cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Toward Measles Virus-Infected Target Cells in Randomly Bred Syrian Hamsters

Cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) toward measles virus-infected cells was studied by a 51Cr release assay with spleen cells from hamsters inoculated with measles virus (strain Lec) or control antigen and with spleen cells from normal hamsters. Spleen cells from measles virus-inoculated hamsters showed greater CMC toward infected than toward noninfected target cells (designated specific CMC). Specific CMC was maximal 7 days after virus inoculation and was declining by 9 to 10 days. Effector cells were present in a nonadherent cell population. Specific CMC was reduced after treatments of effector cells with antithymocyte serum plus complement. The decrease in cytotoxicity was greater toward infected target cells than toward noninfected target cells. Treatment of infected target cells with antimeasles serum did not increase specific CMC by effector cells from the majority of virus-inoculated hamsters. CMC toward infected target cells by normal spleen cells (natural killer cells) or spleen cells from hamsters inoculated with control antigen was approximately the same as, or more often less than, CMC toward noninfected target cells. Natural killer cells were present in a nonadherent cell population. Treatment of natural killer cells with antithymocyte serum plus complement caused a similar decrease in cytotoxicity toward both infected and noninfected target cells. This study demonstrated virus-specific cellular cytotoxicity of effector spleen cells from measles virus-inoculated hamsters. Although the data were compatible with T cells as the source of effector cells in the virus-specific CMC, definitive identification could not be made. Additional membrane markers for better characterization of hamster lymphocyte subpopulations are required.
Evaluation Of Phantoms Designed For Digital Fluorographic Systems

There is a number of Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) phantoms available in the commercial market that are designed for the evaluation of DSA imaging systems. This paper focuses on the performance evaluation features provided with these phantoms as seen from daily quality assurance point of view, and for possible usage in the acceptance testing of DSA imaging systems.
The Child Abuse Potential Inventory: A Study of Concurrent Validity.

Forty-four subjects were assigned to a High or Low Abuse Potential Group based upon their Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory's abuse scale scores. Each subject's heart rate (HR) and skin conductance (SC) were monitored while the subject was viewing videotape presentations of an infant smiling, crying, or quiescent. The High Abuse Potential Group had a faster peak HR throughout the videotape presentations with no significant differences among videotape segments. The Low Abuse Potential Group had a slower peak HR and had a significantly lower HR during the Smile and Cry segments than in the second Quiescent segment. The males accounted for most of the significant SC variability among tape segments. The pattern of SC responses revealed that the males were less aroused than the females, the Low Abuse Potential Group was less aroused than the High Abuse Potential group, and all four groups showed a decrease in arousal toward the end of the videotape presentations. The results provide support for the concurrent validity of the CAP inventory.
Signaling and affective functions of conditioned aversive stimuli in an appetitive choice discrimination: US intensity effects☆

Abstract Different groups of rats received Pavlovian aversive conditioning in which US-shock intensity (0.25–1.0 mA) and CS-US correlation (+, 0, −) were factorially varied. Then, the CS was administered for each group contingent upon the reinforced response in an appetitive choice discrimination. Absolute and ratio measures of speed of running in the presence of the CS showed that, at the start of discrimination training, CS+ suppressed and CS- facilitated performance. However, later in training but prior to any evidence of choice learning, these speed effects reversed, with the magnitude of both the initial and reversed effects being a positive function of US intensity. Consistent with the reversal of speeds, associative (choice) measures showed that CS+ facilitated and CS- retarded discrimination learning relative to CSo and, within limits, these effects were also amplified by stronger USs. The findings suggest that a CS has both affective (motivational) and signaling (associative) functions and that both are influenced by US intensity; however, the CS's affective property is rapidly extinguished in the presence of a hedonicly different reinforcer, while leaving the CS's signaling property largely intact. Hence, the CS functions as a transformed signal for the new (appetitive) reinforcer and facilitates or retards learning by mediating the reinforcer's presence (CS+) or absence (CS-).
Learning by Mapping Across Situations

Many types of learning require the mapping of information across situations. The proposed organizational framework extends the cognitive study of mappings across problems to include mappings across representations, solutions, and sociocultural contexts. I apply one-to-one, one-to-many, and partial mappings to analyze representative cases that include ones studied within alternative frameworks that have extended the cognitive approach. My objective is to support readers in reflecting on how mappings influence learning through asking new questions and providing an approach for answering those questions.
Theory of magnetic-field-dependent alloy broadening of exciton-photoluminescence linewidths in semiconductor alloys.

A theory is developed for the inhomogeneous photoluminescence line shape and, in particular, the linewidth of excitons due to alloy disorder in undoped semiconductor alloys in the presence of external magnetic fields. In contrast to previous theories, we find that both the linewidth and its field dependence depend not only on the exciton wave function for the electron-hole relative motion but also depend sensitively on the localization length [ital R][sub 0] of the center-of-mass wave function. In general, the line shape depends on the nature of the exciton localization. The linewidths arise from the fluctuations of the conduction- and valence-band edges in the localization region where there is significant amplitude of the total exciton wave function. The wave function for the relative motion is calculated numerically by reducing the Schroedinger equation to a difference equation at arbitrary fields, while the center-of-mass wave function is treated phenomenologically. The linewidth is calculated as a function of the magnetic field and the localization length [ital R][sub 0]. The results yield good agreement with recent experimental data from In[sub 0.48]Ga[sub 0.52]P.
The Use of a GDSS Tool in Regional Economic Planning: A Case Study

A Group Decision Support System GDSS process named FACILITATOR was used in one phase of a 4 month regional economic development and planning effort. Leaders from 15 key organizations met in groups to articulate economic development goals and action strategies. Questionnaire results indicated that the GDSS portion of the activity was favorably viewed by these planners. Suggestions for GDSS development, testing, and application were drawn from observation and participant comments
Remedy for the fermion sign problem in the diffusion Monte Carlo method for few fermions with antisymmetric diffusion process

We suggest an exact approach to help remedy the fermion sign problem in diffusion quantum Monte Carlo simulations. The approach is based on an explicit suppression of symmetric modes in the Schrodinger equation by means of a modified stochastic diffusion process (antisymmetric diffusion process). We introduce this algorithm and illustrate it on potential models in one dimension (1D) and show that there it solves the fermion sign problem exactly and converges to the lowest antisymmetric state of the system. Then, we discuss extensions of this approach to many-dimensional systems on examples of quantum oscillator in 2D-20D and a toy model of three and four fermions on harmonic strings in 2D and 3D. We show that in all these cases our method shows a performance comparable to that of a fixed-node approximation with an exact node.
IN VITRO AGGREGATION OF MIXED EMBRYONIC KIDNEY AND NERVE CELLS Influence on Macromolecular Synthesis

The possible role of nerve on growth of embryonic parenchymal organs such as kidney was explored by measuring macromolecular synthesis (DNA, RNA, and protein and three enzymes) in aggregates of mixed suspensions of cells from dissociated chick embryo kidney and nerve tissue. One and one-half to threefold increments in net synthesis of the three different types of macromolecules were observed in the mixed aggregates of kidney and nerve cells as compared with those of single organs or mixtures of kidney with nonneural cells. The addition of nerve-growth factor (NGF) did not significantly affect the results. Increased incorporation of label was paralleled by increases in chemically measured DNA and protein, suggesting an increase in growth in the mixed kidney-nerve aggregates compared with those of single tissues. Measurements of survival rate did not indicate increased cell stability in the mixed aggregates. The activities of three enzymes, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactic dehydrogenase, were also enhanced two to four times in cultures of kidney plus nerve cells. Morphologic studies indicated a high degree of reorganization of tubular structures within the reaggregates of kidney cells alone or in those mixed with nerve. In addition, radioautographs of thymidine-3H-labeled cells in the aggregates showed a high level of DNA synthesis in the reformed tubular cells. Electron micrographs revealed the presence of large numbers of nerve fibers containing microtubules in the mixed cell aggregates. The data suggest a significant role for nerve in the growth processes of embryonic parenchymal organs.
Growth stimulation of ovarian and extraovarian mesothelial cells by corpus luteum extract

Ovarian (OM) and extraovarian (EM) mesothelia represent a common source of gynecologic malignancies with yet unclear pathogenesis. Ovulation triggers a finite wave of DNA synthesis and morphogenesis only in native OM cells, probably through the activation of intraovarian growth factors. To evaluate their growth response to such factors, OM and EM cells were obtained from estrous New Zealand white rabbits by enzymatic dispersion and unit gravity sedimentation. Cell cultures were maintained in serumless, fibronectin-rich, HL-1 medium without or with rabbit corpora lutea tissue extracts (CLE). The growth effects of CLE were evaluated by measuring percent changes in cell number relative to controls (CCN), cell population doublings (CPD), cell population doubling time in hours (CPDT). After 7.5 days, CLE enhanced (P<0.001) the growth of both OM and EM cells, which exhibited, respectively, a CCN of 214 and 257%; a CPD of 2.89 and 2.87; and a CPDT of 54.39 and 59.49. CLE-treated OM and EM cells were smaller, formed more cohesive monolayers, and exhibited more frequent and diffuse microvilli than control cells. These data show a similar in vitro response of OM and EM cells to luteal growth factors, suggesting that the lack of postovulatory morphogenesis in native extraovarian mesothelia is due to the spatially restricted activity of intraovarian growth factors.
Evolutionary trajectory planning of ships in navigation traffic areas

By taking into account certain boundaries of the maneuvering region, along with navigation obstacles and other moving ships, the problem of avoiding collisions in navigation traffic areas was reduced to a dynamic optimization task with static and dynamic constraints. In heavy navigation traffic areas and within coastal zones, correct selection of a ship's speed, when accompanied by the necessary trajectory changes, is a crucial element of safe navigation. This paper presents a modernized version of the evolutionary ship trajectory planning system in which a new parameter was introduced, namely changes of the ship's speed along particular sections of the trajectory. Generally, a safe trajectory is estimated using specialized genetic operators for modifying the trajectory. Here, an additional operator was added to the system that mutates the ship's speed. Sample results present the safe trajectory for a ferry meeting other moving ships and navigational constraints on its way.
The adenosine-like effect of exogenous cyclic AMP upon nucleotide and PP-ribose-P concentrations of cultured human lymphoblasts.

CAMP and dbcAMP produce opposite metabolic effects when added to cultures of mammalian cells [l--5]. For example, CAMP increased the glycogen content of HeLa cells whereas dbcAMP caused a reduction [ 1,3 ] . These differences are due apparently to the extracellular catabolism of CAMP and the resistance of dbcAMP to degradation. The increase in cellular glycogen could be produced by other adenosine phosphates and was not due to increase of intracellular CAMP concentration [3,6,7]. Extracellular catabolism of CAMP pointed to adenosine being the active metabolite [2,3,6,8]. Exogenously added CAMP or adenosine increases cellular ATP concentration [3,9,10], the rate of uridine [2,3,5,8] and thymidine [2,3] incorporation into nucleic acids and reduces UTP concentrations [2,3,11]. The present study demonstrates the catabolism of CAMP to adenosine by two serums commonly.used in tissue culture. Exogenous CAMP added to lymphoblasts in culture, in acting as a precursor of adenosine, reduced PP-ribose-P concentrations and thereby caused a depletion of pyrimidine nucleotides and NAD and inhibited cell growth. The mechanism of adenosine-mediated lymphoblast toxicity may be relevant to understanding the relationship between the immunodeficiency disease associated with human adenosine deaminase deficiency [ 121.
Blood pressure recordings within and outside the clinic and cardiovascular events in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Blood pressure (BP) measured outside the clinic correlates better with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with essential hypertension. To assess the role of out-of-clinic BP recordings in predicting cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a prospective cohort study was conducted in 217 veterans with CKD. Methods: BP was measured outside the clinic at home and by 24-hour ambulatory recordings, and in the clinic by ‘routine’ and standardized methods. Patients were followed over a median of 3.4 years to assess the combined end-point of total mortality, myocardial infarction or stroke. Results: Average (±SD) home BP was 147.0 ± 21.4/78.3 ± 11.6 mm Hg, 24-hour ambulatory BP 133.5 ± 16.6/73.1 ± 11.1 mm Hg and in-clinic BPs were 155.2 ± 25.6/84.7 ± 14.2 mm Hg by the standardized method, and 144.5 ± 24.2/75.4 ± 14.7 mm Hg by the ‘routine’ method. A 1 SD increase in systolic BP increased the hazard ratio (HR) of the composite end-point by 1.16 (95% CI 0.89–1.50) for routine BP, 1.57 (95% CI 1.19–2.09) for standardized BP, 1.66 (95% CI 1.27–2.17) for home BP, and 1.42 (95% CI 1.10–1.84) for 24-hour ambulatory BP recording. The HR of the composite end-point was only significant for hypertension defined by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (HR 2.22 (95% CI 1.23–4.01)). Adjusted for the propensity scores, BP measured by the ambulatory technique was not an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Non-dipping was associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but not when adjusted for other risk factors. Conclusion: Risk factors that differentiate hypertension or non-dipping appear to confer a cardiovascular risk in CKD.
Measurement of the rate constant for H+O2+M→HO2+M (M=N2, Ar) using kinetic modeling of the high-pressure H2/O2/NOx reaction

The reaction of dilute H2/O2/N2 and H2/O2/Ar mixtures perturbed with small quantities of NO has been studied in a variable-pressure flow reactor between 800 and 900 K. At high pressures (10–14 atm), the consumption of H2 and the conversion of NO to NO2 were highly sensitive to the pressure-dependent reaction {fx1} Rate coefficient data for the low-pressure limit {fx2} were inferred by comparison of the experimental data with a reaction mechanism that uses the high-pressure limit k2,∞=4.52×1013 (T/300)0.6 with FcN2=0.5 and FcAr=0.45. The data obtained with M=Ar are consistent with previous shock-tube data at comparable temperatures and are in good agreement with recent recommendations for k2,0Ar. However, the data obtained for M=N2 are 40% lower than recent recommendations and are combined with previously published data to yield {fx3} over the temperature range 300–1600 K. The rate coefficient data obtained in this study are insensitive to the competing reaction {fx4} and, when used with the k1 recommendation from Pirraglia et al. [27], are in good agreement with H2/O2 explosion limit data in the intermediate temperature range of 700\2-900K.
What can we learn from the errors in the frozen section diagnosis of pulmonary carcinoid tumors? An evidence-based approach

The intraoperative diagnosis of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors can be difficult. Frozen section diagnosis was requested on 87 neuroendocrine tumors including 58 typical carcinoids, 8 atypical carcinoids, 18 large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, and 3 small cell carcinomas from 2405 patients that underwent frozen section diagnosis at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from 2002 to 2007. The deferral and error rate for carcinoid tumors was 4.13% and 7.5%, respectively, and resulted in 4 unnecessary lobectomies and 2 second thoracotomies. The most common errors included misdiagnoses as lymphoma, squamous carcinoma or metastasis from breast carcinoma. Thirty one pathologic features were evaluated in the 66 carcinoid tumors and 10 frozen sections each of lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and metastatic breast carcinoma. Seven pathologic features were significant by chi square test at P > .05. Positive likelihood ratios identified 11 pathologic features that were useful for the diagnosis of carcinoid tumor from other neoplasms. The applicability of the 11 pathologic features was tested with a group of pathologists, resulting in significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy as measured by pre and posttests. The value of evidence-based pathology and Bayesian statistics to evaluate complex differential diagnoses in pathology is discussed.
Parotid function and composition of parotid saliva among elderly edentulous African – American diabetics

This study examined parotid salivary flow rate and composition in three groups of differently treated diabetics and a control group of non-diabetics. The study population was composed of edentulous African-Americans at least 65 years of age. Group A was the control, Group B insulin-dependent (Regular Iletin, U-100 qd.), Group C controlled by oral medication (Tolbutamide, 500 mg qd.), and Group D was diet controlled. All diabetic patients had serum glucose values under 250 mg/dl. Salivary flow rates, secretory IgA, electrolytes (Na+, Cl-, K+, Ca++) and total protein concentrations were evaluated. The results showed no significant differences between groups with respect to salivary flow rates, electrolytes and IgA concentrations. Additionally, all diabetic groups demonstrated a significantly lower salivary total protein concentration when compared to the controls. There appears to be no evident decrease in salivary flow rate in these three differently controlled diabetic groups compared with healthy non-diabetics.
Theory of Core Excitons

The observation of core excitons with binding energies much larger than those of the valence excitons in the same material has posed a long-standing theoretical problem1. Here we review our proposed solution to this problem2 and show that Frenkel excitons and Wannier excitons can coexist naturally in a single material. A primary-edge core exciton is created by exciting a core electron to an orbital with energy in the forbidden gap below the lowest conduction band edge. Such an exciton may be either a Frenkel exciton or a Wannier exciton, depending on the strength of the static core-hole potential in the central-cell. Frenkel resonances may occur above the primary gap even when the primary-gap excitons are extended effective-mass Wannier states. We have predicted the major chemical trends in the binding energies of core Frenkel excitons in zincblende semiconductors, including the dependences on: (i) the host, (ii) the site to which the core hole is attached, (iii) the angular momentum or irreducible representation of the electron orbital, and (iv) the atom or impurity excited in the core transition. Furthermore, we have exhibited how a surface or interface alters these results3,4 and how the presence of a ‘spectator’ impurity adjacent to the core-excited atom5 affects the Frenkel exciton binding energy.
THE TRANSFER OF JAPANESE MANAGEMENT STYLES IN TWO US TRANSPLANT INDUSTRIES: AUTOS AND ELECTRONICS

Japanese industry is characterized by a unique set of industrial relations and management styles. the ability to transfer these relations overseas has been the object of much scholarly and popular debate. This paper examines this transfer to the United States in the automobile and electronics industries. It was found that Japanese automobile manufacturers had been able to transfer most of the central features of the system with some adaptation. the most successful firms were using teams, quality control activities, rotation and quite egalitarian management styles. On the other hand, most of the electronics transplants examined had not transferred Japanese style industrial relations. the electronics firms seemed to be content to accept many of the prevailing US practices. It is concluded that the transfer of Japanese style relations is possible, but that this occurs only where Japanese managers make a considered and sustained effort to implant their system. In many electronics operations it appears as though Japanese managers never seriously attempted to implement the Japanese system. Thus, the record of transfer is mixed at the moment.
Right ventricular plasticity and functional imaging.

AbstractRight ventricular (RV) function is a strong independent predictor of outcome in a number of distinct cardiopulmonary diseases. The RV has a remarkable ability to sustain damage and recover function which may be related to unique anatomic, physiologic, and genetic factors that differentiate it from the left ventricle. This capacity has been described in patients with RV myocardial infarction, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and chronic thromboembolic disease as well as post-lung transplant and post-left ventricular assist device implantation. Various echocardiographic and magnetic resonance imaging parameters of RV function contribute to the clinical assessment and predict outcomes in these patients; however, limitations remain with these techniques. Early diagnosis of RV function and better insight into the mechanisms of RV recovery could improve patient outcomes. Further refinement of established and emerging imaging techniques is necessary to aid subclinical diagnosis and inform treatment decis...
Immediate endovascular repair for descending thoracic aortic transection secondary to blunt trauma.

PURPOSE To report the immediate endovascular treatment of a thoracic aortic tear secondary to blunt trauma. METHODS AND RESULTS A 39-year-old man was injured in a motor vehicle collision. In addition to significant trauma to the head, chest, and abdomen, there were signs of a deceleration injury to the thoracic aorta. After urgent celiotomy to repair a lacerated spleen, the thoracic aortic transection was treated intraluminally using an endograft made of Gianturco Z-stents covered with polytetrafluoroethylene. The patient recovered from his injuries, and the thoracic endograft shows no evidence of endoleak 7 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Endoluminal techniques can be used successfully in the immediate repair of thoracic aortic injuries.
Magnetically induced anisotropy in amorphous alloys of Fe-Ni-P-B

The uniaxial magnetic anisotropy K u induced during magnetic annealing has been determined for a series of amorphous alloys of the formula (Fe y Ni 1-y ) 80 P 14 B 6 . In contrast to the (Fe, Ni) 80 B 20 amorphous alloys previously reported, K u in the present alloys has neither the composition dependence nor the temperature dependence predicted from simple pair order theory. The results strongly suggest the presence of a large contribution to the directional order anisotropy from the metalloids in the iron-rich amorphous alloys. The dependence of the uniaxial induced anisotropy on decreasing iron concentration can be accounted for by a decreasing contribution from the metalloids. A discrepancy in the temperature dependence of K u at high anneal temperatures is attributed to the experimental problem of too slow a quench from the anneal temperature, compared to the rather fast kinetics of equilibration at temperatures below the anneal temperature.
The relationship of health outcomes to improvement in BMI in children and adolescents.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients participating in an outpatient program for managing childhood and adolescent obesity. Research Methods and Procedures: Based on a retrospective chart review, 394 physician-referred obese youth (BMI > 95th percentile), 5 to 19 years of age, were treated in an interdisciplinary, family-centered, behavioral weight management program in a hospital-based outpatient setting. Treatment included group exercise, parent education, and behavioral intervention therapies to improve diet and physical activity. Results: A total of 177 (45%) completed the initial phase of treatment (mean duration = 5.6 months). For the completion group, there were significant improvements (all p < 0.001) in weight (−2.0 ± 4.9 kg), BMI (−1.7 ± 1.9 kg/m2), and BMI z score (−0.15 ± 0.15), without interfering with growth (height, 2.2 ± 1.3 cm; p < 0.001). Significant improvement was also found for blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and aerobic fitness. At onset of treatment, 134 (84%) patients had abnormal fasting insulin concentration, 88 (50%) had abnormal total cholesterol, 14 (8%) had abnormal diastolic blood pressure, and 69 (40%) had abnormal LDL-cholesterol. At the end of treatment, a significant proportion of patients with baseline abnormal blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol had normal values (p < 0.001). A decrease in BMI z score was associated with significant improvements in insulin and lipid values (all p < 0.05). Discussion: We have demonstrated that a modest decrease in BMI in an ongoing clinical pediatric weight management program is accompanied by significant improvements in related health measures. These results may be helpful in counseling families with overweight children and adolescents.
A heuristically-aided algorithm for mutual exclusion in distributed systems

A heuristically-aided algorithm to achieve mutual exclusion in distributed systems is presented which has better performance characteristics than previously proposed algorithms. The algorithm makes use of state information, which is defined as the set of states of mutual exclusion processes in the system. Each site maintains information about the state of other sites and uses it to deduce a subset of sites likely to have the token. Consequently, the number of messages exchanged for a critical section invocation is a random variable between 0 and n (n is the number of sites in the system). It is shown that the algorithm achieves mutual exclusion and is free from deadlock and starvation. The effects of a site crash are discussed, as are those of a communication-medium failure on the proposed algorithm. Methods of recovery from these failures are suggested. The performance of the algorithm is studied using a simulation technique (and an analytic technique for low and heavy traffics of requests for critical section execution). >
Grain growth and phase morphology in ion beam mixed, two phase NiAl and NiCrAl alloys

Abstract Multilayers of Ni21Al and Ni20Cr10Al were subjected to ion beam mixing using 350 keV Ni+ ions and/or thermal annealing at 440°C to study the development of grain growth and phase morphology. Two film thicknesses of Ni21 Al (60 and 120 nm) were investigated. Both thermal annealing and irradiation resulted in grain growth in the Ni21Al samples. Grain size increased by a factor of 7 after irradiation and only 3–4 after annealing. Annealing produced a two phase γ + γ' structure and nonuniform grain sizes while the irradiation produced a supersaturated solid solution with more uniform grain size. Annealing subsequent to irradiation produced a structure consisting of γ + γ′ and an HCP phase. There was no difference in grain growth behavior as a function of film thickness. The NiCrAl film exhibited no grain growth during annealing and only a factor of 6 increase during irradiation. Irradiation alone or post-irradiation annealing produced nearly identical structures of γ and the HCP phase. The γ′ phase was never observed in the NiCrAl film. All irradiated samples showed a more uniform grain size compared to that following annealing. Considerable texture was observed in all irradiated samples in which the gamma grains in the film were aligned with the Ni grains in the substrate.
Replication and incompatibility properties of segments of the origin region of replication of the broad host range plasmid RK2.

Replication and incompatibility properties in Escherichia coli of DNA segments from the replication origin region of plasmid RK2 have been investigated. A 393 bp HpaII fragment, derived from the region of the RK2 origin of replication, carries an active origin when essential RK2 encoded functions are provided in trans and will form a mini RK2 replicon when linked to a non-replicating selective fragment. This small oriRK2 plasmid cannot stably coexist with other functional RK2 replicons and is thus ‘incompatible” with RK2 replicons. However, the 393 bp oriRK2 segment when cloned into a high copy number plasmid, where plasmid maintenance is no longer dependent on oriRK2, does not interfere with maintenance of a resident RK2 replicon. This is in contrast to larger segments from the origin region that, when cloned at high copy number, cause the loss of a resident RK2 replicon. The apparent ability of the small HpaII oriRK2 plasmid to displace resident RK2 replicons may indicate the turning on of one incompatibility mechanism only when replication from oriRK2is required or may simply reflect the strong selective pressure for establishment of the incoming oriRK2 plasmid and poor ability of the HpaII oriRK2 plasmid to replicate in the presence of another RK2 replicon. The incompatibility expressed by the functional HpaII oriRK2 may be designated inc1. The activity of a segment of RK2, cloned at high copy number, to eliminate a resident RK2 plasmid has been localized to a region of RK2 DNA, designated the inc2 region, to distinguish it from inc1, above, that overlaps but does not coincide with the 393 bp HpaII oriRK2. This inc2 region also appears to be involved in segregation of RK2 derivatives since removal of a portion of this region results in both higher copy number and increased instability of the RK2 derivative. In addition to defining the region of the RK2 origin of replication, these results indicate that the ability to eliminate a resident RK2 replicon can be expressed by fragments, cloned at high copy number, that do not contain the complete oriRK2. Also, only part of the inc2 region that appears to be responsible for efficient elimination of RK2 replicons by fragments cloned at high copy number is required for oriRK2.
On the end-to-end association of the X and Y chromosomes of Mus musculus.

Abstract The long arms of the acrocentric X and Y chromosomes of Mus musculus are almost entirely heterochromatic and appear to consist exclusively of differential segments. Both the X and the Y remain positively heteropycnotic throughout the first and second meiosis except during zygotene and pachytene when they exhibit transitory negative heteropycnosis. The positively heteropycnotic X and Y chromosomes synapse at zygotene and a sex vesicle is formed in which they become negatively heteropycnotic. When the X and the Y regain the state of positive heteropycnosis at diplotene, an increase in their size is noted. The end-to-end association is already established at pachytene within the sex vesicle. Although the sex vesicle disappears at the end of diplotene, the X and the Y remain firmly in end-to-end association until first metaphase, thus assuring the “prereduction” of the X and the Y. The end-to-end association is very likely due to a chiasma formed between the extremely short second arms of the X and the Y.
Spin-trapping of superoxide by 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide: application to isolated perfused organs.

Abstract Of the available techniques used to identify free radicals, spin-trapping offers the unique opportunity to simultaneously measure and distinguish among a variety of important biologically generated free radicals. For superoxide and hydroxyl radical, the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline 1-oxide (DMPO) is most frequently used. However, this nitrone has several drawbacks. For example, its reaction with superoxide is slow, having a second-order rate constant around 10 m −1 s −1. Because of this, high concentrations of DMPO are essential in order to observe the corresponding spin-trapped adduct, 5,5-dimethyl-2-hydroperoxy-1-pyrrolidinyloxy. This may, in some cases, lead to cellular toxicity. In an attempt to circumvent this serious limitation, it has been proposed that an indirect approach be employed to detect and identify free radicals generated as a consequence of ischemia/reperfusion injury. In the direct (most frequently used) approach, the spin trap is first added to an isolated perfused organ under the appropriate experimental conditions. Then, the infusion buffer containing the spin-trap adduct(s) is placed into an quartz flat cell to be inserted into an ESR spectrometer. In the indirect method, the spin trap is added to the perfusate, which had previously exited the organ. Therefore, with this method one can prevent any spin-trap-mediated toxicities to the isolated perfused organ. However, because of the very rapid rate of free radical reactions catalyzed by either superoxide or hydroxyl radical, it is questionable whether ESR spectra recorded using this indirect method result from the actual spin-trapping of free radicals. In this report, we evaluated the indirect spin-trapping technique in light of the kinetic considerations discussed above.
Archiving the Russian and East European Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Web, 2013: A Pilot Project

This article focuses on the conceptualization and implementation of a web archiving pilot project of selected Russian and East European lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) websites by the University of California, Berkeley. It introduces the use of the Web Archiving Services (WAS) platform developed by the California Digital Library. While identifying the criteria used to harvest these websites, the paper also describes various complexities associated with the viability of projects related to such complex social and political issues as the Russian and Eastern European LGBT rights movements. The article does not take an ideological stance with respect to legal issues, but rather strives to preserve information for academic research.
Comments on review by Dr. Richard F. Walker: Relative roles of noradrenergic and serotonergic systems

Abstract There is evidence that both the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems participate in mediating the loss of regular estrous cycles in old female rats. The decrease in noradrenergic activity appears to be more important than the possible increase in serotonergic activity, since noradrenaline has been reported' to facilitate LH release under most conditions, whereas 5-HT has been shown to inhibit LH release under many but not all conditions. In addition, changes in other hypothalamic neurotransmitters, in high prolactin and low thyroxine secretion, and in pituitary responsiveness to GnRH, may also be involved in the loss of estrous cyclicity in old rats.
Inhibition of arterial thrombosis by a peptide ligand of the thrombin receptor.

Abstract Thrombin plays an important role in promoting arterial thrombosis by platelet activation and by catalyzing fibrin formation. Use of thrombin inhibitors that block both the platelet-activating and fibrin formation properties of thrombin are associated with hemostasis. This problem might be overcome by developing agents that block only the platelet-activating property of thrombin. Because the platelet-activating property of thrombin is mediated by the thrombin receptor, antagonists of the thrombin receptor might be efficacious and potentially safer with regard to bleeding complications. We investigated whether a peptide ligand (AFLARAA) of the thrombin receptor that blocked α-thrombin and thrombin receptor activating peptide-induced platelet aggregation could inhibit thrombosis. A partially occlusive thrombus was generated by application of electric current in rabbit carotid artery. In control animals, the artery was completely occluded within 42±12 min after the current was discontinued. When the thrombin receptor activating peptide antagonist was given (100 μmol/kg as an IV bolus followed by 900 μmol/kg infusion for a period of 180 min) starting at the time the current was stopped, blood flow remained patent throughout the infusion period and for an additional 60 min after the infusion was stopped. The antithrombotic effect of the antagonist peptide was not associated with increased bleeding tendency, as judged by the amount of blood adsorbed by a gauze pad placed in a surgical incision extending to the muscle tissue and by a standard template bleeding time. These results indicate that thrombin receptor antagonist peptides can be used as antithrombotic agents.
Audit Committee and Firm Value: Evidence on Outside Top Executives as Expert-Independent Directors

Manuscript Type: Empirical Research Question/Issue: We examine the relation between independence of audit committee and firm value with a sample of Fortune 200 companies. Research Findings/Insights: Using a sample of Fortune 200 companies and defining top executives of other publicly traded firms as expert-independent directors and controlling for firm specifics, board features, and individual director characteristics, we find the presence of expert-independent directors on board and in the audit committee enhances firm value. Theoretical/Academic Implications: We provide empirical evidence to show that by focusing on this restricted definition of independent directors (expert-independent directors), we are able to examine independence in both the board and audit committee in a different light. Practitioner/Policy Implications: We offer new insights to relate firm value of the composition of audit committee. When expert-independent directors are of majority control of audit committee, finance-trained directors improve firm value almost five times to that of firms with independent audit committee alone.
Mesh optimization for Monte Carlo based optical tomography

Abstract: Mesh-based Monte Carlo techniques for optical imaging allow for accurate modeling of light propagation in complex biological tissues. Recently, they have been developed within an efficient computational framework to be used as a forward model in optical tomography. However, commonly employed adaptive mesh discretization techniques have not yet been implemented for Monte Carlo based tomography. Herein, we propose a methodology to optimize the mesh discretization and analytically rescale the associated Jacobian based on the characteristics of the forward model. We demonstrate that this method maintains the accuracy of the forward model even in the case of temporal data sets while allowing for significant coarsening or refinement of the mesh. Keywords: Monte Carlo; mesh-based Monte Carlo; optical tomography; fluorescence molecular tomography; time-gated optical tomography; mesh optimization 1. Introduction Fluorescence Molecular Tomography (FMT) is a highly sensitive molecular imaging modality which benefits from the availability of numerous molecular probes and relatively low cost. FMT is especially valuable in preclinical studies as it allows for three-dimensional, quantified reconstructions of the distribution of fluorescence probes in tissue. This has numerous applications in fields such as drug discovery and gene therapy [1–3]. FMT is based on an inverse problem, which links a measurement vector and a forward model of light propagation to successfully retrieve the unknown parameter distribution in the image space. For simplicity of implementation, the diffusion equation (DE), an
Blending imperative and relational programming

When imperative (value- or state-oriented) programming and logical (relation-oriented) programming are combined into a single language, the combination is even more powerful than when either technique is used alone. Leda, a strongly typed compiled language that tries to combine features of both, is described. Suggestions for blending the two styles are offered. Logical features of Leda are examined. >
Wigner Distribution for Random Systems

We use the Wigner distribution to study systems subjected to random forces. We define the instantaneous spectrum as the ensemble average of the Wigner distribution, and we write the differential equation whose solution gives us the time-varying spectrum of the state variable. We consider the cases of both constant and time-varying coefficients. We apply the method to study the instantaneous spectrum of a harmonic oscillator driven by Gaussian noise, with both constant and time-varying coefficients. In the latter case our method clearly reveals the nonstationarity of the power spectrum and we confirm our result by numerical simulations.
Greater Improvement in Summer Than With Light Treatment in Winter in Patients With Seasonal Affective Disorder

Objective: The authors sought to compare the degree of mood improvement after light treatment with mood improvement in the subsequent summer in patients with seasonal affective disorder. Method: By using the Seasonal Affective Disorder Version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the authors rated 15 patients with seasonal affective disorder on three occasions: during winter when the patients were depressed, during winter following 2 weeks of light therapy, and during the following summer. They compared the three conditions by using Friedman’s analysis of variance and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Results: The patients’ scores on the depression scale were significantly higher after 2 weeks of light therapy in winter than during the following summer. Conclusions: Light treatment for 2 weeks in winter is only partially effective when compared to summer. Further studies will be necessary to assess if summer’s light or other factors are the main contributors to this difference. (Am J Psychiatry 1998; 155:1614‐1616)
Potent bradykinin B1 receptor antagonists: 4-substituted phenyl cyclohexanes.

Abstract Selective bradykinin (BK) B1 receptor antagonists have been shown to be antinociceptive in animal models and could be novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of pain and inflammation. Elucidation of the structure–activity relationships of the biphenyl moiety of the lead compound 1 provided a potent new structural class of BK B1 receptor antagonists.
Topology optimization for nonlinear dynamic problems: Considerations for automotive crashworthiness

Crashworthiness of automotive structures is most often engineered after an optimal topology has been arrived at using other design considerations. This study is an attempt to incorporate crashworthiness requirements upfront in the topology synthesis process using a mathematically consistent framework. It proposes the use of equivalent linear systems from the nonlinear dynamic simulation in conjunction with a discrete-material topology optimizer. Velocity and acceleration constraints are consistently incorporated in the optimization set-up. Issues specific to crash problems due to the explicit solution methodology employed, nature of the boundary conditions imposed on the structure, etc. are discussed and possible resolutions are proposed. A demonstration of the methodology on two-dimensional problems that address some of the structural requirements and the types of loading typical of frontal and side impact is provided in order to show that this methodology has the potential for topology synthesis incorpo...
The role of tie strength on consumer dissatisfaction responses

Abstract This study examines the impact of tie strength and service failure type on consumers’ behavioral intention (voice complaint and negative Word-of-Mouth) in a restaurant context. Overall, the results indicate that tie strength significantly reduces consumers’ intention to spread negative Word-of-Mouth, but it fails to influence their complaint intention. In addition, failure type plays an important role on consumers’ complaint behavior; consumers are more willing to voice a complaint after a core service failure than after an interactional service failure.
Vertebral artery injury in cervical spine surgery: anatomical considerations, management, and preventive measures.

Abstract Background context Vertebral artery (VA) injury can be a catastrophic iatrogenic complication of cervical spine surgery. Although the incidence is rare, it has serious consequences including fistulas, pseudoaneurysm, cerebral ischemia, and death. It is therefore imperative to be familiar with the anatomy and the instrumentation techniques when performing anterior or posterior cervical spine surgeries. Purpose To provide a review of VA injury during common anterior and posterior cervical spine procedures with an evaluation of the surgical anatomy, management, and prevention of this injury. Study design Comprehensive literature review. Methods A systematic review of Medline for articles related to VA injury in cervical spine surgery was conducted up to and including journal articles published in 2007. The literature was then reviewed and summarized. Results Overall, the risk of VA injury during cervical spine surgery is low. In anterior cervical procedures, lateral dissection puts the VA at the most risk, so sound anatomical knowledge and constant reference to the midline are mandatory during dissection. With the development and rise in popularity of posterior cervical stabilization and instrumentation, recognition of the dangers of posterior drilling and insertion of transarticular screws and pedicle screws is important. Anomalous vertebral anatomy increases the risk of injury and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging and/or computed tomography (CT) scans should be carefully reviewed. When the VA is injured, steps should be taken to control local bleeding. Permanent occlusion or ligation should only be attempted if it is known that the contralateral VA is capable of providing adequate collateral circulation. With the advent of endovascular repair, this treatment option can be considered when a VA injury is encountered. Conclusions VA injury during cervical spine surgery is a rare but serious complication. It can be prevented by careful review of preoperative imaging studies, having a sound anatomical knowledge and paying attention to surgical landmarks intraoperatively. When a VA injury occurs, prompt recognition and management are important.
Synthesis of trichoverrol B

Abstract A highly diastereoselective synthesis of trichoverrol B ( 1 ) is described. Critical to the success of this work is the development of a method for esterification of (Z,E)-dienoic acid derivatives without olefin isomerization.