cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DEVELOPMENT OF ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES TO CHARACTERIZE THE VEHICLE ENVIRONMENT IN FRONTAL IMPACT ACCIDENTS

This paper presents information on analytical procedures being developed to characterize a "baseline" vehicle fleet in frontal crashes. A newly developed analytical model is being implemented for this characterization. The Passenger/Driver Simulation model (PADS) can simulate unrestrained and restrained driver and passenger occupants in frontal crashes. The "baseline" characterization started with the selection of representative passenger car make/model groupings. Each grouping has similar structural and interior characteristics. The PADS model is being run in an automated mode simulating these vehicles in different frontal crash configurations. The output of the PADS runs includes measures of injury severity and the cause of the injury. The PADS output obtained in these automated runs will be compared to field accident data. Since the analytical procedures and tools are still being refined, this paper focuses on the methodology and its implementation rather than the results.
Fate of HL-A antigens in aging cultured human diploid cell strains. II. Quantitative absorption studies.

Abstract The expression of histocompatibility antigens on cultured human fibroblasts was studied utilizing a quantitative microabsorption assay. Trypsin treatment of cultured human embryonic and adult fibroblasts did not change their capacity to absorb selected HL-A alloantisera as compared with cells harvested by scraping. The density of HL-A antigens was found to remain unchanged throughout the finite in vitro lifetime of two human embryonic diploid cell strains (WI-38 and WI-26) and ten adult skin fibroblast cultures. Cultured fibroblasts derived from skin, lung, heart, and liver of one donor showed similar quantitative expression of HL-A1, 9, W5 and W16. These experiments support the contention that the HL-A marker system is at present the only system by which human fibroblasts derived from different normal human donors can be distinguished in vitro.
Current Status of the Oak Ridge Monte Carlo Codes: MORSE/SAS4 and KENO

Over the years, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory staff have developed a number of Monte Carlo codes. KENO V.a and KENO-VI are criticality safety codes that can be run stand-alone or by using the criticality safety analysis sequences CSAS and CSAS6. MORSE is a shielding analysis code that can be run stand-alone or through use of the shielding analysis sequences SAS3 and SAS4. All of these codes are part of the SCALE code system, which is widely distributed and used all over the world. As with any major computer code system, changes and improvements are inevitable. These changes occur for multiple reasons, including release of new compilers, faster and improved computers, and changing customer requirements. This paper provides a current overview of these Monte Carlo codes and a look at possible future enhancements.
Recognition and Management of Acute Flaccid Myelitis in Children.

Abstract Background In 2014-2015, several regions of the United States experienced an outbreak of acute flaccid myelitis in pediatric patients. A common, unique feature was disease localization to the gray matter of the spinal cord. Methods We report 11 children, ages 13 months to 14 years (median 9 years), in the Intermountain West who presented with extremity weakness (n = 10) or cranial neuropathy (n = 1) of varying severity without an apparent etiology. Results All children experienced acute paralysis, and 10 had symptoms or signs that localized to the spinal cord. Maximum paralysis occurred within 4 days of onset in all patients. All had spinal gray matter lesions consistent with acute myelitis detected by magnetic resonance imaging; no single infectious cause was identified. Despite therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, or plasma exchange, nine of 10 (90%) children had motor deficits at follow-up. Conclusions Recognition of this disorder enables clinicians to obtain appropriate imaging and laboratory testing, initiate treatment, and provide families with accurate prognostic information. In contrast to other causes of acute flaccid paralysis in childhood, most children with acute flaccid myelitis have residual neurological deficits.
Restoration of nitrogen homeostasis in a man with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

Abstract We evaluated the hypothesis that sodium phenylbutyrate-induced phenylacetylglutamine biosynthesis in a man with partial ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency has a dual effect; it provides an additional vehicle for waste nitrogen excretion, and in the process it suppresses the patient's residual urea N synthesis, which then may be available for N homeostasis if the need arises. A 38-year-old man was studied over three periods. Period I was a control period during which he received a fixed caloric and N intake plus l -citrulline. Phenylbutyrate was added in period II and was maintained during period III, during which his N intake was increased. Plasma levels of ammonium and glutamine and net urea N synthesis were measured in each period; phenylacetylglutamine N synthesis was measured in periods II and III. These studies demonstrated that phenylbutyrate administration led to a 73% decrease in net de novo urea N synthesis during period II, which subsequently increased threefold in period III in response to the increased N intake. Phenylacetylglutamine N synthesis was 2.27 g/d, similar to his estimated maximum net urea N synthesis of 2.65 g/d. During periods II and III, his plasma levels of ammonium and glutamine improved as compared with period I when they were abnormally high. We conclude that sodium phenylbutyrate treatment of patients with urea cycle disorders who have significant residual enzyme activity results in both an improvement in waste N excretion and improved N homeostasis as a result of the generation of a reserve urea N synthetic capacity. This therapeutic approach may be useful in other nitrogen accumulation decreases, eg, portal-systemic encephalopathy.
Hindsight Distortion: “I knew-it-all along and I was sure about it”1

Hindsight distortion was examined in the context of the 1982 Hawaiian gubernatorial election by obtaining estimates from 474 persons either prior or after the election. Two motivational factors (global self-esteem and political involvement) were also measured. Despite the accuracy of subjects in foresight, hindsight distortion was demonstrated. The most pronounced effect was exhibited in the subjects' degree of confidence which was significantly (p < .0001) higher in hindsight than in foresight. There was no mediation by global self-esteem or by political involvement. The findings support that hindsight distortion occurs because of biases in information processing, rather than through mediation by motivational factors.
Infrared Target Array Development

A "life size" thermal target array has been developed to facilitate in-flight testing of airborne weapon systems containing night vision subsystems. This in-flight testing to measure the performance of the night vision subsystem and its effect on overall weapon system performance is essential to the test and evaluation process of the particular weapon under test. This measurement of subsystem performance is called the Modulation Transfer Function, or MTF. In addition, a laser designator subsystem is frequently incorporated in a precision guided munition weapon system. In the test and evaluation of the designator, such quantities as beam quality (energy distribution), beam divergence, and beam wander are of interest. The thermal targets may be used to evaluate armored weapon systems. The capability of providing carefully controlled and variable thermal signatures in a field test environment is considered unique. The thermal target array consists of three targets: A six bar recognition target, a two bar detection target, and a laser designator scoring board (cross-hair). The image dimensions of 2.3 meters by 2.3 meters were derived from an optimized threat envelope. The thermal signatures of the targets are controllable to within 0.3 C about a differential setpoint. This differential setpoint is measured between the active element and the target background (or "ambient"). Several differential temperature settings are available to the test officer: 1.25°C, 3°C, 5°C, 7.5°C, and 10°C. This paper reviews the thermal array test objectives, target array fabrication, methodology of target utilization, and representative results.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The social organization of transvestite prostitution and AIDS.

This paper reports on the social organization of 53 transvestite prostitutes in Atlanta (GA), U.S.A. The central focus of the paper is on the relationship between social organization, social networks, and HIV risk behaviors in three geographic areas. In one of the areas the HIV infection rate was significantly higher than in the other two areas (81.1% vs 62.5% and 12.5%). Transvestites from the high prevalence area are strongly committed to transvestism and, consequently, are socially isolated. They report the lowest income, engaged in passive anal sex, have a history of syphilis and report inconsistent condom use with paying sex partners. Transvestite prostitutes in the other two areas are less committed to transvestism and more integrated into non-transvestite networks. In the area with the lowest HIV rate the transvestites are integrated into the non-transvestite male prostitute social organization so are discouraged from engaging in receptive anal sex, especially without condoms. The differences in HIV seroprevalence as well as related behavioral differences are linked to social organization among the transvestite prostitutes and to their participation in risky sex such as receptive anal intercourse.
61 FINANCIAL IMPACT TO FAMILIES OF LESS THAN 1,000 GRAM BABIES ADMITTED TO A NICU

The financial impact upon 59 families of babies weighing less than 1,000 grams admitted to a NICU from Jan.1975 through June 1977 was studied. There were 28 families of surviving infants and 31 families whose infant expired. The median cost incurred was $13,775--for survivors, $30,536(range $1750-$251,350) and expired infants, $2,754(range $416-$24,825). The mean length of hospitalization for the survivors was 93 days(range 2-482), and for expired infants, 4.7 days(range 1-30). The mean cost per day was $470--$434 for survivors and $1,120 for expired infants. 14% had incomes from $0-$5,000; 37% from $5,000-$10,000; 39% from $10,000 to $20,000; 5%, $20,000 and over. Financing was 57% by insurance, 30% by government and charity and 13% personal. Average annual medical expense for U.S. families in 1973 was $550 and average insurance expense, $224.01. By paying the NICU median cost of $13,775, at 12% interest using the U.S. annual average medical expenses inflating at 6%, the loan would be paid off in 32.5 years. With 3rd party payments it would take 5 years to pay. For the parents of living children, the obligation would last for 9.5 years. Families of premature children incur substantial financial burdens. Society should be aware of the over-whelming financial strain borne by the parents. Sources of funding should be strengthened in order to help alleviate the cost facing families.
Tenoscopic release of the equine carpal canal.

Objective— To develop a tenoscopic method to divide the carpal flexor retinaculum and decompress the carpal canal. Study Design— Cadaver specimen study and prospective trial. Animals— Twelve cadaveric limbs, 4 clinically normal horses, and 2 clinically affected horses. Methods— A tenoscopic approach to the proximolateral aspect of the carpal sheath was used to identify and facilitate endoscopic division of the inner and outer layers of the carpal flexor retinaculum in cadaver limbs. The technique was further evaluated in 4 normal and 2 clinically affected horses. Results— Anatomic dissection, intraoperative observation, necropsy, histologic evaluation, and both short- and long-term clinical follow-up indicate that a tenoscopic approach that divides the inner layer of the carpal retinaculum can successfully decompress the equine carpal canal. No iatrogenic damage to surrounding structures was evident, division of the retinaculum was adequate and permanent, and clinical morbidity was negligible. Resolution of effusion was evident in both clinical cases of carpal canal syndrome and lameness resolved in the 1 horse in which long-term follow-up was possible. Conclusions— Tenoscopic release of the carpal flexor retinaculum could provide a minimally invasive method to quickly, safely, and effectively decompress the carpal canal. Clinical Relevance— Tensocopic release of the carpal flexor retinaculum is a safe alternative to open division of the retinaculum to decompress the carpal canal in horses with carpal canal syndrome.
COMPOSITION OF THREE FOOD PRODUCTS CONTAINING DEFATTED CORN GERM FLOUR

Incorporation of defatted corn germ flour in a standard cookie formula improved amino acid and mineral composition of the baked product. Similar effects, but of less magnitude, occurred in corn muffins. Addition of defatted germ flour to ground beef increased yield of the broiled meat product. Amino acid composition remained essentially constant, but mineral composition changed considerably
Coordinated Multi-Layer Loss Recovery in TCP over Optical Burst-Switched (OBS) Networks

It is well-known that the bufferless nature of OBS networks causes random burst loss even at low traffic loads. When TCP is used over OBS, these random losses make the TCP sender decrease its congestion window even though the network may not be congested. This results in significant TCP throughput degradation. In this paper, we propose a coordinated multi-layer loss-recovery approach for TCP over OBS networks using Snoop and ARQ. We developed an analytical model for end-to-end TCP throughput using the hybrid approach over OBS and verified the results using simulations. We evaluate the performance of independent and coordinated Snoop and ARQ over an OBS network. Based on the numerical results, the proposed coordinated multi-layer Snoop and ARQ approach outperforms all other approaches at all traffic loads.
Spherical cavity ringdown spectroscopy experiments

We recently reported the time-domain observation of whispering gallery mode (WGM) propagation for picosecond optical pulses and macroscopic glass spheres.1,2 By analogy to the well-known acoustic phenomenon, optical WGMs propagate along the surface of spheres with high quality factors (Q) allowing optical path lengths many times the sphere diameter. The optical pulse duration (2 ps) was short relative to the equatorial round trip time and the detector response; thus, resolution of a series of individual output pulses was achieved, each corresponding to a single traverse of the sphere circumference.
Sea-floor lava fields on the East Pacific Rise

A SeaBeam and SeaMARC I survey of a seamount group located several kilometres west of the axis of the East Pacific Rise (EPR) at lat 9°53′N defines the existence of a large submarine lava field at the base of one of the volcanoes (MIB). The field must be relatively young with respect to the surrounding terrain because lavas lap up against the base of MIB seamount, obscuring older erosional terrain, and extend out over the faulted, sedimented terrain of the flank of the EPR. Volcanic cones within the lava field are aligned with the strike of fault scarps that are buried by the lavas. MIB seamount is characterized by a large, well-developed caldera, and we suggest that the lava field was created during a recent volcanic episode when magmas migrated laterally away from the seamount9s reservoir along preexisting faults parallel to the ridge axis. The withdrawal of magmas from the MIB reservoir into the flanking parasitic eruptive plumbing system created the lava field and deflated the seamount summit. This event contributed to the development of the MIB caldera. Draining of shallow-level magma chambers under seamounts by pressure-controlled basal-flank eruptions that form lava fields is an important mechanism for the development of seamount morphology.
Characterization of Transmembrane Peptide-Anchored Lactoferricin in Mixed Lipids

To investigate the effects of a cationic juxtamembrane sequence on a hydrophobic transmembrane domain, model peptides have been designed with the lactoferricin sequence RRWQWR (LfB) anchored to an α-helical transmembrane peptide (RRWQWR-(spacer)-(LA)7KKA). Spacers to date have included the helix-breaking -GPGG- and the helix-continuing -AA- sequences. The transmembrane domain contains a hydrophobic (Leu-Ala)7 helical sequence that spans the membrane with two lysine anchors at the C-terminus. Selected alanines, deuterated on the Cα and Cβ carbons, were incorporated in the sequences and used for solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Circular dichroism spectra reveal that the presence of the -AA- spacer correlates with a higher helix content in both DMPC and DMPC:DMPG (3:1) bilayer membranes. Solid state 2H NMR spectra of macroscopically aligned lipid:peptide samples on glass plates reveal in all cases signals from the CβD3 groups and in some cases signals from the individual Cα deuterons. For example, in DMPC and DMPC:DMPG, the CβD3 groups for the peptide with the -GGPG-spacer give very similar quadrupolar splittings, in the range of 7-10 kHz. Interestingly, in DMPC the Cα deuterons, which are often not observed in similar transmembrane peptides, can also be seen for both labeled alanines, at 48 kHz and 70 kHz. In DMPC:DMPG a single CαD quadrupolar splitting is resolved at 65 kHz. The presence or absence of selected CαD resonances in NMR spectra of RRWQWR-(spacer)-(LA)7KKA as well as WALP19, each with or without proline, will be considered in oriented samples of different bilayer lipid compositions.
Ovarian Protection by Occlusion of Uteroovarian Collateral Vessels before Uterine Fibroid Embolization

In an attempt to decrease the incidence of premature ovarian failure, three patients with prominent ovarian collateral vessels from the uterine artery (UA) underwent collateral vessel embolization before uterine fibroid embolization. UA anatomy and collateral pathways are reviewed.
High Performance Nonbinary Quasi-Cyclic LDPC Codes on Euclidean Geometries

This paper presents algebraic methods for constructing efficiently encodable and high performance nonbinary quasi-cyclic LDPC codes based on hyperplanes of Euclidean geometries and masking. Codes constructed from these methods perform very well over the AWGN channel. With iterative decoding using a Fast Fourier Transform based sum-product algorithm, they achieve significantly large coding gains over Reed-Solomon codes of the same lengths and rates decoded with either the algebraic hard-decision Berlekamp-Massey algorithm or the algebraic soft-decision Kotter-Vardy algorithm. Due to their quasi-cyclic structure, these nonbinary LDPC codes on Euclidean geometries can be encoded with simple shift-registers with linear complexity. Structured nonbinary LDPC codes have a great potential to replace Reed-Solomon codes for some applications in either communication systems or storage systems for combating mixed types of noise and interferences.
Evolution: warm-hearted crocs.

Our ideas about how crocodiles evolved have just taken a battering. It seems that these cold-blooded creatures, with their limited capacity for prolonged activity, might have had active, warm-blooded ancestors.
Cellular immune response to an engineered cell-based tumor vaccine at the vaccination site

Abstract The engineered expression of the immune co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD137L on the surface of a neuroblastoma cell line converts this tumor into a cell-based cancer vaccine. The mechanism by which this vaccine activates the immune system was investigated by capturing and analyzing immune cells responding to the vaccine cell line embedded in a collagen matrix and injected subcutaneously. The vaccine induced a significant increase in the number of activated CD62L − CCR7 − CD49b + CD8 effector memory T cells captured in the matrix. Importantly, vaccine responsive cells could be detected in the vaccine matrix within a matter of days as demonstrated by IFN-γ production. The substitution of unmodified tumor cells for the vaccine during serial vaccination resulted in a significant decrease in activated T cells present in the matrix, indicating that immune responses at the vaccine site are a dynamic process that must be propagated by continued co-stimulation.
Interactions of neurotoxicants with neurotransmitter systems.

Many neurotoxic compounds have been shown to interfere with neurotransmission both in vitro and following acute and chronic administration. Various parameters of neurotransmission can be directly affected by neurotoxicants; these include the enzyme(s) synthesizing a neurotransmitter, the release and uptake processes, the enzyme(s) which metabolize the neurotransmitter, the receptors, and post-synaptic events associated with receptor activation. Some neurotoxicants can interfere with neurotransmission indirectly, by interacting for example with energy metabolism, sodium channels or ATPases. Furthermore, measured alterations of any parameter of neurotransmission can be the result of neuronal death, due to a cytotoxic effect of the neurotoxicants. Chemicals which have been shown to alter neurotransmission include solvents (e.g. carbon disulfide), metals and organometals (e.g. lead, mercury, trimethyltin) and pesticides (e.g. organophosphates, pyrethroids, organochlorines, formamidines). An example of the various alterations in neurotransmitter parameters, which can occur following acute or chronic administration, is represented by the organophosphates. Organophosphorus insecticides owe their acute toxicity to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and accumulation of acetylcholine at cholinergic receptors. Chronic exposure to these compounds results in the development of tolerance to their toxicity which is associated with a decrease in the density of muscarinic and nicotinic receptors in both the central and peripheral nervous system. Other examples of the interactions of neurotoxicants with neurotransmitters are also described.
The Dynamics Of Federalism

Wright, Deil S., Understanding Intergovernmental Relations Walker, David B., Toward a Functioning Federalism Hanus, Jerome J., The Nationalization of State Government Hale, George E. and Marian Lief Palley, The Politics of Federal Grants
Religion as a Defense in a Mock-Jury Trial

Abstract Forty-nine residents of “Middletown” and 121 students in the roles of jurors viewed videotapes of an abbreviated child abuse trial, in which the accused was portrayed by a defense attorney as religious or in which his religious character was not used as a defense. Subjects in the former condition were more likely to convict and recommend longer sentences. There was some evidence to indicate further that religious jurors were even more severe in their judgments of the defendant when religion was used as a defense.
UmuC mutagenesis protein of Escherichia coli: purification and interaction with UmuD and UmuD'

Abstract The introduction of a replication-inhibiting lesion into the DNA of Escherichia coli produces a marked elevation in mutation rate. The mutation pathway is a component of the induced, multigene SOS response. SOS mutagenesis is a tightly regulated process dependent on two RecA-mediated proteolytic events: cleavage of the LexA repressor to induce the UmuC and UmuD mutagenesis proteins, and cleavage of UmuD to UmuD' to activate the mutation pathway. To investigate the protein-protein interactions responsible for SOS mutagenesis, we have studied the interaction of UmuC, UmuD, and UmuD'. To probe intracellular interaction, we have used immunoprecipitation techniques with antibodies against UmuC or UmuD and UmuD'. We have found that antibody to UmuC precipitates UmuD' from cell extracts, and antibody to UmuD and UmuD' precipitates UmuC. Thus we conclude that UmuC probably associates tightly with UmuD' in cells. For biochemical studies, we have purified the UmuC and UmuD' proteins to use with the previously purified UmuD. UmuC associates strongly with an affinity column of UmuD and UmuD', eluting only under strongly dissociating conditions (2 M urea or 1.5 M KSCN). UmuC also associates efficiently with UmuD or UmuD' in solution, as judged by velocity sedimentation in a glycerol gradient. The likely stoichiometry is one UmuC with a dimeric UmuD or UmuD'. From these experiments and previous work, we infer that SOS mutagenesis depends on the action of the UmuC-UmuD' complex and probably RecA to rescue a stalled DNA polymerase III holoenzyme at the DNA lesion.
The Microscopic Structure of Adsorbed Water on Hydrophobic Surfaces under Ambient Conditions

The interaction of water vapor with hydrophobic surfaces is poorly understood. We utilize graphene templating to preserve and visualize the microscopic structures of adsorbed water on hydrophobic surfaces. Three well-defined surfaces [H–Si(111), graphite, and functionalized mica] were investigated, and water was found to adsorb as nanodroplets (∼10–100 nm in size) on all three surfaces under ambient conditions. The adsorbed nanodroplets were closely associated with atomic-scale surface defects and step-edges and wetted all the hydrophobic substrates with contact angles <∼10°, resulting in total water adsorption that was similar to what is found for hydrophilic surfaces. These results point to the significant differences between surface processes at the atomic/nanometer scales and in the macroscopic world.
A Quantum Monadological Solution to the Measurement, Consciousness and Qualia Problems

The measurement, consciousness and qualia problematics are intertwined: all hinge on the failure to “deconstruct” world, consciousness and qualia. Physical reality is quantum at all scales, whereas world is dis-closed in parallel at unique addresses: thrown existence is monadological. Two categories of solution to the measurement problem are distinguished and analyzed: spontaneous decoherence theories and selection by match theories. A new interpretation of the Schrӧdinger wave function as representing the quantum brain’s “self-tuning” is proposed. Quantum neurophilosophy and neuroquantology within the framework of thermofield brain dynamics support an integrated solution to measurement, consciousness and qualia problems.
Analytical Solution to the Minimum Energy Consumption Based Velocity Profile Optimization Problem With Variable Road Grade

Abstract The importance of eco-driving in reducing cumulative fuel consumption of on road vehicles is a well known issue. However, so far a generic algorithm that can globally solve the non-linear optimization problem and still implementable in to the current state of computing on board units is not present. In this study, we examine one aspect of the problem by incorporating the effects of road grade to the optimization problem and generate an optimal velocity trajectory for a given road grade profile. We developed simple yet accurate vehicle and fuel consumption models and employed the models as the objective function and state trajectory constraint of the optimization problem. The necessary conditions derived by employing the calculus of variation theory require to separately solve the differential equations with a set of interior point constraints for each road grade interval. As the control became linear to the Hamiltonian function we defined a set of singular arcs and derived the state and optimal control input trajectories along the arcs. We have tested the analytical solution in two example problems and compared the results with a dynamic programming (DP) solution and constant speed cruise operation. The results have shown that the analytical and DP solutions generate very close velocity trajectories which are around 8 – 10% more efficient than the constant cruise speed control case for the given examples. Moreover the calculation time of the analytical solution is significantly shorter than the DP solution rendering it possible to real-time on board implementations.
FcγRII expression on follicular dendritic cells and immunoreceptor tyrosine‐based inhibition motif signaling in B cells

Immune complexes (IC) initiate immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) signaling and inhibit B cell activation by coligating B cell receptor for antigen (BCR) and FcgammaRII. Nevertheless, IC on follicular dendritic cells (FDC) stimulate rapid germinal center (GC) B cell proliferation suggesting that interactions between IC and FDC render IC capable of B cell activation. To understand this, we studied the kinetics of FDC FcgammaRII and complement receptors 1 and 2 (CR1&2) expressions during the GC reaction and determined whether FDC FcgammaRII could bind Fc in IC and block ITIM signaling. Mice were immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC), and CR1&2 and FcgammaRII levels in FDC reticula were monitored. The role of FDC FcgammaRII was studied using anti-BCR-stimulated A20 cells. Levels of FDC FcgammaRII in spleens of SRBC-injected mice increased within 24 h and were dramatically increased (approximately 50-fold) on days 3 and 5. In contrast, CR1&2 levels increased less than twofold. Addition of normal FDC, but not FDC lacking FcgammaRII, reduced and reversed anti-BCR-induced SH2 domain-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP)-1 phosphorylation in A20 cells. FDC were able to induce normal recall responses even after overnight incubation of the lymphocytes with IC to stimulate ITIM signaling. Engagement of Ig Fc with numerous FcgammaRII on FDC appears to minimize IC-induced ITIM signaling. Thus, rapid up-regulation of FDC FcgammaRII may explain why poorly immunogenic IC are rendered highly immunogenic when presented by FDC in GC.
Non‐redundant role for IL‐7R signaling for the survival of CD8+ memory T cells

IL-7 and IL-15 are important cytokines for CD8 memory T cells. However, the extent that IL-7 is essential for CD8 T cell memory remains unclear because blocking IL-7 in vivo results in near complete inhibition of T cell development with the few mature T cells exhibiting functional abnormalities. To bypass this complication, CD8 memory development was examined utilizing a mouse model where transgenic IL-7Rα was selectively expressed in the thymus of IL-7Rα–/– mice. T cell development was corrected but the resulting peripheral T cells were essentially IL-7 non-responsive. Activation of IL-7R-defective OT-I CD8+ T cells with OVA257–264 and IL-2 readily yielded CTL. Upon further culture with IL-15, these CTL expressed phenotypic and functional properties of central memory-like cells. Thus, IL-7R-defective CD8+ T cells do not exhibit intrinsic defects in effector or memory development. When IL-7R-defective OT-I CTL were adoptively transferred into normal or IL-15–/– recipient mice in a non-inflammatory setting, they converted into memory-like cells, but did not persist, which was even more striking in IL-15–/– recipients. This poor persistence was rescued after expression of transgenic Bcl-2 in IL-7R-defective OT-I T cells. Collectively, these data indicate that IL-7 is non-redundantly required for the survival of CD8 memory T cells.
Estimation of Maximal Aerobic Power Using Stairclimbing— A Simple Method Suitable for Industry

Data on the energy cost and heart rate of diverse Indian and U.S. subjects for stair-climbing, with or without external loads in both paced and unpaced manners, have been used to establish relations between metabolic costs, speeds of ascent and heart rates. A technique for estimating the maximum metabolic capacity from the heart rate of an indvidual climbing stairs at his own free pace has been presented. Formulae for deriving the maximum work capacity from the heart rate for different age groups are given.
Medium-term results of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe acute lung injury after lung transplantation

Abstract Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used successfully for early, severe reperfusion injury after lung transplantation. The purposes of this study are to: (1) document the medium-term survival of patients treated with ECMO; and (2) assess the extent of recovery of their pulmonary function. Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts of 172 patients having lung transplants at our institution from 1997 through 2002. The group included 16 patients (9% of total; 10 bilateral, 5 single, 1 living lobar) treated with ECMO for primary allograft failure after single or bilateral single-lung transplantation. Survival and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS)-free survival rates were calculated. Pulmonary function was assessed at 2 months, 1 year and 2 years post-transplant. Results Median hospital stay was 48 days for the ECMO group and 16 days for the overall group ( p 1 ) in the ECMO group at 1 year was 59 ± 13% of predicted, and at 2 years 60 ± 15% of predicted; it was not significantly different for the overall group. Conclusions Patients treated with ECMO for primary allograft failure after lung transplantation showed acceptable medium-term survival and pulmonary function.
Shape-based motion correction in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for quantitative assessment of renal function

Purpose: To incorporate a newly developed shape-based motion estimation scheme into magnetic resonance urography (MRU) and verify its efficacy in facilitating quantitative functional analysis. Methods: The authors propose a motion compensation scheme in MRU that consists of three sequential modules: MRU image acquisition, motion compensation, and quantitative functional analysis. They designed two sets of complementary experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. In the first experiment, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MR images were acquired from three sedated subjects, from which clinically valid estimates were derived and served as the “ground truth.” Physiologically sound motion was then simulated to synthesize image sequences influenced by respiratory motion. Quantitative assessment and comparison were performed on functional estimates of Patlak number, glomerular filtration rate, and Patlak differential renal function without and with motion compensation against the ground truth. In the second experiment, the authors acquired a temporal series of noncontrast MR images under free breathing from a healthy adult subject. The performance of the proposed method on compensating real motion was evaluated by comparing the standard deviation of the obtained temporal intensity curves before and after motion compensation. Results: On DCE-MR images with simulated motion, the generated relative enhancement curves exhibited large perturbations and the Patlak numbers of the left and right kidney were significantly underestimated up to 35% and 34%, respectively, compared with the ground truth. After motion compensation, the relative enhancement curves exhibited much less perturbations and Patlak estimation errors reduced within 3% and 4% for the left and right kidneys, respectively. On clinical free-breathing MR images, the temporal intensity curves exhibited significantly reduced variations after motion compensation, with standard deviation decreased from 30.3 and 38.2 to 8.3 and 11.7 within two manually selected regions of interest, respectively. Conclusions: The developed motion compensation method has demonstrated its ability to facilitate quantitative MRU functional analysis, with improved accuracy of pharmacokinetic modeling and quantitative parameter estimations. Future work will consider performing more intensive clinical verifications with sophisticated pharmacokinetic models and generalizing the proposed method to other quantitative DCE analysis, such as on liver or prostate function.
Cross-Cultural Autism Studies, Neurodiversity, and Conceptualizations of Autism

This special issue of Culture, Medicine, and Psychiatry presents six papers along the theme of ‘‘Conceptualizing Autism around the Globe.’’ This collective has several important precursors, including a special issue in Ethos (Solomon and Bagatell 2010) and another in BioSocieties (Eyal et al. 2014), as well as Davidson and Orsini’s (2013) Worlds of Autism. Indeed, a self-conscious anthropology of autism is emerging. In a book review, a year ago (Cascio 2014), I identify the following characteristics of this emergent field: ‘‘(1) A holistic view that considers the place of autism in the larger sociocultural context. (2) Attention to the local and historical particularity of the concept of autism. (3) Attention to the lived experience of people with autism and those close to them’’ (Cascio 2014:307). Previous reviews have identified similar characteristics and themes in the social study of autism. Solomon’s (2010) review of autism and the anthropology of the senses identifies three major contributions of anthropology to the study of autism:
Gradients in composite materials

Abstract Composite materials may have gradients in their compositional and structural characteristics. In such materials properties sensitive to these characteristics also exhibit gradients. These gradients occur in the local properties and affect the global properties of the composite. Gradient composites, therefore, are of interest for engineering applications. In this paper we analyze various types of gradient composites and consider some of their properties. We also review reported and potential applications of gradient composites.
Interactions Between Multiple Cell Types in Parallel Microfluidic Channels: Monitoring Platelet Adhesion to an Endothelium in the Presence of an Anti-Adhesion Drug

A simple method for immobilizing endothelial cells in the channels of a microfluidic device fabricated with soft lithography is presented that requires no surface oxidation of the substrate material used in conjunction with the microfluidic device and is operable even with a reversible seal. Specifically, optimal conditions for culturing bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (bPAECs) to the surface of a Petri dish were investigated. The parameters investigated included fibronectin concentration, temperature, seeding density, and immobilization time. To enhance the utility of the device, all optimization studies, and studies involving platelet adhesion to the immobilized endothelium, were performed in parallel channels, thereby enabling improved throughput over a single channel device. The optimal conditions for cell immobilization included coating the Petri dish with 100 μg/mL fibronectin, a seeding cell density of 1.00 × 105 cells mL−1, and an immobilization time of 90 min at 37 °C. The device was th...
Possible production by lightning of aerosols and trace gases in Titan's atmosphere

Although lightning has not yet been observed in Titan's atmosphere, the presence of condensable vapors and the deposition of a significant amount of solar energy at the surface suggest the possibility of lightning activity. Based on an understanding of the relationship of lightning activity to the amount of convective energy available on Titan, a lightning energy dissipation rate of 4 x 10 to the -6th W/sq m can be expected. This value is much lower than that for earth or Jupiter, and is a result of both the reduced solar flux at Titan and the absorption of sunlight by the aerosols that lie above the convective layer. For this dissipation rate, the amount of HCN and C2N2 produced by lightning should be greater than that by solar UV, but could be less than that produced by electron precipitation and galactic cosmic rays. Equilibrium calculations indicate that large mole fractions of elemental solid phase carbon will also be produced. Using a simplified model of aerosol formation, coagulation, and settling, it is estimated that a lightning-produced aerosol could have a typical optical depth of 0.01, with values as high as 0.1. The accumulation of soot over geological time might reach a meter or more in depth.
Monitoring enzyme kinetic behavior of enzyme-quantum dot bioconjugates

Luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) hold tremendous promise for in vivo biosensing, cellular imaging, theranostics, and smart molecular sensing probes due to their small size and favorable photonic properties such as resistance to photobleaching, size-tunable PL, and large effective Stokes shifts. Herein, we demonstrate how QD-based bioconjugates can be used to enhance enzyme kinetics. Enzyme-substrate kinetics are analyzed for solutions containing both alkaline phosphatase enzymes and QDs with enzyme-to- QD molar ratios of 2, 12, and 24 as well as for a solution containing the same concentration of enzymes but without QDs. The enzyme kinetic paramters V max , K M , and K cat / K M are extracted from the enzyme progress curves via the Lineweaver-Burk plot. Results demonstrate an approximate increase in enzyme efficiency of 5 - 8% for enzymes immobilized on the QD versus free in solution without QD immobilization.
Impact of Peanut Phenology on Select Population Parameters of Fall Armyworm

Leaf weight and leaf area of peanuts, Arachis hypogaea L. cv. ‘Florunner,’ consumed by three size classes of the fall armyworm, Spodopterda frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were determined under controlled conditions. Measurements were taken for peanut chronological ages of 45–70 (class 1), 67–92 (class2), and 92–120 (class3) days post-planting, respectively. Results indicated feeding rates for large larvae increased from 0.18 to 0.35g/larva/day as plant foliage progressed from class 1 to class 2. Oviposition increased from a mean of 486.5 to 1111.5 eggs/moth as larvae were fed class 2 foliage versus foliage in class 1. Mean adult female longevity 13.3 days) for adults whose larvae fed on class 3 foliage was significantly greater than longevities of moths from foliage classes 1 or 2.
Public Opinion and National Security Policy

This paper is based on a lecture given by the author at the Army War College on January 3, 1956. In it Dr. Almond describes problems of public opinion and national security policy-problems which come of this policy's technical character, its element of secrecy, and the gravity of the stakes involved. He prescribes four lines of action for strengthening the democratic political process in the making of security policy. The author is a research associate and Professor of Public and International Affairs at the Center for International Studies of Princeton University.
Cell acidification in apoptosis

Programmed cell death is a stereotyped and highly conserved process leading to deletion of unwanted cells. The process may be initiated in response to physiologic signals (Fas ligation, removal of extra-cellular matrix or growth factors), or pathologic events (DNA damage, hypoxia/reperfusion injury, viral infection). Some of the signal transduction pathways between a specific stimulus and the commitment to apoptosis are being worked out, although these may not represent general pathways for all triggers of apoptosis. In addition, the cell is able to integrate a variety of signals, some favoring apoptosis and some favoring survival, and to make a life-or-death decision. This has been termed the ‘judgment phase’, whereas once the cell is irreversibly committed to apoptosis, the ‘execution phase’ is initiated. The biochemical features of the ‘execution phase’ are still unclear; DNA cleavage probably represents one of the final events of the execution phase, but what about the multitude of proteases that participate in the process, phosphatidylserine externalization, transglutaminase activation, and, of course, the subject of this discussion, cytoplasmic acidification? Where do these events fit into the process, and what are the relationships of one to the other? This review will address the following points: (1) Is cytoplasmic acidification a universal feature of apoptosis, and is it essential? The reported cases examined to date will be evaluated. (2) How is cytoplasmic acidification accomplished? Is acidification sufficient for apoptosis to occur? (3) What are the consequences of acidification, particularly with respect to other biochemical features of apoptosis? (4) Finally, I would like to advance the hypothesis that acidification may represent the cellular mechanism for integration of multiple signals; cytoplasmic acidification could represent the point of no return on the road to apoptosis.
Prognostic Value of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Patients Referred Because of Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

To determine whether dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) provides prognostic information beyond that available from routine clinical data, we reviewed the outcome of 210 consecutive patients referred for DSE to evaluate chest pain, perioperative risk, and myocardial viability. Dobutamine was infused in increments of 10 micrograms/kg/min in 5-minute stages to a maximum of 40 micrograms/kg/min. The dobutamine stress echocardiogram was considered abnormal only if dobutamine induced a new wall motion abnormality as determined by review of the digitized echocardiographic images in a quad screen format and on videotape. Thirty percent of tests were abnormal. An abnormal test was more common (p 65 years, nitrate therapy, ventricular ectopy during DSE, suspected angina pectoris, and hospitalization at the time of DSE. When cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization procedures were all considered as adverse outcomes, a new wall motion abnormality continued to be the most powerful predictor of an adverse cardiac event.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)