cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Five-color photoelectric photometry of asteroid 433 Eros

Five-color (UVBGR) photoelectric light curves of Eros are presented which were obtained on nine nights during the asteroid's 1974/75 close apparition. Indications that three reversals occurred in the relative depths of the two minima between late December 1974 and late January 1975 are noted along with definite evidence of phase reddening. The maximum amplitude observed was 1.44 magnitudes, and the absolute visual magnitude at primary maximum (corrected to zero phase and to 1 AU from the earth and the sun) was about 10.8 magnitudes. Since the observations indicate that Eros has no significant rotational color variations, it is suggested that the light-curve amplitudes are due primarily to the asteroid's shape and to shadowing effects. Based on its colors relative to the sun, it is concluded that Eros appears to be an S-type asteroid.
γ-ray angular distributions and correlations after projectile-fragmentation reactions

Abstract The formulation required to interpret angular distribution and angular correlation measurements following projectile fragmentation reactions is outlined. Some concepts required to understand the observed fragment spin alignments and polarizations are discussed. Applications to in-beam spectroscopy using fragmentation reactions are considered, particularly in relation to γ -ray multipolarity measurements and spin assignments.
Immunology: B-cell development in the gut

B cells arise in the bone marrow and go on to produce antibodies that protect against microbial infection. Surprisingly, it seems that B-cell development also occurs in the gut, where it is stimulated by resident microbes. See Letter p.112 Primary B-cell development is thought to be restricted to the bone marrow, but here Frederick Alt and colleagues present the surprising finding that it also occurs in the gut, where it is stimulated by the gut microbes. The authors describe a population of early B-lineage cells developing within the intestinal mucosa — specifically in the lamina propria — of postnatal mice. B-cell production peaks at the time of weaning and is increased upon colonization of germ-free mice. The repertoire of these B cells differs from that of cells derived from the bone marrow, and may be shaped by commensal microbes.
Simultaneous identification of T and B cells in blood smears using antibody coated bacteria

Abstract A new method is described which allows separate or simultaneous identification of T and B cells in stained blood smears using as markers morphologically distinguishable antibody-coated bacteria. Glutaraldehyde was used to coat Escherichia coli and itGaffkya tetragena with purified antibody, namely anti-b5Ig allotype (Ifk chains) or rabbit anti-guinea pig IgG, both made in b4 rabbits. Blood was collected from b5 rabbits, the cells were washed, treated with guinea pig anti-rabbit T cell antiserum and washed again. E. coli coated with anti-GpIg and G. tetragena coated with anti-b5Ig were added individually or together to the washed blood cells and centrifuged to promote binding of E. coli to T cells and G. tetragena to B cells. The cells were smeared and stained with Wright's stain. We found that: a) the binding of bacteria to T and B cells depended only on the reaction between the antibody molecules on bacteria and the antigen (surface Ig or guinea pig anti-T cell Ig) on the cell membrane; b) lymphocytes were surrounded by either E. coli or G. tetragena , but never by both; c) of the total blood lymphocytes, 43–48% were T cells and 49–51% were b5Ig bearing B cells; d) about 6% of the lymphocytes were unlabeled (probably B cells bearing λ chain Ig); and e) all monocytes and basophils had surface Ig (cytophilic). Thus, differential counting of T and B cells can be easily performed in stained blood smears using antibody-coated bacteria.
Optical binary adder using liquid crystal television

Abstract This paper describes the methods of implementing an optical half-adder and full adder utilizing programmable liquid crystal televisions (LCTV). The concept of constructing an optical full adder is based upon the realization of an optical read-only-memory (OROM). An experimental demonstration of binary number addition performed by an optical half-adder is given.
Closing the Open (Face) Book

Editor in Chief Fred Douglis discusses the pros and cons of removing a social network presence.
Flow cytometric detection of herpes simplex virus type 2 infected and transformed cells by immunoenzymatic and by indirect immunofluorescence staining

The glucose oxidase antiglucose oxidase (GAG) immunoenzymatic staining procedure has been used to detect herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigens microscopically. In this study, the GAG procedure was adapted to cells in suspension, and its potential usefulness in flow cytometry was examined. HSV-2 infected monkey kidney and HSV-2 transformed mouse cells were stained using antisera to HSV-2 or to an HSV-2 specific protein with a molecular weight of 38 Kd, respectively, with the GAG procedure. Flow cytometric analysis of the GAG stained cells was then performed by the measurement of scattered light intensity in the angular intervals 1 degree-2 degrees, 2.5 degrees-19 degrees, and 3 degrees-6 degrees. The greatest scattered light intensity decrement caused by staining occurred in the 3 degrees-6 degrees angular interval, as predicted by previous work. In infected cells, which stain intensely by immunofluorescence, the difference between positively and negatively stained cells was adequate for detecting infected cells using the GAG method; however, this was not the case for the lightly staining transformed cells. The indirect immunofluorescence method of analysis of the same populations was superior to the scattered light method of analysis of the GAG stained infected and transformed cells.
The establishment of sexual identity in the Drosophila germline

The establishment of sexual identity is a crucial step of germ cell development in sexually reproducing organisms. Sex determination in the germline is controlled differently than in the soma, and often depends on communication from the soma. To investigate how sexual identity is established in the Drosophila germline, we first conducted a molecular screen for genes expressed in a sex-specific manner in embryonic germ cells. Sex-specific expression of these genes is initiated at the time of gonad formation (stage 15), indicating that sexual identity in the germline is established by this time. Experiments where the sex of the soma was altered relative to that of the germline (by manipulating transformer) reveal a dominant role for the soma in regulating initial germline sexual identity. Germ cells largely take on the sex of the surrounding soma, although the sex chromosome constitution of the germ cells still plays some role at this time. The male soma signals to the germline through the JAK/STAT pathway, while the nature of the signal from the female soma remains unknown. We also find that the genes ovo and ovarian tumor (otu) are expressed in a female-specific manner in embryonic germ cells, consistent with their role in promoting female germline identity. However, removing the function of ovo and otu, or reducing germline function of Sex lethal, had little effect on establishment of germline sexual identity. This is consistent with our findings that signals from the soma are dominant over germline autonomous cues at the initial stage of germline sex determination.
Search, selection, and shortage in an industry composed of labor-managed firms

Abstract Evolutionary models of an industry composed of labor-managed firms are constructed. In these models, search or selection processes—in the sense of Nelson and Winter—determine what production techniques are used. If certain types of subsidies are introduced into these models, shortage—in the sense of Kornai—results. How search and selection processes promote use of cost-minimizing techniques and how subsidies may stifle or deflect these processes is investigated through ten propositions. These propositions are applied to illuminate Yugoslavia's slow adjustment to increases in the relative price of oil.
Perceived Stigmatization, Ingroup Pride, and Immune and Endocrine Activity Evidence From a Community Sample of Black and Latina Women

Racial disparities are a major public health concern in the United States. The authors examined whether Black and Latina community members’ perceptions of stigmatization and personal feelings about their group relate to immune and endocrine markers associated with health risk, including the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), which coordinates the immune response to infection, the anabolic hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which promotes cellular resilience, and the catabolic hormone cortisol, which releases metabolic stores in response to threat. Greater perceived stigmatization was associated with higher basal IL-6, whereas greater ingroup pride was related to elevated basal DHEA. These associations remained with adjustment for general perceived stress, experience with discrimination, age, and income. No significant perceived stigmatization or ingroup pride effects emerged for basal cortisol. These findings provide new evidence that perceived stigmatization and ingroup pride are linked to indicators of ...
Chinese communication studies : a citation analysis of Chinese communication research in English-language journals

The study employs citation analysis method to identify the disciplines and active research areas in communication studies on communication systems in China. Moreover, the study seeks to contribute to the methodological issues of citation analysis by including new variables in the analysis. Using Chinese communication research in 11 Chinese/Asian studies journals and 13 journalism/communication journals published in English since 1931, the study found that there were little exchanges between Chinese studies and communication scholars. Howerver, the study showed that by including two variables—theme of articles and academic affiliation of authors, the findings can more accurate demonstrate the relationship between the research activities and disciplines cited.
Cohesive interface simulations of indentation cracking as a fracture toughness measurement method for brittle materials

Abstract Cracks in brittle solids induced by pyramidal indenters are ideal for toughness evaluation since the indentation stress fields decay rapidly from the contact center and any cracks will be eventually arrested. Thus, if the applied energy release rate can be determined analytically, the material toughness can be deduced by measuring the crack length. However, such a driving force calculation is a nontrivial task because of the complex stress fields; only a number of limit cases can be solved, such as the long half-penny cracks (at least two times larger than the contact size) in the classic Lawn–Evans–Marshall (LEM) model. Important questions such as the evolution from short cracks to median/radial and then to half-penny cracks, the form of the scaling relationship that relates fracture toughness to material hardness and indenter angles, the threshold load for indentation cracking, etc., cannot easily be answered without a detailed knowledge of the co-evolution history of the stress fields and crack morphology. To this end, a finite element model of four-sided pyramidal indentation adopting cohesive interface elements is developed to study the effects of indenter geometry, load, cohesive interface parameters, and material properties on the initiation and propagation of the median/radial/half-penny crack systems. The validity and artifacts of the cohesive interface model are carefully examined, and the crack morphologies under various indentation and material parameters are systematically studied. Numerical predictions lead to a quantitative evaluation of the threshold load for indentation fracture, and an improved method for the evaluation of material toughness from the indentation load, crack size, hardness, elastic constants, and indenter geometry, which compare favorably to a large set of experiments in the literature. It is also found that the toughness evaluation method is very sensitive to Poisson’s ratio – an observation that has previously received little attentions. An approximate analysis for short cracks is developed based on the fracture mechanics of annular cracks and the embedded-center-of-dilatation model for indentation-induced residual stress fields.
Rifting of oceanic crust at Endeavor Deep on the Juan Fernandez microplate

The development of an anomalously deep rift appears to be a common characteristic of the evolution of microplates along the East Pacific Rise, including the Galapagos, Easter, and Juan Fernandez microplates. We investigate crustal rifting at Endeavor Deep on the Juan Fernandez microplate using bathymetry, gravity and side scan sonar data. An initial phase of lithospheric extension accompanied by extensive subsidence results in the formation of a very deep rift valley (up to 4 km of relief, 70 km long and 20 km wide). Morphological observations and gravity data derived from GEOSAT satellite altimetry show the subsequent initiation of crustal accretion and development of a mature spreading center. Recent models of the kinematics of microplate rotation allow the amount of opening across Endeavor Deep over the past 1 m.y. to be quantified. We develop a simple mechanical model of rifting involving block faulting and flexural response to explain the gravity signature over the rift valley. The Bouguer gravity anomaly is asymmetric with respect to the surface topography and requires that a shallow-dipping fault on the western wall of the valley dominate the extension at Endeavor Deep. Consideration of three similar microplate rift valleys leads us to suggest that asymmetric rifting is the characteristic process forming microplate deeps.
Multi-parameter bifurcations of the Kaldor–Kalecki model of business cycles with delay

Abstract In this paper, we study the following Kaldor–Kalecki model of business cycles describing the interaction of the gross product Y and the capital product K : { d Y ( t ) d t = α [ I ( Y ( t ) ) − β K ( t ) − γ Y ( t ) ] , d K ( t ) d t = I ( Y ( t − τ ) ) − ( β + q ) K ( t ) . Single and multi-parameter bifurcation analysis of the system is carried out to perform center manifold reduction. We show that this system can exhibit codimension-1 singularity (transcritical and pitchfork bifurcations) and codimenion-2 singularity (nontransversal and symmetric BT bifurcations) under certain conditions on the time delay τ and the nonlinearity of I ( Y ) by using the normal form method for DDEs due to Faria and Magalhaes. In addition, we use the normal forms of the system to predict bifurcation diagrams such as pitchfork bifurcations, homoclinic bifurcations and double limit cycle bifurcations, which are confirmed by numerical simulations.
Compounding in the Exotic Practice

Compounding of medications for use in animals presents both benefits and concerns. Exotic animals are often too small or too difficult to medicate with drugs currently available in a Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved form. This article reviews current methods and problems for veterinarians who provide medications to exotic animals in forms not commercially available. Further research is required to establish standardized formulations to ensure accuracy, shelf life, and efficacy.
Low-Complexity Candidate for Benchmarking Collapse Prediction of Steel Braced Structures

To aid in the evaluation of the collapse-prediction capability of competing methodologies, a case study of a water tank subjected to the Takatori near-source record from the 1995 Kobe earthquake, scaled down by a factor of 0.32, is presented. The water tank, supported by a five-segment steel lattice tower, is so configured as to have a characteristic collapse mechanism that is triggered due to catastrophic column and brace buckling at the bottommost segment of the lattice under all forms of ground motion. A FRAME3D model of the tank reveals severe buckling in the bottom megacolumns and one of the two braces on the west face of the tower when the structure is impacted by the Takatori near-source pulse, resulting a tilt in the structure. This is followed by sequential compression buckling of braces on the south and north faces leading to P−Δ instability and complete collapse of the tank. In order to verify the predictions of the FRAME3D model, a comparable PERFORM-3D model of the tank, using fiber elements and constitutive material models that are suitably calibrated against experimental data, is developed. The response of this model to the scaled Takatori ground motion compares very well against that of the FRAME3D model; the smallest scaling factor needed to collapse the PERFORM-3D model is 0.323, whereas the corresponding factor needed to collapse the FRAME3D model is 0.315. The sequence of column- and brace-buckling failures and the collapse mechanisms are quite similar in the two models.
The pathogenesis of poliomyelitis. Sites of multiplication of poliovirus in cynomolgus monkeys after alimentary infection.

The P 1549 (antigenic type 1) strain of poliovirus was administered by gavage to cynomolgus monkeys in order to obtain additional information on primary sites of multiplication of poliovirus. The first sites of virus multiplication were in tissues of the alimentary tract, principally in the oropharynx, and possibly in the ileum. During the early period in pathogenesis poliovirus was found also in lymph nodes collateral to these alimentary sites of multiplication. As early as 24 hours after detection of poliovirus in these tissues low concentrations of virus were detected in the blood; the concentration of virus in the blood rose gradually to reach maximal levels within 48 to 96 hours; thereafter, the concentration gradually fell until no further evidence of viremia was obtained by the 10 th day after infection. When the viremia was approaching, or had reached maximal levels poliovirus was distributed widely in all 46 tissues examined for its presence. Near the end of the period of viremia specific neutralizing antibodies were also found in the blood.
Site-Directed Mutagenesis Studies of Tn5 Transposase Residues Involved in Synaptic Complex Formation

Transposition (the movement of discrete segments of DNA, resulting in rearrangement of genomic DNA) initiates when transposase forms a dimeric DNA-protein synaptic complex with transposon DNA end sequences. The synaptic complex is a prerequisite for catalytic reactions that occur during the transposition process. The transposase-DNA interactions involved in the synaptic complex have been of great interest. Here we undertook a study to verify the protein-DNA interactions that lead to synapsis in the Tn5 system. Specifically, we studied (i) Arg342, Glu344, and Asn348 and (ii) Ser438, Lys439, and Ser445, which, based on the previously published cocrystal structure of Tn5 transposase bound to a precleaved transposon end sequence, make cis and trans contacts with transposon end sequence DNA, respectively. By using genetic and biochemical assays, we showed that in all cases except one, each of these residues plays an important role in synaptic complex formation, as predicted by the cocrystal structure.
FLOW-CYTOMETRIC ANALYSES OF NUCLEAR DNA CONTENT IN FOUR FAMILIES OF NEOTROPICAL BATS.

Flow-cytometric analyses of 29 species of microchiropteran bats representing four fam- ilies and 20 genera revealed that bats possess only 79% (5.43 pg) of the DNA content of a "typical" mammal (e.g., Mus musculus strain C5 7BL; 7 pg). Chiroptera, the second largest order of mammals, is thus an exception to the prevailing view that mammals possess a minimum nuclear DNA content of 7 pg. Limitations on cell size resulting from a high metabolic rate may have constrained evolution of DNA content and could explain why the extensive heterochromatic additions that are common in some groups of mammals are absent in bats. Chromosomes of bats have been well studied; detailed chromosomal banding data are available for nearly all the species used in this investigation. However, no significant correlations were found between DNA content and karyotypic character- istics such as 2n, fundamental number, and rate or pattern of chromosomal evolution.
Lower-hybrid wave generation in an electron beam of finite transverse dimension

The generation of lower-hybrid waves in an inhomogeneous electron beam is examined. Wave amplitudes are invariably limited by the convective nature of the instability. The self-consistent shear of the magnetic-field geometry due to the beam current is limited to the role of dividing the general problem into separate cases according to the relative orientation of the wave vector and direction of inhomogeneity. Moreover, the limiting case of small shear is smoothly connected to the case where shear is altogether negligible. Estimates of the amplification of lower-hybrid waves propagating across the electron beam are made for the various cases.
Nd:MgO:LiNbO/sub 3/ self-frequency-doubled laser pumped by a flashlamp at room temperature

A small Xe flashlamp-pumped Nd:MgO:LiNbO 3 self-frequency-doubled laser at room temperature is described. The laser device could be operated with 400 μJ/shot output of pure green light at 26 o C. The threshold is smaller than 4.8 J. The optimum phase-matching could be achieved over 15 o C to 45 o C, if the crystal was aligned and no photorefractive damage was observed
Modelling of the energetics and kinetics of Al deposition on 5-fold Al-rich quasicrystal surfaces

We determine potential energy surfaces for the binding of Al adatoms on 5-fold AlPdMn and AlCuFe quasicrystal surfaces. Appropriate geometric models are used to select physical surface terminations. The interaction between the Al adsorbate and the substrate is described using Lennard–Jones pair-wise interactions, with parameters chosen to fit ab initio energetics for Al on relevant single crystal substrates. We identify a ‘disordered-bond-network’ (DBN) of local adsorption sites, which includes deep ‘starfish’ and ‘incomplete starfish’ ensembles. Our primary interest is in the kinetics of deposition and aggregation of Al atoms, and the possible formation of pseudomorphic starfish islands at starfish ensembles (observed for Al deposition on AlCuFe). The deposition process is modeled within the framework of a DBN lattice-gas model, wherein we specify rates for deposition and for hopping between neighboring sites of the DBN, as well as Al–Al adsorbate interactions, which stabilize islands. We, thus, present ...
Peer victimization as a mediator of the relationship between disability status and psychosocial distress.

Abstract Background Youth with disabilities experience greater levels of peer victimization and psychosocial distress than non-disabled youth. However, the extent to which exposure to peer victimization mediates the relationship between disability status and psychosocial distress is unknown. Objective To determine whether the relationship between disability status and psychological distress was mediated by exposure to peer victimization, and if so, whether the mediation effects of peer victimization on psychosocial distress was moderated by sex. Methods This cross-sectional study involved a series of regressions to test for mediation and moderated mediation using complex survey data from 6664 Oregon 11th graders. Results Peer victimization partially mediated the relationship between disability status and psychosocial distress. Sex, however, did not significantly moderate the mediating effects of peer victimization on psychosocial distress. Conclusion Exposure to peer victimization mediated the relationship between disability status and psychosocial distress; there was little support for sex as a moderator.
High spatial resolution stress measurements using synchrotron based scanning X-ray microdiffraction with white or monochromatic beam

Scanning X-ray microdiffraction (μSXRD) combines the use of high brilliance synchrotron sources with state-of-the-art achromatic X-ray focusing optics and large area detector technology. Using either white or monochromatic beams, it allows for orientation and strain/stress mapping of polycrystalline thin films with submicron spatial resolution. The present paper will focus on three applications performed at the Advanced Light Source: the study of local plasticity in aluminum thin films, the study of the spontaneous growth of tin whiskers in lead-free solder finish and the measurement of strain field around thin film bucklings.
Inversion of membrane surface charge by trivalent cations probed with a cation-selective channel.

We demonstrate that the cation-selective channel formed by gramicidin A can be used as a reliable sensor for studying the multivalent ion accumulation at the surfaces of charged lipid membranes and the “charge inversion” phenomenon. In asymmetrically charged membranes with the individual leaflets formed from pure negative and positive lipids bathed by 0.1 M CsCl solutions the channel exhibits current rectification which is comparable to that of a typical n/p semiconductor diode. We show that even at these highly asymmetrical conditions the channel conductance can be satisfactorily described by the electrodiffusion equation in the constant field approximation but, due to predictable limitations, only when the applied voltages do not exceed 50 mV. Analysis of the changes in the voltage-dependent channel conductance upon addition of trivalent cations allows us to gauge their interactions with the membrane surface. The inversion of the sign of the effective surface charge takes place at the concentrations which correlate with the cation size. Specifically, these concentrations are close to 0.05 mM for lanthanum, 0.25 mM for hexaamminecobalt, and 4 mM for spermidine.
Identification of mutations in the genes for the pollen allergens of eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana).

Background Cedar pollens are important causes of seasonal allergic disease in diverse geographical areas. However, pollens from different families and species vary in their propensity to induce allergic responses. Objective To compare the structure of potential allergens from eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) pollen with those of the highly allergenic cedar (mountain cedar, J. ashei) pollens. Materials and methods The cDNAs for potential pollen allergens, Jun v 1 and Jun v 3, were amplified by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, cloned and sequenced. Expression of the native proteins in pollen was characterized by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. Results The cDNA sequence for one potential major allergen, Jun v 1, was highly homologous to those of the other cedar pollens. The second potential allergen, Jun v 3, was also highly homologous to its counterpart in mountain cedar, but a stop codon in the mRNA would result in a protein of only 91 amino acids, which would lack potential N-glycosylation sites and the IgE binding epitopes of the 199 amino acid homologue from mountain cedar pollen, Jun a 3. IgE from the sera of patients with hypersensitivity to cedar pollen bound to eastern red cedar proteins of four different sizes. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis indicated that two of these proteins (43 and 30 kDa) were either isoforms or processed Jun v 1. No Jun v 3 protein was detected. The N-terminal sequence of an additional 145-kDa allergen, termed Jun v 4, was not homologous to any previously described allergens. Conclusion These findings suggest that mutations in the genes or post-translational modifications of two potentially allergenic proteins might help to explain why the pollen of eastern red cedar is reported to be less allergenic than those of other members of Cupressaceae and Taxodiaceae families.
Electrostatic microactuator and design considerations for HDD applications

A flexure-based rotary electrostatic microactuator is described. This microactuator is for application in a high track-density hard disk drive (HDD). It is fabricated using a high aspect-ratio stencil electroplating process. This paper emphasizes the practical system-level issues that affect the device design. The micro-actuator is demonstrated in a 3.5" form-factor HDD. With a servo bandwidth of 5 kHz, a one-track seek can be completed in under 0.2 ms. This batch-fabricated electro-static microactuator provides a low-cost, high-performance solution for achieving very high track-densities.
Damping properties of consolidated iron and graphite powders

Abstract Upon increasing the strain amplitude, the damping capacity of sintered (800°C, 1 h) pure iron powders changes slowly at low strain amplitudes, increases at a threshold strain amplitude of about 8 × 10−5, reaches a maximum, and then decreases. This behavior is the same for sintered graphite powders as well as for mixtures of graphite and iron powders except that the threshold strain amplitude is lower (2 × 10−5) for the composite. However, the low threshold is similar to that of the cast iron. With increasing graphite content, the modulus of the composite decreases, but the damping capacity increases. Both the damping capacity and Young's modulus of the composite are comparable to those of cast iron.
Ultrasonic flaw classification in weldments using probabilistic neural networks

A probabilistic neural network is used here to classify flaws in weldments from their ultrasonic scattering signatures. It is shown that such a network is both simple to construct and fast to train. Probabilistic nets are also shown to be able to exhibit the high performance of other neural networks, such as feed forward nets trained via back-propagation, while possessing important advantages of speed, explicitness of their architecture, and physical meaning of their outputs. Probabilistic nets are also demonstrated to have performance equal to common statistical approaches, such as theK-nearest neighbor method, while retaining their unique advantages.
Suppression of intrinsic resistance to methicillin and other penicillins in Staphylococcus aureus.

The p H of the medium in which staphylococcal susceptibility to penicillins was determined was found to make a profound difference (128- to 8,000-fold) in the expression of “intrinsic” resistance, whereas β-lactamase-mediated resistance was only slightly affected by p H; methicillin-resistant staphylococci that are β-lactamase-negative are models of pure intrinsic resistance, and the common β-lactamase-producing organisms (methicillin-susceptible) are examples of pure β-lactamase-mediated resistance. Methicillin-resistant staphylococci were unable to express their resistance at p H 5.2. However, growth of methicillin-resistant organisms in acid ( p H 5.2) medium, followed by susceptibility testing at p H 7.4, showed no elimination of the genotype for intrinsic resistance, indicating that the p H effect was due to suppression, rather than to elimination of the gene determining the intrinsic resistance. These p H changes had little effect on the susceptibility of staphylococci that possessed neither intrinsic resistance nor β-lactamase-mediated resistance. Thus, the suppression of “intrinsic” resistance was highly specific, and probably not the result of a change in ionization of the antibiotic, which would have been expected to affect all cells essentially equally. It is unlikely that foci of inflammation in man become sufficiently acid to suppress methicillin resistance of the staphylococci causing infection and inflammation.
Perceived Quality of Life With Spinal Cord Injury: A Comparison Between Emergency Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physicians

Abstract Objective To explore the attitudes of health care providers who treat patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and examine whether Emergency Medicine (EM) and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians differ in their judgments about quality of life (QOL) after SCI. Design Questionnaire survey of PM&R and EM physicians. Participants Board-certified PM&R and EM physicians listed in the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and the American College of Emergency Physicians and/or faculty from academic PM&R and EM departments in the United States and Canada. Main Outcome Measurements Evaluating various aspects of perceived QOL if the physician hypothetically sustained an SCI, including impact on leisure activities, social relationships, happiness, meaningful work, satisfying sexual relationships, and overall QOL. Results A total of 91 EM physicians and 89 PM&R physicians completed the surveys. PM&R physicians were more likely to agree that they would have a better QOL compared with EM physicians, regardless of the level of injury or aspect of life ( P P = .03). Physicians in both groups were more likely to disagree that they would have a high QOL at a lower level of injury if they disagreed at a higher level of injury ( P ≤ .02). Conclusions Regardless of specialty, PM&R and EM physicians have their own personal perceptions of QOL with SCI. PM&R physicians tend to believe that they would have a higher QOL with an SCI compared with EM physicians and likely have a more optimistic view of SCI. Patient care may be improved by interdisciplinary discussion, as evidenced by the disparity exhibited by practitioners in these 2 specialties who care for the same patient population.
Disc-based immunoassay microarrays

Microarray technology as applied to areas that include genomics, diagnostics, environmental, and drug discovery, is an interesting research topic for which different chip-based devices have been developed. As an alternative, we have explored the principle of compact disc-based microarrays. This new methodology successfully combined high-density microarrays applied via a piezoelectric inkjet applicator with circular indexing on a polycarbonate disc. As a demonstration of the principle, we ran competitive inhibition immunoassays for hydroxyatrazine, carbaryl, and molinate. The resulting microspots were approximately 75 micrometers in diameter and were visualized by using an antibody labeled with a fluorescent tag and a commercially available fluorescence scanner. The results of this work suggest that compact disc-based microarray technology can give qualitative and quantitative results and has potential for simultaneous multianalyte analyses.
Sphingolipid-mediated Inhibition of Apoptotic Cell Clearance by Alveolar Macrophages

A decreased clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis) by alveolar macrophages (AM) may contribute to inflammation in emphysema. The up-regulation of ceramides in response to cigarette smoking (CS) has been linked to AM accumulation and increased detection of apoptotic alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells in lung parenchyma. We hypothesized that ceramides inhibit the AM phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Release of endogenous ceramides via sphingomyelinase or exogenous ceramide treatments dose-dependently impaired apoptotic Jurkat cell phagocytosis by primary rat or human AM, irrespective of the molecular species of ceramide. Similarly, in vivo augmentation of lung ceramides via intratracheal instillation in rats significantly decreased the engulfment of instilled target apoptotic thymocytes by resident AM. The mechanism of ceramide-induced efferocytosis impairment was dependent on generation of sphingosine via ceramidase. Sphingosine treatment recapitulated the effects of ceramide, dose-dependently inhibiting apoptotic cell clearance. The effect of ceramide on efferocytosis was associated with decreased membrane ruffle formation and attenuated Rac1 plasma membrane recruitment. Constitutively active Rac1 overexpression rescued AM efferocytosis against the effects of ceramide. CS exposure significantly increased AM ceramides and recapitulated the effect of ceramides on Rac1 membrane recruitment in a sphingosine-dependent manner. Importantly, CS profoundly inhibited AM efferocytosis via ceramide-dependent sphingosine production. These results suggest that excessive lung ceramides may amplify lung injury in emphysema by causing both apoptosis of structural cells and inhibition of their clearance by AM.
Capillary zone electrophoresis for polymide composition analysis

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was employed in polyimide composition analysis. Polymide was decomposed to its corresponding aromatic diamine and aromatic acid monomers by an alkali fusion reaction. Sample treatment is much simpler than published methods, and electropherograms show a good separation of decomposed products under the proper conditions.
Molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of the Drosophila 85-kilodalton TFIID subunit.

Abstract Transcription initiation factor TFIID is a multimeric protein complex that plays a central role in mediating promoter responses to various activators and repressors. To further understand the role of the 85-kDa TFIID subunit (p85), we have cloned the corresponding cDNA with a probe based on an amino acid sequence of the purified protein. The recombinant p85 interacts directly with both the TATA box-binding subunit (TFIID tau or TBP) and the 110-kDa subunit (p110) of TFIID, suggesting that p85 may play a role in helping to anchor p110 within the TFIID complex and, with other studies, that TFIID assembly and function may involve a concerted series of subunit interactions. Interestingly, the carboxy terminus of p85 contains eight of the WD-40 repeats found originally in the beta subunit of G proteins and more recently in other transcriptional regulatory factors. However, truncated p85 lacking all the WD-40 repeats maintained interactions with both TFIID tau and p110. These observations leave open the possibility of a distinct function for the WD-40 repeats, possibly in transducing signals by interactions with transcriptional regulators and/or other components of the basic transcriptional machinery.
SOCIAL COGNITION, EMPATHIC MOTIVATION, AND ADULTS' COMFORTING STRATEGIES

Previous research has found that social-cognitive abilities are important determinants of the competence to comfort affectively distressed others in a sensitive manner. However, being competent to comfort others sensitively does not necessarily imply that this competence will be exercised; presumably, persons must also be motivated to utilize their competencies if they are to produce highly sensitive comforting strategies. This study examined the collective contributions of a social-cognitive variable (interpersonal construct abstractness) and a motivational variable (emotional empathy) to the production of sensitive comforting strategies. Subjects were 70 college students. It was hypothesized that construct abstractness and emotional empathy would both be positively related to sensitivity of comforting strategies and that these two variables would make a significant independent contribution to the prediction of comforting strategies. Correlational and multiple regression analyses confirmed these hypotheses: construct abstractness explained a large portion of the variance in sensitivity of comforting strategies, while emotional empathy explained a smaller, but significant, portion of the variance in comforting-strategy sensitivity.
Prevention of percutaneous electrode migration in spinal cord stimulation by a modification of the standard implantation technique

Object Percutaneous spinal cord stimulation (SCS) electrodes are prone to migration even after scar tissue encapsulation. The authors devised a simple technique to eliminate longitudinal migration. Methods In 99 patients who received implanted percutaneous electrodes, less than 0.1 cm3 of silicone elastomer adhesive was injected between the anchoring sleeve and the electrode. As a result, no patient required revision surgery due to longitudinal electrode migration over a mean follow-up period of 20.2 ± 12.3 months (range 1.8–39.7 months). Postimplant SCS-related surgical procedures were required in 15 patients (15%) for the following indications: infection in three patients, expanded area of pain in four patients, lateral migration after the sutures eroded through the supraspinous ligament in one patient, postural changes in stimulation in one patient, receiver-site pain in two patients, technical failure in three patients, and inadequate pain relief in one patient. Conclusions With modification of the st...
Differential luminosity under beamstrahlung

For the next generation of e/sup +/e/sup -/ linear colliders in the TeV range, the energy loss due to beamstrahlung during the collision of the e/sup +/e/sup -/ beams is expected to be substantial. One consequence is that the center-of-mass energy between the colliding particles can be largely degraded from the designed value. The knowledge of the differential luminosity as a function of the center-of-mass energy is essential for particle physics analysis of the interesting events. The author derives an analytic formula for such a differential luminosity, which agrees very well with computer simulations. A major characteristic of this formula is discussed. >
Applications and prototype for system of systems swarm robotics

In order to develop a robotic system of systems the robotic platforms must be designed and built. For this to happen, the type of application involved should be clear. Swarm robots need to be self contained and powered. They must also be self governing. Here the authors examine various applications and a prototype robot that may be useful in these scenarios.
Effects of finite depth and current velocity on large amplitude Kelvin-Helmholtz waves

Over the past decades a large amount of work has been done on inviscid, steady progressive, gravity waves on a free surface. However, waves which occur in nature are never, in fact, free-surface waves, since they are always beneath a fluid of finite density, if only air. In spite of this, very little work has been done on finite-amplitude interfacial waves. Tsuji & Nagata (1973) carried out a perturbation expansion in wave amplitude to fifth order, for interfacial waves between two stationary fluids. Holyer (1979) extended the calculation using the computer and resorted to Pade approximants to sum the resulting series. Meiron & Saffman (1983) investigated numerically the limiting highest wave and demonstrated the existence of over-hanging gravity waves of permanent form.
Race and Representation in Congress: The C olor of Constituencies

The topic of race, redistricting, and minority representation in Congress has emerged as one of the most salient issues in contemporary political thought. The creation of so‐called majority minority districts has been attacked as unfair and racially polarizing by some observers and ultimately struck down as unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The study of race in relation to American politics and institutions, and, in particular, to the institution of Congress, has produced a wealth of research and literature in recent years. This scope of budding research ranges from legislative activity and Congressional voting to the electoral process and campaigning. This study examines the effects of race in Congressional elections and campaigning, and will be primarily focused on constituent relationships with members of the House of Representatives. Through this research, a better understanding of the differences in constituent relationships and engagement between African American House members and their Caucasian colleagues will be reached. Based on the current literature and prevailing scholarly attitudes, one could likely conclude that African American Congress members, on the whole, develop closer and more personal relationships with their constituents than do white representatives. This basis for this research requires further explanation. The rationale for excluding Senators from this study and for narrowing the focus exclusively to black House members reflects the difference in representation between House members and Senators. By studying House districts comprised of a smaller electorate, one can draw important conclusions about the constituency characteristics and the subsequent relationship with the member of Congress. Also important to note is that this study will primarily and purposely exclude both women and non‐black minorities such as Hispanics. The exclusion of these groups is for the sake of clarity and focus; the topic of women and Hispanics and their effects on all aspects of American politics is deserving of concentrated studies separate from this one. In order to best present this argument, it is necessary to begin with an informative review of current and significant literature on the topic of the politics of race in the US Congress. This will provide a better understanding of the implications of race in Congressional constituencies. Following this literature review, a case study of four different House members and a comparison of their campaigning and constituency interaction will be presented.
The Victim-Activist Role in the Anti-Drunk Driving Movement

Three statuses—individually harmed victim, bereaved victim, and general community activist (non-victim)—found among local chapter officers of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) are analysed in te...
Projecting Biochemistry Over Long Distances

Mathematical and computational neuroscience have contributed to the brain sciences by the study of the dynamics of individual neurons and more recently the study of the dynamics of electrophysiological networks. Often these studies treat individual neurons as points or the nodes in networks and the biochemistry of the brain appears, if at all, as some intermediate variables by which the neurons communicate with each other. In fact, many neurons change brain function not by communicating in one-to-one fashion with other neurons, but instead by projecting changes in biochemistry over long distances. This biochemical network is of crucial importance for brain function and it influences and is influenced by the more traditional electrophysiological networks. Understanding how biochemical networks interact with electrophysiological networks to produce brain function both in health and disease poses new challenges for mathematical neuroscience.
The effect of receptor site nonuniformity on the measurement of rate constants

Abstract The BIAcore is an instrument for measuring rate constants in real time by using a surface–volume geometry. Though current models for the resulting reaction include transport effects for the reactant in solution, they do not account for spatial nonuniformities in the reactant attached to the wall. This work accounts for such nonuniformities and establishes that in the limit of small Damkohler number, such effects are negligible due to the averaging characteristics of the instrumentation.
Optical Coherence Tomography in Retinal Arterial Occlusions: Case Series and Review of the Literature

Retinal arterial occlusions (RAOs) are an uncommon source of monocular vision loss, typically occurring in patients over the age of 60. Diagnosis is typically made by history and clinical examination, while ancillary testing may include fluorescein angiography. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is not routinely utilized in the diagnostic assessment of RAO, and its role in the diagnosis and management of patients with RAO is still evolving. In this series, we review the literature on OCT findings in RAOs, particularly noting the role of OCT in delineating anatomic findings, chronicity and natural course, and functional outcomes. A case series of five patients with RAOs is provided to illustrate these findings.