cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of total ionic polysulfides by differential pulse polarography

Abstract Ionic polysulfides occur in various natural environments and waste waters from industrial processes; however, their direct determination in samples containing additional sulfur species has remained a challenge. Our goal was to develop a polarographic technique that could be used to directly determine total ionic polysulfides in the presence of other sulfur species such as polythionates and sulfide. Ionic polysulfides in an aqueous carbonate buffer (pH 9.5) were measured using differential pulse polarography (DPP) in combination with a dropping mercury electrode. An adsorption phenomenon associated with polysulfide or a product of its cathodic reaction with the Hg electrode created a characteristic current minimum at −1000 mV with a magnitude proportional to the concentration of S(0) existing in the form of polysulfidic sulfur. Sulfide and thiosulfate did not interfere and polythionates caused only a decrease in the magnitude of the minimum. The specificity of the technique and the lack of significant interferences make it an attractive alternative for the measurements of samples with polysulfidic sulfur concentrations between 10 −5 and 10 −3 M.
Finite-size scaling approach for the Schrödinger equation

We present a finite-size scaling approach for the calculations of the critical parameters of the few-body Schr\"odinger equation. This approach gives very accurate results for the critical parameters by using a systematic expansion in a finite basis set. To illustrate this approach we added detailed calculations for the critical screening length and the critical exponents for the Yukawa potential.
Packer sorting strategies for fresh pork

Characteristics of pork packing firms pursuing a competitive strategy of product differentiation are described. Such a strategy requires a consistent, highquality raw material. Three strategies to sort pork carcasses and primal cuts in the packing plant are detailed. A multivariate simulation replicated two distributions (based upon genetics) of hogs that a focus-differentiation packer might purchase: an average industry distribution and a lean, more uniform distribution. The results indicated that the leaner distribution had more loins and hams within the packer's desired weight range which provides an economic incentive to focus-differentiation packers for procuring leaner hogs. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ordered vector spaces

Abstract This work was motivated by Problem 49-4 from “IMAGE” Issue Number 49, p. 52, Fall 2012 which was proposed by Rajesh Pereira. Seeking the solution to the problem led to the discovery of some interesting results on ordered vector spaces. It is shown that up to an isomorphism, there is only one order on a finite dimensional real vector space of dimension greater than or equal to 2, namely a lexicographic order on the coefficient vectors with respect to certain special bases. These special bases are called non-Archimedean bases. By examining linear preservers on an ordered vector space a solution to problem 49-4 is found as a by-product.
Can nearby resonances enhance mixing

Abstract We study the contributions of resonances to D 0 − D 0 mixing. Both Q Q and hybrid Q Q G states are considered. Assuming reasonable values for the resonance parameters, we find relatively sizeable individual contributions to both Δm D and ΔΓ D . We derive a variant of the GIM cancellation mechanism for the resonance amplitudes and show that broken SU (3) can allow for appreciable residual effects. Additional input from meson spectroscopy and lattice gauge simulations will be needed to improve the accuracy of these predictions.
Lamellar Body Counts Performed on Automated Hematology Analyzers to Assess Fetal Lung Maturity

Laboratory assessment of fetal lung maturity assists obstetricians in estimating the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) when premature delivery of an infant is being considered. The status of fetal lung maturity is reflected in the concentrations of specific phospholipids and the number of surfactant-containing particles, or lamellar bodies, in amniotic fluid. Since lamellar body volumes are similar to platelets, automated hematology analyzers can provide rapid and precise lamellar body counts (LBCs). However, hematology analyzer manufacturers use different methods to enumerate platelets, leading to a lack of concordance between instrument brands when counting lamellar bodies. Laboratories performing LBCs should be aware of this important analytical variable when providing interpretations of LBC results.
A Pharmacological/Physiological Comparison between ADHD Medications and Exercise:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that typically begins in childhood and often persists into adulthood. Up to 7% of children between the ages of 4 and 17...
Systematics of Raman results on the superconducting gap: Interaction effects

Abstract The features of electronic Raman spectra from HTS track other spectroscopic features. The 2Δ gap peak in B1g Raman symmetry is believed to access the maximum value of the d-wave gap, but its energy in BSCCO-2212 is found to be consistently lower than twice the gap measured by single-particle spectroscopies. The 2Δ gap that is determined by (cc) polarized Raman scattering lies between these two values. These energy shifts are caused by particle-particle interactions in the final state. The two particles are created in the same CuO2 plane in B1g geometry, but they are created in adjacent planes in (cc) geometry. The stronger in-plane interaction causes the stronger reduction in 2Δ. Above the 2Δ Raman peak there is a dip at the same energy as a dip in the SIS tunneling spectra from the same material. Its energy equals 3 times the value of delta from tunneling or ARPES experiments. This energy has been tracked from optimum doping to under doping. The energy of the B1g-symmetry two-magnon Raman peak allows us to measure the zone boundary magnon energy, 2J. We find that 3Δ = 2J over this doping range, evidence that the energy scale of the superconducting gap is set by the antiferromagnetic superexchange parameter, J.
A Modern Approach to Bayesian Inference for Risk and Reliability Analysis

Recent years have seen significant advances in the use of risk analysis in a variety of applications. Because risk and reliability models are intended to support these applications, it is critical that inference methods used in these models be robust and technically sound. The inference method described in this paper is that of Bayesian Inference. The inference we describe uses a modern computational approach known as Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). MCMC methods work for simple cases, but more importantly, they work efficiently on very complex cases. Recently, with the advance of computing power and improved analysis algorithms, MCMC is increasingly being used for a variety of Bayesian inference problems. In the paper, an open-source program called OpenBUGS (commonly referred to as WinBUGS) is used to solve the inference problems that are described. The approach that is taken is to provide analysis “building blocks” that can be modified, combined, or used as-is to solve a variety of challenging problems. This paper provides an overview of guidelines for the evaluation of risk and reliability-related data. It is aimed at those familiar with risk and reliability methods and provides a hands-on approach to the investigation and application of a variety of risk and reliability data assessment methods, tools, and techniques.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Results from Raman spectra of the superionic conductor AgI

Raman measurements are reported in the superionic conductor AgI far below and above the transition temperature ${T}_{c}=147$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. At ${T}_{c}$, the crystal structure changes from the low-temperature wurtzite phase to a disordered-defect body-centered cubic structure ($\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase) and the conductivity increases \ensuremath{\cong} ${10}^{4}$ ${(\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. Large abrupt reversible changes in the phonon spectra are observed at ${T}_{c}$. Assuming a frequency-independent matrix element, which seems reasonable for a disordered-defect structure, we have interpreted the experimental data in terms of a frequency-dependent conductivity, $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$. This $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ compares favorably with two published infrared results. However, the infrared results differ from each other in the low-frequency region (3-20 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$). The Raman results show much lower $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ in this low-frequency region, in agreement with one of the infrared results, and some theories (but in disagreement with other theories). The measurements show that $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\omega})$ varies very little to 400\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, and suggest that in the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ phase the ${\mathrm{Ag}}^{+}$ probably occupies the tetrahedral sites for a large fraction of the time.
Structural analysis and photoluminescence properties of low dimensional lanthanide tetracyanometallates

Abstract The synthesis of a number of lanthanide tetracyanometallate (TCM) compounds have been carried out by reaction of Ln3+ nitrate salts and potassium tetracyanometallates in solvent systems containing dimethylsulfoxide and water. These reactions result in the isolation of three distinct structure types: (1) monoclinic [Ln(DMSO)4(H2O)3M(CN)4](M(CN)4)0.5·2H2O (Ln = Eu, Tb and M = Pd, Pt), (2) orthorhombic {La(DMSO)3(H2O)2(NO3)M(CN)4}∞·H2O (M = Pd, Pt), and (3) orthorhombic {Ln(DMSO)3(H2O)(NO3)M(CN)4}∞ (Ln = Tb and M = Pd, Pt; Ln = Er, Yb and M = Pt) in the form of single crystals. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction has been used to investigate their structural features. Structure type 1 is a zero dimensional ionic compound with a M/Ln ratio of 1.5:1. It contains coordinated as well as uncoordinated [M(CN)4]2− (M = Pd, Pt) anions and features relatively long platinophilic interactions. Structure types 2 and 3 differ quite drastically from structure type 1, but they are very similar to each other. Both of the latter are one-dimensional in nature due to chains containing linkage of Ln3+ coordination spheres with trans-bridging [M(CN)4]2− anions. These coordination polymers both have a M/Ln ratio of 1:1, a lack of platinophilic interactions, and incorporation of a bidentate NO3− for charge balance. Photoluminescence properties for select Eu3+ and Tb3+ compounds have been investigated. They show characteristic absorption and emission for the Ln3+ ions, but no significant influence of the tetracyanometallate anions.
Pulling Mitigation in Wireless Transmitters

A new architecture to mitigate the unwanted pulling effect of a transmitter VCO pulled by its own transmitted signal or by other on-chip locked oscillators is presented. The proposed auto-calibration technique can run online without disturbing the transmitter functionality, and with no significant overhead on power consumption and area. When a 16QAM signal is transmitted and the TX-VCO is heavily pulled, the calibration improves the modulation mask by over 15 dB and lowers the transmitted EVM from 11% to 2.4%. Furthermore, the presented calibration technique suppresses unwanted sidebands caused by a mutual pulling between the TX-VCO and another nearby oscillator by more than 20 dB, where center frequencies of the two 4 GHz oscillators are spaced by only 3 MHz.
Evaluation of acoustic reflectometry in detecting otitis media in children

Accurate detection of middle-ear effusion in children is not only useful but also necessary for diagnosis, management and follow-up of otitis media. A relatively new device, the Acoustic Otoscope (model 101, ENT Medical Devices) has been introduced for detecting middle-ear fluid in children. We tested 158 ears and the diagnosis was confirmed by acoustic admittance, acoustic reflex and pneumatic otoscopy. We propose 4.5 as a better breakpoint (the number on the vertical scale of the instrument which is the lower limit indicating middle-ear effusion) than 4.0 which is proposed by the manufacturer. In our results the 4.5 breakpoint maximizes both positive and negative predictive values (83 and 82% respectively) with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity (86 and 79% respectively) in detection of otitis media. Our clinical experience with this instrument, during the past 2 years, has led us to conclude that it is simple, non-invasive and objective. Unlike tympanometry, it requires no hermetic seal and is effective even if the child is crying. However, it is not sensitive enough when there are bubbles or negative pressure in the middle ear. When the user is aware of the flexibility of the instrument's breakpoints (in our opinion this is an advantage of the device) for different uses and different populations, the reflectometer often reduces the need for tympanometry and confirms the otoscopic examination.
Deuteron electromagnetic form factors in a quark-based model.

A quark potential model is used as a basis in order to calculate the deuteron electromagnetic form factors at low momentum transfer, by identifying a proton-neutron wave function. Relativistic corrections are estimated using a simple boosting prescription for the body form factors. Good agreement with experimental data is obtained in a calculation with no additional free parameters.
MINDO/3 calculations of ESCA chemical shifts

Abstract Calculations of ESCA chemical shifts, using Jolly's equivalent core approximation and the MINDO/3 semi-empirical SCF MO method, have given results in reasonable agreement with experiment.
46—THE DEPENDENCE OF FABRIC DRAPE ON BENDING AND SHEAR STIFFNESS

The dependence of the drape of fabrics on bending stiffness and shear stiffness has been investigated. A version of the Fabric Research Laboratories Drapemeter is described, and the drape coefficient obtained is used as a measure of the fabric drape. The regression of the drape coefficient on bending length for a large number of fabrics was highly significant, and the addition of shear stiffness to the regression made a highly significant difference. The regression equations provide the relations between the variables for the conditions used. Theoretical values of drape coefficient for zero shear stiffness were lower than the measured values.
Optimal pruning for tree-structured vector quantization

Abstract Tree-structured vector quantization (VQ) is a technique designed to represent a codebook that simplifies encoding as well as vector quantizer design. Most design algorithms for tree-structured VQ used in the past are based on heuristics that successively partition the input space. Recently, Chou, Lookabaugh and Gray proposed a tree-pruning heuristic in which a given initial tree is pruned backwards according to certain optimization criterion. We define the notion of an optimal pruned tree subject to a cost constraint and study the computational complexity of finding such an optimal tree for various cost functions. Under the assumption that all trees are equally probable, we show that, on the average, the number of pruned trees in a given tree is exponential in the number of leaves. Furthermore, we prove that finding an optimal pruned tree subject to constraints such as entropy or the expected-depth is NP-hard. However, we show that when the constraint is the number of leaves, the problem can be solved in polynomial time. We develop an algorithm to find the optimal pruned tree in O(nk) time, where n is the size of the initial tree and kis the constraint size.
The nature and origin of ureilites

A theory of the origin of ureilites is presented based on mineralogical and petrological investigation of eight species including Kenna, Novo Urei, and Goalpara. The theory suggests that ureilites are primarily olivine-pigeonite cumulates crystallized from a silicate liquid which also contained suspended solid carbon phases. The carbon induced reduction of the melt and affected the ureilite mineral compositions. Petrofabric analyses show that mafic silicates are oriented in lineated and foliated patterns similar to cumulate rocks; strain rate of silicates suggests that ureilites were deformed after lithification by a mild tectonic stress and a moderate to severe shock.
Depression and low bone mineral density: a meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies

The association between depression and loss of bone mineral density (BMD) has been reported inconsistently. This meta-analysis, which pooled results from 14 qualifying individual studies, found that depression was associated with a significantly decreased BMD, with a substantially greater BMD decrease in depressed women and in cases of clinical depression. The reported association between depression and loss of BMD has been controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether depression and BMD are associated and to identify the variation in some subgroups. English-language articles published before October 2008 were used as the data source. A total of six case-controlled and eight cross-sectional studies met prestated inclusion criteria (N = 10,523). Information on study design, participant characteristics, measurements of BMD and depression, and control for potential confounders was abstracted independently by two investigators using a standardized protocol. Overall, depression was associated with a significant decrease in mean BMD of spine (−0.053 g/cm2 [95% confidence interval {CI} −0.087 to −0.018 g/cm2]) and hip (−0.052 g/cm2 [95% CI −0.083 to −0.022 g/cm2]). A substantially greater BMD decrease was observed in depressed women (−0.076 g/cm2 in spine; −0.059 g/cm2 in hip) and in cases of clinical depression (−0.074 g/cm2 in spine; −0.080 g/cm2 in hip). Depression is associated with low BMD, with a substantially greater BMD decrease in depressed women and in cases of clinical depression. Depression should be considered as an important risk factor for osteoporosis.
The Psychology of the Stock Market: An Undergraduate Course

This article describes an undergraduate course concerning the psychology of the stock market. The course presents an overview of psychological factors influencing the stock market and affords students an opportunity to assess their psychological reactions to investing or speculating. Topics cowered include investment basics, a historical overview, modern writers, eminent personalities, and a review of research and theory. This course could promote a more systematic and scientific investigation of the psychology of the stock market.
Overcoming Disciplinary and Institutional Barriers: An Interdisciplinary Course in Economic and Sociological Perspectives on Health Issues

The authors describe an interdisciplinary course team-taught by an economist and a sociologist. Historically mindful of the less than amicable relationship between these disciplines, these colleagues developed a course that attempted to illuminate the different perspectives of economics and sociology in relation to selected health themes. Such a course is either rare or unique. It served as a general social science (core) requirement and as a major elective for sociology majors. The article describes course mechanics, pedagogy and assessment, course content, and institutional barriers. In particular, the article highlights some of the unique problems that exist in offering such a course—problems that are either less severe or nonexistent in more traditional courses.
Exposure to the odor of food determines the eating preferences of rat pups.

Rat pups found garlic-laced food to be less preferred than unadulterated Purina lab chow. A tolerance for the nonpreferred rations was established, however, by exposure of developing rat pups either to maternal females fed garlic-tainted food or to a colony room suffused with the garlic odor. A final study showed that the alteration of rats' preferences due to these early experiences was only transient. Pups exposed to garlic prefer food laced with that flavoring at the time of weaning, but not on subsequent tests.
Effects of lateralized presentations of faces on self-reports of emotion and EEG asymmetry in depressed and non-depressed subjects.

Recent data suggest that individuals with affective disorders show anomolies on various measures of cerebral lateralization and hemispheric activation. In this study, EEG was recorded from left and right frontal and parietal scalp regions during left and right visual field and foveal presentations of happy, sad and neutral faces in 10 depressed and 10 non-depressed subjects. The sample was selected from a student population on the basis of scores on the Beck Depression Inventory. Faces were presented for 8 seconds and EOG was used to exclude trials associated with eye movements. Alpha activity from each of the leads during the middle 6 seconds of each trial was extracted for analysis. In addition, subjects were asked to rate each face on the degree to which it depicted various emotions, as well as the degree to which they experienced various emotions in response to each presentation. The results indicated that non-depressed subjects report more happiness in response to RVF compared with LVF presentations of the identical faces while depressed subjects show the opposite pattern. Frontal EEG alpha asymmetry paralleled the subjective ratings of happiness for both groups and accounted for more than 50% of the variance in self-reports of this emotion. Parietal asymmetry showed little relationship to subjective reports of emotion but did show systematic differences as a function of stimulus location, primarily due to changes in right parietal alpha. Finally, depressed subjects showed reciprocal relationships between frontal and parietal asymmetry while non-depressed subjects showed a positive relationship between asymmetry in these regions. The implications of these data for cognitive dysfunction in depression are discussed.
Effects of anesthetics upon the EEG response to reticular stimulation. Patterns of slow synchrony.

Abstract 1. 1. EEG responses to reticular stimulation were studied in acute and chronically prepared cats following administration of various anesthetics. 2. 2. There is a predictable and gradual alteration in the EEG response to reticular stimulation as the level of anesthesia deepens. 3. 3. High frequency stimulation of the pontomesencephalic RF or sciatic nerve at moderate levels of anesthesia is capable of inducing a high voltage slow (HVS) EEG response. 4. 4. The HVS response is accompanied by some of the behavioral phenomena ordinarily associated with “alerting” and is felt to represent a type of EEG activation pattern (or “paradoxical activation”). 5. 5. The HVS response may be mediated in part through the non-specific thalamus.
Trends in the Incidence and Survival of Patients with Hospitalized Myocardial Infarction, Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1979 to 1994

Over time, the incidence of hospitalized myocardial infarction decreased in men but increased in women and elderly persons. Survival benefits were clustered among younger persons. These results sug...
Analysis of Cx43α1 Promoter Function in the Developing Zebrafish Embryo

The Cx43alpha1 gap junctions play an important role in cardiovascular development. Studies using transgenic mouse models have indicated that this involves an essential role for Cx43alpha1 in modulating neural crest cell motility. We previously showed that a 6.8 kb mouse genomic sequence containing the promoter and upstream regulatory sequences of the Cx43alpha1 gene can drive lacZ reporter gene expression in all neural crest cell lineages in the mouse embryo. To obtain further insights into the sequence motifs and regulatory pathways involved in targeting Cx43alpha1 gene expression in neural crest cells, we assayed the activity of the mouse Cx43alpha1 promoter in evolutionarily distantly related zebrafish embryos. For these studies, the 6.8kb Cx43alpha1 genomic sequence and various deletion derivatives were used to generate GFP or lacZ expression vectors. The transcriptional activities of these constructs were analyzed in vivo after microinjection into one- or two- cell stage zebrafish embryos. These studies indicated that the mouse Cx43alpha1 promoter can drive lacZ expression in neural crest cells in the zebrafish embryos. Analysis by whole mount in situ hybridization showed that the endogenous zebrafish Cx43alpha1 gene is expressed maternally and zygotically, and expression is observed in regions where neural crest cells are found. To further elucidate the developmental regulation of Cx43alpha1 gene expression, we screened a zebrafish BAC library and identified a clone containing the entire zebrafish Cx43alpha1 gene and flanking upstream and downstream sequences. The upstrean Cx43alpha1 promoter sequences from zebrafish, mouse, and human were analyzed for evolutionarily conserved DNA motifs. Overall these studies suggest that the sequence motifs and transcriptional regulation involved in the targeting Cx43alpha1 expression to neural crest cells are evolutionarily conserved in zebrafish and mouse embryos.
Quantitative morphology of cold-blooded lungs: amphibia and reptilia.

Abstract A morphometric study of the lungs of seven species of Amphibia and fifteen species of Reptilia, selected to provide a wide range of body size and a variety of habitats and habits, was undertaken to discover general rules of pulmonary design. The allometric law, X = aBWb for several quantified characteristics of the lung, X, led to the following values for the allometric exponent, b. Amphibia: lung weight, b = 1; lung volume, b = 1.05; total respiratory surface area, b = 0.98; “alveolar” diameter, b = 0.2. Reptilia: lung weight, b = 1.0; lung volume, b = 0.75; pulmonary surface area, b = 0.75; “alveolar” diameter, for weights up to 1 kg, b = 0.2, for weights greater than 1 kg, b = 0. The morphometric characteristics have been compared with mammals, and the principal distinction is the prominent influence of environmental factors on the cold-blooded animals.
J.H. KING'S THEOLOGY OF RELIGIONS: 'MAGNANIMOUS OPTIMISM'?*

ABSTRACT Commendably, Tony Richie has recently issued a challenge for 'exploring more in depth' the writings of J.H. King as a possible resource for the development of a Pentecostal theology of religions. However, his characterization of King's theology of religions as 'at its core' a matter of 'magnanimous optimism' is an overstatement. Especially given the fact that King demonized the non-Christian faiths, a strong argument can be made that his theology of religions contained no more than an optimistic, inclusivist element with respect to afterlife hope for the unevangelized.
Perisomatic thalamic axotomy after diffuse traumatic brain injury is associated with atrophy rather than cell death.

Morbidity and mortality associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) stem from diffuse axonal injury (DAI) throughout subcortical and brainstem white matter and subcortical nuclei. After midline fluid percussion brain injury, DAI in the thalamus includes perisomatic axotomy and resembles human post-traumatic pathology where the degree of morbidity correlates with thalamic damage. After axotomy, acute somatic perturbations resolve and appear compatible with cell survival; however, the long-term fate of neurons in an area with perisomatic axotomy is unknown. From brain-injured and uninjured rats at 1, 7 and 28 days after injury (injury, n = 5/group; sham, n = 4), alternate sections were immunostained for amyloid precursor protein (APP) to detect perisomatic axotomy or Giemsa stained for quantification of neuronal number, neuronal density, regional volume, and neuronal nuclear volume using design-based stereology. One day postinjury, APP-immunoreactive axons were identified consistently within the perisomatic domains of thalamic neurons of the ventral basal complex. Bilateral systematic-random quantification of the ventral basal complex indicated a significant reduction in neuronal density (number per mm3, but not number alone) at 1 week after injury, compared with sham and 1 day postinjury. Furthermore, by 1 day and persisting through 1 week after injury, the mean neuronal nuclear volume was atrophied significantly compared with sham. Therefore, diffuse TBI results in early perisomatic axonal injury followed by neuronal atrophy in the ventral basal complex, without gross degeneration. Enduring atrophy in thalamic relays could underlie circuit disruption responsible for post-traumatic morbidity.
Identification of HLA-Cw6.02 and HLA-Cw7.01 allele-specific binding motifs by screening synthetic peptide libraries.

Unlike HLA-A and HLA-B, few peptide epitope motifs have been reported for HLA-C molecules. However, a number of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes derived from tumor antigens that bind to HLA-C molecules have been described. Here we report peptide-binding motifs for both HLA-Cw6.02 and HLA-Cw7.01 molecules. Recombinant human HLA molecules were generated and used to screen combinatorial 9mer peptide libraries. Complexes of HLA molecules properly folded and associated with β2-microglobulin and peptides were identified using a conformation-specific HLA class I antibody conjugated to alkaline phosphatase. In the presence of substrate, peptide beads can be readily isolated and microsequenced to determine peptide identity. Of the peptides that bound to HLA-Cw6.02 and HLA-Cw7.01, 19 and 18 peptides, respectively, were sequenced, allowing motif identification for each C allele. This is the first report of an HLA-Cw7.01 peptide motif and extends the findings of Falk et al. [(1993) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90:12005] for an HLA-Cw6.02 motif. Anchoring amino acids for the HLA-Cw6.02 motif were phenylalanine or tyrosine in position (P)1, arginine in P2, and an aliphatic/aromatic residue at P9. Anchoring residues for HLA-Cw7.01 were positively charged amino acids in P1 and P2. Unlike most other HLA molecules, we were unable to assign P9 an anchoring residue, and we suspect that HLA-Cw7.01 binds peptides in an unconventional manner. Additionally, preferred amino acids were identified for both molecules. Identification of HLA-Cw6.02 and HLA-Cw7.01 peptide-binding motifs makes a significant contribution to the C allele peptide-binding motifs and will allow investigators to predict, design, and test HLA-Cw6.02 and HLA-Cw7.01 engineered peptides for immunotherapy.
Electronic stopping of protons for lithium in the dielectric formulation obtained from first-principles calculations

Abstract We calculate the wave-vector and frequency-dependent dielectric matrix of bulk crystals by use of first-principles, all-electron Kohn–Sham states in the integral of the irreducible polarizability in the random phase approximation. From this we determine the macroscopic “head” element, the ( 0 , 0 ) -element, of the inverse matrix (the energy loss function), and integrate over energy and momentum transfers to obtain the electronic energy loss of protons at low velocities. Numerical results are given for hexagonal close packed lithium.
Elucidating Peptide and Protein Structure and Dynamics: UV Resonance Raman Spectroscopy

UV resonance Raman spectroscopy (UVRR) is a powerful method that has the requisite selectivity and sensitivity to incisively monitor biomolecular structure and dynamics in solution. In this Perspective, we highlight applications of UVRR for studying peptide and protein structure and the dynamics of protein and peptide folding. UVRR spectral monitors of protein secondary structure, such as the amide III3 band and the Cα—H band frequencies and intensities, can be used to determine Ramachandran Ψ angle distributions for peptide bonds. These incisive, quantitative glimpses into conformation can be combined with kinetic T-jump methodologies to monitor the dynamics of biomolecular conformational transitions. The resulting UVRR structural insight is impressive in that it allows differentiation of, for example, different α-helix-like states that enable differentiating π and 310 states from pure α-helices. These approaches can be used to determine the Gibbs free-energy landscape of individual peptide bonds along t...
Quantification of total and bioavailable lysine in feed protein sources by a whole-cell green fluorescent protein growth-based Escherichia coli biosensor

Using a fluorescent whole-cell Escherichia coli biosensor previously developed in our laboratory, we determined total and bioavailable lysine in four feed ingredients (soybean, cottonseed, meat and bone meal, and sorghum) and three complete feeds (chick starter and finisher, and swine starter). The same feed sources were analyzed for total lysine by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and bioavailable lysine by chick bioassay. No significant differences were found between bioavailable lysine estimates for soybean, cottonseed, meat and bone meal, chick starter and finisher, and swine starter obtained by the fluorescent E. coli biosensor and chick bioassay. Except for sorghum, the E. coli biosensor estimates for total lysine were highly comparable to those obtained by HPLC. Comparisons were also conducted between conventionally performed optical density-based and the newly developed fluorescence-based lysine assay. The lack of significant differences in data obtained for total and bioavailable lysine by both detection modes indicated reliance and accuracy of the fluorescent E. coli biosensor. Overall results suggest that the microbial assay based on green fluorescent protein fluorescence represents a promising alternative method for lysine quantification.
A 100-channel signal averager for pulsed NMR

Abstract A 100-channel signal averager constructed from inexpensive commercially available integrated circuits is described. The timing and control sections use digital techniques, but the averager section uses analog techniques. Data can be taken at rates greater than 3 MHz, and thus the signal averager should be useful for pulsed NMR work with solids or simple liquids.
Nanoscale Chemical Imaging of Zinc Oxide Nanowire Corrosion

The ability to monitor corrosion on a nanometer scale is a powerful tool for a fundamental understanding of surface chemical processes. Nanoscale chemical images of individual bare and alumina-coated zinc oxide nanowires (NWs) were recorded using tip-enhanced second harmonic generation (SHG) spectroscopy before and after exposure to carbon dioxide and water vapor. Images were collected for the same bare nanowire after each successive two-day exposure period. Corrosion of the bare ZnO NW to zinc carbonate was evident from far-field and near-field SHG images and simultaneously recorded atomic force microscopy (AFM) data. The expected zinc carbonate corrosion product is SHG inactive. The AFM profile of the NW showed vertical and lateral expansion in different regions of the nanowire. The lower resolution far-field SHG signal decreased gradually and uniformly. The near-field SHG signal provided a profile of the evolving NW with a spatial resolution approaching 100 nm. In contrast, exposed alumina-coated ZnO N...
Urinary Hypoxanthine as a Measure of Increased ATP Utilization in Late Preterm Infants

Objective. To examine the effect of neonatal morbidity on ATP breakdown in late preterm infants. Study Design. Urinary hypoxanthine concentration, a marker of ATP breakdown, was measured from 82 la...
Assessment of vitamin K status in human subjects administered "minidose" warfarin.

Vitamin K is required to convert specific glu- tamyl residues in a limited number of proteins to y-carboxyglu- tamyl residues. The response of various measures of vitamin K insufficiency to the administration of 1 mg/d of the vitamin K antagonist warfarin was studied in two groups of nine older (55-75 y) or younger (20-28 y) subjects. The most consistent and exten- sive alteration was an increase in the concentration of serum under-y-carboxylated osteocalcin followed by increased immuno- chemical detection of plasma under-y-carboxylated prothrombin (PIVKA-II), and by a decreased urinary excretion of y-carboxy- glutamic acid. Plasma concentrations of prothrombin were altered by this treatment but prothrombin times, factor VII activity, pro- thrombin F- 1-2 concentrations, and a less sensitive assay for under- y-carboxylated prothrombin were not. The concentration of serum under--y-carboxylated osteocalcin was lower when subjects con- sumed 1 mg vitamin K/d than when they consumed their normal diet. Am J Clin Nutr l996;64:894-902.
Mean reversion in real exchange rates: evidence and implications for forecasting

Abstract The stationarity of real exchange rates over the recent flexible exchange rate period is an issue that has long bedeviled researchers in international finance. Using a constrained multivariate framework, this paper provides the strongest evidence yet that real exchange rates were mean-reverting over the 1973-93 period. We also investigate shifts in long-run real exchange rates, which may be important for the purpose of forecasting. Out-of-sample forecasting shows that the random walk model is outperformed by a mean-stationary model, especially at long horizons. In addition, there are substantial forecasting benefits from using a multivariate approach.
Strategic control and medial frontal negativity: Beyond errors and response conflict.

Errors in timed choice tasks typically produce an error-related negativity (ERN) in the event-related potential (ERP). The error specificity of the ERN has been challenged by studies showing a correct response negativity (CRN). Forty-five participants engaged in a flanker task in which both compatibility between flankers and target and the probability of compatible flankers were manipulated. Correct responses elicited a CRN, the amplitude of which increased with the degree of mismatch between the presence of conflict and conflict probability, even on low-conflict (compatible) trials. The fronto-central N2 component was larger on high-conflict (incompatible) correct response trials. However, in contrast to some recent accounts, this N2 was largest for highly probable stimuli. These findings suggest revision to models of the effects of conflict on response-related negativity to account for strategic adjustments made in preparation for the response.
Current Concepts in Cobalamin Deficiency

The application of sensitive metabolic tests, such as the deoxyuridine suppression test and measurement of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, to cobalamin status has identified the entity of mild, preclinical cobalamin deficiency. This state, common in the elderly, responds to cobalamin therapy. Preclinical deficiency may exist within the nervous system as well, although this requires further study. Nevertheless, it is well to remember that not all low cobalamin levels and not all abnormal metabolite results reflect cobalamin deficiency. Interpretation of metabolic results still requires caution, as do proposals to raise the cut-off point for low cobalamin levels to capture some normal levels that are associated with metabolic abnormality. The recognition of mild, preclinical deficiency has opened up many important issues. These include identifying its causes, what should be done about it, and what the clinical impact of the hyperhomocysteinemia itself is. Although malabsorptive disorders, especially food-cobalamin malabsorption, underlie about half of all cases of preclinical deficiency, no cause can be found in the remainder of these cases; poor dietary intake appears to be uncommon. In addition, unusual states of neurologically symptomatic cobalamin deficiency are being recognized, such as nitrous oxide exposure in patients with unrecognized deficiency and severe deficiency in children of mildly deficient mothers. All of these have broadened and complicated the picture of cobalamin deficiency while providing greater opportunities for prevention.
Reduction potential characterization of methanogen factor 390

During oxidative stress, Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum derivatizes the two-electron carrier, coenzyme F420, to form factor 390 (F390). Two methods were used to estimate the reduction potential of this chromophore. Oxidative titration of reduced F390 by potassium ferricyanide in the presence of either NADH or a redox indicator dye yielded an estimate of −320 mV for the reduction potential. A sulfite dissociation constant of 11 mM was measured which correlates to a reduction potential of −310 mV when compared to other 5-deazaflavins and nicotinamides. Thus, the F390 reduction potential is within a useful working range for the microorganism.
A Molecular Mechanism for TNF-α–Mediated Downregulation of B Cell Responses

B cell function with age is decreased in class switch recombination (CSR), activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), and stability of E47 mRNA. The latter is regulated, at least in part, by tristetraprolin (TTP), which is increased in aged B cells and also negatively regulates TNF-α. In this study, we investigated whether B cells produce TNF-α, whether this changes with age, and how this affects their function upon stimulation. Our hypothesis is that in aging there is a feedback mechanism of autocrine inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) that lowers the expression of AID and CSR. Our results showed that unstimulated B cells from old BALB/c mice make significantly more TNF-α mRNA and protein than do B cells from young mice, but after stimulation the old make less than the young; thus, they are refractory to stimulation. The increase in TNF-α made by old B cells is primarily due to follicular, but not minor, subsets of B cells. Incubation of B cells with TNF-α before LPS stimulation decreased both young and old B cell responses. Importantly, B cell function was restored by adding anti–TNF-α Ab to cultured B cells. To address a molecular mechanism, we found that incubation of B cells with TNF-α before LPS stimulation induced TTP, a physiological regulator of mRNA stability of the transcription factor E47, which is crucial for CSR. Finally, anti–TNF-α given in vivo increased B cell function in old, but not in young, follicular B cells. These results suggest new molecular mechanisms that contribute to reduced Ab responses in aging.
A Gap Analysis Approach to Marketing Curriculum Assessment: A Study of Skills and Knowledge:

The need for continuous improvement in a marketing curriculum requires periodic outcomes assessments. Part of the process includes a monitoring of the relevance of a marketing curriculum to a graduate’s work environment. This article describes a process for conducting an outcomes assessment and the results of an actual alumni assessment encompassing skill and knowledge areas. Specifically, a gap analysis approach was employed in which the importance of key skill and knowledge areas to one’s current employment were contrasted with perceptions of their own academic preparation in these areas. Our results indicate that marketing alumni perceive that they are underprepared in skills and over-prepared in designated knowledge areas. The implications of the findings are discussed as well as the utility of the gap analysis in outcomes assessment.
Focal Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer9s disease is characterized by relative sparing of primary sensory and motor cortex and a lack of sensory or motor symptomatology. We report a case of presenile onset dementia accompanied by a slowly progressive hemi-paresis. Autopsy examination showed severe pathologic involvement of somatosensory cortex with neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, in addition to degeneration of the nucleus basalis and locus ceruleus. Neurochemical and immunocytochemical studies showed a moderate cortical cholinergic deficiency with normal somatostatin-like immunoreactivity and a profuse immunostaining of somatosensory cortex with the Alz-50 antibody. These unusual features emphasize that Alzheimer9s disease is extremely variable in its clinical symptomatology, pathologic distribution, and neurochemical dimensions.
Iododeoxyuridine Uptake and Retention as a Measure of Tumor Growth

Iodine-131-iododeoxyuridine (IUdR) uptake and retention was measured in two C6 glioma cell lines (C6m and C6a) with different growth characteristics. Animals with intracerebral (i.c.) C6a tumors had a mean survival of 16 days, whereas only 1 of 20 animals with i.c. C6m tumors died during an 8-wk period of observation. The growth of i.c. C6m tumors could be described by the Gompertz equation; tumor doubling time increased from 1.9 to 5.2 days between Days 8 and 16 after tumor inoculation. Corresponding measurements of 131I-IUdR uptake and retention (24 hr after IUdR administration) by i.c. C6m tumors were also time-dependent and decreased from 0.075 to 0.027 to 0.011 %dose/g in 8-, 10- and 16-day-old tumors, respectively. Iodine-131-IUdR uptake in "rapidly growing" i.c. C6a tumors was substantially higher (0.30 %dose/g at 24 hr) than that in "slowly growing" i.c. C6m tumors and corresponded with differences in the survival data. Subcutaneous C6a tumors had comparable high uptake values (0.49 %dose/g at 24 hr), and 93% of total tumor radioactivity was recovered in DNA 24 hr after IUdR administration. Clearance of radioactivity was rapid in nonproliferative tissues; more than 80% of plasma radioactivity was cleared in 24 hr. Tumor-to-cortex radioactivity ratios ranged from 100/1 to 120/1 and 150/1 between 24, 48 and 96 hr after IUdR injection respectively. A "washout strategy," which reduces tissue background activity and increases specificity for PET and SPECT imaging of IUdR-DNA incorporation, is possible with longer-lived radioisotopes of iodine.
Alzheimer’s disease: the impact of age-related changes in reproductive hormones

The relationship between hormones and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been intensely researched. While the majority of this work has focused on the sex steroids, estrogens, and more recently androgens, a serendipitous patient encounter led one of us (R.L.B.) to question whether other hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis might play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. The age-related decline in reproductive function results in a dramatic decrease in serum estrogen and testosterone concentrations and an equally dramatic compensatory increase in serum gonadotropin concentrations. Indeed, there is growing evidence that the gonadotropin luteinizing hormone, which regulates serum estrogen and testosterone concentrations, is an important causative factor in the development of AD. This review provides information supporting the ‘gonadotropin hypothesis’. We put forth a novel mechanism of how changes in serum luteinizing hormone concentrations could contribute to the pathogenesis of AD and discusses potential therapeutic anti-gonadotropin compounds.
Review of Family-centered Interventions to Enhance the Health Outcomes of Children With Type 1 Diabetes

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic literature review was to examine family-centered interventions that enhance the health outcomes of children with type 1 diabetes. The review summarizes the int...
Murky waters for MRD detection in AML: flightyFLT3/ITDs

A guiding principle in the application of MRD monitoring in leukemia has been that the mutant genes present at diagnosis and causally implicated in disease pathogenesis will be harbingers of molecular relapse. This principle has been thoroughly validated, for example, in the context of BCR/ABL in