cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Experimental results from the use of paper mulch on potatoes

In spite of significant increases in yield of potatoes from the use of mulch paper, its use on a commercial scale is not likely because of the cost of the paper. The paper used in this experiment cost at retail $7 a roll of 300 linear yards or at the rate of over $100 an acre. Even though it could be bought in large quantity at half this cost, the difference between this and the value of the increased crop at 40 cents a bushel would still be in favor of cultivation. The average cost per acre of cultivating potatoes on 100 western New York farms in 1931 was $6.75. Under present methods of applying mulch paper, the saving in cost of cultivation would be far more than outweighed by the cost of applying the paper.
Democracy and Equality

Many writers claim that democratic government rests on a principled commitment to the ideal of political equality. The ideal of political equality holds that political institutions ought to be arranged so that they distribute political standing equally to all citizens. I reject this common view. I argue that the ideal of political equality, under its most plausible characterizations, lacks independent justificatory force. By casting doubt on the ideal of political equality, I provide indirect support for the claim that democratic government is only instrumentally justified.
Differential Effects of Estradiol on the Adrenocorticotropin Responses to Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-1 in the Monkey

Endotoxin and the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 are potent activators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Although estradiol (E(2)) has been shown to enhance the HPA response to certain types of stress, previous studies in the rodent have shown that HPA responses to endotoxin and to IL-1 were enhanced by ovariectomy and attenuated by E(2). The mechanisms underlying these observations are unclear, but there is evidence that E(2) may have direct inhibitory effects on IL-6 synthesis and release. Because endotoxin and IL-1 both stimulate IL-6, it is possible that the E(2)-induced suppression of the HPA response to endotoxin and IL-1 results from decreased IL-6 release. We have therefore examined the ACTH response to IL-6 and IL-1beta in six ovariectomized rhesus monkeys with and without 3 weeks of E(2) replacement. In the first study, plasma ACTH levels peaked at 60 min after iv injection of 6 microg recombinant human IL-6. Both the ACTH response, over time, and the area under the ACTH response curve were significantly higher in the E(2)-treated animals (P < 0.05). The peak ACTH level was 66 +/- 16 pg/ml without E(2) vs. 161 +/- 69 pg/ml with E(2). In the second study, iv infusion of recombinant human IL-1beta (400 ng) produced plasma IL-6 levels comparable with those seen after IL-6 injection in the first study. In the IL-1 study, however, there was a significant attenuation of the ACTH response, over time, in the E(2)-treated animals (P < 0.001); the peak ACTH level was 83 +/- 34 pg/ml vs. 13 +/- 4.4 pg/ml after E(2). The IL-6 response was similarly attenuated (P < 0.001); the peak IL-6 level was 614 +/- 168 pg/ml vs. 277 +/- 53 pg/ml after E(2) treatment. Our results demonstrate that physiological levels of E(2) enhance the ACTH response to IL-6 but attenuate the ACTH response to IL-1. The attenuated ACTH response to IL-1 was accompanied by a blunted IL-6 response. Our results suggest that the blunted HPA response to IL-1 can be explained, at least in part, by E(2)-induced alterations in IL-6 release. It remains to be determined whether E(2) affects other inflammatory mediators that also participate in this process.
Groin and hip quandaries

There is little consensus on the diagnosis, pathophysiology, investigation and management of groin injuries. A key factor in making the correct diagnosis is to firstly understand the anatomy and likely generators of pain in the region. This requires an understanding of the two joints in the pelvis – the hip joint and the pubic symphysis ‒ which are at the centre of many movements. There are a multitude of varying studies on this topic. However, most importantly, many of the groin/hip pathologies can be averted by thorough and specific prehabilitation, bearing in mind the entire kinetic chain and addressing total function above and below the pelvis.
A functionalized porous clay heterostructure for heavy metal ion (Hg2+) trapping

Abstract A heavy metal ion adsorbent that binds Hg2+ ions from solution to a capacity of 0.74 mmol/g has been prepared by grafting 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane to the intragallery framework walls of a porous fluorohectorite clay heterostructure (PCH). Up to 67% of the immobilized thiol groups are accessible for Hg2+ trapping. This represents a significant improvement over previously reported clay-based ion adsorbents in which pore blockage limits the access of metal ions to fewer than 10% of the complexing sites. The uniform open-framework mesoporosity of PCH materials greatly facilitates access to most of the reactive sites attached to the pore walls. The possible use of PCH materials in future environmental remediation efforts is briefly discussed.
Role of Domain II, Loop 2 Residues of Bacillus thuringiensis CryIAb δ-Endotoxin in Reversible and Irreversible Binding to Manduca sexta and Heliothis virescens

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to examine the role of domain II, loop 2 residues, 368RRPFNIGI375, of Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein CryIAb. Alanine substitution of residues 368RRP370, called B4, abolished potency toward Manduca sexta and Heliothis virescens, and the loss of toxicity was correlated directly to substantially reduced binding affinity to brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) prepared from the target insect midguts. These results indicated that these positive charges might be essential to orient the toxin to midgut receptor molecule(s). The role of residue Phe371 of CryIAb toxin to M. sexta was investigated by substituting a series of residues at this position. Irreversible binding and toxicity were affected significantly by hydrophilic, aliphatic, and smaller side-chain residues such as Cys, Val, Leu, and Ser but not by Tyr or Trp. A hydrophobic aromatic side-chain residue at position 371 was therefore essential for irreversible binding of CryIAb toxin in M. sexta. The role of residues 370PFNIGI375 of CryIAb toxin on H. virescens was also examined. Mutants D2 (deletion of residues 370-375), G374A (alanine substitution of Gly374), and I375A had reduced toxicity to H. virescens. In contrast to our findings with M. sexta, the reduction in toxicity of these mutants was correlated directly with loss of initial binding to H. virescens BBMV, indicating that these residues perform functionally distinct roles in binding and toxicity to different insects. In ligand blots, CryIAb recognized a major 210-kDa peptide in M. sexta BBMV and a 170-kDa peptide in H. virescens BBMV.
Lithium-ion battery cell-level control using constrained model predictive control and equivalent circuit models

Abstract This paper introduces a novel application of model predictive control (MPC) to cell-level charging of a lithium-ion battery utilizing an equivalent circuit model of battery dynamics. The approach employs a modified form of the MPC algorithm that caters for direct feed-though signals in order to model near-instantaneous battery ohmic resistance. The implementation utilizes a 2 nd -order equivalent circuit discrete-time state-space model based on actual cell parameters; the control methodology is used to compute a fast charging profile that respects input, output, and state constraints. Results show that MPC is well-suited to the dynamics of the battery control problem and further suggest significant performance improvements might be achieved by extending the result to electrochemical models.
The pivotal twin histidines and aromatic triad of the Escherichia coli ammonium channel AmtB can be replaced

In Escherichia coli, each subunit of the trimeric channel protein AmtB carries a hydrophobic pore for transport of NH4+ across the cytoplasmic membrane. Positioned along this substrate conduction pathway are two conserved elements—a pair of hydrogen-bonded histidines (H168/H318) located within the pore itself and a set of aromatic residues (F107/W148/F215) at its periplasmic entrance—thought to be critical to AmtB function. Using site-directed mutagenesis and suppressor genetics, we examined the requirement for these elements in NH4+ transport. This analysis shows that AmtB can accommodate, by either direct substitution or suppressor generation, acidic residues at one or both positions of the H168/H318 twin-histidine site while retaining near wild-type activity. Similarly, study of the F107/W148/F215 triad indicates that good-to-excellent AmtB function is preserved upon individual and simultaneous replacement of these aromatic amino acids with aliphatic residues. Our findings lead us to conclude that these elements and their component parts are not required for AmtB function, but instead serve to optimize its performance.
A pilot study of leakage and compartmentalization of the contrast agent Ablavar

Methods Simulation study: In vitro studies have shown Ablavar to be 80-90% bound to albumin, with up to 10 fold relaxivity difference between bound and free fractions. We performed simulations to assess the effect of extravasation of the free fraction on signal. Vascular fraction measurements were simulated assuming slow two-compartment exchange for different contrast agent injection concentrations, binding fractions, bound and free relaxivity, and true vascular fractions. Volunteer study: five healthy volunteers (4 males, average age 33) underwent T1 measurement pre and 2 minutes post administration of five injections of 0.006 mmol/kg (a fifth of a single dose) Ablavar. Steady-state T1 was mapped using a cardiac gated Modified Look Locker Inversion Recovery (MOLLI) pulse sequence (slice thickness 8 mm, FOV 300 x 400 mm, matrix 256 x 172, effective TI 100 ms). Image Processing: Maps of vascular fraction were calculated from signal difference maps, according to a slow water exchange model. Fv was measured in the myocardium, dome of the liver, and skeletal muscle visible on the short axis MOLLI images, and was corrected for Ablavar extravasation based on the leakage study. The true fv and exchange rate of water protons was determined by chi square minimization between data and simulations of the effect of water exchange on fv according to the two compartment water exchange model presented by Donahue et al. (1996).
A Proposed Statistical Protocol for the Analysis of Metabolic Toxicological Data Derived from NMR Spectroscopy

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a non-invasive method of acquiring a metabolic profile from biofluids. This metabolic information may provide keys to the early detection of exposure to a toxin. A typical NMR toxicology data set has low sample size and high dimensionality. Thus, traditional pattern recognition techniques are not always feasible. In this paper, we evaluate several common alternatives for isolating these biomarkers. The fold test, unpaired t-test, and paired t-test were performed on an NMR-derived toxicological data set and results were compared. The paired t-test method was preferred, due to its ability to attribute statistical significance, to take into consideration consistency of a single subject over a time course, and to mitigate the low sample, high dimensionality problem. We then grouped the resulting statistically salient potential biomarkers based on their significance patterns and compared results to several known metabolites affected by the tested toxin. Based on these results, we present a statistical protocol of sequential t-tests and clustering techniques for identifying putative biomarkers. We then present the results of this protocol applied to a specific real world toxicological data set.
Antagonistic effects of prolactin and oxytocin on tail fin regression and acid phosphatase activity in metamorphosing Ambystoma tigrinum.

Abstract We have found that the inhibition of thyroxine-induced tail fin regression by prolactin in larval tiger salamanders is antagonized by oxytocin. Other workers have shown that prolactin blocks the rise in activity of several hydrolytic enzymes that occurs in regressing tissue during metamorphosis. Here, we examine the effects of prolactin and oxytocin—given alone and in combination—on tail fin regression and acid phosphatase specific activity in this tissue. Both long-term (12-day) and short-term (48-hr) treatment paradigms using prolactin and oxytocin are investigated. The results show that (1) long-term prolactin treatment of metamorphosing larvae blocks fin regression and the rise in acid phosphatase specific activity seen in metamorphosing controls; (2) short-term prolactin treatment of metamorphosing larvae inhibits fin regression within 48 hr, but does not block the rise in acid phosphatase activity seen in controls; (3) oxytocin antagonizes the effects of prolactin on tail fin regression; and (4) oxytocin treatment (long-term or short-term) of metamorphosing larvae causes an elevation of acid phosphatase activity above that seen in metamorphosing controls. With long-term treatment, this effect of oxytocin is slightly antagonized by prolactin; with short-term treatment, no antagonism is observed even though an effect of prolactin on fin height is still evident. We have interpreted these results as suggesting that the effect of prolactin on hydrolase activity is not a prerequisite for its inhibitory effect on fin regression to occur.
Evidence that base stacking potential in annealed 3' overhangs determines polymerase utilization in yeast nonhomologous end joining.

Abstract Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) directly rejoins DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) when recombination is not possible. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae , the DNA polymerase Pol4 is required for gap filling when a short 3′ overhang must prime DNA synthesis. Here, we examined further end variations to test specific hypotheses regarding Pol4 usage in NHEJ in vivo . Surprisingly, Pol4 dependence at 3′ overhangs was reduced when a nonhomologous 5′ flap nucleotide was present across from the gap, even though the mismatched nucleotide was corrected, not incorporated. In contrast, a gap with a 5′ deoxyribosephosphate (dRP) was as Pol4-dependent as a gap with a 5′ phosphate, demonstrating the importance of the downstream base in relaxing the Pol4 requirement. Combined with prior observations of Pol4-independent NHEJ of nicks with 5′ hydroxyls, we suggest that base stacking interactions across the broken strands can stabilize a joint, allowing another polymerase to substitute for Pol4. This model predicts that a unique function of Pol4 is to actively stabilize template strands that lack stacking continuity. We also explored whether NHEJ end processing can occur via short- and long-patch pathways analogous to base excision repair. Results demonstrated that 5′ dRPs could be removed in the absence of Pol4 lyase activity. The 5′ flap endonuclease Rad27 was not required for repair in this or any situation tested, indicating that still other NHEJ 5′ nucleases must exist.
Accelerator measurements needed to resolve uncertainties in primary cosmic ray composition and inelasticity

We discuss an intrinsic ambiguity on the interpretation of results on cosmic-ray physics, related to the impossibility of deducing two unknowns: the chemical composition of primary cosmic rays and the dynamics of particle interactions in the fragmentation region, based only on a single measurement. We indicate how measurements of particle production at and near zero degrees{emdash}at extreme values of rapidity (or pseudorapidity){emdash}can overcome these uncertainties. Experiments of this nature are possible at the Fermilab Tevatron and will be possible at the CERN Large Hadron Collider, and should resolve the questions concerning the interpretation of cosmic ray data up to the highest measured energies. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Measurement of anisotropic behavior of dry cohesive and cohesionless powders using a cubical triaxial tester

Abstract Anisotropy of dry cohesive and cohesionless powders and the effect of particle shape and sample deposition method on the anisotropy were investigated using a cubical triaxial tester. Hydrostatic triaxial compression (HTC) tests and conventional triaxial compression (CTC) tests were conducted on four test powders: two cohesive, wheat flour (irregular-shaped particles) and potato starch (rounded); and two cohesionless, glass beads (spherical and milled glass fibers (cylindrical). The loading-unloading cycle for HTC tests was from 0-190-0 kPa. The CTC tests were conducted at 34.5 kPa confining (σ2 = σ3) pressure, where σ2 and σ3 are intermediate and minor principal stresses, respectively. Two different deposition methods, plunging and tapping, were used to prepare cubical (50 mm) test samples. Test results showed that wheat flour and glass beads were basically isotropic materials in the stress range used in this study. Potato starch showed some anisotropy which tended to increase with applied stress. Significant anisotropy was observed for milled glass fibers (0.05 level of significance). The sample deposition method influenced the anisotropy of powder depending on the particle shape and cohesion. The anisotropy of powder was strongly dependent upon the particle shape. Cohesion was found to minimize the effect of sample deposition method. The material parameter values for the linear elastic isotropic and anisotropic constitutive equations were determined based on test data. No large difference between material parameter values was found for wheat flour, potato starch and glass beads. However, the percent difference between elastic modulus for milled glass fibers reached 37.2%, whereas for the Poisson ratio this difference was 800%.
The antimicrobial agent melittin exhibits powerful in vitro inhibitory effects on the Lyme disease spirochete

Borrelia burgdorferi has demonstrated a capacity to resist the in vitro effects of powerful eukaryotic and prokaryotic metabolic inhibitors. However, treatment of laboratory cultures on Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly medium with melittin, a 26-amino acid peptide contained in honeybee venom, showed immediate and profound inhibitory effects when they were monitored by dark-field microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and optical density measurements. Furthermore, at melittin concentrations as low as 100 microg/mL, virtually all spirochete motility ceased within seconds of inhibitor addition. Ultrastructural examination of these spirochetes by scanning electron microscopy revealed obvious alterations in the surface envelope of the spirochetes. The extraordinary sensitivity of B. burgdorferi to mellitin may provide both a research reagent useful in the study of selective permeability in microorganisms and important clues to the development of effective new drugs against lyme disease.
PROTECTION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI CELLS AGAINST THE LETHAL EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET AND X IRRADIATION BY PRIOR X IRRADIATION: A GENETIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDY

— When log phase cells of wild-type E. coli K-12 were maintained in growth medium after X irradiation, they became progressively more resistant to a subsequent exposure to UV or X radiation. The time to achieve maximum resistance was about 60 min. The uvrB, uvrD, polA and certain exrA strains (W3110 background) also demonstrated this X ray-induced resistance to subsequent UV or X irradiation but recA, recB, lex (AB1157 or W3110 backgrounds) and other exrA strains (AB1157 background) did not. The resistance induced in wild-type, uvrB and uvrD cells was characterized by the production or enhancement of a shoulder on the survival curves obtained for the second irradiation, while the resistance induced in the W3110 exrA strains was expressed only as a change in slope. The induction of resistance in the W3110 exrA strain was not inhibited by the presence of chloramphenicol, but that in the wild-type cells appeared to be. The production or enhancement of a shoulder on the survival curves of the rec+lex+exr+ cells is consistent with the concept of the radiation induction of repair enzymes. Alternative explanations, however, are discussed.
IS A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION STILL RELEVANT? SURVEY RESULTS FROM GRADUATES AND UNDERGRADUATES

This research evaluates the support for eight liberal arts goals: thinking clearly; knowing the physical universe; cultural awareness; moral awareness; valuing thought; thought/feeling relationships; independent action; and tolerance and concern for others. (1) The survey of 1,014 consists of 541 graduates and 473 undergraduates of a small southern liberal arts university. A low response rate for graduates led to comparisons of returns to the original sample frame in terms of: year graduated, sex composition, and ratings by survey return date. (2) the GER scale consists of 8 subscales and 33 items. Each item is rated by importance and gains in college. Cronbach's Alpha for subscales ranged from .67 to .82 with an overall ∝ =.928. (3) Results. All goals were rated as Very Important to Extremely Important. GER goals were rated more important by undergraduates who were: women, leaders, community volunteers, and those with out‐of‐class experience. Tolerance and Concern for Others was the most important goal. Greatest gains were in thinking clearly. Support of the liberal arts program, defined as a combination of gains and importance, increased from freshman to senior class. Support was unexpectedly strong for more affective components of the program. Limitations of this research are used to suggest future areas of study.
Simulation of Venus atmospheric entry by earth re-entry.

Atmospheric gas composition effects on shock layer radiative heat transfer and heat shield response in Venus entry simulated by earth reentry
STUDY APPROACHES, PROCESSES AND STRATEGIES: ARE THREE PERSPECTIVES BETTER THAN ONE?

Summary. A sample of 383 students in educational psychology classes at a large American university completed three inventories, one based on cognitive psychology, one on approaches to learning, one on autonomous studying. A series of factor analyses of items and subscales showed common emphases that transcend differences in theoretical background and terminology: effort-intensive organised study; intention to understand, personalise and integrate the information being learned; strategic or context-sensitive study behaviour; and an unselective intention to reproduce information, impervious to external cues and without personal involvement.
MEBN: A language for first-order Bayesian knowledge bases

Although classical first-order logic is the de facto standard logical foundation for artificial intelligence, the lack of a built-in, semantically grounded capability for reasoning under uncertainty renders it inadequate for many important classes of problems. Probability is the best-understood and most widely applied formalism for computational scientific reasoning under uncertainty. Increasingly expressive languages are emerging for which the fundamental logical basis is probability. This paper presents Multi-Entity Bayesian Networks (MEBN), a first-order language for specifying probabilistic knowledge bases as parameterized fragments of Bayesian networks. MEBN fragments (MFrags) can be instantiated and combined to form arbitrarily complex graphical probability models. An MFrag represents probabilistic relationships among a conceptually meaningful group of uncertain hypotheses. Thus, MEBN facilitates representation of knowledge at a natural level of granularity. The semantics of MEBN assigns a probability distribution over interpretations of an associated classical first-order theory on a finite or countably infinite domain. Bayesian inference provides both a proof theory for combining prior knowledge with observations, and a learning theory for refining a representation as evidence accrues. A proof is given that MEBN can represent a probability distribution on interpretations of any finitely axiomatizable first-order theory.
Exact solutions for wave propagation over a patch of large bottom corrugations

Applying the Floquet theory for linear motions (Howard & Yu, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 593, 2007, pp. 209–234) to the problem of wave propagation over a patch of periodic bottom corrugations in an otherwise flat seabed, we show that exact solutions to this scattering problem can be constructed without any constraint on the bottom amplitude and/or slope. These solutions are able to describe both the slowly and fast varying aspects of the flow, in contrast to the analyses based on the general ideas of slowly varying waves. We use as an example the well-studied Bragg scattering by a patch of bottom corrugations to present some quantitative results and comparisons with experimental data.
How Does Trade Evolve in the Aftermath of Financial Crises

We analyze trade dynamics following past episodes of financial crises. Using an augmented gravity model and 179 crisis episodes from 1970-2009, we find that there is a sharp decline in a country’s imports in the year following a crisis—19 percent, on average—and this decline is persistent, with imports recovering to their gravity-predicted levels only after 10 years. In contrast, exports of the crisis country are not adversely affected, and they remain close to the predicted level in both the short and medium-term.
Replacing the depletion approximation

Abstract The general solution recently offered for the surface and step-junction problem has a parabolic potential vs position asymptote extending toward the surface or junction. The vertex of this asymptotic parabola defines a spatial origin that is invariant with respect to the general solution and that facilitates analysis. In a depleted surface or junction problem, for example, the expression x / L D =−√ s 2( W −1) relates position and potential with an error less than one-third of one percent from W = 3 to W = ∞ in the absence of an inversion layer, where W is normalized potential referred to the bulk potential and L D is the general Debye length. An accurate asymptotic expression relating position and potential toward the bulk (away from the surface or junction) is ( x / L d ) =−0.41209-In W when the same spatial origin is employed. A single exponential expression serves to bridge the gap between the asymptotic expressions with accuracy overall of ±3%. Because these expressions are far more accurate than the corresponding depletion-approximation expression and yet are very simple and easy to use, we offer this approximate treatment of the surface and equilibrium-step-junction problems as a replacement for the depletion approximation. The location of the depletion-approximation boundary is pinpointed for several junctions.
Motion-free hybrid design laser beam propagation analyzer using a digital micromirror device and a variable focus liquid lens

To the best of our knowledge, we propose the first motion-free laser beam propagation analyzer with a hybrid design using a digital micromirror device (DMD) and a liquid electronically controlled variable focus lens (ECVFL). Unlike prior analyzers that require profiling the beam at multiple locations along the light propagation axis, the proposed analyzer profiles the beam at the same plane for multiple values of the ECVFL focal length, thus eliminating beam profiler assembly motion. In addition to measuring standard Gaussian beam parameters, the analyzer can also be used to measure the M2 beam propagation parameter of a multimode beam. Proof-of-concept beam parameter measurements with the proposed analyzer are successfully conducted for a 633 nm laser beam. Given the all-digital nature of the DMD-based profiling and all-analog motion-free nature of the ECVFL beam focus control, the proposed analyzer versus prior art promises better repeatability, speed, and reliability.
Streptococcus viridans intra-amniotic infection associated with antecedent cunnilingus.

Introduction of bacteria into the amniotic cavity has been associated with oral sex through an ascending infectious route. Previous reports have implicated both Capnocytophaga and Fusobacterium nucleatum via this process. We report a case of Streptococcus viridans intra-amniotic infection occurring at 25 weeks' gestation. Patient questioning revealed a close temporal relationship between the onset of symptoms and previous episodes of cunnilingus. The diagnosis of subclinical bacterial colonization of the amniotic fluid should be considered in patients presenting with preterm labour and no apparent aetiology. A history of recent cunnilingus may be associated with the presence of Streptococcus viridans in the amniotic fluid.
Severe colitis due to Strongyloides stercoralis in a patient with cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode endemic to the United States. Infection with Strongyloides is frequently asymptomatic or characterized by chronic mild gastrointestinal symptoms. 1 Hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated S. stercoralis are well described in immunocompromised patients.2-6 In addition to the ability to disseminate widely, Strongyloides is unique in that it may reside in the host and produce clinical illness for 30 or more years after exposure. The life cycle of Strongyloides is responsible for these characteristics.,9 We present a case of severe colitis secondary to Strongyloides occurring in a patient without evidence of dissemination. In addition, Strongyloides was shown to be present at the time of a major lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the same patient 10 months earlier.
Photocrosslinkable pMHC monomers stain T cells specifically and cause ligand-bound TCRs to be 'preferentially' transported to the cSMAC

Tetramers of peptide and major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) are very useful for the detection of specific T cell antigen receptors; however, they have several drawbacks. Davis and colleagues describe photocrosslinkable pMHC monomers with several important advantages and use these to probe the immunological synapse.
Factors influencing acute toxicity estimates of hydrogen sulfide to freshwater invertebrates

Abstract Acute bioassay tests of hydrogen sulfide were run on Assellus militaris Hay, Crangonyx richmondensis laurentianus Bousfield. Gammarus pseudolimnacus Bousfield. Bactis vagans McDonough. Ephemera simulans Walker and Hexagenia limbata (Serville). Size and type of test chamber, type of substrate for barrowing forms or those seeking shelter in gravel, oxygen concentration, pH, and season of collection influenced the sensitivity of organisms. Hydrogen sulfide exposure at sublethal levels reduced feeding activity of Gammarus . Data indicate that test conditions should approximate natural habitat conditions as closely as practical. The most acceptable 96-h LC 50 hydrogen sulfide concentrations for the various species are: Assellus 1.07 mg 1 −1 Crangonyx 0.84 mg 1 −1 . Gammarus 0.059 mg 1 −1 . Baetis 0.020 mg 1 −1 . Ephemera 0.316 mg 1 −1 , and Hexagenia , 0.111 mg 1 −1 . Chronic exposure tests now in progress suggest that the no-effect levels are 8–12 per cent of the 96-h LC 50 .
Effect of substitution on irreversible binding and transformation of aromatic amines with soils in aqueous systems

Predicting the irreversible interactions between aromatic amines and soil is essential for assessing mobility, bioavailability and subsequent remediation of aromatic amine-contaminated sites. The kinetics of irreversible binding and/or transformation of a series of para-substituted anilines and α-naphthylamine were studied on several surface soils for a one- to two-month equilibration period. To estimate reaction rates, a heterogeneous reactivity model was developed assuming that irreversible reactions are first-order with respect to the amine solution concentration; activation energies vary linearly as a function of reacted sites; and available soil reactive sites change over time but remain more numerous than sites consumed. The validity of the latter assumption was demonstrated for the experimental variables in these studies. The observed change in reaction rates with time was best described using a biphasic approach where apparent rate constants (kapp) and the relationship between activation energies ...
Maintaining data integrity by documenting the system: putting database policy in writing

Most libraries already have some documentation. Software vendors provide manuals for the “out‐of‐the‐box” programs they sell. The bibliographic utilities also provide documentation, which libraries use for guidance on entering data into the utilities. System documentation may exist also in scattered guides, “cheat sheets,” and “how to” manuals that have been developed for staff use as the need has arisen. Relevant documentation may reside even in non‐library sources. With all this existing documentation, one might conclude that there is no need for yet more system documentation. Yet it is precisely because of the scattered nature of the documentation, the selective use of these sources, the inadequacy of some of the sources, and, most importantly, the need for standardized input into the database that there is a need to develop adequate documentation for a particular library's system.
A mechanism for the accumulation and retention of heavy metals in tidal freshwater marshes of the upper Delaware River estuary

A mechanism for the accumulation and retention of heavy metals in tidal freshwater marshes is proposed. Although metals are incorporated into tidal freshwater marsh substrates through the year by accumulations into live stem and leaf material, absorption by root systems, and transportation on suspended sediments, the bulk of metal accumulations occurs through the incorporation and burial of plant litter. Plant litter acts as a sponge, absorbing metals and holding them as a temporary sink. Due to high sediment accumulation rates and high rates of decomposition, the litter and its associated metals are rapidly buried and incorporated into the marsh substrate. Since litter is most abundant late in the growing season, metal accumulations are greatest during the fall and subsequently dominates the long-term accumulation of metals preserved in the substrate. To utilize preserved metal concentrations in quantitatively assessing historic regional metal budgets, research would be required to determine the relationship between fall metal accumulations and the annual exposure of metals these marshes are subjected to. Differences between salt and freshwater tidal marshes in their ability to assimilate metals from amended soils are due to differences in the accumulation of organic material into the substrates. In tidal salt marshes there is a well developed belowground mat of roots and rhizomes that absorbs metals directly into the substrate while in tidal freshwater marshes metals accumulate primarily in plant litter lying on top of the marsh surface and rely on its burial for incorporation into the substrate. The sequence presented here demonstrates a mechanism for the building of long-term metal sinks in marshes of the upper Delaware River estuary.
Psychiatric mental health nursing consultation: a two-model system in a general hospital.

A consultation system was organized that used master's level nursing consultants with knowledge of consultation, crisis, group, family, and systems theory. A crisis model was devised at the outset to provide skilled psychiatric mental health nursing consultations as the need arose in the general hospital. Later, a service-based model was devised in which three psychiatric mental health consultants were assigned to designated specialty areas. All specialty nurses consulting in the general hospital were guided by a general nursing policy.The psychiatric mental health nurse consultation system in the general hospital provided a theory base, set criteria for nurse consultants, and outlined the process. Patterns of patient behaviors and work problems were identified and implications for nursing interventions and evaluation were explored. The identification of the preponderance of referrals of angry and depressed patients clearly recognizes a learning need in the general hospital that can be met by staff develo...
Validation of diffusion tensor MRI-based muscle fiber tracking

Diffusion-tensor (DT) MRI fiber tracking may potentially be used for in vivo structural analysis. The purpose of this study was to assess quantitatively the ability of a DT-MRI fiber-tracking algorithm to measure the fiber orientation (pennation) in skeletal muscle in vivo. In five adult Sprague-Dawley rats, the pennation angle (θ) was measured in the rat lateral gastrocnemius with DT-MRI (θDT-MRI) and by direct anatomical inspection (DAI) (θDAI). The mean θDT-MRI was not significantly different from the mean θDAI. In addition, the two methods were highly correlated (r = 0.89) and the regression of θDT-MRI on θDAI resulted in a slope not significantly different from 1 and an intercept not significantly different from zero. These data indicate that DT-MRI-based fiber tracking as implemented here is a valid tool for in vivo structural analysis of small-animal skeletal muscle. Magn Reson Med 48:97–104, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CHOW GROUPS, CHOW COHOMOLOGY, AND LINEAR VARIETIES

We compute the Chow groups and the Fulton–MacPherson operational Chow cohomology ring for a class of singular rational varieties including toric varieties. The computation is closely related to the weight filtration on the ordinary cohomology of these varieties. We use the computation to answer one of the open problems about operational Chow cohomology: it does not have a natural map to ordinary cohomology.
Comparing initial-data sets for binary black holes

We compare the results of constructing binary black hole initial data with three different decompositions of the constraint equations of general relativity. For each decomposition we compute the initial data using a superposition of two Kerr-Schild black holes to fix the freely specifiable data. We find that these initial-data sets differ significantly, with the ADM energy varying by as much as 5% of the total mass. We find that all initial-data sets currently used for evolutions might contain unphysical gravitational radiation of the order of several percent of the total mass. This is comparable to the amount of gravitational-wave energy observed during the evolved collision. More astrophysically realistic initial data will require more careful choices of the freely specifiable data and boundary conditions for both the metric and extrinsic curvature. However, we find that the choice of extrinsic curvature affects the resulting data sets more strongly than the choice of conformal metric.
Stable maintenance of glutamate receptors and other synaptic components in long‐term hippocampal slices

Cultured hippocampal slices retain many in vivo features with regard to circuitry, synaptic plasticity, and pathological responsiveness, while remaining accessible to a variety of experimental manipulations. The present study used ligand binding, immunostaining, and in situ hybridization assays to determine the stability of AMPA- and NMDA-type glutamate receptors and other synaptic proteins in slice cultures obtained from 11 day postnatal rats and maintained in culture for at least 4 weeks. Binding of the glutamate receptor ligands [3H]AMPA and [3H]MK-801 exhibited a small and transient decrease immediately after slice preparation, but the binding levels recovered by culture day (CD) 5-10 and remained stable for at least 30 days in culture. Autoradiographic analyses with both ligands revealed labeling of dendritic fields similar to adult tissue. In addition, slices at CD 10-20 expressed a low to high affinity [3H]AMPA binding ratio that was comparable with that in the adult hippocampus (10:1). AMPA receptor subunits GluR1 and GluR2/3 and an NMDA receptor subunit (NMDAR1) exhibited similar postcutting decreases as that exhibited by the ligand binding levels, followed by stable recovery. The GluR4 AMPA receptor subunit was not evident during the first 10 CDs but slowly reached detectable levels thereafter in some slices. Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques revealed adult-like labeling of subunit proteins in dendritic processes and their mRNAs in neuronal cell body layers. Long-term maintenance was evident for other synapse-related proteins, including synaptophysin, neural cell adhesion molecule isoforms (NCAMs), and an AMPA receptor related antigen (GR53), as well as for certain structural and cytoskeletal components (e.g., myelin basic protein, spectrin, microtubule-associated proteins). In summary, following an initial and brief depression, many synaptic components were expressed at steady-state levels in long-term hippocampal slices, thus allowing the use of such a culture system for investigations into mechanisms of brain synapses.
COX-2 overexpression as a biomarker of early cervical carcinogenesis: A pilot study

Abstract Background Recent studies have demonstrated that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is up-regulated in a number of cancers. Selective inhibition of COX-2 offers a potential pharmacological strategy for cancer prevention. The COX-2 isoform is induced in response to inflammatory factors and is expressed in premalignant lesions, including cervical tissues. Few studies have investigated COX-2 expression as a biomarker for early cervical carcinogenesis. In this preliminary study, we assessed the variability of COX-2 overexpression in cervical premalignant lesions. Methods Fifty-two patients were recruited and consented. Paired abnormal and control (normal) cervical biopsies were obtained and evaluated for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), inflammation, histopathological diagnosis, and COX-2 protein concentration by ELISA. Paired Student's t-test and general linear regression models were used to compare mean COX-2 protein concentrations among biopsy samples and selected risk variables. Results Forty-seven of fifty-two paired biopsies were evaluated. COX-2 protein concentrations were 4.9-fold greater in abnormal biopsies (CIN 1 and CIN 2) than normal biopsies. COX-2 was also significantly increased in inflammation-positive biopsies. No significant association was found between COX-2 levels and HPV high-risk positivity, age, parity, STI history, or hormonal contraceptive use, but the sample size was small. Conclusions These results suggest that COX-2 induction begins in the premalignant phase of cervical carcinogenesis and is correlated with inflammation. A trial using a much larger number of specimens will allow further development of our understanding of COX-2 as a biomarker for use in chemoprevention trials.
Enhancing alloreactivity does not restore GVHD induction but augments skin graft rejection by CD4+ effector memory T cells

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) caused by donor T cells attacking recipient tissues is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). Studies have shown that effector memory T (TEM) cells do not cause GVHD but are capable of immune functions post-transplant, including graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effects, but the reasons for this are unclear. In mice, the TEM pool may have a less diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire than naive T (TN) cells with fewer alloreactive clones. We therefore tested whether enhancing the alloreactivity of TEM cells would restore their ability to cause GVHD. In an MHC-matched system, alloreactive TEM cells were created by transferring GVHD effector cells into syngeneic recipients and allowing conversion to TEM cells. Upon retransfer to freshly transplanted recipients, these cells caused only mild GVHD. Similarly, in an MHC-mismatched system, TEM cells with a proven increased precursor frequency of alloreactive clones only caused limited GVHD. Nonetheless, these same cells mounted strong in vitro alloresponses and caused rapid skin graft rejection. TEM cells created from CD4+ T cells that had undergone lymphopenia-induced proliferation (LIP) also caused only mild GVHD. Our findings establish that conversion to TEM cells significantly reduces GVHD potency, even in cells with a substantially enhanced alloreactive repertoire.
Family environment, coping, and mental health in adolescents attending therapeutic day schools

Abstract Objective This study examined associations among family environment, coping, and emotional and conduct problems in adolescents attending therapeutic day schools due to mental health problems. Methods Adolescents (N = 417; 30.2% female) ages 13–20 (M = 15.25) reported on their family environment (affective involvement and functioning), coping (emotion-focused support-seeking, cognitive restructuring, avoidant actions), and emotional and conduct problems. Results Poorer family environment was associated with less emotion-focused support-seeking and cognitive restructuring, and more emotional and conduct problems. Emotional problems were negatively associated with cognitive restructuring, and conduct problems were negatively associated with all coping strategies. Cognitive restructuring accounted for the relationship between family environment and emotional problems. Cognitive restructuring and emotion-focused support-seeking each partially accounted for the relationship between family functioning and conduct problems, but not the relationship between family affective involvement and conduct problems. Conclusions Findings implicate the role of coping in the relationship between family environment and adolescent mental health.
Numerical study of turbulent reacting flows in solid-propellant ducted rocket combustors

A theoretical model has been developed to investigate turbulent mixing and combustion processes in the main combustion chamber of a solid-propellant ducted rocket. The formulation is based on Favre-averaged conservation equations with a two-step chemical reaction scheme and is solved by a semi-implicit finite-difference method. Turbulence closure is achieved using a well-known k-e two-equation model. Calculated flow structures show good agreement with preliminary experimental results obtained from the schlieren flow-visualization study. The influences of various parameters, including dome height and inlet flow angle, on the propulsive performance of the system are investigated in detail.
Send Your Smart Cards to Graduate School

A smart card looks and feels like a simple credit card but it is actually a minicomputer without a display screen or keyboard. And due to their proliferation in corporate environments, smart cards represent a major security risk. How can you reduce that risk while still reaping their benefits? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micropatterning gradients and controlling surface densities of photoactivatable biomolecules on self-assembled monolayers of oligo(ethylene glycol) alkanethiolates

Abstract Background: Bioactive molecules that are covalently immobilized in patterns on surfaces have previously been used to control or study cell behavior such as adhesion, spreading, movement or differentiation. Photoimmobilization techniques can be used, however, to control not only the spatial pattern of molecular immobilization, termed the micropattern, but also the surface density of the molecules — a characteristic that has not been previously exploited. Results: Oligopeptides containing the bioactive Arg-Gly-Asp cell-adhesion sequence were immobilized upon self-assembled monolayers of an oligo(ethylene glycol) alkanethiolate in patterns that were visualized and quantified by autoradiography. The amount and pattern of immobilized peptide were controlled by manipulating the exposure of the sample to a LIV lamp or a laser beam. Patterns of peptides, including a density gradient, were used to control the location and number of adherent cells and also the cell shape. Conclusions: A photo immobilization technique for decorating surfaces with micropatterns that consist of variable densities of bioactive molecules is described. The efficacy of the patterns for controlling cell adhesion and shape has been demonstrated. This technique is useful for the study of cell behavior on micropatterns.