cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of pneumococcal colonization determinants in the stringent response pathway facilitated by genomic diversity

Understanding genetic determinants of a microbial phenotype generally involves creating and comparing isogenic strains differing at the locus of interest, but the naturally existing genomic and phenotypic diversity of microbial populations has rarely been exploited. Here we report use of a diverse collection of 616 carriage isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and their genome sequences to help identify a novel determinant of pneumococcal colonization. A spontaneously arising laboratory variant (SpnYL101) of a capsule-switched TIGR4 strain (TIGR4:19F) showed reduced ability to establish mouse nasal colonization and lower resistance to non-opsonic neutrophil-mediated killing in vitro, a phenotype correlated with in vivo success. Whole genome sequencing revealed 5 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting 4 genes in SpnYL101 relative to its ancestor. To evaluate the effect of variation in each gene, we performed an in silico screen of 616 previously published genome sequences to identify pairs of closely-related, serotype-matched isolates that differ at the gene of interest, and compared their resistance to neutrophil-killing. This method allowed rapid examination of multiple candidate genes and found phenotypic differences apparently associated with variation in SP_1645, a RelA/ SpoT homolog (RSH) involved in the stringent response. To establish causality, the alleles corresponding to SP_1645 were switched between the TIGR4:19F and SpnYL101. The wild-type SP_1645 conferred higher resistance to neutrophil-killing and competitiveness in mouse colonization. Using a similar strategy, variation in another RSH gene (TIGR4 locus tag SP_1097) was found to alter resistance to neutrophil-killing. These results indicate that analysis of naturally existing genomic diversity complements traditional genetics approaches to accelerate genotype-phenotype analysis.
Dynamics of Red Cell Egress from Bone Marrow after Blood Letting

Summary. To study the dynamics of red cell egress from the marrow, the demand for red cell delivery was enhanced in splenectomized rats by removing 25% of the blood volume, which was then immediately replaced by plasma. Within 15 min, packed cell volume declined by 22% of the initial value. Corrected reticulocyte count followed a biphasic pattern: an initial peak amounting to 26% occurred within 4-6 h followed by a more marked peak after 48 h. Quantitative electron microscopy of the marrow sinus wall indicated significant increases in the numbers of reticulocytes and leucocytes in transit after 5 h. Vesicles containing a flocculant substance were seen in the endothelium. The vesicles could cause segmental destabilization of endothelium, providing suitable areas for cell migration. There was also a significant reduction in the mean length of the overlapping segments of the endothelial cells, suggesting that these cells slid over one another to increase the luminal calibre. Within the rigid confines of bones where the marrow volume is fixed, this increase may lead to the displacement of mature haemopoietic cells into the lumen and whence into the circulation.
Banach spaces whose duals are isomorphic to l1(Γ)

Abstract Banach spaces X whose duals are isomorphic or isometric to l 1 ( Γ ) are characterized by certain classes of operators on X . It is proved that a separable, conjugate space isomorphic to a complemented subspace of an L 1 ( S , Σ , μ ) space is isomorphic to l 1 ; a L 1 space contained in a separable, conjugate space is isomorphic to a subspace of l 1 .
Oxidative addition to U(V)-U(V) dimers: facile routes to uranium(VI) bis(imido) complexes.

The ability of dimeric bis(imido) uranium(V) complexes with the general formula [U(NtBu)2(Y)(tBu2bpy)]2 (Y = I (1), SPh (2); tBu2bpy = 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridyl) to behave as two-electron r...
Measurements and calculations of formaldehyde concentrations in a methane/N2/air, non-premixed flame: Implications for heat release rate

Abstract A non-sooting, lifted, methane/air, coflowing, non-premixed flame has been studied experimentally and computationally. The flame structure was computed by solving the fully elliptic governing equations, utilizing a 35 species chemical kinetic mechanism, detailed transport coefficients and an optically thin radiation submodel. Gas temperature, major species mole fractions, and non-fuel hydrocarbon concentrations were experimentally mapped in two dimensions with both probe techniques (coupled to infrared absorption spectroscopy and on-line mass spectrometry) and in situ optical diagnostics (laser-induced fluorescence, Rayleigh and Raman scattering). Contour plots of measured and computed formaldehyde concentrations and fluorescence signals agree well and both revealed a region of intense formaldehyde production near the lifted flame base. High formaldehyde production rates correlated well with regions of high heat release. Further, regions of the dominant formaldehyde formation reaction, CH3 + O = HCHO + H, also correlated with areas of maximum heat release rate.
Ethnic Identity and Its Relation to Self‐Esteem and Ego Identity Among College Students in a Multiethnic Region1

This study investigated the role of ethnic identity in psychological adjustment. A sample of 209 college students in a multiethnic region completed questionnaires on ethnic identity, self-esteem, and ego identity. The results indicated that ethnic identity was positively related to self-esteem, especially with the affirmation and belonging component among Japanese and Filipino American students, and with the ethnic identity achievement component among multiethnic students. The overall relationship between ethnic and ego identities was positive, particularly in ethnic identity achievement scores. The combination of strong ethnic identity and a positive attitude toward other groups was related to advanced ego identity. Ethnic identity was different among ethnic groups, revealing that the development of ethnic identity is interactive in social contexts. Suggestions for future research and implications for multiculturalism are discussed.
Some Problems about Resurrection

Suppose that a person P1 dies some time during 1978. Many years later, the resurrection world, a perennial object of Christian concern, begins on the morning of the day of judgment. On its first morning there are in that world distinct persons, P2 and P3, each of whom is related in remarkably intimate ways to P1. You are to imagine that each of them satisfies each of the criteria or conditions necessary for identity with P1 to some extent, that both of them satisfy these conditions to exactly the same extent, and that every other denizen of the resurrection world satisfies each of these conditions to a lesser extent than P2 and P3 do. Thus, for example, philosophers often claim that bodily continuity is a necessary condition for personal identity. If it is, you might assume that the body P2 has on the morning of the day of judgment contains some of the same atoms the body of P11 contained when P1 died, and that P2's body on that day contains exactly n atoms from P1's body at the time of death just in case P3's body on that day contains exactly n atoms from P1's body at the time of death. Or, again, some philosophers hold that connectedness of memory is necessary for personal identity. If so, you are to suppose that on the morning of the day of judgment P3 seems to remember some of the events in the life of P1 having happened to him, and that P3 seems to remember a certain event in the life of P1 having happened to him just in case P2 seems to remember that very event in the life of P1 having happened to him. You are to fill in the details by adding complete parity between P2 and P3 with respect to similarity of DNA molecules, character traits and whatever else you deem relevant to personal identity. And, finally, you are to complete the story by imagining that P2 and P3 live very different sorts of lives in the resurrection world. To heighten the poignancy of the story, you might imagine that P2 enjoys forever after the beatitude promised to the blessed while P3 suffers the everlasting torments reserved for the damned.
Beyond p < .05: what is the effect size?

High-quality outcomes research is characterized by a sample that is representative of the population with the health or developmental condition of interest, evidence that the intervention was provi...
Evidence for RNA-DNA complexes in haemolytic plaque-forming cells containing ribonuclease resistant RNA.

INCORPORATION of 3H-thymidine into antibody-producing haemolytic plaque-forming cells (p.f.c.) has been interpreted as evidence of DNA synthesis in a proliferating population of antibody-synthesizing cells1–6. Although 3H-5-uridine has been used as the most specific label available for RNA7, 8, there are cells in which its specificity as an RNA precursor is not absolute; because of incorporation into DNA9, 10 through 3H-5-deoxycytidine. The autoradiographic modification2 of the Jerne-Nordin plaque technique11 provides a powerful tool for studying nucleic acid synthesis in a small population of antibody-producing cells amidst large populations of non-antibody-producing cells. Tritiated thymidine and 3H-5-uridine are incorporated specifically into DNA and RNA respectively in this system, though not all RNA in p.f.c. is degradable by ribonuclease. The work described here indicates that resistant RNA is associated with DNA and is more abundant in antibody-producing cells than in non-antibody-producing cells. These findings may offer a clue to mechanisms of antibody formation.
Snap-Through of Shallow Elastic Arches Under End Moments

Snap-through of buckled beams or shallow arches may be utilized in some MEMS devices. Such behavior can be induced by applied moments at the ends. A simply-supported uniform shallow elastic arch is analyzed. For equal end moments, the critical value is compared for arches with a sinusoidal shape, a circular shape, and a shape that maximizes the critical moment. For unequal moments, the effect of the amount of loading asymmetry on the critical value is determined for sinusoidal arches.
An Ex-Ante View of the Battle of the Forms: Inducing Parties to Draft Reasonable Terms

Abstract This paper focuses on one type of ex-ante effect of the battle of the forms: the incentive to draft reasonable boilerplate terms. It argues that the experience with the battle-of-the-forms rule under the CISG reinforces what we already know, that existing legal solutions do not provide any incentive for the parties to draft reasonable forms. The paper suggests that the goal of inducing parties to draft reasonable terms can be significantly promoted by a third rule, a variant of the “best-shot” rule proposed by Victor Goldberg. Under the version labeled the “reasonable-shot” rule, the court would resolve the battle of the forms by choosing the form that contains the more efficient terms. The paper proposes some guidelines on how the “reasonable-shot” could be identified by the court, and argues that there are good reasons to expect that this regime would give parties the incentive to draft reasonable terms. In fact, it is plausible that under this rule the parties’ forms would converge and the battle of the forms would cease to exist.
Adapting the jury trial for program evaluation: A report of an experience☆

A portion of the graduate program in clinical community psychology at SUNY Buffalo was subjected to a jury trial as a form of program evaluation. The theory of the trial as evaluation, the problems of implementation, and a posttrial evaluation are discussed. The trial, while time-consuming, especially in its pretrial phases, has the potential for presenting a dramatic picture of a program through the medium of human testimony. The jury was able to arrive at clear decisions on questions put to it, with a high degree of confidence. Decision makers accepted some of the jury's conclusions, and subjective evidence suggests that many of the controversial issues which generated the trial were resolved for the group by the procedure. The posttrial evaluation revealed limitations, such as evidence which was not presented at the trial. The experience proved useful for purposes of interdisciplinary education, providing another lens through which the evaluation problem could be viewed.
Chemistry of glucal halohydrins(II): An unusual protecting group effect in the competitive formation of formyl furanosides and methyl glycosides

Abstract A remarkable protecting group influence was observed in the base-induced reaction of protected halohydrins derived from d -glycals. Tri-O-methyl and tri-O-benzyl halohydrins react with cesium carbonate in methanol at room temperature to give methyl glycosides as the major product and unsaturated formyl furanosides as the minor product. Whereas, the tri-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl (t-BuMe2Si)-protected halohydrins reacted with cesium carbonate in methanol at room temperature to give a mixture of epimeric formyl furanosides, and at reflux to give an unsaturated formyl furanoside, as the only products. The tri-O-methyl and tri-O-benzyl halohydrins react slowly at elevated temperature to give predominantly furans. In comparison, the tri-O-t-BuMe2Si halohydrins reacted completely after five minutes to give a mixture of epimeric formyl furanosides. The tri-O-t-BuMe2Si iodohydrins were oxidized to the corresponding iodolactones, which also underwent a based-induced ring contraction in methanol to give the furanose 1-methylcarboxylate esters.
Treatment of ruminations with behavioral techniques: A case report

This is the case history of a 5.5-month-old boy who was admitted to the hospital exhibiting ruminating behavior which had resulted in dehydration and malnutrition. After extensive medical workup, psychological consultation was requested and a behavioral treatment program was implemented. The program employed multiple behavioral procedures including stimulus control, punishment, and continuous massive attention. Results show successful treatment in terms of reduced volume of vomit and significant weight gain. A 4-month follow-up evaluation found no further ruminating, continued weight gain, and approximately normal development.
A personalized paradigm in the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: A cost utility analysis of genomic-based versus cytotoxic therapy

Abstract Objective To assess the cost-effectiveness of a strategy employing genomic-based tumor testing to guide therapy for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Methods A decision model was created to compare standard of care (SOC) cytotoxic chemotherapy to a genomic-based treatment strategy. The genomic arm included tumor testing with treatment directed at targets identified. Overall survival was assumed to be similar between strategies; quality of life (QOL) was assumed superior during targeted therapy compared to chemotherapy. Pertinent uncertainties (cost of targeted therapy and genomic testing, response to targeted therapy, probability of a tumor having a targetable alteration, and impact on QOL) were evaluated in a series of one-and two-way sensitivity analyses. Results The genomic testing strategy was more expensive ($90,271 vs. $74,926) per patient than SOC. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the genomic strategy was $479,303 per quality-adjusted life year saved (QALY). Model results were insensitive to the cost of genomic testing, differences in QOL, and the probability of identifying a targetable alteration. However, the model was sensitive to the cost of targeted therapy. For example, when the cost of targeted therapy was reduced to 56% of its current cost (or $6400/cycle), the genomic strategy became more cost-effective with an ICER of $96,612/QALY. Conclusions Genomic-based tumor testing and targeted therapy in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is not cost-effective compared with SOC. However, reducing the cost of targeted therapy (independently, or in combination with reducing the cost of the genomic test) provides opportunities for improved value in cancer care.
Abstract 2938: Altered caspase-8 protein expression and activity in TRAIL-resistant normal human fibroblasts.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated cell death is currently being utilized in newly developed cancer therapies. The molecular basis of normal cell resistance to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, and thus therapeutic index, remains largely unexplored. We investigated TRAIL sensitivity in normal fibroblasts (HFF, WI-38, MRC-5) and found that normal fibroblasts have decreased protein expression of initiator caspase-8 that is required for complete TRAIL signaling. TRAIL treatment caused caspase-8 cleavage in TRAIL-sensitive cancer cells. Yet, no caspase-8 cleavage was observed in normal fibroblasts after TRAIL treatment. TRAIL treated fibroblasts had modest increase in caspase-8 activity compared to TRAIL-susceptible cancer cells. Previous studies have found caspase-8 polyubiquitination necessary for caspase-8 aggregation and complete activation. Additionally, reports show deubiquitination of caspase-8 limits caspase-8 activity. Therefore, we examined caspase-8 ubiquitination in normal fibroblasts. Caspase-8 ubiquitination, analyzed by Western blotting, in normal fibroblasts was found to be decreased compared to TRAIL-sensitive cancer cells. TRAIL sensitivity in normal fibroblasts after treatment with deubiquitinase inhibitor PR-619 was also assessed. Normal fibroblasts had markedly decreased cell viability after co-treatment with TRAIL and PR-619 compared to TRAIL-only treated fibroblasts. Cancer cell viability after co-treatment with TRAIL and PR-619 was similar to cancer cells merely treated with TRAIL. Normal fibroblasts co-treated with TRAIL and PR-619 had increased caspase-8 cleavage, PARP cleavage, and caspase-8 activity. The increased cell death seen in normal fibroblasts with TRAIL and PR-619 co-treatment was greatly inhibited when caspase inhibitor ZVAD was added, demonstrating the cell death with TRAIL and PR-619 was caspase-mediated. Our data suggest that caspase-8 deubiquitination may be a contributing factor in normal fibroblast resistance to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Our current studies are focused on investigating the role of deubiquitinase A20, previously found to deubiquitinate caspase-8, in normal fibroblast caspase-8 deubiquitination. Citation Format: Roslyn N. Crowder, David T. Dicker, Wafik S. El-Deiry. Altered caspase-8 protein expression and activity in TRAIL-resistant normal human fibroblasts. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2938. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2938
Identification and structural characterization of steroidal glycosides in Hoodia gordonii by ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Electrospray ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-TOFMS) were used to identify and characterize eight C-21 steroidal glycosides in Hoodia gordonii. A generalized fragmentation pathway was proposed by comparing the spectra acquired for eight C-21 steroidal glycosides. The steroidal glycosides in Hoodia gordonii have been classified into two major core groups: hoodigenin A and calogenin. Using the ESI-TOF method, the major core peak ions generated by hoodigenin A glycosides are m/z 313 and 295 and by calogenin glycosides are m/z 479, 461, 299 and 281, respectively. In the MS/MS spectra, fragmentation reactions of the [M+Na]+ ion were recorded to provide structural information about the glycosyl and aglycone moieties. The data illustrates the ability of positive mode ESI for the identification of hoodigenin A and calogenin glycosides, including the nature of the hoodigenin A and calogenin core, the number of sugar residues and the type of saccharide moiety. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glutamate-activated chloride channels: Unique fipronil targets present in insects but not in mammals

Selectivity to insects over mammals is one of the important characteristics for a chemical to become a useful insecticide. Fipronil was found to block cockroach GABA receptors more potently than rat GABA(A) receptors. Furthermore, glutamate-activated chloride channels (GluCls), which are present in cockroaches but not in mammals, were very sensitive to the blocking action of fipronil. The IC(50)s of fipronil block were 30 nM in cockroach GABA receptors and 1600 nM in rat GABA(A) receptors. Moreover, GluCls of cockroach neurons had low IC(50)s for fipronil. Two types of glutamate-induced chloride current were obswerved: desensitizing and non-desensitizing, with fipronil IC(50)s of 800 and 10 nM, respectively. We have developed methods to separately record these two types of GluCls. The non-desensitizing and desensitizing currents were selectively inhibited by trypsin and polyvinylpyrrolidone, respectively. In conclusion, in addition to GABA receptors, GluCls play a crucial role in selectivity of fipronil to insects over mammals. GluCls form the basis for development of selective and safe insecticides.
Politeness and the clash of interaction orders in cross-cultural communication

This conceptual article suggests that crosscultural variation in politeness behaviors, that is, differential culture-specific norms for treatment of face, comprises an important dimension of crosscultural organizational behavior. The gentle and respectful handling of others' face is a vital social behavior in any cultural context. However, research shows that cultures have evolved differential norms for treating face. These differential norms are at the heart of many crosscultural communication problems. This article provides a conceptual framework explicating the above, reviews empirical literature on crosscultural variation of politeness norms, and suggests important implications for organizational theorists and for managers interested in crosscultural communication. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined solar and internal load effects on selection of heat reclaim-economizer HVAC systems

This study looks at potential energy savings of such combined systems with particular emphasis on the effects of the solar load (amount of glass) and the internal load level (lights, people, appliances, etc). These results strongly demonstrate the necessity of complete engineering evaluations if proper selection and operation of combined heat recovery and economizer cycles are to be obtained. This paper includes the basic methodology for making such evaluations
Changes in stream chemistry associated with insect defoliation in a Pennsylvania hemlock-hardwoods forest

Abstract Disturbances to forested watersheds often lead to elevated concentrations and fluxes of solutes in stream water. We examined the solute chemistry of streams draining mostly old-growth hemlock-hardwoods forest in two adjacent watersheds on the Allegheny High Plateau in northwestern Pennsylvania before, during, and after a single season of defoliation of hardwoods by elm spanworm (Ennomos subsignarius Hubner) larvae. Concentrations of potassium, ammonium, and dissolved organic carbon increased during the defoliation or in the following month. During this same time, concentrations of sulfate, nitrate, calcium, and magnesium decreased. However, by the end of the summer, nitrate concentrations exceeded pre-defoliation concentrations (
Interior Department Suggests Improvements for Offshore Arctic Oil and Gas Drilling

Shell's “difficulties” during its 2012 program to drill offshore oil and natural gas exploration wells in the Alaskan Arctic Ocean “have raised serious questions regarding its ability to operate safely and responsibly in the challenging and unpredictable conditions offshore Alaska,” according to the report “Review of Shell's 2012 Alaska Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration Program,” issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) on 8 March. Noting the company's lack of adequate preparation for drilling in the Arctic, its failure to deploy a specialized Arctic Containment System, and the grounding of the Kulluk drilling rig near Kodiak Island last December, the report recommends that Shell develop a comprehensive and integrated plan describing its future drilling program and related operations and that it commission a third-party audit of its management systems, including its safety and environmental management systems program.
The effects of drug discrimination history on drug discrimination and on punished and unpunished responding

Pigeons trained to discriminate methamphetamine from saline after a history of training to discriminate pentobarbital from saline responded on the drug key after both pentobarbital and methamphetamine, but the association of these drugs by reinforcing their discriminative stimulus responses on the same key did not influence their effects on either punished or unpunished responding. Similarly, pigeons trained to discriminate morphine from saline after a history of discrimination of buspirone from saline, responded on the drug key after both buspirone and morphine, but the association of their discriminative stimulus responses did not influence their effects on either punished or unpunished responding. Whether the effects of these drugs as discriminative stimuli, or their effects on punished and unpunished responding were studied first in the session did not influence the effects of these drugs. Low doses of methamphetamine or pentobarbital did not produce responding on the drug key in birds trained to discriminate higher doses of both drugs, but combinations of these doses did produce responding on the drug key. However, these combinations of low doses of methamphetamine with pentobarbital did not increase the rate-increasing effects of pentobarbital on punished responding.
A meta-analytic examination of follow-up studies of programs designed to prevent the primary symptoms of oppositional defiant and conduct disorders

Previous research has demonstrated that Oppositional Defiant (ODD) and Conduct Disorders (CD) cause significant hardship for the children and adolescents who manifest the disorders, their families and teachers, the victims of their crimes, and society through millions of dollars of public expense. Many programs have been created to prevent youth from obtaining these poor outcomes. Meta-analyses of 45 studies evaluating prevention programs for ODD and/or CD were conducted to determine the extent to which programs were effective at least 6 months after the end of the intervention. Results indicate that programs are having small, positive effects in the prevention of property violations, oppositional behavior, and aggression. In addition, studies relying on official records of schools, police, or courts demonstrated higher effect sizes than studies using parent, teacher, or self-reports. Implications for the prevention of disruptive behavior disorders are discussed.
“Not the Same Kind of Leaders”: Four Young Children's Unique Ways of Influencing Others

Abstract This qualitative multi-case study explored four young leaders' idiosyncratic leadership styles manifested within the context of their classrooms (toddler and preschool). In order to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and variety of early childhood leadership and provide holistic descriptions of young leaders' emerging leadership behaviors, the data were collected through teacher interviews and two kinds of observations (natural observations and videotaped observations) in a university-affiliated child care center. Although there were some common characteristics across all four young leaders, each of the young leaders was quite unique in his or her leadership characteristics and ways of enacting leadership in the classroom. Interestingly, each of them also was quite powerful in his or her particular way. Findings also suggested that differences in age group and classroom dynamics influenced children's enactment of leadership and responses from others in their respective classrooms. Reco...
Study of high pressure and high current arcs in the cathode region of an arc heater

This paper investigates the behavior of high pressure, high current arcs in the downstream electrode region (cathode) of an arc heater. Computations are done for operating pressures in the range 50 atm to 200 atm and load currents in the range 6000 amp to 18,000 amp. At high pressures, due to the high current carrying capability of the dense gas, spot size remains reasonably small even for high load currents. Its value is 1.1 mm for a 50 atm arc with a load current of 18,000 amp. By increasing pressure it can be reduced further. Smaller spot size may allow us to design thinner electrode rings. Spot temperatures are high enough to cause ablation of the electrode material. In order to reduce material ablation at very high currents, the operating pressure must also be high and the arc should be rotated.
Interpreting cobalt values after hip replacement: Should we treat the number or the patient?

We applaud their attempt to clarify the clinical usefulness of cobalt values in biologic samples and found their review informative. How-ever, we do have several questions regarding the application of their pharmacokinetic model to the behavior of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) nanoparticles, the wear products of metal-on-metal hip implants. Like many metals, the blood cobalt value at which systemic effects occur probably depends on many factors. We agree with the authors that the 7 μ g/L threshold established by the MHRA is not correlated with disease and may not be applicable to a North American population. The authors state that “ the available data show that blood cobalt concentrations of at least ~ 300 μ g/L are unlikely to pose a risk of adverse health effects. ” The primary data cited by the authors to support this conclusion is historic cases of toxicity from cobalt ions and the biokinetic model derived by Cardno ChemRisk.
The living conditions diamond: an analytical and theoretical framework for understanding slums

What constitutes a ‘slum’ is much debated in the urban poverty and affordable housing literature. We argue that a focus on living conditions can help clarify this and present a framework, the living conditions diamond, for detailing living conditions and determining how the settlements we deem ‘slums’ compare with each other and with nonslum settlements. The diamond distils living conditions into four dimensions: (i) tenure, (ii) infrastructure, (iii) unit quality, and (iv) neighbourhood and location. This framework depicts conditions in graphic terms enabling comparison of conditions within and across cities. The diamond moves us beyond the notion that slums are homogeneously poor in quality, and facilitates analyses that can reveal why they differ. Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya and Dakar, Senegal are compared.
Connectionist networks qua graphs

Abstract There is a lot of excitement in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) at the moment centering around the ideas of “connectionism”. Connections networks are used to represent knowledge in terms of “subsymbolic” nodes (i.e. a single node does not by itself represent a conceptual entity, such as a dog, apple, Mary; any node may participate in a number of patterns of activation and each such pattern is a representation of a conceptual entity). The edges of these networks are arcs, with an associated numeric weight, whose role is to transfer “activity” from one node to another according to some function of the arc weights. The phenomenon of learning is typically modeled by adjusting arc weights according to some function of the network's desired and observed perfomance. The connectionist paradigm is seen as a promising new approach to the realization of intelligent systems, and one that may be particularly amenable to formal analysis. This paper introduces connectionism, points out some of the major problems and argues that a graph theoretical approach to some of the recognized problems may prove fruitful.
Urolithiasis associated with topiramate

OBJECTIVE: Topiramate is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide anticonvulsant used as adjunctive therapy for intractable refractory seizures. It is report a case of topiramate-induced urolithiasis. CASE REPORT: A 35-year-old man presented with acute, right-sided, colicky flank pain. He denied hematuria or dysuria. He was in use of phenytoin, risperidone, phenobarbital, and topiramate. The total daily dose of topiramate was 375 mg. A CT scan showed a 7 x 1 mm curvilinear density at the right ureterovesical junction with proximal hydrouretronephrosis. He was managed with rigid ureteroscopic stone extraction and the calculus metabolic analysis revealed the stone was composed of carbonate apatite (70%), calcium oxalate dihydrate (20%), and calcium oxalate monohydrate (10%). COMMENTS: The present case typifies many features of topiramate-induced urolithiasis. Those who care for patients with urinary stone disease should be aware of this association.
Intelligent Control for Robotic Rehabilitation after Stroke

The paper presents a new control approach to robot-assisted rehabilitation for stroke patients. The control architecture is represented in terms of a hybrid system model combining a high-level and a low-level assistive controller. The high-level controller is designed to monitor the progress and safety of the rehabilitation task. The high-level controller also makes decisions on the modification of the task that might be needed for the therapy. A design of a low-level assistive controller that provides robotic assistance for an upper arm rehabilitation task and works in coordination with the proposed high-level controller is discussed. Experimental results on unimpaired participants are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of both the high-level and low-level assistive controllers.
Large multi-layer panel-drilling system

This paper describes the mechanical, electrical, and control features of an advanced four-station, twelve-spindle, large printed-circuit panel-drilling system. The system was designed as a production tool to produce over 35,000 0.4-mm-diameter holes in a panel containing twenty layers of copper and nineteen layers of epoxy glass. Built around a precision four-station x-y positioning system with three motor-driven spindles over each work station, the system includes a minicomputer, a printer, a display station, and a controller/interface station. Drilling parameters, such as infeed, outfeed, top of stroke, bottom of stroke, and spindle revolution rates, are all computer-controlled.
Comparison of uphill and downhill walking and concentric and eccentric cycling

Seven male subjects (20 years, 176cm. 70kg, 16% body fat) walked on a treadmill at various grades (— 15 to + 30%) and speeds (up to 1 -56 m s−1) carrying loads up to 30 kg. They also performed concentric and eccentric cycling at exercise intensities (EI) ranging from 0 to-260 W (∼ 1600kpmmin7minus;1). Exercise bouts lasted 20min. At the same oxygen consumption, eccentric cycling elicited the highest heart rate, followed by downhill walking, uphill walking and concentric cycling. Only the regression line for eccentric cycling had a significantly higher slope than the other three regression lines (p<0-05). Average gross exercise efficiencies for uphill walking and concentric cycling were similar (13-5 and 14-5%), and were significantly different from those for downhill walking ( — 33-5%) and eccentric cycling ( — 60-6%). For each type of exercise, absolute efficiency was greater with increasing EI. Actual energy expenditures for walking uphill and on the level were then compared to predicted values using th...
Onion thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) damage and contamination in sauerkraut.

Studies conducted to determine Thrips tabaci Lindeman damage and contamination in sauerkraut revealed that both occur at detectable levels in processed cabbage, although such levels are much lower than predicted from examination of fresh cabbage. Addition of the chemical preservatives sodium benzoate (0.1%) and potassium metabisulfite (0.05%) had no effect on plant tissue damage or insect contamination. Although tolerance levels for insect contamination in many other vegetables have been established, the FDA has not established such a tolerance for insect contaminants in sauerkraut. To avoid discretionary seizure, and in light to these findings on this newly important pest of cabbage, guidelines should be established for plant injury and insect tolerances.
Kerr Gating of the Continuum Pulse in Picosecond Spectroscopy: A Sensitive Null Method to Time the Probe and Excitation Pulses

In picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy using superbroadened continuum passed through an echelon to produce an optical interrogating probe beam, an accurate knowledge of the relative timing between the excitation and probe pulses is required. For instance, when changes in the transient absorption spectrum are studied as a function of time, particularly when the rate of transient formation is comparable to the excitation pulse duration, both the time spread of the continuum pulse and the time origin of the probe pulse must be accurately known. The time spread or "chirp" of the polychromatic continuum pulse is only occasionally estimated even though the variation due to group delay dispersion may be quite large especially for long pathlength continuum cells which are frequently used.
Very high aspect ratio wafer-free silicon micromechanical structures

We report on the design and fabrication of a very high aspect ratio, entirely released single crystal silicon (SCS) micro-cantilever `on-a-frame' for z-motion applications. Motions of the micro-cantilever in the x-, y- and z-directions can be independently controlled by varying the spring constants of the SCS mechanical beams from about 103 N/m to approximately 109 N/m. We develop a new technology called Scream for High Aspect Ratio Proportions which increases the aspect ratio of the Single Crystal Reactive Etching And Metallization fabrication process. As an example, this novel technique based on a sequence of reactive ion etchings and thermal oxidations offers the capability of building a high aspect ratio wafer-free micro-cantilever `on-a-frame' with vertical dimensions exceeding 100 micrometers . The releasable grid consists of a large surface-to-volume ratio square-shaped `frame- within-a-frame' structure connected by z-motion springs. We have achieved intrinsic stress- based vertical deflections ranging from 60 micrometers to 125 micrometers with respect to the substrate floor for the large surface area (1 mm2) inner frame forming the z-stage. At the end of the fabrication process, the micro-cantilever `on-a-frame' can be fully released from the SCS substrate, thus resulting in a z-motion stage which can be entirely lifted off the wafer to be integrated with other micromechanical actuators.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Association between CD62 ligand on naïve and memory T cells and history of cow's milk hypersensitivity in atopic patients

Background Both IgE and non-IgE cell-mediated reactions can contribute to the immunopathogenesis of food hypersensitivity. Objective To study L-selectin expression in naive (CD45RA + ) and memory (CD45RO + ) T cells in atopic patients with a history of cow's milk allergy and CD69 expression. Methods We evaluated 12 children with a history of cow's milk allergy. All 12 children underwent clinical history, examination, in vivo skin prick testing to inhalants and milk allergen, and in vitro radioallergosorbent testing for milk and total serum IgE levels. L-selectin levels on naive and memory T cells from patients and controls were analyzed by flow cytometry with fluorochrome-conjugated monoclonal antibodies after 4 hours or 7 days of incubation with medium alone, 1 μg/mL of pokeweed mitogen, or 50 μg/mL of casein. Results The percentage of CD45RA + 62L + cells with casein was 56% ± 11% vs 38% ± 7.7% in healthy controls ( P + 62L + cells was 22% ± 7.1% vs 39% ± 7.6% in healthy controls ( P + in CD45RA + and CD45RO + cells decreased 149% ± 33% vs 540% ± 36% for healthy controls ( P P Conclusions The results of the present study demonstrate the presence of CD62 ligand on naive and memory T cells, which might serve as a predictive marker for atopic dermatitis with other overlapping atopic disorders, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Calcite (101¯4) surface in humid environments

Abstract In this study, alternating current (AC) mode Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) height images combined with force measurements and phase imaging were used to investigate the surface reconstruction and chemistry of the lowest energy surface, ( 1 0 1 ¯ 4 ) plane, of calcite, a stable form of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), in the presence of relative humidity at different temperatures. At 296 K and 70% RH, calcite ( 1 0 1 ¯ 4 ) undergoes rapid restructuring during hydration forming regions on the surface that are most likely characterized as an amorphous hydrate layer similar to what forms in solution under high [Ca2+] supersaturation conditions. This hydrate layer in turn serves as a substrate for the crystallization of another layer that possesses structural properties which differ from hydrate layer. Phase imaging reveals that these different layer structures formed in the process of water adsorption and surface reconstruction have very different energy dissipation modes. The origin of the different dissipation modes are likely due to differences in water content and hydrophobicity of these regions. The newly formed layer on top of the hydration layer is proposed to be vaterite, another polymorph of calcium carbonate. At 278 K the formation mechanism of the vaterite layer changes due to nucleation of a more crystalline hydrate layer, similar to calcium carbonate hexahydrate, instead of the amorphous hydrate layer that forms at 296 K. Force measurements corroborate the assignment of the speciation of different regions on the surface. Importantly, the AFM data show that the surface of calcite is highly inhomogeneous with regions that vary in water content. This suggests that the reactivity of calcite in humid environments will be highly spatially dependent.
Allocating a voluntarily provided common-property resource: An experimental examination

Abstract This paper examines a voluntarily provided common-property resource (CPR) in settings that vary the rules used for allocating the resource to providers. Three allocation mechanisms are investigated: “allocator,” “tremble,” and “egalitarian.” The allocator mechanism, based on institutions observed in the field, is the primary mechanism of interest. In this treatment condition, one person in a group is exogenously chosen to allocate shares of the CPR to other group members. After observing group members’ provision decisions, the allocator chooses shares of the CPR to allocate to each group member. The other two mechanisms serve as controls for examining the extent to which the allocator mechanism affects provision of the CPR. The tremble mechanism randomly divides the CPR between group members using the same division rules as the allocator mechanism. The egalitarian mechanism divides the CPR equally between group members. Provision of the CPR does not decay over time and is significantly closer to the group's socially optimal level under the allocator mechanism than under the tremble and egalitarian mechanisms. From a policy perspective, these results suggest that utilizing institutions such as the allocator mechanism in the field can facilitate greater levels of cooperation in promoting the provision of shared resources.
Warfarin anticoagulation after congenital heart surgery at a large children's hospital

Management of warfarin in pediatric patients remains a clinical challenge. Warfarin may be administered after congenital heart surgery, and the risks of morbidity can be high. Currently, no data exist to describe the initi- ation of warfarin and the risk factors for morbidity in post- congenital heart surgery patients. This study aimed to characterize the time required to reach anticoagulation for patients administered warfarin therapy after cardiac sur- gery and to identify and characterize the risk factors for supratherapeutic anticoagulation and adverse events after warfarin initiation. This retrospective study reviewed all patients between 2006 and 2011 who received warfarin anticoagulation after cardiac surgery at our institution. Factors associated with a prolonged time required to reach an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2 and factors related to supratherapeutic anticoagulation (INR C 4) were identified. The inclusion criteria were met by 59 patients. The median time required to reach an INR of at least 2 after initiation of warfarin was 2 days (interquartile range (IQR), 2-4). The only groups that required a significantly longer time to reach an INR of 2 were those with a postoperative delay in initiation of warfarin and those receiving heparin anticoagulation before and during warfarin initiation. Nine patients experienced an INR of 4 or more. However, no thrombotic events occurred, and significant bleeding was uncommon. In the largest reported group of patients undergoing anticoagulation after cardiac surgery, warfarin was well tolerated across all age groups. The median time required to reach an INR of 2 after loading with warfarin was 2 days, and adverse events were uncommon.