cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of a behavioural intervention to reduce acquisition of HIV infection among men who have sex with men: the EXPLORE randomised controlled study

Summary Background Effective interventions are needed to prevent acquisition of HIV infection in men who have sex with men. To date, no behavioural interventions specifically for this risk group have been tested with HIV infection as the primary outcome. Methods This multisite two-group randomised controlled phase IIb trial tested the efficacy of a behavioural intervention in preventing HIV infection among 4295 men who have sex with men. The experimental intervention consisted of ten one-on-one counselling sessions followed by maintenance sessions every 3 months. The standard condition was twice-yearly Project RESPECT individual counselling. Twice-yearly follow-up visits included testing for HIV antibody and assessment of behavioural outcomes. Findings The rate of acquisition of HIV infection was 18·2% (95% CI –4·7 to 36·0) lower in the intervention group than the standard group. Adjustment for baseline covariates attenuated the intervention effect to 15·7% (–8·4 to 34·4). The effect was more favourable in the first 12–18 months of follow-up. The occurrence of unprotected receptive anal intercourse with HIV-positive and unknown-status partners was 20·5% (10·9 to 29·0) lower in the intervention than in the standard group. Interpretation The results from the primary analyses allow us to rule out that the experimental intervention is associated with a 35% lower rate of HIV acquisition than in the standard group. The overall estimate of a difference of 18·2%, more favourable estimates of effect in the first 12–18 months, and similar effects on risk behaviours suggest that prevention of HIV infection among men who have sex with men by a behavioural intervention is feasible. Further work should be done to develop more effective interventions.
Optimum Design and Control of Self-Supported Wave Energy Systems

In a previous paper by the authors a procedure is given for the optimum design of single mass, anchored wave energy generators. The anchoring problem is generally regarded as one of the major obstacles of developing practical systems due to the high cost of implementation. This paper presents a procedure for the design of supporting platforms for wave generators which are essentially self-positioned and require minimum anchoring. The optimum design and control for such systems is given for a selected ocean condition. The study shows that an unanchored platform in an optimally designed two-mass system can provide appropriate support for the wave generator without any significant loss of conversion efficiency.
Evaluation of a fluorescein-labeled estradiol derivative for use in affinity capillary electrophoresis

A fluorescein-labeled estradiol derivative was assessed for use in affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) in a competitive immunoassay format, in which the fluorescently labeled estradiol competed with unlabeled estradiol for a mouse anti-estradiol antibody. The preparation of the labeled estradiol produced a mixture of fluorescein-containing compounds that led to multiple peaks in the electropherogram and to which the antibody responded differently. Two of the components of the mixture, towards which the mouse antibody showed most affinity, were isolated using fraction collection via capillary electrophoresis (CE). The two fractions of the labeled estradiol products isolated by CE were characterized using mass spectrometric methods. The two active fluorescein-conjugated products differed in the carboxylate on the fluorescein moiety, one having a methyl group instead of the acidic hydrogen for the other. The estradiol antibody showed a stronger binding for the conjugate containing the methyl group, as determined from the estimated binding constants using Scatchard analysis. The isolated fractions of labeled estradiol were shown to be applicable to the ACE immunoassay method.
Wearing a Mask. Voluntary Depigmentation among Continental Africans: An Aesthetic Revolution or a Post-Colonial Traumatism?

For several years certain laboratories have been trying to produce a serum for “denegrification”; with all the earnestness in the world, laboratories have sterilized their test tubes, checked their scales, and embarked on researches that might make it possible for the miserable Negro to whiten himself and thus to throw off the burden of that corporal malediction.1 Frantz Fanon
On C∞-vectors and intertwining bilinear forms for representations of Lie groups

Abstract The main result of this paper is a structure theorem for continuous intertwining bilinear forms on the Frechet spaces of C ∞ -vectors of two Banach space representations of a Lie group. Using elliptic regularity theory it is shown that such forms can be identified with a certain class of closed densely defined intertwining operators. As an application of this result it is shown that all the usual criteria for equivalence and irreducibility of unitary representations remain valid for the corresponding differentiable representations on the spaces of C ∞ -vectors. The results are used to study families of representations having a common space of C ∞ -vectors, and the theory is illustrated by some examples. The spaces of C ∞ -vectors of the regular representations in L p ( G ) are described, and the result is used to characterize a certain class of closed translation invariant operators from L p ( G ) to L q ( G ). The same technique is used to characterize the space of C ∞ -vectors of an arbitrary induced representation of a Lie group.
A generative statistical model for tracking multiple smooth trajectories

We present a general model for tracking smooth trajectories of multiple targets in complex data sets, where tracks potentially cross each other many times. As the number of overlapping trajectories grows, exploiting smoothness becomes increasingly important to disambiguate the association of successive points. However, in many important problems an effective parametric model for the trajectories does not exist. Hence we propose modeling trajectories as independent realizations of Gaussian processes with kernel functions which allow for arbitrary smooth motion. Our generative statistical model accounts for the data as coming from an unknown number of such processes, together with expectations for noise points and the probability that points are missing. For inference we compare two methods: A modified version of the Markov chain Monte Carlo data association (MCMCDA) method, and a Gibbs sampling method which is much simpler and faster, and gives better results by being able to search the solution space more efficiently. In both cases, we compare our results against the smoothing provided by linear dynamical systems (LDS). We test our approach on videos of birds and fish, and on 82 image sequences of pollen tubes growing in a petri dish, each with up to 60 tubes with multiple crossings. We achieve 93% accuracy on image sequences with up to ten trajectories (35 sequences) and 88% accuracy when there are more than ten (42 sequences). This performance surpasses that of using an LDS motion model, and far exceeds a simple heuristic tracker.
Optimization of Surfactant-Aided Remediation of Industrially Contaminated Soils

Soil matrices contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) abound at the sites of coke-oven gas plants, refineries, and many other major chemical industries. The removal of PAHs from soil using pure water, via soil washing (ex situ) or soil flushing (in situ), is quite ineffective due to their low solubility and hydrophobicity. However, addition of suitable surfactant(s) has been shown to increase the removal efficiency several fold. For the present work, the removal of PAHs occurring in industrially contaminated soil was studied. The objective was to use a nonionic surfactant solution for in situ soil flushing and to evaluate the optimal range of process parameters that can significantly increase the removal efficiency. The process parameters chosen were surfactant concentration, ratio of washing solution volume to soil weight, and temperature of washing solution. These parameters were found to have a significant effect on PAH removal from the contaminated soil and an optimal range was determined for each parameter under given washing conditions.
Allozyme variation and population genetic structure during the life history of Bufo woodhousii fowleri (Amphibia: Anura)

Abstract Allozyme variation in Bufo woodhousii fowleri was assessed to identify unique patterns of expression during the life history of this toad in eastern Mississippi and to determine the toad's population genetic structure. Of 35 loci screened, only five show differential patterns of expression among tissues; three isozymes were expressed differentially during development, and two isozymes showed tissue-specific patterns of expression. Allozyme variation at nine loci showed spatial genetical heterogeneity among breeding sites. Although previous ecological studies indicate a stepping-stone model of population structure for anuran populations which predicts isolation by distance among populations, isolation by distance did not explain population subdivision on the geographic scale of our study. Loci that show differential patterns of gene expression did not contribute any more to population structure than loci that do not show unique patterns of gene expression. Although we cannot eliminate selection as a plausible explanation for the population subdivision we observed, the most likely causes of the genetic heterogeneity among populations of this toad are genetic drift and historical effects. Temporal changes in allele frequencies between the adult and larval cohorts occurred at all the loci studied while there were fewer changes from one life history stage to the next within the cohort. Deviation from Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium, which occurred at only 25% of the loci showing temporal variation in allele frequencies, was associated with either heterozygote deficiencies or heterozygote excess at different loci.
Supporting students in self-regulation: use of formative feedback and portfolios in a problem-based learning setting.

Background: The widely recognized need for students to self-regulate their behavior and learning extends to the multiple dimensions of professionalism.Aim: This study examines the extent to which students self-regulate professionalism behaviors related to work habits and interpersonal skills in a PBL setting.Methods: Formative feedback on works habits and interpersonal skills provided by peers and tutors to a Year 1 cohort (n = 32) over the course of a year-long PBL experience (5 blocks) was examined for comments on targeted areas for improvement (TAFIs) and observed improvements. We examined congruence between PBL feedback and students’ self-reported TAFIs and behavioral improvements in their assessment portfolios.Results: Both PBL peer and faculty feedback and portfolio self-assessments targeted Interpersonal Skills TAFIs more frequently than Work Habit-related issues. TAFIs were more frequently identified midway in PBL blocks versus the end. Students reported TAFIs in their portfolio essays, citing fee...
Robust algorithm for computing quasi-static stark broadening of spectral lines

Abstract A method previously developed to solve large-scale linear systems is applied to quasi-static Stark line broadening calculations. The method is formally exact, numerically stable, and allows optimization of the integration over the quasi-static field to assure numerical accuracy. Furthermore, the method is computationally efficient compared to the conventional approach, particularly for complex problems involving large matrices.
Ovine placental lactogen stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity in brain and liver of neonatal rats

Abstract Ovine placental lactogen (oPL), growth hormone (oGH), prolactin (oPRL) and human placental lactogen (hPL) were administered intracisternally (ic) or intraperitoneally (ip) to 17 day old rats and brain and liver ODC activities determined four hours later. When given ic, oPL, oGH and oPRL caused significant increases in brain ODC activity, while hPL had no significant effect. After ip administration, oPL and oGH also caused a significant increase in brain as well as liver ODC activity but oPRL and hPL were without significant effect. The stimulation of polyamine metabolism by oPL together with earlier reports of its potent somatotropic effects and its high concentration in the fetus supports the hypothesis that oPL may be important in the regulation of fetal growth.
Externalism and “knowing what” one thinks

Some worry that semantic externalism is incompatible with knowing by introspection what content your thoughts have. In this paper, I examine one primary argument for this incompatibilist worry, the slow-switch argument. Following Goldberg (Pac Philos Quart 87:301–314, 2006), I construe the argument as attacking the conjunction of externalism and “skeptic immune” knowledge of content, where such knowledge would persist in a skeptical context. Goldberg, following Burge (J Philos 85(1):649–663, 1988), attempts to reclaim such knowledge for the externalist; however, I contend that all Burge-style accounts (at best) vindicate that a subject can introspectively know that she is thinking that “water is wet.” They do not yet show how a subject can introspectively know what she is thinking—which is the distinctive type of knowing at issue in the slow-switch argument. Nonetheless, I subsequently amend the Burge-style view to illustrate how an externalist can introspectively “know-what” content her thought has, and know it in a skeptic immune manner, despite what the slow-switch argument may suggest. For one, I emphasize that “knowing what” can be ontologically non-committal (so that knowing your thought is about water does not require knowing that water exists). For another, following Boer and Lycan (Knowing who, 1986), I stress that “knowing what” is purpose-relative–and for at least some purposes, it seems possible for the externalist to “know what” content her thought has, even if skeptical hypotheses about XYZ are relevant.
Making Ancient Cities Plausible

The state of archaeological research on ancient cities is presented in three edited volumes, and our understanding of ancient urbanism is undoubtedly advanced. Some venerable questions are renewed, including how and whether ancient cities differ from modern ones. However, the chapters consist mainly of narrowly focused aspects of ancient cities, and there are few interconnecting themes running through each volume. Future investigations of ancient cities will depend on an engagement with modern urban and social theory and from new kinds of comparative studies.
The effect of quantifiers on evaluative meaning: Replications using English subjects

Two studies replicate the effects of several classes of quantifiers on the intensity of evaluative meaning of adjectives. The present studies used English Ss, the original studies American Ss. In Study I, Ss rated adjectives both alone and when preceded by each of 10 probabilistic adverbs. In Study II, Ss rated adjectives alone and when preceded by four other classes of quantifiers. Quantifier classes consisted of Frequency adverbs, Temporal Proximity adverbs, Verb Tenses, and Negative forms, totalling 21 discrete quantifiers. In each study data were scaled by a successive intervals method, and scale values were tested against a simple linear model assigning a multiplying function to the quantifier. Results closely match those found with American Ss and fit the model as precisely. Overall correlations between the two sources of information range from .97 to .99, but small absolute discrepancies occur between them.
Stories of assessment: Spanish–English bilingual children's agency and interactional competence in oral language assessments

Abstract Prompted by a concern that the cognitivist orientation and monolingual biases of current language assessment practices may unwittingly perpetuate deficit perspectives on language minority children, this paper examines the linguistic, interactional, and identity resources that Spanish–English bilingual children used to co-construct interactional competence in narrative-based speaking assessments with bilingual researcher-assessors. Insights from sociocultural linguistics guided our close interactional analyses of three assessment excerpts, which we discuss in their ethnographic context by drawing on interview and observational data from our 18-month study. Our analysis demonstrates that children were able to create space for agency, bilingualism, and interaction even in assessments that assumed passive, monolingual, and monologic participation. We discuss implications of these findings for research and education, arguing that language assessment needs to be reconceptualized in ways that account for children's interactional competence and agency.
Antarctic meteorite researchers find promising new field

Researchers, supported jointly by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), have found what looks like a promising new meteorite field in the Antarctic. The meteorite research and retrieval is carried out by university and government researchers, led by William Cassady of the University of Pittsburgh, including members of the Japanese polar research team and members of a group from NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston.
Bifurcation and Martensitic transformations in Bravais lattices

Behavior of crystalline solids exhibiting shape memory effects seems to be associated with special kinds of Martensitic transformations, near which some linear elastic moduli are small compared to others. This work explores the possibility of interpreting this in terms of special kinds of bifurcations.
Significance of leukocytosis after cardiac device implantation.

Infection remains a feared complication after cardiac device implantation. Whether early postprocedural leukocytosis, a recognized marker of infection, is an indicator of impending infection is unclear and was the focus of this study. A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator or pacemaker implantation was performed. The association between change in white blood cell (WBC) count and development of infection after device implantation was assessed. Infection was defined as pocket or lead infection or as bacteremia or sepsis 15,000/μl. Subjects with significant leukocytosis were younger (mean age 61.9 ± 16.5 vs 65.6 ± 15.1 years, p
Use of Intercostal Muscle in Primary Repair of Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula

Forty-one patients with esophageal atresia and distal tracheoesophageal fistula underwent primary repair. Results are compared among patients in whom an intercostal muscle graft was interposed between the trachea and esophagus and those without the graft. Patients with muscle interposition had lower morbidity and mortality and better long-term results.
Microscale Spatially Resolved Thermal Response of Si Nanotip to Laser Irradiation

Under laser irradiation, the atomic force microscope (AFM) tip can give rise to strong near-field scattering and focusing, leading to strong heating of the tip itself. We report a systematic study of laser heating of an ordinary AFM silicon tip under lateral laser irradiation with micrometer spatial resolution. The temperature rise of the tip can be determined from the relationship between Raman shift versus temperature. The influences of focal situation and energy density of the incident laser on the Raman shift/temperature are studied extensively. The microscale spatially resolved temperature response is also investigated when the laser spot moves along the tip axis until to the cantilever. When the laser irradiates the tip apex, the middle of the tip, and the cantilever, the corresponding temperatures are 603, 754, and 626 K under laser density of 5.6 × 108 W/m2. We substantiate our Raman measurement by theoretically modeling the electric field distribution using the finite element method as well as th...
Safety and efficacy of living BCG or BCG cell walls (CW) in the treatment of a guinea pig hepatoma

Guinea pigs with established intradermal tumors and microscopic lymph node metastases were treated by intralesional injection of graded doses of living BCG or BCG CW. The lowest dose of living BCG used produced a significant cure rate and no grossly evident toxicity. An intermediate and the highest dose of living BCG used cured some animals but others lost weight and a significant number died as a result of the treatment. Histologic examination of animals with significant weight loss showed fatty degeneration of the liver, granulomatous hepatitis and histiocytic infiltration of the spleen. None of the doses of BCG CW used was toxic and they were at least as effective as living BCG in intralesional treatment. In some experiments in which treatment was delayed it was found that the extent of disease required to render treatment ineffective was about the same for living BCG and for BCG CW.
Synthesis and Structures of Low-Valent Alkynyl Tin and Germanium Complexes Supported by Terphenyl Ligands: Heavier Group 14 Element Enediyne Analogues†

The reaction of (Ar′SnCl)2 (Ar′ = −C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-iPr2)2) with LiC≡CR (R = SiMe3 or tBu) afforded the orange-red, alkynyl-substituted, symmetric distannene Ar′(Me3SiC≡C)SnSn(C≡CSiMe3)Ar′ (1) or the blue unsymmetric stannylstannylene Ar′SnSn(C≡CtBu)2Ar′ (2), respectively, whose structures were determined by X-ray crystallography. In solution at room temperature, however, both compounds have very similar UV−vis and 1H NMR spectra, consistent with the formation of monomeric stannylene units. Cooling a solution of 1 resulted in a color change to pink and the appearance of a new UV−vis absorption at 506 nm, consistent with the formation of a symmetric dimeric structure at low temperature. The different structures of 1 and 2 in the solid state are probably a result of packing effects. In contrast, the analogous reactions of (Ar′GeCl)2 with LiC≡CR (R = SiMe3 or tBu) resulted in the exclusive formation of digermene derivatives Ar′(RC≡C)GeGe(C≡CR)Ar′ (R = SiMe3 (3), tBu (4)), which maintain their dimeric struc...
Ureterocolonlc Anastomosis in Ten Dogs with Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Ureterocolonic anastomosis (UCA) was performed in 10 dogs with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder trigone or the urethra, or both. All grossly visible tumor was excised. All of the dogs recovered from anesthesia and surgery and had anal continence with no urine leakage. One dog died of undetermined causes 7 days after surgery. Nine dogs survived 1 to 5 months. The owners of eight of the dogs considered their dog's quality of life to be acceptable. Four dogs were euthanatized because of neurologic disease, three of which also had nausea and vomiting. The neurologic and gastrointestinal signs may have been caused by hyperammonemia, metabolic acidosis, and uremia. Blood ammonia levels were elevated in two dogs with neurologic signs. Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis that was reversible with bicarbonate therapy was diagnosed in five dogs. All of the dogs were azotemic because of intestinal recycling of urea. Serum creatinine concentrations increased in four dogs after surgery. Drug-induced renal disease may have developed in two dogs. Pyelonephritis developed in five kidneys, two of which had outflow obstruction and two had bilateral hydrouretero-nephrosis before the UCA. In this small number of dogs, surgical excision of transitional cell carcinoma was not curative with six dogs having confirmed metastatic lesions at the time of death.
Early diagnosis and treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a patient with cystic fibrosis

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a rare and fatal complication in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who lack concomitant risk factors. The few documented cases in children have all resulted in deaths during hospitalisation. We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with CF who was admitted for an exacerbation which was unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. The findings on imaging raised concerns about a possible fungal infection. As a result, voriconazole therapy was started prior to his respiratory deterioration. He was later found to be β-D glucan and Aspergillus Ag galactomannan positive confirming the suspicion for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Three months after diagnosis, he was discharged home under stable condition. Voriconazole was continued beyond discharge and resulted in improvement of respiratory symptoms. This underscores the importance of early treatment of pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with CF. Unfortunately, the patient died 6 months after diagnosis from a CF exacerbation.
The Association between Outpatient Buprenorphine Detoxification Duration and Clinical Treatment Outcomes: A Review

Abstract Background The association between buprenorphine taper duration and treatment outcomes is not well understood. This review evaluated whether duration of outpatient buprenorphine taper is significantly associated with treatment outcomes. Methods Studies that were published in peer-reviewed journals, administered buprenorphine as an outpatient taper to opioid-dependent participants, and provided data on at least one of three primary treatment outcome measures (opioid abstinence, retention, peak withdrawal severity) were reviewed. Primary treatment outcomes were evaluated as a function of taper duration using hierarchical linear regressions with pre-taper maintenance duration as a cofactor. Results Twenty-eight studies were reviewed. Taper duration significantly predicted percent of opioid-negative samples provided during treatment, however pre-taper maintenance period predicted percent participants abstinent on the final day of treatment. High rates of relapse were reported. No significant association between taper duration and retention in treatment or peak withdrawal severity was observed. Conclusion The data reviewed here suggest taper duration is associated with opioid abstinence achieved during detoxification but not with other markers of treatment outcome. The reviewed studies varied widely on several parameters (e.g., frequency of urinalysis testing, provision of ancillary medications) that may influence treatment outcome and thus could have interfered with the ability to identify relationships between taper duration and outcomes. Future studies evaluating opioid detoxification should utilize rigorous experimental methods and report a wider range of outcome measures in order to help advance our understanding of the association between taper duration and treatment outcomes.
THERMAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF COLEOMEGILLA MACULATA (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE) AND ITS PARASITE PERILITUS COCCINELLAE (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE)

The optimum temperature range for development and survival of the predacious coccinellid Coleomegilla maculata and its parasite Perilitus coccinellae is 24° to 26.7°C. Theoretical thresholds for development ( t ) of the pre-imaginal stages of C . maculata range from 9° to 13°C. Total development (from oviposition to adult emergence) of the beetle requires an accumulation of 236 heat degree days ( K ) above 11.3°C ( t ), whereas the development of P . coccinellae requires 395 heat degree days ( K ) above 9.8°C ( t ). To predict the seasonal interaction between C . maculata and P . coccinellae , and to manage C . maculata efficiently as a biological control agent, it is vital to know the thermal and dietary requirements of the two species.
Older patients perceptions of "unnecessary" tests and referrals: a national survey of Medicare beneficiaries.

Context Unnecessary exposure to medical interventions can harm patients. Many hope that generalist physicians can limit such unnecessary exposure.
Evaluation of endoscopic approaches for deep gastric-muscle–wall biopsies: what works?

Background A major barrier to furthering our understanding of the pathophysiology of neuromuscular GI diseases, including functional GI disorders, is the inability to obtain deep gastric-wall biopsy specimens that include both layers of the muscularis propria, which allows evaluation of specific cell types, including myenteric ganglia. Objectives The aims of this preclinical study were to (1) evaluate different endoscopic approaches for obtaining deep gastric-muscle–wall biopsy specimens and (2) determine if myenteric ganglia were present in the tissue samples. Design and Interventions This was a preclinical acute study by using a pig model. Multiple samples were obtained from 4 pigs. The endoscopic techniques evaluated were (1) EUS-guided tru-cut biopsy of the gastric wall, (2) jumbo biopsy of the post-EMR site, (3) jumbo biopsy of the gastrotomy margin, (4) serosal-side biopsy through a gastrotomy, and (5) double-EMR resection. Main Outcome Measurements Resected tissue was submitted for histology to determine which wall layers were included in the resected specimen. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to determine which muscle layers were biopsied, and an antibody to protein gene product 9.5 was used to determine if myenteric ganglia were present in the sample. Results Seventy-two tissue samples were obtained: EUS-guided tru-cut biopsy (n = 16), jumbo biopsy of the post-EMR site (n = 16), jumbo biopsy of the gastrotomy (n = 16), serosal-side biopsy (n = 16), and double-EMR resection (n = 8). Only the double-EMR resection tissues showed the presence of longitudinal muscle, indicating the presence of both muscle layers and the myenteric plexus. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated the presence of myenteric ganglia only in the double-EMR tissues and in none of the other gastric samples. No adjacent organs were included in the resection. Conclusions The double-EMR technique was the only studied technique that resulted in a deep gastric-wall sample and provided sufficient tissue to evaluate both muscle layers and the intermuscular layer that contain myenteric ganglia. Further studies are needed to verify the efficacy and to assess the safety of this approach.
Inhibition of Peptide Initiation on Reticulocyte Ribosomes by Edeine

Edeine, a small basic peptide antibiotic, is shown to inhibit initiation of polyphenylalanine and globin peptides with little or no effect on peptide extension in cell-free systems derived from rabbit reticulocytes. Approximately a 1 to 1 molar ratio of edeine to ribosomes is sufficient for maximum inhibition of synthesis. In a poly(U)-directed system the antibiotic inhibits deacylated tRNAPhe binding into the donor ribosomal site and enzymatic or nonenzymatic binding of phenylalanyl-tRNA into the acceptor site. Resistance to edeine inhibition of polyphenylalanine synthesis or phenylalanyl-tRNA binding is produced by preliminary incubation of deacylated tRNA, poly(U), and ribosomes to form an initiation complex with deacylated tRNAPhe bound into the donor ribosomal site. Edeine blocks binding of phenylalanyl-tRNA or methionyl-tRNA to the smaller ribosomal subunit; however, it has a surprising stimulatory effect on methionyl-tRNA binding or methionylpuromycin formation with recombined ribosomal subunits. Globin synthesis in vitro on ribosomes isolated from whole cells previously incubated with NaF is partially inhibited by a high concentration of edeine while NaF completely inhibits synthesis. These “NaF ribosomes” carry tRNAfMet apparently in the form of an initiation complex accumulated during inhibition of peptide initiation by NaF. Edeine appears to inhibit peptide initiation at a point prior to the reaction inhibited by NaF. It is suggested that edeine inhibits peptide initiation by blocking a critical site on the 40 S ribosomal subunits, thus preventing functional integration of endogenous mRNA or Met-tRNAfMet into an initiation complex.
Multiple scattering by particles embedded in an absorbing medium. 2. Radiative transfer equation

This paper continues a systematic theoretical analysis of electromagnetic scattering by a group of arbitrarily sized, shaped, and oriented particles embedded in an absorbing, homogeneous, isotropic, and unbounded medium. The previously developed microphysical approach is used to derive the generalized form of the radiative transfer equation (RTE) applicable to a large group of sparsely, randomly, and uniformly distributed particles. The derivation of the RTE directly from the macroscopic Maxwell equations yields unambiguous and definitive analytical expressions for the participating quantities and thereby fully resolves the lasting controversy caused by the conflicting outcomes of several phenomenological approaches.
Ultrastructural Localization of Solanidine in Potato Tubers

Microscopic and ultrastructural cytochemical techniques were utilized in an attempt to localize the site of solanine synthesis in potato (Solarium tuberosum L. cv Russett Burbank) tubers. Application of an alkaloid extract of potato tissues to TLC plates before and after incubating with digitonin indicated solanidine, a direct precursor in the biosynthesis of solanine, was removed by digitonin. In the electron micrographs, the solanidine-digitonin complex was recognized as darkly stained needles or spicules. These spicules were observed primarily in the vacuoles of sprouted tips with a few also noted in the cytoplasm and peridermal tissue. This study demonstrated only minute quantities of solanidine present. The small quantities observed may reflect a rapid conversion of solanidine to solanine or chaconine or insensitivity of the method.
Structures and Properties of Ubiquinone-1 and Its Radical Anion from Hybrid Hartree−Fock/Density Functional Studies1

Ubiquinones and their semiquinone radical anionselectron transfer cofactors vital for respiration and photosynthesisare typically characterized in proteins by measuring their vibrational or electron spin resonance spectra. This contribution presents calculated geometries and spin properties for ubiquinone-1 (UQ1) and its radical anion (UQ1•-), as well as vibrational frequencies for a model with the methyl groups on the isoprenyl side chain of UQ1 replaced by hydrogens (UQ and UQ•). Computations were done by using the hybrid Hartree−Fock/density functional B3LYP method with the 6-31G(d) and [632|41] basis sets. Bond distance changes upon reducing UQ1 to UQ1•- are qualitatively consistent with results for other p-benzoquinones. Proton and 13C hyperfine coupling constants calculated by using Chipman's [632|41] basis set agree exceptionally well with experimental measurements and reflect the distribution of unpaired spin. We suggest isotopic substitution experiments to resolve the nearly overlapping CO and CC...
Computational modeling in quantitative cancer imaging

In recent years there have been dramatic increases in the range and quality of information available from non-invasive imaging methods so that a number of potentially valuable metrics are now available to quantitatively assess tumor status. Several of these have been used in both pre-clinical studies of animal models and clinical trials involving patients. However, the optimal methods by which these emerging imaging metrics are integrated and applied have yet to be developed. Here we provide an example of the kind of data available from quantitative imaging of cancer, and then propose an approach for how these data can be combined in order to offer a more comprehensive description of tumor growth and treatment response.
Computing architecture for telerobots in earth orbit

Based on generic operational and computational requirements associated with the control of telerobots in earth orbit, a multibus-based distributed but integrated computing architecture is proposed. An experimental system of that kind under development at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is briefly described. It uses Intel Multibus I at both control station and remote robot (telerobot) computing nodes. An essential element within each multibus is a Unified (or Universal) Computer Control Subsystem (UCCS) for telerobot and control station motor components. The two multibus-based computing nodes can be linked by parallel or high speed serial links for real-time data transmission and for closing the real-time bilateral (force-reflecting) control loop between telerobot and control station. The experimental system is briefly commented, followed by a brief discussion of future development plans and possibilities.
An IgG-Fc Binding Protein in Seminal Fluid*

: Human seminal fluid, at low dilutions, prevented the binding of aggregated human IgG (AHG) to bull spermatozoa. Seminal fluids from vasectomized men were also inhibitory. Preincubation of the seminal fluid with the spermatozoa prior to washing and addition to AHG had no inhibitory effect, indicating that the fluid component was reacting directly with AHG. Human seminal fluid was fractionated by gel exclusion chromatography on Ultrogel AcA-34, and AHG inhibitory activity was found in fractions corresponding to a molecular weight of 94,000. The activity in this fraction was stable to boiling for 10 min. It was sensitive to pronase but resistant to glycosidase, phospholipase C, neuraminidase, ribonuclease, and deoxyribonuclease, indicating that it was a protein. The gel filtration fraction readily bound recrystallized Fc and AHG; IgG was bound to a lesser extent, and no reactivity was observed with F(ab')2, IgA, or IgM. Thus, the seminal fluid fraction appeared to specifically react with the Fc portion of IgG. The seminal fluid Fc-binding protein was isolated by affinity chromatography on Fc coupled to CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B. Scatchard analysis revealed that the binding of the seminal fluid Fc-binding protein to recrystallized Fc is reversible and had a Kd of approximately 3 × 10−6 M.
Topology optimization of compliant mechanisms with multiple materials using a peak function material interpolation scheme

In the topology optimization of structures, compliant mechanisms or materials, a density-like func- tion is often used for material interpolation to overcome the computational difficulties encountered in the large "0-1" type integer programming problem. In this paper, we illustrate that a gradually formed continuous peak function can be used for material interpolation. One of the advantages of introducing the peak function is that multiple materials can easily be incorporated into the topology optimization without increasing the number of design variables. By using the peak function and the op- timality criteria method, we synthesize compliant mech- anisms with multiple materials with and without the ma- terial resource constraint. The numerical examples in- clude the two-phase, three-phase, and four-phase materi- als where void is treated as one material. This newdesign method enables us to optimally juxtapose stiff and flex- ible materials in compliant mechanisms, which can be built using modern manufacturing methods.
Percentile estimators for the parameters of the Weibull distribution

SUMMARY Large sample estimation of the location and the scale parameter of the Weibull distribution, when the shape parameter is known simultaneously, is considered. Best linear unbiased estimates based on k = 2, 4 and 6 sample quantiles are used. The optimum spacings of the sample quantiles, the coefficients to be used in computing the estimates and their variances and asymptotic efficiencies are given.
Consistent sulcal parcellation of longitudinal cortical surfaces

Automatic consistent sulcal parcellation of longitudinal cortical surfaces is of great importance in studying morphological and functional changes of human brains. This paper proposes a novel energy-function based method for consist sulcal parcellation of longitudinal cortical surfaces. Specifically, both spatial and temporal smoothness are imposed in the energy function to obtain consistent longitudinal sulcal parcellation results. The proposed method has been successfully applied to sulcal parcellation of longitudinal inner cortical surfaces of 10 normal subjects, each with 4 scans acquired within 2 years. Both quantitative and qualitative evaluation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
Towards an evaluation framework for assistive environments

As the world population is aging, there is an increasing need to support independent living of elderly people. Assistive environments incorporate the latest pervasive and ubiquitous technologies and provide a viable alternative to traditional assistive living. In this paper, we propose an evaluation framework to assess the quality of assistive environments. An assistive environment can be successful only if the potential users are willing to adopt it. The proposed framework identifies a set of attributes that are considered critical to user adoption. Sample metrics, as well as possible approaches to measure them, are also suggested to quantify those attributes. The framework is illustrated using an experimental assistive apartment environment that is being built at the University of Texas at Arlington.
A cosmid with a HyR marker for fungal library construction and screening.

Abstract The construction of a double-cos-site cosmid vector, pMOcosX, for use in making filamentous fungal genomic DNA libraries, is described. The vector has features that allow for selection of clones introduced into fungi by transformation and for efficient chromosome walking experiments. These features include (i) two cos sites allowing for easy construction of libraries without requiring size selection of insert DNA; (ii) an XhoI site for insertion of Sau3AI or MboI partially digested genomic DNA inserts that allows usage of a half-site fill-in method which minimizes the possibility of producing clones containing chimeric inserts; (iii) a bacterial hygromycin phosphotransferase-encoding gene fused to a modified cpc-1 promoter of Neurospora crassa for direct selection of cosmid clones upon introduction into fungal cells; and (iv T7 and T3 bacteriophage promoters and EcoRI, NotI and BamHI restriction sites flanking the cloning site that allow for synthesis of, or isolation of, end-specific probes for chromosome walking. The combination of features in this vector allows for the easy construction and use of high-quality fungal DNA libraries from small amounts of genomic DNA.
Principles for Vaccine Protection in Chickens and Domestic Waterfowl against Avian Influenza

The H5N1 highly pathogenic (HP) avian influenza (AI) epizootic began with reports of mortality from China in 1996 and, by June 2005, caused outbreaks of disease in nine additional Asian countries, affecting or resulting in culling of over 200 million birds. Vaccines can be used in programs to prevent, manage, or eradicate AI. However, vaccines should only be used as part of a comprehensive control strategy that also includes biosecurity, quarantine, surveillance and diagnostics, education, and elimination of infected poultry. Potent AI vaccines, when properly used, can prevent disease and death, increase resistance to infection, reduce field virus replication and shedding, and reduce virus transmission, but do not provide "sterilizing immunity" in the field; i.e., vaccination does not completely prevent AI virus replication. Inactivated AI vaccines and a recombinant fowlpox-H5-AI vaccine are licensed and used in various countries. Vaccines have been shown to protect chickens, geese, and ducks from H5 HPAI. The inactivated vaccines prevented disease and mortality in chickens and geese, and reduced the ability of the field virus to replicate in gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Although the Asian H5N1 HPAI virus did not cause disease or mortality in ducks, the use of inactivated vaccine did reduce field virus replication in the respiratory and intestinal tracts. The inactivated vaccine protected geese from morbidity and mortality, and reduced challenge virus replication. The recombinant fowlpox-H5-AI vaccine has provided similar protection, but the vaccine is used only in chickens and with the advantage of application at 1 day of age in the hatchery.
Imaging Prostate Cancer

This article reviews the anatomy of the prostate gland, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques, and the role MR imaging in the setting of prostate cancer. Sequences discussed include T2-weighted MR imaging, proton ((1)H) MR spectroscopic imaging, diffusion-weighted MR imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. MR imaging can be applied as an adjuvant tool to establish the diagnosis, localize, determine the extent, and estimate the aggressiveness of prostate cancers. The role of transrectal ultrasonography, computed tomography, and radionuclide scans is also briefly discussed.
Rain backscatter measurements at millimeter wavelengths

The US Army Ballistic Research Laboratory (BRL) conducted an experiment in 1973 to measure the properties of radar backscatter from rain at millimeter wavelengths. Rain backscatter and attenuation were measured with pulse radars operating simultaneously at 9.375, 35, 70, and 95 GHz over a wide range of rain intensities while continuous measurements of raindrop size and rainfall rate were made. This report describes the measurement technique, details of the instrumentation, the data analysis procedure, and the rain backscatter data obtained from A-scope photographs and video tapes. >
Measurement of franck-condon factors for the υ′= 0 progression in the BX system of PO

Abstract Laser fluorescence of PO produced in a microwave discharge through organophosphonate esters has been studied. The flourescence was pumped in the B 2 Σ + -X 2 Π 3250 A system. Relative intensities of fluorescence for the υ′= 0 progression were measured. These intensities were used to derive Franck-Condon factors for the υ′= 0 progression.
Trigonal-bipyramidal metal cyanide complexes: a versatile platform for the systematic assessment of the magnetic properties of Prussian blue materials.

Pentanuclear cyanide-bridged clusters of the general formula {[M(tmphen)2]3[M′(CN)6]2} (tmphen = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) have been under investigation in our laboratories for a number of years. These related molecules are conveniently prepared by a building block approach that involves the reaction of mononuclear {M(tmphen)2X2}0/2+ species (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn; X = anion, solvent) with [M′(CN)6]3− anions (M′ = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Os). The resulting trigonal-bipyramidal (TBP) clusters, consisting of M and M′ centers in the equatorial and axial positions, respectively, exhibit diverse properties including those that had previously been observed only for Prussian blue extended phases; these properties include single-molecule magnetism, spin crossover, charge-transfer-induced spin transitions, cyanide linkage isomerism, and magnetic coupling through diamagnetic metal ions. Given that a series of clusters with identical axial cyanometallate units can be prepared, we have been able to establ...
Electroinitiated polymerization of benzonitrile

The electroinitiated polymerization of benzonitrile yields a linear conjugated polymer, {ie421-01}(C6H5)C=N{ie421-02}. An anionic mechanism of polymerization is indicated.
Administrative service and research performance: A study of chemistry department heads

This study explores the effect of administrative service as department chair on the scholarly careers of academic chemists through an analysis of their publication and doctoral student productivity records over a two-decade period. A longitudinal experimental design is employed with a control group of academic chemists who have not served in an administrative capacity throughout the equivalent time period. The results of the study indicate no significant difference in the publication and doctoral student productivity levels of the experimental and control groups. These results suggest that universities have been successful in attracting and retaining the services of productive scholars as department heads and that such service does not diminish their long-term scholarly productivity.