Near-IR Laser Radiation in an Artificial Eye

A custom confocal imaging system was built and used to record a probe beam's spatiotemporal response to a thermal lens induced by a near-IR laser radiation source in a water-filled artificial eye. The IR laser radiation input power levels were varied between 150 and 890 mW at wavelengths of 1110, 1130, 1150 and 1318 nm in order to determine the strength of the resulting thermal lens as a function of time, input power, and wavelength. A high-frame-rate camera captured the probe beam's logarithmic excitation and exponential decay caused by the thermal lens (supplemental video data are provided). Data showed that for equivalent input powers and beam geometries, thermal lensing was strongest for the 1150-nm laser radiation wavelength followed by 1130, 1318 and 1110 nm.