cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perspective: Breaking the habit. Integrating plasticity into taxonomy

Abstract Focusing on records dealing with species within the colonial green algal genus Desmodesmus, we learn how the methods used, especially choice of culture medium, temperature, illumination as well as age of the population, influence the results we gather. Most, if not all, Desmodesmus species exhibit phenotypic plasticity, that is, as the population grows, they reproduce in an ordered sequence, making morphological adjustments to changing environmental signals, whether from nutrient availability, temperature or illumination. Progeny may soon have wall ornamentation unlike that of the parent. Although traditionally the display of wall features was used to separate Desmodesmus species, it is now clear that individuals are not mere copies of the parent, but rather adjust their growth/development, switching from one ecomorph to another. With this insight one can begin to interpret life histories of both organisms and populations, as they respond to these signals, be that in nature or the laboratory. In ...
Of Cheese and Crust: A Proof of the Pizza Conjecture and Other Tasty Results

(2009). Of Cheese and Crust: A Proof of the Pizza Conjecture and Other Tasty Results. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 116, No. 5, pp. 423-438.
New vibronic bands of CH2 observed in a pulsed supersonic jet

Abstract Spectroscopic studies of the methylene radical in a supersonic expansion have resulted in the observation of previously unreported CH 2 B 1 B 1 ← a 1 A 1 , hot band transitions. These a state levels are populated by radiative cascade following multiphoton dissociation of ketene. Multiphoton excitation of ketene is also found to produce a diffuse luminescence with a lifetime longer than 50 μs. The conclusion of Lengel and Zare are singlet methylene is not produced one-photon nitrogen laser photolysis of cold ketene is confirmed.
Making use of electronic data: The National Healthcare Safety Network eSurveillance Initiative

Efforts are underway at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to foster greater use of electronic data stored in health care application databases for surveillance of health care-associated infections and antimicrobial use and resistance. These efforts, referred to as the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) eSurveillance Initiative, focus on standards-based solutions for conveying health care data and validation processes to confirm that the data received at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention accurately reflect the data transmitted by health care facilities. Standard vehicles for data transmission, specifically Health Level Seven standards for electronic messages and structured documents, and standard vocabularies for representing microorganisms and other information needed for surveillance, are central features of the eSurveillance Initiative. Progress to date in this initiative is reviewed, and future project plans are outlined. Enhanced interoperability between health care and public health information systems is achievable for surveillance purposes, but major challenges must be overcome to realize the full benefits sought by the eSurveillance Initiative.
Trade-through prohibitions and market quality

Abstract On September 4, 2002, the SEC implemented a de minimis exemption to the trade-through rule for three active ETFs, allowing markets to execute trades at prices up to three cents worse than those posted elsewhere. Relaxing the trade-through rule does not worsen ETF market quality. Effective and realized spreads are essentially unchanged or slightly smaller post-event, and prices become slightly more efficient. Part of the explanation is that, in these ETFs, trade-throughs are common, and their frequency changes little following the exemption. Thus, it is difficult to extrapolate from this regulatory experiment to draw broader policy conclusions about trade-through prohibitions.
Mass and step length optimization for the calculation of equilibrium properties by molecular dynamics simulation

Abstract The effectiveness of combining an assumed hydrogen mass of 10 amu with large step lengths of up to 10 fs in molecular dynamics calculations of equilibrium properties of pure water is investigated. Results are evaluated with respect to simulations featuring an H mass of 1 amu and time step of 2 fs. Although the increased mass reduces the rate of sampling of configurations somewhat, this method allows a significant reduction in the computer time needed to calculate structural and thermodynamic properties.
Probability of yield response to inoculants in fields with a history of soybean.

Inoculants containing Bradyrhizobium japonicum are available for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production but may not be necessary in fields where soybean previously has been produced. The objective of this study was to determine yield response and probability of an economic return from inoculants in fields with a recent history of soybean production. Fifty-one inoculant products were evaluated in experiments (n = 73) conducted in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin between 2000 and 2008. Inoculant products were similar and did not produce a yield response relative to an untreated control different from zero (P > 0.05) at 63 environments. Probability for a break-even economic return at a soybean sale price of $0.33 kg -1 was 59% for Nebraska, 36% for Wisconsin, 25% for Minnesota, 25% for Indiana, and 4% for Iowa. Attaining a return on investment of 67 kg ha -1 (a 2:1 return) reduced success to 11, 2, 1, 7, and 0.2%, for the five states, respectively. Data from this range of environments and products indicate that application of an inoculant offers limited success for either a yield increase or improved economic return on soils where soybean has previously been grown in the upper Midwest.
Catholic High Schools and Rural Academic Achievement

Rural schooling in the United States has been of concern at least since the National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized in 1867 (Hal-crow). Since T. W. Schultz and others started to point out the importance of education in agricultural production and rural development, rural education has been of particular interest to researchers in agricultural economics and other disciplines (e.g., Broomhall and Johnson; Stallmann et al. 1993; Tweeten and Brinkman). Three decades ago Schultz, (1961, 1967) argued that the quality of rural public schooling was low and that this had a negative effect on productivity in agriculture and on the ability of rural workers to adjust to economic change. More recently, his concern shifted to the low quality of public schooling in big cities (Schultz 1981, 1990).
Local potassium concentration changes in the retina and the electroretinographic (ERG) b-wave.

Intraretinal injections of high- and low-K+ Ringer's solutions generate potentials which are opposite in polarity but otherwise similar in both their shapes and retinal depth profiles. We provide evidence that the principal generator of the K+-mediated potential is the Muller (glial) cell, but that the FRG b-wave cannot be explained solely by this K+-mediated potential without considering involvement of the electrical activities of neuronal cells.
STABLE MAGNETIC EQUILIBRIA IN COLLISIONLESS PLASMAS

There are many steady states in collisionless plasmas. Their dynamical stability has been one of the main interests in the study of plasmas. In one-dimensional space, we discover some new types of stable equilibria by constructing new invariants to the Vlasov-Maxwell system. These stable equilibria include new flat-tail solutions that connect different densities, pressures, and strengths of constant magnetic fields at x = ±∞. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Adjuvant antiangiogenic therapy for giant cell tumors of the jaws.

Purpose To further evaluate a novel treatment protocol for the management of aggressive giant cell lesions (GCLs) consisting of enucleation followed by adjuvant subcutaneous interferon alpha therapy. Patients and Methods Using a retrospective case series study design, a sample of patients with aggressive GCLs was enrolled between April 1995 and June 2006. Lesions were enucleated with preservation of vital structures. Postoperatively, the patients received daily subcutaneous interferon alpha (3 million units/m2 of body surface area). Interferon treatment continued with regular clinical and radiographic follow-up until the surgical defects filled in with bone, as demonstrated by panoramic radiographs and confirmed by computed tomography. Side effects, such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, decreased white blood cell count, decreased platelet count and elevated liver enzymes, were monitored. After completion of interferon therapy, patients followed for 2 years without evidence of recurrence were considered cured of disease. Results The study sample was comprised of 26 subjects (65% female) with a mean age of 18.5 years. At the time of this writing, 16 of the subjects have completed the protocol and are cured of disease, 6 are in remission, and 4 are in active treatment. Four subjects experienced significant side effects from the interferon, requiring modification of treatment. Conclusions Enucleation of aggressive GCLs with preservation of vital structures and adjuvant interferon is an excellent strategy for managing aggressive GCLs. Approximately 15% of subjects developed significant side effects limiting interferon administration and necessitating alternative therapies.
Behavior of Solutions of Model Equations for Incompressible Fluid Flow

Abstract We study the behavior of solutions of model equations of inviscid incompressible fluid flow proposed by Constantin, Lax and Majda together with a viscous version studied by Schochet. A condition is found on initial data to guarantee that solution of viscous equation remains smooth when the inviscid solution blows up. We prove that global smooth solution of viscous model equation exists for a class of initial data, for which the explicit solution is not known. Singularities of solutions previously obtained are characterized here as distributions.
The genetic landscape of gastrointestinal stromal tumor lacking KIT and PDGFRA mutations

About 10–15 % of adult gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and 85 % of pediatric GISTs do not have mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA genes and are generally classified as KIT/PDGFRA wild type (WT). Recent studies have shown that this group of KIT/PDGFRA WT GISTs is quite heterogeneous in terms of clinical phenotype, genetic etiology, and molecular pathways. Succinate dehydrogenase subunit (SDH)-deficient GISTs, which include tumors that are part of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes, are the newest group of KIT/PDGFRA WT GIST to be molecularly elucidated. This review aims to describe the different genetic subgroups of KIT/PDGFRA WT GIST, with a special focus on the SDH-deficient GIST.
Generation of ultraviolet broadband light in a single-mode fiber

Ultraviolet broadband light spanning 337–405 nm was produced in a single-mode optical fiber primarily by stimulated Raman scattering. Pulses of 4 ns duration at 337 nm were coupled into a 50 m long ultraviolet-grade fiber featuring single-mode operation in the 320–450 nm range. Significant spectral broadening was achieved with pulses of only ∼10 W peak power. Our experiments demonstrate the potential for a source with ∼104 times the spectral radiance of a quartz tungsten halogen lamp, which is currently used for many applications in this wavelength range.
Schizophrenia in Kosrae, Micronesia: prevalence, gender ratios, and clinical symptomatology

The utility of genetic isolates for research is in part based on the assumption that the illness of interest is similar across cultures. In this report, we review the data on schizophrenia in Micronesia, a collection of small islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Significant variations in prevalence between the islands have been reported, as have male to female ratios which are strikingly high. We focus on the patients in Kosrae, one of the islands in the Federated States of Micronesia. Twenty-two schizophrenics are identified. We found a prevalence rate of 6.8 per 1000 and a male to female ratio of 6.3:1. Although, in many ways, the patients resemble their Western counterparts, 19 of the patients were episodically mute, especially when untreated or undermedicated. Possible explanations for this unusual symptom are discussed.
The Society Reporter, Status and Writer Impotence in Felipe Trigo's El Semental

Felipe Trigo's rapid rise to literary fame and almost equally rapid fall provide a useful point of departure for examining the changing place of literature and the writer's role in mass society. Relentlessly driven to professionalize the writing life, Trigo was obsessed with status. One of his boldest, yet little known, stories, El Semental, in which the first-person narrator is a society reporter, centrrs on the importance of the writer's status and authority and the role class and gender play in both shaping and destabilizing that status. El Semental has much to say about the fleeting, unstable nature of writing and the writer and in that sense represents the reverse of canonicity. By anchoring his narration in the lowly, sexually indeterminate society chronicler, who is also attached to the fading old regime, Trigo brings into ironic play the vexed issue of the writer's status in the incipient mass society of early twentieth-century Spain.
Climate Change and Freight-Transportation Infrastructure: Current Challenges for Adaptation

AbstractThe transportation system infrastructure in the United States is vital to sustaining the nation’s economy, safety, and well-being. In its recent special report, Potential Impacts of Climate Change on U.S. Transportation, the National Research Council concluded that climate change will have significant impacts on transportation systems, affecting design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Furthermore, the report calls for a focus on the problem now through adaptation planning to avoid costly future investments and disruptions to operations. This begins with sharing information, resources, best practices, and lessons learned across jurisdictional lines and among different stakeholders. With this in mind, a select group of stakeholders representing the freight-transportation industry and climate science participated in a summit held at Vanderbilt University in 2011, to reach consensus on the needs and challenges that must be addressed in order for successful adaptation strategies to emerge. Th...
Combining Conformational Flexibility and Continuum Electrostatics for Calculating pKas in Proteins

Protein stability and function relies on residues being in their appropriate ionization states at physiological pH. In situ residue pK(a)s also provides a sensitive measure of the local protein environment. Multiconformation continuum electrostatics (MCCE) combines continuum electrostatics and molecular mechanics force fields in Monte Carlo sampling to simultaneously calculate side chain ionization and conformation. The response of protein to charges is incorporated both in the protein dielectric constant (epsilon(prot)) of four and by explicit conformational changes. The pK(a) of 166 residues in 12 proteins was determined. The root mean square error is 0.83 pH units, and >90% have errors of 2 pH units. Similar results are found with crystal and solution structures, showing that the method's explicit conformational sampling reduces sensitivity to the initial structure. The outcome also changes little with protein dielectric constant (epsilon(prot) 4-20). Multiconformation continuum electrostatics titrations show coupling of conformational flexibility and changes in ionization state. Examples are provided where ionizable side chain position (protein G), Asn orientation (lysozyme), His tautomer distribution (RNase A), and phosphate ion binding (RNase A and H) change with pH. Disallowing these motions changes the calculated pK(a).
Intralipid alters macrophage membrane fatty acid composition and inhibits complement (C2) synthesis.

Intralipid (IL) is a soybean oil emulsion commonly used as a parenteral nutrient. IL is taken up by macrophages. These cells are a site of synthesis of several of the proteins in the complement system, a major mediator of the humoral system. These studies were undertaken to determine whether IL has an effect on the production of the second (C2) and the fourth (C4) components of complement by guinea pig and human macrophages in vitro. Guinea pig macrophages incubated with IL, in concentrations from 5 to 40 mg/dl, produced significantly decreased amounts of C2 and C4 when compared with controls (decreases from 40% at 5 mg/dl to 60% at 40 mg/dl). Human macrophages incubated in IL, 19 or 38 mg/dl, also produced significantly decreased amounts of C2 when compared to controls (decreases were 45 and 50% at 19 and 38 mg/dl, respectively). The maximum concentration of IL used in these studies did not significantly affect cell viability, or the production of lysozyme or β-glucosaminidase. For human macrophages, which were studied more thoroughly, the inhibition of C2 production was reversible. C2 levels returned to normal after removal of IL. Cells stimulated with opsonized zymosan produced levels of C2 comparable to stimulated control cells, despite the continued presence of IL within the cells. Human macrophages incubated with arachidonic acid, in addition to IL, produced C2 as well as control cells did. Thus, IL appears to have a selective, reversible effect on C2 production. It is possible that a general increase in fat metabolism, in response to the ingestion of IL, nonspecifically consumed arachidonic acid, decreasing its availability as a substrate for a cell product important in production of C2. Since the effects on C2 production were seen with concentrations of IL commonly seen in plasma of infants receiving IL intravenously, these studies have implications for the clinical use of oil emulsions in parenteral nutrition.
Room square patterns

Abstract Suppose a Howell design H(s,2n) , H , contains as a subarray an m×m array M which contains a room square of order m and possibly other pairs in the “empty” cells of the RS (m) . Then we say that H contains a Room square pattern of order m , an RSP (m) . (i.e. H contains the non-empty cells of an RS (m) .) If M contains only the pairs of an RS (m) , then H contains an RS (m) as a sub-design. In this paper, we are interested in the existence of Howell designs with RSP sub-designs. This investigation is motivated by the fact that RSP sub-designs occur naturally in several constructions for Howell designs; in addition, it is possible to construct H(n,n+α) with RSP (m) sub-designs for values of n and m where H(n,n+α) with RS (m) sub-designs cannot exist.
The Journal of Cancer Survivorship: retrospective and future directions

This editorial provides an up-to-date breakdown of the topics accepted for publication in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice. The paper also indicates priority problem areas that require attention now and in the future. I also want to take this opportunity to announce that the application for the journal to receive an impact rating as of 2012 was approved. This completes two major milestones (indexing by the National Institute of Medicine and calculation of the journal's scientific impact as of 2012). Now it is up to the scientific and health care communities to help further ensure the journal's position as a major resource for information on cancer survivorship. We seek your help in making this a reality.
APOE ϵ4 allele carriers: Biological, psychological, and social variables associated with cognitive impairment

Objective: The apolipoprotein (APOE) e4 allele genotype is a risk factor for dementia, but not all people with the APOE e4 allele develop cognitive impairment (CI). Among participants with the APOE e4 allele (N = 664), we identified biological, psychological, and social variables that discriminate between participants who develop CI from those who do not. We then determined if these variables predicted CI in noncarriers (N = 1421). In the sample as a whole we then determined if each of these identified variables moderate the relationship between the APOE e4 allele and CI. Methods: We used data from a biracial community-dwelling sample of older adults. Data were collected at four time points over a 10-year period. Cognitive functioning was assessed at each wave, using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). APOE genotyping was performed at Wave 3. Results: Among APOE e4 allele carriers, but not noncarriers, variables associated with CI included white race, female gender, low BMI, number of ...
Nuclear data sheets for A = 222*

Abstract The available nuclear structure information for all nuclei with mass number A=222 is presented. Various decay and reaction data are evaluated and compared. Adopted data, levels, spin and parities are given. Some recently measured T ½ for A=226 parents: T ½ ( 226 Rn)=7.4 min 1 (86Bo35). Other measurement 6.0 min 5 (69Ha03). T ½ ( 226 Fr)=49 s 1 from 48 s 1 (75Ra03) and 49 s 1 (86Bo35).
Examining the Time Course of Attention During Golf Putts of Two Different Lengths in Experienced Golfers

A dual-task paradigm was used to investigate the time course of attention during putting relative to task difficulty (6 ft vs. 12 ft). Putting performance and reaction time (RT) were measured while 20 experienced golfers responded verbally to an auditory tone presented at 3 probe positions (PP) during the putt: backswing initiation (PP1), backswing peak (PP2), and before impact (PP3). There were 2 significant main effects for putting performance: task difficulty (better performance on the short putt) and probe position (worse performance at PP1 vs. PP3 and Catch Trials). During the short putt, there were no significant differences in RT as a function of PP, indicating that attentional demand remained constant throughout the stroke. RT of the long putt was significantly longer than the short putt, indicating that the long putt required greater attention. Skill level was examined as a potential moderating factor but did not significantly moderate results.
Fate of the residual distal and proximal aorta after acute type a dissection repair using a contemporary surgical reconstruction algorithm.

Background In this study, we evaluated the long-term results of our contemporary, standardized surgical management algorithm for repair of acute type A aortic dissections. Prior reports have analyzed heterogeneous techniques and populations. Methods From 1993 to 2004, 221 consecutive patients underwent repair of acute type A aortic dissection at our aortic center. Hemiarch repair was performed in 97.7% (216 of 221), and total arch in 2.3% (5 of 221). Of these, 72.9% (161 of 221) underwent aortic valve resuspension, and 27.1% (60 of 221) had aortic root replacement. Results In-hospital mortality for a primary operation was 12.7% (28 of 221). Actuarial survival was 79.2% at 1 year, 62.8% at 5 years, and 46.3% at 10 years. Significant risk factors for decreased survival included prior stroke, cerebral malperfusion, and length of cardiopulmonary bypass. Freedom from proximal reoperation after aortic valve resuspension was 94.6% at 5 years and 76.8% at 10 years, with cardiac malperfusion as the main risk factor. Freedom from distal reoperation was 87.6% at 5 years and 76.4% at 10 years, with Marfan syndrome, age, and extent of dissection as significant risk factors for reoperation. In-hospital mortality was 18.2% (2 of 11) after proximal reoperation and 31.2% (5 of 16) after distal reoperation. Conclusions We report improved long-term durability of our proximal root repair, with cardiac malperfusion as a significant risk factor. Marfan disease, younger age, and DeBakey type I dissection are risk factors for distal reoperation. To further improve long-term outcome, means to prevent progression of distal aortic disease need to be developed.
Autopsy Incidence of Pulmonary Embolism in Tuberculosis

Pulmonary embolism was found 27 times in 111 consecutive autopsies in subjects with active tuberculosis (24.3 per cent). This compares with an incidence of pulmonary embolism of 23.1 per cent in a series of 634 autopsies in which the 111 cases of tuberculosis were found. Four of the emboli were classified as massive and 23 were regarded as minor. Lung infarction occurred four times. This high incidence of pulmonary embolism in patients dying with active tuberculosis suggests that proper prophylactic measures to reduce the incidence of pulmonary embolism and the use of anticoagulant therapy such as dicumarol or heparin may play a definite role in the treatment of tuberculosis. Careful laboratory control of the prothrombin and coagulation times would be required in the use of dicumarol or heparin because of the possibility of pulmonary hemorrhage.
The pre-wetting transition at antiphase boundaries: an atomistic modeling study of Ni3Al

Using an embedded-atom model for Ni–Al alloys, we have examined interfacial properties of the Ni/Ni3Al system, concentrating on properties of the antiphase boundaries. These interfaces between domains of the γ′ phase can undergo a pre-wetting transition as the region of the antiphase boundaries disorders and then transforms into a metastable γ phase. In order to understand more about this transition, we have performed detailed thermodynamic, compositional, and structural analyses of this system using semi-grand canonical Monte-Carlo simulations, with particular interest in composition profiles and segregation. We will discuss our studies in the context of previous treatments of these interfaces.
Effects of training on delayed muscle soreness and serum creatine kinase activity after running.

We studied the effects of progressive, short-term training on the delayed muscle soreness (DMS) and serum creatine kinase (SCK) responses to downhill (-10%) running for 45 min. Prior to the experimental run, subjects in training groups (N = 38) ran for 5 min to 15 min.d-1 on either -10% or +10% incline for either 1 wk (5 d) or 2 wk (10 d). Twelve control subjects did not train. DMS was reduced, although not totally prevented, by the 1 wk, and especially, 2 wk of downhill running training. Training by uphill running had little effect in preventing DMS. Mean SCK values 24 h after the experimental run were not significantly different among the groups (range: 99 to 340% of pre-exercise values), indicating no effect of any training regimen. Relatively large differences existed among subjects in terms of soreness and SCK responses to the experimental running. It was suggested that DMS may be difficult to totally avoid if exercise with a large eccentric component is performed. Prevention of such DMS may be most likely if prior training involves exercise with a substantial eccentric component, starts with bouts of very small quantities, and progresses in small increments over more than 2 wk.
Design of the Genetics of Early Onset Cardiovascular Disease (GENECARD) study.

Background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the developed world. Early onset (premature) coronary artery disease (EOCAD) is known to have a particularly strong genetic component. However, the actual genes leading to this increased risk of CAD remain obscure. Methods The primary goal of the Genetics of Early Onset Cardiovascular Disease (GENECARD) study is to perform a genetic linkage study in 920 families with at least 1 sibling pair having EOCAD. The study sites include a US network of 15 cardiology practices and 5 additional sites located in Europe and the United States. We propose to identify chromosomal regions associated with increased susceptibility to EOCAD in this large sample of affected sibling pairs and nuclear families, where EOCAD is defined on the basis of having acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina or myocardial infarction), a revascularization procedure, or a positive functional imaging study at or before the age of 50 years in men or 55 years in women. To identify which genomic regions and genes are associated with increased susceptibility to EOCAD, we will use a comprehensive strategy comprising genomic screening, fine mapping, candidate gene analysis, and family-based association studies. Results Herein we describe the clinical characteristics, family history, and risk factor profiles of the 1168 members from 438 nuclear families included in the first, exploratory analysis. Analysis of the study population revealed a strong concordance of known cardiac risk factors among affected sibling pairs. There was significant concordance (P <. 01) among siblings with EOCAD for presence of diabetes (78% concordance), dyslipoproteinemia (67%), obesity (63%), and hypertension (56%). This level of concordance of risk factors among siblings might be expected, given the significant genetic components demonstrated for these metabolic susceptibility traits. However, there was also substantial sibling pair concordance (P < .01) for smoking history (74%), regular alcohol consumption (81%), and sedentary lifestyle (63%), environmental traits without known inherited predisposition. Conclusions Analyses such as these will have implications for stratifying populations for the statistical analysis of the genome scan and on the choice of covariates for the follow-up studies of the initial genome screen analysis. (Am Heart J 2003;145:602-13.)
In vivo activity against HIV and favorable toxicity profile of 2',3'-dideoxyinosine

The purine analog 29,39-dideoxyinosine (ddI), which has anti-retroviral activity in vitro was administered for up to 42 weeks to 26 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or severe AIDS-related complex (ARC). Ten of these individuals were AZT-intolerant. Eight dose regimens were studied. The drug was orally bioavailable and penetrated into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Comparatively little evidence of an effect against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was seen at the lowest four doses. However, patients in the four highest dose groups (ddI at 1.6 milligrams per kilogram intravenously and then greater than or equal to 3.2 milligrams per kilogram orally at least every 12 hours or higher) had increases in their circulating CD4+ T cells (P less than 0.0005), increased CD4/CD8 T cell ratios (P less than 0.01), and, where evaluable, more than an 80% decrease in serum HIV p24 antigen (P less than 0.05). The patients also had evidence of improved immunologic function, had reduced viremic symptomatology, and gained a mean of 1.6 kilogram with these comparatively infrequent dosing schedules (every 8 or 12 hours). The most notable adverse effects directly attributable to ddI administration at the doses used in this study included increases in serum uric acid (due to hypoxanthine release) and mild headaches and insomnia. These results suggest that serious short-term toxicity at therapeutic doses is not an inherent feature in the profile of agents with clinical anti-HIV activity. Further controlled studies to define the safety and efficacy of this agent may be worth considering.
Physiological Differences between the Effects of Neuronally Released and Bloodborne Norepinephrine on Beta Adrenergic Receptors in the Arterial Bed of the Dog

This investigation was designed to define the role of the beta adrenergic receptors in the regulation of peripheral vascular resistance and to determine whether norepinephrine released from nerve terminals acts at the same receptor sites in the arterial bed as injected norepinephrine. In 34 anesthetized dogs the skinned hindlimb was perfused at a constant flow rate, and in 8 dogs a segment of the splanchnic vascular bed was similarly perfused through the aorta. The hemodynamic responses of the isolated perfused beds of control dogs were compared with those of dogs in which the alpha receptors had previously been blocked with phenoxybenzamine, thereby maximizing any contribution of the beta receptors. In the control animals, both carotid sinus hypotension and norepinephrine administered directly into the perfused segment increased vascular resistance. In those animals subjected to alpha-receptor blockade, carotid sinus hypotension still caused reflex vasoconstriction, though it was considerably attenuated, but intra-arterially injected norepinephrine produced vasodilation. Following subsequent beta-receptor blockade, no potentiation of reflex constriction occurred, although the response to injected norepinephrine reverted to constriction. These findings suggest that norepinephrine released from nerve terminals in the arterial tree does not produce physiologically significant beta-receptor stimulation; humorally transported norepinephrine, however, stimulates both alpha and beta receptors.
The role of osteopontin in foreign body giant cell formation

Foreign body giant cells (FBGCs) are a hallmark of the foreign body reaction caused by biomaterial implantation and are thought to contribute to biomaterial degradation and the duration of the response. Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted, acidic matricellular protein with multiple phosphorylation sites that is highly expressed at sites of inflammation. OPN wildtype and knockout mice were implanted with poly(vinyl alcohol) sponges and explanted at 14 days. OPN knockout mice had more foreign body giant cells but fewer macrophages surrounding the implants than their wildtype counterparts. In an in vitro human FBGC assay, addition of soluble OPN was found to reduce macrophage fusion to giant cells. These are the first studies to show a direct inhibitory role of OPN in FBGC formation in response to implantation.
Magnetic flux distribution on a spherical superconducting shell

Abstract We report measurements of flux distributions on superconducting spherical shells in an ambient magnetic field of 0.2±0.1 μG. The aim of these experiments is to minimize the number of flux lines trapped in the superconducting shells, an important requirement for the Gravity Probe B gyroscopes.
Text and Context: The South African Case of Home Affairs

Reflecting on his emerging role as a father and husband, a white, middle-class South African male observed in a personal communication: … [South African men] are arrogant and not really into the mo...
Factors Affecting the Production of Fast Transient Signals in Single Shot Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Low sample consumption and high achievable spatial resolution combine to make laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) an attractive direct sampling technique for the analysis of solids. These desirable characteristics are best realized when the laser ablation system is operated in a single-shot fashion, in which each laser pulse produces a transient analyte signal. The temporal width of a single-shot LA analyte transient is inversely related to the best achievable signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). Thus, production of fast transient signals is an important consideration in single-shot LA analyses. In this study we explore the effects on transient pulse width of ablation-cell volume, the diameter and length of tubing used to connect the ablation cell to the ICP, and the composition and flow rate of ablation-cell sweep gas. Minimization of ablation-cell volume and the length and diameter of the transfer tube was found to dramatically decrease the peak widths of transient signals. However, use of helium gas to sweep analyte particles from the ablation cell was found to significantly reduce the effect of cell volume on transient width. Use of a cell volume of 0.70 cm3 and optimization of other instrumental parameters produced a transient sample pulse 85 ms in duration and limits of detection in the tens of femtograms range for single-shot laser-ablation events.
Inbreeding depression and mating systems in two species of Linanthus (Polemoniaceae)

Theory predicts that, at equilibrium, the magnitude of inbreeding depression caused by recessive alleles should decrease as the level of self-fertilization increases, facilitating the evolution of even higher selfing rates. Data are presented on mating systems and inbreeding depression in multiple populations of two annual species in the genus Linanthus (Polemoniaceae). Outcrossing rates were found to be less than 0.075 in populations of a small-flowered species, L. bicolor, and ranged from 0.104 to 0.300 in populations of a larger-flowered species, L. jepsonii. Inbreeding depression for both species was low for all life history stages, with cumulative inbreeding depression less than 0.23 in all populations. Significant inbreeding depression for pollen fertility was found in L. jepsonii populations and may contribute substantially to total inbreeding depression. A competitive treatment had no significant effect on the expression of inbreeding depression for above-ground dry mass. In accordance with theoretical expectations, the magnitude of inbreeding depression was lower in L. bicolor, the more highly selfing species. The magnitude of inbreeding depression in L. jepsonii, although greater than that of L. bicolor, is not sufficient to prevent evolution of increased selfing rates in this species, according to some theoretical models of mating system evolution.
NeW wrinkles for an old domain.

The WW domain was first identified only six years ago, but this is relatively ancient by the time standards in the exponentially growing field of signaling domains. Each new wrinkle in its structure and function adds new understanding of its possible roles in cell signaling. Moreover, by utilizing powerful molecular methods, including phage-displayed polypeptide libraries, we are now in a position to introduce additional wrinkles into the domain, potentially giving it the ability to modify or correct a variety of signaling pathways and eventually diseases. Although the WW domain is one of the smallest protein modules, it has a surprisingly large number of functions.
Effects of Launch Tube Curvature on Ballistics Accuracy

It is possible for two different launch. platforms to produce centre of (shot) impacts (COIs), that differ in magnitude by several times the ammunition dispersion. It is difficult to discern what fraction of this variation is due to the launch tube alone, since changing tube alters both the mounting conditions and the occasion. A means has been devised to 'change tubes' without altering the mount or the occasion, by merely changing the shape of a given tube within the same mount. This is accomplished by localised control of a gun barrel's axial thermal expansion, implemented through a series of temperature-controlled heating pads adhered to the outer barrel wall. Using this technique, it was found that a simple, yet very common, bow-shaped curvature to the right verses left, for example, produced a significant shift in COI. Furthermore, it was found that holding the barrel shape constant dramatically reduced the standard deviation (dispersion) of shot Impacts about COI.
The Response to Intervention Instructional Model: Some Outcomes From a Large-Scale Implementation in Reading First Schools

—The Reading First program in Florida has attempted to implement the response to intervention instructional model in a large number of schools. This has involved (a) increasing the quality of classroom instruction, (b) monitoring student response to instruction with frequently administered progress monitoring measures, and (c) providing tailored interventions to students who are not making adequate progress. Over 3 years of implementation in 318 schools, rates of identification of students with learning disabilities (LDs) have dropped dramatically. Percentages of students who actually have serious reading difficulties have also dropped during this period, although not as dramatically as for rates of LD identification. It is possible that LD identification rates in Grades K–3 are lower because teachers and schools are exploring other intervention options before referring for special education. Implications of this possibility for timeliness of LD diagnosis are discussed.
Some small-sample results on a bounded influence rank regression method

Naranjo and HeUmansperger (1994) recently derved a bounded influence rank regression method and suggested how hypotheses about the regression coefficients might be tested. This brief note reports some simulation results on how their procedure performs when there is one predictor. Even when the error term is highly skewed, good control over the Type I error probability is obtained Power can be high relative to least squares regression when the error term has a heavy tailed distribution .and the predictor has a symmetric distribution However, if the predictor has a skewed distribution, power can be relatively low even when the distribution of the error term is heavy tailed. Despite this, it is argued that their method provides an important and useful alternative to ordinary least squares as well as other robust regression methods.
Differential recognition of sequences within the encephalitogenic region of myelin basic protein capable of eliciting cell-mediated immune responses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract The fine specificity of myelin basic protein (MBP) epitopes capable of eliciting in vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity responses in Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was compared to those eliciting in vitro antigen-specific T cell proliferation and augmentation of disease transfer. Utilizing a panel of synthetic peptides with sequences representing the 68–86 region of guinea pig (GP-) or bovine myelin basic protein (B-MBP), animals were primed with one species of peptide and subsequently challenged with either the same peptide or peptides with truncations or substitutions representative of the other species of MBP. In regard to minimal length sequences capable of eliciting delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), rats primed with GP-MBP and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) exhibited a hierarchical pattern of responsiveness to challenge with a series of truncated peptides, ranking as follows: GP-68–86 > GP-72–86 > GP-68–84 > > GP-75–86 = no activity. This response pattern corresponds to that previously reported for T cell proliferation and activation for disease transfer. Furthermore, a comparison of these T cell-mediated immune parameters, as elicited by the substituted peptides, revealed the response patterns of DTH reactivity to be similar to that previously described for in vitro T cell proliferation with significant DTH responses generated only by the peptide species for which the animal was primed. In contrast, a cross-reactive pattern of recognition was observed in cells mediating disease transfer, with all four 68–86 sequences capable of augmenting activation for adoptive transfer of disease, regardless of the peptide species for which the animal was primed. The differential antigen recognition patterns observed for these EAE-associated immune responses supports the hypothesis that multiple T H cell subsets are involved in disease pathogenesis.
Electric-field-induced transport of protons in amorphous SiO 2

The temperature and time dependence of electric-field-induced motion of thermally generated protons in 20 nm amorphous ${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ films has been investigated. The short-time behavior is found to involve an activation energy of \ensuremath{\sim}0.38 eV and a hopping distance of \ensuremath{\sim}0.55 nm. The activation energy is considerably smaller than that found for radiation-generated proton motion (\ensuremath{\sim}0.82 eV). The hopping distance is consistent with transport involving motion between a bridging oxygen atom and a next-nearest-neighbor (or farther) bridging oxygen atom; this suggests that motion is primarily via cross-ring hopping.
Development of enhanced sensitivity to naloxone

Abstract The effects of naloxone were examined over a period of three and a half years in squirrel monkeys responding under a mult FR, FI schedule of food presentation. During the initial observation of naloxone's effects, monkeys were drug naive. At that time, doses of naloxone up to 3.0 mg/kg had very little effect on rates of responding under the multiple scchedule. The effects of naloxone were then examined in combination with meperidine. Doses of naloxone between 0.3 and 3.0 mg/kg produced a dose-dependent antagonism of meperidine's effects. Monkeys were then exposed to ketocyclazocine and phencyclidine, alone and in combination with naloxone. When the naloxone dose-effect curve was redetermined subsequently, it had shifted to the left. Monkeys were then exposed to buprenorphine and diprenorphine, alone and in combination with naloxone. Redetermination of the naloxone dose-effect curve following this exposure revealed a further shift to the left. The effects of naloxone were then reexamined in combination with meperidine, and it was found that the leftward shift in the naloxone dose-effect curve was not accompanied by a decrease in the doses of naloxone which would reverse the effects of meperidine. Naloxone's effects were then examined in combination with either acute or chronic diazepam. The naloxone dose-effect curve determined during the chronic diazepam regimen was shifted to the right of that obtained prior to chronic diazepam.
Gender Differences in Selection of Pacemakers: A Single-Center Study

Background: Previous studies have reported gender differences in pacemaker selection. Objective: This study aimed to assess gender-related differences in pacemaker mode selection in patients undergoing their first implantation. Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken from a single-center database of pacemaker implants during the years 2001 to 2003. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare pacemaker mode selection adjusted for any significant difference between the sexes. Results: A total of 274 pacemakers were implanted during the study period, 259 of which formed the basis of this study. Of the patients receiving pacemakers, 132 were male and 127 were female. The majority of patients (144 [55.6%]) had sick sinus syndrome as their indication for receiving a pacemaker, followed by complete heart block (75 [29.0%]), and second-degree or high-grade atrio-ventricular block (36 [13.9%]). Four (1.5%) patients had hypersensitive carotid sinus syndrome. The mean (SD) age of patients was 61.35 (15) years. Most (155 [59.8%]) patients were younger than age 65, and the women were significantly older than the men (P = 0.004). Atrial fibrillation (AF) was present in 53 (20.5%) patients. Dual-chamber (DDD) pacemakers were implanted in 196 (75.7%) patients, and single-chamber ventricular pacemakers in 63 (24.3%) patients. Significantly more DDD pacemakers were implanted in patients aged <65 years compared with those aged ≥65 years (P < 0.01). This difference was, however, primarily due to the higher rate of AF in the older patients versus patients aged <65 years. Although the rate of DDD implantations was observed to be higher among women (101/127 [79.5%]) compared with men (95/132 [72.0%]), the rate difference was nonsignificant, even when adjusted for the significant age difference between the sexes. Furthermore, DDD selection was independent of patients' health insurance status. Conclusions: We found no significant difference in pacemaker mode selection between male and female patients. However, we did find that patients aged <65 years were more likely to have DDD pacemakers implanted compared with older patients. This age-dependent difference was primarily due to the higher prevalence of AF in the older age group versus the younger patients. Key words: pacemaker implant gender difference gender and pacemaker selection
Predictors of alkalosis after liver transplantation.

Abstract Background: Metabolic alkalosis (MA) is common after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Methods: The study was conducted to identify factors associated with MA after 285 OLTs. MA, defined as total carbon dioxide content of 30 mEq/L or greater, developed in 115 patients (40%) within the first 3 postoperative days. Results: By univariate analysis, patients with MA had a greater preoperative carbon dioxide content (24.4 ± 3 versus 22.9 ± 2.9 mEq/L; P