cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solvent Extraction of Sr2+ and Cs+ Based on Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids Containing Monoaza-Substituted Crown Ethers

A series of N-alkyl aza-18-crown-6 ethers were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. These monoaza-substituted crown ethers in ionic liquids were investigated as recyclable extractants for separation of Sr2+ and Cs+ from aqueous solutions. The pH-sensitive complexation capability of these ligands allows for a facile stripping process to be developed so that both macrocyclic ligands and ionic liquids can be reused. The extraction efficiencies and selectivities of these monoaza-substituted crown ethers for Na+, K+, Cs+, and Sr2+ were studied in comparison to those of dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 under the same conditions. The extraction selectivity order for dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 in the ionic liquids investigated here was K+ ≫ Sr2+ > Cs+ > Na+. The extraction selectivity order for N-alkyl aza-18-crown-6, in which the alkyl group is varied systematically from ethyl to n-dodecyl, was Sr2+ ≫ K+ > Cs+ > Na+ in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide and ...
Multiple scattering from an infinite plane slab

Abstract A straightforward iterative procedure is used to calculate multiple scattering from an infinite slab over a wide range of slab thicknesses. For thin slabs, the calculations agree well with earlier work. In particular, we find that the ratio of total scattered to primary scattered neutron currents for a thin slab is represented by the function 1 (1−δ) , where δ is the ratio of secondary to primary currents. For thick slabs, the results are compared with Monte Carlo simulations of polyethylene and iron. The agreement is generally good, but the method exaggerates the ability of polyethylene to attenuate 10 MeV neutrons. A model of two parallel slabs is used to discuss the reflectivity of the walls of a neutron collimator.
Vapor Pressure of Solid 1,4-Dithiane

The vapor pressures of low-volatility chemical warfare (CW) agents, their byproducts and degradants, and simulants are important physical data that are needed for accurate vapor generation, for fil...
Labeling and in vivo evaluation of novel copper(II) dioxotetraazamacrocyclic complexes.

Abstract 64 Cu shows promise as both a positron emission tomography imaging and radiotherapeutic radionuclide due to its half-life (T 1/2 = 12.7 h), decay characteristics (β + [19%]; β − [40%]), and the capability to produce it on a large-scale with high specific activity on a biomedical cyclotron. Macrocyclic chelators are generally used as bifunctional chelators to attach Cu(II) to antibodies and peptides due to their relatively high in vitro stability. To investigate neutral Cu(II) complexes, we performed labeling experiments with six tetraazamacrocyclic ligands with different chelate ring sizes. 1,4,8,11-Tetraazacyclotetradecane-3,9-dione (1), 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-5,7-dione (2), 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclotridecane-11,13-dione (3), 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclotridecane-2,9-dione (4), 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-2,9-dione (5), and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclotridecane-3,8-dione (6) were radiolabeled with 64 Cu. Only 64 Cu-labeled 1 readily formed a complex in high purity, and therefore was evaluated in vivo . The rapid blood, liver, and kidney clearance of 64 Cu-labeled 1 suggest that ligand 1 may be useful as a macrocyclic structure to design new bifunctional chelators for copper radionuclides in diagnostic or radiotherapeutic studies and is a potential alternative to currently used macrocyclic bifunctional chelators.
Laboratory measurements of the microwave opacity and vapor pressure of sulfuric acid vapor under simulated conditions for the middle atmosphere of Venus

Microwave absorption measurements at wavelengths of 13.4 and 3.6 cm were made in gaseous H2SO4 in a CO2 atmosphere under simulated conditions for the Venus middle atmosphere. The results suggest that abundances of gaseous H2SO4 on the order of 15-30 ppm could account for the absorption observed by radio occultation measurements at these wavelengths. They also imply that such abundances would correspond to saturation vapor pressure existing at or above the 46-48-km range, which correlates with the observed cloud base.
Measurement of the radioactivity in carbon-14 and tritium-labeled proteins that have been separated by disk electrophoresis☆

Abstract A method is described for measuring the radioactivity of proteins labeled with C 14 or H 3 following their separation by disk electrophoresis. After the water in the gel has been replaced with a toluene-based scintillator solution, the radioactivity is measured directly in the acrylamide gel with scintillation techniques. The counting efficiency for C 14 in this system is 81 ± 12%, whereas that for H 3 is about 23%. With the use of a simple soaking apparatus it is possible to prepare 74 gel slices, with a minimum of handling, in 9 to 18 hr, depending upon the size of the slices.
Bilateral partial nephrectomies for large bilateral Wilms' tumors

Abstract Bilaterality occurs in 3%–10% of children with Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma). 1–4 The majority present in a synchronous fashion, usually one side being the dominant lesion while contralateral involvement is small, surgically accessible, noted incidentally. Occasionally both tumors are large, creating a dilemma when attempting to preserve adequate renal tissue while extirpating tumor. Recent experience demonstrates the feasibility of staged bilateral nephrectomies in such a patient.
Development of a High-Temperature Repetitive-Impact Apparatus for Exhaust Valve Material Testing

Some types of mating parts, such as exhaust valves and seats in diesel engines, must perform at elevated temperatures and in oxidizing environments, while at the same time resisting the effects of repetitive impacts and interfacial slip. The wear that takes place under such situations is the net result of a complex process that involves plastic deformation, tangential shear, and oxidation. Tribolayers form, are removed, and reform. An apparatus was designed to simulate the key aspects of elevated temperature wear of exhaust valves. Three degrees of motion: impact, slip, and rotation were taken into account. Two different test geometries were developed: (a) inclined cylindrical pins striking rounded corners, and (b) actual exhaust valve sealing surfaces striking the edges of flat blocks. The features of the high-temperature repetitive impact device are described, and examples of the wear scars produced by the two test configurations are presented.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Saturation and comparative mapping of a major Fusarium head blight resistance QTL in tetraploid wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease of cultivated wheat worldwide. Partial resistance to FHB has been identified in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, sources of effective FHB resistance have not been found in durum wheat (T. turgidum L. var. durum). A major FHB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL), Qfhs.ndsu-3AS, was identified on chromosome 3A of T. dicoccoides, a wild relative of durum wheat. Here, we saturated the genomic region containing the QTL using EST-derived target region amplified polymorphism (TRAP), sequence tagged site (STS), and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 45 new molecular marker loci were detected on chromosome 3A and the resulting linkage map consisted of 55 markers spanning a genetic distance of 277.2 cM. Qfhs.ndsu-3AS was positioned within a chromosomal interval of 11.5 cM and is flanked by the TRAP marker loci, Xfcp401 and Xfcp397.2. The average map distance between the marker loci within this QTL region was reduced from 4.9 cM in the previous study to 3.5 cM in the present study. Comparative mapping indicated that Qfhs.ndsu-3AS is not homoeologous to Qfhs.ndsu-3BS, a major FHB QTL derived from the common wheat cultivar Sumai 3. These results facilitate our efforts toward map-based cloning of Qfhs.ndsu-3AS and utilization of this QTL in durum wheat breeding via marker-assisted selection.
Regional Destination Marketing: A Collaborative Approach

This article explores how small neighboring destinations with limited tourism products and resources can collaborate in marketing their destinations. Based on a critical literature review, a conceptual framework was developed and empirical data was collected via document analysis, a focus group interview as well as in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with senior executives of three convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) in Ohio. The research findings suggest that forming partnerships among neighboring destinations is beneficial for all participating CVBs in terms of enhancing product portfolio, cost reduction, and efficiency. However, there can be major challenges in developing and sustaining such long‐term partnerships which include differing priorities, different marketing directions, and limited resources. The research findings further suggest that achieving results from such a partnership may take a considerable amount of effort and time. The research findings imply that executives of CVBs need to be ...
Symmetric encryption and XML encryption patterns

Most of the time information handled by organizations has been collected and processed by computers and transmitted across networks to other computers. How can we protect this information from unauthorized access when it is being transmitted? Encryption provides confidentiality by protecting sensitive information from being read by intruders. In this paper, we present two patterns: a Symmetric Encryption pattern that describes a basic type of algorithms and XML Encryption that describes how to apply symmetric and asymmetric encryption to XML messages.
Recent experiments in Ocean remote sensing with bistatic radar using Navigation Satellite Signals

This paper will present results from a recent airborne campaign to collect and anayze reflected Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS-R) signals. The objective of this experiment was to test the GNSS Instrument for Multistatic and Occulatation Sensing (GISMOS) and provide additional data for comparison of GNSS-R sea roughness retrievals with in situ measurements. Raw sampled data from the direct GPS signal (using a conventional navigation antenna) and the reflected signal (both right and left-hand circularly polarized nadir antennas) were recorded at both the L1 (1575.42 MHz) and L2 (1227.6 MHz) frequencies. These signals were post-processed using a software-defined radio. Low cost consumer gaming processors were reprogrammed to efficiently generate Delay-Doppler maps (DDMs). A scattering model was then fit to these DDMs in order to estimate the upwind and cross-wind slope variances and the principal axis direction. Initial results suggest a sensitivity to wind direction.
Monoclonal antibodies reveal extensive antigenic differences between the hemagglutinin—neuraminidase glycoproteins of human and bovine parainfluenza 3 viruses

Abstract A panel of twenty monoclonal antibodies to the hemagglutinin—neuraminidase (HN) glycoprotein of human parainfluenza 3 (PI3) virus has been obtained and tentatively classified into four different groups based on reactivity in hemagglutination inhibition (HI), neuraminidase inhibition (NI), and plaque neutralization (NT) tests. The antibodies were tested for cross-reactivity with bovine PI3 virus, Sendai virus, and simian virus 5 (SV5). Only two of these antibodies showed similar reactivities with human and bovine PI3 viruses in HI and NT tests; a few other antibodies showed low levels of reactivity with the heterologous viruses in HI tests. A competitive binding assay further suggested that the two cross-reactive antibodies are directed against the same domain of the HN molecule. Therefore, the HN glycoproteins of human and bovine PI3 viruses appear to be antigenically dissimilar, although they share at least one common epitope.
GABAergic inhibition and epileptiform discharges in the turtle hippocampus in vitro

The effects of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor antagonists were examined on intracellularly recorded epileptiform discharges in turtle hippocampal (ventromedial cortical) pyramidal neurons in vitro. Afferent synaptic activation of turtle hippocampal neurons evoked monophasic or biphasic GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). In the presence of bicuculline (5 microM) or picrotoxin (100 microM) IPSPs were reduced, and long-lasting ictal-like discharges were transiently observed prior to the establishment of a regular rhythm of discharge of spontaneous paroxysmal depolarization shifts (PDSs). Bicuculline-induced PDSs were reversibly reduced in amplitude and duration, but not abolished by the EAA receptor antagonists kynurenic acid (1 mM), cis-2,3-piperidine dicarboxylic acid (cis-2,3-PDA) (1 mM), or DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (DL-AP-5) (100 microM), revealing a long-lasting hyperpolarizing afterpotential. These results indicate that the blockade of GABAergic inhibition leads to the genesis of epileptiform discharges, and EAA receptor antagonists (particularly those of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subtype) block the maintained depolarization underlying PDSs, but do not prevent their spontaneous discharge in turtle hippocampus.
Education and public outreach concerning freshwater harmful algal blooms in Southern Louisiana

Scientific Literacy in America is very low compared to other developed countries. The public has a poor understanding of basic scientific principles (28% are considered scientifically literate) and outreach efforts to address this problem are limited. When looking at specific issues such as harmful algal blooms in freshwater systems there is hardly any active outreach programs. The basis for this study was to help the public understand what harmful algal blooms are and what visual indicators exist to warn of their presence. Initial surveys were conducted to find out what fishermen knew about algae and harmful algal blooms. The participants (age 11–70) had heard of algae (100%), but very few had heard of a harmful algal bloom (40%) and when the participants were pressed on the subject, few could define algae. An educational brochure was created from the baseline of data collected from the public and was distributed to the same fishing areas. A follow-up interview of these areas showed that the brochures were being taken by people, but finding those actual people proved difficult. Once brochures were viewed, many people were able to indicate something new they learned about algae such as algae produces oxygen. Scientists need to take a more active role in conveying their research to the public in order to increase scientific knowledge.
The Effect of Added Particles on the Properties of Ag3 Sn-Additive Amalgams

Physical and chemical properties of amalgam alloys containing varying amounts of copper were evaluated. Evidence presented refutes the theory of Physical strengthening due to the addition of silver-copper by its eutectic. Results suggest that reactive copper could be more advantageously added to the system by using fewer copper additive particles; these particles may need to have a greater copper content that those used in Dispersalloy.
Urodynamics to guide surgical therapy in LUTS/BPH

Our understanding of the disease process of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has improved over the past few years. Furthermore, medical and surgical (including minimally invasive surgery) therapeutic options for treating LUTS/BPH are now available. With these advances we are faced with choosing the most appropriate therapy/therapies for individual patients. Ideally, we could accurately predict outcomes of the therapeutic options to maximize the chance for success, minimize the potential side effects and cost of failed therapies, and improve patient/doctor satisfaction. Noninvasive tests, symptom scores, and invasive urodynamics all have been used to diagnose and manage LUTS/BPH. Although they are somewhat invasive, in some settings, pressure-flow urodynamic studies may provide more useful information in selecting patients best suited for specific treatment modalities. This article reviews the literature with the goal of better defining the role of urodynamics in the nonmedical treatment of LUTS/BPH.
Spatiotemporal gradient of oligodendrocyte differentiation in chick optic tectum requires brain integrity and cell‐cell interactions

The development of oligodendrocytes in the chicken optic tectum (OT) was studied in vivo and in vitro by analyzing expression of myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) with a monoclonal antibody. MAG(+) cells first appeared in the anterior OT on embryonic day (E) 12, were present throughout the anterior half on E15, and eventually filled the tectum on E17. This spatiotemporal appearance of MAG(+) oligodendrocytes resembled two streams of cells entering the OT along the afferent and efferent axonal layers. However, experiments determined that this appearance of MAG immunoreactivity was the result of a gradient of oligodendrocyte differentiation and was not cell migration. First, retroviral vector labeling of OT progenitors in vivo on E3 resulted in labeled oligodendrocytes in late embryos. In addition, pieces of OT from as early as E3 kept in culture for a week developed numerous MAG(+) oligodendrocytes. Pieces of both anterior and posterior E7 OT developed MAG(+) oligodendrocytes after 3 days in culture, well ahead of their normal schedule in vivo. BrdU incorporation studies revealed that these cells were not born in culture, but merely differentiated. Monolayer cultures made from dissociated E10 or later OT cells developed MAG(+) oligodendrocytes, but monolayers made from E7 OT cells did not. These experiments demonstrate that oligodendrocyte progenitors were present in the OT as early as E3, that they could differentiate precociously, and that their normal progressive differentiation in situ must be due to removal of inhibitory constraints rather than the onset of inductive factors. Also, certain cell-cell interactions occur between E7 and E10, which cannot be disrupted if oligodendrocyte differentiation is to occur.
A Dielectric Loaded Slow Wave Structure for Separation of Relativistic Particles

Dielectric loaded waveguides of rectangular cross section are considered as synchronous traveling wave particle separators. These structures support two linearly independent modes: those which have no electric field perpendicular to the dielectric, and those which have no magnetic field perpendicular to the dielectric. Both modes have suitable transverse deflection forces with phase velocities which can be slower than the speed of light. Degeneracies and dispersion relations are discussed. The theoretical conclusions are supported by experimental studies which include slotted line and bead perturbation measurements.
Limitations of the universal embedding functions in the embedded-atom method

The embedded-atom method is used to determine the depth profile of the surface segregation of Cu-Ni alloys using the universal embedding functions of Foiles, Baskes, and Daw [Phys. Rev. B 33, 7983 (1986)]. It is shown that these embedding functions give results that are substantially different from the results originally presented by Foiles, [Phys. Rev. B 32, 3409 (1985)] using a set of functions designed explicitly for the Cu-Ni system. The causes of this discrepancy are discussed and an argument is made for the use of embedding functions in the embedded-atom method that have been explicitly optimized for a particular alloy system.
Pulse Amplification Using Impact Ionization in Germanium

Some aspects of the phenomena of impact ionization in an impurity doped semiconductor at 4.2°K are described. The ionization time is shown to be a strong inverse function of the electric field. Control of the breakdown process is used to obtain pulse amplification in the millimicrosecond range, using two- and three-terminal devices. These devices are inherently stable, very simply constructed (requiring only ohmic contacts), and have easily manageable dimensions. In controlling the breakdown process, a small amount of control power or energy applied at an early time determines the course of an avalanche-type buildup so that at a later time a substantial change in power or energy level is affected. Although other rise time control amplifiers are known (e.g., the super-regenerative vacuum tube amplifier), the present amplifier is believed to be the first solid state device which operates on this principle. Peak power and current gains on the order of 20 have been obtained for 25 and 50 m?sec pulses. It also appears that voltage gain is possible under somewhat different operating conditions than have been examined to date. The lower limit for pulse length in these experiments was determined by measurement equipment limitations rather than by any device limitation.
How to grow a gut: ontogeny of the endoderm in the sea urchin embryo.

Summary Gastrulation is the process of early development that reorganizes cells into the three fundamental tissue types of ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. It is a coordinated series of morphogenetic and molecular changes that exemplify many developmental phenomena. In this review, we explore one of the classic developmental systems, the sea urchin embryo, where investigators from different backgrounds have converged on a common interest to study the origin, morphogenesis, and developmental regulation of the endoderm. The sea urchin embryo is remarkably plastic in its developmental potential, and the endoderm is especially instructive for its morphological and molecular responsiveness to inductive cell interactions. We start by examining and integrating the several models for the morphogenetic mechanisms of invagination and tissue elongation, the basic processes of endoderm morphogenesis in this embryo. We next critique the proposed mechanisms of inductive gene regulation in the endoderm that exemplifies a concept of modular transcriptional regulation. Finally, we end with an examination of the current molecular models to explain cell fate determination of the endoderm. Recent progress at the molecular level should soon allow us to explain the seminal experimental observations made in this embryo over a hundred years ago. BioEssays 21:459‐471, 1999. r 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Travelling fronts in porous media combustion: existence and a singular limit

We consider a model for the propagation of a subsonic detonation wave through a porous medium introduced by Sivashinsky (Sivashinsky 2002 Proc. Combust. Inst. 29, 17371761). We show that it admits ...
On initialization, error and flux conservation in the doubling method

Abstract Truncation errors and flux conservation errors in the doubling method are examined. The error properties of five different initial-layer approximations are compared as a function of initial-layer size, layer optical depth, single-scattering albedo, and phase function asymmetry parameter. The “diamond” initial-layer approximation is found to be orders of magnitude more accurate than the others for fixed initial-layer size, or of equivalent accuracy starting from a very much larger initial layer. The commonly used single-scattering initialization is shown to lead to serious flux conservation errors. Analytic error estimates, based upon a new derivation of the single-scattering initialization directly from doubling, are shown to be useful when the layer optical depth is on the order of 10 or less. Finally, questions of round-off error, calculation of an “exact” answer using Richardson extrapolation, and computational efficiency are all addressed briefly.
Sleep and Substance Use Disorders: An Update

Substance use disorders (SUD) are common and individuals who suffer from them are prone to relapse. One of the most common consequences of the use of and withdrawal from substances of abuse is sleep disturbance. Substances of abuse affect sleep physiology, including the neurotransmitter systems that regulate the sleep-wake system. Emerging research now highlights an interactive effect between sleep disorders and substance use. New findings in alcohol and sleep research have utilized sophisticated research designs and expanded the scope of EEG and circadian rhythm analyses. Research on marijuana and sleep has progressed with findings on the effects of marijuana withdrawal on objective and subjective measures of sleep. Treatment studies have focused primarily on sleep in alcohol use disorders. Therapies for insomnia in cannabis disorders are needed. Future research is poised to further address mechanisms of sleep disturbance in alcoholics and the effect of medical marijuana on sleep and daytime functioning.
A randomized controlled trial of the effect of combined spinal-epidural analgesia on the success of external cephalic version for breech presentation

Abstract Background Improving the success of external cephalic version (ECV) for breech presentation may help avoid some cesarean deliveries. The results of randomized trials comparing the success of ECV with neuraxial analgesia compared to control are inconsistent. We hypothesized that combined spinal-epidural (CSE) analgesia would increase the success of ECV when compared with systemic opioid analgesia. Methods Parturients with singleton breech presentation (n=96) were randomized to receive CSE analgesia with bupivacaine 2.5mg and fentanyl 15μg (CSE group) or intravenous fentanyl 50μg (SYS group) before ECV attempt. The primary outcome was ECV success. Results The success rate of ECV was 47% with CSE and 31% in the SYS group ( P =0.14). Subsequent vaginal delivery was 36% for CSE and 25% for SYS ( P =0.27). Median [IQR] visual analog pain scores (0-100mm scale) were lower with CSE (3 [0-12]) compared to SYS analgesia (36 [16 to 54]) ( P P P =0.02). Conclusions There was no difference in the rate of successful ECV or vaginal delivery with CSE compared to intravenous fentanyl analgesia. Pain scores were lower and satisfaction higher with CSE analgesia, and median time to fetal heart rate reactivity was shorter in the CSE group.
Evaluation of a telephone speech-enhancement algorithm among older adults with hearing loss.

Purpose In this study, the authors evaluated a processing algorithm aimed at improving speech recognition via the telephone among older adults with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Method Thirty ...
Suspension quality and grade from commercial MAP

Nine commercially available granular monoammonium phosphate (MAP) products were tested for use in production of suspension fertilizers. The MAP products were dissolved and ammoniated in a 50-pound batch pilot plant to produce 9-27-0, 10-30-0, and 11-33-0 grade suspensions with attapulgite clay used as the suspending agent. Storage properties of the suspension products then were evaluated for up to 12 weeks. Suspensions that were rated unsatisfactory either initially or after a period of storage were primarily nonpourable due to formation of strong phosphate gels formed with the metallic impurities (iron, magnesium, and aluminum). Efforts then were made to correlate level of impurity content of the solid MAP products with the highest satisfactory grade suspension that could be produced and length of satisfactory storage that could be expected.
The Effect of Stress State on Internal Hydrogen-Induced Crack Growth in Ti-6AI-6V-2Sn

The effect of stress state on threshold stress intensity and crack growth rates was studied in Ti-6A1-6V-2Sn containing 38 ppm hydrogen. Threshold stress intensities approached a lower limiting value near 32 MPa-m1/2 as total plane strain conditions were approached. Under increasing plane stress conditions, thresholds increased significantly toward a value indicating immunity from hydrogen effects. Crack growth rates depended on both stress intensity and stress state. The thinner samples required much greater stress intensities to achieve crack growth rates comparable to the thick samples. This was due to plane stress plastic zones at the sample surfaces acting as a constraint on crack opening. Under plane strain conditions, fracture was characterized by extensive cleavage of thea grains. Fracture occurred by a ductile mode in the plane stress regions. A threshold model based on hydride formation and fracture was modified to account for stress state effects. The predicted stress intensities were in good agreement with the observed values.
The presentation of self-peptides: tolerance and competition.

Within the last 15 years, the pendulum of immune preoccupation has swung vigorously in the direction of the self. It is now commonplace to note that the T cell repertoire is acquired through a complex positive and negative selective process of recognition of self molecules in an MHC context. Accordingly, the repertoire “directed against foreign antigens” merely represents fortuitous cross-reactivity by the T cells selected by means of self-determinants.The definition of “self” protein or self-T cell determinant is not an unambiguous one. The most inclusive definition would enumerate all overlapping sequences of 15 amino acids of all proteins coded for by the DNA of the organism including any mutants. A clearly more restrictive definition would only include those proteins that have access to the immune system and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Still more restrictive is the idea of a “dominant self” that includes only those determinants which are easily processed and presented, and which can bi...
Validation of the anthrax lethal toxin neutralization assay

A validation of the performance characteristics of a toxin neutralization assay is presented. This in vitro assay measures the functional ability of antisera, containing antibodies to anthrax lethal toxin, to specifically protect J774A.1 cells against Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin cytotoxicity. This colormetric assay is based upon the reduction of MTT by living cells. Human and rabbit antisera produced against anthrax vaccine absorbed (AVA) were used to validate the assay. Results showed a high level of repeatability and reproducibility, particularly for a bio-assay. Inter-assay variability in absorbance values was the most prominent negative finding however, an acceptable level was demonstrated with a ratio [neutralization ratio (NR)] of the test serum 50% effective dose (ED(50)) to the reference standard ED(50). Accuracy was maintained, even in samples with minimal neutralizing capacity, and linearity was noted when sample dilutions resulted in accurate prediction of the Y(max)and Y(min). Specificity tests demonstrated that normal sera did not have an observable effect on the ability of the reference standard to neutralize toxin. The assay remained stable against time, temperature, and freeze/thaw effects on the reference standards, but not on the toxin. The assay also remained stable against media and solution storage effects. Cell passage number and cell plating density were two critical parameters identified during the robustness studies that may be responsible for inter-assay variability in absorbance values. The work was performed in accordance with the FDA's Bioanalytical Method Validation Guidance for Industry and the FDA's Good Laboratory Practice for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies (21 CFR Part 58).
A C/EBP-binding site in the transferrin promoter is essential for expression in the liver but not the brain of transgenic mice

The gene for the iron-binding protein transferrin is transcribed at a high level in liver hepatocytes but is also active in several other cell types, including oligodendrocytes in the brain. Enhancer elements between bp -560 and -44 of the transferrin gene promoter specifically activated transcription from a heterologous promoter in transgenic mouse liver and brain. Within this region, a potent cis-acting element between bp -98 and -83 was found to be essential for gene activity in both cultured hepatocytes and transgenic mouse liver. The -98 to -83 element contains a CCAAT sequence and is specifically bound by a nuclear factor from mouse liver that is homologous to rat liver C/EBP (CAAT enhancer-binding protein). Point mutations within this binding site inhibit factor binding and abolish transcription in transfected hepatoma cells. When placed in the context of the 3,000-bp transferrin promoter, the C/EBP binding site mutation causes a complete loss of transcription in transgenic mouse liver; however, transgene expression in the brain of the same animals was unaffected. These results suggest a modular structure for the transferrin promoter and demonstrate that deletions or specific point mutations can be used to generate transgene promoters with an activity more restricted than that of their endogenous counterparts.
A behavioral approach to worm detection

This paper presents a new approach to the automatic detection of worms using behavioral signatures. A behavioral signature describes aspects of any particular worm's behavior that are common across the manifestations of a given worm and that span its nodes in temporal order. Characteristic patterns of worm behaviors in network traffic include 1) sending similar data from one machine to the next, 2) tree-like propagation and reconnaissance, and 3) changing a server into a client. These behavioral signatures are presented within the context of a general worm propagation model. Taken together, they have the potential to detect entire classes of worms including those which have yet to be observed.This paper introduces the concept of an network application architecture (NAA) as a way to distribute network applications. An analysis shows that the choice of NAA impacts the sensitivity of behavioral signatures. An NAA that satisfies certain constraints significantly improves worm detection sensitivity. Mathematical models of traffic flow, NAAs, worm propagation, and worm detection provide a context for the entire discussion.
Noise-based logic hyperspace with the superposition of 2N states in a single wire

Abstract In the introductory paper [L.B. Kish, Phys. Lett. A 373 (2009) 911], about noise-based logic, we showed how simple superpositions of single logic basis vectors can be achieved in a single wire. The superposition components were the N orthogonal logic basis vectors. Supposing that the different logic values have “on/off” states only, the resultant discrete superposition state represents a single number with N bit accuracy in a single wire, where N is the number of orthogonal logic vectors in the base. In the present Letter, we show that the logic hyperspace (product) vectors defined in the introductory paper can be generalized to provide the discrete superposition of 2 N orthogonal system states. This is equivalent to a multi-valued logic system with 2 2 N logic values per wire. This is a similar situation to quantum informatics with N qubits, and hence we introduce the notion of noise-bit. This system has major differences compared to quantum informatics. The noise-based logic system is deterministic and each superposition element is instantly accessible with the high digital accuracy, via a real hardware parallelism, without decoherence and error correction, and without the requirement of repeating the logic operation many times to extract the probabilistic information. Moreover, the states in noise-based logic do not have to be normalized, and non-unitary operations can also be used. As an example, we introduce a string search algorithm which is O ( M ) times faster than Grover's quantum algorithm (where M is the number of string entries), while it has the same hardware complexity class as the quantum algorithm.
Surgical therapies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Surgical procedures for treating emphysema were first developed nearly 100 years ago. Despite a wide range of surgical procedures performed over the years, only three appear to have true clinical benefit: bullectomy, lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), and lung transplantation. Lung volume reduction surgery has been reintroduced in the past decade and is currently under active research. A recent large, multicenter trial showed LVRS to improve quality of life, exercise capacity, and even survival in certain highly selected patients. Some individuals with emphysema may be candidates for either LVRS or lung transplantation. Patient-selection criteria for these procedures are being developed.
Imagining Globalization through Latin American Literature.

Through a combination of practical applications and theoretical underpinnings, this article explores the question of how to approach the teaching of Latin American Literature in the current period of globalization. Many theorists argue that we need new epistemologies in which to ground our pedagogy for the 21st century. Understanding the effects of globalization on Latin American Literature is a challenge, but one way we can meet it is by taking heed of new epistemologies such as Walter Mignolo's idea of `border thinking' or Boaventura de Sousa Santos' `epistemology of the South' that advocate an inclusive, dialogic approach to the integration of histories, cultures and different knowledges.
Membrane attack complex contributes to destruction of vascular integrity in acute lung allograft rejection

The lung is known to be particularly susceptible to complement-mediated injury. Both C5a and the membrane attack complex (MAC), which is formed by the terminal components of complement (C5b-C9), can cause acute pulmonary distress in nontransplanted lungs. We used C6-deficient rats to investigate whether MAC causes injury to lung allografts. PVG.R8 lungs were transplanted orthotopically to MHC class I-incompatible PVG.1U recipients. Allografts from C6-sufficient (C6 + ) donors to C6 + recipients were rejected with an intense vascular infiltration and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage 7 days after transplantation ( n = 5). Ab and complement (C3d) deposition was accompanied by extensive vascular endothelial injury and intravascular release of von Willebrand factor. In contrast, lung allografts from C6-deficient (C6 − ) donors to C6 − recipients survived 13–17 days ( n = 5). In the absence of C6, perivascular mononuclear infiltrates of ED1 + macrophages and CD8 + T lymphocytes were present 7 days after transplantation, but vascular endothelial cells were quiescent, with minimal von Willebrand factor release and no evidence of alveolar hemorrhage or edema. Lung allografts were performed from C6 − donors to C6 + recipients ( n = 5) and from C6 + donors to C6 − recipients ( n = 5) to separate the effects of systemic and local C6 production. Lungs transplanted from C6 + donors to C6 − recipients had increased alveolar macrophages and capillary injury. C6 production by lung allografts was demonstrated at the mRNA and protein levels. These results demonstrate that MAC causes vascular injury in lung allografts and that the location of injury is dependent on the source of C6.
The emerging role of delayed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in the peri-operative evaluation of patients undergoing coronary revascularisation.

This editorial refers to “Visualization and quantification of peri-operative myocardial infarction after coronary artery bypass surgery with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging”1 by J. Steuer et al. on page 1293 In this issue of the journal, Steuer et al.1 describe the application of delayed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the identification, characterisation and quantification of peri-operative myocardial infarction. Contrast-enhanced MRI was performed 4–9 days after coronary bypass surgery. Hyper-enhanced myocardial areas, representing myocardial necrosis, were identified in 18 of 23 patients. Biochemical markers of myocardial damage including creatinine kinase (CK-MB), troponin I and troponin T correlated with the mass of infarction. Most of the patients demonstrated patchy distribution of necrosis suggesting global, peri-operative ischaemia. However, those patients with high post-operative CK-MB levels (above five times the upper reference level) demonstrated more localised areas of infarctions. These results demonstrate the potential role of delayed contrast-enhanced MRI in the understanding … *Correspondence to: Paul Schoenhagen, Department of Cardiology/Radiology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Radiology Desk Hb-6, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. Tel.: +1-216-445-7579; fax: +1-216-445-6855 E-mail address: schoenp1{at}ccf.org
A critical empirical framework for the analysis of public policy

(1982). A critical empirical framework for the analysis of public policy. New Political Science: Vol. 3, No. 1-2, pp. 33-61.
Aspects of the crystal growth of the intergrowth tungsten bronzes

Abstract The crystal growth of a few of the members of the family of the rubidium intergrowth tungsten bronzes has been investigated as part of a program to study the compositionally induced metal to insulator transition in this bronze system. Progress in the study of this nonstoichiometric material has been made possible by successful growth of large single crystal samples. Application of vapor-assisted seeded crystal growth has led to an increase of the product crystal size by two orders of magnitude, from 0.1 mm on an edge to about 2 cm on an edge. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to characterize cracks, voids and intergrowths in this material. Transmission electron microscopy has been used to image the lattice of this quasi-two dimensional material in order to observe the frequency and amplitude of stacking defects.
Fragmentation of the trimethyloxonium cation and of protonated dimethylether studied in a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer at medium pressure

The fragmentation patterns of the trimethyloxonium ion and of protonated dimethylether were fully elucidated by the MS/MS technique. Unimolecular methane elimination and methyl cation cleavage are the only processes occurring. No direct formation of mz = 29 from either precursor takes place, which is at variance with literature reports. The mz = 29 is formed by a second methane elimination from the methoxymethyl cation, the daughter ion of (CH3)3O+; it was identified as the formyl cation, rather than the ethyl cation as claimed previously. The methoxymethyl cation can be formed from (CH3)3O+ in a thermal process, the free energy change for which is estimated to be negative above 150°C.
Interactions Between Fish and Robots: An Experimental Study

In this paper, we present an experimental study of gregarious fish collective behavior in the presence or absence of biomimetic vehicles. This study is aimed at developing a first understanding of fish shoal controllability using robotic exogenous mates. Macroscopic features of the group schooling are identified through laboratory experiments, conducted in a controlled environment. Experimental evidence proves the existence of qualitatively different shoal collective responses to the exogenous mate. We adapt global observables from statistical mechanics to capture the main features of the shoal collective motion, and identify possible distinct states of aggregation. Further, we investigate the effect of the exogenous mate on the shoal by using a diffusion mapping analysis performed on the global observables. The analysis shows that the exogenous mate is able to exert organizing control actions on the schooling behavior that generally result into a higher cohesion for the shoal.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Effect of Postmortem Injection Time and Postinjection Aging Time on the Calcium-Activated Tenderization Process in Beef

The objectives of this study were to determine 1) the effectiveness of calcium chloride when injected later than 2 d postmortem, 2) the effect of extended postinjection aging time, and 3) the tenderness response curve in calcium chloride-treated beef. In Exp. 1, the longissimus thoracis et lumborum was injected on either d 2 or 14 postmortem with 5% by weight of a 200 mM calcium chloride solution. Samples were aged (1 degree C) either 7 or 35 d after injection. The uninjected control longissimus from the contralateral side was aged for 9, 21, 37, or 49 d. In Exp. 2, the longissimus thoracis et lumborum was injected on d 2 postmortem with 5% by weight of a 200 m x M calcium chloride solution then sampled for shear force on d 1, 2, 6, 8, 12, and 14 after injection. Calcium chloride injection, regardless of injection time or postinjection aging time, had higher (P .05) as injection at d 2 (1.2 kg and .8 units, respectively). Calcium chloride-injected steaks had higher (P < .05) juiciness ratings than control steaks. Postrigor calcium chloride injection reduced (P < .05) shear force within 1 d after injection and resulted in more tender meat through 14 d after injection. Extended postinjection aging (35 d) had little effect on color display stability. Calcium activated tenderization can be applied as late as 14 d postmortem and will reduce the occurrence of tough meat if aging is limited.
Inflammatory cytokines in the BAL of patients with ARDS. Persistent elevation over time predicts poor outcome.

Background Inflammatory cytokines (ICs) are important modulators of injury and repair. ICs have been found to be elevated in the BAL of patients with both early and late ARDS. We tested the hypothesis that recurrent injury to the alveolocapillary barrier and amplification of intra-alveolar fibroproliferation observed in nonresolving ARDS is related to a persistent inflammatory response. For this purpose, we obtained serial measurements of BAL IC and correlated these levels with lung injury score (LIS), BAL indexes of endothelial permeability (albumin, total protein [TP]), and outcome. Methods We prospectively studied 27 consecutive patients with severe medical ARDS. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods, levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL) 1p, 2, 4, 6, and 8 were measured at frequent intervals in both plasma and BAL. In 22 patients, bilateral BAL was obtained on day 1 of ARDS and at weekly intervals when possible. Right and left BALs were analyzed separately for IC levels, total cell count and differential, albumin, TP, and quantitative bacterial cultures. Results On day 1 of ARDS, the 10 nonsurvivors had significantly higher (p=0.0002) BAL TNF-α, IL-1s, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, which remained persistently elevated over time, indicating a continuous injury process. In contrast, the 12 survivors had a lesser elevation and a rapid reduction over time. Initial BAL IL-2 and IL-4 levels were significantly higher in patients with sepsis (p=0.006); both increased over time in survivors and nonsurvivors. BAL levels of TNF-α, IL-1s, IL-6, and IL-8 correlated with BAL albumin and TP concentrations but not with LIS or ratio of arterial oxygen tension to inspired oxygen concentration. BAL:plasma ratios were elevated for all measured cytokines, suggesting a pulmonary origin. On day 1 of ARDS, nonsurvivors had significantly higher (p=0.04) BAL: plasma ratios for TNF-α, IL-1s, IL-6, and IL-8. Over time, BAL:plasma ratios for TNF-α, 1L-1s and IL-6 remained elevated in nonsurvivors and decreased in survivors. Conclusions Our findings indicate that an unfavorable outcome in ARDS is associated with an initial, exaggerated, pulmonaiy inflammatory response that persists unabated over time. Plasma IC levels parallel changes in BAL IC levels. The BAL:plasma ratio results suggest, but do not prove, a pulmonary origin for IC production. BAL TNF-α, IL-1s, and IL-8 levels correlated with BAL indices of endothelial permeability. In survivors, reduction in BAL IC levels over time was associated with a decline in BAL albumin and TP levels, suggesting effective repair of the endothelial surface. These findings support a causal relationship between degree and duration of lung inflammation and progression of fibroproliferation in ARDS.
Key emerging issues in progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration

It has been approximately 50 years since neurologists were introduced to the entities, "progressive supranuclear palsy" and "corticobasal degeneration". Since the two seminal publications, there have been significant advancements in our understanding of these two neurodegenerative diseases, particularly the fact that both are associated with tau. Recent advances over the past 3 years that are notable to the field are discussed in this review that covers clinical diagnosis, pathological features, neuroimaging and CSF biomarkers, genetic associations and clinical trials related to progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration.