cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-Mediated and Humoral Immune Response to 2-Dose SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccination in Immunocompromised patient population

Abstract Characterization of cell-mediated and humoral immune responses to SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccine has implications for protective immunity in immunocompromised patients. However, studies have demonstrated poor humoral response to SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccine in immunocompromised patients and data on cellular immune response are currently lacking. Here we compared immune response after 2-dose vaccination in 100 immunocompromised patients (solid organ transplant recipients, hematologic malignancy, autoimmune condition, and primary immunodeficiency) and 16 immunocompetent healthy healthcare workers. We find that 100% (CI=80.6-100%) of immunocompetent individuals show positive cell-mediated and humoral immune response post vaccination while only 50% (CI=40.4-59.6%) of immunocompromised patients show humoral immune response and 69% (CI=59.4-77.2%) have a positive cell-mediated immune response. 21% of immunocompromised patients have no humoral immune response or cell-mediated immune response and thus are likely vulnerable to SARS-CoV2 infection. Monitoring of immune response in immunocompromised populations, particularly in high-risk immunocompromised patients (solid organ transplant recipients, patients with severe autoimmunity, and those ≥50 years), with clinical IGRA and serological assay after vaccination may identify patients who may benefit from revaccination or prophylactic monoclonal antibody therapy to prevent COVID-19 in this patient population
The Climate-Security Century: Three Climate Hotspots

The climate-security century is here. With global temperatures rising, climate change is poised to massively destabilize the physical environment. This century may well be defined by our ability (or inability) to reduce our collective greenhouse gas emissions. We must also adapt and respond to climate change’s multivariate security impacts. From raging wildfires in Australia and California to melting ice sheets and permafrost in the Arctic, climate change acts as both a threat accelerant and a catalyst for conflict. Climate change is also unlike any other traditional security threat — it accelerates and exacerbates existing environmental stressors — such as sea level rise, extreme weather, drought, and food insecurity — leading to greater instability. Climate change impacts are already taking center stage this century, forcing us to think more broadly about climate change’s relationship with human security and national security. Complicating matters, climate-driven temperature increases do not rise in a neat, uniform fashion around the globe. The pace of climatic change unfolds unevenly and erratically. Some parts of the world — such as the Arctic — are warming at a rate two to three times faster than the rest of the world. Three specific climate-security “hotspots” foreshadow greater destabilization and serve as climate “canaries in a coal mine” — a sneak preview of our climate-destabilized future.
Methane Production in Shallow-Water, Tropical Marine Sediments

The in situ production of methane was monitored in several types of tropical benthic communities. A bed of Thalassia testudinum located in Caesar Creek (Florida Keys) exhibited the highest methanogenic activity (initial rates = 1.81 to 1.86 μmol CH4/m2 per h) as compared with another seagrass (Syringodium sp., 0.15 to 0.33 μmol/m2 per h) and two coral reef environments (Hydro-Lab, 0.016 to 0.10 μmol/m2 per h; Curacao, 0.14 to 0.47 μmol/m2 per h). The results suggest that a wide variety of benthic metabolic processes (e.g., photosynthetic oxygen production) influences methane production rates.
Solubility chromatography of serum proteins. I. Isolation of the first component of complement from guinea pig serum by solubility chromatography at low ionic strength.

Abstract A method for chromatographic separation of serum proteins on the basis of solubility in buffers of low ionic strength has been developed. Its application to the isolation of the first component of guinea pig complement has led to a two-step process that yielded estimated recoveries of 45% or more, with an increase in specific activity of at least 250-fold in most runs.
High-efficiency CdS/CdTe solar cells on commercial SnO 2 :F coated soda-lime glass substrates

High efficiency CdTe-based thin-film solar cells with a superstrate configuration have been fabricated on commercial SnO 2 :F/SnO 2 -coated soda-lime glass substrates. The CdS window layers were deposited by magnetron sputtering, and the CdTe absorber layers were deposited by close-spaced sublimation. The back-contacts are elemental Cu/Au bilayers. CdCl 2 activations were carried out in dry air. Without antireflection coating, the best small-area cell has shown an efficiency of 15.8% with an open-circuit voltage of 845 mV, a short-circuit current of 24.5 mA/cm2, and a fill-factor of 76.8% measured under an AM1.5 illumination. We find that besides optimizing the growth process of the window and absorber layers and the CdC1 2 activation steps, incorporating a small amount of oxygen in the CdS window layers is essential for achieving high efficiency CdTe solar cells.
SOME VIEWS ON PATTERN—RECOGNITION METHODOLOGY

Publisher Summary In the pattern-recognition field, the character-recognition problem, the problem of analyzing electrocardiograms, and the photo interpretation problem are often spoken of, yet each of these is in reality not a single problem but a problem area, an entire ensemble of problems. The problems within an area are generally governed by a number of important parameters. Each proposed application, each choice of parameters, specifies a new problem from the ensemble—there are literally infinity of problems. Each intermediate stage of a pattern-recognition system should produce many-valued output coordinates reflecting the confidences attached to its decisions, so that the confidence information can be utilized by subsequent stages. In many systems of practical interest, the ultimate decisions or the ultimate verifications of decisions made by the machine part of the system are performed by a human. Thus, even the final machine stage in such a system is intermediate in the overall system. Its output should reflect the confidences of its decisions and the possible alternatives.
The Legacy of Generations: Pottery by American Indian Women

The Legacy of Generations: Pottery by American Indian Women. National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington D.C. October 9, 1997-January 11, 1998
Military reform and strategic nuclear forces of the Russian federation

Russian Minister of Defense Marshal Igor Sergeyev has proposed merging the Strategic Rocket Forces and strategic nuclear components of the Navy and Air Force. Advocates of the proposed reform invok...
SYCRAFT: A Tool for Synthesizing Distributed Fault-Tolerant Programs

We present the tool Sycraft (SYmboliC synthesizeR and Adder of Fault-Tolerance). In Sycraft , a distributed fault-intolerant program is specified in terms of a set of processes and an invariant. Each process is specified as a set of actions in a guarded command language, a set of variables that the process can read, and a set of variables that the process can write. Given a set of fault actions and a specification, the tool transforms the input distributed fault-intolerant program into a distributed fault-tolerant program via a symbolic implementation of respective algorithms.
Transfer and surface vibration couplings in the fusion of 40 Ca + 4 6 , 4 8 , 5 0 Ti at near-barrier energies

Fusion and quasielastic excitation functions were measured for {sup 40}Ca+{sup 46,48,50}Ti at energies close to the Coulomb barrier. The interest in these systems lies in the opposite target-mass dependence of surface vibration couplings and neutron-transfer couplings. The cross sections were measured at small energy steps and with high precision, so that the structure in the excitation functions (barrier distributions) could be revealed through a differentiation process. The subbarrier fusion data show a larger enhancement with increasing target mass number, which clearly indicates the importance of transfer couplings. The agreement between the fusion and quasielastic barrier distributions is quite good. Simplified coupled-channel calculations were performed to reproduce the fusion data. A very good agreement is obtained by coupling to low lying excited states (2{sup +} and 3{sup {minus}}) and to the most positive neutron-transfer Q value (two-neutron projectile pickup channel). {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
A symmetry theorem revisited

We show that if harmonic measure and Hausdorff measure are equal on the boundary of certain domains in Euclidean n-space, then these domains are necessarily balls.
Is fever suppression involved in the etiology of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders

There appears to be a significant increase in the prevalence rate of autism. Reasons for the increase are unknown, however, there is a substantial body of evidence that suggests the etiology involves infections of the pregnant mother or of a young child. Most infections result in fever that is routinely controlled with antipyretics such as acetaminophen. The blocking of fever inhibits processes that evolved over millions of years to protect against microbial attack. Immune mechanisms in the central nervous system are part of this protective process. The blockage of fever with antipyretics interferes with normal immunological development in the brain leading to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism in certain genetically and immunologically disposed individuals. Epidemiological studies to determine associations between the use of antipyretics and neurodevelopmental disorders should be undertaken. Biochemical tests will involve the examination of fluids/serum by mass spectrometry and the determination of cytokine/chemokine levels in serum and cell culture fluids after stimulation with fever-inducing molecules from bacteria, viruses and yeast. Postmortem brain can be examined by immunohistochemistry or other methods such as fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine altered expression levels of chemokines/cytokines and other molecules. 1) The use of antipyretics during pregnancy or in young children may be reserved for more severe fevers. 2) The perplexing genetic findings in autism may be better understood by categorizing genes along functional pathways. 3) New treatments based on immune, cell, pharmacological or even heat therapies may be developed.
Probleme und Zukunftschancen des Automobilstandortes Deutschland

Im internationalen Standort Wettbewerb hat sich die Position der Bundesrepublik in den letzten Jahren vor allem durch die hohen Arbeitskosten, die kurzen Arbeitszeiten, die hohen Unternehmenssteuern und die zusatzlichen Kosten fur den Umweltschutz kontinuierlich verschlechtert. Die deutsche Automobilindustrie engagiert sich daher verstarkt im Ausland. Zum Beispiel plant BMW eine neue Fabrik in den USA. Daimler Benz will seine neuen Fahrzeuge im Ausland bauen. VW hat Beteiligungen in Spanien, in der Tschechischen Republik und der Slowakei erworben und produziert den Polo nur noch in Spanien.
Single chip PCI bridge and memory controller for PowerPC microprocessors

The MPC105 is a highly integrated single chip design which provides a bridge between a variety of PowerPC microprocessors and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus. The MPC105 also integrates secondary cache control and a high performance memory controller which supports DRAM, SDRAM, and ROM. System designers will be able to design systems using peripherals already designed for PCI, providing an easy and cost effective bridge to PowerPC processors. >
Molecular drivers and cortical spread of lateral entorhinal cortex dysfunction in preclinical Alzheimer's disease

The entorhinal cortex has been implicated in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, which is characterized by changes in the tau protein and in the cleaved fragments of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). We used a high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) variant that can map metabolic defects in patients and mouse models to address basic questions about entorhinal cortex pathophysiology. The entorhinal cortex is divided into functionally distinct regions, the medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) and the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), and we exploited the high-resolution capabilities of the fMRI variant to ask whether either of them was affected in patients with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Next, we imaged three mouse models of disease to clarify how tau and APP relate to entorhinal cortex dysfunction and to determine whether the entorhinal cortex can act as a source of dysfunction observed in other cortical areas. We found that the LEC was affected in preclinical disease, that LEC dysfunction could spread to the parietal cortex during preclinical disease and that APP expression potentiated tau toxicity in driving LEC dysfunction, thereby helping to explain regional vulnerability in the disease.
Identification of a novel tyrosine kinase receptor-like molecule in neuroblastomas.

Abstract Growth factor receptors are important determinants of both normal and abnormal cell growth. We have now used degenerate primers designed from conserved tyrosine kinase domains to identify and clone a novel receptor-like molecule (designated Nbtk-1) from a NB41 mouse neuroblastoma cell line. Nbtk-1 is related to the met proto-oncogene family of tyrosine kinase receptors. Transcripts of ∼ 2.1 and 2.6 kb have been found in mouse cell lines and one transcript of ∼ 3 kb in human cell lines and in a wide range of primary human tumors, such as neuroblastomas, primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs), Wilms' tumors, and melanomas and in the corresponding normal human tissues. These observations suggest that Nbtk-1 may have important roles in normal and tumor cell growth.
The effects of the flavonoid baicalein and osmolytes on the Mg 2+ accelerated aggregation/fibrillation of carboxymethylated bovine 1SS-α-lactalbumin

Many protein conformational diseases arise when proteins form alternative stable conformations, resulting in aggregation and accumulation of the protein as fibrillar deposits, or amyloids. Interestingly, numerous proteins implicated in amyloid protein formation show similar structural and functional properties. Given this similarity, we tested the notion that carboxymethylated bovine alpha-lactalbumin (1SS-alpha-lac) could serve as a general amyloid fibrillation/aggregation model system. Like most amyloid forming systems, Mg2+ ions accelerate 1SS-alpha-lac amyloid fibril formation. While osmolytes such as trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and sucrose enhanced thioflavin T detected aggregation, a mixture of trehalose and TMAO substantially inhibited aggregation. Most importantly however, the flavonoid, baicalein, known to inhibit alpha-synuclein amyloid fibril formation, also inhibits 1SS-alpha-lac amyloid with the same apparent efficacy. These data suggest that the easily obtainable 1SS-alpha-lac protein can serve as a general amyloid model and that some small molecule amyloid inhibitors may function successfully with many different amyloid systems.
A light-activated control valve for column chromatography.

Abstract A light-activated solid-state device is described which automatically closes off a fluid line upon depletion of the fluid in the reservoir, thus protecting chromatographic columns from draining dry. The apparatus is especially useful when buffer flow is maintained by pumping. Provisions for control of auxiliary apparatus are incorporated in the design.
Minimum deterrence and missile defenses: what's new, what's true, what's arguable

Minimum deterrence is a compromise, or halfway house, between nuclear abolition or nearly zero and assured destruction, the dominant paradigm for strategic nuclear arms control during and after the cold war. Minimum deterrence as applied to the current relationship between the United States and Russia would require downsizing the numbers of operationally deployed long-range nuclear weapons to 1000, or fewer, on each side. More drastic bilateral Russian–American reductions would require the cooperation of other nuclear weapons states in making proportional reductions in their own arsenals. In addition, US plans for European-based and global missile defenses cause considerable angst in Russia and threaten to derail the Obama “reset” in Russian–American relations, despite the uncertainties about current and plausible future performances of missile defense technologies.
A tactile option to reduce robot controller size

In response to operational requirements for smaller robotic controller devices for use by dismounted US Army soldiers, three types of robot controller navigation map display configurations were evaluated for effects on beyond line-of-sight robotic navigation tasks. We predicted better performance with the larger split screen display that presents both a map display and a camera-based driving display on a 6.5 inch screen. Two smaller alternatives were also evaluated. One alternative was a 3.5 inch display that allowed the operator to toggle back and forth between the driving display and the map display. The third option added a torso-mounted tactile display to the toggle-based display in order to provide direction information simultaneously with the camera display and thus reduce the need to toggle as frequently to the map display. Each display option was evaluated based on objective performance data, expert-based observations, and scaled subjective soldier questionnaire items. Findings indicated that operators’ navigation performance with the multimodal 3.5 inch toggle display was as effective as their performance with a 6.5 inch split screen display. Operator performance was significantly lower with the 3.5 inch toggle display that did not have the tactile display.
A deeper significance to the Betz effective charge formula

It has been demonstrated that a common formula for the effective charge state of an ion beam beam stopping in an absorber (sometimes called the Betz formula) can be inverted to produce a general expression for the rms velocities of valence electrons. The new valence electron scaling is examined more closely in this Letter and its application is expanded producing a fairly accurate, new analytical relationship between inner electron orbital energies and screening constants. In doing so, the nature of one of the empirical fitting factors associated with the effective charge formula is explicated. These findings may enable a better understanding of the original formula and may intimate a new logarithmic atomic scaling behavior.
Rapid evaluation of ion thruster lifetime using optical emission spectroscopy

A major life-limiting phenomenon of electric thrusters is the sputter erosion of discharge chamber components. Thrusters for space propulsion are required to operate for extended periods of time, usually in excess of 10,000 hr. Lengthy and very costly life-tests in high-vacuum facilities have been required in the past to determine the erosion rates of thruster components. Alternative methods for determining erosion rates which can be performed in relatively short periods of time at considerably lower costs are studied. An attempt to relate optical emission intensity from an ion bombarded surface (screen grid) to the sputtering rate of that surface is made. The model used a kinetic steady-state (KSS) approach, balancing the rates of population and depopulation of ten low-lying excited states of the sputtered molybdenum atom (MoI) with those of the ground state to relate the spectral intensities of the various transitions of the MoI to the population densities. Once this is accomplished, the population density can be related to the sputtering rate of the target. Radiative and collisional modes of excitation and decay are considered. Since actual data has not been published for MoI excitation rate and decay constants, semiempirical equations are used. The calculated sputtering rate and intensity is compared to the measured intensity and sputtering rates of the 8 and 30 cm ion thrusters.
Guest Editorial Medical Applications of Optics

The five papers included in this special issue entitled Medical Applications of Optics were selected as representative of the many excellent presentations at the topical symposium on "Application of Optical Instrumentation in Medicine IV" in September 1975 in Atlanta.
Answer Garden 2: merging organizational memory with collaborative help

This research examines a collaborative solution to a common problem, that of providing help to distributed users. The Answer Garden 2 system provides a secondgeneration architecture for organizational and community memory applications. After describing the need for Answer Garden 2’s functionality, we describe the architecture of the system and two underlying systems, the Cafe ConstructionKit and Collaborative Refinery. We also present detailed descriptions of the collaborative help and collaborative refining facilities in the Answer Garden 2 system.
Rotational Effects on the Dynamical Instability of Luminous Blue Variables

Rotation influences the dynamical stability of a star in both direct and indirect ways. Directly, it supplies rotational kinetic energy to the star and changes the star's hydrostatic structure. Indirectly, it influences the possible course of stellar evolution. Calculations show that, for a luminous blue variable (LBV), rotation is not expected to greatly affect the onset of dynamical instability in any direct way, but could be important through its indirect evolutionary effect on the star's luminosity-to-mass ratio. If the classical LBV's are evolving in an advanced stage of central helium burning, when their envelopes are most prone to dynamical instability, the luminosity-to-mass ratio would probably be increased by rotation. It is shown that a brightening of the star lessens its dynamical stability and so leads to a somewhat hotter effective temperature during the phase of dynamical instability. How rotation modifies the Eddington luminosity limit is also discussed.
Carnivals against capital: radical clowning and the global justice movement

This essay looks at an international performance phenomenon, which I refer to as tactical carnival, that has developed as a tactic in the toolbox of the burgeoning global justice movement. This movement has been more accurately described as a ‘movement of movements’ due to its great diversity in geography, identity, and ideology (‘One no, many yeses’ is one of its main slogans). As connections and coalitions are forged between Bolivian miners, American anti-corporate activists, Polish organic farmers, etc., organizers have begun to coordinate a celebratory form of protest that involves unpermitted street parties/processions that occupy public space, both to assert movement identity and importance and often to disrupt state or corporate events/daily business. Movement organizers and writers use the term ‘carnival’ to label these explicitly oppositional events, at which flamboyant costumes, dance, puppets, tricksterism, samba bands and other musical groupings can all be seen. They also seem to refer to idea...
Structural development during flysch basin collapse: the fencemaker allochthon, East Range, Nevada

Abstract During Mesozoic deformation in north-central Nevada, a thick succession of Triassic siliciclastic and hemipelagic carbonate strata that were deposited in a deep-water basin shortened against and overrode penecontemporaneous shallow-water carbonates and interbedded siliciclastics at the eastern margin of the basin. Initial rheologic contrasts developed between lithologic units during shallow pretectonic burial localized displacements within fine-grained, poorly-cemented units and along lithologic boundaries. Changes in theology during low-pressure and low-temperature deformation led to more brittle conditions, possibly due to fluid expulsion, and subsequent displacements truncated bedding. Structures in Triassic strata suggest that the W-facing slope of the shelf-to-basin transition localized thrusting. Collapse of the basinal strata against strata of the basin margin and formation of a thrust at the shelf-to-basin transition demonstrate the ability of stratigraphic declivities and associated rheologic contrasts to buttress deformation and localize thrusting.
Trade, growth, and welfare linkages in North America: An empirical analysis

Abstract Changes in welfare are computed as the combined effects of technological progress (TFP), and terms of trade for the NAFTA signatories. Nonparametric methods are used to derive indices of output, TFP, terms of trade, and welfare from aggregate time-series data. Results indicate the importance of both TFP growth and terms of trade to welfare in all three countries. An analysis of TFP growth suggest that increased openness of the Mexican economy augments this rate effect through, for example, the increased imports of more modern intermediate factors while, for the more open economies, the NAFTA trade effects are small. Hence, other Latin American countries joining the NAFTA agreement may experience gains in TFP growth similar to Mexico.
Modal characteristics of large-aperture ARROW VCSELs

Antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) are designed for high power single mode operation. Scalar wave and finite-difference time domain (FDTD) studies indicate large modal discrimination in favor of the fundamental mode for large aperture (8 um) ARROW VCSELs. The modal discrimination mechanisms are identified through the total modal loss and quality factor calculations including polarization dependence. A novel design is presented, utilizing metal absorption loss to help suppress higher-order modes.
Single-frequency, 500-ns laser pulses generated by a passively Q-switched Nd laser

We demonstrate a simple, passive technique for producing 500-ns pulse lengths with a Nd laser. The measured 1.5-MHz upper limit to the pulse spectral width indicates that it is nearly transform limited.
The AGS Magnet Transporter

The transporter is in the form of a pedestal base, electrohydraulically powered to cycle automatically while moving the load in a step-like manner. The carrying capacity of this machine is 150 tons. It is designed to transport and position large magnets in the X,Y and Z axes with a precision of ±0.005". It also provides 360° rotation of the load about the Z axis with a precision of approx 90 sec of arc. Movement may be manually controlled or fully automatic at either low or relatively high speed. The unit weighs a little over 10 tons and depends for its power on one 10 hp motor that drives three pumps of a very compact hydraulic system. Carrying range of the transporter is limited only by the length of the 440V cable that supplies electric power, and by the carrying capacity of the floor on which it travels. The most progressive antifriction devices including hydrostatic oil thrust bearings, a unique 35-in. diameter hydrostatic journal bearing, air bearings and linear motion roller bearings were employed. This device is being used successfully at a BNL experimental area.
Sanctioning Traditional Crimes with Fines: A Comparative Analysis

Rising crime rates within traditional sanctioning patterns have resulted in a search for alternatives to incarceration in order to control both the economic and the social (humanitarian) costs of punishment. The paper explores this response in four countries: England, Germany, Sweden, and the United States—all modern, industrial democracies. The paper focuses upon the response in terms of the role accorded monetary penalties as an alternative to incarceration. This role is analyzed in terms of the actual use of fines relative to incarceration, as a sentencing disposition for traditional crimes. The major finding is that among the four countries the United States accords fines a very minor role. The reasons for this difference are explored and it is concluded that the use of fines in the United States—when compared to European experience—appears to be far below the level that would minimize the economic and social cost of punishment.
Predicting post-coronary bypass surgery atrial arrhythmias from the preoperative electrocardiogram.

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common occurrence and adds to the morbidity and cost associated with the procedure. Various therapies have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of post-CABG AF, but their use should be targeted to high-risk patients. The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction rule for post-CABG AF on the basis of patient age and the preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG). Methods The charts of 152 consecutive patients undergoing isolated CABG at one institution were reviewed and the preoperative ECG was analyzed with use of commercially available software. Logistic regression was performed and age-adjusted predictors of the primary end point, any post-CABG AF, were derived. The discriminatory values of the various models were compared by receiver-operating characteristic curves. Results Sixty-four patients (42.1%) had AF. Multivariable predictors were dichotomized on the basis of variable distribution, and a high-risk patient population was identified by age >65 years, PR interval ≥180 milliseconds (age-adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.12, P =.05), and a P-wave duration in lead V1 ≥110 milliseconds (age-adjusted OR 2.30, P =.02). Conclusions This study demonstrates that post-CABG AF can be predicted preoperatively from patient age and evidence of intra-atrial conduction delay on ECG. Such information can be used to guide prophylactic therapy. (Am Heart J 2001;142:806-10.)
Microprocessor controlled multichannel dynamic radiograph.

The essential concepts, design and operation of a microprocessor controlled multichannel dynamic radiograph are described. This dynamic radiograph, which detects radiation scattered from within the chest cavity, is used to accurately monitor two- and three-dimensional epicardial motion patterns. The basic concepts of the new radiograph are validated with a set of experiments on mechanical models. The results of the initial testing on experimental animals are presented.
The incidence and natural history of Raynaud's phenomenon in the community

Objective Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a common disorder, yet its incidence and natural history are unknown. Our objective was to determine the incidence and natural history of RP not associated with a connective tissue disease in a large, community-based population. Methods Using serial examinations of the Framingham Heart Study offspring cohort, we collected data regarding RP symptoms for 717 women and 641 men over a 7-year period. We used validated criteria for RP classification and categorized participants as having incident, persistent, or remitted RP. We performed sex-specific analyses of RP status by age, body mass index, vibratory tool use, season of examination, state of residence, use of antihypertensive medications, and smoking status. Results The mean ± SD age of participants was 53.5 ± 10 years. The incidence of RP was 2.2% in women (n = 14) and 1.5% in men (n = 9). Of the 78 women and 50 men who had RP at baseline, 36% of women (n = 28) and 36% of men (n = 18) had persistent RP. RP remitted in 64% of women (n = 50) and 64% of men (n = 32), with 41 women and 25 men meeting no or only 1 RP criterion at followup. RP episodes were infrequent and rarely interfered with daily activities. Conclusion This is the first prospective study to determine the incidence and natural history of RP in a community-based cohort. Our data demonstrate that RP not associated with a connective tissue disease is frequently a transient phenomenon and rarely interferes with daily activities.
Conflicts of interest in research on antipsychotic treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder, temper dysregulation disorder, and attenuated psychotic symptoms syndrome: Exploring the unholy alliance between big pharma and psychiatry

We acknowledge those individuals who assisted us in our investigation by providing consultation and feedback on key issues of concern. Thank you in particular to Richard Bargdill, Victor Barbetti, Lisa Cosgrove, Daniel Burston, and Sharna Olfman.
Tension development length of reinforcing bars embedded in high-strength concrete

Abstract Research results presented earlier (phase I) concluded that in the case of high-strength concrete (HSC), increasing the tension development length (or equivalently tension splices) is not an efficient way of increasing the bond capacity of deformed reinforcing bars, especially when the cover concrete is small. Further, the previous report concluded that in the case of HSC, removal of the current ACI 318-89 (revision 1992) limitation on √f′c in calculating tension development length and tension splices should be coupled with some minimim stirrup requirement over the splice region. This paper presents the results of phase II of the study, an investigation to establish the minimum amount of stirrups. It also includes a tentative modification to the ACI 318-89 (revision 1992) requirement for calculating tension development length and tension splices when concrete compressive strength exceeds 10000 psi ( (69 MPa).
The radial spokes and central apparatus: mechano-chemical transducers that regulate flagellar motility.

The 9+2 microtubule arrangement is the most conserved axonemal configuration, suggesting that this organization has been retained under evolutionary pressure for crucial functions. The primary role of the nine outer doublet microtubules is well established: the associated dynein motors power the microtubule sliding that ultimately results in flagellar bending [Satir, 1968; Brokaw, 1972; Shingyoji et al., 1977]. In contrast, the role of the two central pair of microtubules (CP) and the radial spokes (RS) that project towards the CP is far less definitive. The CP/RS system appears to play an important role in motility of 9+2 axonemes since mutant organelles defective in either of these structural complexes are paralyzed [Witman et al., 1978; Sturgess and Chao, 1982; Neugebauer et al., 1990]. However, these mutant axonemes can be experimentally induced to beat using modified reactivation conditions [Frey et al., 1997; Wakabayashi et al., 1997; Yagi and Kamiya, 2000]. In addition, motility of naturally occurring central pairless cilia and flagella has been reported [Baccetti et al., 1979; Prensier et al., 1980; Nonaka et al., 1998]. Most notably, recent studies have demonstrated that the 9+0 nodal cilia of developing embryos are motile, and this motility plays a critical role in establishing left-right asymmetry [Nonaka et al., 1998; Marszalek et al., 1999; Nonaka et al., 2002]. These observations provide compelling evidence that the central apparatus and radial spokes are not absolutely required for oscillatory beating. What, then, is their function in cilia and flagella that possess the 9+2 arrangement of microtubules? Recent structural, biochemical, and functional studies have provided important new insights into these seemingly contradictory phenomena. Here, we review these findings and propose a model in which the central apparatus and radial spokes serve as mechano-chemical sensors to control motility in 9+2 cilia and flagella.
Heritability estimates and response to selection for the pungency and single center traits in onion

Heritabilities of the pungency and single center traits were estimated in onion breeding populations using selection response and half-sib family analyses. Pungency was determined indirectly by measuring enzymatically produced pyruvic acid in individual bulbs. After one generation of selection, pungency was lowered by 8.1% and 8.9% in the populations 90-61-1 and 89-69-8, respectively, and realized heritabilities of 0.21 and 0.51 were estimated. Selection had no effect in lowering the pungency of population 90–62. Heritability estimates calculated through half-sib progeny analysis were 0.53, 0.48, and 0.25 for pungency in the populations 90-61-1, 90–62 and 89-69-8, respectively. The number of single centered onions was increased by 19% and 22% in populations 90–62 and 89-69-8, respectively, after one generation of selection, and the realized heritability estimates were 0.37 and 0.34, respectively.
Randomized phase III trial of three versus six cycles of adjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel in early stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Abstract Objective. Compared to 3 cycles, to determine if 6 cycles of adjuvant carboplatin (C) and paclitaxel (P) significantly lower the rate of recurrence in surgically staged patients with stage IA grade 3, IB grade 3, clear cell, IC, and completely resected stage II epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC); and to compare toxicities. Methods. Postoperatively, randomization was to either 3 or 6 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of P (175 mg/m 2 over 3 h) and C (7.5 AUC over 30 min) every 21 days. Recurrence was any clinical or radiological evidence of new tumor. Results. Of 457 patients, 427 (93%) were histologically and medically eligible. While thorough surgical staging was required, it was incomplete or inadequately documented in 29% of otherwise eligible patients. Median age was 55.5 years; 69% of patients had stage I disease. Median follow-up is 6.8 years for 344 women alive at last contact. Grade 3 or 4 neurotoxicity occurred in 4/211 (2%) and 24/212 (11%) treated patients on the 3- and 6-cycle regimens, respectively ( p p =0.18), and the estimated probability of recurrence within 5 years was 20.1% (6 cycles) versus 25.4% (3 cycles). The overall death rate was similar for these regimens (HR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.662–1.57). Conclusions. Compared to 3 cycles, 6 cycles of C and P do not significantly alter the recurrence rate in high risk early stage EOC but are associated with more toxicity.
Structure-property correlations of non-starch food polysaccharides

Gums, the majority of which are polysaccharides, have a wide variety of chemical structures, a range of physicochemical properties, and impart a range of functionalities to foodstuffs and prepared foods.
Condition for a vanishing cross section atθ=π/2 in Barshay-Temmer reactions

A discussion is given of the angular momentum dependence in supermultiplet symmetry experiments, and a previous error in the behavior of such results at 90° scattering angle is corrected.
On the Influence of Damping in Hyperbolic Equations with Parabolic Degeneracy

This paper examines the effect of damping on a nonstrictly hyperbolic 2 × 2 system. It is shown that the growth of singularities is not restricted as in the strictly hyperbolic case where dissipation can be strong enough to preserve the smoothness of small solutions globally in time. Here, irrespective of the stabilizing properties of damping, solutions are found to break down in finite time on a line where two eigenvalues coincide in state space. 35L45, 35L67
Student projects: security robot design

This paper examines the design of security robots for use as a security measure within an indoor environment. Two different general robot designs are examined, one completely autonomous, and the other partially autonomous, with the ability allow a human overseer to intervene. In both of the different robot designs, the robots patrolled a specific indoor area with the mission to detect human presence and to alert the owners of any intruders. One robot used sonar sensors and infrared sensors to detect movement and to determine the path of the robot. The other robot used a camera, bumpers and switches to view and regulate movement through an algorithm. Although the designs are different, the fundamental purpose of both robots is the same to provide indoor security for the owners.
Sweetened Beverages and Health: Current State of Scientific Understandings

This article summarizes the presentations from the "Sweetened Beverages and Health: Current State of Scientific Understandings" symposium held at the ASN Annual Meeting in Boston, MA on April 23, 2013. The metabolic and health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages were discussed from a variety of points of view by 5 different presenters. Dr. David Allison drew a distinction between conjecture and proof related to sweetened beverages and obesity. Dr. Richard Mattes discussed differences between solid and liquid calories. Dr. Miguel Alonso-Alonso reviewed potential contributions of functional neuroimaging, particularly as they relate to whether sugar is potentially "addictive." Dr. Kimber Stanhope discussed work related to experiments comparing fructose to glucose. Dr. James Rippe presented evidence from randomized controlled trials from his research organization showing no differences among high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, glucose, or fructose at normal human consumption amounts.
Modeling of Environmentally Significant Interfaces: Two Case Studies

Abstract When some parameters cannot be easily measured experimentally, mathematical models can often be used to deconvolute or interpret data collected on complex systems, such as those characteristic of many environmental problems. These models can help quantify the contributions of various physical or chemical phenomena that contribute to the overall behavior, thereby enabling the scientist to control and manipulate these phenomena, and thus to optimize the performance of the material or device. In the first case study presented here, a model is used to test the hypothesis that oxygen interactions with hydrogen on the catalyst particles of solid oxide fuel cell anodes can sometimes occur a finite distance away from the triple phase boundary (TPB), so that such reactions are not restricted to the TPB as normally assumed. The model may help explain a discrepancy between the observed structure of SOFCs and their performance. The second case study develops a simple physical model that allows engineers to design and control the sizes and shapes of mesopores in silica thin films. Such pore design can be useful for enhancing the selectivity and reactivity of environmental sensors and catalysts. This paper demonstrates the mutually beneficial interactions between experiment and modeling in the solution of a wide range of problems.
Macrogeographical versus microgeographical cleavages in American presidential elections: 1940–1984

Abstract This study compares the relative importance of electoral cleavages between macrogeographical sections and subsections with electoral cleavages between microgeographical urban, suburban and rural residential settings in determining the popular county-level outcomes of American presidential elections from 1940 to 1984. Multivariate results obtained through regression analysis and factor analysis indicate that while macrogeographical cleavages have varied in importance they have far outweighed the significance of microgeographical cleavages during the last 12 elections.
Shoulder Tendon Repair Biomechanics Using a Polyurethane Patch in a Chronic Ovine Defect Model

Rotator cuff disorders are one of the most common soft tissue injuries of the musculoskeletal system [1], second only to lower back pain presentations in clinical frequency [2]. Surgical repairs of chronic, massive rotator cuff tears are associated with a high rate of complications, typically by full or partial re-rupture of the repair [3,4]. The literature is replete with clinical retrospective studies or evaluation of cadaveric shoulders [5], however these studies do not address the in vivo healing characteristics of a given surgical repair. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively describe the degree of shoulder healing via biomechanical analyses using an ovine chronic infraspinatus model that was repaired with and without a polyurethane scaffold rotator cuff repair (RCR) patch.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Minimal Low-Energy Supergravity

We discuss the motivation for considering models of particle physics based on 0=1 supergravity. Analysis of the scalar potential for such models suggests a minimal low energy sector. We use the renormalization group to relate parameters at the grand unification scale to their low energy (i.e. ∼100 GeV) values and show that renormalization effects drive spontaneous breakdown of SU(2)×U(1) to U(1) for a top quark mass between 55–200 GeV. The phenomenology of minimal low energy supergravity is discussed.
Dendritic growth of evaporated chromium

Abstract In contrast to somewhat well recognized nucleation and growth characteristics for various metal-substrate combinations, evaporated Cr condensed on graphite in ultra-high vacuum adopts a dendritic form of overgrowth. The nature of the dendritic appearing Cr particles is analyzed and discussed, and related to nucleation conditions as evidently dependent on the degree of perfection of the substrate. Bright and dark field transmission microscopy images show that overgrowth particles with dendritic morphology are actually made up of several truly dendritic crystals, which are often twin-related. The overgrowth of Cr on a graphite seems to conform to maximum symmetry and minimum mismatch conditions, considering the nature of the deposit and substrate.
Toward a proteome atlas for C. Elegans

The availability of complete genome sequences suggests new approaches for biological research to complement conventional genetics and biochemistry. In this context, the goals of this laboratory are to generate a comprehensive protein-protein interaction, or interactome, map for C. elegans and develop new concepts to integrate this map with other functions such as expression profiles (transcriptome), global phenotypic analysis (phenome), localization of expression projects localizome, etc... The resulting atlas of integrated maps should be valuable for the development of a systems biology approach to the study of development.
The independence of cell division and age-dependent modification of enzyme induction.

Abstract The age-dependent modification of hepatic glucokinase inducibility was employed as a parameter of biological aging in the rat. Synchronous division of liver cells was induced by partial hepatectomy. Fully regenerated liver retained the pattern of enzyme inducibility characteristic of the untreated animal of the same age. The age-dependent modification of enzyme inducibility in rat liver is unrelated to cell division, and may reflect an aging phenomenon of extrahepatic origin.
Economic control and inspection policies for high-speed unreliable production systems

In this paper, we consider a high-speed production process, which produces defects at a known rate while in control. When the process goes out of control, it produces defects at a higher rate. In this study, we revisit the role of the distribution of the process in-control time when managing such systems. Specifically, we focus on two management schemes, a control policy and an inspection policy. In the control policy, when the number of defects produced reaches a threshold, the process is stopped and inspected. In contrast, in the inspection policy, the process is stopped and inspected periodically. We derive the operating characteristics of the system and devise schemes for finding the optimal policy parameters for each policy. We also investigate the behavior of the optimal policy parameters, compare the performances of the control and inspection policies and identify the environments in which each of these policies out performs the other one using a numerical experiment. Contributed by the Supply Chai...
Parental Mourning and Children's Behavior

This article alerts professionals to sibling death as a possible reason for behaviors exhibited by young clients. Aside from their own grief, children are affected by parental mourning over a child's death and accompanying changes in the family environment. Children show their distress in a variety of behaviors, some of which appear to be unrelated to the loss. Four areas of concern are presented with case illustrations: cognitive distortions, reactions to parents' distress and preoccupation with the loss, being a replacement child, and effects of parents' failure to work through their grief. Suggestions for helping children and parents include using a genogram for identifying loss, helping the family talk about the death, and providing a support group for children.