cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A collaborative naturalistic service delivery program for enhancing pragmatic language and participation in preschoolers

ABSTRACTWe describe a speech-language pathology and occupational therapy service delivery program for preschoolers with developmental delays and communication and related impairments. Key features included interprofessional collaboration; parent professional partnerships; naturalistic environment; opportunities for choice and control; use of a relationship-based approach; and communication, sensory, and positive behavioral strategies. Participants were 16 boys and 4 girls, ages 3 years, 2 months to 5 years, 8 months, who attended the program two mornings per week. Outcomes measured were pragmatic language and participation as well as parent satisfaction. Results indicated that children demonstrated significant improvements in pragmatics and participation and that parents expressed a high level of satisfaction. Children also achieved additional clinical objectives. Implications of findings are discussed.
Fixation of Bovine Pericardium-Based Tissue Biomaterial with Irreversible Chemistry Improves Biochemical and Biomechanical Properties

Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs), derived from glutaraldehyde crosslinked (GLUT) porcine aortic valve leaflets or bovine pericardium (BP), are used to replace defective heart valves. However, valve failure can occur within 12–15 years due to calcification and/or progressive structural degeneration. We present a novel fabrication method that utilizes carbodiimide, neomycin trisulfate, and pentagalloyl glucose crosslinking chemistry (TRI) to better stabilize the extracellular matrix of BP. We demonstrate that TRI-treated BP is more compliant than GLUT-treated BP. GLUT-treated BP exhibited permanent geometric deformation and complete alteration of apparent mechanical properties when subjected to induced static strain. TRI BP, on the other hand, did not exhibit such permanent geometric deformations or significant alterations of apparent mechanical properties. TRI BP also exhibited better resistance to enzymatic degradation in vitro and calcification in vivo when implanted subcutaneously in juvenile rats for up to 30 days.
Multiband noisy spectrum sensing with codebooks

Cognitive radio technology aims to meet the demand for higher data rates in wireless communications by allowing secondary users to opportunistically locate and utilize otherwise under-utilized spectrum resources [1]. This paper focuses on the cases when a secondary user monitors the occupancy of frequency subbands by using a multiband spectrum sensing approach in which multiple frequency subbands are simultaneously searched in groups. This paper establishes a direct connection between multiband spectrum sensing and the problem of encoding over a Multiple Access Channel (MAC) with feedback. As a main consequence, this approach allows for the characterization of fundamental limits on the speed and the reliability of optimal multiband spectrum sensing. In particular, this paper considers a selection of specialized non-adaptive, and adaptive codes with previously guaranteed performance that can be used as sensing schemes. In the special case where there is exactly one vacant frequency subband, a variant of the posterior matching coding scheme [2] for point-to-point channels is proposed. Known results on the performance of this coding scheme are then used to upper bound the expected minimum number of measurements needed to locate the vacant subband.
‘Larger than life’: celebrity journalism, gender and black politics in Fay M. Jackson’s Hollywood adventures, 1933–1935

This historical article analyses the work of an under-recognised black female journalist, Fay M. Jackson, who wrote as the Associated Negro Press Hollywood correspondent during the 1930s. Drawing f...
Phyla, Phylogeny, and Embryonic Body Plans

This chapter deals with how three related ideas relevant to evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-devo)—phylum, phylogeny, and embryonic body plans—changed during the period after the 1981 Dahlem conference on evolution and development, both in terms of new findings that inform these ideas and how the phenomena they represent provide a platform for evolutionary change (see Valentine 2004 for a general review). My discussion is influenced by Amundson’s book The Changing Role of the Embryo in Evolutionary Thought (2005). One goal of this essay is to bring that historical account, which ends prior to the Dahlem conference, up to the present. While his title uses the word ‘embryo,’ the book does not describe the questions that evolutionary developmental biologists have asked, how they have gone about studying embryos, and why they have concentrated on particular developmental stages. First, I discuss how embryonic body plans were used in classification and phylogenetic reconstruction prior to 1981. Then I show how the utility of embryonic body plans in classification and phylogenetic reconstruction has diminished during the last 30 years, and how our view of their role as a platform for evolutionary change has been enlarged.
Advance in predictive and prognostic marker assessments in lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and represents 19% of all cancer-related deaths (1).
The promise of contrapuntal and intersectional methods for advancing critical interpersonal and family communication research

ABSTRACTThis article argues that contrapuntal analysis and intersectional analysis are particularly germane for realizing the emergent critical turn in interpersonal and family communication studies. Contrapuntal analysis is apropos for examining the multiple discourses and intersectional analysis for examining the embodied vectors of difference at play in contemporary interpersonal and familial communicative life. I organize my discussion of the promise of contrapuntal and intersectional methods around the four shifts espoused in the Critical Interpersonal and Family Communication (CIFC) framework. The CIFC framework calls for attention to power, bidirectionality between private and public realms, critique/resistance/transformation of the status quo in the service of social-justice ends, and author reflexivity.
Phosphorylation Dynamics Dominate the Regulated Proteome during Early Xenopus Development

The earliest stages of animal development are largely controlled by changes in protein phosphorylation mediated by signaling pathways and cyclin-dependent kinases. In order to decipher these complex networks and to discover new aspects of regulation by this post-translational modification, we undertook an analysis of the X. laevis phosphoproteome at seven developmental stages beginning with stage VI oocytes and ending with two-cell embryos. Concurrent measurement of the proteome and phosphoproteome enabled measurement of phosphosite occupancy as a function of developmental stage. We observed little change in protein expression levels during this period. We detected the expected phosphorylation of MAP kinases, translational regulatory proteins, and subunits of APC/C that validate the accuracy of our measurements. We find that more than half the identified proteins possess multiple sites of phosphorylation that are often clustered, where kinases work together in a hierarchical manner to create stretches of phosphorylated residues, which may be a means to amplify signals or stabilize a particular protein conformation. Conversely, other proteins have opposing sites of phosphorylation that seemingly reflect distinct changes in activity during this developmental timeline.
Conceptual Role Semantics and Rationality

Conceptual role semanticists argue that concepts are individuated in terms of their roles in cognition. Some prominent conceptual role semanticists argue for the further claim that concepts are individuated in terms of their rational roles in cognition. This further claim places substantive normative constraints on concept-constitutive roles. I argue that conceptual role semanticists can and should resist the claim that conceptual roles must be specified in inherently normative terms.
Regulation of microsomal enzymes by phospholipids: IX. Production of uniquely modified forms of microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase by treatment with phospholipase A and detergents

Abstract The kinetic parameters of microsomal UDPglucuronyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.17) were compared after treatment of microsomes with phospholipase A and Triton X-100. Treatments with phospholipase A and Triton had differential effects on activities at V (assayed in both forward and reverse directions), the affinity of the enzyme for UDPglucuronic acid and UDP, the specificity of binding of UDPsugars, and the sensitivity of the enzyme to treatment with UDP-N-acetylglucosamine. Comparisons of lysophosphatide, Triton, and cholate-activated forms indicated that different types of detergents activate by separate mechanisms. These data are taken as evidence that selective types of changes of the composition and structure of microsomal lipids lead to selective types of changes of the properties of UDPglucuronyltransferase. Activation of UDPglucuronyltransferase in response to different types of perturbations of the membrane lipids is thus a specific process. It was found that constraints on the maximal potential activity of the reverse reaction catalyzed by UDPglucuronyltransferase is more extensive in untreated microsomes than constraint on the forward reaction. Also, the “activated forms” of UDPglucuronyltransferase have less activity than the untreated enzyme if assays are carried out under conditions presumed to exist in vivo. These results indicate the complexity of lipid-protein interactions as regulators of membrane-bound enzymes. They also indicate the functional significance of this type of regulation for the activity of UDPglucuronyltransferase.
Unplanned delays among patients receiving FOLFOX chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.

e15637Background: FOLFOX (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) is the most commonly used chemotherapy regimen for colorectal cancer. The scheduled administration of FOLFOX is every 14 days,...
Steering a Safe Course in Admiralty Removal Jurisdiction Subsequent to the 2011 Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act

Federal jurisdiction over admiralty actions originates in the United States Constitution. Congress, in the admiralty jurisdiction statute, pursuant to what is commonly referred to as the saving to suitors clause, reserved to plaintiffs in admiralty actions the option of pursuing remedies in state court. However, in 2011, Congress enacted the Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act (JVCA), which changed key language in the federal removal statute. The JVCA amendment has been interpreted by certain courts in a manner that has allowed removal of general maritime actions from state court to federal court, which is contrary to admiralty jurisprudence. Not only is the removal of general maritime actions contrary to precedent, but the removal of general maritime claims to federal courts would eviscerate the saving to suitors clause, an action that would fundamentally alter admiralty jurisdiction. As the savings to suitors clause would be eviscerated, interpreting the 2011 Federal Courts Jurisdiction and Venue Clarification Act to allow the removal of general maritime actions from state court to federal court is erroneous.
South Atlantic universals: science, sovereignty and self-determination in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Decades after a violent war that re-established British control over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas in Spanish), commercial fishing regimes and offshore oil discoveries have led Argentina and the U...
The Blurred Exigence of Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines

Neither the overwhelming acceptance of Blurred Lines nor its perceived derogation of women can be imputed in the formation of a metanarrative response, because exigency ambiguity is a function of the song's discursive implications as a piece of cultural rhetoric employed upon the exigencies of modern American pop culture.
Passive Building Characteristics, and Summertime Residential Energy Use: A Spatial Analysis of Energy Efficiency in Gainesville, FL

Abstract Passive design and landscape variables (e.g., rooftop albedo and shading vegetation) are frequently proposed as important green building techniques. However, there is a paucity of literature demonstrating their large-scale effects with empirically measured building stocks and observed residential energy consumption. This paper uses a spatial Durbin error model (SDEM) approach to test the effects of passive building performance indicators, such as orientation, albedo, and NDVI, on city-wide summertime household billed energy data in Gainesville, FL. Our findings suggest that vegetation and albedo reduce energy consumption, but our model did not produce similar significant results for building orientation and footprint compactness. These results provide evidence to suggest high albedo roofing and purposeful shading are important energy conservation strategies for energy-efficient residential neighborhoods.
The landscape of eukaryotic mRNPs

The proper regulation of mRNA processing, localization, translation, and degradation occurs on mRNPs. However, the global principles of mRNP organization are poorly understood. We utilize the limited, but existing, information available to present a speculative synthesis of mRNP organization with the following key points. First, mRNPs form a compacted structure due to the inherent folding of RNA. Second, the ribosome is the principal mechanism by which mRNA regions are partially decompacted. Third, mRNPs are 50%-80% protein by weight, consistent with proteins modulating mRNP organization, but also suggesting the majority of mRNA sequences are not directly interacting with RNA-binding proteins. Finally, the ratio of mRNA-binding proteins to mRNAs is higher in the nucleus to allow effective RNA processing and limit the potential for nuclear RNA based aggregation. This synthesis of mRNP understanding provides a model for mRNP biogenesis, structure, and regulation with multiple implications.
Ultrafast shock synthesis of nanocarbon from a liquid precursor

Carbon nanoallotropes are important nanomaterials with unusual properties and promising applications. High pressure synthesis has the potential to open new avenues for controlling and designing their physical and chemical characteristics for a broad range of uses but it remains little understood due to persistent conceptual and experimental challenges, in addition to fundamental physics and chemistry questions that are still unresolved after many decades. Here we demonstrate sub-nanosecond nanocarbon synthesis through the application of laser-induced shock-waves to a prototypical organic carbon-rich liquid precursor—liquid carbon monoxide. Overlapping large-scale molecular dynamics simulations capture the atomistic details of the nanoparticles’ formation and evolution in a reactive environment and identify classical evaporation-condensation as the mechanism governing their growth on these time scales. Carbon nanomaterials have widespread application but fundamental aspects of their formation are still unclear. Here the authors explore the shock-induced synthesis of carbon nanoallotropes from liquid CO by time-resolved reflectivity and computations identifying the growth mechanism at the sub-nanosecond timescale
Chapter 10 – Correlation Analysis

Publisher Summary Correlation analysis is a modeling and analysis approach that straddles input analysis and output analysis. It consists of two activities: modeling correlated stochastic processes and studying the impact of correlations on performance measures of interest via sensitivity analysis. Thus, correlation analysis combines modeling (the input analysis of the first item) with analysis (the output analysis in the second item), especially in the context of simulation. Correlation analysis is motivated by the impact of correlations on performance measures and the fact that ignoring them can lead to large errors in predicting system performance. Correlation analysis as part of input analysis is simply an approach to modeling and data fitting. This approach insists on high-quality models incorporating temporal dependence, and strives to fit correlation-related statistics in a systematic way.
The Impact of Participants' Anthropometry on Muscle Activation Levels While Interacting with the Level of Expertise, Task Type, and Single Muscles.

In this research paper, we implemented a mixed factor design in order to investigate the effect of four anthropometries: height, weight, lower-arm dimensions, and upper-arm dimensions on the muscle activation level of participants when interacting with three types of moderators: experiment expertise, task type, and muscle type. The research paper focused on two levels of expertise (novice and expert), two tasks (deck-building and picket installation), and four arm muscles (Brachioradialis (BR), Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU), Flexor Carpi Radialis (FCR), and Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU)), which resulted in 16 (2 × 2 × 4) groups. For each of the 16 groups, the data were analyzed in order to investigate the relationship between the four anthropometries and the four muscle activation levels of the participants. Amos software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), along with multiple group structural equation modeling, was used to test a total of 16 direct relationships, as well as the moderation effects in the designed experiment. The results show that the participants’ expertise can moderate the relationship between their height and muscle activation levels, the relationship between their weight and muscle activation levels, and the relationship between their lower arm dimensions and muscle activation levels. Moreover, the findings of this research paper demonstrate that the relationship between the lower arm dimensions and muscle activation levels, and the relationship between weight and muscle activation levels are moderated by the type of muscle used by the participants (i.e., BR, ECU, FCR, and FCU).
Impact of XBRL on Voluntary Adopters' Financial Reporting Quality and Cost of Equity Capital

ABSTRACT We investigate whether corporate governance quality explains differences in financial reporting quality and cost of capital following the XBRL Voluntary Filing Program (VFP) launched by th...
Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Pregnancy: Trends in United States, 2010 to 2018.

BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) case surveillance relies on reported positive laboratory results. Changes in reported cases may represent changes in testing practice or infection prevalence. This study evaluated changes over time for CT and NG positivity and testing rates of pregnant persons. METHODS Prenatal testing results from persons aged 16 to 40 years tested by a national reference clinical laboratory were analyzed for CT and NG testing and positivity from 2010 to 2018 (n = 3,270,610). RESULTS Testing rates increased among pregnant persons for CT (from 56.3% in 2010 to 64.1% in 2018, P < 0.001) and NG (from 55.6% to 63.2%, P < 0.001). Higher CT testing rates were found in Black non-Hispanic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57-1.60) and Hispanic (AOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.18-1.20) persons. NG and CT testing rates were virtually identical. Significant increasing trends in CT positivity were observed for each age group studied (P < 0.001 for all): 16-19 (from 11.7% to 13.0%), 20-24 (from 6.4% to 6.7%), 25-30 (from 1.9% to 2.4%), and 31-40 years (from 0.76% to 0.92%). Black non-Hispanic persons had the highest positivity for CT (AOR, 2.52; 95% CI, 2.46-2.57) and NG (AOR, 5.42; 95% CI, 5.05-5.82). CONCLUSIONS Testing and adjusted positivity for both CT and NG among pregnant persons increased from 2010 to 2018. Higher testing rates were observed in Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic persons (even in persons younger than 25 years), suggesting some testing decisions may have been based on perceived risk, in contrast to many guidelines recommending screening all pregnant persons younger than 25 years.
An Unusual Presentation of Catatonia-Like Behavior: Differentiating Malingering from Catatonia

Malingering involves the intentional production of physical or psychological behaviors due to motivation from external incentives, posing unique challenges to healthcare. Although malingering as an entity has been well studied, the current literature does not explore the intentional production of catatonia-like behavior or how to differentiate malingering from catatonia. Here, we describe a 45-year-old female who was admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital with a complex presentation of catatonia-like signs that was ultimately thought to be volitional behavior, resulting in a diagnosis of malingering. We highlight the important factors considered in her presentation, the differences between her behaviors and true catatonia, and other important differential diagnoses to consider. Although a diagnosis of malingering is difficult to make, we underscore the importance of reaching this conclusion in order to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful medical interventions. We stress the importance of shifting focus from medical management to more appropriate patient goals such as providing social services and treatment of other underlying psychiatric illnesses.
Counseling Adolescents with ADHD

In our direct work with adolescents with disruptive behaviors, we use an engagement strategy consistent with the basic objectives and techniques of solution-focused counseling. We have found that solution-focused approaches strengthen the therapeutic alliance and motivate adolescents to attempt specific interventions introduced later in the Challenging Horizons Program. Our approach is somewhat unorthodox because we blend strategies based on seemingly incompatible theories: On the one hand, we use solution-focused strategies focusing on the adolescent’s strengths and stated goals; and on the other hand, we introduce a set of predefined, manualized interventions that target common attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related impairments. Despite the surface contradictions, we have found that using solution-focused strategies early in the intervention process is effective in reducing the potential hesitancies many adolescents feel when starting work with a counselor, thereby opening the door to technique-driven interventions later. In this chapter, we describe the basic tenets of this strategy and discuss ways that practitioners can engage clients with ADHD who may initially be resistant to intervention.
Development of statistics and limits for DMR-QA studies, and summary of experience in DMR-QA Study 2

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has conducted two Discharge Monitoring Report - Quality Assurance (DMR-QA) studies to evaluate the performance of laboratories doing analyses required in major National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. The object of these studies is to identify laboratories that appear to be having significant analytical problems and that should receive follow-up contact by the state or EPA region with primacy. Participants receive a set of sample concentrates to be diluted to volume with distilled water. The resulting samples can be analyzed for 26 of the analytes most frequently limited in permits. Analytical results are submitted to EPA for evaluation against appropriate acceptance limits and a report is returned to each participant. The acceptance limits are constructed as 99% confidence intervals based upon the state-of-the-art analytical capabilities demonstrated by participating EPA and state laboratories. The statistical basis for the acceptance limits in the most recent study, DMR-QA Study 2, is discussed in detail. DMR-QA Study 2 included data representing 5157 major NPDES permits and all 50 states. On the average, 22% of these data were beyond the acceptance limits, indicating there is considerable potential for improvement. Results from DMR-QA studies focus the limited follow-up resources more » of the primacy agencies to maximize the improvement in DMR data quality. Whether any improvement actually occurs, however, depends entirely upon the commitment of the responsible state and EPA enforcement offices, as well as the major NPDES dischargers, to make the changes necessary to improve the quality of monitoring data. 2 references, 4 tables. « less
Proflavine Inhibition of Protein Synthesis

Abstract Proflavine, in the range of 5 x 10-5 m, markedly inhibited protein synthesis in a subcellular rat liver system. With native messenger ribonucleic acids, leucine incorporation. In was inhibited more than phenylalanine incorporation. In the presence of polyuridylate, however, phenylalanine incorporation was inhibited more than leucine incorporation. Reversal studies indicated that extent, excess transfer ribonucleic acid and, to a lesser extent, excess microsomes, but not polyuridylate, overcame proflavine inhibition. Specific assays indicated that the drug inhibited both the synthesis of phenylalanyl transfer ribonucleic acid as well as the transfer reaction. These results suggest that the biological properties of the aminoacridines may be due not only to their ability to react with deoxyribonucleic acid, but also to their ability to form complexes with transfer ribonucleic acid and thereby directly interfere with protein synthesis.
Boundary Value Problems for Metrics on 3-manifolds

We discuss the problem of prescribing the mean curvature and conformal class as boundary data for Einstein metrics on 3-manifolds, in the context of natural elliptic boundary value problems for Riemannian metrics.
Constraints on Solar Models from Stellar Evolution

This paper constitutes a brief and exceedingly elementary review of the consraints imposed on models of the solar interior by comparisons between theoretical models of evolving stars and the observed characteristics of stars, including the Sun.
Application of Neutron Diffraction NDE to High-Temperature Superconducting Composites

Since the discovery of superconducting materials with relatively high transition temperatures (Tc), there has been a considerable effort both to understand the reason for the high Tc and to improve the mechanical properties, (the latter has been a limiting factor for practical applications). The YBa2Cu3O7-δ (YBCO) compounds have received considerable attention because of their high Tc and high upper critical magnetic field [l–3]. Additions of silver have recently been shown to improve the mechanical properties (toughness and strength) of these compounds [4]. Furthermore, the addition of the Ag can improve the conductive path between grains of superconducting YBCO and possibly help reduce the “weak-link” effect [5]. Note that whereas the addition of a low-volume fraction of silver does not adversely affect the superconductivity the introduction of transition metals to YBCO can have a detrimental effect on the superconducting properties. Also, the addition of silver has a minimal affect on the stress free lattice spacing. During fabrication of YBCO/Ag composites, differential thermal expansion upon cooling can lead to potentially troublesome residual stresses. Since the Ag contracts more than the YBCO, good bonding between the ceramic and silver could lead [6] to tensile stresses in the silver and compressive stresses in the YBCO for relatively small percentages of Ag. These residual stresses could lead to premature failure of the composite, debonding of the YBCO and Ag, and/or microcracking, which will affect the flow of superconducting current and the life expectancy of components made from this material. An understanding of the nature and magnitude of these stresses will help improve the design of these composites.
Reduced hemoglobin values in children and young adults with hemophilia

Mild leukopenia and thrombocytopenia are common in multitransfused hemophiliacs. Because little attention has previously been directed to measurements of erythropoiesis in these patients, we prospectively examined hemoglobin concentration and RBC indices in 94 children and young adults with hemophilia during comprehensive clinic visits. Additional studies performed in many included serum transferrin saturation, ferritin, haptoglobin, and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin measurements. Hemoglobin concentrations were recorded as age-related percentile values. Hemophiliacs of all ages and degrees of severity often had lower than average values for hemoglobin; 31% had values less than the third percentile, 46% less than the tenth percentile, and 83% less than the mean value. Reduced hemoglobin percentile values were unrelated to age, severity of disease, or human immunodeficiency virus antibody status. Only five patients had an obvious cause for anemia. Serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and erythrocyte protoporphyrin values were usually normal, indicating that iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease were uncommon. Although serum haptoglobin was reduced in 44% of the patients, reticulocyte count was infrequently increased. We conclude that hemoglobin values are frequently less than the mean normal values for age in hemophiliacs. Although frank anemia is common, it is usually mild and without obvious cause. Hemophiliac individuals with slightly reduced hemoglobin values probably do not routinely require detailed investigation for occult blood loss, iron deficiency, or inflammation.
Evaluation of a novel, ultrathin, tip-bending endoscope in a synthetic force-sensing pancreas with comparison to medical guide wires

Purpose Direct visualization of pancreatic ductal tissue is critical for early diagnosis of pancreatic diseases and for guiding therapeutic interventions. A novel, ultrathin (5 Fr) scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) with tip-bending capability has been developed specifically to achieve high resolution imaging as a pancreatoscope during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This device has potential to dramatically improve both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities during ERCP by providing direct video feedback and tool guidance to clinicians.
Genetic Control of Experimental Lyme Arthritis in the Absence of Specific Immunity

Host genetics play an important role in determining resistance or susceptibility to experimental Lyme arthritis. While specific immunity appears to regulate disease resolution, innate immunity appears to regulate disease severity. Intradermal infection with Borrelia burgdorferi yields severe arthritis in C3H/He (C3H) mice but only minimal arthritis in BALB/c mice. Intradermal infection of immunodeficient C3H SCID mice also results in severe arthritis, but arthritis of only moderate severity in BALB/c SCID mice. In the present study, we examined immunodeficient recombinase-activating gene-knockout (RAG-1−/−) (RAG−) mice from resistant C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (DBA) mouse strains. B. burgdorferi-infected B6 RAG− and DBA RAG− mice had little or no ankle swelling, a low occurrence of inflammatory infiltrates in tibiotarsal joints, and low arthritis severity scores in comparison to RAG+ and RAG− BALB/c or C3H mice. Few differences in spirochete DNA levels in ankles of resistant and susceptible RAG− mice were seen. These data suggest that resistance to arthritis development following B. burgdorferi infection is not necessarily dependent on an acquired immune response and can occur despite the presence of high spirochete burden. Thus, genes expressed outside the specific immune response can be central regulators of experimental arthritis.
Beyond the domestic picture: the geopolitical factors that have formed contemporary Iran–US relations

This article examines the geopolitical determinants that have underpinned contemporary Iran–US relations, challenging the established thinking on why this relationship has been characterized by hostility. It is argued that the primacy that has been given to the role of domestic politics in either the US or Iran, as being the main arbiter of this relationship, is incomplete. This relationship is just as much a product of the structural conditions within the Middle East and the wider international system, which created the conditions for the clashing of the core national interests of both these states. However, due to the massive political and social alterations within the Middle East in the past decade, the notion of ‘strategic irreconcilability’ between both actors is now fundamentally changing. This has given room for a possible recalibration of the Iran–US relationship. Ultimately, it is argued that the synthesis of the domestic, the regional, and geopolitical levels of analysis are needed for a more ho...
Number fluctuations and the threshold model of kinetic switches

Abstract The dynamics within nanoscale systems, in biological cells, or in macroscopic ecosystems often involves low populations of molecules or members, provoking the need for a discrete description instead of a continuum theory. We consider a classical birth–immigration–death process in such a few number system and show in how far fluctuations become prominent in the system's dynamics. The exact analytical results are investigated and new functions for the characterisation of the population dynamics established. We investigate the corresponding continuum approximation of the process and derive a Fokker–Planck equation for the fluctuations.
Lithium Ion Cell Performance Enhancement Using Aqueous LiFePO4 Cathode Dispersions and Polyethyleneimine Dispersant

Switching manufacturing of composite battery electrodes from an organic system to an aqueous system provides both economic and environmental advantages. However, particle agglomeration of the electrode components and poor wetting of electrode dispersions to the current collectors are inherently introduced. Particle agglomeration can be mitigated by selection of appropriate dispersants. This research examines the effect of dispersant, poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), on the associated morphology and electrochemical performance of LiFePO4. The addition of PEI reduces the agglomerate size and contributes to a more homogeneous distribution of cathode constituents, which results in a smoother, more uniform cathode surface. The LiFePO4 cathodes with PEI demonstrated a higher Li+ diffusion coefficient (1 × 10−14 cm2 s−1), better initial capacity (>142 mAh g−1), greater capacity retention (∼100%), and superior rate performance compared to the cathodes without PEI. When PEI concentration was varied, the LiFePO4 cathode with 2 wt% PEI exhibited the best performance at 167 mAh g−1 capacity (98% of the theoretical capacity) and 100% retention after 50 cycles when discharged at 0.2C at 25◦C in a half cell. © 2012 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.037302jes] All rights reserved.
Spatial density and distribution of choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive cells in human, macaque, and baboon retinas.

Whole-mounted human, macaque, and baboon retinas were labelled with an antiserum to human choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), by the immunoperoxidase technique. Previous work in nonprimate species has shown that these cells correspond to the starburst amacrine cells. Labelled somata were disposed on either side of the inner plexiform layer, and their processes formed two narrow zones within it. In human retinas, the ratio of labelled somata in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) to those in the inner nuclear layer (nominal Sb/Sa ratio) was about 60/40 at all locations, similar to that found in nonprimate mammalian species. The density of labelled cells in the human GCL ranged from 1,000 to 1,150 mm−2 near the fovea to 300 to 400 mm−2 in the periphery. Labelling tended to be more erratic in macaque retinas. Nevertheless the Sb/Sa ratio was as high as 70/30 and spatial densities were similar to those of humans. The overlap factor in macaque retinas outside the nasal quadrant was about 10 at all retinal eccentricities, based upon dendritic-field sizes from a Golgi study. About each labelled soma there was a region 20 to 120 μm in diameter in which the probability of the occurrence of other labelled somata was lower than elsewhere. No such nonrandomness was found between labeled cells in the GCL and those in the amacrine cell layer. The packing factor was about 0.3 in well-labelled regions, independent of retinal position or spatial density. Published data on ChAT-labelled cells in rabbit and rat show a similar value. This invariance is consistent with the hypothesis that this nonrandomness is a residual consequence of somal contiguity at an early developmental stage. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hexagonal tungsten trioxide and its intercalation chemistry

Tungsten trioxide exists in several modifications which are distorted variants of the ReO3 structure. Recently, however, a new form of tungsten trioxide was synthesized (1) with the same octahedral framework as found for the hexagonal alkali metal tungsten bronzes (2) and for MoW11O36 and MoW14O45 (3). Hexagonal WO3 was prepared by dehydration of a new hydrate formed by hydrothermal treatment of a tungstic acid gel. We have found that hexagonal WO3 may also be synthesized by oxidation of hexagonal ammonium tungsten bronze using aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The initial product is a fully oxidized hexagonal structure which contains ammonium cations. Hexagonal WO3 is obtained from this intermediate by heating at 350°C. Intercalation reactions of h-WO3 with alkali metals and hydrogen are described.
In vivo virtual histology intravascular ultrasound correlates of risk factors for sudden coronary death in men: results from the prospective, multi-centre virtual histology intravascular ultrasound registry

Aims We hypothesized a relationship between virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) findings and risk factors histopathologically associated with sudden coronary death (SCD) in men: cigarette smoking and an increased total cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (TC/HDL > 5). Methods and results We assessed volumetric VH-IVUS parameters in a consecutive series of 473 male patients: fibrous, fibro-fatty, dense calcium (DC), necrotic core (NC), and a calculated NC/DC ratio. Patients’ age was 61 ± 11 years, with 27% smokers and 69% having a lipid disorder. The NC/DC ratio was the only VH-IVUS parameter related to both TC/HDL ratio ( r = 0.18, P = 0.0008) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ( r = 0.17, P = 0.002); had a negative correlation with HDL-C levels ( r = −0.11, P = 0.03); and was higher for smokers [median 1.98 (1.35–3.18)] vs. non-smokers [median 1.70 (1.23–2.53), P = 0.006]. An NC/DC value >3 was the threshold that best identified smokers and/or patients presenting TC/HDL >5 (odds ratio 3.0, 95% CI 1.7–4.9, P = 0.0001), and receiver-operator curves showed the superiority of the NC/DC ratio [area under curve (AUC) 0.64, P < 0.0001] over %DC (AUC 0.58, P = 0.006) or %NC (AUC 0.51, P = 0.43) to identify these patients. Conclusion The ratio of NC to calcification detected by VH-IVUS in diseased coronary segments is related to known risk factors for SCD and, thus, may be associated with a worse prognosis.
Medical intensive care unit admissions for syncope.

To the Editor.— Silverstein et al recently published an important analysis of patients with syncope who were admitted to their medical intensive care unit (ICU) (1982;248:1185). We would like to raise some relevant points stimulated by their article. First, we appreciate the difficulty in diagnosing ventricular dysrhythmias as the true cause of syncope after the fact. Their criteria, using the recognition of couplets or frequent (>20/ min) ventricular premature contractions during the subsequent hospitalization of a patient, may be the best one can do, realizing that this will lead to both false-positive and false-negative results. False-positive results could be seen in an older patient with vasovagal syncope who, when monitored, later happened to have ventricular couplets. Fleg and Kennedy 1 studied a population of healthy subjects older than 60 years who had been carefully screened for the absence of heart disease (including normal treadmill test results). Twenty-four-hour Holter monitoring revealed
Sequential detection based on simple quantization

Abstract Some generalizations of the classical ruin problem in probability theory are investigated and are applied to analyze the sequential dead-zone limiter detector and the sequential four-level sign detector. The performances of these detectors are then compared to that of the sequential sign detector in terms of the relative efficiency (RE) and the asymptotic relative efficiency (ARE).
An experimental and theoretical study of the type C enone rearrangement: mechanistic and exploratory organic photochemistry.

We recently described a new photochemical rearrangement which we termed a Type C process. The reaction involves a δ to α aryl migration in 5-disubstituted cyclohexenones also having bulky C-3 substituents. In contrast to most cyclohexenone rearrangements, the reaction occurs via a twisted π−π* excited triplet rather than the usual n−π* state. The electronic nature of the rearrangement was assessed using migration selectivity with p-anisyl and p-cyanophenyl groups. A synthesis of the reactants was elaborated, and the product structures were established by X-ray and NMR analysis. The reaction mechanism was established further with DFT and CASSCF computations. In the latter, localized NBO basis orbitals permitted proper selection of the active space. The nature of the diradical intermediates as well as the transition states was established computationally. Sensitization experiments with regioselectivities the same as those in direct irradiation confirmed the triplet multiplicity of the process.
Bayesian learning and convergence to rational expectations

Abstract In this paper the probability distribution of equilibrium outcomes is assumed to be a continuous but unknown function of agents' forecasts (which are probability measures). Agents start with a prior distribution on the set of mappings from forecasts into probabilities on outcomes. This induces an initial forecast. After observing the equilibrium outcome a posterior distribution is computed which induces a new forecast. The main result is that with probability one the forecasts converge to the set of fixed points of the unknown mapping. This can be interpreted as convergence to rational expectations.
2-D Laplace Approach to Beam Shaping and Distortion for 90-Degree Holographic Recording and Readout

Applying a 2-D Laplace transform approach to the simultaneous recording and readout of a volume hologram under 90-degree geometry, including propagational diffraction, we investigate beam shaping and distortion in a photovoltaic- or diffusion-dominated photorefractive material.
Nitric-oxide Synthase Output State: DESIGN AND PROPERTIES OF NITRIC-OXIDE SYNTHASE OXYGENASE/FMN DOMAIN CONSTRUCTS

Abstract Mammalian nitric-oxide synthases are large modular enzymes that evolved from independently expressed ancestors. Calmodulin-controlled isoforms are signal generators; calmodulin activates electron transfer from NADPH through three reductase domains to an oxygenase domain. Structures of the reductase unit and its homologs show FMN and FAD in contact but too isolated from the protein surface to permit exit of reducing equivalents. To study states in which FMN/heme electron transfer is feasible, we designed and produced constructs including only oxygenase and FMN binding domains, eliminating strong internal reductase complex interactions. Constructs for all mammalian isoforms were expressed and purified as dimers. All synthesize NO with peroxide as the electron donor at rates comparable with corresponding oxygenase constructs. All bind cofactors nearly stoichiometrically and have native catalytic sites by spectroscopic criteria. Modest differences in electrochemistry versus independently expressed heme and FMN binding domains suggest interdomain interactions. These interactions can be convincingly demonstrated via calmodulin-induced shifts in high spin ferriheme EPR spectra and through mutual broadening of heme and FMNH· radical signals in inducible nitricoxide synthase constructs. Blue neutral FMN semiquinone can be readily observed; potentials of one electron couple (in inducible nitric-oxide synthase oxygenase FMN, FMN oxidized/semiquione couple =+70 mV, FMN semiquinone/hydroquinone couple =–180 mV, and heme =–180 mV) indicate that FMN is capable of serving as a one electron heme reductant. The construct will serve as the basis for future studies of the output state for NADPH derived reducing equivalents.
Focal pulmonary abnormalities: evaluation with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose PET scanning.

The authors assessed the role of positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in differentiation of benign from malignant focal pulmonary abnormalities seen on chest radiographs. Fifty-one patients underwent FDG PET scanning. Focal abnormalities at radiography included solitary pulmonary nodules (n = 38), pulmonary masses (n = 5), and poorly marginated infiltrates or opacities (n = 8). Proof of diagnosis was obtained by means of transbronchial biopsy (n = 21), open lung biopsy (n = 14), percutaneous needle biopsy (n = 14), or cytologic evaluation of sputum (n = 1). A nodule in one patient had been radiographically stable for at least 8 years. Quantitative analysis was performed by calculation of a standardized uptake ratio (SUR). Thirty-three malignant lesions had a mean SUR (+/- 1 standard deviation) of 6.5 +/- 2.9. Eighteen benign lesions had a mean SUR of 1.7 +/- 1.2. For a benign lesion with SUR of 2.5 or less, specificity of FDG PET was 100%, while sensitivity was 89%....
Effect of liquid and solid meals on intestinal activity

The activity of exteriorized but otherwise intact loops of jejunum or ileum was studied in a group of trained dogs. After a fasting period of forty-eight hours the loops were usually quiet but frequently showed periods of slight activity. The introduction of a stomach tube in sham feeding, the introduction of water or various liquid meals, and the feeding of a solid cooked meat meal caused a typical motor response, a sudden burst of marked activity. This response was maintained, however, only in the case of the solid meal. It disappeared within a few minutes in sham feeding. When water or various liquid meals were introduced the motor response diminished rapidly; activity of low grade, irregular, segmentation waves and inconspicuous tonus changes were maintained for about a half hour in the case of water, and for about an hour in the case of liquid meals. Rhythmic movement was noted most frequently when the bowel was quiet, usually immediately after an episode of slight activity. When the solid meal was given the motor response was sustained for hours, the activity being marked by prominent irregular segmentation waves, tonus changes and tonus waves, and occasional peristaltic waves. Twenty-four hours after the solid meal the small intestine usually showed moderate or slight activity. A fasting period of three or four days often resulted in unpredictable and atypical periods of activity, both before and after the feeding of liquids.
Recognition memory for faces following nine different judgments

Recognition memory for male faces was tested following nine different kinds of judgments made when the face was studied. Memory was poorest following questions about a particular physical feature, e.g., size of nose or straightness of hair, than when other kinds of questions were asked. In general, it made no difference for recognition whether the face had been positively or negatively categorized when it was studied.