cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional Correlation in Amino Acid Residue Mutations of Yeast Iso-2-Cytochrome c that Is Consistent with the Prediction of the Concomitantly Variable Codon Theory in Cytochrome c Evolution

Fitch and Markowitz' theory of concomitantly variable codons (covarions) in evolution predicted the existence of functional correlation in amino acid residue mutations among present-day cytochromes c. Mutational analysis was carried out on yeast iso-2-cytochrome c, where hydrophobic core residues I20, M64, L85, and M98 and surface residue L9 were mutated, in selected combinations, to those found in mammalian and bird cytochromes c. The functionality assay is based upon the ability of yeast cells to grow in YPGE medium. Furthermore, experiments on the single M64L and M98L mutations as well as the double M64L/M98L mutation using NMR showed that the effects of these mutations are to perturb the structural integrity of the protein. We identified functional correlation in two cases of a pair of residue mutations, the I20-->V and M98-->L pair and the L9-->I and L85-->I pair. In both cases, only one of the two alternative, putative evolutionary pathways leads to a functional protein and the corresponding pairs of residue mutations are among those found in present-day cytochromes c. Since valine is predicted to be at position 20 in the ancestral form of cytochrome c, the present data provide an explanation for the ancient requirement of leucine rather than methionine in position 98. The present data provide further evidence for the role of those specific atom-atom interactions in directing a pathway in the evolutionary changes of the amino acid sequence that have taken place in cytochrome c, in accordance with Fitch and Markowitz.
Letermovir for primary and secondary cytomegalovirus prevention in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: Real-world experience.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) patients. We evaluated the efficacy of letermovir as primary and secondary prophylaxis in 53 CMV-seropositive hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. 70% of patients were at high risk for CMV reactivation and disease (primarily ex vivo T-cell-depleted HCT [n = 18; 34%] or haploidentical T-replete HCT [n = 12; 23%]). This was a retrospective, single-center study which identified patients transplanted between January 2018 and June 2018. Patients were followed through September 2018. The primary outcome was the incidence of clinically significant CMV infection (CMV viremia requiring preemptive treatment or CMV disease). Primary letermovir prophylaxis started at a median of 7 days (range, 7-40) after allo-HCT. The median duration of primary letermovir prophylaxis was 116 days (range, 12-221). With primary prophylaxis in 39 patients, the observed CMV reactivation rate was 5.1%. Twenty-nine patients continued primary prophylaxis beyond 14 weeks with a reactivation rate of 3.4%. No recurrent reactivation was seen with secondary prophylaxis of an additional 14 patients. Our experience demonstrates the efficacy of letermovir in a real-world setting for CMV prevention for the first 14 weeks and continued efficacy when given longer than 14 weeks after allogeneic stem cell transplantation or as secondary prophylaxis.
Subcutaneous recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor used as a single agent and in an alternating regimen with azidothymidine in leukopenic patients with severe human immunodeficiency virus infection.

We investigated the effects of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rGM-CSF) administered by the subcutaneous route, first alone and then alternating with azidothymidine (AZT), in leukopenic patients with severe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Ten patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or related disorders, five of whom could not tolerate conventional doses of AZT, were administered rGM-CSF subcutaneously for 12 days. They then were administered an alternating regimen using AZT for 1 week, followed by 5 days of subcutaneous rGM-CSF and 2 days without any medication. During the initial 12 days of GM-CSF administration, there was an increase in the mean white blood cell (WBC) value. In addition, rGM-CSF stimulated circulating monocytes as evidenced by an increase in superoxide anion production and expression of surface HLA-DR antigen. However, at the same time rGM-CSF increased the serum HIV p24 antigen in each of the six evaluable patients from 189 x/divided by 2.02 pg/mL (geometric mean x/divided by SEM) at entry to 375 x/divided by 2.11 pg/mL (P less than .05). During the subsequent period of alternating AZT and rGM-CSF treatment, serum HIV p24 antigen fell below the day 14 value in most patients, particularly after the weeks of AZT administration. The mean T4 cell value increased in patients who had not previously received AZT, but generally did not change in those who had prior AZT exposure. Hematologic toxicity appeared to be somewhat reduced compared with continuous full-dose AZT therapy, and two patients with previous AZT hematologic toxicity tolerated this alternating regimen for 25 weeks. Additional regimens simultaneously combining these two agents are worth exploring.
Evaluation of the U.S. governors' decision when to issue stay-at-home orders.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: In the United States, the reluctance of the federal government to impose a national stay-at-home policy in wake of COVID-19 pandemic has left the decision of how to achieve social distancing to individual state governors. We hypothesized that in the absence of formal guidelines, the decision to close a state reflects the classic Weber-Fechner law of psychophysics - the amount by which a stimulus (such as number of cases or deaths) must increase in order to be noticed as a fraction of the intensity of that stimulus. METHODS: On 12 April 2020, we downloaded data from the New York Times database from all 50 states and the District of Columbia; by that time all but 7 states had issued the stay-at-home orders. We fitted the Weber-Fechner logarithmic function by regressing the log2 of cases and deaths, respectively, against the daily counts. We also conducted Cox regression analysis to determine if the probability of issuing the stay-at-home order increases proportionally as the number of cases or deaths increases. RESULTS: We found that the decision to issue the state-at-home order reflects the Weber-Fechner law. Both the number of infections (P = <.0001; R2 = .79) and deaths (P < .0001; R2 = .63) were significantly associated with the decision to issue the stay-at-home orders. The results indicate that for each doubling of infections or deaths, an additional four to six states will issue stay-at-home orders. Cox regression showed that when the number of deaths reached 256 and the number of infected people were over 16 000 the probability of issuing "stay-at-home" order was close to 100%. We found no difference in decision-making according to the political affiliation; the results remain unchanged on 16 July 2 020. CONCLUSIONS: when there are not clearly articulated rules to follow, decision-makers resort to simple heuristics, in this case one consistent with the Weber-Fechner law.
Near Side Lateral Impacts and Aortic Injury: A Parametric Study

Traumatic rupture of the aorta (TRA) remains the second most common cause of death associated with motor vehicle crashes after brain injury. On an average, nearly 8,000 people die annually in the United States due to blunt injury to the aorta. It is observed that more than 80% of occupants who suffer an aortic injury die at the scene due to exsanguination into the chest cavity. TRA and blunt aortic injury (BAI) are leading causes of death in high-speed blunt impact trauma. More specific injuries that fall under these classifications include myocardial contusion (MC), traumatic aortic disruption (TAD), sternal fracture (SF), flail chest (FC) and tracheobronchial disruption (TBD) (Swan et al. 2001). Smith and Chang (1986) reported on 387 cases of blunt traumatic death in vehicular crashes and found that aortic injury was second only to head injury as the leading cause of death. Burkhart et al. (2001) reviewed 242 autopsy cases with fatal BAI and concluded that in most cases aortic injury was accompanied by head injury, rib fractures and/or hepatic trauma.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The Heat Capacity of the Binary Liquid Mixture. Tetrafluoromethane‐Trifluoromethane Near the Upper Consolute Point

The heat capacity at saturation of the binary liquid mixture, CF4 -CHF3 has been measured in the vicinity of the consolute temperature, approximately 132 K. Data above and below the critical temperature is suggestive of a λ-like transition, with a definite singularity in the heat capacity, or at least a large excess value at the critical temperature. The data are compatible either with a singularity of the type of In (T-Tc) or (T-Tc)α where α ⩽ 0.1. Die Warmekapazitat bei Sattigungsdruck wurde fur das binare flussige System CF4 -CHF3 in der Umgebung der oberen kritischen Entmischungstemperatur (ca. 132 K) experimentell bestimmt. Mesdaten oberhalb und unterhalb der kritischen Temperatur deuten auf einen λ-ahnlichen Phasenubergang mit einer definierten Singularitat oder mindestens einem hohen Zusatzwert der Warmekapazitat bei der kritischen Temperatur hin. Die Ergebnisse sind sowohl mit einer Singularitat vom Typ In (T-Tc) oder (T-Tc)α (wo α ⩽ 0.1) vertraglich.
Resistance to Liquefaction Due to Sustained Pressure

It has long been recognized that clays increase in strength with time due to consolidation and secondary compression; however, the fact that sands can increase in strength after periods of sustained loading is not so well known. Recently several engineers have suggested that the liquefaction characteristics of in-situ sand deposits are influenced by the age of the deposit. Omote and Myamura presented data that showed a trend for less damage occurring in older sandy deposits during the Tokaido earthquake of December 7, 1944, and Casagrande has stated that, whenever possible, the age of a sand strata should be determined, since there are indications that young alluvial sands are much more susceptible to liquefaction than older sediments.
Helium hammer in superfluid transfer

The Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on January 25, 1983. The satellite, which at the date of this writing (August, 1983) is still operational, was designed to perform an all-sky survey in the far and very far infrared in four wavelength bands: 8 – 15µm, 20 – 30 µm, 40 – 80 µm, and 80 – 120 µm. The telescope and focal plane have unprecedented sensitivity. This was achieved through the use of a superfluid helium (SFHE) stored cryogen system as the refrigerant to cool the focal plane to 2.4 K and the optics to 3 K.
Natural history of Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice: egg production, egg passage in the feces, and contribution of host and parasite death to changes in worm numbers

Mice, C57Bl/6N (B6) and BALB/cAnN (BALB), infected with Schistosoma mansoni were examined 8-26 weeks postinfection (PI) to estimate the fecundity of the worms and the contribution of death of worms and the death of heavily infected mice to the decrease in worm numbers in chronic infections. Portal worms were recovered by perfusion and the lungs were examined for parasites shunted from the portal circulation. Animals that died were more heavily infected than those that survived. Between eight and 12 weeks PI, this loss of worms resulted in a net decrease of approximately 19% of worm pairs in surviving BALB mice, but of only 4% in B6 mice. Loss of portal worms to the lungs after the eighth week of infection was 9-13% of portal worms in BALB mice and 3-4% in B6 mice. The estimated rates of egg production by S. mansoni decreased slightly with time in both strains of mice. At 12 and 20 weeks PI, tissue eggs per worm pair and eggs passed in the feces per worm pair often decreased as the intensity of infection increased. We do not consider the loss of worms in the murine host relevant to most infections in humans because of the high intensity of infection relative to body size in mice and the high frequency of severe portal obstruction in murine infections.
Wavelet transform-based strain estimator for medical imaging

A new signal processing algorithm based on a wavelet transform (WT) is proposed for instantaneous strain estimation in acoustic elastography, where the interior elasticity distribution of a biological tissue is imaged. The proposed estimator weights ultrasonic echo signals acquired before tissue compression by a Gaussian window function and uses the resulting waveform as a mother wavelet to calculate the WT of the postcompression signal. Strain is estimated from the location of the WT peak in the time-frequency domain. To analyze the performance of the proposed estimator, strain errors are investigated. Estimates are shown to be unbiased while variances depend on the echo signal-to-noise ratio, bandwidth, time-bandwidth product, and the applied strain. The results are compared with those obtained from the current strain estimator based on time-delay estimates. The proposed estimator has the advantage of producing unbiased strain estimates with greater precision and potentially higher spatial resolution, dynamic range and sensitivity at the expense of increased computation time.
Distinct Cellular Sources of Hepoxilin A3 and Leukotriene B4 Are Used To Coordinate Bacterial-Induced Neutrophil Transepithelial Migration

Neutrophilic infiltration is a leading contributor to pathology in a number of pulmonary disease states, including cystic fibrosis. Hepoxilin A3 (HXA3) is a chemotactic eicosanoid shown to mediate the transepithelial passage of neutrophils in response to infection in several model systems and at multiple mucosal surfaces. Another well-known eicosanoid mediating general neutrophil chemotaxis is leukotriene B4 (LTB4). We sought to distinguish the roles of each eicosanoid in the context of infection of lung epithelial monolayers by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using human and mouse in vitro transwell model systems, we used a combination of biosynthetic inhibitors, receptor antagonists, as well as mutant sources of neutrophils to assess the contribution of each chemoattractant in driving neutrophil transepithelial migration. We found that following chemotaxis to epithelial-derived HXA3 signals, neutrophil-derived LTB4 is required to amplify the magnitude of neutrophil migration. LTB4 signaling is not required for migration to HXA3 signals, but LTB4 generation by migrated neutrophils plays a significant role in augmenting the initial HXA3-mediated migration. We conclude that HXA3 and LTB4 serve independent roles to collectively coordinate an effective neutrophilic transepithelial migratory response.
Non-linear oscillations of elastic orthotropic annular plates of variable thickness

Abstract A computational analysis of the non-linear oscillations of elastic orthotropic annular plates of variable thickness is presented. The non-linear boundary value problem is converted into a corresponding eigenvalue problem by using a Kantorovich time-averaging method. Then, by a Newton-Raphson iteration scheme in conjunction with the concept of analytical continuation, the solution to the non-linear oscillations of elastic orthotropic annular plates of variable thickness are obtained.
Erratum to “Recognition of facial affect in girls with conduct disorder” [Psychiatry Research 175(3) (2010) 246–251]

Children/adolescents 1. Walker (1981) 60 patients; 15 CD 12± 2 years ? 6 Clinical diagnosis Single photos; forced choice: 4 min CD=controls No covariates tested; no data on girls 2. Cadesky et al. (2000) 200; 87 CD or CD+ ADHD 9± 1 year ? 13 Research diagnosis; parent/teacher DANVA forced choice: 2 s CD<ADHD+CD< ADHD<controls in total score ADHD+CD more accurate sad faces; no data on girls 3. Guyer et al. (2007) 250; 6 diagnostic categories; 7 CD; 10 ADHD+CD 15± 1 year 40% black 10 girls Research diagnosis; parent/youth DANVA forced choice: 2 s ADHD+CD=controls IQ, race, age= covariates; no data on girls 4. McCown et al. (1986) 80; 40 DEL; 40 controls 15± 1 year 50% black 0 Incarceration Ekman POFA: 5 s DEL<controls total score; DEL<controls sadness, surprise, disgust No covariates tested; no girls in sample
TU‐G‐141‐07: An Innovative Iterative Neighboring Volume Morphing Algorithm Based On Landmark Mesh to Create 3DCT During Treatment

Purpose: For the emerging 4D planning radiation treatment, 3DCT during treatment delivery is required. However, it is time consuming or impossible to acquire 3DCT during treatment delivery. This project will generate the 3DCT for any time instant based on a set of motion features (landmarks). Methods: Previously acquired 4DCT is used for landmark selection. The landmarks are monitored in real‐time during treatment delivery using two orthogonal x‐ray images. For any set of landmarks acquired at target phase T, the 3DCT of the nearest 4DCT phase will be selected as the source phase S based on landmark mesh similarity. The iterative morphing algorithm has 8 steps based on neighboring density volume, including landmark selection, isosurface and tumor center identification, landmark mapping using weighted 3‐layer mesh neighbors, landmark mesh similarity comparison, backward morphing based on density volume, and iterative volume morphing. It will generate the corresponding 3DCT at target phase. Results: To validate the morphing algorithm, first, the landmark mapping process using artificial deformation is assessed. The source 3DCT is deformed artificially by non‐linear matrices, which generated a ground truth to evaluate the resulting 3DCT. The iterative algorithm is appraised successfully with the artificial deformation approach. The second validation applies the landmark mapping and the volume morphing on real tumor data. Both the source and target 3DCTs are different phases of a lung 4DCT data. The statistical results, such as the min, max, and histogram of the density difference are summarized, which showed the resulting 3DCT is similar to the target 3DCT. The next step is to apply the whole algorithm to the unknown target 3DCT. Conclusion: The iterative morphing algorithm is innovative and time saving. It has many potential applications in real‐time image guided radiation treatment, such as online treatment error detection and intervention. Industrail Support from PerkinElmer Inc, Varian Medical Research
Regressions by leaps and bounds

This paper describes several algorithms for computing the residual sums of squares for all possible regressions with what appears to be a minimum of arithmetic (less than six floating-point operations per regression) and shows how two of these algorithms can be combined to form a simple leap and bound technique for finding the best subsets without examining all possible subsets. The result is a reduction of several orders of magnitude in the number of operations required to find the best subsets.
Qualitative methods in nutrition education evaluation research

Evaluation research is seen as an essential component in the development, production, and implementation of all nutrition education programs (1-4), and more nutrition educators are involved in evaluation than in other research activities. The goal of this article is to discuss selected qualitative methods that may improve the quality of those evaluation efforts. Traditionally, nutrition education evaluation research has been quantitative in nature depending primarily on survey questionnaires that assess knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (see [5] for a comprehensive review and meta-analysis). In this type of evaluation, effectiveness is determined by the degree of change noted between preand postintervention (6). However, nutrition educators are becoming increasingly aware of the inadequacy of evaluation results that are based exclusively on quantitative data (3, 7). This is because such accounts often do not provide educators with any detailed insight as to how or why the changes were achieved (8). Qualitative data, on the other hand, can provide more complete information, especially on the process variables that fall between preand postmeasurements (9). This increases the explanatory power of the evaluation while accounting for variations in context (10) . A qualitative approach also yields a report on effects that were not anticipated by the program planners (9). Hence, leaders in nutrition education research (ll) have emphasized the need for more qualitative research. Since few nutrition educators have received formal training in qualitative research methodology, I will begin by defining and clarifying terms. Then I will describe a set of qualitative methods that may be useful in nutrition education evaluati/:m research. And finally, I will discuss the role of both qualitative and quantitative methods in evaluation re~earch. In this article, evaluation is defined as the process of delineating, obtaining, and providing useful information for judging decision alternatives (12) based on an established set of criteria (4). In other words, its primary use is to determine accountability, i.e., "whether teachers
Effects of peritoneal injury and endotoxin on myoelectric activity and transit

Abstract Background The combined effects of peritoneal injury and intraabdominal infection on gastrointestinal motility in postoperative ileus are poorly understood Materials and methods Sprague Dawley rats underwent placement of three electrodes on the small intestine and a tube gastrostomy. Animals were divided into four groups: a control ( n = 12), a peritoneal injury (PI, n = 12), a peritoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, n = 12), and a LPS + PI group ( n = 12). After myoelectric activity recording on postoperative day (POD) 1, half of the rats in each group underwent intestinal transit studies. The remainder of the rats underwent another myoelectric activity recording as well as intestinal transit study at 48 h after operation Results Although six to eight of rats in the control, PI, and LPS groups recovered migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) on POD 1, no rats in the LPS + PI group recovered MMC by POD 1. The transit distance on POD 1 in the PI (36 ± 2.5 cm) and LPS + PI group (38 ± 2.8 cm) was shorter than that in the control group (53 ± 2.0 cm, P Conclusions Full recovery of liquid intestinal transit precedes the return of MMC activity after abdominal surgery in the rats. Peritoneal injury causes decreased intestinal transit and when combined with intraabdominal injection of LPS may cause the delayed recovery of MMC activity.
Longitudinal dynamics of a perching aircraft concept

This paper introduces a morphing aircraft concept whose purpose is to demonstrate a new bio-inspired flight capability: perching. Perching is a maneuver that utilizes primarily aerodynamics -- as opposed to thrust generation -- to achieve a vertical or short landing. The flight vehicle that will accomplish this is described herein with particular emphasis on its addition levels of actuation beyond the traditional aircraft control surfaces. A computer model of the aircraft is developed in order to predict the changes in applied aerodynamic loads as it morphs and transitions through different flight regimes. The analysis of this model is outlined, including a lifting-line-based analytical technique and a trim and stability analysis. These analytical methods -- compared to panel or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods -- are considered desirable for the analysis of a large number of vehicle configurations and flight conditions. The longitudinal dynamics of this aircraft are studied, and several interesting results are presented. Of special interest are the changes in vehicle dynamics as the aircraft morphs from a cruise configuration to initiate the perching maneuver. Changes in trim conditions and stability are examined as functions of vehicle geometry. The time response to changes in vehicle configuration is also presented.
Volumetric interpretation of protein adsorption: Ion-exchange adsorbent capacity, protein pI, and interaction energetics

Adsorption of lysozyme (Lys), human serum albumin (HSA), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) to anion- and cation-exchange resins is dominated by electrostatic interactions between protein and adsorbent. The solution-depletion method of measuring adsorption shows, however, that these proteins do not irreversibly adsorb to ion-exchange surfaces, even when the charge disparity between adsorbent and protein inferred from protein pI is large. Net-positively-charged Lys (pI=11) and net-negatively-charged HSA (pI=5.5) adsorb so strongly to sulfopropyl sepharose (SP; a negatively-charged, strong cation-exchange resin, -0.22 mmol/mL exchange capacity) that both resist displacement by net-neutral IgG (pI=7.0) in simultaneous adsorption competition experiments. By contrast, IgG readily displaces both Lys and HSA adsorbed either to quaternary ammonium sepharose (Q; a positively-charged, strong anion exchanger, +0.22 mmol/mL exchange capacity) or to octadecyl sepharose (ODS; a neutral hydrophobic resin, 0 mmol/mL exchange capacity). Thus it is concluded that adsorption results do not sensibly correlate with protein pI and that pI is actually a rather poor predictor of affinity for ion-exchange surfaces. Adsorption of Lys, HSA, and IgG to ion-exchange resins from stagnant solution leads to adsorbed multi-layers, into or onto which IgG adsorbs in adsorption competition experiments. Comparison of adsorption to ion-exchange resins and neutral ODS leads to the conclusion that the apparent standard free-energy of adsorption Delta Gads( degrees ) of Lys, HSA, and IgG is not large in comparison to thermal energy due to energy-compensating interactions between water, protein, and ion-exchange surfaces that leaves a small net Delta Gads( degrees ). Thus water is found to control protein adsorption to a full range of substratum types spanning hydrophobic (poorly water wettable) surfaces, hydrophilic surfaces bearing relatively-weak Lewis acid/base functionalities that wet with (hydrogen bond to) water but do not exhibit ion-exchange properties, and surfaces with strong Lewis acid/base functional groups that exhibit ion-exchange properties in the conventional chemistry sense of ion-exchange.
Blood supply of human fetal teeth.

Injection studies were made of the blood vessels of developing human teeth, using 114 unfixed aborted fetuses and new-born infants ranging in gestation age from three through nine months. These specimens were injected with India ink-formalin, Micropaque-formalin, Microfil, or vinyl acetate solutions via the umbilical vessels; in cases where an autopsy had been performed, injection was made through the carotid artery. After further fixation by immersion in 10% neutral formalin, the head was bisected in the sagittal plane. One half was dissected and tissue obtained for microscopic study; the other half was radiographed, dissected or dehydrated and cleared. These techniques revealed that the plexus of vessels which surrounds the developing dental organs is derived mainly from the inferior alveolar and palatine arteries, respectively. However, branches from vessels in adjacent tissues also supplied this plexus. The teeth growing most rapidly, and which usually erupt the earliest, receive the largest blood supply. Odontoblasts were supplied by vessels which course through the dental pulp to their deeper surface. The ameloblasts were adjacent to vessels in the capillary plexus on the outer surface of the enamel organ. A venous sinus was located at the base of the dental organ.
Autoimmune-Mediated Vasculopathy

The use of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA) in solid organ transplantation can be associated with the development of vasculopathy as part of the complex immune response involved in chronic rejection, including autoimmune recognition. Although CsA can directly affect endothelial cells, this drug alters the T cell repertoire promoting autoimmune recognition. The present studies evaluated the ability of CsA-induced autoreactive T cells to mediate vascular lesions in syngeneic heart grafts. Graft vasculopathy developed in syngeneic heart grafts following either the primary induction of autoimmunity with CsA or the adoptive transfer of CsA-induced autoreactive T cells. Initially, an inflammatory response occurred in the medial wall of the small arterial vessels, accompanied by a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate (including a lymphocytic infiltrate into the myocardium), followed by progression of vascular disease with endothelial cell proliferation. The development and progression of vascular disease correlated with the cytokine profile of the infiltrating lymphocytes with type 1 cytokines detected early and type 2 cytokines detected as the disease progressed. Initiation of this response correlated with upregulation of the target antigen recognized by the CsA-induced autoreactive T cells, the MHC class II-invariant chain peptide complex. This antigen complex, when upregulated on endothelial cells by interferon, allowed effective targeting by the autoreactive T lymphocytes. Strategies to inhibit the upregulation of MHC class II antigens by treatment of the recipients with chloroquine truncated the disease process. The results of these studies suggest that CsA-induced autoreactive mechanisms can contribute to the development of graft vasculopathy.
Function of the shell spine in the predaceous rocky intertidal snail Acanthina spirata (Prosobranchia: Muricacea)

Feeding observations revealed that Acanthina spirata (Blainville, 1832) uses the shell spine in a ramming and prying motion, resulting in the fracturing and/or forcing open of opercular plates in the barnacles Balanus glandula (Darwin, 1854) and Chthamalus fissus (Darwin, 1854). Attacking barnacles by using the shell spine may represent a second widespread feeding mechanism (in addition to drilling) in muricacean gastropods. Specialization of the shell spine for attacking barnacles is advantageous over drilling within the context of an optimal foraging theory. Rockey intertidal field and laboratory experiments at Palos Verdes and Los Angeles, California, respectively, in 1981–1982 revealed, that snails with a shell spine have lower handling times and feed at a greater rate than spineless snails which drill their prey. Spine penetration of prey as opposed to drilling takes considerably less time than a tidal cycle. This is expected to increase the success rate for completion of feeding, since during tidal flux snails risk being dislodged. Plasticity in attack mechanisms allows A. spirata with broken spines to penetrate prey by drilling while undergoing spine repair. Differences exist in spine-feeding by A. spirata on B. glandula and C. fissus. The attack process takes more than twice as long when snails attack B. glandula versus C. fissus. However, there is no difference in the mean number of spine thrusts required to penetrate the opercular plates of the two species. When feeding on the larger barnacle B. glandula, A. spirata ingests significantly greater dry weight per unit handling time than with C. fissus.
Ten-year results with the Morscher press-fit cup: an uncemented, non-modular, porous-coated cup inserted without screws

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with well designed cementless acetabular implants has shown excellent results. The purpose of this study was to assess our clinical and radiological outcomes using an uncemented cup. We conducted a prospective cohort study including all consecutive primary THAs performed with the Morscher press-fit cup, an uncemented non-modular acetabular component, between March 1996 and December 1998. Patients were evaluated at ten years with clinical and radiological follow-up, patient satisfaction and questionnaire assessment using the Harris hip score (HHS), Merle d’Aubigne and Postel score, the UCLA score, the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) and a visual analog scale. Five hundred sixty-one THAs were performed in 518 patients. At 120 months (± 7.3 months), 303 patients with 335 THAs were still available for follow-up. None of the patients had required cup revision for aseptic loosening. At ten years, the cup survivorship was 98.8% (95% CI 97.4–99.5) with cup revision for any cause as an endpoint. No radiolucencies were seen around the cups, but osteolytic defects involved 21 stems (8.3%). Mean total linear polyethylene wear was 0.9 mm. The Morscher acetabular replacement cup provides excellent results at ten years. There were no revisions for aseptic loosening of the cup, and no osteolytic defects were found around the cup. Patient satisfaction was high and the clinical results were very good.
620 A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF INFECTIONS OCCURRING IN CHILDREN WITH ACUTE LEUKEMIA

A 20-month prospective study was undertaken to determine the role of bacterial and viral infections as a cause of fever in children with acute leukemia (AL) and to determine if respiratory and gastrointestinal colonization could predict subsequent bacterial infection. 47 children with newly diagnosed AL had viral and bacterial cultures and serum obtained at the time of diagnosis, during febrile episodes and at the time of periodic clinic visits while asymptomatic and afebrile. 72 febrile episodes were documented. (27 during the initial induction phase and 45 subsequently.) A cause for the fever was found on 31 occasions and among those 15 bacterial and 9 viral agents were isolated. In 7 others with pneumonia or otitis media no etiologic agent was found. Of the 31 episodes of documented infections, 20 occurred during induction or relapse, and 11 while in remission. Colonization of the upper respiratory or gastrointestinal tract with the infectious agents was documented prior to the infection in only 4 of the 15 bacterial infections. It is concluded that (1) viruses as well as bacteria are significant infectious agents in children with AL and (2) the bacterial infections were predictable in 4 of the 15 cases by periodic determinations of the flora during afebrile periods. In this series no deaths occurred as the result of viral infection alone, while 6 of the 11 children with bacterial sepsis expired.
Effect of pyrolysis temperature on the electric conductivity of polymer-derived silicoboron carbonitride

Abstract The electric conductivity of polymer-derived SiBCNs pyrolyzed at different temperatures was studied. We showed that the boron impeded the graphitization of the free-carbon phase in the SiBCN, leading to a higher characteristic temperature and activation energy as compared to the SiCN. Such an impeding effect is due to the interaction between h -BN and graphite phase. We also provided a credible evidence to show that the increase in the electric conductivity of the SiBCN with pyrolysis temperature is likely due to the increase in the conductivity of the free-carbon phase.
Extracellular currents and potentials of the active myelinated nerve fiber.

This paper is concerned with the accurate and rapid calculation of extracellular potentials and currents from an active myelinated nerve fiber in a volume conductor, under conditions of normal and abnormal conduction. The neuroelectric source for the problem is characterized mathematically by using a modified version of the distributed parameter model of L. Goldman and J. S. Albus (1968, Biophys. J., 8:596–607) for the myelinated nerve fiber. Solution of the partial differential equation associated with the model provides a waveform for the spatial distribution of the transmembrane potential V(z). This model-generated waveform is then used as input to a second model that is based on the principles of electromagnetic field theory, and allows one to calculate easily the spatial distribution for the potential everywhere in the surrounding volume conductor for the nerve fiber. In addition, the field theoretic model may be used to calculate the total longitudinal current in the extracellular medium (I0L(z)) and the transmembrane current per unit length (im(z)); both of these quantities are defined in connection with the well-known core conductor model and associated cable equations in electrophysiology. These potential and current quantities may also be calculated as functions of time and as such, are useful in interpreting measured I0L(t) and im(t) data waveforms. An analysis of the accuracy of conventionally used measurement techniques to determine I0L(t) and im(t) is performed, particularly with regard to the effect of electrode separation distance and size of the volume conductor on these measurements. Also, a simulation of paranodal demyelination at a single node of Ranvier is made and its effects on potential and current waveforms as well as on the conduction process are determined. In particular, our field theoretic model is used to predict the temporal waveshape of the field potentials from the active, non-uniformly conducting nerve fiber in a finite volume conductor.
VASOMOTION SPECTRA AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS OF POOLED MEASURES PREDICT DIABETES IN MONKEYS

Diabetic neuropathy may be a result of disturbed vasomotion, the spontaneous rhythmic oscillations of vessel diameter, flow, or pressure in the microcirculation. To examine the differences in vasomotion prior to overt diabetes and with diagnosed diabetes, metabolic and blood flow measurements were obtained from three metabolically distinct groups of nonhuman primates: normoglycemic, metabolic syndrome/prediabetic, and overtly diabetic. Three of these indices characterize spectral properties of microcirculatory vasomotion: (1) the fraction of spectral power in a band around 2.0 Hz, (2) the ratio of spectral power in a band around 1.0 Hz to that around 2.0 Hz, (3) the Hurst exponent. The rest were more traditional measures including (4) fasting plasma Glucose (FPG), (5) glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1c), (6) fasting insulin levels (IRI), (7) average systolic blood pressure, and (8) average diastolic blood pressure. We found that the mean fraction of the spectral power of the vasomotion in the 2 Hz band ...
Clinical evaluation of two pinless incisal edge repairs: a 24-month study.

An acid-etching technique and the use of an adhesive and a composite resin were combined in the treatment of fractured central incisors in a 21-year-old assault victim. Treatment of two fractured maxillary central incisors with adhesive resin and composite resin, using an acid-etching technique, is described. The restorations were evaluated after 24 months in place.
A boron-nitrogen conducting polymer

Abstract A boron-nitrogen polymer has been synthesized from both the electrochemical and the chemical polymerization of the monomer borazine, B3N3H6. Electrochemical oxidation has been carried out in an electrolyte of LiAsF6 and CuCl2 dissolved in nitrobenzene. Polymerization to produce thin films on an indium tin oxide (ITO) conducting glass anode occurs when a potential greater than 6.5V is passed between the ITO electrode and a platinum counterelectrode. Conductivities for the p-doped film of ∼10 S cm−1 were readily obtained. Chemical oxidation of borazine using a Lewis Acid catalyst was carried out at room temperature to produce a pristine, white insulating polyborazine powder. Infrared spectra indicate B-H, N-H and B-N ring stretches as expected for polyborazine. In addition to the new electronic materials properties, undoped polyborazine is a precursor to the important ceramic boron nitride.
Apollo 16 neutron stratigraphy.

The Apollo 16 soils have the largest low-energy neutron fluences yet observed in lunar samples. Variations in the isotopic ratios Gd-158/Gd-157 and Sm-150/Sm-149 (up to 1.9 and 2.0%, respectively) indicate that the low-energy neutron fluence in the Apollo 16 drill stem increases with depth throughout the section sampled. Such a variation implies that accretion has been the dominant regolith 'gardening' process at this location. The data may be fit by a model of continuous accretion of pre-irradiated material or by models involving as few as two slabs of material in which the first slab could have been deposited as long as 1 b.y. ago. The ratio of the number of neutrons captured per atom by Sm to the number captured per atom by Gd is lower than in previously measured lunar samples, which implies a lower energy neutron spectrum at this site. The variation of this ratio with chemical composition is qualitatively similar to that predicted by Lingenfelter et al. (1972). Variations are observed in the ratio Gd-152/Gd-160 which are fluence-correlated and probably result from neutron capture by Eu-151.
Mirrored warriors: On the cultural identity of Rajasthani traders

Rajasthani traders are renowned throughout India for their business acumen. Some of modern India's wealthiest and most important business families belong to this class, and if there is ever to be an adequate ethnography of India's indige nous business communities, the traders of Rajasthan would be an excellent place to begin. This paper addresses the deceptively simple question of who these traders are?that is to say, how their identity is constructed culturally, how their character as a social category is defined, and how their position relative to other groups is understood. My focus is on their status in Rajasthan itself, not on the related but separate subject of Rajasthani traders outside their region of origin.1 My presentation falls into two parts. I first examine a ready-made answer to the question of Rajasthani trader identity, namely, the conventional assertion that traders are Vaifyas. This term refers to the varn system, the Indie division of the social oider into Brahman, Ksatriya, Vai?ya, and ??dra classes. Most people familiar with the scheme think of the Vai?yas as traders or merchants, with the implication that traders or merchants must be Vai?yas. My materials will show, however, that this is a misleading oversimplification. Having addressed the varn issue, I then shift to a point of view that stresses the relationship between traders and R?jp?ts, the martial aristocracy of the region. The key to trader identity, when seen in this perspective, turns out to be violence, not varn.
Ahch, the mouse homologue of DAX1: cloning, characterization and synteny with GyK, the glycerol kinase locus.

Abstract We cloned the murine full-length cDNA encoding Ahch , the mouse homologue of DAX1 ( DSS -AHC Region on Human X Chromosome, Genel) which is the gene responsible for human X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). Sequence analysis revealed that the murine and human cDNAs have 65% aa identity and 75% aa similarity overall. The cysteine residues in the putative DNA binding domain, which may interact with Zn 2 + ions to form zinc fingers, are 100% conserved between the two species, indicating that the novel zinc-finger structures in DAX1 may be functional. In addition, mouse interspecific backcrosses show that the Ahch gene is closely linked to the glycerol kinase locus, GyK , on the mouse X chromosome, indicating that the order of the loci is conserved in this syntenic region between mouse and human.
Task Experience as a Predictor of Superior Loan Loss Judgments

An area of significant importance and risk exposure during an audit of a financial institution is assessing the uncollectible portion of the client's loan portfolio. Auditing the collectibility of a commercial loan can be difficult because this complex judgment is semi‐structured and many kinds of information can be relevant. However, timely judgment process and outcome feedback are available and may improve the quality of an auditor's conclusions over time. Therefore, to test for the benefits of task‐specific experience, I compare loan judgments provided by inexperienced seniors, experienced managers, and more experienced junior partners and senior managers to a criterion based on the conclusions of senior audit partners. While previous research usually does not indicate performance improvements beyond the level of an audit senior (e.g., Tan and Libby 1997) for this complex task with timely feedback, consistent and substantial performance improvements are reported here. Auditors provided increasingly mor...
Have comets played a role in the primary organic syntheses

Abstract Primary organic syntheses first occurred in interstellar space, where more than sixty different organic molecules have been identified. The most important identifications for prebiotic chemistry probably are HCN, H 2 CO, CH 3 CN, C 2 H 2 and CH 3 C 2 H, although many others could play important roles. A fraction of these molecules condense, with ubiquitous H 2 O and CO 2 , on interstellar grains that follow suit when a molecular cloud collapses gravitationally to form a star. An accretion disk surrounds the growing star, and the frosty interstellar grains are more or less heated depending on their distance to the central star. The innermost loose their water and carbon compounds and will form the rocky planets; those at intermediate distances loose most of their water only, and will form the parent bodies of the carbonaceous chondrites. The outermost keep all their frost and will become the comets. Eventually, the orbits of all those minor bodies diffuse into the inner solar system and bombard the inner rocky planets. Their numerous impacts has brought a veneer that explains the atmosphere and the oceans of the Earth, as well as the source of a wealth of organic compounds. Comets and carbonaceous chondrites are the messengers that have brought down to Earth the products of the primary organic syntheses that were ubiquitous in space.
Emotional regulation as a mediator between interpersonal mistreatment and distress

Theory and research from the emotional labour literature focusing on mistreatment of employees by customers were used to examine interpersonal mistreatment by customers, coworkers, and supervisors. Specifically, we examined the relationships between all three of these sources of interpersonal mistreatment and psychological distress. We also examine the possibility that emotional regulation strategies mediated these relationships. In Study 1, we focused on surface acting as the mediating emotional regulation strategy. Using a sample of 256 working adults, the results of that study found a mediating role for surface acting between mistreatment and distress for mistreatment by customers and coworkers but not supervisors. In Study 2, we included measures of both deep acting and surface acting as potential mediators between sources of mistreatment and distress. Using a sample of 138 working adults, this second study again found that surface acting mediated the relationship between mistreatment and distress for...
Side Effects of Fenfluramine in Autistic Children

This study reports fenfluramine side effects in autistic children. Eight individuals (age range 4-15 years) were initially enrolled in this part of the multicenter study. Four of the children developed side effects which included decreased appetite, lethargy, and irritability. Side effects were eliminated in three when dosage was reduced from the initial 1.5 mg/kg dose. One child severely regressed, then recovered when fenfluramine was discontinued. Some plateauing of weight gain was noted during the active medication phase. Height did not appear affected. Variation was noted in medication-free blood serotonin levels.