cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First total synthesis of the pro-resolving lipid mediator 7(S),12(R),13(S)-Resolvin T2 and its 13(R)-epimer.

Abstract The first total synthesis of the pro-resolving lipid mediator 7(S),12(R),13(S)-Resolvin T2 [7(S),12(R),13(S)-RvT2] and its 13(R)-epimer, derived from n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (n-3 DPA), are described. 7(S),12(R),13(S)-RvT2 and its 13(R)-epimer were obtained by total synthesis using a chiral pool strategy to introduce the chiral centers. C7 was generated from S-(−)-1,2,4-butanetriol in both molecules and the C12 and C13 centers were generated from L-(+)-ribose and D-(−)-arabinose respectively. Cis and trans-selective Wittig reactions, selective deprotections, and Dess-Martin periodinane oxidation were the key steps in the syntheses.
Skinny Fat Cells Stimulate Wound Healing.

In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Shook et al. (2020) reveal that dermal adipocytes regulate skin wound repair via release of fatty acids that promote macrophage recruitment and accelerated revascularization. Furthermore, mature dermal adipocytes dedifferentiate into migratory extracellularmatrix-producing myofibroblasts.
The bacterial copper resistance protein CopG contains a cysteine-bridged tetranuclear copper cluster

CopG is an uncharacterized protein ubiquitous in Gram-negative bacteria whose gene frequently occurs in clusters of copper resistance genes and can be recognized by the presence of a conserved CxCC motif. To investigate its contribution to copper resistance, here we undertook a structural and biochemical characterization of the CopG protein from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results from biochemical analyses of CopG purified under aerobic conditions indicate that it is a green copper-binding protein that displays absorbance maxima near 411, 581, and 721 nm and is monomeric in solution. Determination of the three-dimensional structure by X-ray crystallography revealed that CopG consists of a thioredoxin domain with a C-terminal extension that contributes to metal binding. We noted that adjacent to the CxCC motif is a cluster of four copper ions bridged by cysteine sulfur atoms. Structures of CopG in two oxidation states support the assignment of this protein as an oxidoreductase. On the basis of these structural and spectroscopic findings and also genetic evidence, we propose that CopG has a role in interconverting Cu(I) and Cu(II) to minimize toxic effects and facilitate export by the Cus RND transporter efflux system.
Unveiling the biodiversity of lipid species in Corynebacteria- characterization of the uncommon lipid families in C. glutamicum and pathogen C. striatum by mass spectrometry.

Abstract Uncommon lipids in biotechnologically important Corynebacterium glutamicum and pathogen Corynebacterium striatum in genus Corynebacterium are isolated and identified by linear ion-trap multiple stage mass spectrometry (LIT MSn) with high resolution mass measurement. We redefined several lipid structures that were previously mis-assigned or not defined, including cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG), glucuronosyl diacylglycerol (GlcA-DAG), (α- d -mannopyranosyl)-(1 → 4)-(α-D-glucuronyl diacyglycerol (Man-GlcA-DAG), 1-mycolyl-2-acyl-phosphatidylglycerol (MA-PG), acyl trehalose monomycolate (acyl-TMM). We also report the structures of mycolic acid, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, cardiolipin, trehalose dimycolate lipids in which many isomeric structures are present. The LIT MSn approaches afford identification of the functional group, the fatty acid substituents and their regiospecificity in the molecules, revealing the biodiversities of the lipid species in two Corynebacterium strains that have played very different and important roles in human nutrition and health.
Making Sense of Methods and Measurements: Simple Linear Regression

Abstract Simple linear regression is a statistical technique that allows us to predict the relationship between two variables: the predictor variable (x) and the response or results variable (y).
Myth: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger":

The effects of pre- and post-weaning performance and environment on production and longevity of cows later in life has become the focus of intense research in recent years. Here, we will present examples of the positive effects of accelerated early growth during weaning, post-weaning, and adulthood. Most importantly, we describe how producers can achieve elevated performance in their calves to see these benefits in the long-term, while also discussing potential risks in this investment.
Accreditation of Simulation Fellowships and Training Programs: More Checkboxes or Elevating the Field?

SUMMARY STATEMENT As the field of healthcare simulation matures, formal accreditation for simulation fellowships and training programs has become increasingly available and touted as a solution to standardize the education of those specializing in healthcare simulation. Some simulation experts hold opposing views regarding the potential value of simulation fellowship program accreditation. We report on the proceedings of a spirited debate at the 20th International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare in January 2020. Pro arguments view accreditation as the logical evolution of a maturing profession: improving training quality through standard setting, providing external validation for individual programs, and enhancing the program's return on investment. Con arguments view accreditation as an incompletely formulated construct; burdensome to the "financially strapped" fellowship director, misaligned with simulation fellows' needs and expectations, and confusing to administrators mistakenly equating accreditation with credentialing. In addition, opponents of accreditation postulate that incorporating curricular standards, practice guidelines, and strategies derived and implemented without rigor, supporting evidence and universal consensus is premature. This narrative review of our debate compares and contrasts contemporary perspectives on simulation fellowship program accreditation, concluding with formal recommendations for learners, administrators, sponsors, and accrediting bodies.
Understanding factors in burn patient follow-up.

Follow-up rates (FUR) are concerningly low among burn-injured patients. This study investigates the factors associated with low FUR and missed appointments (MA). We hypothesize that patients who are homeless, use illicit substances, and have psychiatric comorbidities will have lower rates of follow-up (FU) and more MAs. Data from a discharge-planning survey of 281 burn-injured patients discharged from September 2019 - July 2020 was analyzed and matched with patients' EMR records for a retrospective chart review. Data collected included general demographics, burn characteristics, hospitalization details, FU visits, MAs, homeless status, substance use, major psychiatric illness (MPI), and survey responses. Data analysis used Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Student t-test, Wilcox Rank Sum test, and Multivariate Regression Analysis (MVR). Overall, 37% of patients had no FU in clinic and 46% had one or more MA. On MVR, homeless patients were more likely to never follow up, OR = 0.227 (95% CI = 0.106-0.489), as were patients who anticipated transportation difficulties, OR = 0.275 (95% CI = 0.151-0.501). Homeless patients were more likely to have MA, OR= 0.231 (95% CI = 0.099-0.539). On univariate analysis, patients with one or more documented MPI had lower FUR, with 50.62% having no FU (p = 0.0020). Among patients who responded to the survey that they were current drug users, 52% had no FU as compared to 28% of patients who responded that they did not use drugs (p = 0.0007). Factors associated with lower FUR and more MAs include homeless status, substance use, MPI, and transportation difficulties.
Take a penny, leave a penny: The propensity to round earnings in survey data

This paper investigates the likelihood of rounding as a source of bias in survey data. The analysis uses thirty years of March Current Population Survey data, the 1990 Census, and the 1996 Survey of Income and Program Participation matched to Social Security Administration data to measure the magnitude and direction of rounding by worker characteristic. The results show three distinct trends. First, more people round their earnings today than in the past. Second, groups that are more likely to round their earnings include men, people in their prime working years (35 to 64), and those with high levels of education or with high levels of earnings. And third, using the matched data, these respondents appear to round their earnings down.
Representation of Parsimonious Covering Theory in OWL-DL

The Web Ontology Language has not been designed for representing abductive inference, which is often required for applications such as medical disease diagnosis. As a consequence, existing OWL ontologies have limited ability to encode knowledge for such applications. In the last 150 years, many logic frameworks for the representation of abductive inference have been developed. Among these frameworks, Parsimonious Covering Theory (PCT) has achieved wide recognition. PCT is a formal model of diagnostic reasoning in which knowledge is represented as a network of causal associations, and whose goal is to account for observed symptoms with plausible explanatory hypotheses. In this paper, we argue that OWL does provide some of the expressivity required to approximate diagnostic reasoning, and outline a suitable encoding of PCT in OWL-DL.
Sacred Imagery and Ritual Landscape: New Discoveries at the Biluut Petroglyph Complex in the Mongolian Altai

Altaian rock art is increasingly seen as essential to our grasp of the character and movements of ancient cultures throughout Inner Asia. Rock art imagery often provides our only pictorial information about a preliterate society. But while surface study by itself yields valuable information, joining the examination of rock art with dirt archaeology, geology, and paleoecology provides greater opportunities for advances in our understanding of key developments in the region’s dynamic prehistory: horse domestication and associated technologies, the birth of mobile pastoralism, the incursion of charioteers, the making and spread of deer stones, and the advent of metallurgy, to name but a few. This paper focuses on the Biluut Petroglyph Complex, a prehistoric ceremonial center at Khoton Lake in far-western Mongolia’s High Altai, which contains an array of archaeological sites associated with an unusually dense concentration of petroglyphs spanning the past 8–10,000 years. In presenting results of recent resear...
Classical Particle Mechanics

Thus far we have considered some simple examples of set-theoretic predicates to illustrate various alternative ways that such a predicate might be used to elucidate the logical structure of a scientific theory. We want now to see how these alternatives fare when we attempt to use them in providing a logical reconstruction of a real theory of mathematical physics. The theory to be considered is classical, or Newtonian, particle mechanics. Our procedure will be roughly this. We will settle upon a likely candidate for a set-theoretic predicate to characterize the mathematical structure of this theory. Then we will try to use this predicate to render the empirical content of this theory in each of the ways discussed in the preceding four chapters. This will serve to illustrate, in a more concrete way, the difficulties with some of these methods, and ultimately to provide at least a sketch of an adequate logical reconstruction of this theory. This sketch, together with the notion of Ramsey eliminability, will provide a means of treating in a systematic and perspicuous way some frequently raised questions about the status of the concepts of mass and force. It will also serve to illuminate questions about the measurability of masses and forces and the status of specific force laws in measuring forces.
Aperture-coupled thin-membrane microstrip array antenna for beam scanning application

A microstrip array using an aperture-slot-coupling technique with very thin membranes has been developed at the L-band frequency for a beam scanning application. This technology-demonstration array with 4/spl times/2 elements achieved a relatively wide bandwidth of 100 MHz (8%) and /spl plusmn/45/spl deg/ beam scan. Very narrow coupling slots were used with each having an aspect ratio of 160 (conventional slot aspect ratio is between 10 to 30) for coupling through a very thin membrane (0.05 mm thickness). This thin-membrane aperture-coupling technique allows the array antenna elements to be more easily integrated with transmit/receive amplifier (T/R) and phase shifter modules. The paper addresses only the radiator portion of the array. The array and active components will be presented in a separate paper.
Clinical significance of atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion with histologic correlation-: a 9-year experience.

Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) is a recognized category in the 2001 Bethesda Nomenclature System for cervical cytology. Although current ASCCP guidelines recommend colposcopic follow-up, more recent studies are suggesting prior triage for HPV-DNA analysis. We report on our experience at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. From January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2011 (9-y), the cytopathology laboratory processed 109,424 Pap Tests, of which 281 (0.26%) were diagnosed as ASC-H. Tissue follow-up was available in 181 (64%) of these cases, of which 45 (25%) were negative/cervicitis, 41 (23%) were CIN 1, 36 (20%) were CIN 2 and 59 (32%) were CIN 3. Stratification by age groups showed a higher percentage of high grade (CIN 2+) lesions (65%) in the premenopausal age group as compared with high grade lesion (35%) in the postmenopausal age group, whereas negative/CIN1 biopsies were more common in postmenopausal (65%) as compared to premenopausal (44%) women. Our data support the use of colposcopy in the management of women with ASC-H on Pap Tests. However, in the older age group, prior HPV-DNA testing may be of benefit to better identify those women at risk for high grade lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:943–946. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sonoluminescence temperatures during multi-bubble cavitation

Acoustic cavitation—the formation and implosive collapse of bubbles—occurs when a liquid is exposed to intense sound. Cavitation can produce white noise, sonochemical reactions, erosion of hard materials, rupture of living cells and the emission of light, or sonoluminescence1,2. The concentration of energy during the collapse is enormous: the energy of an emitted photon can exceed the energy density of the sound field by about twelve orders of magnitude3, and it has long been predicted that the interior bubble temperature reaches thousands of degrees Kelvin during collapse. But experimental measurements4,5 of conditions inside cavitating bubbles are scarce, and there have been no studies of interior temperature as a function of experimental parameters. Here we use multi-bubble sonoluminescence from excited states of metal atoms as a spectroscopic probe of temperatures inside cavitating bubbles. The intense atomic emission allows us to change the properties of the gas–vapour mixture within the bubble, and thus vary the effective emission temperature for multi-bubble sonoluminescence from 5,100 to 2,300 K. We observe emission temperatures that are in accord with those expected from compressional heating during cavitation.
Postoperative hernia: Report of a case of repair with fascial sutures

Abstract 1. 1. The predisposing factors of postoperative hernia have been discussed. Obesity, abdominal distention, coughing, and vomiting, by subjecting the line of suture to increased tension, may cause a breakdown of the incisional wound; infection and prolonged drainage may weaken and disrupt the wound, thus permitting the formation of a hernia. 2. 2. A review of twenty-one cases of postoperative hernia admitted to Emergency Hospital shows that infection or drainage was a factor in 47.6 per cent of the series. Infection, drainage, or obesity was a factor in 77 per cent of the thirteen cases in which the primary operation was an appendectomy. 3. 3. The Gallie technic of using living sutures of fascia lata has been examined. The operative results in representative published series of hernial repair by the use of fascial sutures have been reviewed. 4. 4. A case has been reported in which a modification of the Gallie technic was used in the repair of a large hernial opening. 5. 5. Emphasis has been placed upon the superiority of nonabsorbable sutures in infected wounds and the advantages of using fascial sutures when the edges of the wound are widely retracted. 6. 6. Precautionary measures to guard against the development of hernia have been considered.
Reduction of complexity for a robust fuzzy controller

A methodology for the reduction of complexity of fuzzy if-then rules for a robust controller is presented. An analysis of the fuzzy if-then rules is performed by viewing the fuzzy sets in the rules as crisp sets. The knowledge of the analysis is used to reduce the number of variables and the number of fuzzy if-then rules. By applying fuzzy logic to the reduced linguistic if-then rules, a robust controller based on fuzzy if-then rules was reconstructed. The simulation results show that the reconstructed controller is more efficient than and performs as well as the original controller. >
Hybrid simulation approach for improving railway capacity and train schedules

Timetable management is one of the operational methodologies commonly applied in the highly structured European rail system to improve the capacity utilization while maintaining acceptable level of service (LOS) parameters; but their potential benefits to the less structured U.S. system have received little attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of timetable management features to analyze the trade-off between LOS parameters and capacity utilization in the U.S. The research applies a hybrid simulation approach, where output from RTC, a simulation tool developed in the U.S., was used as an input for timetable compression by RailSys, a simulation tool developed in Europe. 28 scenarios were developed in RailSys to identify a preferred scenario with reasonable LOS parameters while maintaining the capacity utilization under the recommended threshold, and the selected scenario of RailSys was then validated in RTC. The results of the study revealed that 10-min maximum allowed dwell time provided the best corridor capacity utilization. Also, the LOS parameters were significantly improved for total number of stops (55% reduction), total dwell times (80% reduction) and average dwell time (65% reduction); while the timetable duration was increased (capacity utilization was degraded) by 18% compared to the initial schedule.
The Determination of Thiamine in Small Amounts of Whole Blood and Serum by a Simplified Thiochrome Method

This simplified thiochrome method for the determination of thiamine eliminates deproteinization, sample dilution (other than reagent), and purification by adsorption column; pH need not be adjusted as it is automatically controlled. The method depends upon the hydrolysis of whole blood and serum with N HCI, N/10 HCI, and diastase enzyme. Reproducibility was good; the mean differences (± S.D.) between duplicate blood and serum samples were 2.36 ± 2.87 and 1.5 ± 1.70 mµg./ml., respectively. Recovery of added thiamine ranged from 94 to 104% with a mean of 99.5 ± 3.41%. Storage of hydrolysates for 30 days did not change the results, and low serum concentrations could be measured in serum. Whole blood and serum values of thiamine in 44 healthy adults ranged from 11.3 to 47.8 mµg./ml. (mean, 29.3) and from trace amounts to 20.5 mµg./ml. (mean, 10.2), respectively.
Novel mechanisms of controlling the activities of the transcription factors Spo0A and ComA by the plasmid‐encoded quorum sensing regulators Rap60‐Phr60 in Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis and its closest relatives have multiple rap-phr quorum sensing gene pairs that coordinate a variety of physiological processes with population density. Extra-chromosomal rap-phr genes are also present on mobile genetic elements, yet relatively little is known about their function. In this work, we demonstrate that Rap60-Phr60 from plasmid pTA1060 coordinates a variety of biological processes with population density including sporulation, cannibalism, biofilm formation and genetic competence. Similar to other Rap proteins that control sporulation, Rap60 modulates phosphorylation of the transcription factor Spo0A by acting as a phosphatase of Spo0F∼P, an intermediate of the sporulation phosphorelay system. Additionally, Rap60 plays a noncanonical role in regulating the autophosphorylation of the sporulation-specific kinase KinA, a novel activity for Rap proteins. In contrast, Rap proteins that modulate genetic competence interfere with DNA binding by the transcription factor ComA. Rap60 regulates the activity of ComA in a unique manner by forming a Rap60-ComA-DNA ternary complex that inhibits transcription of target genes. Taken together, this work provides new insight into two novel mechanisms of regulating Spo0A and ComA by Rap60 and expands our general understanding of how plasmid-encoded quorum sensing pairs regulate important biological processes.
Tether-supported biomembranes with α-helical peptide-based anchoring constructs.

The strict requirement of constructing a native lipid environment to preserve the structure and functionality of membrane proteins is the starting constraint when building biomaterials and sensor systems from these biomolecules. To enhance the viability of supported biomembranes systems and build new ligand display interfaces, we apply rationally designed peptides partitioned into the lipid bilayer interface. Peptides designed to form membrane-spanning α-helical anchoring domains are synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis. K3A4L2A7L2A3K2-FITC is synthesized on the 100 mg scale for use as a biomembrane anchoring molecule, where orthogonal side-chain modifications allow us to introduce probes enabling peptide localization within supported bilayers. The peptides are found to form α-helical domains within liposomes as assessed with circular dichroism spectroscopy. These peptides are designed to be incorporated into lipid bilayers supported by microspheres and serve as biomembrane anchoring moieties t...
Whole-cell antigens of members of the sulfate-reducing genus Desulfovibrio

Antisera have been developed against the wholecell antigens of Desulfovibrio africanus Benghazi and Walvis Bay, D. vulgaris Hildenborough, D. salexigens British Guiana, D. gigas, and D. desulfuricans Essex 6. An enzymelinked immunoadsorption assay (ELISA) was developed to measure the reaction of these antisera with the homologous and heterologous antigens. The ELISA method demonstrated a reaction between pre-immune sera and cells of D. africanus, D. gigas and D. desulfuricans, suggesting the presence of a lectin-like substance on these cell surfaces. Extensive cross-reactions were seen between the antisera and heterologous cells, suggesting the sharing of a number of surface antigens amongst the Desulfovibrio. However, the pattern of these cross-reactions was different from that observed for an ELISA reaction developed for the cytochrome c3 from various Desulfovibrio.
Synthesis and [2+4]cycloadditions of two 1-aza-1,3-butadiene-1-carbonitriles

3-Methyl- and 3-ethyl-1-aza-1,3-butadiene-1-carbonitriles were synthesized by reaction of the corresponding 3-alkylacroleins with bis(trimethylsilyl)-carbodiimide using titanium tetrachloride as catalyst. They were highly reactive and difficult to purify rigorously. Attempted anionic polymerizations gave only oligomers of molecular weight ∼500 Da. These 3-alkyl-azadienecarbonitriles cycloadded to the electron-rich olefins iso-butyl vinyl ether and p-methoxystyrene to give [2+4] cycloadducts with moderate yields.
Detecting and categorizing kernel-level rootkits to aid future detection

Existing techniques to detect kernel-level rootkits expose some infections, but they don't identify specific attacks. This rootkit categorization approach helps system administrators identify the extent of specific infections, aiding in optimal recovery and faster reactions to future attacks. The authors present a framework to detect and classify rootkits and discuss a methodology for determining if a system has been infected by a kernel-level rootkit. Once infection is established, administrators can create new signatures for kernel-level rootkits to detect them. The authors conducted their research on a Red Hat Linux-based system, but the methodology is applicable to other Linux distributions based on the standard Linux kernel. They also believe the method can apply to other Unix- and Windows-based systems.
Comparing Biographical Backgrounds of Religious Founders and Converts to Those Religions: An Exploratory Study

This paper is an exploratory, preliminary investigation of the possible links between the biographical backgrounds and developmental trajectories of major religious figures such as Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Buddha, and Baha’u’llah, and the backgrounds of those who convert to these religions (or certain groups within these religions) in the West. This article ends with the hypothesis that in terms of biographical backgrounds and motivations for conversion, followers’ narratives resemble those of their religious leaders in some areas.
Regulation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 gene expression in human endometrial cells in cultures

Bone marrow-derived leukocytes are present in human endometrium/decidua and are believed to serve a variety of functions in this tissue. The number and type of leukocytes in endometrium/decidua vary with the hormonal milieu of the ovarian cycle, with blastocyst implantation, and during pregnancy. The factors that regulate the recruitment of specific leukocytes to the endometrium and those that modulate the function or replication of leukocytes in this tissue are not well defined. In this study, we evaluated the potential for synthesis of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), a polypeptide with monocyte/macrophage chemotactic and activating properties, in human endometrium and in separated endometrial stromal and epithelial cells. MCP-1 mRNA was readily detected by northern analysis of total RNA isolated from human endometrial tissue (n = 39 tissues from ovulatory women; n = 3 atrophic endometria from anovulatory women; n = 6 from women ingesting oral contraceptives or medroxyprogesterone acetate) and decidua parietalis at midtrimester (n = 6 pregnancies) and at term (n = 6 pregnancies). The levels of MCP-1 mRNA varied considerably among tissues; but in this relatively small number of samples, there was no apparent relationship between day of cycle, endocrine status, or duration of pregnancy and the level of MCP-1 mRNA. MCP-1 mRNA was detected in separated endometrial stromal cells and epithelial cells in culture. In confluent human endometrial stromal cells in the absence or presence of fetal bovine serum (10%, v/v), MCP-1 mRNA was detected by northern analysis of total RNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Transport of cytoplasmic particles catalysed by an unconventional myosin in living Drosophila embryos

Transport of cytoplasmic particles catalysed by an unconventional myosin in living Drosophila embryos
Is Piezomagnetism Influenced by Microcracks during Cyclic Loading

Before magnetic field variations in tectonically active regions can be used to infer changes in the crustal stress distribution, it must be demonstrated that piezomagnetism is a stress dominated rock property. Changes in many rock properties of geophysical interest such as electrical conductivity and seismic wave velocity during compressional loading are dominated by changes in microcrack porosity. If piezomagnetism were to fall into such a category its applicability as a method for determining in situ stress fluctuations would be limited. In order to assess the influence of microcrack dilatancy on magnetic susceptibility and remanent magnetization a series of cyclic loading experiments were conducted at confining pressures up to 200MPa. The results of these tests indicate that piezomagnetism is a stress related property, that is, it is controlled by differential stress and only marginally, if at all, affected by changes in microcrack porosity. Magnetic susceptibility decreased with increasing differential stress. The change in susceptibility was uniquely related to differential stress and totally independent of confining pressure, the number of stress cycles or the magnitude of the inelastic volumetric strain. Remanent magnetization, on the other hand, showed a pronounced demagnetization on the first cycle which rapidly decreased on subsequent cycles as long as the peak cycle stress remained constant. An increase in peak stress caused a pronounced decrease in magnetization at the termination of the cycle. There is a striking similarity between this observation and the change exhibited in volumetric strain; that is, an increase in crack porosity at the termination of the first cycle that became progressively smaller with increasing cycle number. Both remanent magnetization and volumetric strain became reproducible on the same cycle. In spite of this apparent correlation other test suggest that such results are merely fortuitous and changes remanent magnetization during cyclic loading are dominated by differential stress.
Frequency mixing in de Haas-van Alphen oscillations in heavy-fermion compounds.

By means of a simple model calculation we estimate the amplitudes of nonlinear de Haas--van Alphen oscillations in heavy-fermion compounds, i.e., oscillations that correspond to linear combinations of ordinary closed orbits of the Fermi surface. Two possible many-body mechanisms are discussed: (i) frequency mixing via the nonlinear field dependence of the magnetization (Shoenberg effect), and (ii) the modulation of the antiferromagnetic order parameter. The incipient antiferromagnetic order in many heavy-fermion compounds at low T provides a nonlinear coupling mechanism that may lead to cross-sectional areas corresponding to differences of ordinary extremal closed orbits of the Fermi surface.
Transient grating measurements of ambipolar diffusion and carrier recombination in InGaP/InAlP multiple quantum wells and InGaP bulk

The ambipolar diffusion coefficient and carrier recombination lifetime in InGaP/InAlP multiple quantum wells and InGaP epitaxial layers grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy have been determined by measuring the diffraction efficiency decay of transient gratings induced by picosecond laser pulses. The multiple quantum well room temperature ambipolar diffusion coefficient of carrier transport parallel to the growth plane was measured to be approximately half that of the bulk material.
Effects of lithium chloride illness on food preference in pigeons: A concurrent operants procedure for the study of food-aversion learning

Food-aversion learning in pigeons was studied using a concurrent operants methodology. Twelve subjects received extensive baseline training consisting of exposure to a concurrent variable-interval 1-min variable-interval 1-min schedule of reinforcement. A different food, milo or peas, was associated with each schedule. Following the establishment of stable preferences, the birds were given exposure to one of the foods in their home cages. Immediately thereafter, the birds were injected with lithium chloride. For half of the birds, the dosage was 0.3 M; for the other half, it was 0.6 M. Within these groups, for half of the subjects, the injection followed ingestion of the preferred food; for the remaining subjects, it followed the nonpreferred food. Subsequently, the animals were again exposed to the operant choice procedure, and alterations in food preference were assessed. In general, postinfection shifts in preference were greater for birds that received the 0.6 M dosage. In all cases, preinjection levels of preference eventually reappeared. In addition to the effects on food preference, lithium toxicosis also tended to suppress animals’ overall rates of keypecking. Taken together, these results support the potential applicability of a concurrent operants methodology to the study of food-aversion learning.
Physical Attractiveness, Sociability, Athletic Ability, and Children's Preference for Their Peers

Summary The present study investigated the relative potency of the physical attractiveness variable in determining peer relations among children (N = 120 third and eighth graders of both sexes). Physical attractiveness was contrasted with sociability and athletic ability in order to determine which characteristic most influences the friendship and popularity choices of children of different age and sex. Results indicated that physical attractiveness was more important than sociability or athletic ability in determining friendship choices for all children. Contrary to previous research, athletic ability was not found to exert a major influence on peer acceptance, even among early adolescent boys.
TRIPS-Plus Free Trade Agreements and Access to Medicines

The battle over access to essential medicines revolves around the rights to issue compulsory licenses and to manufacture and export generic versions of brand name drugs to expand access. Global brand name pharmaceutical firms have sought to ration access to medicines and have used their economic and political clout to shape United States trade policy. They have succeeded in getting extremely restrictive TRIPS-Plus, and even US-Plus, intellectual property provisions into regional and bilateral free trade agreements. Asymmetrical power relations continue to shape intellectual property policy, reducing the amount of leeway that poorer and/or weaker states have in devising regulatory approaches that are most suitable for their individual needs and stages of development. While the overall trend is disturbing, some recent activities in the World Health Organization and evidence of greater unity behind health-based TRIPs flexibilities provide some grounds for cautious optimism.
Effect of ex vivo culture duration on phenotype and cytokine production by mature dendritic cells derived from peripheral blood monocytes.

BACKGROUND: To generate clinical-grade dendritic cells (DCs) ex vivo for immunotherapy trials, peripheral blood monocytes are typically cultured in granulocyte-macrophage–colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin (IL)-4 and then matured using one or more agents. Duration of the initial DC culture is one important variable that has not been systematically evaluated for its effect on the characteristics of the final mature DC product. STUDY DESIGN: DCs were generated from elutriated peripheral blood monocytes by incubation in medium containing 2000 units per mL each of GM-CSF and IL-4 for 3 to 7 days, followed by maturation with lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). DC yield, viability, flow cytometric phenotype, and cytokine production were evaluated. RESULTS: The percentage yield and viability of mature DCs were similar after GM-CSF/IL-4 culture for 3 or 7 days. In either case, mature DCs expressed abundant CD80, CD86, CD83, and CCR7, but 3-day DCs expressed these antigens in a more consistent and homogeneous manner. Mature 3-day DCs produced much more IL-12 and less IL-10 after restimulation with CD40L-LTK than 7-day DCs. The former were also more effective in presenting immunogenic peptides to CD8 T cells. Analogous changes in cytokine production were observed in mature DCs prepared using lower concentrations of GM-CSF/IL-4 or when the alternative maturation cocktails poly(I:C)/IFN-γ and soluble CD40L/IFN-γ were used. CONCLUSION: Extended initial culture of DCs in GM-CSF/IL-4 does not affect yield or viability of subsequently matured DCs, but can adversely affect their ability to homogeneously express high levels of functionally important surface molecules such as CD83 and CCR7 and to produce IL-12.
Observations of bed form evolution with field‐scale oscillatory hydrodynamic forcing

[1] The evolution of rippled beds in response to irregular waves was examined over short temporal scales. Observations of natural irregularly rippled beds and the oscillatory, two-dimensional, time-varying velocity field were collected using a submersible particle image velocimetry (PIV) system. Bed form evolution regimes characterized by the ripple radius of curvature were examined relative to measures of the nondimensional bed stress (the grain roughness Shields parameter), the nondimensional pressure gradient (the Sleath parameter), and the water column coherent structure formation from the ripples (the swirling strength). Bed forms were found to respond to individual waves by modulating amplitude as wave groups passed. The bed form approached its initial geometry following the passage of a group even when the critical value of the Shields parameter for sheet flow was exceeded. However, when the Sleath parameter exceeded the critical value for plug flow, the bed form profile flattened, requiring significant time after the wave group passed to rebuild the ripples. These observations suggest that the ability to predict bed form geometry with respect to wave forcing is possible but requires knowledge of the initial bed form geometry, as well as the flow field evolution.
Contributions to the life cycle of Peneroplis planatus (Fichtel and Moll) Montfort

Direct observations of schizonts and agamonts releasing megalospheres clarified the asexual phase of the life cycle of Peneroplis planatus and made it most probable that this species has a paratrimorphic life cycle. Specimens with maximum lengths between 837 and 3,503 μm released about 500 to 1,500 megalospheric juveniles, which possessed two chambers (proloculi and flexostyles) prior to emergence from the parental shell. The presence of gamonts was not shown and was only implied by the occurrence of the agamonts. Since agamonts and schizonts have been found from December to May and since asexual reproduction occurs in spring in Elat, sexual reproduction probably occurs at another time of year (June to December). More detailed studies of this species need to be conducted throughout the year to improve our knowledge of the life cycle of this species.
Ichnofabrics, ichnocoenoses, and ichnofacies implications of an upper cretaceous tidal‐inlet sequence (Eutaw formation, central Alabama)

A siliciclastic tidal‐inlet sequence within the Tombigbee Sand Member of the Upper Cretaceous Eutaw Formation, central Alabama, is composed of two subfacies distinguished primarily on the basis of form, scale, and orientation of cross‐stratification. These subfacies record spatial and temporal variations in net‐sedimentation rate, frequency of reworking, and relative importance of slack‐water stages, most of which were governed by variations in tidal‐current asymmetries and associated hydrodynamic regimes. The dominant ichnocoenosis in both subfacies is characterized by, in general order of decreasing abundance: (1) Macaronichnus, produced by vagile, deep deposit‐feeding polychaetes; (2) Conichnus, produced as temporary dwellings or during equilibrium/ escape movements of anemone‐like animals; (3) a branched form of Skolithos, attributed to deposit‐feeding worms; and (4) Dactyloidites, a subsurface feeding structure made by worms or worm‐like organisms. Relative abundances of these ichnotaxa, and degree o...
Communicating Driver Intents: A Layered Architecture for Cooperative Active Safety Applications

The great promise of vehicle to vehicle communications includes a reduction or even elimination of collisions and fatalities on roadways, especially of those due to driver error. A major roadblock to the effectiveness of these systems is the market penetration of cooperative Driver Assistance Systems. Many proposed and existing implementations of cooperative systems are only effective if a majority of vehicles are capable of cooperating. We propose the use of a Layered Architecture for Cooperative Active Safety Applications (LACASA) that includes driver behavior or intent prediction as a fundamental building block for cooperative assistance systems. Simulation results show how such information could improve safety even in limited-deployment scenarios, and in wide-scale deployment, unsafe maneuvers are nearly eliminated.
An empirical analysis of implicit delivery options in the treasury bond futures contract

Abstract Assuming perfect, frictionless and efficient markets, this paper develops a framework to estimate the composite value of the quality, wild card and end-of-month options implicit in the T-bond futures contract. The value of delivery options is shown to be the excess of forward price of the cheapest bond over its conversion factor times the exercise price of futures contract. Empirical results indicate that the option values over the last quarter of the nearby contract are on average less than 0.5 percent of the mean futures price, which is substantially lower than the value reported by previous studies. Further scrutiny reveals that although the empirical estimates are contaminated by non-synchronous bond data, they are consistent with certain known theoretical properties of option values.
Biochemical systematics of the cyprinid genus Notropis—I. The subgenus Luxilus

Abstract Population samples for all taxa in the subgenus Luxilus of Notropis were genetically analysed by vertical starch gel electrophoresis to detect protein variability. A total of 38 alleles were resolved at 17 presumptive loci. Protein systems examined included adenylate kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, calcium-binding proteins, general protein, glucosephosphate isomerase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucomutase, and superoxide dismutase. A phylogenetic analysis of the molecular data allows the recognition of four species-groups: (a) the cornutus group including Notropis albeolus, N. chrysocephalus chrysocephalus, N. c. isolepis , and N. cornutus : (b) the zonatus group including N. pilsbryi and N. zonatus ; (c) the coccogenis group including N. coccogenis and N. zonistius ; and (d) the cerasinus group comprised of N. cerasinus alone. Notropis cerasinus exhibits little genetic affinity for the cornutus species-group and is most closely related to the coccogenis species-group. Both phenetic and phylogenetic analyses deny specific status to the isolepis form. A further analysis of isozyme variability at the Pgm-A and Gpi-A loci may clarify the relationship between N. cornutus and N. chrysocephalus .
On the Analysis of Atmospheric and Climatic Time Series

Abstract Linear parametric models are commonly assumed and used for unknown data-generating mechanisms. This study demonstrates the value of inferring statistics of meteorological and climatological time series by using a computer-intensive subsampling method that allows one to avoid time series analysis anchored in parametric models with imposed perceived physical assumptions. A first-order autoregressive model, typically adopted as the default model for correlated time series in climate studies, has been selected and altered with a nonlinear component to provide insight into possible errors in estimation due to nonlinearities in the real data-generating mechanism. The nonlinearity undetected by basic diagnostic procedures is shown to invalidate statistical inference based on the linear model, whereas the inference derived through subsampling remains valid. It is argued that subsampling and other resampling methods are preferable in complex dependent-data situations that are typical for atmospheric and c...
13C NMR Assignments of Artemisinin, Desoxyartemisinin and Artemether

Abstract The 13C nmr assignments for all carbons except the methylene groups were made for artemisinin (1), artemether (2) and desoxyartemisinin (3). The assignments were based on chemical shift theory and confirmed by selective band decoupling experiments.
Construction of a mouthpiece for studying the effects of smoking in dogs

Abstract A mouthpiece for a dog was devised and constructed that could be easily incorporated into an experimental smoking machine. This was done in order to obtain more accurate data on the effect of tobacco smoke on the body tissues.
Hydrogen water chemistry operating experience

Abstract In late 1984, the Dresden-2 Nuclear Power Station of the Commonwealth Edison Company (USA) completed an entire 18-month fuel cycle while operating under a Hydrogen Water Chemistry (HWC) specification. Under joint General Electric/Electric Power Research Institute sponsorship, the water chemistry, materials performance and fuel performance were monitored closely during both that fuel cycle and the current fuel cycle. The findings to date are discussed in detail, including (1) results of in-reactor testing which show that intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) initiation and growth in sensitized stainless steels is precluded by the establishment of HWC conditions, (2) the long term trends in water chemistry, including topics such as oxygen content, conductivity, corrosion products and electrochemical potential, and (3) a review of the available fuel component examination results. The experience at Dresden-2 is also compared with the results of other US plants of similar design. These results are then contrasted with other reported experience which indicates that the detailed specification for IGSCC immunity via HWC can vary considerably with system design.
The homogenized equations of motion for an activated elastic lamination in plane strain

The equations of motion for an elastic laminar spatial-temporal composite are investigated. It is assumed that the composite is binary, that is, it is assembled of two original constituents capable of changing (in space-time) their material density, as well as their material stiffness. The condition of plane strain was then imposed on the composite. The paper begins by attempting to evaluate the materials' average Lagrangian (action density). In doing so, it immediately becomes apparent that expressions are needed for average momentum and stress. Both quantities are found to depend linearly on average strain and average velocity. After calculating the general Euler equations of motion, isotropy was assumed, and two additional forces (one being of a Coriolis nature) were found in the averaged equations of elastodynamics due to the presence of simultaneous change in both inertial and elastic properties of the original material constituents. The appearance of these two forces is a consequence of both dynamics and plane strain; the Coriolis type force disappears in the case of one dimensional strain that arises when longitudinal dynamic disturbances propagate along an elastic bar.
Intraosseous spinal glomus tumors: case report.

OBJECTIVE Glomus tumors are rare lesions that can arise intraosseously along the entire spinal axis. Only four cases have been reported, usually manifesting with severe back pain and involving the midthoracic spine or sacrum. The current report describes the largest such lesion reported in the literature to date and summarizes the clinical and pathological characteristics of these rare tumors. METHODS A single, recent case arising from the lumbar vertebra of L3 is described, and the literature of intraosseous spinal glomus tumors is reviewed. RESULTS The lesion described arose in a 44-year-old man with a 1-year history of neurological symptoms and a large dumbbell-shaped lesion involving the lumbar vertebra, which extended through the neural foramen at L3. The lesion was resected using a two-stage approach. Severe intraoperative hemorrhage necessitated emergent angiographic embolization. Histopathological examination confirmed the presence of a glomus tumor arising from the smooth muscle cells of the glomus body. CONCLUSION These rare lesions may extend into the epidural space and through the neural foramina and abdominal compartments; over time, they grow very large. Preoperative embolization may be indicated for large tumors suspected to be glomus tumors.