cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Selective Excitation for Ultrashort Echo Time Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is generally performed using a slice-selective excitation followed by 2D Fourier transform gradient encoding. This limits the minimum echo times to a few milliseconds, making signal components with short T2 relaxation times invisible. This article describes an alternative method for selective excitation that allows echo times of the order of tens of microseconds on current whole-body clinical scanners. The technique is based on dividing a conventional excitation pulse into two half pulses, each of which is applied with an opposite gradient polarity. When the signals from these two are combined, the result is the same as a single, full excitation pulse, but with a much shorter echo time. Extensions of this technique are presented, including pulse designs for small and large flip angle pulses, several different approaches to volumetric acquisitions, as well as an examination of some of the practical issues associated these techniques. Keywords: ultrashort echo time (UTE) imaging; selective excitation; radial imaging; interleaved half-pulse excitation; Shinnar-Le Roux algorithm; multi-slice excitation
The Future of Banking

Preface Creative Destruction by Benton E. Gup The Future of Banking: Two Different Worlds by Steven A. Seelig The Future of Banking by Ian R. Harper and Tom C. H. Chan A History of the Future of Banking: Predictions and Outcomes by Maria Gloria Cobas, Larry R. Mote, and James A. Wilcox Financial Modernization under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act: Back to the Future by Bernard Shull Restructuring the Federal Safety Net after Gramm-Leach-Bliley by Arthur E. Wilmarth, Jr. Electronic Banking by Benton E. Gup The New Institutional Structure of Banking: A Framework for Survival in the Digital Age by Susan Hine and Ronnie J. Phillips Deregulation, the Internet, and the Competitive Viability of Large Banks and Community Banks by Robert DeYoung and William C. Hunter The Future of Relationship Lending by Allen N. Berger and Gregory F. Udell Lessons from a Bank Profitability Study for the Future of Banking by Horst Gischer and D. Johannes Juttner Strategic Alliances: An Alternative to Mergers by Benton E. Gup and Louis Marino The Future of Banking at Synovus Financial Corp. by Richard Anthony The Future of Swiss Banking by Teodoro D. Cocca and Peter Csoport Microcredit for the Poorest Countries by Kiyoshi Abe The Future of European Stock Exchanges by Jean-Pierre Paelinck Index
Cognitive Interviewing to Enhance Comprehension and Accuracy of Responses to a Spanish-Language Nutrition Program Evaluation Tool

Abstract Objective To cognitively test a Spanish translation of a questionnaire evaluating parent and child food and activity behaviors and assess accuracy of understanding and ease of answering. Methods Iterative rounds of cognitive interviewing, qualitative analysis, and revision were conducted with 19 low-income, native Spanish-speaking mothers of children aged 3–11 years, in 5 communities in New York. Key informant interviews were conducted with 2 Spanish-speaking nutrition educators experienced with the questionnaire. Results Based on responses, improvements were made to (1) ensure clear and familiar wording, (2) clarify time frames for specifying the frequency of behaviors, and (3) express constructs not amenable to direct translation or for which meanings differed by country of origin. Cognitive interviewing results also informed improvements to the English language version. Conclusions and Implications Even after translation by native speakers, in-depth cognitive interviewing is needed to ensure that questionnaires are understood as intended by low-literacy, immigrant populations and to facilitate collection of valid evaluation data.
IN SEARCH OF A FAIR BET IN THE LOTTERY

“Lotto” is among the most popular games offered by state lottery associations, accounting for roughly one-quarter of total revenues for state-run U.S. lotteries in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As of July 2005, 40 states had lotteries, and every state association offered some version of a lotto game either through their own game or through a multi-state association such as the twenty-seven member Multi-State Lottery Association (Powerball) or the twelve state Mega Millions association.Lotto games generally consist of an individual picking a set of ﬁ ve or six numbers from a group of approximately 35-55 choices. Winning numbers are then randomly selected at a weekly or bi-weekly drawing. A player whose ticket matches all of the winning numbers wins the jackpot prize while players matching some, but not all, of the winning numbers win smaller consolation prizes. In part, lotto derives its popu-larity from the large jackpot prizes that can be won in this game. While other lottery games such as instant tickets, numbers, or keno might offer top prizes ranging from $100 to $100,000, lotto games typically advertise jackpot prizes starting at $1 million or higher. The jackpot prize is funded by allocating a percentage of ticket sales to the jackpot prize pool. If no ticket matches the winning numbers, the money in the pool is carried over into the next drawing and is added to the allocated funds from ticket sales in the next period. Because the jackpot prize pool is allowed to roll-over in this manner, the grand prize can become quite large if no one hits the jackpot in a large number of suc-cessive periods. Indeed, advertised jackpots exceeding $50 million are quite common, and occasionally lotto jackpots have been known to exceed $250 million. Because lotto is one of the few games of chance where the expected return varies with each drawing, these games have been widely studied in the academic literature, and the theory on buyer behavior and ticket payoffs is well-established. While nu-merous researchers have proposed the possibility that under speciﬁ c conditions the lottery may present bettors with a “fair bet,” that is, a gamble with a positive expected return, their conclusions are generally based either solely on supposition or on the examination of just one or two lotto games. This paper uses expected payoff functions
Spontaneous labelling and stigma associated with clinical characteristics of peers 'at-risk' for psychosis.

Aim The public health benefits of utilizing an ‘at-risk for psychosis’ designation are tempered by concerns about stigma. It is therefore of interest to examine whether symptoms associated with this designation might spontaneously induce labels associated with a psychotic disorder, other non-psychotic disorders or non-psychiatric labels. This pilot study explored the labels associated with characteristics of ‘high risk for psychosis’ and the corresponding stigma level. Methods A vignette describing an identical character, followed by a series of questions about stigmatizing attitudes towards the vignette character, was administered in the present investigation. Results The results indicated that even though most young people (59%) did not spontaneously label the vignette character with psychotic-like diagnostic labels, the single most frequent label provided was ‘paranoid/a’. When such labelling, that is, strongly tied to psychosis, occurred, respondents exhibited stronger stigmatizing attributions of fear compared to those indicating non-psychiatric labels (e.g. ‘weird’). Conclusions These results suggest that the majority of respondents did not endorse diagnostic labels spontaneously, thus signaling that stigma in the majority of cases would not naturalistically be elicited. However, a segment of respondents evidenced stigma simply from behavioural changes manifested by individuals exhibiting signs of psychosis, independent of diagnosis. Implications for reducing any stigma associated with an ‘at-risk for psychosis’ designation are discussed.
A 200 mW recirculating helium—3 refrigerator

Abstract A recirculating He 3 refrigerator is described in which the compressed He 3 is cooled below 4.2 K by means of a heat exchanger rather than a pumped He 4 bath. This design eliminates the requirement for large capacity pumps and a separate, pumped He 4 bath. In continuous operation, a refrigeration power of 200 mW is available at 1.85 K, using a 150 l min −1 mechanical pump and an inexpensive compressor.
UNSTEADY SUBSONIC COMPRESSIBLE FLOW AROUND FINITE THICKNESS WINGS

A general formulation for the unsteady subsonic compressible potential flow around aircraft having arbitrary configurations is presented. An integral representation of the velocity potential is obtained. From this a linear integral equation relating the perturbation potential and its normal derivative (which is known from the boundary conditions) is derived. For the numerical solution of the integral equation, the surface of the aircraft is divided into small elements and the potential is assumed to be constant within each element. Numerical results are obtained for an oscillating finite-thickness wing and indicate good convergence and excellent agreement with existing lifting surface solutions.
Household and Meals Vs. Temple Purity Replication Patterns in Luke-Acts

In Luke-Acts the social codes and concepts associated with food and meals replicate and support the contrasting social codes, interests, and ideologies associated with the Jerusalem Temple, on the one hand, and the Christian household, on the other. In this study the thesis is advanced that in contrast to the Temple and the exclusivist purity and legal system it represents, Luke has used occasions of domestic dining and hospitality to depict an inclusive form of social relations which transcends previous Jewish purity regulations and which gives concrete social expression to the inclusive character of the gospel, the kingdom of God, and the Christian community.
Treatment of T prolymphocytic leukemia with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

T prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is an unusual disease characterized by high white cell counts, older age at presentation, splenomegaly and a very aggressive clinical course. We describe a 47-year-old male with refractory T-PLL who was treated with high-dose chemoradiotherapy and allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an HLA-matched sibling. The transplant was complicated by both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The patient achieved complete remission and remains in remission 3 years after the transplant.
Correlation of Total Dose Damage in Capacitors and Transistors to 1.25 Micron Integrated Circuits

Parametric data taken from the irradiation of transistors and capacitors has been correlated with integrated circuit response in 1.25 micron technology. Data taken on worst case biased test transistors (+ 5 V static gate bias for n-channel, O V p-channel) accurately predicts worst case propagation delay changes in an irradiated ALU. Dynamically biased test transistors successfully model the access time delay of a RAM and a ROM after irradiation. The results indicate that worst case bias conditions for an integrated circuit during irradiation depend on the pathway measured and that test transistors provide a better measure of worst case total dose hardness of an IC rather than direct irradiation of the part itself.
Ofloxacin versus cephalexin for treating skin and soft tissue infections.

Patients with acute localized skin or soft tissue infections were randomized to receive either ofloxacin (300 mg orally, b.i.d.) or cephalexin (500 mg orally, b.i.d.). Among 401 enrolled patients, 382 were evaluable for safety and 148 for microbiologic response. Microbiologic cure occurred in 93.4% of ofloxacin-treated patients and in 94.0% of those treated with cephalexin. Clinical cure or improvement, respectively, was found in 85.2% and 11.1% of patients treated with ofloxacin, and 83.6% and 14.9% of patients receiving cephalexin. Adverse effects (primarily associated with the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system) were considered to be drug-related in 7.9% of those receiving ofloxacin and 4.8% of those receiving cephalexin. Thus, ofloxacin is as effective and well tolerated as cephalexin and a good alternate antibiotic for treating skin and skin structure infections caused by a variety of pathogens.
Geostationary Imaging Fabry-Perot Spectrometer (GIFS)

Long-term measurements of the global distribution of clouds and the surface reflectance are needed to provide inputs to climatological models for global change studies. The Geostationary Imaging Fabry-Perot Spectrometer (GIFS) instrument is a next-generation satellite concept, to be deployed on a geostationary satellite for continuous hemispheric imaging of cloud properties, including cloud top pressure, optical depth, fraction, and surface reflectance. This is an ideal approach to make these cloud property measurements with desired spatial resolution, accuracy, and revisit time. It uses an innovative tunable imaging triple-etalon Fabry-Perot interferometer to obtain images of high-resolution spectral line shapes of two O2 B-band lines in the backscattered solar radiation. The GIFS remote sensing technique takes advantage of the pressure broadening information embedded in the absorption line shapes to better determine cloud properties, especially for those clouds below 5 km. We present a preliminary instrument design, including the general instrument requirements.
Condensation of methane, ammonia, and water and the inhibition of convection in giant planets

The condensation of chemical species of high molecular mass such as methane, ammonia, and water can inhibit convection in the hydrogen-helium atmospheres of the giant planets. Convection is inhibited in Uranus and Neptune when methane reaches an abundance of about 15 times the solar value and in Jupiter and Saturn if the abundance of water is more than about five times the solar value. The temperature gradient consequently becomes superadiabatic, which is observed in temperature profiles inferred from radio-occultation measurements. The planetary heat flux is then likely to be transported by another mechanism, possibly radiation in Uranus, or diffusive convection.
Determination of the structure of the Escherichia coli K100 capsular polysaccharide, cross-reactive with the capsule from type b Haemophilus influenzae

The structure of the Escherichia coli K100 capsular polysaccharide, cross-reactive with that from type b Haemophilus influenzae, was determined by using a combination of chemical and spectroscopic techniques. The structure of the K100 repeating unit was found to be----3)-beta-D-Ribf-(1----2)-D-ribitol-5-(PO4----. The K100 polysaccharide is thus identical in composition to, but different in linkage from, the H. influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide, which has beta-D-Ribf-(1----1)-D-ribitol linkages.
An application of pattern mapping to plane motion

A new, highly automated method for measuring plane motion, pattern mapping, has been developed for rigidbody motion and strain analysis. Pattern mapping employs image processing and syntactic pattern recognition principles to recognize a known pattern before and after motion. In this paper, the Lagrangian definition of motion was used to map points in the two images, and the map was used to determine plane motion. Full-image analysis is thoroughly demonstrated.
Identification and Characterization of a Na+-Dependent Neutral Amino Acid Transporter, ASCT1, in Rabbit Corneal Epithelial Cell Culture and Rabbit Cornea

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of a Na+-dependent neutral amino acid transporter, ASCT1, in rabbit primary corneal epithelial cell culture and rabbit cornea. Methods: Uptake studies were carried out on rabbit primary corneal epithelial culture (rPCEC) cells using 12-well plates. Transport studies were conducted with isolated rabbit corneas at 34°C. Uptake and transport of L-alanine was determined at various concentrations. Inhibition studies were conducted in presence of various L- and D-amino acids, metabolic inhibitors like ouabain and sodium azide, and in the absence of sodium to delineate the functional characteristics of L-alanine uptake and transport. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on total RNA harvested from rabbit cornea and rPCEC cells for identification of ASCT1. Results: Uptake of L-Ala was found to be saturable with a Km of 0.71 mM and a Vmax value of 0.84 μ moles min−1 mg−1 protein. Uptake was independent of pH and energy...
Human telomere quadruplex: refolding and selection of individual conformers via RNA/DNA chimeric editing.

The conformation of the guanine quadruplex formed by the human telomere (HT) repeat in solutions containing physiological concentrations of K+ ions has been a topic of intensive investigation during the past several years. Of particular interest are the directionality of the overall folding pattern, i.e., parallel, antiparallel, or a combination of these two modes, and the alternation, if any, of the glycosidic bond conformation between syn and anti. An additional issue involves resolving mixtures of conformations when more than one species is present. We approach these questions using selective substitution of riboguanosine, rG, for deoxyriboguanosine, dG. Using a combination of circular dichroism, gel electrophoresis, equilibrium ultracentrifugation, and imino proton NMR, we are able to show that these modifications can yield sequences which fold into parallel or antiparallel conformations consisting of one or two strands. We also demonstrate that chimeric editing of the HT sequence permits isolating on...
Risk Factors for Colonization with Yeast Species in a Veterans Affairs Long‐term Care Facility

OBJECTIVES: To assess colonization and serious infection with yeasts and the risk factors that are associated with colonization by these organisms. DESIGN: Monthly surveillance for colonization and infection over a period of 2 years. SETTING: A long-term-care facility (LTCF) attached to an acute-care Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: The 543 men and 10 women in the facility. MEASUREMENTS: Colonization and serious infection rates with yeasts. Analysis of risk factors associated with yeast colonization of residents. RESULTS: Colonization rates were relatively stable during the 2-year period (53 ± 1.8% patients colonized per month). Candida albicans was the most common colonizer, found in 35 ±.9% of patients colonized per month. The pharynx was the most commonly colonized site, with 41 ± 1.4% of patients per month with pharyngeal colonization. Eighty-four percent of patients remaining in the facility for 3 or more months were colonized by yeast at some time during their stay. Presence of neurogenic bladder, leg amputation, or a low serum albumin were independently associated with yeast colonization; neither diabetes mellitus nor functional status was a risk factor for colonization by yeasts. Only four serious yeast infections in four patients (esophagitis and three urinary tract infections) were found during the 2-year period; all infections occurred in patients who were colonized by yeasts previously. CONCLUSION: In our LTCF, colonization of patients by yeasts occurred commonly in those residents remaining in the facility for 3 or more months. However, serious yeast infections occurred infrequently. It is likely that colonization of residents of LTCFs by yeasts may only become clinically important when the patient is transferred to an acute-care hospital where additional risk factors may allow the development of serious yeast infection.
Reconstructing depositional processes and history from reservoir stratigraphy: Englebright Lake, Yuba River, northern California

[1] Reservoirs provide the opportunity to link watershed history with its stratigraphic record. We analyze sediment cores from a northern California reservoir in the context of hydrologic history, watershed management, and depositional processes. Observations of recent depositional patterns, sediment-transport calculations, and 137Cs geochronology support a conceptual model in which the reservoir delta progrades during floods of short duration (days) and is modified during prolonged (weeks to months) drawdowns that rework topset beds and transport sand from topsets to foresets. Sediment coarser than 0.25–0.5 mm deposits in foresets and topsets, and finer material falls out of suspension as bottomset beds. Simple hydraulic calculations indicate that fine sand (0.063–0.5 mm) is transported into the distal bottomset area only during floods. The overall stratigraphy suggests that two phases of delta building occurred in the reservoir. The first, from dam construction in 1940 to 1970, was heavily influenced by annual, prolonged >20 m drawdowns of the water level. The second, built on top of the first, reflects sedimentation from 1970 to 2002 when the influence of drawdowns was less. Sedimentation rates in the central part of the reservoir have declined ∼25% since 1970, likely reflecting a combination of fewer large floods, changes in watershed management, and winnowing of stored hydraulic mining sediment.
Protection by pyrdvate against inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase by a free radical generating system containing T-butylhydroperoxide

Abstract Global tissue damage due to oxygen-derived free radicals has been implicated in several pathological processes including exposure to ionizing radiation, and postischemic reperfusion of the heart or kidney. Recently pyruvate, a hydroperoxide scavenger, has been shown to protect against functional damage during postischemic reperfusion of the heart and in acute renal failure. In the present study, pyruvate was found to protect against inactivation of partially purified guinea pig renal and rat cardiac Na + ,K + -ATPase which occurred when microsomal membranes were assayed for 1 hr at 37 °C (pH 7.5) in the presence of a free radical generating system (FRGS) containing 0.3 mM t-butylhydroperoxide and horseradish peroxidase. The presence of the FRG system inhibited the guinea pig renal Na + ,K + -ATPase activity by 48.2 ± 4.8% (N = 10, P + ,K + -ATPase. At 5 mM pyruvate Na + ,K + -ATPase was inhibited by only 18.8 ± 2.5% (N = 10, P 2 . The results of the present study therefore support the hypothesis that, if free radical damage to native Na + ,K + ATPase does contribute to global tissue injury in certain pathological processes, pyruvate, in addition to being a powerful metabolic effector of recovery, may also protect against oxidative damage.
Variations of Body Composition and Growth among Strains of Rainbow Trout

Abstract Fish from six strains of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were fed the starter diet SD7 until reaching an average weight of 1.5 g. In the second segment of this trial, 1.5-g fish from the six strains were fed the experimental diet X263 for 180 days. At the end of both trial segments, body composition varied significantly among strains of fish. After 180 days of diet X263, growth and feed conversion also differed significantly among strains. Changes in body composition averaged for all strains combined after 180 days of the diet X263 were as follows: crude protein decreased 8.2%; moisture decreased 5.7%; ash increased 6.2%. Data from the first segment of this trial give the strongest support to the hypothesis that variations of body composition of rainbow trout are influenced by genotype.
Content analysis of prime-time television coverage of physical activity, 1970-2001.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to examine how major nightly television networks reported on the health benefits of physical activity. Methods A retrospective content analysis of physical activity coverage on four major nightly television networks from 1970 to 2001 was performed. The Vanderbilt Television News Archives were searched for keywords "physical activity," "physical fitness," and "exercise." Results During the 31-year time period, 111 non-overlapping reports aired on all networks combined. The link between physical activity and health was reported in 53 (47.7%) articles, with general health ( n =16, 14.4%) and heart disease ( n =12, 12.6%) cited most frequently. Just three broadcasts related to the Surgeon's General Report on Physical Activity and Health were aired following its publication in 1996. Conclusions Although the protective health benefits of physical activity are well established, physical activity received a modest amount of television coverage from 1970 through 2001.
Role of the S-Layer Proteins of Campylobacter fetus in Serum-Resistance and AntigenicVariation: A Model of Bacterial Pathogenesis

Campylobacter fetus are microaerophilic gram-negative bacteria that are pathogens of animals and humans. These organisms possess paracrystalline surface (S-) layers, composed of acidic high molecular weight proteins. C. fetus strains possessing S-layers are resistant to C3b binding, which explains both serum and phagocytosis-resistance. C. fetus strains also can vary the subunit protein size, crystalline structure, and antigenicity of the S-layer it expresses. Therefore, its S-layer permits C. fetus to resist complement and antibodies, two of the key defenses against extracellular pathogens. C. fetus possesses several full-length genes encoding S-layer proteins with both conserved and divergent sequences, which permits gene rearrangement and antigenic variation.
Invariant Hermitian finite elements for thin Kirchhoff rods. I: The linear plane case ☆

Abstract The objective of this work is to develop finite elements for the simulation of thin Kirchhoff rods, that is, rods where the influence of transverse shear strain can be neglected leading to governing equations that require C 1 -continuous finite element interpolations. We start in this paper with the formulation of new finite elements for the infinitesimal plane deformations of otherwise generally curved rods, addressing in particular the lack of invariance observed in related traditional treatments of plane arches. By non-invariance we mean that the classical rigid-body modes of translations and infinitesimal rotations of the underlying structural theory lead to non-zero strains in the element, an effect sometimes referred to as self-straining. This phenomenon occurs in curved configurations of the elements and, in the infinitesimal setting of interest in this paper, it results in the elements stiffness matrix not to exhibit the correct zero-energy modes associated with these physical rigid-body motions. As a consequence, the basic equilibrium relations of balance of forces and moments are not satisfied for the associated nodal forces and moments in non-invariant finite elements. In this context, we propose a new framework for the formulation of C 1 -continuous finite elements based on Hermitian shape functions that do lead to the satisfaction of this fundamental invariance property, accounting fully for the rod’s curvature and associated Kirchhoff’s kinematics in contrast to common straight (framework) element approximations based on the simplified Euler–Bernoulli beam kinematics. The formulation relies crucially on a consistent treatment of the kinematics and the assumed interpolation of the rods geometry. An additional assumed strain treatment is considered to avoid limitations of membrane locking. Complete rigorous analyses and several numerical simulations are presented to prove and illustrate the properties and performance of the newly proposed finite element methods.
Changing health beliefs and behaviors of resettled Laotian refugees: ethnic variation in adaptation.

Abstract This paper describes traditional and changing health-related beliefs and behaviors of ethnic Lao refugees now resettled in the United States and how these compare with those of other ethnic group of resettled refugees from Southeast Asia. New data are presented for Southeast Asian refugees resettled in Franklin County, Ohio, including resettlement agency utilization statistics for refugees of each local ethnic group, which reveal that Laotian refugees have the most persistent use of resettlement agency services. The results of in-depth, open ended interview with members of the Franklin County Lao community are also presented. The interview data pertain to Lao self-perceived health problems and health care options as well as their health beliefs and practices, both traditionally in Laos and as these have changed with refugee flight and resettlement. These data are compared with the results of the limited relevant health-related research on other ethnic groups of Southeast Asian refugees, revealing that Laotian refugees rely to a relatively great extent on the Western biomedical system. It is suggested that the nature of Lao refugee adaptation is due to the continuation of traditional patron-client relationships in the U.S., with Lao patrons referring their refugee clients to the services of agencies and the biomedical establishment.
RNAiDB and PhenoBlast: web tools for genome‐wide phenotypic mapping projects

RNA interference (RNAi) is being used in large-scale genomic studies as a rapid way to obtain in vivo functional information associated with specific genes. How best to archive and mine the complex data derived from these studies provides a series of challenges associated with both the methods used to elicit the RNAi response and the functional data gathered. RNAiDB (RNAi Database; http://www. rnai.org) has been created for the archival, distribution and analysis of phenotypic data from large-scale RNAi analyses in Caenorhabditis elegans. The database contains a compendium of publicly available data and provides information on experimental methods and phenotypic results, including raw data in the form of images and streaming time-lapse movies. Phenotypic summaries together with graphical displays of RNAi to gene mappings allow quick intuitive comparison of results from different RNAi assays and visualization of the gene product(s) potentially inhibited by each RNAi experiment based on multiple sequence analysis methods. RNAiDB can be searched using combinatorial queries and using the novel tool PhenoBlast, which ranks genes according to their overall phenotypic similarity. RNAiDB could serve as a model database for distributing and navigating in vivo functional information from large-scale systematic phenotypic analyses in different organisms.
Tonsil Epithelial Factors May Influence Oropharyngeal Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission

Tonsil epithelium has been implicated in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis, but its role in oral transmission remains controversial. To study characteristics of this tissue, which may influence susceptibility or resistance to HIV, we performed microarray analysis of the tonsil epithelium. Our data revealed that genes related to immune functions such as antibody production and antigen processing were increasingly expressed in tonsil compared with the epithelium of another oropharyngeal site, the gingival epithelium. Importantly, tonsil epithelium highly expressed genes associated with HIV entrapment and/or transmission, including the HIV co-receptor CXCR4 and the potential HIV-binding molecules FcRγIII, complement receptor 2, and various complement components. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the increased presence of CXCR4 in the tonsil epithelium compared with multiple oral epithelial sites, particularly in basal and parabasal layers. This increased expression of molecules involved in viral recognition, binding, and entry may favor virus-epithelium interactions in an environment with reduced innate antiviral mechanisms. Specifically, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, an innate molecule with anti-HIV activity, was minimal in the tonsil epithelium, in contrast to oral mucosa. Collectively, our data suggest that increased expression of molecules associated with HIV binding and entry coupled with decreased innate antiviral factors may render the tonsil a potential site for oral transmission.
The stability of social interaction.

In a study of the stability of social interaction, participants maintained a social interaction diary, the Rochester Interaction Record (RIR), for 41-week periods during their freshman year at college. Stability was operationalized in 3 ways: absolutely, in terms of the similarity across the 4 periods of amount of interaction and of reactions to interactions: relatively, in terms of correlations between interaction measures taken at different times; and in terms of the stability of social networks, defined as the consistency across time of participants' close friends. Social interaction was found to be more stable over shorter periods of time than over longer periods, and stability increased over time
Term structure intermediation by depository institutions

Abstract Term structure intermediation, in which institutions purchase assets and sell liabilities of different maturities, is analyzed theoretically and the results are applied to current policy issues. The theoretical model allows the identification of alternative reasons for mismatched portfolios, including risk-loving utility functions, interest rate forecasts that differ from the market's forward rates, and risk premia in the yield curve. The risk premia case appears empirically relevant, and intermediation in which lending is long (earning the risk premium) and borrowing is short (not paying a risk premium) may offset capital market imperfections. But such intermediation is also risky, creating a dilemma for bank regulators.
Analyses of mesoscale events and local climate using The Automated Weather Source school weather network

Abstract A cold front moved through the greater Baltimore, MD, and Washington, DC, metropolitan areas during the late evening on 1 December, 1996 and early morning on 2 December 1996 (local time). This paper describes an analysis of the near-surface meteorological conditions associated with the frontal passage using observations from an automated school weather network. Data acquired from the school network were used to determine the location of the cold front as it passed through the area. Observations from the school network are compared with those from a network of more widely separated airport stations. In several instances, peak wind gusts, temperature fall rates, and precipitation totals from the network exceeded those reported at the airports. The development of time-averaged wind statistics with and without rainfall is also discussed. Wind roses from one network station were shown to differ when the co-occurrence of wind and rain was considered compared with findings using all wind data.
European LeukemiaNet classification intermediate risk-1 cohort is associated with poor outcomes in adults with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

European LeukemiaNet classification intermediate risk-1 cohort is associated with poor outcomes in adults with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Oligonucleotide-directed site-specific mutagenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract An efficient technique has been developed for performing in vivo site-directed mutagenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. This procedure involves directed repair of P-element-induced DNA lesions after injection of a modified DNA sequence into early embryos. An oligonucleotide of 50 base pairs, whose sequence spans the P-element insertion site, mediates base replacement in the endogenous gene. Restriction mapping, DNA sequencing, and polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrate that base substitutions present in an injected oligonucleotide are incorporated into genomic sequences flanking a P insertion site in the white gene. This analysis suggests that progeny bearing directed mutations are recovered with a frequency of about 0.5 x 10(-3). Because Drosophila remains a premier organism for the analysis of eukaryotic gene regulation, this system should find strong application in that analysis as well as in the analysis of DNA recombination, conversion, repair, and mutagenesis.
Unusual proximal migration of ventriculoperitoneal shunt into the heart

Quite a number of cases of upward shunt migration have already been reported in the literature. In this paper, the intracardiac migration of a peritoneal shunt tube of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt system is reported. This is a rare complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunting and was diagnosed by a plain radiograph of the chest and a direct open heart surgery. To the author's knowledge this is the first reported case of migration of a peritoneal shunt tube into the heart. The authors postulate possible mechanisms and a physioanatomical explanation on the basis of the surgical findings.
The Giant Chacoan Peccary—An outstanding example of adaptation to a subtropical dryland ecosystem

(2002). The Giant Chacoan Peccary—An outstanding example of adaptation to a subtropical dryland ecosystem. Biodiversity: Vol. 3, No. 4, pp. 28-31.
A spectroscopic anisotropy ellipsometry study of YBa2Cu3O7−x superconductors

The effect of the optical anisotropy of the high temperature superconducting compound YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}} (YBCO) on spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurements was studied. For this, the method of spectroscopic anisotropy micro-ellipsometry (SAME) was employed on c-axis- as well as on a,b-axes-oriented YBCO single crystals. SAME measures the ellipsometric parameters {Delta} and {Psi} as a function of the angle {alpha} which describes sample rotation around the surface normal. The analysis of the resulting {Delta}({alpha}) and {Psi}({alpha})-curves yielded the ordinary and averaged extraordinary complex refractive indices in the UV-VIS range. Additionally, the crystallographic orientation angle between the optical axis and the surface normal could be determined. The single crystal results were applied to SE measurements performed on differently oriented YBCO thin films which were prepared by ion beam sputter deposition on top of (100) SrTiO{sub 3} substrates. It is shown that SE allows for in-situ monitoring of the crystallographic orientation of thin YBCO films.
Imaging studies of photodamage and recovery of anthraquinone derivatives doped into PMMA

One of the efficiency-limiting factors of optical devices used at high intensities is photo damage to the optical materials. In devices that use organic dyes, photo damage causes irreversible damage to the chromophores, deteriorating efficiency, and eventually causes failure. Our present work focuses on monitoring degradation and recovery of anthraquinone dye doped PMMA thin films with a digital imaging apparatus, with the goal of understanding the mechanisms. Our results suggest the possibility of making optical components more resistant to photodamage, and capable of self recovery, removing the necessity to constantly replace components damaged by high intensity light.
SPECT imaging of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in nonsmoking heavy alcohol drinking individuals

Abstract Background The high rate of comorbidity of tobacco smoking with alcohol drinking suggests common neural substrates mediate the two addictive disorders. The beta 2 *-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (β 2 *-nAChR) has recently emerged as a prime candidate because some alpha and beta subunit genes have been linked to alcohol consumption and alcohol use behaviors. We hypothesized that β 2 *-nAChR availability would be altered by alcohol in heavy drinking nonsmokers. Methods Eleven heavy drinking (mean age 39.6 ± 12.1 years) and 11 age and sex-matched control (mean age 40.8 ± 14.1 years) nonsmokers were imaged using [ 123 I]5-IA-85380 ([ 123 I]5-IA) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Heavy alcohol drinkers drank varied amounts of alcohol (70–428/month) to facilitate exploratory linear analyses of the possible effects of alcohol. Results Heavy drinkers consumed on average 9.1 ± 7.3 drinks/occasion; whereas controls drank 1.2 ± 0.9 drinks/occasion. Heavy drinkers were imaged 2.0 ± 1.6 days after last alcoholic beverage. Overall, there were no significant differences in β 2 *-nAChR availability between the heavy drinking and control nonsmokers. Exploratory analyses of other factors that may be uniquely regulated by alcohol suggested no effects of age, number of alcohol drinks, years drinking, severity of drinking, craving or withdrawal. Conclusions These preliminary analyses do not suggest a decrease in receptor availability in heavy drinking nonsmokers as compared to control nonsmokers. However, a larger study is warranted to explore effects of heavy alcohol drinking on other variables, such as sex, smoking, and genetic make up.
The Local Seeing Environment at Big Bear Solar Observatory

The site survey for the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) of the National Solar Observatory was initiated in 2002 to find the best location for a 4 m aperture solar telescope. At the end of a 4 year survey, three sites (Big Bear Solar Observatory [BBSO] in California, Mees Solar Observatory [MSO] on Haleakala, Maui, Hawaii, and Observatorio Roque de los Muchachos, on La Palma, Spain) were identified as excellent sites for high-resolution solar observations. MSO was ultimately chosen as the future ATST site. We present a subset of the ATST site survey data, focusing on the local seeing environment at BBSO. In particular, we are interested in the seeing characteristics at a mountain lake-site observatory, its relation to the local environment and climate, and its implications for the 1.6 m New Solar Telescope (NST) currently being built at BBSO. We find a close correlation of very good seeing conditions with the prevailing wind direction and speed. The observatory building, located at the end of a 300 m causeway, is surrounded by the cool waters of Big Bear Lake, which effectively suppress the ground-layer seeing. Very good seeing conditions from sunrise to sunset are a unique feature of BBSO, which makes it ideally suited for synoptic observations and sustained high-resolution studies of solar activity and space weather.
Social and Political Impact of the Long-term History of Computing

This article originally appeared in L. Boszormenyi, ed., MEDICHI 2007-Methodic and Didactic Challenges of the History of Informatics, Austrian Computer Society (OCG), Klagenfurt, Austria, 178 pp. The Austrian Computer Society (OCG) has kindly granted permission for an edited version to be published by the Annals.
Decomposition and Thermodynamic Properties of Sn2S3

Knudsen effusion studies of the decomposition of Sn2S3(s) have been performed employing mass spectrometry in the temperature range 669-763 K and vacuum microbalance techniques in the range 677 - 820 K yielding pressures from about 10−2 to 10 Pa. The results demonstrate that Sn2S3(s) decomposes under present experimental conditions according to the reaction Sn2S3(s) = 2SnS(s) + 1/2 S2(g). The mean values for the third-law heat and second-law entropy of reaction based on direct mass-loss data are ΔH°298 = 114.0 ± 3.0 kJ/mol and ΔS°298 = 97.3 ± 3.5 J/ K · mol. From these data the standard heat of formation and absolute entropy of Sn2S3(s) are calculated to be −254.5 ± 6.0kJ/mol and 170.5 ± 6.0 J/K · mol, respectively. Die Zersetzung und thermodynamischen Eigenschaften von Sn2s3 Knudsen-Messungen der Zersetzung von Sn2S3 sind massenspektroskopisch bei Temperaturen von etwa 669-763 K und mittels einer Vakuumwaage im Temperaturbereich 677-820 K und bei Drucken von etwa 10−2−10 Pa durchgefuhrt worden. Danach verdampft Sn2S3 unter gegebenen experimentellen Bedingungen nach der Zersetzungsreaktion Sn2S3(f) = 2SnS(f) + 1/2 S2(g). Aus den beobachteten Massenverlusten ergeben sich Mittelwerte fur die Enthalpie und Entropie der obigen Reaktion von ΔH°298 = 114,0 ± 3,0 kJ/mol und δS°298 = 97,3 ± 3,5 J/K · mol. Damit lassen sich die Bildungsenthalpie und absolute Entropie des Sn2S3(f) zu −254,5 ± 6.0 kJ/mol bzw. 170,5 ± 6,0 J/K · mol berechnen.
Applying Social Psychology to Desegregation and Energy Conservation

The applied work described here work fits Kurt Lewin's definition of "action research." Specifically, the experiments involved intervening into a system in crisis with an independent variable aimed at reducing or resolving the crisis. Moreover, the intervention was a teachable procedure that the system could continue to use long after the experimenters had packed up their scientific gear and gone back to the university. In addition, the intervention was based on theory and data from prior laboratory experiments. But the extent to which prior theory and laboratory research was considered
Chemical properties and biological effects of 2-haloethyl sulfonates.

Abstract Data for the alkylating activities, DNA cross-linking activities, and proliferation-inhibitory activities toward cultured L1210 cells for twenty-four 2-haloethyl sulfonates are reported. Previously reported activities against P388 leukemia invivo are also presented to permit correlation of in vitro and in vivo properties. Since these compounds are believed to be 2-haloethylating agents, their properties and effect were compared with those of chlorozotecin, which is a recognized 2-chloroethylating agent. 2-Chloroethyl chloromethanesulfonate, which was the most effective compound against P388 leukemia, had a moderate level of alkylating activity and a low level of cross-linking activity, but it was quite active in inhibiting proliferation of cultured L1210 cells. Although its alkylating activity was about the same as that of chlorozotocin,it caused much less cross-linking of DNA. The in vitro tests were useful for gaining information relating structure to the individual properties, but results obtained for one of the properties might not be predictive of the relative values obtained for other properties nor for in vivo activity against P388 leukemia. These results indicate that additional experiments to define the mechanism of action of these agents are needed.
The Effect of Sleep Loss on Breathing in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

We have previously shown that one night of sleep deprivation results in significant deterioration of spirometric performance and ventilatory responsiveness to inhaled carbon dioxide in normal people. Since even a small decrease in pulmonary function may be clinically important in patients with chronic limitation of airflow, we undertook the present study to assess the effects of sleep loss on breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Criteria for inclusion in this study were (1) a ratio of the forced expiratory volume in one second over the forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) of less than 60 percent, (2) no hospital admission for pulmonary disease within two weeks of testing, (3) stable (
Critical perfect graphs and perfect 3-chromatic graphs

Abstract This paper builds on results based on D. R. Fulkerson's antiblocking polyhedra approach to perfect graphs to obtain information about critical perfect graphs and related clique-generated graphs. Then we prove that Berge's Strong Perfect Graph Conjecture is valid for 3-chromatic graphs.
Magnetostratigraphy of the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary in the San Juan Basin, New Mexico

Magnetostratigraphy of a terrestrial sedimentary sequence in the San Juan Basin reveals that the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary, recognised by the highest stratigraphic occurrence of dinosaurs, is younger than the midpoint of marine magnetic anomaly 29. This boundary is slightly younger than, but very close to, the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary in the marine sedimentary sequence at Gubbio, Italy, which has recently been proposed as the magneto-stratigraphic type section for the Upper Cretaceous and Palaeocene.
Refining carbide size distributions in M1 high speed steel by processing and alloying

The distributions of carbides in M1 high speed steel (HSS) manufactured by four different types of processing will be considered. For conventionally processed ingot steel, the characteristic microstructural features in ingots, intermediate size products and smaller bar product will be discussed. The carbide size distributions in steel bars made by gas atomized powders will be shown. The refinement of the carbides in M1 by using a patented laser glazing process will be illustrated. The last topic is the development of a new patent-pending family of low carbon high speed alloys that can easily be carburized by conventional processing. Various beneficial effects that these alloys provide will be discussed.