cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The linguistic approach and its application to decision analysis

In a sharp departure from the conventional approaches to decision analysis, the linguistic approach abandons the use of numbers and relies instead on a systematic use of words to characterize the values of variables, the values of probabilities, the relations between variables, and the truth-values of assertions about them.
CO2, Climate and Society: A Brief Overview

For about a century the academic community - or at least a segment of it - has been aware of the possibility that increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide from fossil fuel burning and other human activities could significantly alter global climate and thus become a major societal problem. Now, however, the CO2 issue is frequently reported - often in ominous tones - in the popular press, and its implications have even penetrated to the halls of Parliaments and the U.S. Congress. [1] What causes the climate to change - and the potential contribution of carbon dioxide - is self-evidently an important problem for climatologists and other environmental scientists. But why should the “average citizen” - or his or her elected representatives - worry about the CO2 issue? Food production, which depends significantly on both climate and carbon dioxide per se, is one such reason.
Achalasia symptom response after Heller myotomy segregated by high-resolution manometry subtypes.

Achalasia is classified into three HRM subtypes that predict outcomes from diverse management strategies. We assessed if symptomatic response varied when a single management strategy—Heller myotomy (HM)—is employed. Treatment-naive subjects with achalasia referred for HM were followed in this observational cohort study. Chicago criteria designated achalasia subtypes (subtype I: no esophageal pressurization; subtype II: panesophageal pressurization in ≥20 % swallows; subtype III: premature contractions in ≥20 % swallows). Symptom questionnaires assessed symptom burden before and after HM on five-point Likert scales (0 = no symptoms, 4 = severe symptoms) and on 10-cm visual analog scales (global symptom severity, GSS); satisfaction with HM was recorded similarly. Data were analyzed to determine predictors of GSS change across subtypes. Sixty achalasia subjects (56.1 ± 2.4 years, 55 % female) fulfilled inclusion criteria, 15 % with subtype I, 58 % with subtype II, and 27 % with subtype III achalasia. Baseline symptoms included dysphagia (solids: 85 %, liquids: 73 %), regurgitation (84 %), and chest pain (35 %); mean GSS was 7.1 ± 0.3. Upon follow-up 2.1 ± 0.2 years after HM, GSS declined to 1.9 ± 0.4 (p < 0.001), with surgical satisfaction score of 8.7 ± 0.3 out of 10; these were similar across achalasia subtypes. On univariate analysis, female gender, Eckardt score, severity of transit symptoms, and maximal IRP predicted linear GSS improvement; female gender (p = 0.003) and dysphagia for liquids (p = 0.043) remained predictive on multivariate analysis. When a uniform surgical approach is utilized, symptomatic outcome and satisfaction with therapy are similar across achalasia subtypes. Female gender and severity of dysphagia for solids may predict better HM outcome.
A Comparison of Barbed Suture Versus Traditional Techniques for Muscle Belly Repair

Background: The use of barbed sutures in wound closure and tendon repair has been previously been studied with improved results over traditional suture material. We examine the use of barbed suture in muscle belly repair in a custom configuration, comparing it with traditional configurations and a control. Methods: Twenty-five matched porcine psoas muscles were assigned to 5 different test groups: Mason-Allen with #1 Ethibond, Figure of Eight Allen with #1 Ethibond, Modified Kessler with #1 Ethibond, Custom Configuration with #2 Barbed PDS, Custom Configuration with #1 Ethibond. Repair was performed on the cut edge of muscle, with the free end of the suture anchored to a fixed base, forming a single-sided repair. An Instron 8874 tensiometer was used to linearly distract the repair to failure at 1 mm/s after 1 N preload. Five samples of each group were run, comparing load to failure and distraction at 10 N. Results: Repair with barbed suture in custom configuration had statistically significantly greater l...
A novel platform for isotype-specific testing of autoantibodies

The objective of this study was to test if a novel platform could be used for isotype-specific autoantibody testing in humans. Further, we evaluated if testing with this novel platform enables earlier detection of insulin autoantibodies in individuals that have first-degree relatives with type-1 diabetes than currently used approaches. Longitudinal serum samples from participants were collected before and after they converted to become positive for insulin autoantibodies by the current standardly used assays. Using a novel plasmonic gold chip platform, we tested these samples for IgM isotype-specific autoantibodies. Serial serum samples from individuals without diabetes were also tested as a comparison control cohort. Our results demonstrate proof-of-concept that a plasmonic gold chip can specifically detect the IgM insulin autoantibody. Five out of the six individuals that converted to being positive for insulin autoantibodies by standard testing had significant IgM autoantibodies on the plasmonic chip platform. The plasmonic chip platform detected IgM autoantibodies earlier than standard testing by up to 4 years. Our results indicate that the plasmonic gold platform can specifically detect the IgM isotype autoantibodies and suggest that combining isotype-specific testing with currently used approaches enables earlier detection of insulin autoantibodies in individuals that have first-degree relatives with type 1 diabetes.
The lethal lambda S gene encodes its own inhibitor.

Abstract The 107 codon reading frame of the lambda lysis gene S begins with the codon sequence Met1-Lys2-Met3..., and it has been demonstrated in vitro that both Met codons are used for translational starts. Furthermore, the partition of initiation events at the two start codons strongly affects the scheduling of lysis. We have presented a model in which the longer product, S107, acts as an inhibitor of the shorter product, S105, the lethal lysis effector, despite the fact that the two molecules differ only in the Met-Lys residues at the amino terminus of S107. Using immunological and biochemical methods, we show in this report that the two predicted protein products, S105 and S107, are detectable in vivo as stable, membrane-bound molecules. We show that S107 acts as an inhibitor in trans, and that its inhibitory function is entirely defined by the positively charged Lys2 residue. Moreover, our data show that energy poisons abolish the inhibitory function of S107 and simultaneously convert S107 into a lysis effector. We propose a two step model for the lethal action of gene S: first, induction of the S gene results in the accumulation of S105 and S107 molecules in mixed oligomeric patches in the cytoplasmic membrane; second, S monomers rearrange by lateral diffusion within the patch to form an aqueous pore. The R gene product, a transglycosylase, is released through the pore to the periplasm, resulting in destruction of the peptidoglycan and bursting of the cell. According to this model, the lateral diffusion step is inhibited by the energized state of the membrane.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Abstract 660: Macrophage Specific Deficiency of the Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 3 Channel Reduces Apoptosis and Necrosis in Advanced Atherosclerotic Plaques

Background: Macrophage apoptosis plays a critical role in progression of atherosclerosis. Previous studies suggest that M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes dominate atherosclerosis. Recently, we showed...
Sutureless, Minimally Invasive Sealing of Corneal Lacerations with a Novel Bioadhesive Material.

Author(s): Al Karmi, Rani; Sun, Zhongmou; Kheirkhah, Ahmad; Sani, Ehsan Shirazaei; Annabi, Nasim; Dana, Reza
Effects of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure and withdrawal on neuroblastoma cell transcriptome.

Abstract Cycles of heavy drinking and abstinence can lead to alcohol use disorder. We studied the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol exposure (CIE) over 3 weeks on neuroblastoma cells, using an ethanol concentration frequently attained in binge drinking (40 mM, 184 mg/dL). There were many changes in gene expression but most were small. CIE affected pathways instrumental in the development or plasticity of neurons, including axonal guidance, reelin signaling, and synaptogenesis. Genes involved in dopamine and serotonin signaling were also affected. Changes in transporters and receptors could dampen both NMDA and norepinephrine transmissions. Decreased expression of the GABA transporter SLC6A11 could increase GABA transmission and has been associated with a switch from sweet drinking to ethanol consumption in rats. Ethanol increased stress responses such as the unfolded protein response. TGF-β and NFκB signaling were increased. Most of the genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis were decreased in expression. Withdrawal for 24 h after CIE caused most of the CIE-induced expression changes to move back toward unexposed levels.
Exploring Vulnerability to Deviant Coping among Victims of Crime in Two Post-Soviet Cities

This study pursues two important goals: 1) assessment of the offender-victim overlap in non-Western cultural contexts and 2) examination of complex moderating influences and mediating factors that ...
Effectiveness of dicyandiamide as a nitrification inhibitor in biochar-amended soil

Abstract Overuse of nitrogen (N) fertilizers may lead to many environmental issues via N leaching into groundwater and agricultural runoff into surface water. Biochar, a sustainable soil amendment agent, has been widely studied because of its potential to retain moisture and nutrients. However, recent studies have shown that biochar has a very limited ability to improve the retention of negatively charged nitrite (NO−2) or nitrate (NO−3). Although positively charged ammonium (NH+4) can be better held by biochar, it is usually susceptible to nitrification and can be easily transformed into highly mobile NO−2 and/or NO−3. In practice, dicyandiamide (DCD) has been used to inhibit nitrification, preserving N in its relatively immobile form as NH+4. Therefore, it is likely that the effects of DCD and biochar in soils would be synergistic. In this study, the influences of biochar on the effectiveness of DCD as a nitrification inhibitor in a biochar-amended soil were investigated by combining the experimental results of incubation, adsorption isotherm, and column transport with the simulated results of different mathematical models. Biochar was found to stimulate the degradation of DCD, as the maximum degradation rate slightly increased from 1.237 to 1.276 mg kg−1 d−1 but the half-saturation coefficient significantly increased from 5.766 to 9.834 mg kg−1. Considering the fact that the availability of DCD for nitrification inhibition was continuously decreasing because of its degradation, a novel model assuming non-competitive inhibition was developed to simulate nitrification in the presence of a decreasing amount of DCD. Depending on the environmental conditions, if the degradation of DCD and NH+4 in biochar-amended soil is not significant, improved contact due to the mitigated spatial separation between NH+4 and DCD could possibly enhance the effectiveness of DCD.
Concentrations of dark haloes emerge from their merger histories

The concentration parameter is a key characteristic of a dark matter halo that conveniently connects the halo's present-day structure with its assembly history. Using 'Dark Sky', a suite of cosmological $N$-body simulations, we investigate how halo concentration evolves with time and emerges from the mass assembly history. We also explore the origin of the scatter in the relation between concentration and assembly history. We show that the evolution of halo concentration has two primary modes: (1) smooth increase due to pseudo-evolution; and (2) intense responses to physical merger events. Merger events induce lasting and substantial changes in halo structures, and we observe a universal response in the concentration parameter. We argue that merger events are a major contributor to the uncertainty in halo concentration at fixed halo mass and formation time. In fact, even haloes that are typically classified as having quiescent formation histories experience multiple minor mergers. These minor mergers drive small deviations from pseudo-evolution, which cause fluctuations in the concentration parameters and result in effectively irreducible scatter in the relation between concentration and assembly history. Hence, caution should be taken when using present-day halo concentration parameter as a proxy for the halo assembly history, especially if the recent merger history is unknown.
Post-Chemotherapy Titer Status and Need for Revaccination After Treatment for Childhood Cancer:

Objectives. To evaluate the strategy of checking vaccine titers after completion of chemotherapy. Study Design. Retrospective review of pediatric oncology patients who completed chemotherapy. Demographics, post-chemotherapy titers, and absolute lymphocyte counts (ALCs) were analyzed. Results. Ninety patients met inclusion criteria, and 87% of patients had at least one titer checked. Comparing patients <7 years and those ≥7 years at diagnosis, there was no difference in incidence of negative titers except mumps; those <7 years old were more likely to have negative titers (58% vs 20%, P = .003). Comparing those <13 years old to ≥13 years old, there was no difference in negative titers except mumps (45% vs 19%, P = .02) and tetanus (44% vs 0%, P = .002). No patient maintained all protective titers after completion of chemotherapy. Time to ALC recovery was not predictive of positive titers. Conclusion. Checking titers after chemotherapy is not recommended. Providers should assume loss of immunity.
Making the best of multidisciplinary care for patients with malignant fungating wounds: A qualitative study of clinicians' narratives.

Background:Malignant fungating wounds occur in advanced cancer patients, often in the last 6 to 12 months of life, when malignant cells breach the skin, causing a non-healing wound. Little is known...
Field school for cultural documentation: Jackson Hole dude ranching traditions

A two-week field school in cultural documentation and folklife provided training in ethnographic methods, with a focus on researching dude ranching traditions in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Eleven students and five faculty worked with the Triangle X Ranch in Grand Teton National Park to conduct 24 interviews with members of the Turner family (who founded and manage the ranch), employees, and guests, and to document buildings, landscapes, and activities on the ranch. Guests and employees value the genuine hospitality of the Turners, and the fact that the Triangle X is one of the few remaining old-style dude ranches that used to be numerous in the valley. Featured photo from figure 2 in report.
From HIV to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Hematologic Complications in Viral Pandemics.

CONTEXT.­: From the onset of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic in the 1980s to the recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, multiple viral pandemics have occurred and all have been associated with hematologic complications of varying severity. OBJECTIVE.­: To review the hematologic complications associated with the HIV and other viral pandemics, the current theories regarding their causation, and the incidence and clinical impact of these complications on infected patients. DATA SOURCES.­: Peer-reviewed medical literature and the author's personal experience. CONCLUSIONS.­: The HIV and other viral pandemics have been associated with a variety of hematologic complications that often cause significant morbidity and mortality in affected patients. HIV infection is associated with multiple hematologic disorders, many of which have a lower incidence in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy but still represent a major clinical problem for HIV-infected patients. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV-related hematologic complications, including HIV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders, has evolved in recent years. Other viral pandemics, including H1N1 influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus, and COVID-19, have also been associated with hematologic complications of varying severity. Our emerging understanding of the pathogenesis of the hematologic complications of HIV, COVID-19, and other viral pandemics may help in prevention, correct diagnosis, and treatment of these complications in current and future pandemics.
Urban Political Development and the Social Construction of Interests: The Case of Chicago's Dearborn Park:

Studies of political power and governance in U.S. cities have long been dominated by political economy approaches in which the material interests of political actors are seen as the principal drive...
CA1 spike timing is impaired in the 129S inbred strain during cognitive tasks.

A spontaneous mutation of the disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (Disc1) gene is carried by the 129S inbred mouse strain. Truncated DISC1 protein in 129S mouse synapses impairs the scaffolding of excitatory postsynaptic receptors and leads to progressive spine dysgenesis in the cognitive centers. In contrast, C57BL/6 inbred mice carry the wild-type Disc1 gene and exhibit more typical cognitive performance in spatial exploration and executive behavioral tests. Because of the innate Disc1 mutation, adult 129S inbred mice exhibit the behavioral phenotypes of outbred B6 Disc1 knockdown (Disc1-/-) or Disc1-L-100P mutant strains. Recent studies in Disc1-/- and L-100P mice have shown that impaired excitation-driven interneuron activity and low hippocampal theta power underlie the behavioral phenotypes that resemble human depression and schizophrenia. The current study compared the firing rate and connectivity profile of putative neurons in the CA1 in freely behaving inbred 129S and B6 mice, which have mutant and wild-type Disc1 genes, respectively. In cognitive behavioral tests, 129S mice had lower exploration scores than B6 mice. Furthermore, the mean firing rate (FR) for 129S putative pyramidal (pyr) cells and interneurons (int) was significantly lower than that for B6 CA1 neurons sampled during similar tasks. Analysis of pyr/int connectivity revealed a significant delay in synaptic transmission for 129S putative pairs. Sampled 129S pyr/int pairs also had lower detectability index scores than B6 putative pairs. Therefore, the spontaneous Disc1 mutation in the 129S strain attenuates the firing of putative pyr CA1 neurons and impairs spike timing fidelity during cognitive tasks.
Holy Saturday and the Experience of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a Chalcedonian Approach

This paper considers the particular resonances between the experience of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and a theology of Holy Saturday that emphasizes Christ’s “going to the dead.” On the psychological front, the paper reviews common aspects of OCD; on the theological front, the paper outlines the arguments of Hans Urs von Balthasar concerning Christ’s Holy Saturday suffering and solidarity with humanity. The paper then utilizes a “Chalcedonian conception” of balancing theology and psychology, with each informing (and not eclipsing) the other, by examining the ways that a study of OCD and Holy Saturday together can prevent harmful distinctions between the spiritual and the scientific, the sacred and the secular.
Database Protection Legislation Introduced in Congress

On October 8, 2003, the ongoing debate over the need for database protection returned to the floors of Congress with the introduction House Bill 3261, the Database and Collections of Information Misappropriation Act. The Act would impose substantial civil penalties to anyone who makes available “in commerce” a “quantitatively substantial” part of an existing database or information collection. While the legislation remains controversial, with both critics and proponents arguing about various elements, the U.S. Copyright Office is on record favoring database protection legislation in principal, and this bill is described as “major step” toward the “balanced legislation the (Copyright) Office has long recommended.” Work is expected to continue on the bill well into next year. If the bill passes in the House, it must still be approved in the Senate.
View-class representation and matching of 3D objects

Three-dimensional object recognition is difficult because an object looks different when viewed from different viewpoints. One solution to this problem is to represent the 3D object as a set of 2D models, one for each of a set of view classes. A view class is a set of viewpoints that all produce images with the same or similar features. View-class matching consists of determining the correspondence between the features extracted from an image of an unknown object and the features of a particular view class of a particular object model. View-class matching is used in object recognition, pose estimation, and inspection systems.
Molecular Biology of Genes Involved in Cuticular Wax Biosynthesis

The cuticle is the outermost interface between a plant and its environment, and as such plays a crucial role in the plant’s survival (Martin and Juniper, 1970; Kolattukudy, 1981). It consists of cutin embedded in a complex mixture of lipids commonly referred to as the cuticular waxes. Cuticular waxes are a complex mixture of lipids including hydrocarbons (n-alkanes, branched alkanes, cyclic alkanes, alkenes), ketones, ketols, alcohols, aldehydes, diols, acids, and esters, which are derived from cellular fatty acids (Kolattukudy et al., 1976; Tulloch, 1976). Early biochemical investigations have identified reactions by which many of the various components of the cuticular wax are synthesized (Kolattukudy et al., 1976). However, the isolation and characterization of enzymes postulated to be involved in these processes has been technically difficult to achieve because plant epidermal tissue, the site of cuticular wax biosynthesis (Kolattukudy et al., 1976), is difficult to obtain in large quantities. To overcome this technical barrier, a molecular genetic approach was taken to isolate genes involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis (Schnable et al., 1995). In maize and Arabidopsis mutations that affect the normal accumulation of cuticular waxes are known as glossy (gl) and eceriferum (cer), respectively. Using the Mutator transposon system, we have cloned the gll and gl8 loci of maize via transposon tagging. In addition, we have cloned the CER2 locus of Arabidopsis via chromosome walking.
Atrocity, the State, and Reparation Politics

Today, it is nearly a given that groups seeking redress or reparation for past wrongs will receive some form of justice. Groups wronged by states often seek and receive apologies and compensation, to the extent that it is worthy of discussion when groups do not. Yet how did this widespread acceptance of redress and reparation emerge? Chapter One introduces key concepts and definitions needed to understand this question along with setting the framework necessary to understand how different groups, experiencing similar atrocities, achieve varying degrees of redress.
A Year of Infection in the Intensive Care Unit: Prospective Whole Genome Sequencing of Bacterial Clinical Isolates Reveals Cryptic Transmissions and Novel Microbiota.

Bacterial whole genome sequencing holds promise as a disruptive technology in clinical microbiology, but it has not yet been applied systematically or comprehensively within a clinical context. Here, over the course of one year, we performed prospective collection and whole genome sequencing of nearly all bacterial isolates obtained from a tertiary care hospital’s intensive care units (ICUs). This unbiased collection of 1,229 bacterial genomes from 391 patients enables detailed exploration of several features of clinical pathogens. A sizable fraction of isolates identified as clinically relevant corresponded to previously undescribed species: 12% of isolates assigned a species-level classification by conventional methods actually qualified as distinct, novel genomospecies on the basis of genomic similarity. Pan-genome analysis of the most frequently encountered pathogens in the collection revealed substantial variation in pan-genome size (1,420 to 20,432 genes) and the rate of gene discovery (1 to 152 genes per isolate sequenced). Surprisingly, although potential nosocomial transmission of actively surveilled pathogens was rare, 8.7% of isolates belonged to genomically related clonal lineages that were present among multiple patients, usually with overlapping hospital admissions, and were associated with clinically significant infection in 62% of patients from which they were recovered. Multi-patient clonal lineages were particularly evident in the neonatal care unit, where seven separate Staphylococcus epidermidis clonal lineages were identified, including one lineage associated with bacteremia in 5/9 neonates. Our study highlights key differences in the information made available by conventional microbiological practices versus whole genome sequencing, and motivates the further integration of microbial genome sequencing into routine clinical care.
Perinatal risk factors in the development of aggression and violence

Over the past several decades, the relative contribution of both environmental and genetic influences in the development of aggression and violence has been explored extensively. Only fairly recently, however, has it become increasingly evident that early perinatal life events may substantially increase the vulnerability toward the development of violent and aggressive behaviors in offspring across the lifespan. Early life risk factors, such as pregnancy and birth complications and intrauterine exposure to environmental toxins, appear to have a profound and enduring impact on the neuroregulatory systems mediating violence and aggression, yet the emergence of later adverse behavioral outcomes appears to be both complex and multidimensional. The present chapter reviews available experimental and clinical findings to provide a framework on perinatal risk factors that are associated with altered developmental trajectories leading to violence and aggression, and also highlights the genetic contributions in the expression of these behaviors.
Vitamin D, osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (OPG/RANKL) and inflammation with alendronate treatment in HIV-infected patients with reduced bone mineral density.

Objectives The aim of the study was to determine the effect of alendronate (ALN) on inflammatory markers and osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), and to explore the associations of baseline systemic inflammation and vitamin D status on the bone mineral density (BMD) response to ALN. Methods Eighty-two HIV-positive patients with lumbar spine T-score ≤ −1.5 were randomized to ALN 70 mg weekly or placebo for 48 weeks; all received calcium carbonate 500 mg/vitamin D3 200 IU twice daily. Serum C-telopeptide (CTx) and BMD were assessed at baseline and week 48. Stored plasma samples in 70 subjects were assayed for levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), OPG, RANKL, interleukin (IL)-6 and soluble receptors for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α 1 and 2 (sTNFR 1 and 2). Results ALN increased BMD more than placebo at both the lumbar spine (difference ALN − placebo 2.64%; P = 0.011) and the total hip (difference 2.27%; P = 0.016). No within- or between-arm differences in OPG, RANKL or inflammatory markers were observed over 48 weeks. High baseline CTx and sTNFR2 were associated with a more robust BMD response to ALN over 48 weeks at the lumbar spine [difference 5.66%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.50, 7.82; P < 0.0001] and total hip (difference 4.99%; 95% CI 2.40, 7.57; P = 0.0002), respectively. Baseline 25(OH)D < 32 ng/mL was associated with larger increases in total hip BMD over 48 weeks, independent of ALN treatment (P = 0.014). Conclusions Among HIV-positive patients, higher baseline bone resorption and TNF-α activity were associated with an increased BMD response to ALN. The greater BMD response in those with lower vitamin D reinforces the importance of vitamin D supplementation with bisphosphonate treatment.
Site-specific mutations in vectors that express antigenic and temperature-sensitive phenotypes of the M gene of vesicular stomatitis virus.

Abstract Full-length cDNA copies of mRNAs coding for the matrix (M) proteins of vesicular stomatitis virus and its mutant tsO23(III) were cloned in pBSM13- (BlueScribe). The authenticity of these clones was demonstrated by restriction enzyme mapping, DNA sequencing, and in vitro transcription and translation to identify the two M proteins by Western immunoblotting with epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies. Site-directed mutants were constructed by primer extension of synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides with one or two nucleotide changes to alter the glycine at amino acid 21 of the wild-type (wt) M gene to glutamic acid, alanine, or proline. Similarly, a revertant was created in the M gene of mutant tsO23 by a Glu-21----Gly substitution. A series of wt- and mutant-M-gene chimeras was also constructed to create mutant and revertant clones with Leu----Phe and His----Tyr alterations at amino acids 111 and 227, respectively. We then moved the wt and tsO23 M genes and their site-specific mutants and chimeras cloned in pBSM13- into the eucaryotic expression vector pTF7 directed by the T7 bacteriophage RNA polymerase of the vaccinia virus recombinant vTF1-6,2. Western blot analysis of the M proteins transiently expressed in CV-1 cells by plasmids carrying M genes altered at amino acid 21 revealed that the critical antigenic determinant (epitope 1) is expressed only by the Gly-21 M protein and not by Glu-21, Ala-21, or Pro-21 M proteins. Of particular interest is an apparent conformational change, evidenced by slightly but significantly retarded electrophoretic migration, in plasmid-expressed M proteins with amino acids substituted for glycine at position 21. The glutamic acid at position 21 of tsO23 is not responsible for its temperature-sensitive phenotype, because a tsO23 revertant plasmid with glycine substituted at position 21 fails to rescue tsO23 virus in cells infected at the restrictive temperature; conversely, plasmids expressing wt M protein with substitutions of glutamic acid, alanine, or proline at position 21 are just as effective in marker rescue of tsO23 as is the Gly-21 wt M protein. Marker rescue experiments with wt- and mutant-M-gene chimeras support the hypothesis of K. Morita, R. Vanderoef, and J. Lenard (J. Virol. 61:256-263, 1987) that the temperature-sensitive phenotype of tsO23 is due to a phenylalanine substituted for leucine at amino acid 111, rather than the His-227----Tyr substitution or the Gly-21----Glu substitution, which independently accounts for the loss of epitope 1 in the mutant M protein of tsO23.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Norms in Law and Economics

Everyone realizes the importance of social norms as guides to behavior and substitutes or complements for law. Coming up with a paradigm for analyzing norms, however, has been surprisingly difficult, as has systematic empirical study. In this chapter of the Handbook of Law and Economics, edited by A. Mitchell Polinsky and Steven Shavell and forthcoming in 2005, we survey the topic.
Sulfonic esters of carbohydrates. II.

Publisher Summary The two major factors, influencing reactivity in reactions at isolated sulfonyloxy groups are the geometry of the molecule and the nucleophilicity of the attacking group. The p-tolylsulfonyloxy group is more reactive than the methylsulfonyloxy group in displacement reactions. In context to reactions of primary sulfonates, it is noted that the well known difference between galactose-6-sulfonates and most other primary sulfonates is seen in reactivity toward nucleophiles. It is noted that the difference in reactivity between primary and secondary sulfonates permits selective displacement of the former. Primary sulfonyloxy groups are also displaced by methoxide ion in derivatives of D-glucose and D-arabinose by sulfite ion in 1,2-O-isopropylidene-6-O-p-tolysulfonyl-D-glucofuranose. The use of ammonia or hydrazine to introduce a nitrogenous function by way of displacement of a sulfonyloxy group has disadvantages, owing to the possibility that secondary amines can be formed. These neutral nucleophiles have advantages in displacements of hindered, secondary sulfonates.
Single-trait and antagonistic index selection for litter size and body weight in mice.

Individual selection based on female performance only was conducted in four lines of mice: L+ for increased litter size, W+ for increased 6-week body weight, L-W+ for a selection index aimed at decreasing litter size and increasing 6-week body weight and L+W- for a selection index aimed at increasing litter size and decreasing 6-week body weight. A fifth line (K) served as an unselected control. All litters were standardized to eight mice at one day of age. Expected heritability was based on twice the regression of offspring on dam (h2d), which contains additive genetic variance due to direct (σ2Ao) and maternal (σ2Am) effects and their covariance (σAoAm). Responses and correlated responses were measured either deviated (method 1) or not deviated (method 2) from the control line. Realized heritabilities (h2R) for litter size were 0.19 ± 0.04 (1) and 0.16 ± 0.03 (2), which were similar to h 2d of 0.17 ± 0.04. The h2 R for 6-week body weight of 0.55 ± 0.07 (1) and 0.44 ± 0.07 (2) agreed with h2d of 0.42 ± 0.02. Realized genetic correlations (r*GR) between litter size and 6-week body weight calculated from the double-selection experiment were 0.52 ± 0.10 (1) and 0.52 ± 0.13 (2), which were not significantly different from the base population estimate of r* Gd = 0.63 ± 0.14. Divergence (L-W + minus L+W-) in the antagonistic index selection lines was 0.21 ± 0.01 index units (I = 0.305 PW - 0.436 PL, where P W and PL are the phenotypic values for 6-week body weight and litter size, respectively.). The h2 R of index units of 0.14 ± 0.02 calculated from divergence agreed with h2d of 0.14 ± 0.04. Divergences in litter size (-0.19 ± 0.07) and 6-week body weight (0.46 ± 0.10) were in the expected direction. Antagonistic index selection yielded about one-half the expected divergence in litter size, while divergence in 6-week body weight was only slightly less than expected. Realized genetic correlations indicated that litter size, 6-week body weight and index units each showed positive pleiotropy with 3-week body weight, postweaning gain and weight at vaginal introitus and negative pleiotropy with age at vaginal introitus. Sex ratio and several components of fitness (days from joining to parturition, percent fertile matings and percent perinatal survival) did not change significantly in the selected lines.
Chinese Philosophy in Systematic Metaphysics

The chief problematic for contemporary systematic metaphysics is to develop categories for understanding the world as having value at the same time that it is explicable by science. Western philosophical thinking, with major exceptions, has tracked science by understanding the world to be factual but not intrinsically valuable. Chinese philosophy in all periods has understood human beings to be embedded within society which in turn is embedded within nature, all of which bear values of appropriate types. Themes in Chinese philosophy contribute to this problematic of systematic metaphysics in important ways, explored in this article.
Chemistry of the eupatoriinae

Abstract The known chemistry of subtribe Eupatoriinae, tribe Eupatorieae, Asteraceae, is reviewed critically and taxonomic implications are discussed.
Predicting self-related health among the aged

Self-rated health among a sample of older persons is investigated via a simple path analysis model. The strongest predictor of self-rated health is a health index measuring reported conditions and confinement at home in bed. Income and education have small but significant direct effects on self-rated health suggesting that elderly of lower SES tend to evaluate their health as poorer than those of higher SES who are of similar health status (measured by the health index). Age, ethnicity, and sex affect self-ratings only indirectly through other variables.
Transforming growth factor-β3 regulates assembly of a non-fibrotic matrix in a 3D corneal model

Corneal tissue engineering has attracted the attention of many researchers over the years, in part due to the cornea's avascularity and relatively straightforward structure. However, the highly organized and structured nature of this optically clear tissue has presented a great challenge. We have previously developed a model in which human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) are stimulated by a stable vitamin C (VitC) derivative to self-assemble an extracellular matrix (ECM). Addition of TGFβ1 enhanced the assembly of ECM; however, it was accompanied by the upregulation of specific fibrotic markers. In this study, we tested the effects of all three TGFβ isoforms (-β1, -β2 and -β3) on ECM production, as well as expression of fibrotic markers. HCFs were grown in four media conditions for 4 weeks: control, VitC only; T1, VitC + TGFβ1; T2, VitC + TGFβ2; and T3, VitC + TGFβ3. The cultures were analysed with western blots, TEM and indirect immunofluorescence (IF). Compared to controls, all TGFβ isoforms stimulated matrix production by about three-fold. IF showed the presence of type III collagen and smooth muscle actin (SMA) in T1 and T2; however, T3 showed little to no expression. In western blots, T3 stimulated a lower type III:type I collagen ratio when compared to the other conditions. In addition, TEM indicated that T3 stimulated a higher level of matrix alignment and organization. HCFs stimulated by VitC and TGFβ3 appear to generate a matrix that mimics the normal adult or developing human cornea, whereas TGF-β1 and -β2 drive the constructs towards a more fibrotic path.
Development of cobalt–copper nanoparticles as catalysts for higher alcohol synthesis from syngas

Abstract The synthesis of higher alcohols from syngas has been studied over different types of Cu-based catalysts. In order to provide control over the catalyst composition at the scale of a few nanometers, we have synthesized two sets of Co–Cu nanoparticles with novel structures by wet chemical methods, namely, (a) cobalt core–copper shell (Co@Cu) and (b) cobalt–copper mixed (synthesized by simultaneous reduction of metal precursors) nanoparticles. These catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The catalysts were tested for CO hydrogenation at temperatures ranging from 230 °C to 300 °C, 20 bar and 18,000 scc/(hr.gcat). It was observed that the Co–Cu mixed nanoparticles with higher Cu concentration exhibit a greater selectivity towards ethanol and C 2+ oxygenates. The highest ethanol selectivity achieved was 11.4% with corresponding methane selectivity of 17.2% at 270 °C and 20 bar.
Teaching Religion and Material Culture

Because religions discipline and interpret bodies; create and define sacred spaces; generate, adore and study images in all media; regulate the intake of food; structure temporal experience; and in general interpenetrate and are permeated by the cultural landscapes in which they exist, religious studies must engage material religion and religious materiality. We encounter bodily realities of other religions and cultures through our own disciplined bodies, which are both necessary and problematic for those encounters. This article connects theoretical and practical resources needed to help students discover the stuff of religion – flesh and blood, bread and wine, songs and sound, knives and body parts, movement and music, human bodies, time, space, cosmograms composed of and composing the bodies of the religious – uncovering the materiality of religion, existing underneath, alongside, without, and amidst religious textuality and verbal ideation.
Product analysis of the reaction of OH with benzene, toluene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene at 300 K

Abstract Products of the reaction of OH with benzene, toluene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene have been identified in crossed molecular beam experiments conducted at 300 K. Ionization potentials of the most intense products were also measured.
An implementation of some implicit function theorems with applications to sensitivity analysis

This paper presents an implementation of some recent results of Bigelow and Shapiro [1]. These implicit function theorems are shown to provide a convenient means of performing certain types of sensitivity analysis, in particular updating the lagrange multipliers, associated with particular classes of problems. As a result we extend the usual sensitivity analysis results to include improving estimates of the effect of changing the right-hand sides of constraints. Examples of chemical equilibrium and entropy maximization models are used to illustrate the results.
The Heavy Particle Component of the Cosmic Radiation

A large Wilson cloud chamber was used to study the heavy particles in the cosmic radiation. The chamber had a volume of 7 liters and an illuminated section 5 cm deep by 30 cm in diameter, so that there was no danger of confusing alpha-particle tracks with heavy cosmic rays. Heavy tracks made in the 1.5 seconds preceding the expansion were recorded. In 8500 pictures, about 80 heavy tracks were observed. Of these, 21 were made by particles of about the ionization of slow protons. Their paths could be seen in the illumination for distances equivalent to path lengths of from 13 to 45 cm in air. 45 less dense old tracks were observed that had an ionization noticeably greater than an electron track. Of the tracks that appeared to have tripped the counters causing the expansion, 14 were considerably heavier than electron tracks. Three disintegrations with heavy tracks apparently arising from the wall of the chamber were observed. Most of the other old heavy tracks were also probably of secondary origin. It is estimated that about one percent of the sea-level cosmic ionization is due directly to heavy particles.
Effects of Frequency of Pain Report on Subjective Pain Ratings of the Cold Pressor Task

Differences in methodology among studies using the cold pressor task have affected the level of pain reported by subjects. This study was designed to assess the effects of varying frequency of self-report on intensity of subjective pain ratings. In a sample of 108 subjects, significant differences in pain ratings were found between subjects who rated their pain at 50-sec. intervals and groups who rated at lower or higher frequencies. Analysis indicated that the frequency of reporting pain may influence the coping strategies used by patients with pain and should be considered carefully by researchers.
Synthesis and chemistry of 1-acetyl, 2-methylsubstituted cyclopentadienyl thallium and its chiral manganese and rhodium carbonyl derivatives. The molecular structure of [1-CH3CO, 2-CH3C5H3]Rh(CO)[P(C6H5)3]

Reaction of sodium methylcyclopentadienide and ethyl acetate yields a 1:1 mixture of the sodium salts of 1-acetyl, 2-methylcyclopentadienide, 1, and its 1-acetyl, 3-methyl isomer, 2. Reaction of this mixture with thallium ethoxide yields the corresponding thallium salts from which pure 1-acetyl, 2-methylcyclopentadienyl thallium, 3, can be obtained by fractional crystallization from ethanol. Isomerically enriched samples of 1-acetyl, 3-methyl thallium compound, 4, can be obtained from the recrystallization filtrates. Reaction of 3 with BrMn(CO)5 yields the planar chiral complex 1-acetyl, 2-methylcymantrene, 5, as a racemic mixture. Reaction of 3 with [ClRh(CO)2]2 gave 1-acetyl, 2-methylcyclopentadienyl rhodium dicarbonyl, 6. Reaction of thallium mixtures enriched in 4 with [ClRh(CO)2]2 yields, after chromatography, small samples of 1-acetyl, 3-methylcyclopentadienyl rhodium dicarbonyl, 10. A small quantity of a dinuclear complex, 7, was obtained from 6 and shown to consist of both the meso and racemic forms of 7. Reaction of 6 with trimethylamine oxide yielded a trinuclear complex, 8, whose spectra and chiral HPLC are fully consistent with the expected distribution of isomers for a triangulo complex with three chiral centers. 6 reacts with triphenylphosphine to give the expected carbonyl, triphenylphosphine derivative, 11, which was crystallographically characterized: C27H24O2PRh, monoclinic, P21/c, a = 9.029(1), b = 11.196(2), c = 23.298(4) A, β = 91.34, V = 2354.7 A3, Z = 4, R(F) = 3.65%. Oxidative addition of iodomethane with 11 gives a diastereomeric mixture of cyclopentadienylrhodium(acetyl)iodo(triphenylphosphine) isomers, 12, in an approximately 1:2 ratio indicating modest chiral induction by the ring substituents of addition at the metal. Chiral HPLC using columns of CHIRALCEL OD are described for several of the racemic mixtures.
The effect of inertia on tensile ductility

One-dimensional numerical simulations of dynamic tensile tests have been carried out over a wide range of test velocities for materials having aHollomon-type constitutive law with power-law strain-rate sensitivity. A variety of values of the strain-hardening exponent and strain-rate-sensitivity index have been used to analyze the effect of inertia on tensile ductility. Results show that the total elongation of the specimen is enhanced by inertia at high test velocities. This inertial effect varies with the strain-hardening exponent and strain-rate-sensitivity index and can be scaled with the normalized material density and the test velocity. Based on these results, the critical test velocity for the onset of the inertial effect as a function of material parameters has been numerically determined. To account for the effect of inertia on the enhancement of tensile ductility, a simple phenomenological explanation has been proposed.
Dynamic F waves in neurogenic claudication

Serial F waves were elicited before and after ambulation in 2 patients with neurogenic claudication. In both patients dynamic changes in F wave parameters consisting of either unelicitability or increased latencies occurred postexercise. The time course of these changes and their subsequent rapid reversibility over 15 minutes suggest ischemic-induced conduction block and slowing in proximal motor axons. These physiological changes may account for some of the dynamic neurological symptoms of this disorder. Moreover, F wave exercise testing may provide corroborative information for the diagnosis of neurogenic claudication.
Long term glass-encapsulated packaging for implant electronics

Hermetic Titanium-alloy packaging (e.g., used in pacemakers and cochlear implants) has been accepted as the industrial standard for decades. However, two remaining issues of this well-known technology are the size and limited number of feedthroughs [1]. On the other hand, the next generation wireless intraocular retinal prosthetic devices do require unprecedented small size and large number of leads to be fitted inside a human eyeball so the traditional metal packaging is difficult to be implemented. Therefore, these new generation of microimplants will need a new packaging scheme. This paper then reports a new long-term packaging method using glass encapsulation featuring a controlled failure mode from fast diffusion to slow undercut. The results is promising that this new packaging scheme could survive more than 10 years by accelerated “active” lifetime soaking test (i.e., with electric field applied) in 0.9 wt.% saline solution. As a whole, this new method provides several advantages including easy employment, controllable long life time, and enhanced heat dissipation.