cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contrasts in brainstem function between normal and high-risk infants in early postnatal life.

Abstract Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were recorded from healthy and high-risk infants at selected ages throughout their first year of life. Amplitude and latency measurements of peaks I, III and V were treated in a series of multivariate analyses of variance. Significant main effects for age (newborn, 3 wk, 6 wk, 3 mth, 6 mth and 1 yr), group (healthy, risk) and peaks (amplitude and latency of BAEP waves I, III and V) were observed. In addition, the interaction between these factors proved statistically significant. As expected, the pattern of response amplitude and latency for the various peaks differed as a function of age. Moreover, healthy and risk infants revealed different maturational trends. These results indicate that infants born ‘at risk’ but free of severe auditory deficits and major neurological difficulties can be distinguished from healthy (age-matched) controls in terms of the BAEP throughout the first postnatal year.
Effect of protein depletion upon susceptibility of rats to total body irradiation.

Conclusions1. Protein-depletion in young adult male rats, as produced by a weight loss of 25% on a protein-poor diet, materially increases susceptibility to total body irradiation. 2. Age or weight in normally nourished adult rats, in the 150 to 280 g weight range, have little effect on susceptibility to radiation.The author wishes to express his appreciation for advice and assistance to the following men: P. R. Cannon, R. W. Wissler, and E. P. Benditt, Department of Pathology, University of Chicago; A. M. Brues, Biology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Chicago; L. J. Savage, Department of Mathematics, University of Chicago; and H. D. Landahl, Committee on Mathematical Biology, University of Chicago.The animals used in this experiment were irradiated through the collaboration of the Biology Division, Argonne National Laboratory Chicago.
Validity, Reliability and the Assessment of Engineering Education

Educational measurement represents a field of study that has been intensely researched and that provides a framework for designing assessment programs. The purpose of this paper is to clarify two key measurement concepts, validity and reliability, and to illustrate how these concepts can be used to improve assessment efforts in engineering education.
Extension of the PDDG/PM3 Semiempirical Molecular Orbital Method to Sulfur, Silicon, and Phosphorus.

The PDDG/PM3 semiempirical molecular orbital method has been parametrized for molecules, ions, and complexes containing sulfur; the mean absolute error (MAE) for heats of formation, ΔHf, of 6.4 kcal/mol is 35−40% smaller than those for PM3, AM1, and MNDO/d. For completeness, parametrization was also carried out for silicon and phosphorus. For 144 silicon-containing molecules, the ΔHf MAE for PDDG/PM3, PM3, and AM1 is 11−12 kcal/mol, whereas MNDO/d yields 9.4 kcal/mol. For the limited set of 43 phosphorus-containing molecules, MNDO/d also yields the best results followed by PDDG/PM3, AM1, and PM3. The benefits of the d orbitals in MNDO/d for hypervalent compounds are apparent for silicon and phosphorus, whereas they are masked in the larger dataset for sulfur by large errors for branched compounds. Overall, for 1480 molecules, ions, and complexes containing the elements H, C, N, O, F, Si, P, S, Cl, Br, and I, the MAEs in kcal/mol for ΔHf are 6.5 (PDDG/PM3), 8.7 (PM3), 10.3 (MNDO/d), 10.8 (AM1), and 19.8 (M...
Immune cell signaling: a novel mechanistic model reveals new therapeutic targets

Multichain immune recognition receptors (MIRRs) represent a family of surface receptors that is expressed on different cells and that transduces extracellular signals, leading to many biological responses. The most intriguing common structural feature of MIRR family members is that the extracellular recognition domains and the intracellular signaling domains are located on separate subunits. It is not clear how extracellular ligand binding triggers MIRRs and initiates intracellular signal-transduction processes. In this article, I suggest that the structural similarity of the MIRRs provides the basis for the similarity in the mechanisms of MIRR-mediated transmembrane signaling. This hypothesis assumes that the therapeutic strategies learned from a novel mechanistic model of MIRR-mediated signal transduction, the signaling chain homo-oligomerization model, are generalized for this entire family and have important implications for the treatment of many disorders that are mediated by immune cells, including HIV.
Demonstration of high saturation power/high gain SOAs using quantum well intermixing based integration platform

The performance of semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) employing regions of high and low optical confinement designed for high saturation power and high gain using a novel quantum well intermixing and MOCVD regrowth fabrication scheme is reported. The scheme enables the monolithic integration of high performance SOAs with high gain laser diodes, high efficiency electroabsorption modulators, and high saturation power photodiodes. The SOAs presented exhibit saturation powers in the 19 to 20 dBm range with nearly 15 dB of gain.
Intraspecific variation in the water relations of Salix arctica, an arctic-alpine dwarf willow.

The seasonal and diurnal water relations were investigated within arctic and alpine populations of the dwarf willow Salix arctica. Marked differences that were habitat dependent (e.g. xeric vs. mesic) occured both within and between the populations. The environmental variables that most affected plant water balance and the bulk tissue water relations were soil water potential (Ψsoil) and the leafto-air water vapor pressure gradient (Δw), however, low soil temperature (<4.0° C) also had a marked effect in the wet to mesic habitats. The effects of declining Ψsoil and increased ‡w were most pronounced in the plants growing in xiric habitats in both populations. Stomatal response to increased ‡w was two-fold greater in alpine versus arctic plants and is hypothesized to have arisen in response to more frequent exposure to the higher evaporative conditions of alpine existance. Seasonal fluctuations in the osmotic potential closely followed changes in Ψsoil, suggesting that these were active rather that passive changes. Additionally, plants from xeric habiats had a lower bulk tissue elastic modulus (more elastic tissues) in both arctic and alpine populations. The osmotic and elastic properties enhanced turgor maintenance over a broad range of leaf water potentials and during periods when ‡w was high. Turgor maintenance also correlated to continued transpiration despite fluctuations in soil and atmospherically induced water deficits. Arctic habitats have a shorter growing season, lower soil temperatures due to the presence of permafrost, but higher soil water potentials and lower leaf-to-air vapor pressure gradients than alpine habitats. The observed variation in patterns of stomatal conductance and in values of tissue water relations characteristics between arctic and alpine populations of S. arctica is hypothesized to have arisen in response to these different environmental regimes which represent different selective regimes that occur along the arctic-alpine environmental continuum inhabited by this wide ranging species.
Accelerating light clocks.

The behavior of light clocks which undergo constant acceleration in flat space-time is considered. Time dilation, the Doppler shift, and clock synchronization are shown to be different from that of comoving unaccelerated clocks. These results are discussed in relation to the nature of time in accelerating systems. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
HYBRID SIMULATIONS OF PLASMASPHERIC REFILLING INCLUDING CONVECTION AND INJECTION

Abstract The interactions between upflowing thermal ions from conjugate ionospheres are modeled using a 1-dimensional hybrid particle code. The simulation model allows for multiple species, convection of plasmaspheric flux tubes, and Coulomb self collisions which conserve momentum and energy. Plasmaspheric refilling is studied, in which convection of the plasmaspheric flux tube and particle injection from an external source is included. The interaction of ionospheric thermal plasma and the injected plasma seems to play an important role in the evolution of the total particle distribution on the early time scales (t
Strategy-structure alignment in the world coffee industry: the case of Cooxupé.

This case discusses the evolution and challenges of Cooxupe—a coffee marketing cooperative in Brazil. Founded in 1954 by twenty-four producers, Cooxupe experienced significant growth since 1990 as a result of direct export efforts implemented by Joaquim, the Export Director. Yet Cooxupe leaders face increasing challenges ahead. The world coffee industry has evolved in such a way that growth is deemed essential for survival. The growth imperative poses additional challenges to Cooxupe. First, it becomes more difficult to originate coffees with the quality consistency expected by clients. Second, the increased size and heterogeneity of the membership may have negative impacts on cohesion. Third, financial constraints create the need to evaluate and possibly change the cooperative ownership structure.
Reticulocyte hemoglobin content as a marker of iron status in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis.

Background. Patients with renal anemia who show a poor response to erythropoietin might have iron insufficiency. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) was measured in hemodialysis patients, and its potential as a marker for iron status was assessed by comparing CHr with ordinary markers.
Zinc supplementation to protein-deficient diet in CO-exposed mice decreased fetal mortality and malformtion

In developing countries, diet during pregnancy is frequently low in both protein and zinc contents and exposure to CO is common because of environmental pollution and smoking. This study was conducted to evaluate whether zinc supplementation ameliorates fetal mortality and malformations in protein-deficient, CO-exposed mice. Pregnant mice of the CD-1 strain were maintained on 17% (reference) or 9% protein diets mixed with deficient, normal, or supplemental zinc throughout gestation. The dams in each dietary group were exposed to air (control) or 500 ppm CO in air in environmental chambers from gestation days 7–18. As compared to the control group (normal protein, normal zinc), the incidence of fetal mortality was 66.8% and 57.2% higher, respectively, and malformation incidence was 74.4% and 72.4% higher (0 and 500 ppm CO, respectively) in mice fed both deficient protein-zinc diets. However, the highest malformation rate was observed in the group with normal protein, deficient zinc (96% mortality in both 500 and 0 ppm CO, as compared to the reference group, p<0.0001). The fetal mortality rate was −3.5% (0 ppm CO) and 25.4% (500 ppm CO) lower in zinc-supplemented, protein-deficient groups compared to the control group. There was a significant negative association between fetal zinc concentrations and fetal malformations (p≤0.001). The result of this study might be relevant to populations that are exposed to CO and or consume marginal zinc and protein diets during gestation.
The Human Papillomavirus Database.

Papillomaviruses are responsible for a variety of diseases in humans and animals, ranging from harmless skin warts to lethal cancers. They also make up one of the most genetically diversified families of viruses known, and could represent a model system of DNA-virus evolution. A specialized genetic sequences database, The Human Papillomavirus Database and Analysis Project, was recently established in an effort to provide database services that are specific to papillomaviruses to the research community and to perform a variety of sequence-based analyses. This review is intended to present the scope of the information currently contained in the database and to outline some of the analyses that have been performed on the genetic sequences. These analyses will address issues including phylogenetic relationships, recombination events, selective pressures on different genes and the possibility of cross-species transmission in the case of the papillomaviruses.
Effective genetic therapy of established medullary thyroid carcinomas with murine interleukin-2: dissemination and cytotoxicity studies in a rat tumor model.

Replication-defective adenovirus (AdCMVmIL2) expressing murine interleukin-2 was directly injected into rat medullary thyroid carcinomas to examine antitumor activity. AdCMVmIL2 cured 42.9% of all treated tumor bearing animals. Most cured rats were protected against tumor growth after subsequent rechallenge with wild-type tumor cells, reflecting the immunity obtained from the original treatment. Studies of viral dissemination showed that the intratumoral inoculated viruses can enter the circulation, infect peripheral tissues, and express genes driven by the CMV promoter. Liver is the main target organ. In a toxicity study, AdCMVmIL2 was administered i.v. at a dose five times higher than that given directly into tumor. No detectable side effect was found. Histological studies showed variable degrees of lymphocyte infiltration in the livers of studied animals, and no functional change indicated by the normal serum level of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase was found in all animals studied. These data demonstrate that AdCMVmIL2 is an effective antitumor agent in this animal model, and that virus treatment can be given without significant toxicity to other organs.
How do the ovaries count

Abstract A model is studied that regulates follicle development through hormonal feedback. The model takes the form of a many body problem where each body (follicle) is assumed to inherit the same maturation function and interact through a common summed variable (estradiol). Numerical solutions are obtained to a system of ordinary differential equations in which the number of equations changes in time as new follicles randomly enter into the interacting population from a dormant immature pool. Spontaneous cycles of follicle development emerge in which the number of follicles that reach full maturity is well controlled and insensitive to the rate of activation. The system of N interacting follicles is transformed to a gradient system on the unit sphere. Its stability properties are analyzed and compared with numerical and experimental results. Features of both spontaneous and induced ovulators are simulated. For certain parameter values solutions are obtained that correspond to known pathology. The model also suggests that the large number of follicles that are activated but atrophy before reaching full maturity help to regulate the cycle.
The use of the iCare tonometer reduced the need for anesthesia to measure intraocular pressure in children.

Purpose To determine whether the introduction of iCare rebound tonometry in a pediatric ophthalmology clinic resulted in fewer examinations under anesthesia to evaluate children with glaucoma. Methods The medical records of consecutive glaucoma patients were retrospectively reviewed. The numbers of examinations under anesthesia (EUAs) and office visits that included measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) were compared for three periods relative to introduction of the Icare (Icare Finland Oy, Helsinki, Finland) rebound tonometer into our clinical practice: before device introduction, learning/transition period, and routine use. Results A total of 87 subjects were included: 48 subjects met inclusion criteria for the first period; 58 patients met inclusion criteria for the third period (some subjects straddled all three periods). The average patient age for the first period was 4.2 years and 4.9 years ( P = 0.3) for the third period. The number of EUAs performed before the introduction of the Icare was 55 and after the introduction of the Icare was 18 ( P P Conclusions The use of Icare tonometry decreased the need for EUAs to evaluate children with glaucoma and significantly increased successful IOP measurement in clinic.
Effects of phase duration and electrode separation on loudness growth in cochlear implant listeners

Loudness estimates were obtained in a group of four adult subjects implanted with the Nucleus-22 multielectrode cochlear implant device, for a range of pulse amplitudes and different fixed phase durations and electrode separations. The stimulus was a 200-ms long train of biphasic pulses presented at 500 pulses/s. Subjects estimated loudness as a number from 0 ("don't hear it") to 100 ("uncomfortably loud"). Loudness was found to grow exponentially with pulse amplitude, at a rate that was dependent upon the phase duration as well as the electrode separation. An equation of the form L = e(lambda + gamma M)(D theta)I, where L is the estimated loudness, M is the separation between electrodes of a stimulating pair, D is the phase duration, I is current amplitude, and lambda, gamma, and theta are constants, appears to describe the observed data adequately. The findings are remarkably consistent across subjects.
Research on watershed hydrology at the University of Illinois

Abstract Research on watershed hydrology at the University of Illinois started in the 1880's with the development of the Talbot waterway formula. Activities on the subject were considerably expanded after Dr. Chow's joining the University in 1948. In this paper activities in the following four areas are summarized: (1) lumped system approach; (2) experimental investigation of runoff from rainfall; (3) hydraulic based approach; and (4) analyses of spatial and temporal distributions of rainfall for watershed runoff.
The influence of dynamic visual cues for postural control in children aged 7–12 years

Young children rely heavily on vision for postural control during the transition to walking. Although by 10 years of age, children have automatic postural responses similar to adults, it is not clear when the integration of sensory inputs becomes fully developed. The purpose of this study was to examine this transition in the sensory integration process in children aged 7–12 years. Healthy children and adults stood on a fixed or sway-referenced support surface while viewing full-field optic flow scenes that moved sinusoidally (0.1 and 0.25 Hz) in an anterior–posterior direction. Center of pressure was recorded, and measures of sway amplitude and phase were calculated at each stimulus frequency. Children and adults had significant postural responses during approximately two-thirds of the trials. In adults, there was a 90% decrease in sway on the fixed surface compared with the sway-referenced surface, but only a 50% decrease in children. The phase between the optic flow stimulus and postural response in children led that of adults by 52° at 0.1 Hz and by 15° at 0.25 Hz. Adults and children aged 7–12 years have similar ability to use dynamic visual cues for postural control. However, 7–12-year-old children do not utilize somatosensory cues to stabilize posture to the same extent as adults when visual and somatosensory cues are conflicting.
Using Electronic Stereoscopic Color Displays: Limits Of Fusion And Depth Discrimination

The effective use of stereoscopic display systems is dependent, in part, upon reliable data describing binocular fusion limits and the accuracy of depth discrimination for such visual display devices. In two experiments, these issues were addressed as were the effects of interocular crosstalk. Results showed that the limits of fusion were approximately 27.11 minutes of arc for crossed disparity and 24.21 minutes of arc for uncrossed disparity. Crosstalk had no effect on fusion limits for the contrast ratio and stimulus configuration used. Crosstalk also did not affect accuracy in discriminating disparities within the fusion limits. Subjects were extremely accurate in distinguishing relative distances among four groups of stimuli and were able to identify a pair of stimuli located at the same depth plane within each group. However, crosstalk affected subjects' vergence responses as well as subjective ratings of image quality and the conspicuity of ghost images.
Web-based data delivery services in support of disaster-relief applications

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) EROS Data Center responds to emergencies on behalf of various government agencies for human-induced and natural disasters. This response consists of satellite tasking and acquisitions, satellite image registrations, disaster-extent maps analysis and creation, base image provision and support, web-based mapping services for product delivery, and post-disaster data archiving. The emergency response staff are on call at all times and have access to many commercial and government satellite and aerial photography tasking authorities. They have access to data processing and photographic laboratory services for off-hour priority requests. They work with agencies for preparedness planning, which includes provision of base imagery. These data may include digital elevation models, hydrographic models, base satellite images, vector data layers such as roads, aerial photographs, and other pre-disaster data. These layers are incorporated into a web-based browser and data delivery service that is accessible either to the general public or to select customers. As usage declines, the data are moved to a post-disaster near-line archive that is still accessible, but not in real time.
Suicide attempts among American Indian and Alaska Native youth: risk and protective factors

Context American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest suicide rates of all ethnic groups in the United States, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Objective To identify risk and protective factors associated with suicide attempts among native male and female adolescents. Design The 1990 National American Indian Adolescent Health Survey. Setting Schools of reservation communities in 8 Indian Health Service areas. Participants Eleven thousand six hundred sixty-six 7th-through 12th-grade American Indian and Alaska native youth. Main Outcome Measures Responses were compared among adolescents with and without a self-reported history of attempted suicide. Independent variables included measures of community, family, and individual characteristics. Separate analyses were conducted for boys and girls. Results Ever attempting suicide was reported by 21.8% of girls and 11.8% of boys. By logistic regression done on boys and girls separately, suicide attempts were associated with friends or family members attempting or completing suicide; somatic symptoms; physical or sexual abuse; health concerns; using alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs; a history of being in a special education class; treatment for emotional problems; gang involvement; and gun availability. For male and female youth, discussing problems with friends or family, emotional health, and connectedness to family were protective against suicide attempts. The estimated probability of attempting suicide increased dramatically as the number of risk factors to which an adolescent was exposed increased; however, increasing protective factors was more effective at reducing the probability of a suicide attempt than was decreasing risk factors. Conclusions A history of attempted suicide was associated with several risk and protective factors. In addition to targeting youth at increased risk, preventive efforts should include promotion of protective factors in the lives of all youth in this population.
Heat transfer in liquid metals with electric currents and magnetic fields: The conduction case

Abstract There are two volumetric heat sources in a liquid-metal sliding electrical contact for a homopolar device: Joulean heating and viscous dissipation. The Joulean heating is created by the presence of electric currents; the viscous dissipation results from the motion of the liquid metal and is enhanced by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effects. In a homopolar device, the liquid metal is confined to a small gap between the perimeter of a rotating disk and the surrounding static surface. The maximum temperature achieved within the liquid metal is significantly larger for an MHD flow than for an ordinary hydrodynamic flow, a flow in the absence of a magnetic field. Information concerning the temperature distribution within the liquid metal and solid parts of a homopolar device will result in the design of efficient and operational sliding electrical contacts.
Synthesis and optical spectroscopic studies of semiconducting cadmium sulfide nanowires.

Optical properties of cadmium sulfide nanowires of 50-100 nm diameter prepared by the pulsed-laser vaporization method have been studied using photoacoustic, UV-Vis, Raman, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The photoacoustic (PA) technique yielded clean spectra with a steeper absorption edge for as-prepared opaque semiconducting CdS nanowires when compared to the corresponding conventional optical absorption spectra. The PA signal intensity was also significantly higher for nanowires. The Raman spectrum revealed increased exciton-longitudinal-optical-phonon coupling. The appearance of a narrow photoluminescence peak at 491 nm (FWHM ~9 nm) and the absence of emission above 500 nm demonstrate the high quality of nanowires. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed excellent ordering of the atoms in the [001] planes perpendicular to the growth direction.
Logistics of hurricane evacuation in Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Abstract This study examines household hurricane evacuation logistics—the activities and associated resources needed to reach a safe location and remain there until it is safe to return—during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Evacuation logistics variables include evacuation route information sources, evacuation departure dates, vehicles taken, evacuation routes and destinations, travel distances and times, shelter accommodations, and costs of transportation, food, and lodging. This study confirmed previous findings that evacuees take multiple cars, rely on personal experience and traffic conditions to choose their evacuation routes, and are most likely to choose the homes of friends/relatives as their shelter accommodations. However, this study also produced new data on evacuation distances, durations, and costs—as well as associations with demographic and situational variables that are associated with household evacuation logistics. In addition, this study provides additional data indicating that common assumptions about evacuation route choice are incorrect. More research is needed to understand evacuees’ choices of ultimate destinations and evacuation routes.
Preferential uptake and utilization of mevalonolactone over mevalonate for sterol biosynthesis in isolated rat hepatocytes

Abstract Mevalonolactone at micromolar concentrations is taken up by rat hepatocytes and is converted into non-saponifiable lipids much faster than mevalonate. Although the first evidence of decarboxylation of both mevalonolactone and mevalonate (as determined by the release of 14CO2 from the 1-14C-labelled substrates) was observed at the same time (2 min), the subsequent rate of decarboxylation of mevalonolactone was approx. 43-fold of that found with mevalonate. The more rapid utilization of micromolar concentrations of mevalonolactone, compared to mevalonate, can be partly explained by the approx. 2-fold faster entry of the unchanged mevalonolactone into intact cells compared to the anionic mevalonate. This difference in uptake into the cell was observed with both the pure (R)- and the biologically inactive (S)-enantiomers1 and was independent of temperature. At these micromolar concentrations of the lactone the cell sterol biosynthetic pathway was not saturated and approx. 66% of the (R)-enantiomer was converted within 12 min to either isopentenyl pyrophosphate or non-saponifiable lipids. However, chemical (i.e. non-enzymic) hydrolysis of the lactone is slow, has a half-life of approx. 60 min at 37°C and at pH 7.4 and results in less than 35% of the lactone being converted to the anion mevalonate during a 15 min incubation. Hence the rapid conversion of approx. 66% of the mevalonolactone into sterols can be most easily explained if the cells contain a mevalonolactone hydrolase.
Ethanol consumption modifies dendritic cell antigen presentation in mice.

Background: Alcohol consumption impairs type 1 cell-mediated adaptive immune responses both in vivo and in vitro. The present study investigated the effect of alcohol consumption on antigen-presenting cell (APC) populations and cytokine production. Methods: BALB/c were fed ethanol-containing, pair-fed isocaloric liquid control, or solid diets for 11 days. Macrophage and dendritic cell (DC) populations were isolated by paramagenetic bead separation and used to present ovalbumin (OVA) to highly purified syngeneic CD4 + T cells derived from DO 11.10 T cell receptor transgenic mice in coculture. DC isolated from diet-fed mice were also used to present OVA to highly purified CD4 + T cells derived from antigen-naive DO11.10Rag2 -/- mice that are devoid of memory T cells. In vitro cytokine responses, interleukin (IL) -2, IL-6, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17A, and interferon-y (IFN-y) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry measured cell surface molecule expression. Results: Alcohol consumption impairs delayed hypersensitivity responses (type 1) and enhances serum IgE levels (type 2). CD11c + DC, but not F4/80 + macrophages, support cytokine responses by purified CD4 + T cells. CD11c + DC derived from ethanol consuming BALB/c mice show diminished ability to support IFN-y responses by purified CD4 + T cells derived from DO11.10 or DO11.10Rag2 -/- mice. Subset analysis indicates that of the 3 "conventional" DC subsets found in mouse spleens, CD11c + CD8 α + DCs are both responsible for OVA presentation and susceptible to the effects of ethanol. Ethanol consumption does not overtly alter the percent of splenic DC, but does increase the surface density of CD11c on these cells. Data show that cocultures containing purified CD4 + T DO11.10 cells and APC derived from alcohol-consuming mice show decreased IL-6, IL-12, IL-17A, and IFN-y and increased IL-13 cytokine production in response to OVA stimulation. Conclusions: Ethanol alters CD11c + CD8 α + DC function, affecting cytokines responsible for adaptive immune responses. A unifying hypothesis for the underlying mechanism(s) of ethanol's effect upon adaptive immune function is proposed.
Structural response of thin cylindrical shells subjected to impulsive external loads

Thin aluminum cylindrical rings and shells were subjected to impulsive external loads applied with explosives. Experimentally observed structural response mechanisms consisted of dynamic pulse buckling and large inward deflections of the loaded side of the shell. This structural response was analyzed with the DYNA3D finite-element code. Finite-element modeling of the response required modeling of initial imperfections in the geometry of the rings and shells and modeling of imperfections in the load in order to reproduce the observed buckling response. The effects of finite-element mesh refinement, initial imperfection amplitude, and imperfections in load are investigated. Methods for obtaining good solutions to this pulse buckling problem with finite-element codes have been noted.
No longer, not yet: reading history grammatically

L'A. se place dans la perspective d'une lecture de l'histoire comme d'une longue phrase structuree grammaticalement, ou le present par exemple n'est qu'une simple virgule dans la phrase. Dans ce cadre, il etudie en particulier le statut du sentiment d'indepassabilite, le «plus jamais» tel que l'avait ressenti Nietzsche notamment
“Magnetic” pole locations on global charts are incorrect

For the past 40 years or more an error has appeared on the charts produced by major U.S. mapping organizations. The cartographers routinely mark a position in each hemisphere that they identify as the “Magnetic Pole.” For examples, see pages 73 and 86 of the Today's World: A New World Atlas, published by Rand McNally & Company in 1993, and The Earth's Fractured Surface, a chart published by the National Geographic Society in April 1995. The problem is that the word “magnetic” has become a generic term and the two words together can include at least three types of poles with greatly differing positions, depending upon their derivation. The most used pole position is certainly not the one indicated on the charts. Nor is the generally understood position actually the one that the cartographers are marking.
James Edmund Reeves (1829–1896) and the contentious 19th century battle for medical professionalism in the United States:

During his life, Dr James E Reeves was a national figure in the US. His work included multiple professional publications, civic and professional leadership positions, and the drafting of a landmark law that confirmed the right of states to regulate the medical profession. While much of Reeves' work supported the successful struggle of 19th century regular physicians to gain control of the practice of medicine, he challenged his colleagues when their self-interests conflicted with his perception of the public good. He was frequently lauded for this work by physicians and the public but he also made professional enemies. Perhaps for this reason, his considerable accomplishments were forgotten after his death. His story reminds us of the difficult contradiction that exists within the regulation of medicine, guarding the public's welfare while protecting the interests of medical professionals. It also reminds us that history may temporarily overlook those who fight our difficult battles.
On k-critical, n-connected graphs

A graph G which is n-connected (but not (n + 1)-connected)is defined to be k-critical if for every S ⊆ V(G), where |S|⩽k, the connectivity of G − S is n − |S|. We will say that G is an (n∗,k∗) graph if G is n-connected (but not (n + 1)-connected) and k-critical (but not (k + 1)- critical). This initial study of k-critical graphs is concerned with the problem of determining the values of n and k for which there exists an (n∗, k∗) graph.
Present Status of Precise Information on the Universal Physical Constants. Has the Time Arrived for Their Adoption to Replace Our Present Arbitrary Conventional Standards

Three years ago Dr. E. R. Cohen and I prepared and published our latest (1955) least-squares adjustment of all the most reliable data then available bearing on the universal constants of physics and chemistry. Since then new data and information have been accumulating so that a year or two from now the time may perhaps be propitious for us to prepare a new adjustment taking the newly-gained knowledge into account. At present it is too early to attempt such a re-evaluation since many of the investigations and re-determinations now under way are still far from completed. I shall be obliged, therefore, to content myself in this talk with a description of the sources of information upon which our 1955 evaluation was based, mentioning however, the weak points where these are now either well established as errors or at least considered to be under strong suspicion of systematic error. I shall also tell you a little of some of the new re-evaluations now under way.
Comparison of the vibrational spectra of pyruvic acid on alumina using inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) and Fourier transform multiple reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (MRAIRS)

Abstract Vibrational spectra obtained using IETS and MRAIRS are presented for monolayers of pyruvic acid adsorbed on alumina, incorporated in thin film Al/alumina/pyruvic acid/Pb samples. Spectra obtained using both techniques do not exhibit a carbonyl peak, however MRAIR spectra for similar samples without a Pb cover film do. This behaviour may be attributed to interactions between the adsorbed molecules and the cover film. Possible reasons for this, and the disappearance of certain peaks in the IET spectra when Sn and Al are employed as cover films instead of Pb, are discussed.
Mechanisms of angiographically successful directional coronary atherectomy: Evaluation by intracoronary ultrasound and comparison with transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract To assess the mechanisms of luminal improvement, 40 patients undergoing directional coronary atherectomy and a matched control group of 25 patients undergoing angioplasty were evaluated with intracoronary ultrasound imaging before and after intervention. Despite similar sized vessels, a similar angiographic severity of diameter stenosis (75 ± 12% for the angioplasty group vs 69 ± 15% for the atherectomy group, p = NS), and a similar plaque burden (percent plaque area) before intervention (84 ± 5% in the angioplasty group vs 85 ± 13% in the atherectomy group, p = NS), the residual plaque area after intervention was significantly smaller in the atherectomy group (54 ± 14%) compared with the angioplasty group (65 ± 13%, p = 0.002). Despite excellent angiographic results, significant residual plaque was noted after either successful intervention. Based on the absolute changes in lumen area, plaque area, and vessel area, improvement in the lumen area in the atherectomy group occurred as a result of plaque "compression" (48%), plaque removal (37%), and vessel expansion (15%). In the angioplasty group, plaque "compression" accounted for 94% of the improvement in lumen area, whereas vessel expansion contributed 6%. Thus "compression" of plaque remains the major mechanism of luminal improvement during atherectomy.
CONTINUITIES AND DISCONTINUITIES OF PLACE

Early studies and observations of working-class communities reveal the physical environment itself as a very meaningful aspect of urban social life, a finding strongly borne out by the study of the relocation of several thousand people from the West End of Boston (1958-1961). Attachment to place is a characteristic feature of life in many poor, ethnic, immigrant communities. The development of a sense of spatial identity is a critical component of attachment experiences in such local areas. As a consequence of such spatial identity, built on the convergence of physical places and social relationships, displacement from the community entails widespread grief and mourning. But life, even in these relatively stable and enclosed communities, is not simply continuous: people change, communities change, social discontinuities are inevitable. And the stable forms of attachment which are so highly adaptive to the first or second generation ethnic community inhibit progression to new urban environments and to new conditions of social life when these become desirable or necessary. While community ties are often of importance at all social class levels and serve as stabilizing forces, the transition to new statuses, wider opportunities, and new conditions of life implies a more attenuated form of place attachment. However, many people remain addicted to encompassing forms of continuity in community attachments. Spatial identities which are highly functional at one point can thus become dysfunctional. These commitments can become the basis for contagious violence and bloodshed especially after the demise of long-term autocratic controls which leave a political hiatus and present us with pathologies of community attachment, visible in the territorial conflicts of recent decades.
Theoretical neutron cross sections for the direct excitation of the 3− colective state in O16 and Pb208

Abstract The cross sections for the direct excitation of a surface octupole state in two doubly magic nuclei, O 16 and Pb 208 , are calculated for neutrons of four different energies. For O 16 the excitation energy of the surface octupole state is 6.13 MeV and cross sections are calculated for neutrons of 10, 14, 22 and 30 MeV. The excitation energy of the 3 − state in Pb 208 is 2.615 MeV and the cross sections are calculated for neutrons of 4, 7.5, 12 and 18 MeV. The calculations are carried out using the distorted wave Born approximation with the wave solution to a spherical square well potential as the unperturbed wave function. The interaction is assumed to occur in a finite region at the nuclear surface. A complex potential is used to account for neutrons scattered by compound nucleus formation. For both nuclei the results show that direct excitation should be a significant part of the total cross section for exciting these states.
Influenza A(H7N9) virus gains neuraminidase inhibitor resistance without loss of in vivo virulence or transmissibility

Without baseline human immunity to the emergent avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, neuraminidase inhibitors are vital for controlling viral replication in severe infections. An amino acid change in the viral neuraminidase associated with drug resistance, NA-R292K (N2 numbering), has been found in some H7N9 clinical isolates. Here we assess the impact of the NA-R292K substitution on antiviral sensitivity and viral replication, pathogenicity and transmissibility of H7N9 viruses. Our data indicate that an H7N9 isolate encoding the NA-R292K substitution is highly resistant to oseltamivir and peramivir and partially resistant to zanamivir. Furthermore, H7N9 reassortants with and without the resistance mutation demonstrate comparable viral replication in primary human respiratory cells, virulence in mice and transmissibility in guinea pigs. Thus, in stark contrast to oseltamivir-resistant seasonal influenza A(H3N2) viruses, H7N9 virus replication and pathogenicity in these models are not substantially altered by the acquisition of high-level oseltamivir resistance due to the NA-R292K mutation.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacological treatment of the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children with pervasive developmental disorders.

Many children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) exhibit behaviors and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We sought to determine the relative efficacy of medications for treating ADHD symptoms in children with PDD by identifying all double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials examining the efficacy of medications for treating ADHD symptoms in children with PDD. We located seven trials involving 225 children. A random effects meta-analysis of four methylphenidate trials showed methylphenidate to be effective for treating ADHD symptoms in children with PDD (ES = .67). Several adverse events were greater for children were taking methylphenidate compared to placebo. An individual trial of clonidine and two trials of atomoxetine suggest these agents may also be effective in treating ADHD symptoms in children with PDD.
Age Differences in Work Involvement Analyses of Three Explanations

Utilizing cross-sectional and panel data from the 1972-1973 and 1977 Quality of Employment surveys, this article investigates three explanations of age differences in work involvement. Differences in cohort and job characteristics appear to be more plausible determinants of differences in psychological involvement with a specific job, while overall subjective commitment to the labor force may be more influenced by developmental aging processes. However, the effects of age on the general work role may vary by gender and occupation, thus suggesting that the nature of developmental aging processes are partially a function of an individual's position in the social structure.
Numerical calculations of the viscoelastic properties of solutions of branched polymers based on the Zimm‐Kilb theory

Numerical calculations were performed for the viscoelastic properties of dilute solutions of branched star polymers with equal branch lengths as formulated in terms of a bead-spring model by Zimm and Kilb without using the integrodifferential equation approximation method to calculate the eigenvalues. The complex modulus and complex viscosity were calculated as functions of frequency for various combinations of the number of branches f (4, 8, and 13), the number of beads in one branch Nb (= N/f; 20 to 100, where N + 1 is the total number of beads, N the number of springs in the molecule) and the reduced hydrodynamic interaction parameter h* (= h/N1/2 0.05 to 0.3, where h is the hydrodynamic interaction parameter of Zimm and Kilb). The frequency dependence of the complex modulus in the low-frequency range depends mainly on h* and not on Nb if Nb is large enough, and it is very close to that calculated from the eigenvalues for h→∞ obtained by Zimm and Kilb, if h* is about 0.25. As h* decreases from 0.25, the frequency dependence gradually approaches that of the free-draining cash (h→0). Calculations may be carried out for h* values somewhat larger than 0.25 and result in a frequency dependence that is not intermediate to the h → 0 and h → ∞ cases as evaluated by Zimm and Kilb. The physical meaning of such “super-non-free-draining” values of h* is uncertain, however. The intrinsic viscosity ratio g′ = [η]f/[η]lin is an increasing function of h* and changes very slowly with N. For h* = 0.25, g′ is close to the non-free-draining limit for any value of N.
“CRACK,” STREET GANGS, AND VIOLENCE*

This investigation considers the connections among street gangs, “crack” cocaine, and violence associated with crack distribution during the initial years of crack proliferation. Data were extracted from the narcotics investigation files and homicide fires of five Los Angeles Police Department and Sheriff's Department areas where both crack and gangs were prominent. The aims were to compare for 1983–1985, when crack first emerged as a significant problem, hypotheses about (1) gang involvement in crack distribution and (2) concomitants of gang involvement, particularly violence. The analyses confirm a dramatic growth in crack sales, an accompanying increase in gang members involved, but a declining rate of involvement, and inconsistent evidence on the impact of gang involvement on sales events. We infer that crack distribution, while including many individual gang members, was not primarily a street gang phenomenon.
Methane emissions from Alaska Arctic tundra: An assessment of local spatial variability

The findings of an extensive midsummer survey of CH4 emissions measurements representing the Alaska Arctic tundra are presented. Variability in rates of emissions was similar in magnitude on local and regional scales, ranging from 0 to 286.5 mg/sq m/d overall and often varying across two orders of magnitude within 0.5 m distances. Primary control on rates of emission was determined by the substrate and position of the water table relative to the surface. Emission rates in the Arctic Foothills ranged from 0.2 mg/sq m/d for tussock tundra to 55.53 mg/sq m/d over wet meadows. Plant-mediated release of CH4 to the atmosphere was directly proportional to green leaf area and represented 92-98 percent of the total emission rates over vegetated sites. The results suggest the current published emission rates may have overestimated the contribution of boreal ecosystems to the global CH4 budget by several fold.
Screening for autism in older and younger toddlers with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) was used to screen younger (16-23 months) versus older (24-30 months) high- and low-risk toddlers. Refusal rates for follow-up interview showed no group differences, but parents of younger/low-risk children were more likely to refuse evaluation than parents of high-risk children. PPP for an ASD diagnosis was: younger/high-risk 0.79, older/high-risk 0.74, younger/low-risk 0.28, and older/low-risk 0.61, with PPP differing by age within the low-risk group. Most of the children in all groups, however, were diagnosed with a developmental disorder. Symptom severity generally did not differ among groups. Cognitive and adaptive measures showed minimal group differences. Therefore, older and younger toddlers had similar symptomatology and developmental delays; PPP for ASD is better at 24 than 18 months for low-risk children; however, these children are still highly likely to show a developmental disorder. Clinical decision making should balance early identification against the lower specificity of M-CHAT screening for the younger/low-risk group.