cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Diabetes Status on Immunogenicity of Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Older Adults

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus experience high rates of influenza virus infection and complications. We compared the magnitude and duration of serologic response to trivalent influenza vaccine in adults aged 50-80 with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Serologic response to influenza vaccination was similar in both groups: greater fold-increases in antibody titer occurred among individuals with lower pre-vaccination antibody titers. Waning of antibody titers was not influenced by diabetes status.
A Comparison of Neutron Fields for BNCT

Previously, we have developed the in-phantom neutron field assessment parameters T and DTumor for the evaluation of epithermal neutron fields for use in BNCT.1 These parameters are based on an energy-spectrum-dependent neutron normal-tissue RBE2 and the treatment planning methodology of Gahbauer and his co-workers,3 which includes the effects of dose fractionation.
Does Decentralization Improve Perceptions of Accountability? Attitudinal Evidence from Colombia

Decentralization is argued to create incentives for local and regional politicians to be more responsive and accountable to their constituents, but few studies have directly tested this claim. We use survey data from Colombia to examine individual-level evaluations of the degree to which decentralization prompts citizens to view department government as more accountable. We estimate the effect of administrative, fiscal, and political decentralization, controlling for participation, political knowledge, confidence in government, education, and income on perceptions of accountability. Our results indicate that administrative and fiscal decentralization improve perceptions of accountability, while political decentralization does not.
Multi-GSPS all-optical ADC for direct digital receivers

Multi-beam phased array antennas are employed in wireless communications, where RF direct down-conversion, timing synchronization, and analog-to-digital are of important functions. Design of a novel all-optical ADC using spectral technique is presented, where sampling speeds as high as 40 GSPS with 6 bits of resolution is attainable.
Cytokine-stimulated human mesothelial cells produce chemotactic activity for neutrophils including NAP-1/IL-8.

To test the hypothesis that mesothelial cells play a role in regulating inflammatory responses within the pleural space, we examined neutrophil chemotactic activity released by cytokine-stimulated mesothelial cells. Human mesothelial cells were isolated from patients with transudative pleural effusions and cultured. The purity of the cell population was assessed by morphologic, immunocytochemical, and biochemical characteristics. Confluent fourth passage mesothelial cell plates were exposed to varying concentrations of the recombinant human cytokines IL-1 alpha, TNF-alpha, or IFN-gamma, or Escherichia coli endotoxin (LPS). Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) chemotactic activity in the conditioned media was measured in microchemotaxis chambers. Although none of the cytokines demonstrated inherent chemotactic activity, each stimulated mesothelial cells to produce PMN chemotactic activity in a dose-dependent manner. TNF-alpha stimulated the release of the greatest quantity, whereas stimulation with IFN-gamma and IL-1 alpha resulted in the release of lesser but still significant quantities of PMN chemotactic activity. By contrast, LPS did not increase the basal level of chemotactic activity produced by the cells. The cytokine-induced chemotactic activity was proteinaceous, required de novo synthesis, and had a predominant m.w. of 10,000. Significant quantities of immunoreactive neutrophil-activating peptide-1 (NAP-1)/IL-8 were detected in mesothelial cell supernatants after stimulation with each of the cytokines. The neutrophil chemotactic activity of supernatants from mesothelial cells stimulated with either IL-1 alpha or IFN-gamma was completely neutralized with rabbit anti-human NAP-1/IL-8 polyclonal antiserum. The same antiserum neutralized the majority, but not all, of the neutrophil chemotactic activity in supernatants from TNF-stimulated mesothelial cells. Stimulated mesothelial cells also expressed an inducible mRNA transcript that hybridized with a specific oligonucleotide probe for human NAP-1/IL-8. These observations provide a mechanism whereby mesothelial cells could respond to inflammatory stimuli in the underlying lung and regulate inflammatory responses within the pleural space.
Combined electron diffraction/microanalysis investigation of crystallography and cation distributions in the transparent conductive oxide Cd1+xIn2-2xSnxO4

The distribution of Cd, In, and Sn cations on the spinel lattice was investigated across the solid solution, Cd1+xIn2−2xSnxO4. Convergent beam electron diffraction was used to establish the presence of the spinel crystallography throughout the solid solution. Atom location by channeling enhanced microanalysis was employed to determine the distributions of cations on the octahedral and tetrahedral lattice sites. CdIn2O4 was observed to be a normal-type spinel. As x was increased, the cation distribution became more random as Cd and Sn filled the octahedral sublattice. These observations may correlate with previously observed changes in optical gap and conductivity across the solution.
Custom report generator

The tremendous advances in medical informatics are providing new software products for developing more powerful and user-friendly tools. At the same time, the clinical engineering role is shifting towards implementing quality systems approaches in managing medical technology. As a result there is a need for continuous upgrade or redesign of database management systems. Datastream MP2 is a computerized maintenance management system software application that controls maintenance operations and stores service data. The Clinical Engineering Department at the University of Connecticut Health Center runs this software as their database. The thrust of this project is to develop a software tool that facilitates the retrieval of useful information from a computerized maintenance management database and provides custom reports that are not otherwise available.
Efficient frequency conversion of laser sources in nonlinear crystals

Efficient harmonic conversion of the few well developed solid state laser sources is now an established technology. For example, efficient frequency conversion of Nd:YAG laser to the second, third and fourth harmonic in KD*P crystals is a reliable and commercial technology introduced by Quanta Ray in 1976,
Anchoring proteins for protein kinase C: a means for isozyme selectivity

Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes comprise a family of related enzymes. There are only limited differences between these isozymes in substrate specificity or sensitivity to activators. However, there are multiple isozymes within a cell mediating isozyme-specific functions. Differential subcellular localization has been proposed to explain this specificity. When members of the PKC family are activated by lipid-derived second messengers, they translocate from one cell compartment to another. Isozyme specificity appears to be mediated in part by association of each PKC isozyme with specific anchoring proteins. This review will cover the proteins involved in the anchoring of PKC isozymes at specific subcellular sites, the domains in the PKC isozymes that mediate protein-protein interaction with isozyme-specific anchoring proteins, and identification of peptides that interfere with or promote these protein-protein interactions, thus altering the localization and function of individual isozymes.
EFFECTS OF CURRENT VELOCITY AND LIGHT ENERGY ON THE STRUCTURE FO PERIPHYTON ASSEMBLAGE IN LABORATORY STREAMS1

Effects of current velocity and light energy on the taxonomica and physiognomic characteristics of periphyton assemblages were investigated in laboratory streams. The initial rate of colonization was related to current velocity, while the effects of light energy accounted for differences in species composition by the end of the experiment. Although the laboratory systems had many species in common during the realy stages of colonization, the experimental treatments generated differences in rates of communitydevelopment. synedra spp. were the early coloniters of the substrate, followed by an understory of Achnanthes spp. After day 16, Stigeoclonium tenue developed in the streams exposed to the higher photon flux density, but was rare in the shaded streams. The applicability of traditional successional theory to develoopmental patterns in lotic periphyton assemblages is discussed.
M1 radiation widths in /sup 27/Al

Nuclear resonance fluorescence from energy levels in /sup 27/Al lying between 2 and 10 MeV excitation energy has been measured with bremsstrahlung beams of end-point energies of 7.66 and 10.37 MeV. Values of gGAMMA/sub 0/ and gGAMMA/sub 0/GAMMA/sub ..gamma..//GAMMA for 39 levels below 10 MeV were obtained from scattering cross section and self-absorption measurements. The measurements give an upper bound of total B(M1up-arrow) below 7.7 MeV excitation which is about 25% less than the predictions of a large-scale shell model calculation based on the free-nucleon M1 operator. The same shell model wave functions combined with an effective M1 operator based on moments and transitions between low-lying states is in good agreement with the present experimental results.
Head injury criterion

In the design of robotic systems that safely interact with people, it is useful to have validated criteria for measuring injury risks. To this end, some researchers have advocated the use of metrics developed for assessing automotive safety, with the head injury criterion (HIC) receiving particular attention. The aims of this commentary are to clarify the proper use of the HIC, to briefly discuss its relationship to the risk of injury, and to give a closed-form formula for the HIC value produced by a simple mass-spring model of impact. We emphasize that there are many other factors besides HIC to consider before a robot system can be considered safe to interact with humans.
Post-DfT-insertion retiming for delay recovery on inter-die paths in 3D ICs

Pre-bond known-good-die (KGD) test is necessary to ensure stack yield for the future adoption of 3D ICs. Die wrappers that contain boundary registers at the interface between dies have been proposed as a solution for known-good-die (KGD) test. It has been shown in the literature that if gated scan flops (GSFs) are substituted for traditional scan flops in the boundary register, then both pre-bond TSV and pre-bond scan test can be performed. The drawback of die wrappers is that two clocked stages are added to each path that crosses a die boundary. In this paper, a bypass mode is added to GSFs to avoid the extra clock stages and retiming is used to recover the additional delay added to through-silicon-via (TSV) paths by design-for-test (DfT) insertion. The proposed method is evaluated through simulations using a logic-on-logic 3D benchmark. Results show that in most cases, retiming at both the die-level and stack-level is sufficient for recovering the delay added by wrapper boundary cells. Stuck-at ATPG is performed to demonstrate that wrapper insertion and retiming have little impact on pattern count. The area overhead due to wrapper insertion is shown to increase as a circuit is partitioned across an increasing number of stack layers, but the area overhead can be reduced using retiming.
Cultural and social factors in neuroses and psychosomatic illnesses

Social and cultural factors pertaining to neuroses and psychosomatic illnesses were reviewed. An attempt was made to define terms and to suggest which of a large number of possibilities might be relevant variables in the mental health equation. Cultural, sub-cultural, and small and large group systems were selected. It was concluded, on the basis of present knowledge, that there is probably a significant amount of cultural invariance i.e., the same basic syndromes occur in widely different settings but are modified by them in form and course. Subcultural variables contribute more to variance than culture. Some forms of behavior disorders such as drug addiction, alcoholism, and the sociopathies are strongly influenced by the sub-cultural system. Small group systems, particularly the family, are major sources of variance in questions of both psychologic and somatic disease. Prevention and treatment will benefit from a more comprehensive framework than we have had heretofore. An emerging general systems theory would seem to fit this need. It was suggested that today's professional role allocations for treatment and research of psychosomatic and psychoneurotic disorders are artificial and that new professional roles must be created if we are to achieve our ultimate goals.
Targeted Deletion of a Distant Transcriptional Enhancer of the Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand Gene Reduces Bone Remodeling and Increases Bone Mass

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) is essential for osteoclast differentiation, and hormones and cytokines that stimulate bone resorption increase RANKL expression in stromal/osteoblastic cells. We have previously shown that PTH and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) control murine RANKL gene expression in vitro, in part, via an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional enhancer, designated the distal control region (DCR), located 76 kb upstream from the transcription start site. Herein we describe the phenotype of mice lacking this enhancer. Deletion of the DCR reduced PTH and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) stimulation of RANKL mRNA and osteoclast formation in primary bone marrow cultures as well as stimulation of RANKL mRNA in bone. DCR deletion also reduced basal RANKL mRNA levels in bone, thymus, and spleen. Moreover, mice lacking the DCR exhibited increased bone mass and strength. The increase in bone mass was due to reduced osteoclast and osteoblast formation leading to a low rate of bone remodeling similar to that observed in humans and mice with hypoparathyroidism. These findings demonstrate that hormonal control of RANKL expression via the DCR is a critical determinant of the rate of bone remodeling.
Slow droplet-driven relaxation of stochastic Ising models in the vicinity of the phase coexistence region

We consider the stochastic Ising models (Glauber dynamics) corresponding to the infinite volume basic Ising model in arbitrary dimensiond≧2 with nearest neighbor interaction and under a positive external magnetic fieldh. Under minimal assumptions on the rates of flip (so that all the common choices are included), we obtain results which state that when the system is at low temperatureT, the relaxation time when the evolution is started with all the spins down blows up, whenh↘0, as exp(λ(T)/hd−1) (the precise results are lower and upper bounds of this form). Moreover, after a time which does not scale withh and before a time which also grows as an exponential of a multiple of 1/hd−1 ash↘0, the law of the state of the process stays, whenh is small, close to the minus-phase of the same Ising model without an external field. These results may be considered as a partial vindication of a conjecture raised by Aizenman and Lebowitz in connection to the metastable behavior of these stochastic Ising models.
The Infrared Spectrum of Crystalline Methyl Formate

Abstract The vibrational spectra of methyl formate have been recorded and analyzed by many workers1. As a result, the vibrational assignment and molecular conformation is well known. None of these workers have reported the infrared spectra of crystalline methyl formate, however, and only one group1 has reported the Raman spectrum of the crystalline compound. In addition, there appears to be no report in the literature concerning the crystal structure of methyl formate by diffraction or other methods. This is perhaps not surprising in view of the compounds low melting point (−99°C). Since methyl formate is the first and simplest member of the ester class, it seemed desirable to have some data on the infrared spectra of the crystal even though the detailed analysis of such data, in the absence of a reported cyrstal structure, is difficult and uncertain. Nevertheless, it is often possible to draw some conclusions concerning the nature of the crystalline material, particularly if an oriented sample can be obt...
Excluded by laughter: laughing until it hurts someone else.

Can laughter cause social pain? Given the host of ways exclusion is communicated, we examined if exclusive laughter could produce the aversive consequences accordant with social exclusion. Using a validated recall paradigm, participants recounted a time of exclusive or inclusive laughter or a typical Wednesday (control condition). Participants recalling exclusive laughter felt more ostracized, increased social pain, thwarted basic needs, worsened mood, reduced relational evaluation, and increased temptations to aggress compared to inclusive laughter or a typical Wednesday; there were generally no significant differences between the inclusive laughter and a typical Wednesday. Participants recalling exclusive laughter also felt more verbally and emotionally bullied, demonstrating empirically, for one of the first times, a link between social exclusion and bullying.
An index for the measurement of interparty competition

This research note presents an index of interparty competition which satisfies four criteria: (1) it is a continuous variable; (2) it is a ratio scale; (3) it is linear with the concept of perceived competition, and (4) it may be generated from any array of two-party data. It is maintained that these criteria establish the minimum conditions for precision measurement of political phenomena and that no other index of interparty competition accomplishes this.
Time reallocation in a multiresponse environment: Effects of restricting response classes.

Abstract Four adult male rats were each placed for three hours daily into an apparatus that provided individual compartments for six separate location-defined responses. The available responses consisted of: (1) the opportunity to turn off room lighting, producing darkness; (2) the opportunity to view a female rat; (3) the opportunity to turn off white noise; (4) the opportunity to drink; (5) the opportunity to eat; and (6) “other,” representing time in the hallway between compartments. Each subject underwent a series of conditions characterized as an A-B-A-C-A design. Manipulations consisted of the removal of a low-probability response (darkness) and of a high-probability response (escape from noise) in a counter-balanced manner across subjects. The dependent measure for all subjects was the percentage of total session time spent in each compartment. Four predictive rules concerning the redistribution of behavior after response restriction were tested, including the constant-ratio rule, equal time redistribution, the most probable alternative, and the sequential-dependency rule. The results indicate no support for any of the four predictive rules and suggest that empirical assessment of restriction effects is necessary in reinforcement studies involving temporally extended responses.
Adsorption of water on Ru(100)

Abstract We have investigated adsorption of water on Ru(100) using electron energy loss spectroscopy and thermal desorption spectroscopy. On this row-and-trough substrate, there is a single desorption state associated with the chemisorbed layer, which shifts down from 240 to 180 K as coverage increases. There is no isotope effect, i.e., desorption spectra of H 2 O are the same as those of D 2 O, within experimental error. Less than 0.1 monolayers of H 2 O dissociate and exchange between chemisorbed hydrogen and D 2 O is not measurable. Pre-adsorbed oxygen and hydrogen cause distinctive changes in the shapes of the water desorption peaks on Ru(100). Electron energy loss spectroscopy indicates that the extent of hydrogen bonding increases as water coverage increases at 85 K. Upon annealing and desorption, most changes in the vibrational spectra can be attributed to decreasing coverage, with the exception of some changes in the low-frequency modes. Comparison with previous studies of the hexagonally close-packed Ru(001) surface reveals that surface morphology plays a major role in determining the properties of water adlayers on ruthenium surfaces.
A high-power fiber laser system for dual-comb spectroscopy in the vacuum-ultraviolet

We have developed a record high power dual-frequency comb system based on Yb-fiber lasers. Each system produces >20Watts average power with <65fs pulses. The phase-coherent pulse trains are upconverted to the VUV utilizing intra-cavity HHG.
Raman studies of nucleic acids. X. Conformational structures of Escherichia coli transfer RNAs in aqueous solution.

Abstract Laser-excited Raman spectra of aqueous solutions of purified samples of Escherichia coli tRNA Glu , tRNA Arg , tRNA Val , tRNA fMet and tRNA 2 Phe are compared. The characteristic Raman frequencies and intensities, from scattering by symmetrical stretching vibrations of the phosphodiester groups, reveal that the total secondary structure of each tRNA is qualitatively and quantitatively the same. The percentage of nucleotide residues in each tRNA which exist in a highly ordered configuration is 84 ± 4 %, consistent with a cloverleaf structure provided two-thirds of the unpaired bases in loops are also in ordered configurations. The remaining nucleotides (16 ± 4 %) must occur in randomly oriented or highly-strained configurations of the tRNA chain. The Raman spectra also reveal specific differences in the amount of stacking of A and G residues in different tRNAs. These results provide strong evidence for the presence of specific tertiary structure (folding) in aqueous tRNA. A study of the melting transition of tRNA Glu over the range 32–90 °C reveals that appreciable order persists in the tRNA backbone at 90 °C and is attributable to residual stacking of the purines. Gross changes in the conformation of tRNA Val are also detected when excess Mg 2+ is present. The improved spectral sensitivity in this work demonstrates that the Raman spectrum of tRNA may be used to detect the presence of the minor nucleoside, dihydrouridine, and that the frequency region 1150–1450 cm −1 is highly sensitive to the base composition, base sequence and base-stacked secondary structure of tRNA.
Overproduction of the acyl carrier protein component of a type II polyketide synthase stimulates production of tetracenomycin biosynthetic intermediates in Streptomyces glaucescens

The development of microorganisms with improved antibiotic production is an important goal in the commercialization of new pharmaceuticals or in lowering the cost of established drugs. We report a way to achieve this for biosynthetic intermediates of an antibiotic made by the polyketide pathway whose earliest steps involve a Type II multienzyme complex. Introduction of the tcmKLM beta-ketoacyl: ACP synthase and acyl carrier protein (ACP) genes or just the tcmM ACP gene into the tetracenomycin (Tcm) C-producing Streptomyces glaucescens wild-type strain, or its tcmN or tcmO blocked mutants, on high copy vectors under the control of strong promoters caused a 2 to 30-fold overproduction of Tcm D3 and some other biosynthetic intermediates (or shunt products) and a 25 to 30% increase in Tcm C production relative to the control strains carrying the plasmid vector only. However, Tcm C production was not greater than that obtained with the vector-free wild-type strain. The unexpected effect of increased ACP on Tcm D3 production suggests that the level of this protein can influence either the activity or level of the three other components of the Tcm polyketide synthase.
Molecular markers residing close to the Rhg4 locus conferring resistance to soybean cyst nematode race 3 on linkage group A of soybean

The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) clone pBLT65 is a 450-nt soybean cDNA encoding a portion of the bifunctional enzyme aspartokinase-homoserine dehydrogenase (AK-HSDH). pBLT65 maps within 3.5 cM of the i locus, conferring a pigmented seed coat, on linkage group A; hence, it is closely linked to the Rhg 4 locus conferring resistance to race 3 of the soybean cyst nematode. From this useful RFLP we developed a PCR reaction yielding polymorphic bands for use in marker-assisted breeding programs to select progeny containing the Rhg 4 allele. The polymorphic bands were sequenced to determine the cause of the polymorphisms. Using primers 548 and 563, PCR amplification of DNA from the soybean cultivar Peking (Rhg 4 ) yielded three DNA fragments, 1a (1160 bp), 1b (1146 bp) and 3 (996 bp). Amplification of DNA from the cultivar Kent (rhg 4) yielded DNA fragments 2 (1020 bp), 3 (996 bp) and 4 (960 bp). Fragments 1a, 1b, 2 and 4 were also polymorphic between the soybean lines PI 290136 and BARC-2(Rj 4 ). A segregating population of 80 F2 and F3 plants derived from the cross PI 290136×BARC-2 (Rj 4 ) was used to confirm the map position of the PCR polymorphisms near the i locus, and hence the Rhg 4 locus on linkage group A. The nucleotide sequences of fragments 1b, 3 and 4 were determined. Large and small deletions in the intronic region were responsible for the size differences of the different fragments, whereas the exon was well conserved.
Zinc oxide as an active n-layer and antireflection coating for silicon based heterojunction solar cell

Abstract We report a single heterojunction solar cell model based on crystalline p-silicon and n-zinc oxide. The ZnO can act as front n-layer as well as antireflection coating saving processing cost and complexity. Experiments are performed to find optimized growth window using MOCVD to achieve maximum transmission in ZnO as front layer of the solar cell. Gallium-rich ZnO:Ga films are also grown to improve optical properties of the front layer. Optical characterizations of pristine ZnO and gallium-rich ZnO:Ga are presented. The modified PC1D software is used to find the optimized parameters for the solar cell. Absorption spectrum of ~0.5 µm thick ZnO film grown in our lab was used in the simulations to get realistic results. Simulations anticipated conversion efficiency of 19% and fill factor of 81%.
Parallel testing for pattern-sensitive faults in semiconductor random-access memories

A design strategy is presented for efficient and comprehensive parallel testing of high-density, MOS random-access memories (RAMs). Parallel test algorithms for RAMs have been developed on the basis of this design-for-testability approach for a broad class of pattern-sensitive faults. Two algorithms which are significantly more efficient than previous approaches are examined. The first algorithm detects the static and dynamic pattern-sensitive faults over a neighborhood of five cells. The second algorithm tests the symmetric pattern-sensitive faults over a neighborhood of nine cells. It tests an n-bit RAM organized as a square root n* square root n array in 97 square root n memory cycles. The design-for-testability approach modifies the existing RAM architecture very little, so that it can be implemented very easily. The additional overhead is only about 2 square root n transistors. The low overhead allows high reliability, and the additional circuit for each bit line can fit within the 3 lambda -to-6 lambda pitch width in a high-density, single-transistor dynamic RAM. Although the algorithm is designed to detect pattern-sensitive faults, the modified architecture can be readily used to speed up other conventional algorithms of linear complexity by a factor of O( square root n). >
Comment on "Reflected phase-conjugate wave in a plasma"

A Comment on the Letter by I. Nebenzahl, A. Ron, and N. Rostoker, Phys.Rev. Lett. 60, 1030 (1988).
Post-discharge follow-up visits and hospital utilization by Medicare patients, 2007-2010.

Objective Document trends in time to post-discharge follow-up visit for Medicare patients with an index admission for heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Determine factors predicting whether the first post-discharge utilization event is a follow-up visit, treat-and-release emergency department (ED) visit, or readmission. Methods Using Medicare claims data from 2007-2010, we plotted annual cumulative incidence functions for the time frame post-discharge to follow-up visit, accounting for competing risks with censoring at 30 days. We used multinomial probit regression to determine factors predicting the probability of first-occurring post-discharge utilization events within 30 days. Results For each cohort, the cumulative incidence of follow-up visits increased during the study period. For example, in 2010, 54.6% of HF patients had a follow-up visit within 10 days of discharge compared to 47.9% in 2007. Within each cohort, the largest increase in follow-up visits took place between 2008 and 2009. Follow-up visits were less likely for patients who were Black, Hispanic, and enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare Advantage, and they were more likely for patients with greater comorbidities and prior procedures as well as those with private or supplemental Medicare coverage. There were no changes in 30-day readmission rates. Discussion Although increases in follow-up visits may have been influenced by the introduction of publicly reported readmission rates in 2009, these increases did not continue in 2010 and were not associated with a change in readmissions. Patients who were Black, Hispanic, and/or enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare Advantage were less likely to have follow-up visits.
Structure of a human rhinovirus complexed with its receptor molecule.

Abstract Cryoelectron microscopy has been used to determine the structure of a virus when complexed with its glycoprotein cellular receptor. Human rhinovirus 16 complexed with the two amino-terminal, immunoglobulin-like domains of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 shows that the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 binds into the 12-A deep "canyon" on the viral surface. This result confirms the prediction that the viral-receptor attachment site lies in a cavity inaccessible to the host's antibodies. The atomic structures of human rhinovirus 14 and CD4, homologous to human rhinovirus 16 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, showed excellent correspondence with observed density, thus establishing the virus-receptor interactions.
RESULTS OF IRRADIATING SACCHAROMYCES WITH MONOCHROMATIC ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHT : IV. RELATION OF ENERGY TO OBSERVED INHIBITORY EFFECTS.

Data obtained on yeast irradiated with monochromatic ultra-violet radiation has been analyzed for the number of quantum hits involved in the production of different degrees of inhibition of cell division, according to the method proposed by Mme. Curie (1929). Sufficient data are not available for a rigorous determination, but the calculated results tend to indicate that a multiple hit to kill relation is followed, that different numbers of hits are involved in the production of different degrees of inhibition, and that this number increases with increase in the degree of damage sustained.
Dysgonic Fermenter 2 Septicemia

Dysgonic fermenter 2 (DF-2) is a slow-growing gram-negative bacillus causing a zoonotic infection that is acquired through dog bites or other contact with dogs. Splenectomized patients and those with alcoholic liver disease are most susceptible to DF-2 infection. The clinical picture can be one of fulminant septicemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation in the splenectomized patient; the presentation is milder in the alcoholic patient. The overall mortality from DF-2 septicemia among the 41 cases reported in the literature is 27%. The organism is sensitive to penicillin, resistant to aminoglycosides, and not easily grown on common media. It appears to be serum-sensitive in tests with normal human serum. Penicillin prophylaxis of dog bite wounds is especially important in high-risk patients. DF-2 infection should be considered when any splenectomized patient develops fulminant septicemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and peripheral gangrene. Examination of a gram stain of the peripheral blood or buffy coat is of value in such cases.
Dynamic Interactions Between Vehicles and Elevated, Flexible Randomly Irregular Guideways

A dynamic interaction model is formulated for the heave-pitch motion of vehicles crossing elevated flexible, randomly irregular spans. Span dynamic motion due to a vehicle passage is modeled using a Bernoulli-Euler beam model and modal analysis techniques. Four types of random irregularities characteristic of elevated guideways are modeled numerically including vertical span offset, pier misalignment, camber, and surface roughness. Analytical expressions for each irregularity power spectral density are derived and the relative contributions of irregularities to vehicle excitation are examined. The limitations to vehicle passenger comfort levels posed by guideway deflection and irregularity are illustrated for personal and rapid transit types of vehicles.
Differential transcription of the mouse acute phase serum amyloid A genes in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The acute phase members of the mouse serum amyloid A (Saa) family, Saa00, Saa00 and Saa00, are highly similar at both the nucleotide and protein sequence levels. Saa00 and Saa00 in the BALB/c strain are 72% identical over the first 500bp upstream of their transcription start sites and to date have been considered to be coordinately regulated. Furthermore, based on their homology with the upstream regions of the human SAa00 and SAa00 genes, it has been assumed that they are Type I acute phase proteins (APPs), i.e. they are primarily regulated by IL-1 and TNF.Here we establish that the BALB/c Saal, Saa00 andSaa00 genes, in fact, respond differently to IL-1, TNF and IL-6. The Saa00 and Saa00 promoters are strongly induced by IL-6, with synergistic upregulation of Saa00, but not of Saa00, by IL-1 or TNF. In contrast, the Saa00 promoter is strongly induced by IL-1, moderately induced by TNF and only minimally induced by IL-6. We also define important sequence differences between the Saa promoters of Type A (BA...
Multi-colour nanowire photonic crystal laser pixels

Emerging applications such as solid-state lighting and display technologies require micro-scale vertically emitting lasers with controllable distinct lasing wavelengths and broad wavelength tunability arranged in desired geometrical patterns to form “super-pixels”. Conventional edge-emitting lasers and current surface-emitting lasers that require abrupt changes in semiconductor bandgaps or cavity length are not a viable solution. Here, we successfully address these challenges by introducing a new paradigm that extends the laser tuning range additively by employing multiple monolithically grown gain sections each with a different emission centre wavelength. We demonstrate this using broad gain-bandwidth III-nitride multiple quantum well (MQW) heterostructures and a novel top-down nanowire photonic crystal nanofabrication. We obtain single-mode lasing in the blue-violet spectral region with a remarkable 60 nm of tuning (or 16% of the nominal centre wavelength) that is determined purely by the photonic crystal geometry. This approach can be extended to cover the entire visible spectrum.
Periodic Solutions of Parabolic Systems with Time Delays

Existence of maximal and minimal periodic solutions of a coupled system of parabolic equations with time delays and with nonlinear boundary conditions is discussed. The proof of the existence theorem is based on the method of upper and lower solutions and its associated monotone iterations. This method is constructive and can be used to develop a computational algorithm for numerical solutions of the periodic-parabolic system. An application is given to a competitor-competitor-mutualist model which consists of a coupled system of three reaction-diffusion equations with time delays.
Trapping excess electrons in molecular charge pockets on surfaces

This work considers the use of theoretical ab initio calculations to design a novel molecular trap for excess electrons. The basic principle is to develop a model by which these electrons can be stabilized by charge pockets on the surface of molecules. Calculations reveal that systems with OH groups can form stable hydrogen-bonded networks on one side of a hydrocarbon surface (i.e. cyclohexane sheets), while the hydrogen atoms on the opposite side of this surface form a pocket of positive charge that attracts the extra negative charge.
Optical loss estimation of coatings at the ArF excimer laser wavelength

Abstract A measurement system that estimates the absorption loss of coatings at the wavelength of ArF excimer laser (193 nm) has been developed. Utilizing the photoacoustic waves generated by pulsed laser irradiations, the quantitative measurements with simple procedures became possible. The holder that holds the samples in a liquid led to stable acoustic matching condition and high reproducibility (
Using focus groups to facilitate culturally anchored research

Community psychologists and other social scientists have underscored the limitations of traditional scientific paradigms for research with diverse cultural groups. For instance, Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) discussion of the “social address” model and Howard and Scott’s (1981) discussion of “deficiency formulations“each criticize the comparative frameworks, which dominate the literature on ethnic minorities in the United States. They argue that comparative frameworks simply describe between-group differences on particular outcome variables of interest, providing little insight into the range of social and psychological processes that occur within a cultural group. Other scholars have questioned the validity of studies utilizing constructs and measures developed in one cultural group to understand phenomenon in another (Boykin, 1979). Cultural norms, values, and experiences influence the relevance of a set of constructs to respondents, the range of behaviors and ideas that are valid indicators of the constructs, and how respondents interpret items employed to assess them (Hui & Triandis, 1989; Marsella & Kameoka, 1989). Inattention to these sorts of issues can undermine the accuracy of scientific knowledge about both intragroup processes and between-group similarities and differences.
The Archaeology of South Asian Cities

Urbanism in the Indian subcontinent occurred in three distinct time periods in which cultural cohesion over large regions is archaeologically demonstrated through the architecture and artifacts of social, ritual, and economic activity. In the Indus (2500–1900 B.C.) and Early Historic (3rd century B.C. to 4th century A.D.) periods, cities were not necessarily tied to political territories or guided by strong political leaders, but by the Medieval period (after the 9th century A.D.), urban zones were the base for political growth, warfare, and aggrandizement. The comparison of these three eras is undertaken within a framework for defining cities that balances quantitative criteria such as population size and areal extent with two types of qualitative criteria: internal specialization on the basis of materials found within archaeological sites, and external specialization on the basis of data recovered through regional analysis. Cities from the three eras also are evaluated from the perspective of the ordinary inhabitant through the examination of the social, religious, and economic factors that prompted and rewarded urban residence. While the Indus and Early Historic cities were attractive because of the networks of opportunity found there, Medieval cities additionally benefitted from a “push” factor as ordinary inhabitants allied themselves to urban areas in times of political stress and uncertainty.
A new nmr technique to study disulfide reduction: Comparison of lysozyme and α-lactalbumin

Abstract A nuclear magnetic resonance technique employing 35 Cl resonances has been used to study the reduction of disulfides in lysozyme and α-lactalbumin. The nmr technique allows rapid analysis of approximately 2 × 10 −5 moles of disulfides. Reductions were carried out with dithiothreitol (DTT) in 4 M urea. From a time study of the amount of reduction for the two proteins, it appears that the disulfides of α-lactalbumin are more accessible for reduction than those of lysozyme.
Mo2N/C hybrid material as a promising support for the electro-oxidation of methanol and formic acid

Abstract Mo 2 N/C hybrid support is prepared by a new and efficient method, including a self-assembly step of phosphomolybdic acid on carbon black followed by a thermal treatment under ammonia at 600 °C. TEM shows that the resulting 2–5 nm particles of Mo 2 N are highly dispersed on carbon black. This hybrid support is further modified with Pt nanoparticles to catalyze the oxidation of methanol and formic acid, demonstrating much higher catalytic activity and stability than Pt/C catalysts. The present work highlights an efficient preparation of Mo 2 N/C, and its application as a promising support for the oxidation of small organic molecules in fuel cells.
Interferon-γ Induction of the Human Leukocyte Antigen-E Gene Is Mediated through Binding of a Complex Containing STAT1α to a Distinct Interferon-γ-responsive Element *

Expression of the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I genes has been shown previously to increase at the transcriptional level following exposure to interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). In this report we have examined the molecular mechanisms involved in the IFN-gamma-induced transcription of the human MHC class I gene, HLA-E. Functional analysis of CAT reporter gene constructs under the control of the HLA-E promoter transfected into U937 cells revealed the presence of a distinct IFN-gamma-responsive element, termed the interferon response region (IRR), that was necessary and sufficient to mediate the response to IFN-gamma. This cis-acting regulatory sequence contains an imperfect inverted repeat; the 5'-half of the IRR resembles the IFN-gamma activation site (GAS), and the 3'-half of the IRR resembles the interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE). Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that the IRR bound a single, specific, IFN-gamma-induced complex (IRR-AC), which was formed rapidly following treatment with IFN-gamma and was independent of protein synthesis. Competition experiments with GAS and ISRE sequences from other IFN-inducible genes showed that GAS sequences competed for the IRR-AC, whereas ISRE sequences did not compete. Mutational analysis demonstrated that point mutations in either the 5'-half or 3'-half of the IRR prevented binding of the complex and abrogated or markedly reduced the IFN-gamma responsiveness of reporter gene constructs. Supershift analysis revealed that the IRR-AC contains a factor that was recognized by antibodies specific for the protein STAT1alpha (signal transducer and activator of transcription). Taken together, these findings suggest that the mechanism of IFN-gamma-induced transcription of the HLA-E gene is distinct from that of other MHC class I genes.
Hydrocarbons in Digestive Tract and Liver of a Basking Shark

The hydrocarbons of zooplankton pass through the digestive tract of the basking shark without fractionation or structural modification. They are resorbed in the spiral valve and deposited in the liver. In contrast to unsaturated fatty acids, the olefinic hydrocarbons are not decreased in concentration. The hydrocarbon assemblage in the digestive tract and in the liver is indicative of the food sources and feeding grounds of the shark. Squalene, abundant in shark liver, occurs only in traces in zooplankton; phytane, if present at all, constitutes less than 0.005 percent of the hydrocarbons of zooplankton and of shark liver.
Using Repeated Measures Designs in Program Evaluation of Family Therapy.

Data from 14 simulated families were analyzed with both a repeated measures and an ordinary analysis of variance design in order to illustrate the differences between the two approaches. The advantages of repeated measures designs for the analysis of family data in the program evaluation of family therapy are highlighted.
Modeling GPS phase multipath with SNR: Case study from the Salar de Uyuni, Boliva

[1] Multipath, wherein a signal arrives at the receiving antenna by more than one path, is a significant and largely unmodeled source of GPS positioning error. We present a technique for mitigating specular multipath in GPS carrier phase measurements using the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), in which the frequency and amplitude content of non-stationary oscillations in SNR are modeled to extract multipath parameters (direct and reflected signal amplitudes, and the phase difference between direct and indirect signals). The frequency content of SNR data is estimated using wavelet analysis, then used to initialize an adaptive least squares process to solve for time-varying multipath parameters. Multipath corrections derived from these parameters are applied to the phase observables. We demonstrate this technique using campaign GPS data collected over a large salt flat (Salar de Uyuni), specifically a tripod-mounted station which experienced long-period (300–2000 s) multipath oscillations in SNR from ground reflections. By contrasting position solutions before and after applying multipath corrections, we demonstrate a reduction in carrier phase postfit residual RMS of up to 20% for static positioning, and 1–7 dB reduction in spectral power at multipath periods for kinematic positions.
Smoking cessation for weight-concerned women : Group vs. individually tailored, dietary, and weight-control follow-up sessions

Postcessation weight gain is of concern to many female cigarette smokers. A multidisciplinary treatment combining psychological, dietary, and exercise components followed a 2-week smoking cessation program. Participants were randomly assigned to receive six follow-up relapse prevention sessions (in a group format or in an individually tailored format) directed by trained representatives from clinical psychology, dietary counseling, and exercise physiology. As predicted, abstinence rates were significantly higher among the individually tailored follow-up participants than among those assigned to the group follow-up condition at 3 and 6 months posttreatment. Differences between conditions in postcessation weight gain were not significant. However, the postcessation weight gain that did occur was significantly associated with subsequent smoking relapse in the group follow-up condition only.
Patient-specific quantification of respiratory motion-induced dose uncertainty for step-and-shoot IMRT of lung cancer

Purpose: The objective of this study was to quantify respiratory motion-induced dose uncertainty at the planning stage for step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using an analytical technique.Methods: Ten patients with stage II/III lung cancer who had undergone a planning four-dimensional (4D) computed tomographic scan and step-and-shoot IMRT planning were selected with a mix of motion and tumor size for this retrospective study. A step-and-shoot IMRT plan was generated for each patient. The maximum and minimum doses with respiratory motion were calculated for each plan, and the mean deviation from the 4D dose was calculated, taking delivery time, fractionation, and patient breathing cycle into consideration.Results: For all patients evaluated in this study, the mean deviation from the 4D dose in the planning target volume (PTV) was <2.5%, with a standard deviation <1.2%, and maximum point dose variation from the 4D dose was <6.2% in the PTV assuming delivery dose rate of 200 MU/min and patient breathing cycle of 8 s. The motion-induced dose uncertainty is a function of motion, fractionation, MU (plan modulation), dose rate, and patient breathing cycle.Conclusions: Respiratory motion-induced dose uncertainty varies from patient to patient. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the dose uncertainty on a patient-specific basis,more » which could be useful for plan evaluation and treatment strategy determination for selected patients.« less