cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total synthesis of phorboxazole A. 2. Assembly of subunits and completion of the synthesis.

Subunits of phorboxazole A containing C1−C2, C3−C8, C9−C19, C20−C32, C33−C41, and C42−C46 were connected in a sequence that first linked C32 with C33 and then C41 with C42. A C3−C8 fragment was joined to C9−C19, and the assembled unit was then joined with the left half of 1. Closure of the macrolide was accomplished by esterification of the C24 alcohol followed by intramolecular Horner−Wadsworth−Emmons condensation to set the (E)-C2−C3 alkene.
Induction-heated furnace for growth of alpha-silicon carbide crystals

Abstract A Lely-type furnace utilizing 10 kHz induction heating has proved to have significant advantages over resistance-heated furnaces for the growth of high quality α-SiC crystals. A massive graphite susceptor, with good thermal isolation from the cooled parts of the furnace, can be used. This design leads to low thermal gradients and freedom from “hot spots” — conditions ideal for reproducible growth of large thin platelets of SiC. Other benefits of the design are long useful heater life (about 240 hr at 2600 °C) and general ease of operation.
The regulatory kinetic properties of porcine hepatic glucokinase.

Porcine hepatic glucokinase (ATP: D-hexose 6-phosphotransferase EC 2.7.1.1) has been purified by a modification of the procedure for its purification from rats. However, difficulties were encountered with endogenous proteases and the reliability of a source for porcine livers. The molecular weight has been determined to be 60 400 ± 1400 by sodium dodecyl sulfate, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme has been characterized kinetically. The parameter values, S0.5 (glucose) and Hill coefficient (nH) are 2.4 mM and 1.9 respectively under sulfhydryl-reducing conditions. The enzyme undergoes the two sulfhydryl-related decays of its activity previously observed in the enzyme isolated from rat (Tippett PS, Neet KE: Arch Biochem Biophys 222:285–298, 1983). The enzyme is inhibited by palmitoyl-CoA, Ki (apparent) = 1.0 µM, nH = 1.8; this concentration of inhibitor is significantly below its critical micelle concentration. Physically and kinetically glucokinase isolated from pig is similar to the enzyme isolated from rat. The porcine system provides a second source for isolation and further characterization of this important and unusual enzyme.
Risk factors for sonographic internal anal sphincter gaps 6-12 months after delivery complicated by anal sphincter tear

Objective The objective of the study was to identify risk factors for internal anal sphincter (IAS) gaps on postpartum endoanal ultrasound in women with obstetric anal sphincter tear. Study Design This prospective study included 106 women from the Childbirth and Pelvic Symptoms Imaging Supplementary Study who had third- or fourth-degree perineal laceration at delivery and endoanal ultrasound 6-12 months postpartum. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact and t tests and logistic regression. Results Mean (± SD) age was 27.7 (± 6.2) years. Seventy-nine women (76%) were white and 22 (21%) black. Thirty-seven (35%) had sonographic IAS gaps. Risk factors for gaps included fourth- vs third-degree perineal laceration (odds ratio [OR] 15.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.8, 50) and episiotomy (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2, 9.1). Black race (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.05, 0.96) was protective. Conclusion In women with obstetric anal sphincter repairs, fourth-degree tears and episiotomy are associated with more frequent sonographic IAS gaps.
The impact of climate change on plant epigenomes

The recent findings of the Arabidopsis epigenome have raised many questions. Is epimutation a widespread phenomenon in plant species and, if so, is the rate of epimutation specific for each species? It is also unclear whether climate change will simply ramp up the rate of spontaneous epimutation, rather than generating epialleles at predictable loci. Another area for future research is the potential impact of other greenhouse gases, such as methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide, on plant epigenomes. Answers to these questions will have important ramifications for plant breeders and, ultimately, our ability to improve food security in the face of climate change.Finally, elevated CO2 is a new type of stress that plants have not been exposed to for the past several million years. Thus, in contrast to stresses such as heat, drought, salt, and pathogens, plants likely have not evolved a specific mechanism for responding to elevated CO2, and it may lead to a nonspecific, dramatic response as the plants try to find a way to deal with this significant stress. Studying the impacts of climate change in controlled experiments using Arabidopsis as a model may shed light on these questions, providing a starting ground for exploring how economically important crops will respond to the coming challenges.
Exact time-dependent analysis for the kramers equation

Abstract An exact solution for the Kramers equation is presented for a general class of time-dependent external forces.
Cross-listing and Firm Growth

Extant research posits that cross-listing improves firms' access to lower cost external financing. But so far, there is scarce evidence that improved access to external funds through cross-listing contributes to higher firm growth. Documenting the relation between firm growth and cross-listing is critical because the presumption in prior research is that funds raised via cross-listing will be channeled towards potentially profitable projects. Using a sample of firms from thirty-seven countries that are cross-listed in the USA, we find a positive association between cross-listing and subsequent externally financed firm growth rates. However, we do not find that increases in externally financed firm growth after cross-listing vary systematically as a function of the home-country attributes of the cross-listed firms. Overall, our results provide new and direct evidence on the impact of cross-listing on the firm growth rates. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.
Promiscuous Mating among Blue Monkeys in the Kakamega Forest, Kenya

13 females and 12 of 19 males present in a group of blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni) mated promiscuously during an intense bout of sexual activity. Several aspects of their behavior are considered as mechanisms for determining mating patterns. Estrus synchrony coincided with a multi-male influx, allowing promiscuity. The length of stay and rank of an incoming male were correlated with his number of copulations in the group, while the original resident and highest ranking male was never seen to mate. Thus, although agonistic behavior, especially among males, affected mating success, it did not guarantee copulations. Adjustments of position relative to other individuals also affected who mated with whom. These and earlier observations suggest that there may be more than one way to be successful in mate competition, and lead us to question whether the kinds of behavior we observed have merely a reproductive function.
Deprivation, weight loss and intake in the rat as a function of age: Evidence for an obligatory growth factor

Abstract Groups of rats covering a range of ages were deprived of food, water, or both food and water. The percentage weight loss in all groups was found to be well approximated by a simple power function of deprivation time, with the exponent being relatively independent of the age of the animals or the kind of deprivation. However, younger animals lost weight at a faster rate than older ones and were more affected by food deprivation than by water deprivation. Several aspects of the data suggest that young animals are subject to an obligatory growth factor that produces a disproportionately greater debilitation when they are food deprived.
Enzymatic 7β hydroxylation of 4,4,10β-trimethyl-trans-decal-3β-ol (TMD)

Abstract 4,4,10β-Trimethyl- trans -decal-3β-ol (TMD, 1), an inhibitor of 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclase, is converted by S 10 rat liver homogenate (RLH) to 4,4,10β-trimethyl- trans -decalin-3β,7β-diol (2) as its chief metabolite in 15 to 32% yield. Identification of 2 was accomplished by (a) gas-liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GLC-MS) molecular-weight determination; (b) identity of GLC retention times with those of synthetic 2 and derived dione 15 on three columns; and (c) isotopic dilution and recrystallization to constant specific activity of both 3 H-2 and its diacetate. Resolution of TMD was effected via formation of diastereomeric esters 18 and 19; and both d -TMD and l -TMD were found to be metabolized in RLH to 2, with d -TMD, the enantiomer having the nonsteroidal absolute configuration, being about twice as effectively hydroxylated.
Integrating phylogenetic and taxonomic evidence illuminates complex biogeographic patterns along Huxley’s modification of Wallace’s Line

Aim Nearly 150 years ago, T. H. Huxley modified Wallace’s Line, including the island of Palawan as a component of the Asian biogeographic realm and separating it from the oceanic Philippines. Although Huxley recognized some characteristics of a transition between the regions, Palawan has since been regarded primarily as a peripheral component of the Sunda Shelf. However, several recent phylogenetic studies of Southeast Asian lineages document populations on Palawan to be closely related to taxa from the oceanic Philippines, apparently contradicting the biogeographic association of Palawan with the Sunda Shelf. In the light of recent evidence, we evaluate taxonomic and phylogenetic data in an attempt to identify the origin(s) of Palawan’s terrestrial vertebrate fauna. Location The Sunda Shelf and the Philippines. Methods We review distributional and phylogenetic data for populations of terrestrial vertebrates from Palawan. Using taxonomic data, we compare the number of Palawan taxa (species and genera) shared with the Sunda Shelf and oceanic Philippines. Among widespread lineages, we use phylogenetic data to identify the number of Palawan taxa with sister relationships to populations or species from the Sunda Shelf or oceanic Philippines. Results Although many terrestrial vertebrate taxa are shared between Palawan and the Sunda Shelf, an increasing number of species and populations are now recognized as close relatives of lineages from the oceanic Philippines. Among the 39 putative lineages included in molecular phylogenetic studies with sampling from the Sunda Shelf, Palawan and the oceanic Philippines, 17 of them reveal sister relationships between lineages from Palawan and the oceanic Philippines. Main conclusions Rather than a simple nested subset of Sunda Shelf populations, Palawan is best viewed as having played multiple biogeographic roles, including a young and old extension of the Sunda Shelf, a springboard to diversification in the oceanic Philippines, and a biogeographic component of the Philippine archipelago. Palawan has a long, complex geological history, which may explain this variation in pattern. Huxley originally noted transitional elements in Palawan’s fauna; we therefore suggest that his modification of Wallace’s Line should be recognized as a filter zone, reflecting both his original intent and available taxonomic and molecular evidence.
Cysteine protease inhibitors alter Golgi complex ultrastructure and function in Trypanosoma cruzi

Cruzain, the major cysteine protease of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a target of rational drug design for chemotherapy of Chagas' disease. The precise biological role of cruzain in the parasite life cycle and the mechanism involved in the trypanocidal effect of cysteine protease inhibitors are still unclear. Here we report biological and ultrastructural alterations caused by cysteine protease inhibitors in T. cruzi epimastigotes. Cruzain, a glycoprotein that transits the Golgi-endosomal pathway, localized to pre-lysosomes/lysosomes in the posterior end of untreated epimastigotes by fluorescent microscopy utilizing either a biotinylated cysteine protease inhibitor to tag the active site, or a specific anti-cruzain antibody. Radiolabeled or biotinylated cysteine protease inhibitors bound exclusively to cruzain in intact epimastigotes confirming that cruzain is accessible to, and is targeted by the inhibitors. Treatment of T. cruzi epimastigotes with specific cysteine protease inhibitors arrested growth, altered the intracellular localization of cruzain, and induced major alterations in the Golgi complex. Following treatment, cruzain accumulated in peripheral dilations of Golgi cisternae. There was a concomitant 70% reduction in gold-labeled cruzain transported to lysosomes. Cisternae abnormalities in the Golgi compartment were followed by distention of ER and nuclear membranes. Brefeldin A increased the number and size of cisternae in epimastigotes. Pre-treatment of epimastigotes with cysteine protease inhibitors followed by exposure to brefeldin A induced a more rapid appearance of the cysteine protease inhibitor-induced Golgi alterations. Our results suggest that cysteine protease inhibitors prevent the normal autocatalytic processing and trafficking of cruzain within the Golgi apparatus. Accumulation of cruzain may decrease mobility of Golgi membranes and result in peripheral distention of cisternae. These major alterations of the Golgi complex parallel the death of T. cruzi epimastigotes.
A 10.2 Mbps Pulse Harmonic Modulation Based Transceiver for Implantable Medical Devices

A low power wireless transceiver has been presented for near-field data transmission across inductive telemetry links, which operates based on pulse harmonic modulation (PHM). This PHM transceiver uses on-off keying (OOK) of a pattern of pulses to suppress inter-symbol interference (ISI), and its characteristics are suitable for low-power high-bandwidth telemetry in implantable neuroprosthetic devices. To transmit each bit across a pair of high-Q LC-tank circuits, the PHM transmitter generates a string of narrow pulses with specific amplitudes and timing. Each pulse generates a decaying oscillation at the harmonic frequency that the receiver LC-tank is tuned at, which is then superimposed with other oscillations across the receiver at the same frequency, to minimize the ISI. This allows for reaching high data rates without reducing the inductive link quality factor (to extend its bandwidth), which significantly improves the range and selectivity of the link. The PHM receiver architecture is based on non-coherent energy detection with programmable bandwidth and adjustable gain. The PHM transceiver was fabricated in a 0.5- μm standard CMOS process, occupying 1.8 mm2. The transceiver achieved a measured 10.2 Mbps data rate with a bit error rate (BER) of 6.3×10-8 at 1 cm distance using planar implant sized (1 cm2) figure-8 coils. The PHM transmitter power consumption was 345 pJ/bit and 8.85 pJ/bit at 1 cm and zero link distances, respectively. The receiver dissipates 3 mW at 3.3 V supply voltage.
Distributed implementation of particle filters for collaborative tracking in mobile ad-hoc and sensor networks

Distributed particle filtering algorithms are studied in this paper for collaborative tracking in mobile ad-hoc and sensor networks. With collaborative tracking methods, multiple unknown location (UL) nodes are tracked simultaneously based on not only the measurements between UL nodes and reference nodes with known locations, but also the measurements among UL nodes. Thus, UL nodes can help one another to achieve better performance. We propose a distributed collaborative tracking algorithm with particle filters and study the performance through various simulations.
Ingestion and Defecation of Recombinant and Wild-Type Nucleopolyhedroviruses by Scavenging and Predatory Arthropods

Wild-type and recombinant nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs) were compared with respect to their potential for environmental transport by the predatory spined soldier bug Podisus maculiventris (Say), the scavenging fly Sarcophaga bullata (Parker), and the house cricket Acheta domesticus (L.). Viruses tested were variants of Autographa californica (Speyer) NPV (AcNPV): wild-type virus (AcNPV.WT), AcNPV expressing a scorpion toxin (AcNPV.AaIT), and AcNPV expressing a mutated juvenile hormone esterase (AcJHE.SG). All three insects ingested Trichoplusia ni (Hubner) larvae infected with or killed by each of the three NPVs. The type of virus that killed T. ni larvae did not affect feeding preference of the cricket or fly. The cumulative survival curves for the three nontarget insects did not depend on whether they ingested AcNPV.WT-infected, recombinant-infected, or uninfected T. ni. Thus, direct effects of the recombinant viruses on nontarget organisms probably are similar to those by wild-type NPV. Within 5 d after ingesting virus-infected larvae, all three nontarget insects voided >1,000 times the median lethal dose of each NPV against neonatal Heliothis virescens (F.). All three insects defecated significantly more AcJHE.SG virus than the other viruses. Thus, AcNPV.AaIT and AcJHE.SG potentially can be transported away from a release site by the predator and the two scavengers and thereby contact additional nontarget species.
Effects of mecamylamine on flash-evoked potentials, body temperature, and behavior in Long-Evans rats.

Abstract This experiment examined the effects of mecamylamine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, on flash-evoked potentials (FEPs) recorded from the visual cortex (VC) and superior colliculus (SC) of chronically implanted male Long-Evans rats, and on body temperature and open field behavior. FEPs were recorded at 20 and 35 min following intraperitoneal injections of saline, and of 0.3, 3.0, and 10.0 mg/kg mecamylamine on separate days. The 0.3 mg/kg dose did not produce significant effects. The amplitude of VC components N30, P48, and P87 increased, N150 and P231 decreased, and P23, N40, N58, and N68 were unchanged following administration of the 10.0 mg/kg dose. In the SC, component P28 was unaffected, P39 was reduced, and N49 was augmented by the 10.0 mg/kg dose. All component peak latencies were increased by the 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg doses. Significant hypothermia was also produced by the 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg doses, suggesting that this was the basis for the increased latencies. The 10.0 mg/kg dose produced a significant decrease in movement during the recording sessions. In subsequent open field observations, both line crossings and rearings were reduced by the 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg doses. The results suggest that endogenous acetylcholine acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors plays at most a modest role in producing FEPs recorded from the VC and SC.
Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Analysis of Blends with Very Strong Intermolecular Interactions: Polyamide/Ionomer Blends

Partially miscible blends of the lithium salt of sulfonated polystyrene ionomer (Li−SPS) and a methylated polyamide (mPA) were studied using small-angle neutron scattering. The blends exhibit lower critical solution temperature behavior (LCST), and the LCST increases with increasing sulfonation level of the ionomer. When the sulfonation level of the ionomer was below 20 mol %, a peak was observed in the scattering structure factor. The position of the peak moved to lower wavevector with increasing sulfonation level and with increasing temperature. The origin of the peak was a correlation hole due to the essential formation of a graft copolymer by the formation of an ion−dipole complex between the amide and sulfonate groups. The tendency of the unsulfonated polystyrene to phase separate from the polyamide was suppressed by the complexation, but it also produced large concentration fluctuations in the blends. The size and intensity of the concentration fluctuations increased with increasing temperature, i.e...
Numerical simulation for unsteady compressible Micropolar fluid flow

This paper reports the advancement of computational Micropolar fluid dynamics (CMFD) using the spectral difference (SD) method. The fundamentals, linear constitutive equations and generalized Stokes’ hypothesis for Micropolar fluid dynamics are briefly introduced. The additional degrees of freedom in MFD, gyration, can help to understand the coherent structures of vortices from the two-level energy transfer in the balance law of energy. The spectral difference (SD) method is proposed for solving unsteady compressible viscous Micropolar flow problems. The analytical and exact solution of compressible Micropolar Couette flow is solved and used to demonstrate the order of numerical accuracy of the SD method. As a numerical example, a 2D spectral difference solver is developed to simulate flow past a cylinder. The instantaneous gyration contours are plotted for the observation of vortex shedding behind the cylinder. A new physical phenomenon, the coupling effect, is discussed.
Thermal stability of the copolymer of sulfur dioxide and cis,cis-1,5-cyclooctadiene

The copolymer of sulfur dioxide and cis,cis-1,5-cyclooctadiene has been synthesized under a variety of conditions and pyrolyzed. Degradation of this copolymer followed first-order kinetics to a first approximation at 220°C. or above. Random cleavage of the polymer chain accompanied the pyrolysis as it was carried out in these experiments. Pyrolysis of the copolymer up to 75% loss of weight yielded the monomers as cracking products and in the mole ratio of the copolymer composition.
Rapid detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus as surrogate of bioterrorism agents

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a major pathogen of cattle that is chosen as a model for select agents associated with agricultural bioterrorism, such as foot and mouth disease virus. Bovine viral diarrhea virus causes early embryonic death, abortion, respiratory problems, and immune system dysfunction in cattle throughout the world. Due to the insidious nature and economic loses from BVDV infections, a rapid diagnosis of BVDV becomes an important component to control and prevent the infections. In previous studies, a conductometric biosensor was developed and evaluated by the authors for bacterial pathogen detection. In this paper, the biosensor was adapted to detect BVDV in culture media and blood serum. The biosensor consisted of two parts: the immunosensor and the electronic data collection system. The biosensor used the method of lateral flow to enable the liquid sample to move from one region to another, through capillary action. The specificity of the biosensor depended on the unique binding characteristics of the polyclonal and/or monoclonal antibodies immobilized on the immunosensor. Polyaniline was used in the biosensor architecture as the transducer due to its electronic properties and bio-molecular properties. Preliminary results showed that the biosensor was sensitive at a concentration of 10/sup 3/ cell culture infective dose per milliliter of BVDV antigens. With the development of the conductometric biosensor for BVDV detection, further adaptation could be made for detecting select agents of concern to homeland security.
Human Mammary Tumor Virus (HMTV) sequences in human milk

Retroviral sequences 90-95% homologous to the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) were present in 38% of the breast cancers studied from American women and were not detectable in non-tumor breast tissue from the same patient. The entire proviral structure was described and viral particles were isolated from primary cultures of human breast cancer. This virus was designated as human mammary tumor virus (HMTV). Hormone response elements present in the HMTV Long-Terminal-Repeat (LTR) suggest a mechanism for association of HMTV with hormonally responding tissues. In fact, the incidence of HMTV sequences is higher in gestational breast cancers, which are associated with hormonal changes. Milk epithelial cells are also under hormonal regulation and therefore are excellent specimens for HMTV sequence detection. The HMTV sequence was studied in milk samples from lactating women recruited with increased risk of breast cancer because they had undergone breast biopsies (Biopsy-Group) and lactating women without breast biopsies (Reference-Group). HMTV-env sequences were detected by PCR in milk of 7.61% of 92 women of the Reference-Group and in 20.55% of 73 women of the Biopsy-Group (p: 0.015). The sequences were 94-98% homologous to MMTV. HMTV-env and HMTV-env/LTR junction sequences were detected in high-speed pellet RNA, implying the presence of HMTV viral particles. PCR assays to detect the murine mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene and intracisternal-A-type particle sequences were performed to rule out mouse mitochondrial or genomic DNA contamination. Eight women of the 73 Biopsy-Group participants had breast cancer and the milk of only one of these eight women had HMTV-env sequences. In the remaining 65 women of the Biopsy-Group, under enough clinical suspicion to lead to biopsy, HMTV was detected in 14, nearly three times the number of milks as compared to the Reference-Group (21.54% versus 7.61%; p: 0.016). The significance of HMTV in milk from the Reference-Group, the greater frequency in the milk of women who had undergone a breast biopsy and its possible infectivity for infants are important questions under study. The similarity of HMTV to MMTV is striking and suggests one possible avenue for viral transmission in humans.
Heavy-traffic limits for many-server queues with service interruptions

We establish many-server heavy-traffic limits for G/M/n+M queueing models, allowing customer abandonment (the +M), subject to exogenous regenerative service interruptions. With unscaled service interruption times, we obtain a FWLLN for the queue-length process, where the limit is an ordinary differential equation in a two-state random environment. With asymptotically negligible service interruptions, we obtain a FCLT for the queue-length process, where the limit is characterized as the pathwise unique solution to a stochastic integral equation with jumps. When the arrivals are renewal and the interruption cycle time is exponential, the limit is a Markov process, being a jump-diffusion process in the QED regime and an O---U process driven by a Levy process in the ED regime (and for infinite-server queues). A stochastic-decomposition property of the steady-state distribution of the limit process in the ED regime (and for infinite-server queues) is obtained.
Prediction of Protein Solubility from Calculation of Transfer Free Energy

Solubility plays a major role in protein purification, and has serious implications in many diseases. We studied the effects of pH and mutations on protein solubility by calculating the transfer free energy from the condensed phase to the solution phase. The condensed phase was modeled as an implicit solvent, with a dielectric constant lower than that of water. To account for the effects of pH, the protonation states of titratable side chains were sampled by running constant-pH molecular dynamics simulations. Conformations were then selected for calculations of the electrostatic solvation energy: once for the condensed phase, and once for the solution phase. The average transfer free energy from the condensed phase to the solution phase was found to predict reasonably well the variations in solubility of ribonuclease Sa and insulin with pH. This treatment of electrostatic contributions combined with a similar approach for nonelectrostatic contributions led to a quantitative rationalization of the effects of point mutations on the solubility of ribonuclease Sa. This study provides valuable insights into the physical basis of protein solubility.
Grammar Learning by a Self-Organizing Network

This paper presents the design and simulation results of a self-organizing neural network which induces a grammar from example sentences. Input sentences are generated from a simple phrase structure grammar including number agreement, verb transitivity, and recursive noun phrase construction rules. The network induces a grammar explicitly in the form of symbol categorization rules and phrase structure rules.
Immunization with Native or Recombinant Streptococcus pneumoniae Neuraminidase Affords Protection in the Chinchilla Otitis Media Model

Streptococcus pneumoniae neuraminidase has been implicated as a virulence factor in the pathogenesis of pneumococcal otitis media. In this study, native neuraminidase was partially purified from cultures of S. pneumoniae by serial chromatography with DEAE-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-200. Recombinant neuraminidase, a 3,038-bp fragment of the neuraminidase A (nanA) gene, was cloned into the pET-28b vector and then expressed at high levels in Escherichia coli. Chinchillas were immunized subcutaneously with either the gel-purified native or recombinant neuraminidase, and all responded with elevated titers of antineuraminidase antibody in serum. Immunization with neuraminidase resulted in a significant reduction in nasopharyngeal colonization as well as in the incidence of otitis media with effusion. These data demonstrate for the first time that neuraminidase affords protection against S. pneumoniae nasopharyngeal colonization and experimental otitis media.
Adult human endothelial cell coverage of small-caliber dacron and polytetrafluoroethylene vascular prostheses in vitro

Culture of endothelial cells on synthetic vascular grafts has heretofore met with limited success. We report here a technique which allows attachment and subsequent growth of adult human vascular endothelial cells on the synthetic materials polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Dacron which are currently used for vascular reconstructive surgery. Studies were conducted on both untreated materials and those pretreated with the extracellular matrix proteins collagen and fibronectin. Collagen was applied to the graft materials with positive pressure and then allowed to gel in the interstices. Fibronectin was added to the collagen-lined lumen followed by a cell suspension. Cell coverage on the grafts was assessed by scanning electron microscopy after various lengths of time. Cells adhered poorly to and did not grow on untreated Dacron and PTFE. Protein-treated materials did allow cell attachment and growth but with distinct differences. On PTFE (n = 30), cells could form a confluent monolayer within 9 days while cell coverage was generally incomplete at this time on the more irregular surface of Dacron (n = 5). Thus, adult human endothelial cells can grow on collagen- and fibronectin-coated prosthetic materials. This approach to lining graft materials in vitro may be useful in improving the performance of small-caliber vascular grafts.
The Dewey‐Lippmann Debate Today: Communication Distortions, Reflective Agency, and Participatory Democracy*

In this article, I introduce the Dewey-Lippmann democracy debate of the 1920s as a vehicle for considering how social theory can enhance the empirical viability of participatory democratic theory within the current context of advanced capitalism. I situate within this broad theoretical framework the theories of Habermas and Dewey. In the process, I argue (a) that while Dewey largely failed to reconcile his democratic ideal with the empirical constraint of large-scale organizations, Habermas, in particular his work on the public sphere, provides an important starting point for considering the state of public participation within the communication distortions of advanced capitalism; (b) that to fully understand the relation between communication distortions and public participation, social theorists must look beyond Habermas and return to Dewey to mobilize his bi-level view of habitual and reflective human agency; and, finally, (c) that the perspective of a Deweyan political theory of reflective agency best...
Chemical production rates of intermediate hydrocarbons in a methane/air diffusion flame

The net production and destruction rates for acetylene, diacetylene, butadiene, and benzene have been determined from measurements of species concentration, temperature, and velocity in a methane/air diffusion flame. In addition, profile measurements of the methyl radical are used to compute profiles of hydrogen atoms. These results provide an initial evaluation of proposed models of hydrocarbon chemical growth routes in diffusion flames, and indicate that the vinyl radical plays a key role in the formation of benzene. Evidence is also presented for acetylene participation in surface growth processes on small soot particles.
Chemicals and Textiles Part II: Dermatological Problems Related to Finishes

The role of textile finishes in producing skin reactions is reviewed. About ten finishes have been identified that irritate and/or sensitize the skin of consumers. Only formaldehyde resin fabrics h...
Molecular Evolution of Drosophila Cuticular Protein Genes

Several multigene families have been described that together encode scores of structural cuticular proteins in Drosophila, although the functional significance of this diversity remains to be explored. Here I investigate the evolutionary histories of several multigene families (CPR, Tweedle, CPLCG, and CPF/CPFL) that vary in age, size, and sequence complexity, using sequenced Drosophila genomes and mosquito outgroups. My objective is to describe the rates and mechanisms of ‘cuticle-ome’ divergence, in order to identify conserved and rapidly evolving elements. I also investigate potential examples of interlocus gene conversion and concerted evolution within these families during Drosophila evolution. The absolute rate of change in gene number (per million years) is an order of magnitude lower for cuticular protein families within Drosophila than it is among Drosophila and the two mosquito taxa, implying that major transitions in the cuticle proteome have occurred at higher taxonomic levels. Several hotspots of intergenic conversion and/or gene turnover were identified, e.g. some gene pairs have independently undergone intergenic conversion within different lineages. Some gene conversion hotspots were characterized by conversion tracts initiating near nucleotide repeats within coding regions, and similar repeats were found within concertedly evolving cuticular protein genes in Anopheles gambiae. Rates of amino-acid substitution were generally severalfold higher along the branch connecting the Sophophora and Drosophila species groups, and 13 genes have Ka/Ks significantly greater than one along this branch, indicating adaptive divergence. Insect cuticular proteins appear to be a source of adaptive evolution within genera and, at higher taxonomic levels, subject to periods of gene-family expansion and contraction followed by quiescence. However, this relative stasis is belied by hotspots of molecular evolution, particularly concerted evolution, during the diversification of Drosophila. The prominent association between interlocus gene conversion and repeats within the coding sequence of interacting genes suggests that the latter promote strand exchange.
Effects of Convectively Generated Gravity Waves and Rotation on the Organization of Convection

Abstract The effects of latent heating, gravity waves, and planetary rotation on numerically simulated convective cloud systems are investigated. First, the nonlinear response of an initially motionless, uniformly stratified, dry atmosphere to steady heating that interacts with the environment through inertial–gravity waves is examined. Planetary rotation confines the subsidence-induced adiabatic warming to the neighborhood of the heated region on a time scale comparable to the lifetime of mesoscale convective systems. In a moist atmosphere, rotation-induced localized descent stabilizes and dries the near environment and decreases the convective available potential energy. The Tropics is therefore a preferred region for convective clustering. This hypothesis is tested in two sets of multiday convection-resolving simulations on f planes representative of the Tropics, subtropics, and midlatitudes. Convection is maintained by radiative cooling and surface fluxes of heat and moisture. In a motionless mean sta...
Brain parcellation aids in electrode localization in epileptic patients

Purpose: We aim to enhance the electrode localization with reference to spatial neuroanatomy in intracranial electroencephalogram (IEEG), which provides greater spatial resolution than traditional scalp electroencephalogram. Methods: CT-MR rigid registration, MR non-rigid registration and prior-based segmentation are employed in an image processing pipeline to normalize patient CT, patient MR and an external labeled atlas to the same space. Results: Despite possible abnormal cerebral structure and postoperative brain deformation, the proposed pipeline is able to automatically superimpose all the electrodes on the patient's parcellated brain and visualize epileptogenic foci and IEEG events. Conclusion: This work will greatly diminish epileptologist' manual work and the potential for human error, allowing for automated and accurate detection of the anatomical position of electrodes. It also demonstrates the feasibility of applying brain parcellation to epileptic brains.
Survey of CT dose for PET/CT localization and attenuation correction

376 Objectives The CT portion of a PET/CT scanner provides localization and attenuation correction of the PET data. Unlike diagnostic CT, recommended dose levels for CT localization and attenuation correction of PET are limited. This work presents a survey of CT dose estimates from PET/CT sites participating in the SNMMI Clinical Trials Network (CTN). Methods From September 2008 to September 2014, CT acquisition parameters were collected from 269 sites participating in the CTN PET/CT accreditation program. 168 of the 269 sites provided complete datasets for estimating CT dose (scan region, kVp, mA, rotation time, pitch, and collimation) using their standard clinical imaging protocols. The CT dose index (CTDIvol­) and effective dose were estimated using the ImPACT CT Patient Dosimetry Calculator. Histograms of CTDIvol and effective dose were calculated for a scan length of 85cm (eye-to-thigh) for all 168 sites. An additional 66 of the 168 sites had multiple accreditation cycles over several years and were used to examine changes in dose over time. Results The CTDIvol ranged from 0.5 mGy to 27.6 mGy with a median CTDIvol of 5.8 mGy (95% CI, 6.2-7.6 mGy). The effective dose ranged from 0.6 mSv to 43.0 mSv with a median effective dose of 8.3 mSv (95% CI, 9.0-11.1 mSv). The wide range of the CTDIvol and effective dose indicates a large variation in the CT techniques across sites. There was no observable pattern of increasing or decreasing CT dose over multiple accreditation cycles. Conclusions Some of the CTDIvol values reported here are above the American College of Radiology reference level for abdomen (25 mGy). The wide range of CT doses suggests that recommendations and standardization of appropriate CT acquisition parameters would be beneficial for lowering CT dose in PET/CT localization and attenuation correction.
Large Reaction Rate Enhancement in Formation of Ultrathin AuSi Eutectic Layers

Metal-semiconductor eutectic liquids play a key role in both the fundamental understanding of atomic interactions and nanoscale synthesis and catalysis. At reduced sizes they exhibit properties distinct from the bulk. In this work we show an unusual effect that the formation of AuSi eutectic liquid layers is much easier for smaller thicknesses. The alloying reaction rate is enhanced by over 20 times when the thickness is reduced from 300 to 20 nm. The strong enhancement is attributed to a strain-induced increase in the chemical potential of the solid layer prior to the alloying reaction.
Relationship of Preference Judgments to Typicality, Novelty, and Mere Exposure:

Two theories of aesthetic preference are reviewed. According to Berlyne's psychobiological theory, the main determinants of aesthetic preference are collative variables such as complexity and novelty, and preference is generally related to its determinants in an inverted-U manner. Recent findings contrary to these predictions are briefly reviewed. According to Martindale's cognitive theory, the main determinant of aesthetic preference is prototypicality or meaningfulness, and preference is usually related to its determinants in a monotonic or U-shaped fashion. Three experiments concerning preference for semantic category exemplars are reported. Typicality accounted for eight or nine times more of explained variance in preference than did long-term novelty, short-term novelty, or mere exposure. Preference was related to both typicality and collative variables by monotonic or U-shaped functions.
Lysophosphatidic acid alters cerebrovascular reactivity in piglets

Effects of the lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) were studied on the cerebral circulation of newborn pigs using closed cranial windows. Topical application of synthetic LPA caused dose-dep...
Ansätze zu einer Fehlertheorie des Interviews

Unsere Uberlegungen zur Gultigkeit von Interviewdaten bedeuten keineswegs, das dem Interview uberhaupt keine oder nur eine geringe wissenschaftliche Bedeutung zukommt. Wir lehnen also das Mesinstrument Interview nicht ab. Wir postulieren lediglich, das Mesinstrument Interview anders als bis jetzt zu verwenden. Es ist ungenugend, von einem einfachen Stimulus-Reaktions-Modell auszugehen und dementsprechend alle anderen Einflusgrosen auf das Verhalten des Interviewten als Fehlerquellen oder als Storquellen zu interpretieren. Es scheint uns im Gegensatz sogar sinnvoll, solche „Storquellen” systematisch einzusetzen.
Data sharing: lessons from Copernicus and Kepler.

They did it, and so must we—quickly, reliably, and respectfully To understand the workings of science, pick up a copy of De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium. Published with great reluctance by the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus in 1543, the book puts forth a compelling argument for a heliocentric universe. Turn the pages and you will see the book is filled with data. Whose data? Copernicus relied on the data collected by others in addition to his own to formulate his revolutionary theory. Publication of these data subsequently allowed Johannes Kepler to identify discrepancies, which led to his innovative proposal in 1605 that the planets moved in an ellipse (rather than in a circle), an idea that he had previously assumed to be too simple for earlier astronomers to have overlooked. Of course, Kepler presented his data at the same time that he published his conclusions. In contrast, Tycho Brahe (who opposed Copernicus) famously withheld his astronomical data from Kepler because he knew they could be used to confirm Copernicus’s heliocentric model. The same principles apply to progress in …
Privacy Attitudes among Early Adopters of Emerging Health Technologies

Introduction Advances in health technology such as genome sequencing and wearable sensors now allow for the collection of highly granular personal health data from individuals. It is unclear how people think about privacy in the context of these emerging health technologies. An open question is whether early adopters of these advances conceptualize privacy in different ways than non-early adopters. Purpose This study sought to understand privacy attitudes of early adopters of emerging health technologies. Methods Transcripts from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with early adopters of genome sequencing and health devices and apps were analyzed with a focus on participant attitudes and perceptions of privacy. Themes were extracted using inductive content analysis. Results Although interviewees were willing to share personal data to support scientific advancements, they still expressed concerns, as well as uncertainty about who has access to their data, and for what purpose. In short, they were not dismissive of privacy risks. Key privacy-related findings are organized into four themes as follows: first, personal data privacy; second, control over personal information; third, concerns about discrimination; and fourth, contributing personal data to science. Conclusion Early adopters of emerging health technologies appear to have more complex and nuanced conceptions of privacy than might be expected based on their adoption of personal health technologies and participation in open science. Early adopters also voiced uncertainty about the privacy implications of their decisions to use new technologies and share their data for research. Though not representative of the general public, studies of early adopters can provide important insights into evolving attitudes toward privacy in the context of emerging health technologies and personal health data research.
Effects of Hydroxyapatite and Hypoxia on Chondrogenesis and Hypertrophy in 3D Bioprinted ADMSC Laden Constructs.

Hydrogel-based cartilage tissue engineering strategies require the induction and long-term maintenance of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) into a stable chondrogenic phenotype. However, ADMSC exhibit the tendency to undergo hypertrophic differentiation, rather than forming permanent hyaline cartilage phenotype changes. This may hinder their implementation in articular cartilage regeneration, but may allow the possibility for bone and bone to soft tissue interface repair. In this study, we examined the effects of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on the chondrogenesis and hypertrophy of ADMSC within bioprinted hyaluronic acid (HA)-based hydrogels. We found that a small amount of HAp (∼10% of polymer concentration) promoted both chondrogenic and hypertrophic differentiation of ADMSC. Increased HAp contents promoted hypertrophic conversion and early osteogenic differentiation of encapsulated ADMSC. Subsequently, ADMSC-laden, stratified constructs with nonmineralized and mineralized layers (i.e., HA based an...
(Invited) Devices in Advanced Technology Nodes: Application-Specific Characterization

Scaled advanced node devices incorporate new combinations of semiconductor materials and ultra-thin multi-layer dielectric stacks. As a consequence, inter-material interactions may unpredictably affect transistor electrical characteristics and reliability. Conventional reliability tests may miss spontaneously-occurring device recovery as well as parameters shift caused by extremely high frequency circuit operations and, therefore, may underestimate or overestimate lifetime. The proposed application-specific reliability tests account for degradation processes occurring under the conditions of interest; it can also define a safe range of use conditions that may significantly extend the device lifetime beyond the conventional reliability predictions supplied by manufacturers. We present data in support of application-specific reliability testing and discuss its use in prequalification of new technologies.
Brief Report: CD4+ T Cells From Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Respond Poorly to Exogenous Interleukin-2.

Objective Imbalanced cytokine production by T cells characterizes both patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus-prone mice and contributes to immune dysregulation. This study was undertaken to further investigate in detail the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFNγ), IL-4, and IL-17A by CD4+ cell subsets in healthy subjects and patients with SLE, and the signaling response of CD4+ T cells in response to exogenous IL-2. Methods Cytokine production by differentiated subsets of CD4+ T cells was assessed by intracellular staining following stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate and ionomycin and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulation. The IL-2 signaling pathway was examined by assessing JAK-3/STAT-5 phosphorylation. Cell proliferation in response to IL-2 was examined by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester dilution. Results Production of IL-2 was defective primarily among naive CD4+ T cells, whereas the production of IFNγ, IL-4, and IL-17A was not significantly different between patients with SLE and healthy subjects. JAK-3/STAT-5 phosphorylation and proliferation of CD4+ T cells from SLE patients in response to exogenous IL-2 were impaired compared to cells from healthy subjects. Conclusion These data suggest that altered IL-2 production, as well as impaired IL-2–mediated signaling and proliferative responses, characterize SLE CD4+ T cells. Our data demonstrate the need for caution in designing IL-2 treatment trials for patients with SLE. Approaches to restore CD4+ T cell sensitivity to IL-2 should be considered.