cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of the OspA161–175 T cell epitope associated with treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis: differences among the three pathogenic species of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Abstract Treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis, which may result from infection-induced autoimmunity, is associated with reactivity to a T cell epitope of outer-surface protein A (OspA 161–175 ) of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto ( Bb ). This syndrome has been noted primarily in the United States where only Bb is present, and rarely in Europe where Borrelia garinii ( Bg ) and Borrelia afzelii ( Ba ) predominate. To gain a better understanding of this epitope, we identified its species-specific polymorphisms, determined their immunogenicity, and characterized the contribution of individual amino acids. Based on published sequences the Bb peptide differed from the Ba peptide in six of the nine core residues (amino acids 165–173), whereas the Bg peptide usually differed in three of the nine residues. Lymphocytes from seven patients with treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis proliferated in response to the Bb peptide, but not to the Ba or Bg peptide. Substitution analysis showed that valine 166 and threonine 172 were critical for the immunogenicity of the Bb peptide. Thus, consistent with the geographic distribution of the illness, the European causative agents of Lyme borreliosis usually lack the putative pathogenic OspA epitope. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that T cell recognition of this epitope is important in the induction of autoimmunity in treatment-resistant Lyme arthritis.
Meaning Discrimination: The D4m and D4mF Measures:

D4m and D4mF are presented as empirical designations of meaning. D4m is the difference score and D4mF is the variance ratio for semantic differential D4 ratings of high and low m stimuli. D4m has b...
Enhanced energy transfer within a microparticle

Abstract Enhanced energy transfer between donor-acceptor pairs within a single aerosol particle is demonstrated for the first time. The overall transfer within a particle 10 μm in diameter is found to exceed conventional dipole-dipole transfer by more than a factor of 10 2 . A simple model indicates that the energy transfer is mediated by morphological resonances of the particle.
Defining psychological maltreatment: A prelude to research or an outcome of research?

In commenting on the controversy surrounding the nomination of Samuel Huntington to the National Academy of Sciences, Diamond (1987) noted the disparate problems faced by scientists as they operationalize the concepts they use in their research. Diamond proposed that the process of operationalization was much more complex in the “soft” social sciences than in the “hard” physical sciences. Based on the level of this complexity, he concluded that the dichotomization of the sciences into hard and soft was incorrect. He suggested that they should be classified as hard and easy, with the social sciences comprising the hard category and the physical sciences the easy category.
148 NATURAL HISTORY OF VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECTS (VSD)

We examined cardiac catheterization (cath) data of 104 children with VSD and left to right shunt, with 1st cath in the 1st year and a later cath without intervening surgery. 19% had pulmonic stenosis (PS) initially. Of the remaining 84, 20% later developed PS, leaving 67. 12% of the 67 VSD's were small, with right ventricular systolic pressure/left ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP/LVSP)≤ .39, 27% were ½ systemic (RVSP/LVSP .40-.60), 29% were 2/3 systemic (RVSP/LVSP .61-.74) and 32% were nonrestrictive (NR) (RVSP/LVSP .75-1.0). For the 67 without PS, pulmonary artery (PA) systolic pressure fell or was unchanged on later cath in 100%, 89%, 83%, S 57% of the small, “2 systemic, 2/3 systemic and NR groups respectively. Mean PA pressure fell or was unchanged in 100%, 89%, 80%, & 39% respectively. RVSP/LVSP fell more than .10 in 50%, 78%, 83%, & 52% respectively. Thus the defect got smaller in 40/67 for all groups. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) increased in 7/67, and these 7 were all in the 2/3 systemic or NR groups. 41 of the 104 patients had 2 caths in the first year. 28/41 never had PS, and of these 28, 14 were NR and 10 were 2/3 systemic. Of the 14 NR, 7 got smaller and 3 of the other 7 increased PVR. Of the 10 in the 2/3 systemic group, 8 became smaller and 2 increased PVR. We conclude that for patients with 2/3 systemic or NR VSD's, it is much more common for the defect to get smaller than for the PVR to increase.
Helicobacter pylori in the drinking water in Peru.

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: An association between water sources and the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in Peruvian children was shown previously. The aim of this study was to confirm the presence of H. pylori in drinking water in the same community. METHODS: Forty-eight drinking water samples from different locations in pueblo jovenes (new towns) near Lima were collected. Samples were frozen until technology advanced to the point to the point at which H. pylori might be reliably detected. Immunomagnetic beads coated with anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin Gs were used to concentrate H. pylori, and two polymerase chain reaction assays based on different H. pylori genes were used. One was a polymerase chain reaction for the detection of the H. pylori adhesin subunit encoding gene, and the second was a previously validated H. pylori 16S ribosomal RNA reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The expected 375-base pair fragment from the adhesin gene was amplified from 24 water samples. The expected 500-base pair fragment of the 16S ribosomal RNA and the 375-base pair fragment of the adhesin gene were amplified from 11 of the samples. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the presence of H. pylori in drinking water in Peru and are consistent with conclusions from a previous epidemiological study of the same population. This provides additional evidence for waterborne transmission of H. pylori in some environments. (Gastroenterology 1996 Apr;110(4):1031-5)
A practical system for clinical radiofrequency hyperthermia

Abstract This paper describes an apparatus for inducing local hyperthermis by passing high-frequency electrical currents through tissues between electrodes placed against the skin of the patient. The electrodes use a temperature-controlled saline solution contained by a thin rubber membrane to make contact. The resistivity of the saline solution is matched to that of body tissues. This yields a smooth transition from electrode to tissue, thereby greatly reducing the possibility of producing the skin burns which frequently appear along the edges of metallic electrodes. Use of the thin rubber membrane allows easy molding of a given set of electrodes to complex body contours for many different patients. The equipment has proven capable in clinical tests of heating bulky tumors in the head and neck and extremities without significant skin toxicity. Excessive beating of the subcutaneous fat, however, restricts the application of this heating method to tumors located in areas of the body with sparse adipose tissue.
Yield and agronomic responses of soybean to cotyledon and unifoliolate node removal

Field experiments were conducted over two years at two locations in Illinois to investigate the response of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] to simulated hail injury applied at the cotyledon (VC) stage. Removal of one or both cotyledons from all plants or of both cotyledons from alternating plants did not reduce mature plant height or yield in any environment. Cutting the stem off just below the unifoliolate node, alone or in conjunction with the removal of a single cotyledon, reduced yield by 11 to 21% in three of the four environments. It appears that soybean cotyledons are of little importance once the unifoliolate leaves have expanded.
Generating gene summaries from biomedical literature: A study of semi-structured summarization

Most knowledge accumulated through scientific discoveries in genomics and related biomedical disciplines is buried in the vast amount of biomedical literature. Since understanding gene regulations is fundamental to biomedical research, summarizing all the existing knowledge about a gene based on literature is highly desirable to help biologists digest the literature. In this paper, we present a study of methods for automatically generating gene summaries from biomedical literature. Unlike most existing work on automatic text summarization, in which the generated summary is often a list of extracted sentences, we propose to generate a semi-structured summary which consists of sentences covering specific semantic aspects of a gene. Such a semi-structured summary is more appropriate for describing genes and poses special challenges for automatic text summarization. We propose a two-stage approach to generate such a summary for a given gene - first retrieving articles about a gene and then extracting sentences for each specified semantic aspect. We address the issue of gene name variation in the first stage and propose several different methods for sentence extraction in the second stage. We evaluate the proposed methods using a test set with 20 genes. Experiment results show that the proposed methods can generate useful semi-structured gene summaries automatically from biomedical literature, and our proposed methods outperform general purpose summarization methods. Among all the proposed methods for sentence extraction, a probabilistic language modeling approach that models gene context performs the best.
Funding Opportunities for Investigators in the Early Stages of Career Development

Many sources of advice and guidance are available to the early career investigator. Generally, mentors serve as the primary source of information, although program and review officers are the most underutilized resources. This article organizes these opportunities to enable early career investigators to plot a rational trajectory for career success. A list of the major agencies that provide grant support for early career investigators is included. In addition, funding opportunities are organized on the basis of the stage in career development pathway and the type of terminal degree.
Expected $\pi$ -Adic Security Measures of Sequences

Various measures of security of stream ciphers have been studied that are based on the problem of finding a minimum size generator for the keystream in some special class of generators. These include linear and p-adic spans, as well as π-adic span, which is based on a choice of an element π in a finite extension of the integers. The corresponding sequence generators are known as linear feedback shift registers, feedback with carry shift registers, and the more general algebraic feedback shift registers, respectively. In this paper, the average behavior of such security measures when πd = p ≫ 0 or π2 = -p ≪ 0 is studied. In these cases, if Z [π] is the ring of integers in its fraction field and is a UFD, it is shown that the average π-adic span is n - O(log(n)) for sequences with period n.
The numerical solution of an inverse scattering problem for acoustic waves

In a previous paper, the authors presented a dual space method for the numerical solution of the two-dimensional inverse scattering problem for acoustic waves in an inhomogeneous medium. Here, by making major modifications to the dual space method, a dramatic improvement in the numerical performance of this method is achieved for solving the inverse scattering problem
Social and behavioral predictors of insufficient sleep among African Americans and Caucasians.

Abstract Background Few studies have examined the social and behavioral predictors of insufficient sleep. Objective To assess the social and behavioral predictors of insufficient sleep in the U.S. population. Methods Data from the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed. Telephone interviews were conducted in six representative states that completed the optional sleep module. A total of 31,059 respondents were included in the present analysis. BRFSS-provided weights were applied to analyses to adjust for the use of complex design. Results The mean age for the sample was 56 ± 16 years, with 63% of the sample being female; 88% identified as non-Hispanic white and 12% identified as non-Hispanic black; 42% were not married and 8% did not have a high school degree. The prevalence of insufficient sleep ( Conclusion Social and behavioral predictors of health uniquely contribute to the report of insufficient sleep and should be considered when developing programs to increase awareness of the adverse effects of insufficient sleep.
Multi-stage Convex Relaxation for Learning with Sparse Regularization

We study learning formulations with non-convex regularizaton that are natural for sparse linear models. There are two approaches to this problem: • Heuristic methods such as gradient descent that only find a local minimum. A drawback of this approach is the lack of theoretical guarantee showing that the local minimum gives a good solution. • Convex relaxation such as L1-regularization that solves the problem under some conditions. However it often leads to sub-optimal sparsity in reality. This paper tries to remedy the above gap between theory and practice. In particular, we investigate a multi-stage convex relaxation scheme for solving problems with non-convex regularization. Theoretically, we analyze the behavior of a resulting two-stage relaxation scheme for the capped-L1 regularization. Our performance bound shows that the procedure is superior to the standard L1 convex relaxation for learning sparse targets. Experiments confirm the effectiveness of this method on some simulation and real data.
The effect of gradient sampling schemes on measures derived from diffusion tensor MRI: A Monte Carlo study

There are conflicting opinions in the literature as to whether it is more beneficial to use a large number of gradient sampling orientations in diffusion tensor MRI (DT-MRI) experiments than to use a smaller number of carefully chosen orientations. In this study, Monte Carlo simulations were used to study the effect of using different gradient sampling schemes on estimates of tensor-derived quantities assuming a b-value of 1000 smm –2 . The study focused in particular on the effect that the number of unique gradient orientations has on uncertainty in estimates of tensor-orientation, and on estimates of the trace and anisotropy of the diffusion tensor. The results challenge the recently proposed notion that a set of six icosahedrally-arranged orientations is optimal for DT-MRI. It is shown that at least 20 unique sampling orientations are necessary for a robust estimation of anisotropy, whereas at least 30 unique sampling orientations are required for a robust estimation of tensor-orientation and mean diffusivity. Finally, the performance of sampling schemes that use low numbers of sampling orientations, but make efficient use of available gradient power, are compared to less efficient schemes with larger numbers of sampling orientations, and the relevant scenarios in which each type of scheme should be used are discussed. Magn Reson Med 51:807– 815, 2004. Published 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.†
TH1 and TH2 cytokine mRNA and protein levels in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive and HIV-seronegative youths.

The roles of cytokines in the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated disease are controversial. The patterns of innate cytokine production have been postulated to shift from TH1- to TH2-type cytokines with the progression of HIV-associated disease. Although there have been studies of cytokines in children and adults, no data are available on cytokine production in healthy or HIV-infected adolescents. We analyzed and characterized cytokine mRNA and protein levels for gamma interferon, interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, and tumor necrosis factor alpha and protein levels of IL-6 in both stimulated and unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from a large longitudinal, observational cohort study of HIV-seropositive and -seronegative adolescents. We correlated cytokine results with viral load and CD4+-T-cell counts as critical markers of disease progression in HIV-infected adolescents. These data were used to examine hypotheses related to the TH1-to-TH2 cytokine shift in a sample of HIV-infected adolescents. Five hundred twenty subjects participating in the REACH (Reaching for Excellence in Adolescent Care and Health) Project of the Adolescent Medicine HIV/AIDS Research Network contributed blood samples. Samples selected for the cross-sectional data set analyzed had to meet selection criteria developed to minimize the potential confounding effects of acute intercurrent illnesses or infections, recent vaccination for hepatitis, and altered hormone status and to optimize congruence of cytokine measurements with assays of viral load and CD4+-T-cell counts. Group differences in the proportions of subjects with detectable levels of each cytokine marker were compared. In the subset of subjects with detectable cytokine values, differences in detected values were compared across subgroups defined by HIV serostatus and among HIV-seropositive subjects by three viral load classifications. The study sample was 65% HIV seropositive, 71% African-American, and 75% female with a mean age of 17.4 years. HIV-seropositive subjects were relatively healthy with mean and median CD4+-T-cell counts of 534 and 499 cells/mm3, respectively. Only 8.1% of subjects had CD4+-T-cell counts below 200 cells/mm3, and 25% had viral loads that were below the threshold of detection (<400 copies/ml). Detailed analyses of these data indicate that there were no differences in cytokines detected in HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative adolescents, and there was no apparent relationship between the cytokine measurements and the viral load or CD4+-T-cell categorization, the parameters selected as markers of HIV-associated disease status. These adolescents, including the HIV-seropositive subjects, were relatively healthy, and the HIV-infected subjects were at an early stage in the course of their HIV-associated disease. On the basis of our data, we conclude that, early in the course of HIV-associated disease in adolescents, there are no detectable shifts from TH1 to TH2 cytokine production.
Chemoprevention in patients with genetic risk of colorectal cancers

SUMMARY A number of genetic syndromes are known to convey a high risk of colorectal cancer. Current standards of medical practice for these patients involve genetic testing followed by screening and surgical procedures. Pharmaceutical therapies for any of these syndromes are limited in number and are generally not approved by any regulatory body for applications in these genetic groups. This review discusses advances in mechanistic understanding of the disease processes leading to the development of promising pharmaceutical therapies. Clinical trials of potential chemotherapeutic agents must focus on the reduction of disease-related events, including cancer and cancer-related mortality, in patients with genetic syndromes.
A T1-based DSP modem for interfacing voice and packet networks

A packet-switched data network (PSDN) with dial-in or dial-out capability requires a large number of interfaces to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A T1 trunk connected to an X.25 trunk by a multiple digital signal processing modem is proposed for this interface in place of individual telephone lines, modems and computer cables. The design and performance for this type of modem, meeting the 212A standard, is presented. A simple hardware design using an EPROM DSP chip is described to illustrate the compact implementation possible for such a circuit-switched/packet-switched network interface. >
Electrochemical coagulation for oily water demulsification

Abstract Motor oil and industrial surfactants were used to prepare synthetic oily water. When stabilized with surfactant, the turbidity shows a positive correlation with the oil content in the emulsion with a correlation coefficient of 1.78 FAU/(mg/L). The oil–water emulsion was tested with gravity separation, centrifugation, flotation, and electrochemical coagulation for the effectiveness of each process on demulsification. Electrochemical coagulation was then selected for further study. A dc voltage was applied to the electrodes, dissolving ferrous ions (Fe(II)) at the anode and forming hydrogen (H 2 ) gas and hydroxyl (OH − ) ions at the surface of the cathode. A few 100 mg/L of sodium chloride (NaCl) were added to the solution to provide ionic conductivity and to prevent passivation of the iron electrode. The ferrous ions were oxidized into ferric ions (Fe(III)), destabilizing the emulsion. The coalesced oil droplets were adsorbed into the highly dispersed and reactive ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH) 3 ) coagulant. The oil-rich sludge that was generated in the operation was then floated to the surface forming a blanket that was removed by skimming. This complicated mechanism was completed in 4 min. When the reactor was operated for this amount of time, a measure of 165.8 mg/L of ferric ions was generated. The treatment reduced the turbidity of the emulsion from 1800 to 60 FAU. Beyond the 4-min treatment period, the addition of more iron to the system resulted in turbidity change at a much slower rate. When the operation occurred continuously with a current of 2 A and a throughput of 320 mL/min, the turbidity of the electrically treated effluent was less than 14 FAU, the detection limit of the Hach DR/4000 Spectrophotometer.
Structure of poly (dT).poly (dA).poly (dT).

The molecular structure of poly (dT).poly (dA).poly (dT) has been determined and refined using the continuous x-ray intensity data on layer lines in the diffraction pattern obtained from an oriented fiber of the DNA. The final R-value for the preferred structure is 0.29 significantly lower than that for plausible alternatives. The molecule forms a 12-fold right-handed triple-helix of pitch 38.4 A and each base triplet is stabilized by a set of four Crick-Watson-Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds. The deoxyribose rings in all the three strands have C2'-endo conformations. The grooveless cylindrical shape of the triple-helix is consistent with the lack of lateral organization in the fiber.
Perturbation Solution for the Flat Spin Recovery of a Dual-§pin Spacecraft

Euler's differential equations for free-body attitude motion are solved for the constant bearing axis torque recovery maneuver of a spacecraft with a symmetric rotor and asymmetric platform. The rotor bearing axis coincides with the spacecraft's centroidal principal axis of least inertia. The recovery time and the residual nutation angle are algebraically related to the initial flat spin rate, the spacecraft inertia properties, and the bearing axis torque. The differential equations are solved by use of two asymptotic parameter expansions of the multiple time scale type, which are matched to a transition expansion with a limit process matching procedure.
Strain and stress: Reply

Strain and stress are fundamental concepts in structural geology, so clarity is needed in their discussion. We reiterate the importance of keeping a clear distinction between strain and stress, and again suggest that strain is more useful for analysis of field data, being a more directly measurable quantity than is stress. We re-emphasise our assertion that strain (kinematic) analyses give a shallower understanding of structures than do stress (dynamic) analyses, with stress analyses being of great importance in gaining a full understanding of the development of structures. This discussion about strain and stress highlights some important diAerences in methodological approach, especially the relative importance and timing of observations in relation to model development. A wide range of approaches have been successfully used in structural geology, and we reject the idea that only one particular approach leads to complete truth, even if that approach uses the laws of mechanics as the starting point. The approach that is now common, and which is expounded by Pollard (also see Fletcher and Pollard, 1999), emphasises initial model development, with the model being supported by use of selected observations. A more old-fashioned approach, which we consider to also be valid and useful, emphasises the importance of initial observations in identifying a problem, and of fieldwork in testing the consequent hypotheses posed to solve the problem. Furthermore, we suggest that it is crucial to be sceptical of models, even when those models are based upon the laws of physics. It is our belief that the departure of data from models is of more interest than a close fit between model and data, because it suggests how models may be improved. First, we will discuss the diAerences in methodological approach, and then we will deal with the specific criticisms raised by Pollard.
Activated Sintering of ThO2 and ThO2-Y2O3 with NiO

Scanning electron microscopy and isothermal shrinkage measurements were used to study the effects of additives on the sintering of Thoria-Yttria compacts and loose powders. Small amounts of the oxides of Ni, Zn, Co, and Cu were found to reduce the sintering temperature (which is normally above 2000 C). In particular, NiO, at a concentration of 0.8 wt %, was found to yield high-density bodies at temperatures below 1500 C. Densification occurs very rapidly, and is followed by a much slower sintering process typical of volume diffusion.
Extending boundaries with meta-design and cultures of participation

Human-computer interaction (HCI) has refocused many research efforts within computer science from a technology-centered view to a human-centered view. The developments so far, however, have seen humans mostly as users and consumers rather than as active contributors and designers.This paper provides a conceptual framework based on meta-design and cultures of participation that democratize design and allows all stakeholders to evolve systems to fit their needs. It establishes a new extended discourse for HCI research in which information technologies are interwoven with human lives in all aspects of our existence (at home, working, teaching, learning, and being a citizen). Specific socio-technical environments instantiating the framework in different application domains are described, including: (1) environments for people with cognitive disabilities, (2) table-top computing systems for framing and solving complex urban planning problems, (3) modeling the buildings of the world in 3D, and (4) using Smart Grids to support energy sustainability. These examples show how metadesign and cultures of participation are design approaches that allow researchers and practitioners to extend boundaries by allowing all stakeholders to have more control over their artifacts and by providing opportunities to encourage and to support contributions by many people in personally meaningful activities.
Diagnostic capabilities of fractal dimension and mandibular cortical width to identify men and women with decreased bone mineral density.

Dental panoramic radiographs could be used to screen for osteopenia. We found the fractal dimension to be a good discriminator of osteopenia in both men and women but that the mandibular cortical width (MCW) did not perform as well in men. The fractal dimension may be a valid screening tool. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic capability of the fractal dimension and MCW measured from dental panoramic radiographs in identifying men and women with decreased bone mineral density (BMD). The MCW and fractal dimension were measured from dental panoramic radiographs as surrogates for BMD. These measures were then compared to the results from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) performed for clinical purposes. A total of 56 subjects with the panoramic radiograph taken within 6 months of the DXA exam were used in the analysis for this study. The area under the curve of the fractal dimension for identifying low BMD (T-score <−1.0) was 0.81 (0.67, 0.95) and 0.78 (0.49, 1.00) for men and women, respectively. For the MCW, the area under the curve was found to be 0.53 (0.34, 0.72) and 0.80 (0.58, 1.00) for men and women, respectively. In this largely male study population, the fractal dimension was found to be a good discriminator of low BMD in both men and women. The MCW did not perform as well in men.
Ultraviolet optical properties of Li

The reflectances of evaporated films of Li were measured as functions of angle of incidence for photon energies between 3 and 10.7 eV, and were analyzed, by use of Fresnel’s equations, to determine the optical constants n and k for each energy. Above 6 eV, measurements with photons incident on both vacuum and substrate surfaces gave the same values of n and k within experimental limits of about ±5%. Below 6 eV, values of n and k obtained from the analysis were not reproducible; they depend in a complex way on film thickness, light polarization, and surface structure. Failure of the analysis below 6 eV is attributed to surface-roughness effects on the R (θ) curves, which are not accounted for in Fresnel’s equations. These effects are believed to be small above 6 eV. The dielectric function ∊1 and ∊2 and the energy-loss function Im(− 1/∊) were determined from n and k for photon energies above 6 eV. The plasma energy of Li, as determined from the condition ∊1 (ω) = 0, is 6.7 eV; and the plasma loss peak in Im(−1/∊) is centered at 7.1 eV. In contrast to results for the heavy alkali metals K, Rb, and Cs, no evidence was found for an optical-absorption peak in ∊2 in the spectral region above the plasma frequency.
Impacts of Hurricane Frances on Florida scrub‐oak ecosystem processes: defoliation, net CO2 exchange and interactions with elevated CO2

Hurricane disturbances have profound impacts on ecosystem structure and function, yet their effects on ecosystem CO2 exchange have not been reported. In September 2004, our research site on a fire-regenerated scrub-oak ecosystem in central Florida was struck by Hurricane Frances with sustained winds of 113kmh � 1 and wind gusts as high as 152kmh � 1 . We quantified the hurricane damage on this ecosystem resulting from defoliation: we measured net ecosystem CO2 exchange, the damage and recovery of leaf area, and determined whether growth in elevated carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere (Ca) altered this disturbance. The hurricane decreased leaf area index (LAI) by 21%, which was equal to 60% of seasonal variation in canopy growth during the previous 3 years, but stem damage was negligible. The reduction in LAI led to a 22% decline in gross primary production (GPP) and a 25% decline in ecosystem respiration (Re). The compensatory declines in GPP and Re resulted in no significant change in net ecosystem production (NEP). Refoliation began within a month after the hurricane, although this period was out of phase with the regular foliation period, and recovered 20% of the defoliation loss within 2.5 months. Full recovery of LAI, ecosystem CO2 assimilation, and ecosystem respiration did not occur until the next growing season. Plants exposed to elevated Ca did not sustain greater damage, nor did they recover faster than plants grown under ambient Ca. Thus, our results indicate that hurricanes capable of causing significant defoliation with negligible damage to stems have negligible effects on NEP under current or future CO2-enriched environment.
A Food Scare a Day: Why Aren’t We Better at Managing Dietary Risk?

ABSTRACT Does the existence of food scares mean that we are bad at risk management? Not necessarily. New information brings new risks to the forefront or puts known risks into a new perspective. But in some cases food scares do indicate poor risk management. There are two key problems that explain why we are not better at managing dietary risks. The first is an imbalance of effort among the three components of risk analysis: we have Hummer risk assessment, Yugo risk management, and tricycle risk communication. The second problem is inadequate risk management. The cases of risks from mad cow disease and dioxins illustrate how the quality of risk management is affected by what we do not know well enough, what we know too well, and what we have not tried to find out. Better risk management requires a two-tier approach: (1) generate broad and shallow information on risks, health outcomes, incentives, options, benefits, and costs (Toyota Prius Hybrid risk management to be used everyday) and (2) generate narrow...
Crisis and Charisma in the California Recall Election

The 2003 California recall election represented a unique opportunity to study leadership in the context of what has been described in the popular media as an economic and political crisis. Participants (N= 311) reported their perceptions of the current situation in California and their tendency to attribute outcomes to leaders rather than situational factors (the Romance of Leadership Scale, or RLS). They subsequently watched video clips of the incumbent, the incumbent party challenger and the outside challenger, and rated their delivery style, charisma and expected effectiveness in office. Results indicate that both challengers were rated as more charismatic than the incumbent, and crisis perceptions were related to expected effectiveness ratings for all three candidates. In addition, higher charismatic delivery was associated with higher ratings of charisma and effectiveness. Finally, the RLS was significantly related to ratings of the outside challenger’s charisma, and interacted with crisis perception...
Discovery and Biological Evaluation of Potent Dual ErbB-2/EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: 6-Thiazolylquinazolines

We have identified a novel class of 6-thiazolylquinazolines as potent and selective inhibitors of both ErbB-2 and EGFR tyrosine kinase activity, with IC(50) values in the nanomolar range. These compounds inhibited the growth of both EGFR (HN5) and ErbB-2 (BT474) over-expressing human tumor cell lines in vitro. Using xenograft models of the same cell lines, we found that the compounds given orally inhibited in vivo tumor growth significantly compared with control animals.
Chemical Assessment of Automotive Clearcoat Weathering

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the chemical assessment of automotive clearcoat weathering. The top, unpigmented layer of a modem automotive paint job is known as a clearcoat. The selection process for materials for use as a clearcoat is an arduous process involving multiple tests. The chapter describes photoacoustic and microspectroscopic technologies applied in the infrared, and UV as means to assay the changes in chemical composition and UV protection produced by the clearcoat in complete automotive paint systems. The desired performance includes resistance to chemical degradation in a photo-oxidative environment. Another performance requirement is the shielding of all under layers from destructive radiation. The chapter proposes variants from IR and UV spectroscopies that are accepted in the routine analysis environment. The focus of this chapter is on the characterization of the clearcoat layer as part of a full paint system as it weathers. PAS-IR and UV microspectroscopy are useful tools for the chemical evaluation of full paint systems. The results are encouraging and it hopes to see them accepted as coatings ranking and evaluation methods.
Gender and Law: Feminist Legal Theory's Role in New Legal Realism

The “New Legal Realism” envisions a reconfiguration of the relationship between law, social theory, and policy. A crucial step in bringing together these divergent areas is provided by theory, both in explaining empirical data about social change and in using that information to create new legal policy. This article uses feminist research as a model for bridging together social science with legal theory that will be crucial for formulating a new legal realist paradigm. Through an outline of feminism as a discipline, this paper describes the points of convergence and the differences among feminist scholars across two different methods of approach. These methods, emphasizing the similarities between genders and building upon the concept of gender difference show where feminist legal theory has performed the mediating role between findings of social science and policy changes. Feminist researchers have often analyzed the cultural assumptions embedded in scholarly and legal studies to question the natural character of received categories. This critical analysis can be carried further to provide new perspectives from which to formulate family law and policy. Additionally, this perspective allows scholars to move past ideological impasses. Finally, this paper argues that careful thought must be given to the role that theory will play in the new legal realist synthesis of law, social science, and public policy.
The Binding of the Carcinostatic Drugs Cis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl2] and [Ru(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 with Yeast Transfer RNAPhe. Absence or Binding to Watson-Crick Base Pairs

Cis-diammedichloroplatinum(II) is a potent anticancer agent and is widely used in clinical work (1). On the other hand, the transdiammine-dichloroplatinum(II) is inactive (2). A search for related platinum group metal containing oncostatic drugs has led to the discovery of the pentaammineruthenium(III) complex which also inhibits cellular DNA synthesis in a manner (3) similar to cis-[Pt(NH3)2C12] Solution studies have shown that the guanine bases of DNA are preferentially attacked by the Pt drug at low drug to DNA ratios (4). The lack of oncostatic activity of the trans-Pt has led to the suggestion that the cis-Pt exerts its activity by forming intrastrand crosslinks between adjacent guanines on the DNA chain (5). This mode of complexation has received some support from solution studies of polynucleotides (6) and single-crystal X-ray studies of cis-Pt complexes with nucleic acid constituents (7–9). A competing model for the intrastrand cross-linked model is the bidentate coordinaton of the cis-Pt to the N(7) and keto 0(6) atoms of guanines. Neither complexation mode is possible for trans-Pt. We have carried out a crystallographic investigation of the interaction of both the cis-Pt, and the trans-Pt as well as the [Ru(HN3)5]3+ ion with yeast phenylalanine transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNAPhe) to provide further in ghts on the nature of the interaction of these metal complexes. tRNAPhe is a good system since its structure is known and crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction studies can be obtained with little difficulty. The main drawback, however, is that tRNA is in some ways different from DNA and therefore the results obtained should be extrapolated to DNA with caution.
Role of cellular apoptosis in the modulation of benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adducts in human hepatoma cells.

4266 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) including benzo[a]pyrene (BP) are environmental carcinogens that undergo metabolic activation by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes to reactive metabolites that are capable of forming DNA adducts, which could in turn lead to mutations in critical genes, eventually resulting in cancer. DNA adducts can be removed by DNA repair processes and damaged cells can be eliminated by apoptosis. These protective processes are inevitably less than perfect, and, in fact, PAH-DNA adducts accumulate over time. Retinoids are a group of compounds that regulate cell growth and differentiation. Many studies have shown that retinoic acid (RA) plays an important role in inducing cell apoptosis. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that levels of carcinogen DNA adducts can be diminished by eliminating damaged cells through enhancing apoptosis. Human hepatoma (HepG2) cells were used in this study. The levels of DNA adducts were analyzed by 32 P-postlabeling assay. Cellular apoptosis was analyzed with Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection Kit. Our results showed that the levels of total DNA adducts in HepG2 cells treated with BP (2 µM) + RA (1 µM) were significantly reduced compared to those treated with BP only. Mean RAL values for BP+RA and BP group were 427.70±46.26 and 632.48±69.77 in 10 9 nucleotides (P=0.038), respectively. The levels of BP-dG adduct were also diminished in BP+RA group (362.06±49.00) compared to BP group (516.63±55.08), P=0.046. In order to understand the mechanism of attenuation of DNA adducts, further experiments were carried out. Cells were treated with BP for 24 h to initiate DNA adduct formation, following which the medium containing BP was removed, and fresh medium containing 1 µM RA was added. The cells were harvested 24 h after RA treatment (BP/RA). Control group was treated with BP for 24 h, but RA was replaced with DMSO (BP/DMSO). Interestingly, the levels of total DNA adducts were decreased in the BP/RA group (390.46±34.19) than those in the BP/DMSO group (543.70±32.82), P=0.319. Analysis of cell apoptosis showed an increase in BP+RA group, compared to BP only or RA only group. Our results also demonstrated that BP elicited significant induction of CYP1A1 and 1A2 enzyme activities. Co-treatment of the cells with RA did not significantly alter the inducibility of CYP1A1/1A2 by BP, suggesting that attenuation of BP-DNA adducts by RA was not primarily due to its effects on CYP1A expression. In conclusion, our results suggest a mechanistic link between cellular apoptosis and DNA adduct formation, phenomena that play important roles in BP-mediated carcinogenesis. Furthermore, these results help in the understanding of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, especially in relation to the chemopreventive properties of nutritional apoptosis inducers . (Supported by P30-ES09106, P42-ESO4917 and ES 009132).
Smart buildings

Considering that energy use in buildings represents more than 40% of global energy consumption and that humans spend 90% of the time indoors, technologies enabling smarter buildings can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and produce a comfortable, efficient and sustainable environment. This is to be achieved through smart sensing, advanced automation, and intelligent computing/communication technologies to efficiently operate, monitor, and maintain buildings. In this talk, two topics will be highlighted, including 1) Integrated Building Energy Management, 2) HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Condition) Fault Detection. For each topic, problem importance, challenges and some of our results obtained thus far will be highlighted. The goal is to demonstrate that Smart Buildings are a fertile problem context for meaningful research and development. The talk will end with a brief introduction of the Technical Committee on Smart Buildings of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS).
Adult human enamel. II. An electron microscopic study of the effect of grinding.

A study in the electron microscope was carried out to determine if the broadening of X-ray diffraction patterns was related to crystal fragmentation or strain resulting from the preparative technique. All enamel samples, collected either by grinding with high- or low-speed diamond stones or by carbide burs, contained large amounts of finely-divided enamel, a relatively large number of scattered individual crystals and relatively few particles (usually 5 μ, the larger particles predominating. Annealing bone crystallites increased their size appreciably but they remained undamaged despite prolonged grinding in the ball mill. There was no evidence to suggest a plane of preferred cleavage in enamel; the composite nature and crystal morphology may be responsible, therefore, for the severe fragmentation observed. Crystallite fragmentation is probably responsible for the line-broadening observed in the X-ray diffraction pattern, although strain may also be a contributing factor.
Revised epilepsy stressor inventory.

The relationship between high levels of stress and the occurrence of seizures has been postulated, and findings from studies are beginning to substantiate this hypothesis. Identifying stressors experienced by each person will help health care workers in developing plans of care. In the original epilepsy stressor inventory (ESI) persons selected stressors they had experienced that were associated with epilepsy. To facilitate congruency of the ESI with the Lazarus Transactional Stress Model, revisions were made that allow the person to rate the degree of stressfulness the stressor causes. An alpha of .93 was found indicating high internal consistency of the revised epilepsy stressor inventory (ESI-R). A test-retest reliability of .76 was found. Because the ESI-R is short (22 items) and easy to administer, it can be readily used in practice settings.
Freezing artifacts in frozen-etched Rhizopus arrhizus sporangiospores.

(1972). Freezing Artifacts in Frozen-Etched Rhizopus Arrhizus Sporangiospores. Mycologia: Vol. 64, No. 5, pp. 1164-1166.
The failure of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites under dynamic loading

High-strain-rate compressive failure mechanisms in fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composite materials have been characterized. These are contrasted with composite damage development at low strain rates and with the dynamic failure of monolithic ceramics. It is possible to derive significant strain-rate strengthening benefits if a major fraction of the fiber reinforcement is aligned with the load axis. This effect considerably exceeds the inertial microfracture strengthening observed in monolithic ceramics and nonaligned composites. Its basis is shown to be the transspecimen propagation time period for heterogeneously-nucleated, high- strain kink bands. For high-strain-rate tensile loading conditions, it is found that behavior is not correctly described by the current matrix fracture/fiber pullout models. This is a consequence of the rapid and extreme frictional heating produced at the fiber-matrix interface by sliding velocities on the order of 100 m/s. At rapid loading rates, the near-interface matrix appears to virtually melt, and the frictional interface shear resistance is reduced to the point that the fibers debond throughout the specimen, and pull out without failing. This suggests that for sufficiently rapid loading, the stress to fail the composite will approach that merely to create the initial matrix crack (i.e., a stress level well below the ultimate strength normally attainable under quasistatic conditions).
Effects of gamma-IFN and NGF on subpopulations in a human neuroblastoma cell line: flow cytometric and morphological analysis.

Neuroblastomas are neural crest-derived tumors that contain neuronal, melanocyte, and Schwann cell precursors. We examined the effects of treatment with γ-interferon (γ-IFN) and nerve growth factor (NGF), alone, and in combination, on these progenitor subpopulations in the human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. Using fluorescence-activated flow cytometry (FACS), changes in expression of three differentiation-specific or-associated marker proteins, the 200 kD neurofilament protein, the myelin basic protein, and the S-100 protein, were analyzed. Growth rates and morphological changes associated with each treatment over the 2-wk incubation period were noted. The greatest effects were observed with combined IFN +NGF treatment. These were significant increases in expression of all three proteins distinctive morphological signs of differentiation, and extensive inhibition of proliferation compared to control cultures. Treatment with NGF alone resulted in increased neurofilament protein expression and in the length and number of neurite extensions, but there was no effect on the growth rate. IFN induced striking morphological changes, significant inhibition of growth, and changes in protein expression that correlated with neuronal to non-neuronal subpopulation shifts due to the death of differentiated cells. When treatment was discontinued after 15 d, the morphological changes induced by NGF were reversed within 2–3 d, while those induced by IFN±NGF were present up to 4 wk post-treatment. Small, neuroblastic colonies were observed throughout the treatment period and within 4–6 wk after the cessation of treatment this cell-type fully reconstituted the cultures suggesting the presence of a stem cell. Our results indicate that treatment with γ-IFN±NGF can regulate growth and induce, either stem cells or progenitor neuronal, Schwann and melanocyte subpopulations in the SH-SY5Y cell line to irreversibly differentiate.