cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colon cancer and dietary fiber: Cellulose inhibits the DNA‐damaging ability of bile acids

Colon cancer is the second most common type of cancer in the United States. Bile acids have been implicated in the etiology of this disease. In a previous study, we showed that bile acids can damage DNA in vitro. In this study, we report that this damage is largely prevented when the bile acids are pretreated with cellulose fiber. Preliminary data show that cellulose may act as a catalyst to promote polyesterification of bile acid to a biologically inactive form.
Evaluation of Local Nonproperty Taxes for Rural and Urban Areas in Kansas

Average per capita property tax base in Kansas is almost three times higher in rural areas than in urban areas, while per capita nonproperty tax bases (income and sales) are higher in urban areas. While local nonproperty taxes may not be panaceas for either rural or urban areas, their use has greater potential in an urban than in a rural setting.
A subunit of myosin

Abstract 1. 1. Treatment with 0.1 M Na 2 CO 3 releases from myosin a protein of about 29,000 molecular weight, which seems to be closely related to the material released from myosin by concentrated urea. 2. 2. The amino acid composition is presented. A relatively large amount of phenylalanine is present, in agreement with prediction for the subunit of myosin postulated by Laki. 3. 3. The C-terminal residue is isoleucine. The two C-terminal isoleucines of myosin are probably due to the presence of two of these subunits. 4. 4. This subunit is distinct from the tropomyosin-like subunit of myosin.
Calculation of the fire resistance of composite concrete floor and roof slabs

A calculation method is described for the determination of the fire resistance of composite floor and roof slabs. Using this method, simple approximate formulas are derived for the calculation of the thermal fire resistance and minimum cover thickness to the steel of reinforced and prestressed concrete slabs, consisting of two layers of concrete, one lightweight and one normal weight. Comparison with test results shows good agreement between calculated and experimental fire resistances.
The application of genetic fuzzy clustering in bad data identification

Power system static state estimation is aimed at providing modern electric control centers with accurate and reliable real-time databases. To this end, not only should the state estimator be able to filter out random observation noise but it should also be able to detect the existence, identify the locations and remove the effects of bad data. Detecting and identifying bad data is very important in state estimation of power system. A new method presented in this paper is fuzzy clustering with genetic search. And simulation data proves that error contamination and submergence can be reduced so that real bad data can be detected and identified. A key advantage of the proposed method is that the clustering is independent of the space distribution of input samples. This method possesses characteristics so faster convergence rate and more exact clustering results than some typical clustering algorithms.
Studies in forced compliance. X. Attitude change and commitment to maintain publicly a counterattitudinal position.

Three variables thought to affect attitude change produced by forced compliance were varied: public-private, true-persuasive and high-low financial inducement. Public Ss signed a statement in which they promised to maintain their counterattitudinal position outside the laboratory. These public Ss had a tendency (p < .10) to show more attitude change than private Ss. Significantly more Ss refused to comply in the low inducement, public conditions than in the other conditions combined. Analysis of performance measures indicated generally negative results.
Comparison of Anticonvulsant and Psychopharmacologic Drugs

Four anticonvulsant drugs were compared with seven psychopharmacologic agents by a battery of tests designed to detect possible tranquilizing activity. The drugs tested were found to have only one property in common, the ability to prolong hexobarbital sleep time. Five psychopharmacologic agents, chlorpromazine, promazine, triflupromazine, reserpine, and hydroxyzine, blocked conditioned avoidance responses and reduced amphetamine toxicity in aggregated mice, whereas the two sedative anticonvulsants, phenobarbital and trimethadione, and two psychopharmacologic agents, meprobamate and phenaglycodol, were inactive by these tests. The two nonsedative anticonvulsants, diphenylhydantoin and phenacemide, markedly reduced amphetamine toxicity in aggregated mice, which suggests that these two anticonvulsant drugs may have mild tranquilizing properties.
Production of pitches in exhaustive crude oil processing schemes

A flow plan was created for the combination of a petroleum pitch production section with a commercial unit for delayed coking of petroleum resids. The pitch production section included a heater furnace, pitch-forming reactor, tower for fractionation of the light products of thermal condensation, and a heated receiver tank. Petroleum pitch was produced at temperatures lower than those typical in petroleum coke production a section for production of petroleum cracking pitch for various applications can be incorporated into thermal cracking units.
Sequences of integers with missing differences

Abstract This paper deals with the following problem posed by Professor T. S. Motzkin: Suppose M is a given set of positive integers. How dense can a set S of positive integers be, if no two elements of S are allowed to differ by an element of M? The problem is solved for |M| ⩽ 2, and some partial results are obtained in the general case.
Futuristic photonic information systems

It seems like just yesterday that 10 Gb/s (OC-192) transmission was the norm in data rates with slower data rates disappearing! The particular bit-rate jump to 40 Gb/s (OC-768) is not a trivial task. Electronic designers now face serious complexities as they push the technology to the limit. Issues such as chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion are placing more stringent requirements on fiber optics and associated components. The requirement to gather and transfer data at faster and faster rates has spurned an evolution in the thought processes of Photonic engineers. It appears that to handle the ever-increasing bandwidths, Photonic techniques are the way to go! Sophisticated photonic analog-to-digital conversion systems are now being designed at Air Force government laboratories. Only time will tell if these designs can handle the voluminous amounts of data!
Steric field-flow fractionation as a tool for the size characterization of chromatographic supports

Abstract Steric field-flow fractionation is described andd its application to the determination of the mean size and size distribution of chromatographic supports is suggested. After measuring systematic departures from theoretical retention values, a calibration curve is constructed using microporous silica beads whose mean diameters (4.4, 6.4, 12.1 μm) are accurately determined by electron microscopy. Other spherical chromatographic support materials are shown to cluster around the calibration curve. Fractograms (elution curves) are then shown for 15 spherical supports and six irregular supports. It is shown that the fractograms yield information on mean particle diameters, dispersion, and skewness, the latter possibly reflecting high concentrations of fine and coarse particles. Some limitations and future needs in the application of the method are noted.
THE PASSIVE IRON WIRE MODEL OF PROTO-PLASMIC AND NERVOUS TRANSMISSION AND ITS PHYSIOLOGICAL ANALOGUES

Summary The phenomena of activation and transmission in the passive iron wire model are described, and the various parallels with the irritable living system, especially nerve, are discussed. In general, the similarity of behaviour is to be referred to a single structural feature common to both systems, namely the presence of a thin, polarisable and chemically alterable interfacial layer or surface film (oxide film; plasma membrane) situated at the boundary between the metal, or the protoplasm, and the surrounding medium. This film undergoes characteristic changes of chemical composition and physical properties, e.g. of permeability and electrical polarisation, when traversed by an electric current of an intensity and duration sufficient to produce a certain critical degree of chemical decomposition. The activity of the system as a whole is controlled by the electrochemical oxidations and reductions occurring in the film under these conditions. Hence both the model and the living system are electrically sensitive and transmit local states of activity, local changes on the film being associated with local electric circuits which have electrochemical effect at regions beyond. Hence, also, the essential conditions under which electrical activation occurs are the same in both systems (polar activation, intensity-duration relationship, etc.). Activation and transmission are similarly affected in both by changes of temperature, by variations in the composition of the medium, by electrical polarisation (analogy to electrotonus), and by surface-active compounds (analogy to narcosis). Closely analogous processes of progressive recovery occur in both systems after the passage of an activation wave (refractory phase). Other resemblances are seen in the phenomena of automatic rhythm, the mutual interference of activation waves, the transmission of inhibitory influence, irreciprocal transmission, and distance influence, excitatory and inhibitory. Biological analogies of a more general kind, relating to mutual interdependence between processes occurring in spatially separated regions traversed by the same electric current—a possible factor in certain types of integration—are briefly discussed.
Patients' perceptions of asthma control and impact on attitudes and self-management.

The objective of this work was to describe the incidence of chronic breathing problems, particularly asthma-related breathing problems, in a cross-section of the United States population and to assess the perceived impact of these problems on daily living. An initial screening survey was used in a nationwide panel of 30,000 households; an in-depth follow-up questionnaire was sent to a random sample of respondents who reported a breathing problem. A sample (n = 2,685) of respondents who reported persistent cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing within the previous 2 years were sent a newly developed questionnaire. A subsample (n = 723) of respondents reported a primary diagnosis of asthma and of these, 59.4% were female and 90.2% were white. Their mean age was 37.4 years. Respondents (n = 723) characterized their level of perceived asthma control as completely controlled, well controlled, somewhat controlled, or poorly/not controlled. At least 31% of those with a perception of some control and 59% of those with a perception of poor/no control reported their breathing problems had increased in the last year. Those who perceived their asthma-related breathing problems as poorly controlled reported significantly greater symptom frequency, activity restriction, fears and concerns about their breathing difficulties, less helpful coping strategies, and less confidence in their doctor's ability to care for them. Responses to many of the questions indicated that the worst levels of disease control were associated with poorer quality of life and a more negative perception of the disease and its effects on daily living. A significant portion of the U.S. population appears to suffer from chronic breathing problems; this requires confirmation and further exploration to reduce the potential mortality and morbidity due to asthma in the United States.
Feedback controllers for a wind tunnel model involving a delay: Analytical design and numerical simulation

An application of a finite spectrum assignment method for time-delay systems to a feedback control of Mach number in a wind tunnel is presented. The linearized model of Mach number control is a system of three state equations with a delay in one of the state variables. The proposed feedback is a linear combination of state variables and weighted integrals of some of the state variables over a period equal to time delay. The spectrum of the closed-loop system is finite and consists of three eigenvalues that can be placed arbitrarily. Four possible variants of the feedback control law are presented. The calculation of feedback coefficients is very simple, which makes it possible to update the controller's parameters on-line with the changes of the operating point. An extensive numerical simulation of the system dynamics and the feedback controllers was done and led to several conclusions. In particular, a very good settling time under problem constraints has been obtained, and several nice features of the proposed feedback controller have been demonstrated.
Cricotopus bicinctus, a Midgefly Resistant to Electroplating Wastes

Abstract In polluted stretches of Michigan rivers, larvae of the midgefly, Cricotopus bicinctus (Meigen), were found to be particularly resistant to electroplating wastes containing hexavalent chromium, cyanides, and copper and to low oxygen levels. This insect survived in the Clinton River and matured in concentrations of chromium as great as 25 p.p.m., copper to 2.2 p.p.m and cyanides to 3.2 p.p.m. In waters receiving such plating wastes, the only other common bottom invertebrates were the annelids, Limnodrilus and Tubifex, and a midge tentatively identified as a species of Pentapedilum.
Screening for Intimate Partner Violence at VA EDs: The Time Is Now

To the Editors:—Intimate partner violence is a serious societal problem and contributes significantly to negative health consequences. The recently published editorial by Mitchell D. Feldman focused on this crisis and recommended routine screening by primary care providers. Recent publications have discussed screening for IPV at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Centers.1–3 We agree with Dr. Feldman’s recommendations, and also strongly recommend that screening be routinely instituted in all EDs. This is particularly the case at VHA EDs. Women veterans frequently face physical, psychological and social challenges resulting from military sexual trauma. Screening for military sexual trauma is currently performed at VHA clinics, and is currently being introduced as part of ED protocols.1,4 Screening for IPV should also be incorporated into VHA ED protocols. Lifetime exposure to intimate partner violence among women Veterans is estimated at 33 %. Intimate partner violence is linked to negative mental health consequences, substance abuse, depression, increased rates of suicide attempts, sleep disturbance and chronic health problems. In 2012, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommended routine screening of all women of child-bearing age for abuse and intimate partner violence (IPV). The American College of Emergency Physicians subsequently issued a policy that such screening should be performed in emergency department settings. Screening for IPV is also recommended by the National Center of Injury Prevention and Control, as well as the American Medical Association. Screening for IPV should be instituted at VHA EDs nationally, given the scope and negative consequences of this problem.
An approach to optimization of airport taxiway scheduling and traversal under uncertainty

Airport runways and taxiways have been identified as a key source of system-wide congestion and delay in the over-strained commercial air traffic system. To combat this growing problem, we present ...
The ν3 Q branch of SF6 at high resolution: Assignment of the levels pumped by P(16) of the CO2 laser☆

Abstract The Q branch of the ν 3 stretching fundamental of 32 SF 6 (ca. 947.6–948.3 cm −1 ) has been recorded at 109–142 K with a resolution of −4 cm −1 , and the individual transitions have been assigned. Several series of lines arising from different subbranches can be followed up to high J values ( J ≈ 80 in one case). Some of these subbranches form prominent band-heads that dominate the gross structure of the Q branch, especially at higher temperatures. A moderately strong transition at 947.742 cm −1 , displaced −8 MHz from the P (16) CO 2 laser line, has been assigned as Q(38) F 1 0 + E 0 + F 2 0 ; 39 other transitions that fall within ±300 MHz of the laser line have also been identified. The Q branch of 33 SF 6 , present in natural abundance (0.76%), has been recored and analyzed; the isotope shift is 8.97 cm −1 .
Genetic damage in Escherichia coli K12 AB2480 by broad-spectrum near-ultraviolet radiation

Irradiation with either broad-spectrum near-ultraviolet (fluorescent BLB (black light blue)) or monochromatic wavelengths in the near-ultraviolet range (320 to 400 nanometers) can cause specific damage to DNA as shown in experiments with Escherichia coli K12 AB2480 at the stationary phase of growth.
Characterization of Self-Assembled Monolayers Formed from Sodium S-Alkyl Thiosulfates on Copper

We report the formation of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) from sodium S-alkyl thiosulfates (CH3(CH2)n-1S2O3-Na+) onto copper in aqueous and organic solvents. These ionic compounds are considerably more soluble in water than alkanethiols, and they adsorb to the copper surface primarily as thiolates. Characterization by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) reveals that SAMs formed from longer-chained thiosulfates (n = 12, 14) exhibit comparable barrier properties to those of thiol-based SAMs when formed in organic solvents but diminished effectiveness when formed in aqueous solution. However, the water-borne thiosulfate-based SAMs do provide an increase in corrosion resistance by ∼2−3 orders of magnitude compared to that of uncoated copper. Analysis by infrared (IR) spectroscopy indicates that the thiosulfate-based SAMs are less crystalline and less densely packed than thiol-based SAMs. Wetting measurements suggest that the surfaces of thiosulfate-based SAMs expose a greater number of methylene gr...
Context-aware prompting from your smart phone

Individuals with cognitive impairment have difficulty successfully performing activities of daily living, which can lead to decreased independence. In order to help these individuals age in place and decrease caregiver burden, technologies for assistive living have gained popularity over the last decade. This demo illustrates the implementation of a context-aware prompting system augmented by a smart phone to determine prompt situations in a smart home environment. While context-aware systems use temporal and environmental information to determine context, we additionally use ambulatory information from accelerometer data of a phone which also acts as a mobile prompting device.
Diffraction of a plane pulse by a three-dimensional corner

The conical solutions for the incidence of a plane pulse on a three-dimensional corner are presented. The corner is represented by a trihedron with one edge perpendicular to the other two. Both the boundary condition of the first kind,p=0, and that of the second kind,∂p/∂n=0, are considered. Outside the characteristic sphere of the vertex of the corner, the solution is represented by the well known conical solutions in two variables. Inside the characteristic sphere, the problem involves three conical variables. By the separation of variables, the problem is reduced to that of an eigenvalue problem with an irregular boundary which is in turn reduced to a system of homogeneous algebraic equations. The eigenvalues are then determined numerically. By the superposition of the conical solutions for plane pulses, the solution for the incidence of a plane wave is obtained. Numerical examples simulating the incidence of a sonic boom on the corner of a structure are presented.
Depositional features of March 1982 Mount St Helens sediment flows

On 19 March 1982, 2 yr after initial eruption, Mount St Helens erupted explosively, resulting in the deposition of new sediment flows in the Toutle River drainages (Fig. 1). We conducted field observations of these flows during the period 29 March–5 April 1982. By this time, the rivers, rapidly re-establishing pre-eruption channel levels, had down-cut through the new flows, allowing us to examine the internal structure of the flows before they could be extensively modified by reconstruction projects. The flows were characterized by a distinct three unit sequence. A basal massive to graded layer (unit 1) consists of large clasts in grain to grain contact. It is overlain by a distinctly finer-grained stratified unit (unit 2) of similar thickness. The top unit (unit 3) contains very large matrix-supported clasts and transported log debris (Fig. 2). This sequence has not previously been documented where its origin could clearly be ascribed to a single catastrophic depositional event. The sequence provides a useful model for interpreting similar deposits in the rock record.
Cyclic conditioning of epileptic discharges.

Abstract Eight patients with high voltage polyspike or spike-wave response to flickered light were subjected to a cyclic conditioning procedure which failed to produce consistent evidence of conditioning of the S-W to a paired tone signal. However, paroxysmal EEG discharges preceding the occurrence of positive (light-reinforced) and especially negative (not light-reinforced) stimuli suggest that the mental set anticipation, and especially unfulfilled anticipation favor the occurrence of EEG paroxysms. The possible obliteration of a conditioned S-W response by a prepotent conditioned blocking response is considered, as is the possibility that the epileptic discharge represents an “error” of conversion from conditioned desynchronization through physiological hypersynchrony to eventual extinction. A principal interest in the study lies in the possibility of defining some of the behavioral factors which contribute to the occurrence of “spontaneous” unpredictable spiking in the EEG of individuals with epileptic disorders.
A CEO-Adviser Model of Strategic Decision Making

Upper echelons research has emphasized decision making either by individual CEOs or by teams of top managers. The authors introduce the CEO-Adviser model as an intermediate model of strategic decision making. The CEO-Adviser model leads to new propositions that have not been explored through the individual CEO or top management team models concerning how context affects the use of formal versus informal advisory systems and how advisers are selected.
The geometry of mobility

Mobility in networks arises both as mobility of packets and mobility of nodes. In a wireless setting, packets move under network control to meet desiderata of low latency, high throughput, load-balancing, energy conservation, etc. Nodes, though, often move under the influence of forces unrelated to the network state, necessitating the continuous adaptation of supporting network structures. In order to understand how to best design such structures, it is important to study the stability of various network mechanisms under node motion, as well as under other kinds of variability in the network, such as wireless link volatility.Since networks are embedded in the physical world (sometimes in order to monitor this very world, as in sensor networks) and node motion happens under physical laws, geometric and topological methods can be useful in understanding global structures that can affect network performance. In this talk we give a number of examples of such methods, such as the use of kinetic data structures in clustering mobile nodes and the use of topological complexes for capturing the global structure of a static network with the goal of designing efficient routing protocols.
Low threshold short cavity quantum cascade lasers

ABSTRACT Low threshold quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) are important for low-power chemical sensor applications. We report a low-threshold high-period-number 4.8µm strain-balanced InGaAs/InAlAs quantum cascade laser. By growing more periods (up to 60 periods) of QCL stages, shortening the QCL cavity length, and applying high-reflectivity coatings on both facets of the laser cavity, low threshold QCLs can be ob tained. At current stage a QCL threshold of <30mA at 20K, <50mA at 80K, and <120mA near room temperature were achieved. Low current threshold QCLs will have significant impacts to future chemical sensing systems. Keywords : quantum cascade lasers; short cavity; low threshold 1. INTRODUCTION Quantum cascade lasers (QCL) are compact mid-infrared semiconductor laser sources [1]. Recent years quantum cascade lasers have been making good progress and they have been found of great interest in chemical detection and trace gas sensing applications [2], especia lly with the help of photoacoustic techni que [3]. In the past two decades, both the laser and photoacoutisc sensor sizes are largely reduced, which makes it possible to build a small size, low cost integrated photoacoustic sensor system. However, in order to build an integrated sensor system, a very low power consumption QCL and thus a low threshold QCL is required. High reflectivity (HR) coating has been proven to be able to help achieve very low current threshold QCLs [4-6]. By applying HR coatings to both facets of a QCL, and shorteni ng the laser cavity length, laser loss can be minimized and very low threshold can be achieved. Additionally, by growing more stages of QCL active gain region, the confinement factor will increase and thus current thre shold will decrease [7]. We also study th e leakage current of a QCL and try to minimize the leakage curren t and eventually to achieve low threshold QCL.
Condensing Chromosomes to Effect Chromosome-Wide Regulation of Gene Expression and Meiotic Crossovers

Chromosomes must be properly expressed and segregated for genome stability. Proper condensation of chromosomes is pivotal for the successful execution of both processes, which are controlled in the small round worm C. elegans through paralogous protein complexes. One complex, the condensin complex, is essential for chromosome compaction and resolution during mitosis and meiosis. A highly related complex is critical for the process of X-chromosome dosage compensation, an essential, chromosome-wide regulatory mechanism that balances gene expression between sexes (e.g. XX female, XY or XO male) that differ in their number of sex chromosomes. The C. elegans dosage compensation complex (DCC) is targeted to both X chromosomes of hermaphrodites to repress transcription by half. Not only does the DCC resemble condensin, it shares components with condensin, and DCC components also participate in chromosome segregation and the regulation of crossovers during meiosis. The talk will focus on the changes in chromosome structure effected by paralogous condensin complexes to achieve proper gene expression and chromosome segregation.
Nonlinearity of ferroelectric capacitors on dram r/w operations

Abstract The effects of the nonlinearity and polarization relaxation of storage capacitor on DRAM R/W operations are explained using a simple model and PSPICE simulation. For a given line-voltage design and pass device, the voltage signal and the READ/WRITE times depend on the exact shape of the Q-V curve and on the amount of polarization relaxation. It has been found that typical high dielectric constant paraelectric materials provide smaller voltage signals than the linear capacitor, and exhibit slower READ but faster WRITE compared to the linear capacitor.
Multilevel PWM VSIs

The coordinated control strategy between the grid and load controllers for a regenerative AC converter consisting of back-to-back, three-level, neutral-point-clamped PWM VSIs was studied in this article. The focus here is on the coordinated DC link voltage control through the coordinated power flow control and the coordinated DC link neutral point control. Various neutral point control methods, including a new linear control scheme, were also discussed. The simulation and experiment results showed that the coordinated approach can significantly improve system response, reduce system stress, and help eliminating nuisance trips.
Consistency and asymptotic normality of estimators in a proportional hazards model with interval censoring and left truncation

Satten et al. (1998, J. Amer. Statist. Assoc., 93, 318–327) proposed an approach to the proportional hazards model for interval censored data in which parameter estimates are obtained by solving estimating equations which are the score equations for the full data proportional hazards model, averaged over all rankings of imputed failure times consistent with the observed censoring intervals. In this paper, we extend this approach to incorporate data that are left-truncated and right censored (dynamic cohort data). Consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimators obtained in this way are established.
Cognitive Functioning in 3-Year-Old Children Exposed Prenatally to Cocaine.† 1218

The objective of this longitudinal study is to determine the long-term neurocognitive effects of in utero cocaine exposure in preschool children. Study participants were 476 full-term, inner-city, African-American infants, enrolled prospectively at birth and categorized into a cocaine-exposed (COC), polydrug/non-cocaine exposed (POLY), and drug-free control (CONT) group. Cocaine exposure was defined by a combination of maternal report and/or positive urine or meconium toxicology assays. Both the COC and POLY groups included infants also exposed to varying combinations of alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana. The McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities(MCSA) was administered as part of a detailed cognitive test battery to participants at approximately 3 years, 3 months of age. The groups did not differ in average test age. A total of 434 children were seen (91% of the total sample). Of these, nine children were untestable due to extremely severe cognitive or behavioral deficits. The groups did not differ, however, in the proportions of children who were untestable. Maternal education, an important correlate of child cognitive functioning, was not significantly different among the groups. Analysis of variance revealed no significant mean differences between the groups (total n=425) on the MCSA General Cognitive Index (GCI: standard mean=100, sd=15) or any of the Subscale Indices (standard mean=50, sd=10). The groups also did not differ in the proportion of children with Index scores falling more than 2 standard deviations below the normative mean. Means and standard deviations are reported below.Table
Developmental attenuation of the pre-ecdysis motor pattern in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

At the culmination of each molt, the larval tobacco hornworm exhibits a pre-ecdysis behavior prior to shedding its old cuticle at ecdysis. Both pre-ecdysis and ecdysis behaviors are triggered by the peptide, eclosion hormone (EH). Pre-ecdysis behavior consists of rhythmic abdominal compressions that loosen the old larval cuticle. This behavior is robust at larval molts, but at the larval-pupal molt the only comparable behavior consists of rhythmic dorso-ventral flexions of the anterior body. These flexions appear to be an attenuated version of the larval pre-ecdysis behavior because (1) they show the same EH dependence, and (2) the motor patterns recorded from EH treated, deafferented larval and pupal preparations are similar except that the pupal pattern is much weaker. Both patterns are characterized by rhythmic, synaptically-driven bursts of action potentials in motoneurons MN-2 and MN-3, which occur synchronously in all segments. However, the synaptic drive to the motoneurons and their resultant levels of activity are reduced during the pupal pre-ecdysis motor pattern, especially in posterior abdominal segments. Although the dendritic arbors of both motoneurons regress somewhat during the larval-pupal transformation, this does not appear to be the primary source of diminished synaptic drive because regression is greatest in the segments in which synaptic inputs remain the strongest. The developmental weakening of the pre-ecdysis motor pattern thus may be due to changes at the interneuronal level.
Complement-derived chemotactic activity is generated in human serum containing uroporphyrin after irradiation with 405 nm light.

Abstract Patients with porphyrias have varying degrees of photosensitivity, associated with elevated levels of porphyrins in plasma, erythrocyte, urine and/or feces. To investigate the role of complement in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lesions, varying amounts of uroporphyrin were added to normal human serum (0.1-10 microgram/ml), and the mixtures were then exposed to 405 nm irradiation. Such treatments result in the diminution of total hemolytic complement activity and hemolytic titers of C1, C4, C2, C3, and C5; furthermore, cleavage products of C3 and C5 were detected. Chemotactic activity for human polymorphonuclear leukocytes was generated that was inhibitable by incubation with anti-C5, but not with anti-C3 antisera. No chemotactic activity was generated in Mg++-EGTA treated serum nor in C4-deficient guinea pig serum. These data indicate that irradiation with 405 nm light of normal human serum containing uroporphyrin results in activation of the complement system via the classical pathway, and the generation of complement (C5)-derived chemotactic activity for human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Chromium thin film as a barrier to the interaction of Pd2Si with Al

Abstract Backscattering spectrometry with 2.3 and 2.0 MeV 4 He + have been used to study the role of Cr as a barrier in the interaction of Pd 2 Si with Al. Samples of palladium silicide (Pd 2 Si) grown on Si 〈100〉 single crystal and Al evaporated on top, in that order, showed a substantial intermixture of Pd 2 Si and Al, and a non-uniform erosion of the Pd 2 SiSi interface when heated between 300 and 450°C. With a thin layer of Cr(300–1500 A) interposed between Pd and Al intermixing of Pd 2 Si and Al was suppressed for temperatures up to 500°C and times up to 2 hr. In these samples distinct sublayers of Pd 2 Si, CrSi 2 and CrAl x (where the values of x depends on the relative thicknesses of Al and Cr) are formed. We have noted that whenever there is a thin unreached Cr layer the spectra of the distinct sublayers show sharp boundaries.
SURFACE ANTIGENS OF IMMUNOCOMPETENT CELLS : I. EFFECT OF ϑ AND PC.1 ALLOANTISERA ON THE ABILITY OF SPLEEN CELLS TO TRANSFER IMMUNE RESPONSES

Spleen cell transfer studies were done in BALB/c strain mice in an attempt to define the role of theta-antigen-bearing lymphoid cells in immune responses to SE. Incubation with alloantiserum to theta-C3H and rabbit C' virtually completely abolished the ability of the cells to transfer both primary and secondary (IgM and IgG) responses to 650 R irradiated recipients. Normal thymus cells partially reconstituted the ability of such treated cells to transfer the primary but not the secondary response. The results are interpreted as showing immunological memory for SE in the theta-bearing thymus-derived cells. Incubation of the spleen cells with alloantiserum to the PC.1 antigen present on antibody-forming cells did not significantly affect the ability to transfer either primary or secondary response.
Immunocytochemical evidence suggesting heterogeneity in the population of sea urchin egg cortical granules

Unfertilized eggs of many species of animals contain cortical granules, which are specialized secretory granules that upon fertilization release their contents from the egg. The unfertilized eggs of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, contain cortical granules that all display an identical and elaborate internal morphology. It has been assumed that they all contain identical components. In this report we present immunocytochemical data which indicate that the cortical granule population of S. purpuratus eggs is heterogeneous. Two monoclonal antibodies are shown to react to the spiral lamellae region of approximately 20% of the cortical granules, implying that the contents of the reactive granules differ from the contents of the majority of the population. An egg protein of greater than 320 kDa is recognized by the antibody. These antibodies also stain a 130-kDa protein expressed on the surface of primary mesenchyme cells in later development. Both antibodies recognize a post-translational modification of this protein. This suggests that an antigenically similar epitope is present both on the 130-kDa primary mesenchyme cell-specific protein and in the cortical granules. To determine if the primary mesenchyme and cortical granule proteins are related, a fusion protein antibody specific for a region of the 130-kDa protein was used to stain unfertilized eggs. This antibody did not stain cortical granules. Thus, 20% of the cortical granules contain a molecule that has an epitope antigenically similar to the post-translational modification recognized in primary mesenchyme cells by the monoclonal antibodies.
Excellent outcomes of renal transplantation in patients 70 years of age or older

BACKGROUND The survival beneﬁt of renal transplantation is well established. As the average life expectancy increases, so too will the average age of renal transplant patients. METHODS We reviewed our experience with renal transplantation in patients 70 years of age and older. Fifty patients aged 70 years and older were transplanted at our institution between 1997 and 2007. Demographics and outcomes were recorded retrospectively. RESULTS The mean age of the cohort was 73.1 years (range, 70–80 years). Among the 50 transplanted allografts, 32 (64%) were from deceased donors, and 18 (36%) were from living donors. At last follow-up, 45 (90%) patients were alive and 43 (86%) grafts were functioning. Median survival was 6.42 years. Five patients (10%) died, three from sepsis, one from cytomegalovirus infection, and one from myocardial infarction and stroke. There was no difference in the frequency of diabetes or hypertension compared with younger recipients in our institution during the same time period. Mean serum creatinine levels at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years of fol-low-up were, respectively, 1.8 ± 0.97 (n = 41), 1.8 ± 1.3 (n = 33), 1.5 ± 0.4 (n = 25), 1.6 ± 0.45 (n = 16), and 1.5 ± 0.37 (n = 6) mg/dL. There were no statistically signiﬁcant differences in acute cellular rejection between dif-ferent induction regimens. There were two grafts lost to rejection and fewer infections in the interleukin-2 receptor blocker group compared with the thymoglobulin group (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS Renal transplantation in patients 70 years of age and older is associated with excellent patient and graft survival, similar to rates in younger recipients. Advanced age should not be a contraindication to renal transplantation.
Optimal suppression of defect generation during a passage across a quantum critical point

The dynamics of quantum phase transitions are inevitably accompanied by the formation of defects when crossing a quantum critical point. For a generic class of quantum critical systems, we solve the problem of minimizing the production of defects through the use of a gradient-based deterministic optimal control algorithm. By considering a finite-size quantum Ising model with a tunable global transverse field, we show that an optimal power-law quench of the transverse field across the Ising critical point works well at minimizing the number of defects, in spite of being drawn from a subset of quench profiles. These power-law quenches are shown to be inherently robust against noise. The optimized defect density exhibits a transition at a critical ratio of the quench duration to the system size, which we argue coincides with the intrinsic speed limit for quantum evolution.
Long-term effects of a priming dose and short-term infusion of amphetamine on striatal dopamine neurons in rats

A priming dose (15 mg/kg i.p.) of (+)-amphetamine sulfate combined with a 16 h subcutaneous infusion of 1.36 mg of the drug per hour to rats via its release from osmotic minipumps produced marked decreases in striatal dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and the synaptosomal uptake of [3H]DA which lasted for at least 12 weeks. The decrease in striatal DA persisted through 24 weeks after drug treatment. In contrast, striatal levels of DOPAC, HVA and synaptosomal DA uptake recovered to control levels by 24 weeks after amphetamine treatment.
Haptic mirror for active exploration of facial expressions by individuals who are blind

Communicating different emotions to individuals who are blind through tactile feedback is an active area of research. But most work is static in nature as different facial expressions of emotions are conveyed through a fixed set of facial features which may have meaning only to those who previously had sight. To individuals who are congenitally blind, these fixed sets of information are abstract, and little research reflects how this population can properly interpret and relate these fixed sets of signs as per their own nonvisual experience. Our goal is to develop a complete system that integrates feature extraction with haptic recognition. As emotion detection through image and video analysis often fails, we give emphasis on active exploration of facial expressions of one's self so that the movement of facial features and expressions becomes meaningful to users toward becoming proficient at interpreting facial expressions related to different emotions. We propose a dynamic haptic environment where an individual who is blind can perceive the reflection of his own facial movements to better understand and explore different facial expressions on the basis of the movement of his own facial features.
Neuromonitoring during cardiothoracic surgery: the signal and the noise.

Neurologic complications in the perioperative period for patients undergoing cardiac surgery are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Even when a stroke is not clinically evident, lesser degrees of postoperative cognitive dysfunction may be noticed by the patient or detected by robust neurocognitive testing, and such level of dysfunction may be one of the more common adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery. 1 Cardiac surgical procedures can affect the regional or global perfusion of the brain in 1 of 2 ways, either by gaseous or particulate embolization from a proximal site or a decrease in perfusion due to pressure or flow perturbations. The latter appears to be the more common cause and can be the most easily manipulated or intervened on by the operative team. Low-density (typically 2 or 4 channels) near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is currently used to assess the regional cortical oxygen saturation of the frontal lobes, and this information is extrapolated to global cerebral perfusion. Perioperative cerebral oxygen desaturations as measured with NIRS have been shown to have an impact on longer-term neurologic outcomes. 2 Murkin and colleagues 3 and others 2 have documented that interventions made intraoperativelyin response to a decrease in regional saturation (rSO2) can alone or in combination result in a return toward baseline saturation, and thus a decrease in the potential for neurologic injury. These interventions are not necessarily complex; the ‘‘Murkin Interventions’’ consist of repositioning the head, increasing pumpflow, increasing the mean arterial pressure, normalizing the arterial carbon dioxide tension, deepening anesthesia, increasing the inspired oxygen fraction, and providing pulsatile perfusion. In some situations, transfusion of red blood cells also might be considered. InthisissueoftheJournal,Leeandcolleagues 4 takeNIRS
Live performance and environmental impact of broiler chickens fed diets varying in amino acids and phytase

Abstract This research examined the effects of decreasing dietary amino acid density (AAD) and potential interactions of AAD and phytase on growth and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) excretion of broiler chickens. In experiment 1, diets were formulated to high (H) or moderate (M) AAD during prestarter (1–7 days), starter (8–19 days), and grower (20–35 days) resulting in the following dietary treatments: HHH, HHM, HMM, and MMM. The HHH feeding regimen improved (P≤0.05) body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion (FCR) from 1 to 35 days of age, but increased (P≤0.05) N content of the excreta by 180 g/kg. In Experiment 2, three diets were fed from 36 to 49 days varying in AAD (H, M, and low, L) with (500 units/kg) or without supplemental phytase. Broilers fed a diet formulated to L AAD had high FCR. Increasing AAD increased (P≤0.05) N excretion by 0.56 and 0.80 g per bird compared with M and L AAD, respectively. Phytase supplementation reduced (P≤0.05) P excretion by 0.18 g per bird, but BWG and FCR were not affected. Dietary phytase and AAD did not interact to reduce N excretion. These results indicate that N excretion could be reduced with dietary manipulation, but effects on FCR should be considered.
Three-pattern tests for delay faults

To improve the quality of CMOS digital circuits, more complex fault models than single stuck-at have been proposed. This paper focuses on the effect of inaccurate delay modeling on delay fault testing. It is shown that accurate delay models are needed for effective delay fault testing. This is particularly important for large timing optimized circuits with many paths. Limitations of the path delay fault model are shown, and even the assumption that 2-pattern tests are sufficient for delay testing is shown to have limitations. >
Multicolor single-molecule FRET to explore protein folding and binding

Proper protein function in cells, tissues and organisms depends critically on correct protein folding or interaction with partners. Over the last decade, single-molecule FRET (smFRET) has emerged as a powerful tool to probe complex distributions, dynamics, pathways and landscapes in protein folding and binding reactions, leveraging its ability to avoid averaging over an ensemble of molecules. While smFRET was practiced in a two-color form until recently, the last few years have seen the development of enhanced multicolor smFRET methods that provide additional structural information permitting us to probe more complex mechanisms. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to the smFRET technique, then follow with advanced multicolor measurements and end with ongoing methodology developments in microfluidics and protein labeling that are beginning to make these techniques more broadly applicable to answering a number of key questions about folding and binding.