cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nuclear weapons in South Asia: More may be manageable

The character of the burgeoning nuclear rivalry between India and Pakistan suggests that, in the post‐cold war world, the spread of weapons of mass destruction may increase the likelihood of lower intensity conventional conflict rather than that of total war. In South Asia, where ethnic, religious, and territorial disputes persist, the mutual fear of big weapons may help to form a set of “rules of the game,” adherence to which will allow limited but not excessive use of force in pursuit of national aims. However, insufficiently formed military command, control, and strategic nuclear doctrine in India and Pakistan, along with ill‐focused, tardy Western pressure to stem the tide of proliferation in South Asia, may create serious problems for the careful management of a fractious relationship between two democracies that have much to quarrel about.
lac represser binding to non-operator DNA: Detailed studies and a comparison of equilibrium and rate competition methods

Abstract Competition experiments have been used to measure the interaction of Escherichia coli lac represser with many natural and synthetic DNA's that do not contain the lac operator (non-operator DNA). Two types of experiments were done: (1) equilibrium competition experiments, where the effect of competing DNA on the equilibrium concentration of represser-operator complex was measured, and (2) rate competition experiments, where the effect of competing DNA on the rate of represser-operator complex formation was measured. The second method is an order of magnitude more sensitive than the first. For both types of experiments, we present methods for the estimation of K rd , the apparent equilibrium dissociation constant for represser binding to non-operator DNA. The methods are compared and we find that both yield similar K rd values. Earlier work is confirmed that represser binds preferentially to natural DNA's of high A + T content and that poly[d(A–T)]is a very good competitor. Poly[r(A,U)], tRNA, and rRNA are very poor competitors. The glucosylated DNA's, T2 and T4, compete well, about as expected from their A + T content. Denatured non-operator DNA competes approximately the same as native DNA. Effector ligands could not be shown to affect non-operator binding. For most DNA's, K rd can be calculated only in weight units, but for poly[d(A-T)]we find that K rd = 1–3 × 10−8 m . The effect of reaction conditions (ionic strength, pH, temperature) on K rd was investigated. Contrary to earlier conclusions, non-operator DNA binding is not preferentially reduced at high ionic strength. These results are significant for several areas of current interest: (a) the fractionation and purification of other DNA-binding proteins, (b) the general problem of demonstrating specific DNA binding, and (c) the deatiled mechanism of regulatory protein-DNA interaction.
Biologically Energized Cardiac Pacemaker: in vivo Experience with Dogs

CARDIAC pacemakers have been in use for implanting into man for more than a decade and have relied chiefly on mercury or nickel cadmium cells as sources of power1.
A Pairwise Chemical Genetic Screen Identifies New Inhibitors of Glucose Transport

Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis are the two main pathways that control energy metabolism of a cell. The Warburg effect, in which glycolysis remains active even under aerobic conditions, is considered a key driver for cancer cell proliferation, malignancy, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. To target aerobic glycolysis, we exploited the complementary roles of OXPHOS and glycolysis in ATP synthesis as the basis for a chemical genetic screen, enabling rapid identification of novel small-molecule inhibitors of facilitative glucose transport. Blocking mitochondrial electron transport with antimycin A or leucascandrolide A had little effect on highly glycolytic A549 lung carcinoma cells, but adding known glycolytic inhibitors 2-deoxy-D-glucose, iodoacetate or cytochalasin B, rapidly depleted intracellular ATP, displaying chemical synthetic lethality. Based on this principle, we exposed antimycin A-treated A549 cells to a newly synthesized 955 member diverse scaffold small-molecule library, screening for compounds that rapidly depleted ATP levels. Two compounds potently suppressed ATP synthesis, induced G1 cell-cycle arrest and inhibited lactate production. Pathway analysis revealed that these novel probes inhibited GLUT family of facilitative transmembrane transporters but, unlike cytochalasin B, had no effect on the actin cytoskeleton. Our work illustrated the utility of a pairwise chemical genetic screen for discovery of novel chemical probes, which would be useful not only to study the system-level organization of energy metabolism but could also facilitate development of drugs targeting upregulation of aerobic glycolysis in cancer.
Apparent dipole moment of a long-chain surfactant molecule in a gaseous monolayer from surface potential measurements☆

Abstract The Helmholtz model of the simple parallel-plate condenser has often been used to represent the potential across the double layer resulting from spreading a long-chain surfactant at the air/water interface. Guastalla, using a modified Helmholtz model, has suggested a method for determing the apparent dipole moment of the surfactant molecule in the gaseous region. The method involves extrapolation of experimental surface potential and surface concentration data to infinite dilution of surfactant. Surface potentials and surface pressures of gaseous monolayers of myristic and palmitic acids over aqueous substrates at various pit have been investigated. The apparent dipole moment and molecular weight of the spread molecule have been calculated from these data. When the pit of the aqueous substrate is below 4.5, the fatty acid is molecularly dispersed and the low surface potential indicates that the apparent dipole moment of the fatty acid is small; either the fatty acid molecule lies practically flat on the surface of the liquid or interaction between the long-chain fatty acid and the water molecules of the substrate occurs. When the pH of the aqueous substrate is above 4.5, the fatty acid gradually ionizes and the monolayer slowly desorbs. It is concluded that the Guastalla interpretation of the dipole moment is inadequate.
Hydrogen in hot-salt stress corrosion cracking of titanium-aluminum alloys

Experimental studies show that hydrogen produced during the corrosion of titanium alloys by halide salts and subsequently absorbed by the titanium is responsible for cracking of these alloys. Autoradiography and proportional β counting were used to detect the diffusion of hydrogen into the metal matrix. Similar failure modes were observed in fractographic examinations of surfaces produced by hot-salt cracking and surfaces of precracked specimens pulled to failure in high pressure hydrogen gas. Stressed titanium-aluminum alloys cracked under low-energy proton bombardment and show that failure can be caused by the effects of stress and hydrogen alone. Similarities to hot-salt cracks were noted, and the approximate concentrations required to initiate and propagate cracks were calculated.
Plasma volume change during water-deprivation in gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs and rats.

Abstract 1. 1. Plasma volume was measured in control and water-deprived rats ( Rattus norvegicus ), hamster ( Mesocricetus auratus ), gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus ), and guinea pigs ( Cavia porcellus ). 2. 2. Mean plasma volumes declined with deprivation in all four species, although this change was not statistically significant in gerbils. 3. 3. Percentage plasma volume losses were approximately equal to percentage weight losses with water-deprivation in gerbils and hamsters, but rats showed plasma volume losses far greater than body weight losses.
Identification of N-acylglycines by gas-liquid chromatography.

Abstract Glycine conjugates of aliphatic carboxylic acids of clinical interest, and a series of structurally related compounds, were synthesized. The gas Chromatographic elution behavior of trimethylsilyl derivatives of these N-acylglycines was examined on columns of 5% OV-1. A single peak for each compound was observed on the chromatograms after derivatization with a reagent containing N,O-bis-(trimethylsilyl)-acetamide in pyridine (1: 1, v/v) for 20 min at 60° C. The methylene unit values of the trimethylsilyl derivatives of these N-acylglycines are reported.
Organoaluminum-phosphine chemistry. Synthesis and molecular structure of [Ph2P(O)2 · AlCl2]2 and [Ph2P · Al(i-Bu)2]2

Abstract The crystalline complex [Ph2P(O)2 · AlCl2]2 (I) was prepared by reaction of the disproportionation product of ethylaluminum sesquichloride, EtAlCl2, or by direct reaction of EtAlCl2 with diphenylphosphonic acid, Ph2P(O)OH, in a heptane/toluene mixture. I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with unit cell parameters a 11.201(9), b 15.059(6), c 17.665(5) A, β 105.4°(2), V 2979.7 A3 and Dcalc 1.40 g cm−3 for Z = 4. Least-squares refinement based on 1656 observed reflections led to a final R factor of 0.047 (R2 = 0.062). I resides about a crystallographic center of symmetry. The core of the dimer consists of a planar eight-membered (Al-O-P-O)2 ring. The mean Al-O bond distance is 1.73(1) A while the independent Al-Cl bond distance is 2.085(2) A. The organoaluminum crystalline product [Ph2P · Al(i-Bu)2]2 (II) was prepared by reaction of diisobutylaluminum hydride with diphenylphosphine in heptane. II crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with unit cell parameters a 12.809(2), b 15.207(2), c 20.574(3) A, V 4008.5 A3, and Dcalc 1.08 g cm−3 for Z = 4. Least-squares refinement based on 2111 observed reflections converged at R = 0.036, Rw = 0.049. The dimeric organoaluminium compound possesses crystallographic inversion symmetry and contains a planar four-membered Al2P2 ring. The mean Al-P bond distance is 2.476(1) A. The Al-P-Al bond angle in the Al2P2 ring is 93.8(1)° while the P-Al-P bond angle is determined to be 86.2(1)°. The Al ··· Al and P ··· P contact distances are 3.615(1) A and 3.381(1) A, respectively.
Spatial patterns of probabilistic temperature change projections from a multivariate Bayesian analysis

[1] We present probabilistic projections for spatial patterns of future temperature change using a multivariate Bayesian analysis. The methodology is applied to the output from 21 global coupled climate models used for the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The statistical technique is based on the assumption that spatial patterns of climate change can be separated into a large scale signal related to the true forced climate change and a small scale signal due to model bias and variability. The different scales are represented via dimension reduction techniques in a hierarchical Bayesian model. Posterior probabilities are obtained with a Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. We show that with 66% (90%) probability 79% (48%) of the land areas warm by more than 2°C by the end of the century for the SRES A1B scenario.
Hypothalamic and brainstem sources of pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide nerve fibers innervating the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in the rat

The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) coordinates major neuroendocrine and behavioral mechanisms, particularly responses to homeostatic challenges. Parvocellular and magnocellular PVN neurons are richly innervated by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) axons. Our recent functional observations have also suggested that PACAP may be an excitatory neuropeptide at the level of the PVN. Nevertheless, the exact localization of PACAP-producing neurons that project to the PVN is not understood. The present study examined the specific contribution of various brain areas sending PACAP innervation to the rat PVN by using iontophoretic microinjections of the retrograde neuroanatomical tracer cholera toxin B subunit (CTb). Retrograde transport was evaluated from hypothalamic and brainstem sections by using multiple labeling immunofluorescence for CTb and PACAP. PACAP-containing cell groups were found to be retrogradely labeled from the PVN in the median preoptic nucleus; preoptic and lateral hypothalamic areas; arcuate, dorsomedial, ventromedial, and supramammillary nuclei; ventrolateral midbrain periaqueductal gray; rostral and midlevel ventrolateral medulla, including the C1 catecholamine cell group; nucleus of the solitary tract; and dorsal motor nucleus of vagus. Minor PACAP projections with scattered double-labeled neurons originated from the parabrachial nucleus, pericoeruleus area, and caudal regions of the nucleus of the solitary tract and ventrolateral medulla. These observations indicate a multisite origin of PACAP innervation to the PVN and provide a strong chemical neuroanatomical foundation for interaction between PACAP and its potential target neurons in the PVN, such as parvocellular CRH neurons, controlling physiologic responses to stressful challenges and other neuroendocrine or preautonomic PVN neurons.
Radiation detection field test at the Federal Express (FedEx) air cargo facility at Denver International Airport (DIA)

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) recently conducted a field-test of radiation detection and identification equipment at the air cargo facility of Federal Express (FedEx) located at Denver International Airport (DIA) over a period of two weeks. Comprehensive background measurements were performed and were analyzed, and a trial strategy for detection and identification of parcels displaying radioactivity was implemented to aid in future development of a comprehensive protection plan. The purpose of this project was threefold: quantify background radiation environments at an air cargo facility; quantify and identify "nuisance" alarms; evaluate the performance of various isotope identifiers deployed in an operational environment. LLNL emplaced a primary screening detector that provided the initial detection of radiation anomalies in near real-time. Once detected, a secondary test location provided capability to perform higher-resolution analysis of the parcels or containers that triggered the primary detector. Two triggered radiation events were observed during the course of this project. Both of the radiation events were determined to be legitimate shipments of radioactive material. The overall effect of this project on FedEx operations and personnel was deemed to be minimal.© (2004) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Validation of the antral mucosal/submucosal sleeve preparation: studies of gastrin and acetylcholine release in response to luminal stimulation.

Abstract In the present study we developed an experimental model for direct assessment of antral endocrine cell and cholinergic neural responses to luminal stimulation. A sleeve of antral mucosal/submucosal tissue was prepared from rat antrum, mounted in perfusion chamber, and perfused in both luminal and submucosal compartments. Morphological and functional integrity of the antral sleeve were confirmed by histological examination and measurement of protein synthesis. Antral gastrin release was assessed in response to luminal stimulation with acid, peptone and distension. Luminal acid (pH3) inhibited basal gastrin release by −70.4% and luminal peptone stimulated gastrin release to 210% above control (p
Individualism-collectivism as an individual difference predictor of organizational citizenship behavior

Though it appears intuitively appealing that individual differences should be related to a person's decision to perform citizenship behaviors, the search for such individual differences has yet to yield clear results. In this study, data were collected to assess the extent of a relationship between individualism–collectivism as a within culture individual difference and self-reports of organizational citizenship behaviors. Results suggest that if an individual holds collectivistic values or norms, he/she would be more likely to perform citizenship behaviors. In addition, this relationship was found to be robust to common method effects and to the effect of the relationship between procedural justice and OCB. Implications for the way collectivistic tendencies within cultures may be used in organizations are discussed.
Effect of the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate on estradiol production and metabolism in man

Abstract Two men with benign prostatic hypertrophy were studied before and after treatment with the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate. Following treatment the production rate of estradiol as calculated from the specific activity of urinary estrone or estriol decreased by approximately one half. The treatment altered the metabolism of estradiol in that less estrone, 2-hydroxyestrone and 2-methoxyestrone but more estriol was formed, a pattern similar to that found in men with breast cancer.
Cat endothelial morphology after corneal transplant.

The cat has been suggested as a superior model to evaluate penetrating keratoplasty and corneal endothelial damage and repair. Morphologic change is felt to be a sensitive indicator of endothelial stress response. We documented corneal thickness and endothelial morphometric parameters of eight cats before and after homograft penetrating keratoplasty using an Eisner contact glass. One-hundred-cell samples from preoperative and 6.18 ± 0.57 weeks and 9.25 ± 0.84 months (means ± standard errors of the means) postoperative photomicrographs were computer analyzed. Cell density (cells/mm2), coefficient of variation of cell area, percent hexagonal cells, and mean figure coefficient were measured. Values are given as means ± standard errors of the means. Preoperative coefficient of variation for area, 19.1 ± 0.4, was significantly greater (22.0 ± 1.0) six weeks after surgery. At nine months, cell density (1487 ± 114) and percent hexagonal cells (59.6 ± 2.1) were significantly less than six week values (cell densit...
Acyclovir use in sick infants.

Background Infantile herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) infection remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is often difficult in this population, where a specific pattern of clinical and laboratory signs are lacking. This often results in unnecessary treatment of infants with empiric acyclovir. This study evaluates the use of empiric acyclovir at the Kentucky Children's Hospital and attempts to correlate any laboratory or clinical findings that may be highly suggestive of HSVE. Methods Medical records of infants younger than 1 year admitted and treated with acyclovir were evaluated for any consistent pattern of clinical findings suggestive of HSVE. Specifically, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell counts, red blood cell counts, cerebrospinal glucose and protein, and clinical neurological findings upon admission were evaluated. Results Two hundred eighteen infants were identified and included in the study. Three infants were identified with polymerase chain reaction-positive HSVE. Only CSF leukocytosis was consistent among HSVE-positive infants. All infants with HSVE exhibited generalized neurological findings. Neither hemorrhagic CSF nor focal neurological findings were indicative of HSVE infection. Discussion Herpes simplex virus encephalitis has a very low prevalence within this population. Clinically significant neurological findings as well as specific risk factors must be present to consider treatment with empiric acyclovir. Apnea and focal seizures are not specific risk factors for herpetic meningitis in infants. Lack of a CSF leukocytosis is a strong negative predictor for HSVE, and hemorrhagic fluid is not specific for HSVE.
Repeated cocaine exposure inhibits the adrenocorticotropic hormone response to the serotonin releaser d-fenfluramine and the 5-HT1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT.

Abstract The influence of cocaine exposure on serotonergic neurons and postsynaptic 5-HT 1A receptor-mediated responses was evaluated by measuring neuroendocrine responses to a serotonin (5-HT) releaser or a 5-HT 1A agonist. Male rats received cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline twice daily for 7 days. Forty-two hr after the final cocaine injection, the 5-HT releaser d-fenfluramine (0, 0.2, 0.6, 2, or 5 mg/kg, i.p.) or the 5-HT 1A agonist, 8-OH-DPAT (0, 10, 50, 200 or 500 μg/kg, s.c.) were administered. Blood samples were then collected for analysis of plasma ACTH, prolactin, and renin concentrations. The ACTH responses to d-fenfluramine and 8-OH-DPAT were inhibited in cocaine pretreated rats. However, the prolactin responses to d-fenfluramine and 8-OH-DPAT were not significantly modified by cocaine exposure. Additionally, the renin response to d-fenfluramine was unaltered by repeated cocaine administration, while 8-OH-DPAT did not alter renin secretion in either pretreatment group. In contrast to published reports which show that cocaine exposure produces supersensitive 5-HT 2A and/or 5-HT 2C receptor-mediated responses, the present data suggest that repeated cocaine exposure produces subsensitivity to at least some postsynaptic 5-HT 1A receptors. Cocaine-induced deficits in the ACTH response to 5-HT releasers may reflect 5-HT 1A receptor subsensitivity, but presynaptic deficits cannot be excluded. Examination of the ACTH response to 5-HT 1A agonists may represent a valuable approach to deermine deficits in 5-HT function in human cocaine abusers.
Neuronal basis of Hammel's model for set-point thermoregulation

In 1965, H. T. Hammel proposed a neuronal model to explain set-point thermoregulation. His model was based on a synaptic network encompassing four different types of hypothalamic neurons: i.e., war...
Problems in Rehabilitation After Age Sixty-Five

: Of 100 patients on the Rehabilitation Service of a general hospital (New England Memorial), 75 were past 65 years of age. In this age group, recovery from illness or an accident is longer and slower, with many more complications. Rehabilitation that accomplishes independence in daily-living skills is extremely important for the elderly and those who care for them. Of the 75 elderly in this study, 40 could be discharged to their own homes; 36 had to be transferred to extended care facilities chiefly because of complications secondary to associated disorders. Even the patients who did not attain the conference-determined rehabilitation goal still benefited from the coordinated rehabilitation procedure. The value of rehabilitation services for the disabled elderly should not be minimized.
GENETIC CONTROL OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE TO COLLAGEN: I. QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF RESPONSE LEVELS BY MULTIPLE I‐REGION GENES

Summary The antibody response in mice to type I calf skin collagen is quantitatively determined by genes which map to the I region of the H-2 histocompatibility complex. The use of H-2 recombinant B10 congenic strains of mice reveals that a gene in the IA subregion and a gene to the right of the IA subregion affect responsivenss. To examine complementation patterns in the antibody response to collagen, five B10 congenic strains, each bearing an independent H-2 haplotype, were intercrossed to obtain nine hybrid strains heterozygous at the H-2 locus. In five combinations heterozygous progeny produced significantly greater antibody responses than those observed for the homozygous parental strains. Two low responder haplotypes, H-2k and H-2d, were shown to be qualitatively different. Mice of these haplotypes show a different dose-response pattern and a different phenotypic pattern of inheritance with respect to the high responder H-2b haplotype. Complementation effects found in F1 hybrid mice derived from H-2 recombinant parental strains indicate that high responsiveness, controlled by an IAb subregion gene, can be influenced by an interaction between an IAk subregion gene and an ICd subregion gene on different chromosomes. These data are consistent with the possibility that there exist two or more I region genes that have distinct functions and can interact to affect the levels of immune responsiveness.
An Analysis of Phase‐Field Alloys and Transition Layers

A phase-field approach to binary alloys is studied. Formal asymptotics of the system of parabolic differential equations leads to new interface relations as part of a macroscopic model which arises in the limit of vanishing interface thickness. Under suitable conditions we prove that the phase-field system has a unique solution which converges to the limiting macroscopic solution. The concentration and phase are monotonic across the interface for a simplified system. Transition layers in concentration are induced due to the change in phase and the change in material diffusion across the interface. Excess impurities may be trapped as a consequence of these layers.
Laser Raman spectroscopy of adrenal iron-sulfur apoprotein: the anomalous tyrosine residue at position 82.

Summary The Raman spectrum of adrenodoxin was measured, with particular emphasis on the Raman doublet due to 82 Tyr, a residue which emits anomalous fluorescence. The tyrosine doublet is located at 860 and 832 cm −1 and the doublet relative intensity ratio is approximately 2 to 10. The very high frequency of the 860 cm −1 band and the very low relative intensity ratio I 860 /I 832 suggest that the single tyrosine residue in adrenodoxin is unusually strongly hydrogen-bonded to a neighboring carboxylic acid residue. Comparison of the adrenodoxin Raman doublet with those for ionized tyrosine both in aqueous solution and in the anhydrous potassium salt leads us to conclude that the tyrosine is not ionized, though there is probably a very great electron density on the tyrosyl hydroxyl group. The present results together with the Chou-Fasman calculation of predicted secondary structure provide evidence that the 82 Tyr hydroxyl group is very strongly hydrogen-bonded to a nearby glutamic acid residue. Backbone-sensitive Raman bands confirm the presence of α-helical and β-pleated sheet segments in the apoadrenodoxin secondary structure.
Cortical and subcortical changes in typically developing preadolescent children

There is evidence that abnormal cerebral development during childhood is a risk factor for various cognitive and psychiatric disorders. There is not, however, sufficient normative data available on large samples of typically developing children, especially within the narrow preadolescent age range. We analyzed high resolution MRI images from 126 normally developing children between ages 6 and 10 years. Age related differences in cortical thickness and in the volumes of major subcortical structures were assessed. Thinner cortices were observed in the occipital, parietal and somatosensory regions as well as in distinct regions of the temporal and frontal lobes with increasing age. Among the major subcortical structures analyzed in this study, only the thalamus showed increased volume with age after accounting for intracranial volume. Within the age range studied age-related cortical and subcortical differences were similar for boys and girls except for the right insula, where girls showed a slight increase in thickness with age. The findings reveal age-associated changes in brain anatomy, providing information about the trajectory of normal brain development during late childhood.
Constructing good QC-LDPC codes by pre-lifting protographs

Quasi-cyclic (QC) low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes are of great interest to code designers because of their implementation advantages and algebraic properties that facilitate their analysis. In this paper, we present some new results on QC-LDPC codes that are constructed using a two-step lifting procedure based on a protograph, and, by implementing this method instead of the usual one-step procedure, we are able to show improved minimum distance and girth properties. We also present two design rules to construct QC-LDPC codes: one uses only circulant permutation matrices at the first (pre-lifting) stage and the other uses a selection of non-commuting permutation matrices. For both techniques, we obtain a demonstrable increase in the minimum distance compared to a one-step circulant-based lifting. The expected performance improvement is verified by simulation results.
In vitro acylation of the ϵ-amino group of l-lysine in calf thymus histones by the carcinogen, β-propiolactone

Abstract We had previously reported that the carcinogen, β-propiolactone (BPL) reacted in vitro with histones in whole mouse skin chromatin and that among the histone classes BPL was preferentially bound to the lysine-rich histones H1 and H1°. In order to determine if in vitro reaction of BPL with calf thymus histones resulted in binding of BPL to l -lysine, we synthesized the model compounds ϵ- N -(3-hydroxypropionyl)lysine (HPL) and ϵ- N -(2-carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) from BPL and l -lysine. The α-amino group of l -lysine was protected from reaction with BPL by the formation of a copper chelate. Structures were assigned on the basis of infrared spectra, pKa values and chemical analyses. BPL was reacted in vitro with calf thymus histones and the BPL-reacted calf thymus histones and control calf thymus histones were digested with trypsin followed by pronase. The respective digests were each chromatographed on a column of AA-15 cation-exchange resin. The elution profiles of the two digests were very similar except for the appearance of a new ninhydrin-positive peak (NNPP) in the eluate of the trypsin-pronase digest of BPL-reacted calf thymus histones. When compounds HPL and CEL were added to the trypsin-pronase digest of control calf thymus histones and the mixture chromatographed on AA-15, both compounds were resolved from the other peptide (or amino acid) peaks. HPL was eluted in the same fractions as NNPP, HPL and NNPP exhibited identical R F values on silica gel TLC with acidic, alkaline and neutral solvents. CEL was not identified as a product of the reaction between BPL and calf thymus histones.
Influenza A virus infection of human middle ear cells in vitro.

HypothesisHuman-derived normal middle ear mucosal cells can be harvested and cultured and will support influenza A virus (INF A) infection. Study DesignProtocols for the collection and in vitro culture of middle ear mucosal cells were developed and used to investigate the effects of INF A infection as it relates to the pathogenesis of otitis media. Materials and MethodsMiddle ear mucosa was harvested during surgeries that opened the normal middle ear. Middle ear mucosal cells were plated and grown in collagen-coated dishes. Cells were characterized before and after INF A exposure using phase-contrast and immunofluorescence microscopy as well as reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for cytokeratin 18 gene expression and INF A. ResultsPrimary cultures of human middle ear epithelial cells were established. Prolonged growth of middle ear cells yielded a second cell type that failed to stain for cytokeratin on immunofluorescence but continued to produce positive RT-PCR results on cytokeratin 18 analysis. After INF A exposure, cytological changes and immunofluorescence staining showed cellular infection. RT-PCR analysis using INF A–specific primers showed positive results for up to 72 hours after viral exposure. ConclusionsPrimary cultures of human middle ear mucosal cells have been established. Two distinctly different cell culture systems have been developed: 1) middle ear epithelial cells and 2) either dedifferentiated epithelial cells or fibroblasts. Exposure of both cell types to INF A demonstrates that each can support cellular infection and viral replication. These models should be useful for studies of the pathogenesis of virus-mediated otitis media.
The economics of an election: Additional evidence

The Atlantic Economic Journal has been established on the premise that there is a substantial need to increase communication and share constructive viewpoints between economists. In addition to formal publication of full length articles, other avenues of less formal communication should be available. A small point may not be worthy of a formal paper but is important enough to warrant dissemination to colleagues. Research in progress may be of interest to other economists. A research approach ending in negative results needs to be shared to save others from similar pitfalls. The Anthology has been established to facilitate this form of communication. It will provide a means by which short manuscripts can quickly appear in the Journal with no formal referee process. Requirements for submission are nominal: 1. Categories of manuscripts: (a) A summary of original research completed, briefly stating why it was undertaken, its methodology, and results obtained. (b) A summary of research in progress and available upon request. (c) A positive comment about a printed article. This should be of a nature that does not require formal reply. (d) A corrective comment on errors in one's own previously printed work.
Stratigraphic studies of Baker-Glendive Anticline, eastern Montana

The Northern Pacific Railroad Company well No. 1, drilled with rotary tools in 1935-1936 by the Montana-Dakota Utilities Company to the depth of 8,186 feet on the Baker-Glendive anticline of eastern Montana, following geophysical exploration of the subsurface, revealed that strata above the Pennsylvanian are similar to those of the Black Hills section except that 350 feet of salt was found in the Spearfish formation (or possibly the Permian). However, between the top of the Minnelusa formation at 5,631 feet and the top of the Madison at 7,440 feet, there are present 1,325 feet of beds representing the Big Snowy group of central Montana, as described in 1935 by H. W. Scott. The Madison appears to extend to a depth of about 8,055 feet, and the strata below that depth may re resent the Devonian. Considerable help with correlations was offered by a restudy of samples from the Sinclair Prairie Oil Company's Westphal well drilled in 1931 on the Porcupine dome, 135 miles northwest of the Northern Pacific well. It appears that the Big Snowy geosyncline of Mississippian age extends east at least to the Northern Pacific well No. 1 and has a length of at least 375 miles. Oil was produced from the Northern Pacific well between 6,747 and 6,796 feet from the Big Snowy formation, and also from 8,130 to 8,186 feet from beds that may be Devonian in age.
Privacy of encrypted voice-over-IP

In this paper, we present an early study on how timing-based traffic analysis attacks can be used to reconstruct the communication on end-to-end VOIP systems by taking advantage of the reduction or suppression of the generation of traffic whenever the sender detects a voice inactivity period. We describe a simple Bayesian classifier to identify simple voice signals from the pattern of packet timings. We then proceed to incorporate context awareness by using a Hidden Markov model. Experiments with very simple symbols show that the effectiveness to reconstruct the voice signal depends significantly on the quality of collected silence suppression information. We conclude by identifying a number of problems that need to be further studied in order to effectively assess the danger of silence suppression based attacks on VOIP systems.
Feature extraction for texture discrimination via random field models with random spatial interaction

In this paper, we attack the problem of distinguishing textured images of real surfaces using small samples. We first analyze experimental data that results from applying ordinary conditional Markov fields. In the face of the disappointing performance of these models, we introduce a random field with spatial interaction that is itself a random variable (usually referred to as a random field in a random environment). For this class of models, we establish the power spectrum and the autocorrelation function as well-defined quantities, and we devise a scheme for the estimation of related parameters. The new set of features that resulted from this approach was applied to real images. Accurate discrimination was observed even for boxes of size 10/spl times/16.
Bone mineral density in mother-daughter pairs: relations to lifetime exercise, lifetime milk consumption, and calcium supplements.

This study investigated associations between lifetime milk consumption, calcium intake from supplements, lifetime weight-bearing exercise, and bone mineral density (BMD) among 25 elderly women (mean age 72 y) and their premenopausal daughters (mean age 41 y). The BMD of the total, axial, and peripheral skeleton was measured by dual- energy X-ray absorptiometry. Lifetime milk consumption, sup- plemental calcium intake, and weight-bearing exercise were estimated retrospectively by questionnaire and interview. In multiple-linear-regression analyses, mothers ' total and periph- eral BMD were positively associated with supplemental cal- cium intake after age 60 y, body weight, current estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), and past oral contraceptive (OC) use, and negatively associated with age and height (all P < 0.05). Mothers' axial BMD was positively correlated with body weight and past OC use. Among daughters, lifetime weight- bearing exercise was a predictor of total and peripheral BMD, whereas total lean mass was a predictor of axial BMD. Mothers' lifetime milk consumption was positively associated with that of their daughters. Mothers' and daughters' peripheral BMD values were positively correlated after adjustment for daugh- ters' exercise, and mothers' age, body weight, and ERT. These results suggest that calcium supplementation and exogenous estrogen positively influence bone mass in postmenopausal years. Our findings lend support to recommendations for phys- ical activity as a means of osteoporosis prevention. In the age groups studied, the effects of behavioral and hormonal factors on BMD appeared to dominate over familial similarity, which suggests that women may successfully enhance their genetically determined bone mass through weight-bearing exercise, post- menopausal ERT, and adequate calcium intake. Am J C/in Nuir 1996:63:72-9.
Novel RNA base pair with higher specificity using single selenium atom

Specificity of nucleobase pairing provides essential foundation for genetic information storage, replication, transcription and translation in all living organisms. However, the wobble base pairs, where U in RNA (or T in DNA) pairs with G instead of A, might compromise the high specificity of the base pairing. The U/G wobble pairing is ubiquitous in RNA, especially in non-coding RNA. In order to increase U/A pairing specificity, we have hypothesized to discriminate against U/G wobble pair by tailoring the steric and electronic effects at the 2-exo position of uridine and replacing the 2-exo oxygen with a selenium atom. We report here the first synthesis of the 2-Se-U-RNAs as well as the 2-Se-uridine ((Se)U) phosphoramidite. Our biophysical and structural studies of the (Se)U-RNAs indicate that this single atom replacement can indeed create a novel U/A base pair with higher specificity than the natural one. We reveal that the (Se)U/A pair maintains a structure virtually identical to the native U/A base pair, while discriminating against U/G wobble pair. This oxygen replacement with selenium offers a unique chemical strategy to enhance the base pairing specificity at the atomic level.
A Study of the Phase Relations of ZrO2–TiO2 and ZrO2–TiO2–SiO2

The phase relations of the systems ZrO2–TiO2 and ZrO2–TiO2–SiO2 were investigated. X-ray diffraction techniques served as the principal means of analysis. The binary system ZrO2–TiO2 was found to be one of partial solid solutions with no intermediate compounds. A eutectic point was found to exist at 50 to 55 weight % ZrO2 and 1600°C. A preliminary investigation of the ternary system ZrO2–TiO2–SiO2, although not extensive, resulted in a better understanding of this system, with a fairly accurate location of some of its boundary lines. A eutectic point was located at 2% ZrO2, 10% TiO2, and 88% SiO2 at approximately 1500°C.
Genetic programming for finite algebras

We describe the application of genetic programming (GP) to a problem in pure mathematics, in the study of finite algebras. We document the production of human-competitive results in the discovery of particular algebraic terms, namely discriminator, Pixley, majority and Mal'cev terms, showing that GP can exceed the performance of every prior method of finding these terms in either time or size by several orders of magnitude. Our terms were produced using the ECJ and PushGP genetic programming systems in a variety of configurations. We compare the results of GP to those of exhaustive search, random search, and algebraic methods.
Use of biological markers of airway inflammation to detect the efficacy of nurse-delivered asthma education.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether analysis of the constituents of induced sputum could be used to document the efficacy of a nurse-delivered patient education intervention and whether changes in the biological markers of inflammation in sputum would correlate with improvements in pulmonary function and symptoms. Design: The study design was prospective, open trial with repeated measures. Setting: The study took place at a West Coast academic medical center laboratory. Subjects: Subjects included 12 nonsmoking persons with asthma, ages 23 to 51 years, on prescribed daily anti-inflammatory inhaled therapy who had not required oral prednisone in the previous 4 weeks of enrollment. Method: The effect of one 30-minute asthma education session on spirometry, peak flow, symptoms, and biological markers of inflammation in sputum was tested for 8 weeks to determine whether biological markers reflect the efficacy of educational interventions. Results: Mean symptom scores decreased and lung function increased slightly over 8 weeks. Markers of eosinophil degranulation decreased by 50% and albumin by 25% from baseline to 8 weeks. Eosinophil percentages dropped 20% over time but did not change consistently at all time points. Clinical markers of asthma control correlated in the low-to-moderate range with biological markers of airway inflammation. Conclusion: The results of this study show the effects of a patient education intervention can be detected in both clinical and biological outcomes. Individual education may influence self-care of asthma including adherence to inhaled corticosteroid therapy and thereby suppress airway inflammation. (Heart Lung® 2001;30:39-46.)
Generalization in Reinforcement Learning: Safely Approximating the Value Function

A straightforward approach to the curse of dimensionality in reinforcement learning and dynamic programming is to replace the lookup table with a generalizing function approximator such as a neural net. Although this has been successful in the domain of backgammon, there is no guarantee of convergence. In this paper, we show that the combination of dynamic programming and function approximation is not robust, and in even very benign cases, may produce an entirely wrong policy. We then introduce Grow-Support, a new algorithm which is safe from divergence yet can still reap the benefits of successful generalization.
Potential of airborne geophysical capabilities discussed

Antarctica is a key element in Earth's geodynamic and climatic systems. Nevertheless, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year, we lack fundamental geologic and geophysical data from the deep interior of this vast continent. Meager exposures record the 3500-million-year history of a continent that participated in the formation and breakup of both the Rodinia and Gondwana super-continents. It continues to be tectonically active today although its kinematic relationship to the global plate circuit and its role as sub- strate to the world's major ice sheets remain in question.
Ackee Fruit Poisoning: An Outbreak Investigation in Haiti 2000–2001, and Review of the Literature

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Health of Haiti during an outbreak of over 100 cases of acute illness and death in the northern region of Haiti during a 4-month period beginning in November 2000. The epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory findings in this investigation indicated the ingestion of unripe ackee fruit as the most likely cause of this outbreak. This report describes the CDC field investigation in Haiti and gives a brief overview of the current state of knowledge about ackee poisoning.
High-level executable specification of the universal plug and play architecture

Recently, Microsoft took the lead in the development of a standard for peer-to-peer network connectivity of various intelligent appliances, wireless devices and PCs. It is called the Universal Plug and Play Device Architecture (UPnP). We construct a high-level abstract state machine (ASM) model for UPnP using AsmL. AsmL is an advanced ASM-based executable specification language that has been developed at Microsoft Research. It provides a modern specification environment that is object-oriented and component-based. AsmL is integrated into Microsoft Visual Studio, Word and COM.
Studies of the microstructure and properties of dense ceramic coatings produced by high-velocity oxygen-fuel combustion spraying

High-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) spraying stands out among the various processes to improve metal and ceramic coating density and surface characteristics. This paper explores microstructure development, coating characterization and properties of HVOF sprayed alumina coatings and compares these with those produced using the conventional air plasma spray process. We report on the characterization of these coatings using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and X-ray computed microtomography (XMT) to explain the behavior observed for the two coating systems. Microstructure information on porosity, void orientation distribution, void mean opening dimensions and internal surface areas have been obtained using SANS. XMT (X-ray synchrotron microtomography) has been used to nondestructively image the microstructural features in 3D at a 2.7-m spatial resolution over a 2–3 mm field of view. 3D medial axis analysis has been used for the quantitative analysis of the coarse void space in order to obtain information on the porosity, specific surface area, pore connectivity and size distribution of the larger voids in the coatings. The results reveal different pore morphologies for the two spray processes. While only globular pores are imaged in the plasma sprayed coatings due to the spatial resolution limit, highly layered porosity is imaged in the HVOF coating. When the quantitative SANS and XMT information are combined, the different thermal and mechanical properties of the two different coating types can be explained in terms of their distinctly different void microstructures. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Silicon models of lateral inhibition

Lateral inhibition is characterized in two CMOS VLSI-based sensory arrays with different pixel geometries and inhibitory algorithms. In these arrays, each sensory pixel inhibits, and in turn, is inhibited by each of its immediate neighbors. Test results indicate that both circuits are able to enhance the contrast of arbitrary two-dimensional images, and do so in a manner that is dynamically stable. Achieving this enhancement on sensory images immediately and simultaneously, this operation offers performance at a level not obtainable by software methods. As such, it is well suited for machine vision systems that utilize parallel architectures. >
Testing the trueness of circular surfaces: a simple holographic method.

A new holographic method where the object motion or variation is transferred to some other subject (we can call it a probe) is suggested. The theory is developed and verified experimentally for an Ealing precision self-centering lens holder as the probe. The method possesses many advantages over the conventional holographic interferometry, some of which are (1) the simultaneous presence of four discrete sensitivities to allow a measurable radius change from one to a few hundred wavelengths, (2) comparison of different surfaces without the problem of decorrelation, and (3) no limitation on the light scattering or transmitting capability of the object under study. The limitations of the method are also discussed.