cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of immune complexes from the pleural effusion of a breast cancer patient

Pieural effusion from a patient with adenocarcinoma of the breast was precipitated by 50% ammonium sulfate and chromatographed on Sephadex G-200. The resulting elution profile consisted of three protein peaks. Fractions were monitored by immunodiffusion and assayed for [125I]C1q binding activity (C1q B.A.). The first protein peak (eluted at the void volume) showed appreciable Clq B.A. and contained immunoglobulin G (IgG) and complement 3 (C3). These data suggested that antigen-antibody complexes were present in this macromolecular peak. IgG and C3 were also present in the second peak of Sephadex G-200 gel filtration while the third peak contained the albumin fraction. The known tumor-associated antigens, carcinoembryonic antigen, alpha-fetoprotein and ferritin, were not detected in any of the protein fractions as determined fay immunodiffusion analysis. The first Sephadex protein peak which contained high molecular weight IgG was chromatographed on Sepharose 6B. The second protein peak obtained by Sepharose filtration contained IgG and C3 and was further applied to a column of protein A-Septtarose. Proteins which bound to the immobilized protein A were dissociated with 2.5 M KSCN and chromatographed on Sepharose CL-6B under dissociating conditions. IgM rheumatoid factor, IgG and four putative antigens were obtained by these dissociation and chromatographic procedures. The isolated IgG exhibited a molecular weight of monomeric IgG and bound to saline extracts of malignant tissue at a greater amount titan to normal or benign breast extracts (p<0 05). The reactive breast tumor protein in these extracts was eluted in the molecular weight region of 67,000, as determined by gel filtration. The four putative pleural fluid antigens which dissociated from the IgG were tested for their ability to recombine with the isolated immunoglobulin. Results from radio-immunoprecipitation and the [125I]C1q binding assay indicated that the putative antigens bound to the isolated IgG to form immune complexes.
A Higher Level Language Data Acquisition System (III) - The User Data Acquisition Program

The nuclear physics group at the University of Illinois has implemented a data acquisition system using modified versions of the Concurrent Pascal and Sequential Pascal languages. The user, a physicist, develops a data acquisition "operating system", written in these higher level languages, which is tailored to the planned experiment. The user must include only those system functions which are essential to the task, thus improving efficiency. The user program is constructed from simple modules, mainly consisting of Concurrent Pascal PROCESSes, MONITORs, and CLASSes together with appropriate data type definitions. Entire programs can be put together using "cut and paste" techniques. Planned enhancements include the automating of this process. Systems written for the Perkin-Elmer 3220 using this approach can easily exceed 2 kHz data rates for event by event handling; 20 kHz data rates have been achieved by the addition of buffers in the interrupthandling software. These rates have been achieved without the use of special-purpose hardware such as micro-programmed branch drivers. With the addition of such devices even higher data rates should be possible.
Projection-based high accuracy measurement of straight line edges

We present a novel projection-based high accuracy algorithm to determine the parameters of a straight edge in a noisy image. Our algorithm is equivalent to applying a set of very long directional operators over a range of finely quantized angles. This is known to improve both signal-to-noise ratio and localization in the measurement of straight line edges, but was rarely used in practice because of the expense and coefficient restrictions of the operators. The algorithm is implemented by taking a set of projections of the original grey level image, filtering the projections, and analyzing the peaks in projection space to estimate line offset and angle. It also includes a procedure to analyze the peaks in projection space which provides an accuracy better than the quantization in offset and angle parameters. The algorithm was tested on synthetic and a large number of real images and offers very high (subpixel) offset and angular accuracy. The advantages of the algorithm over traditional approaches are improved signal-to-noise ratio and localization accuracy (due to the effective use of very long directional edge operators), no need for expensive edge operators and related hardware, and no need for sophisticated thresholding of the gradient image for finding edges. It is robust in the presence of many types of texture, patterned and bias noise, light intensity, and focus change, and is ideal for use in industrial machine vision, where a large number of parts with straight edges are processed.
The imperative for family planning in ART in Africa

A massive and extremely ambitious initiative is underway to provide antiretroviral therapy to millions of patients with HIV in the developing world especially Africa very quickly. Recognising the need for simplicity in such resource-poor settings WHO guidance calls for one of four first-line tripletherapy alternatives—each with two nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and one non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). In addition to supplying antiretrovirals in mass amounts major challenges include: identifying willing patients at the later stages of HIV infection when antiretroviral therapy is appropriate; overcoming AIDS-related stigma; ensuring adherence to the regimens; and providing sustained care and follow-up. In the middle of efforts to provide antiretrovirals rapidly on such a grand scale important needs such as family planning risk being overlooked. However ensuring that contraception is available to women on antiretrovirals is crucial— not only for the well-being of women and children but also as a potent instrument to combat AIDS. In Africa HIV is mostly transmitted heterosexually and women are somewhat more likely to be infected than men. Although women of reproductive age make up about 20% of the population they are 53% of the HIV-infected population. Therefore as the provision of antiretroviral drugs advances we must pay heed to important problems facing women. (excerpt)
A universal dispersion equation of magnetostatic surface wave (MSSW) in the layer structures

Abstract A dispersion equation of MSSW propagation in the layer structures was derived. Two significant results were discovered in the numeral calculation from the equation: (1) a dispersion variable delay line could be made, (2) the linear dispersion regions and the differential delay time increase with the increasing number of the layers.
Application of Raisin Extracts as Preservatives in Liquid Bread and Bread Systems

Interest in natural ingredients with multifunctions in food has led to the investigation of the antimicrobial activity of raisins, a traditional baking ingredient. Water and 60% ethanol extracts, and raisin juice concentrate (RJC, a commercial food ingredient) were assessed for their ability to inhibit the growth of ropy-bread-causing Bacillus species. The ability of these additives and raisin paste were tested for antifungal activity in liquid bread model system and bread. In the liquid bread model, concentrations as low as 20 and 36 mg crude extract or RJC per gram media significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the populations of B. licheniformis and B. subtilis, respectively. A significant reduction in the population of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium chrysogenum was achieved at 80 and 470 mg crude extract per gram media, respectively. Bread formulas containing 7.5% of a water extract (equivalent to 70 mg extract per gram dough) or RJC (70 mg/g dough) produced bread that had equivalent mold-free shelf life. The mean mold-free shelf life of the bread containing 7.5% water extract was 18.1 +/- 3.3 d at room temperature while the negative control was mold free for 9.4 +/- 2.4 d. The antifungal efficacy of the extracts in bread was equivalent to 0.24% calcium propionate in 21 d of storage. Doubling the concentration of the extract did not improve the mold-retarding property in bread. The bread containing raisin paste, the percentage of which in dough was equivalent to 15% raisin extract, exhibited a stronger antifungal activity than did the extracts in bread.
Testing for Nonuniform Differential Item Functioning With Multiple Indicator Multiple Cause Models

In extant literature, multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) models have been presented for identifying items that display uniform differential item functioning (DIF) only, not nonuniform DIF. This article addresses, for apparently the first time, the use of MIMIC models for testing both uniform and nonuniform DIF with categorical indicators. A latent variable interaction is added to the MIMIC model to test for nonuniform DIF. The approach is tested in simulations with small focal-group N and illustrated with an empirical example using a scale about agoraphobic cognitions. MIMIC-interaction models are compared with MIMIC models without the interaction as well as likelihood ratio DIF testing using item response theory (IRT-LR-DIF). The most important finding is that when the latent moderated structural equations approach is used to estimate the interaction, the Type I error in MIMIC-interaction DIF models is severely inflated.
In vitro activation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells induced by human biologic meshes.

Background Inflammation and wound healing play critical roles in the integration of biologic meshes (BMs) at sites of hernia repair. Monocytes/macrophages (M/MQs) are key cells involved in mesh integration. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is one of the major M/MQ-derived cytokines, and its expression is a reflection of the degree of M/MQ activation. We hypothesized that BMs induce M/MQ activation in vitro and that IL-1β expression by M/MQ varies among various BMs. Materials and Methods Acellular human dermis-derived BM samples (AlloDerm, AlloMax, FlexHD) were placed in 48-well plates and cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from three healthy human subjects for 7 d. The resulting supernatants were assayed for IL-1β levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the BMs were evaluated histologically. Results IL-1β expression varied among donors as well as the BMs [AlloDerm (2.11–38.25pg/10 6 PBMCs); AlloMax (13.12–715.40pg/10 6 PBMCs); and FlexHD (116.69–665.40pg/10 6 PBMCs)]. Analysis of this data indicated that AlloMax and FlexHD induced significantly more M/MQ activation compared with AlloDerm ( P Conclusion For the first time, we have demonstrated that M/MQs are activated to varying levels by human BMs in vitro. These differences may be related to BM processing technologies and/or the biologic variation between donors. Our results raise the possibility that these differences in M/MQ activation could result in varying intensity of inflammation and wound healing that control the integration of BMs at sites of hernia repair.
Patients presenting to the hospital with MRSA pneumonia: differentiating characteristics and outcomes with empiric treatment.

Concern for MRSA in patients presented to the hospital with pneumonia may be overestimated leading to excessive prescribing of empiric anti-MRSA therapy. This study aims to identify at-risk patients and treatment outcomes. Adults hospitalized during 2005–2011 with pneumonia diagnosed within 48 h of admission were included. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed for relevant data. Patients with MRSA were matched 1:1 to those with non-MRSA pathogen or negative culture. A published risk scoring system for MRSA pneumonia was applied. 268 elderly patients were included, 134 patients in each group. Compared to non-MRSA group, MRSA patients presented more acutely ill (p < 0.0001) (pneumonia severity index score, 150 vs 93; vasopressor therapy, 34% vs 6%; ICU admission, 47% vs 13%; and mechanical ventilation, 35% vs 10%) and had worse outcomes (p < 0.0001) (time to reach clinical stability, 6 vs 2.5d; length of stay, 10 vs 5d; clinical failure, 28% vs 4%; 28-day mortality, 22% vs 3%). When applied to our patients, a published risk scoring scheme had 93% sensitivity but lacked specificity at 55%; 40% of medium-risk patients did not have MRSA. A history of MRSA infection or pneumonia differentiated the latter group. Most MRSA patients (66%, 88/134) were treated empirically (primarily vancomycin) but outcome was not improved by receipt of empiric therapy. Use of a published risk scoring scheme with additional variables from this study can potentially reduce overprescribing of anti-MRSA empiric therapy in patients presented to the hospital with pneumonia. Prospective studies evaluating the treatment benefit of non-vancomycin alternatives as empiric therapy are needed.
Effective Reading Remediation Instructional Strategies for Struggling Early Readers

Abstract This paper presents a microgenetic study of the emergence of literacy in an eight-year-old student who is in third grade in a public primary school in Midwest, USA and is identified as learning disabled. It describes seven practical teaching strategies that were successfully used with this child for two years. At the end of this two year remediation, the child was able to read fluently at her grade level and exceeded all expectations and predictions of her parents and teachers. These strategies will be beneficial for classroom teachers, reading specialists, and special education teachers who are working with struggling young readers, and are evidence-based practices identified from a review of the literature.
Monte Carlo Investigations of Selective Anion Complexation by a Bis(phenylurea) p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene

Monte Carlo statistical mechanics simulations have been employed to elucidate the complexation of halide ions in chloroform by the bis(phenylurea) p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene of Scheerder et al. The calculations employed OPLS potential functions including new parameters for iodide ion. Gas-phase optimizations for the host−guest systems, as well as for halide−water and halide−urea complexes, were performed to characterize the structures of the complexes and to quantify the intrinsic binding affinities. The computations reveal that the gas-phase optimized structures of the complexes are largely maintained in chloroform solution, though there is a ca. 20 kcal/mol reorganization penalty for the host to achieve the binding geometry. Statistical perturbation theory was used to compute the relative free energies of binding for the halide ions with the calixarene in chloroform. The observed affinity order, Cl- > Br- > I-, was quantitatively well reproduced; however, in contrast to the experimental report of no comp...
Determination of Charpy transition temperature of ferritic steels using miniaturized specimens

Miniaturized specimen technology permits mechanical behaviour to be determined using a minimum volume of material. A method for obtaining the ductile-brittle transition temperature of ferritic steels was developed using a miniaturized notched bar test. Comparisons between conventional and miniaturized specimen ductile-brittle transition temperatures are encouraging. Fracture toughness values were calculated for the miniaturized notched specimens and compared with large-specimen data. The miniaturized specimen values were high, even after appropriate adjustments had been made. Further development may yield valid data when an optimum combination of specimen size, shape, and notch acuity is determined.
Atomistic Scale Modeling of Factors Affecting the Channel Mobility in 4H-SiC MOSFETs

We have identified the crystal planes of 4H-SiC, interfacing with gate oxide, which will lead to minimum defect density and lowest interface corrugations. The atomic surface density, surface energy, and surface roughness of various crystal planes of 4H-SiC have been computationally characterized using Molecular Dynamics simulations. We have also investigated the screening distances of defects in SiO2 and SiC using a multiscale approach.
Elemental mercury in copper, silver and gold ores: an unexpected contribution to Lake Superior sediments with global implications

Mercury and copper inventories are low in central Lake Superior and increase markedly towards the Keweenaw Peninsula. Total copper flux to Lake Superior sediments averages 5.0 ± 2.5 μg cm −2 year −1 (mean ± 95% confidence limits), whereas mercury flux averages 7.5 ± 4.2 ng cm −2 year −1 . In the Keweenaw Peninsula region, copper, mercury and silver inventories are elevated and highly correlated. High copper, silver and mercury inventories can be traced back to shoreline stamp sand piles, the parent ores and to smelters. Mercury occurs in elemental form, probably as a natural amalgam, in native metal (copper, silver, gold) deposits and was liberated as volatile Hg 0 during on-site copper smelting. Stamp mills discharged at least 364 Mt of ‘stamp sand’ tailings, whereas smelters refined 5 Mt of native copper, liberating together at least 42 t of mercury. The Keweenaw situation is not unique, as mineral-bound mercury is commonplace in US and Canadian Greenstone Belts and is of worldwide occurrence in massive base metal ores.
Crosstalk during Ca2+-, cAMP-, and glucocorticoid-induced gene expression in lymphocytes.

In the WEHI7.2 thymoma cell line, cAMP, glucocorticoids, or increases in cytosolic Ca 2 concentration lead to cell death by apoptosis. In the present study, we examined the effects of these compounds on cAMP response element (CRE)-mediated gene expression. Thapsigargin and A23187 were employed to increase cytosolic Ca 2 levels and induce apoptosis. Both compounds enhanced transcription from a CRE preceding apoptotic death. Moreover, the transcriptional response to the combination of forskolin and either thapsigargin or A23187 was synergistic mirroring the effect on cell death. Importantly, dexamethasone treatment, which causes an efflux of Ca 2 from the ER [1,2], induced transcription from a CRE alone or in synergy with forskolin. The increase in CRE-controlled gene expression correlated with a decrease in cell viability. Following treatment with forskolin, thapsigargin, or dexamethasone, the CRE binding protein (CREB) was phosphorylated at levels correlating with the level of induced gene expression. These data suggest that transcriptional crosstalk between independent signaling pathways occurs in lymphocytes, and CREB may play a central role in the mediation of CRE-dependent transcription by these diverse set of apoptotic agents. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
Survival after attempted surgical resection and intraoperative radiation therapy for pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma

Purpose: To evaluate a single institution's experience with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in combination with attempted surgical resection for pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinoma. Methods and Materials: From May 1986 until June 2001, 77 patients at LDS Hospital underwent attempted surgical resection and IORT for pancreatic or periampullary adenocarcinoma. A potentially curative resection was defined as surgery with negative or microscopic positive margins. No patients had metastatic disease at the time of surgery and IORT. Forty-four patients with tumors located in the pancreas and 9 patients with periampullary tumors underwent potentially curative surgical resection and IORT. Twenty-four patients had pancreatic tumors deemed unresectable and underwent surgical bypass and IORT. Actuarial survival was calculated from the date of IORT until last follow-up or death by use of the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Patients undergoing a potentially curative resection and IORT for periampullary adenocarcinoma had a median survival of 167 months and a 56% 5-year actuarial survival, compared with a median survival of 16 months and a 19% 5-year actuarial survival for patients undergoing the same treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma ( p = 0.03). Patients with unresectable disease who underwent bypass and IORT had a median survival of 11 months and a 0% 3-year survival, significantly worse than patients able to undergo surgical resection and IORT ( p = 0.0002). The operative mortality for all patients undergoing potentially curative resection and IORT was 3.7%. Conclusions: Intraoperative radiation therapy is well tolerated and does not increase the morbidity or mortality of potentially curative surgical resection for pancreatic or periampullary adenocarcinoma. Patients with periampullary adenocarcinoma have a better prognosis than those with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and patients with unresectable pancreatic disease fared worse.
The role of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases within the nucleus.

Abstract Stimulation of cells by Ca2+-linked signaling agents increases Ca2+ levels within both the cell cytosol and nucleus. The multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase) family, consisting of CaM kinases I, II and IV, have all been detected within the nucleus and each may serve as a mediator of nuclear Ca2+ signals. Certain isoforms of the large multimeric CaM kinase II are targeted to the nucleus as a result of an alternatively spliced nuclear localization signal. By contrast, CaM kinases I and IV are monomeric and likely gain nuclear access by passive diffusion through nuclear pores. These kinases have activation properties which may allow them to discriminate between Ca2+ signals which differ in their spike frequency, amplitude and duration. In addition, these kinases have the ability to control gene expression through the phosphorylation of key regulatory sites on nuclear transcription factors. CaM kinases may thus serve to decode Ca 2+ signals to the nucleus in order to produce a multitude of cellular responses including control of cell cycle, apoptosis and synaptic efficacy.
Little League shoulder: a growth plate injury.

A 13-year-old boy, a baseball pitcher, presented with right shoulder pain while throwing. The external oblique image shows widening, irregularity and fragmentation of the proximal humeral physis (Fig. 1). Figure 2 is a comparison radiograph of the asymptomatic left shoulder. Little League shoulder was first described by Dotter [1] in 1953. This injury is commonly known as proximal humeral epiphysiolysis, a confusing term, because Little League shoulder is likely an overuse or stress injury of the proximal humeral growth plate or the adjacent metaphysis rather than
Extraction and gas chromatographic determination of methyl-, ethyl-, and methoxyethylmercury(II) halides☆

The separation, identification, and determination of methyl-, ethyl-, and methoxyethylmercury(II) halides in biological materials were studied. The procedure developed involved a 24-h leach with 1 M sodium iodide, equilibration of the aqueous phase for 2 min with an equal volume of benzene, and then injection of an aliquot of the benzene phase onto a gas Chromatographic column consisting of 5% cyclohexanedimethanol succinate held on Anakrom ABS. Excellent baseline separation of the Chromatographic peaks was obtained. The extraction steps were monitored with RHgX compounds tagged with 203Hg. Partition coefficients are reported for methyl- and ethylmercury(II) chlorides, bromides, and iodides; several overall formation constants of the anionic complexes RHgCln1-n (n=2, 3) were determined. Results are reported for the recovery of methyl- and ethylmercury(II) halides from inoculated rye seed, humic and inorganic sediment, and fish grown in an aquarium.
Of Bucket Bowls and Coffee Cup Bowls: Spatial Alignment in Conceptual Combination

In three experiments, we evaluated the hypothesis that subjects align spatial aspects of properties during conceptual combination. The results show that subjects align spatial aspects of the modifier with those of the head noun in producing the referent of a combination (Experiments 1 and 3) and in choosing among possible referents of a combination (Experiment 2). These findings show that people do not rely solely on their general world knowledge in mapping a property of the modifier onto the combination. Other results showed that subjects prefer and produce referents based on differences that researchers would classify as nonalignable. This result is not predicted by current theories of alignment which emphasize the psychological importance of alignable differences. We discuss the implications of our results for current views of alignment and conceptual combination.
Modernity and the Face

Au tournant du XXe siecle, le visage adopte de nouvelles formes, des nouvelles fonctions et des nouvelles significations. Les representations de l’identite, les valeurs esthetiques, tout autant que l’experience sociale et individuelle a travers le visage se trouvent modifiees. Les etudes que Georg Simmel consacre a la question de la modernite et au statut privilegie du visage sont liees de pres a une reconfiguration du visage en litterature (Proust), en art (Redon) et au cinema (le gros plan), revelant une dislocation des oppositions entre interiorite et exteriorite, entre proximite et distance, entre l’humain et la machine.
Willingness To Pay for Advanced Traveler Information Systems: SmarTraveler Case Study

The issue of travelers' adoption of an advanced traveler information system (ATIS) and willingness to pay for such information services is addressed. A case study is presented of SmarTraveler, an ATIS that provides, via telephone, real-time location-specific traffic and transit information in the greater Boston area. The model is an integrated system of discrete choice and latent variable models. It predicts travelers' frequency of use and subscription under varying pricing scenarios. Two models are presented: one for current SmarTraveler users, and one for nonusers. The SmarTraveler usage rate is modeled as a function of payment method and pricing, travelers' travel and socioeconomic characteristics, and their attitudes and perceptions toward ATIS. The data used in model estimation included willingness-to-pay scenarios involving two methods of payment: a flat monthly fee, and a charge per call. It was found that for nonusers, the higher the expected benefit from an ATIS, the higher the willingness to pay. This expected benefit is a latent variable indicated via the importance placed by individuals on ATIS attributes such as reliability, relevance, and coverage. For users, the utility of SmarTraveler is affected strongly by the users' level of satisfaction with the service. A modeling framework is developed that captures response biases and presents figures on willingness to pay for an innovative ATIS actually implemented in the market.
Control processing system architecture for the Optical Communications Demonstrator

A processing system was designed and implemented to support beacon acquisition, precision beam pointing, and command/control functions for the Optical Communications Demonstrator. The central processor operates as a command controlled embedded system, but by blending real-time and linear design techniques, a single digital signal processor handles all spaceborne functions. Real-time functions include operation of a CCD array detector, calculation of centroids, computation of point-ahead error, and execution of a steering mirror servo loop at 2 kHz update rate. Linear functions include command interpretation, diagnostic control of all functions, storage and interpolation of data for acquisition and point-ahead calculation, downlinking of status information, hardware control, transmit laser control, and image capture.
Managing the Distribution Channel Relationship With E-Wholesalers: Hotel Operators' Perspective

Electronic distribution systems in the lodging industry have created a need to research and understand channel relations for the benefit of both suppliers and channel members. This article examines the impact of e-wholesalers on hotel distribution systems and explores the potential channel conflict between hotel operators and e-wholesalers from the hotels' perspectives. The study found that hotels perceived e-wholesalers as partners that help them move inventories efficiently and with greater exposure. The results also show that control over room prices, the goals of hotel web-direct channels, and similar customer bases were key indicators of possible channel conflict. The findings suggest that despite some problems and challenges, the hotels were satisfied overall with the performance and relationship with e-wholesalers.
A simple one-dimensional model for understanding planar dose-versus-depth profiles in mixed photon/electron fields

A one‐dimensional model is described for illustrating the perturbing effects of mixed photon/electron fields on planar dose‐versus‐depth profiles in low Z materials (Z≤20), and at moderate photon energies (0.3–10 MeV). An electron field may arise from photon interactions in filters upstream of a dose‐versus‐depth experiment. The effects of upstream mass, scattering of electrons out of a gap between a filter and the experiment, and differences between the incident electron energy distribution and locally produced KERMA are modeled and compared to Discrete Ordinates calculations. At transitional depths in a dose‐versus‐depth experiment, the distortions can be significant and obscure the profile of the photon component alone.
Protection against vaginal SIV transmission with microencapsulated vaccine

Although protection in animal models against intravenous challenges with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) has been reported, no previous vaccines have protected against a heterosexual route of infection. In this study, five of six macaques were protected against vaginal challenge when immunized with formalin-treated SIV in biodegradable microspheres by the intramuscular plus oral or plus intratracheal route. Oral immunization alone did not protect. After a second vaginal challenge, three of four intramuscularly primed and mucosally boosted macaques remained protected. The data suggest that protection against human immunodeficiency virus vaginal transmission could be provided by microsphere-based booster vaccines when used to immunize women who are systemically primed.
Academics of the Heart: Reconnecting the Scientific Mind with the Spirit's Artistry

Arguing that higher education research has become disconnected and fragmented, this paper presents a model, Academics of the Heart, that seeks to connect the intellect with the spirit. The model, based on the ancient wisdom of the Mayas and the Aztecs, views research as a relationship-centered process, honors diverse ways of knowing, and employs contemplative practice to connect the inner and outer nature of knowledge.
Behavioral tolerance to cocaine in squirrel monkeys: acute and chronic effects on complex operant behavior

Abstract Four food-deprived squirrel monkeys were trained to emit complex sequences of responses. The sequences involved pressing lighted response keys in orders dictated by colors that illuminated the keys, and ranged in length from two to five responses. Appropriate completion of these behavioral chains could be followed by food presentation. Acute administration of a range of doses (0.1–1.7 mg/kg) of cocaine hydrochloride produced dose-related decreases in the rate of completing chains and in accuracy of performance during chains. There was little evidence that the drug's effects on overall accuracy were related to the length of the chain. Three of the monkeys were exposed to daily administration of a large dose of cocaine, first after daily sessions and then prior to sessions. Daily postsession administration did not alter the dose-effect curves, but daily presession injection did, indicating the development of behavioral or “contingent” tolerance. In all cases, tolerance was accompanied by an increase in reinforcement frequency relative to the frequency observed following acute administration. Omission of the daily dose during presession drug administration resulted in performance near original control levels indicating essentially no withdrawal effect. The findings illustrate the importance of behavioral factors in the development of tolerance to cocaine in a primate.
On the Nature of Low-Mass Companions to Solar-like Stars

Low-mass companions (mass <70 Jupiter masses) to solar-like stars are compared statistically to stellar-mass secondaries in binaries of similar primary spectral types and orbital scales, based largely on the survey of Duquennoy & Mayor. To within the limits imposed by observational constraints, the orbital properties of these low-mass companions (LMCs) are statistically indistinguishable from those of binary systems. In both populations, orbital periods (P), semimajor axes (a), angular momenta (L), and binding energies (U) are all distributed approximately as f ∝ x-1 for x = P,a,L,U. In both populations, eccentricities are broadly distributed approximately as f ∝ e-0.5, with no significant correlation with other orbital elements, apart from a marked circularization of close orbits. The distribution of LMC masses is approximately a power law with index between -1 and -2; there is ambiguous evidence in the data for a mass spectrum bimodality about approximately 10 Jupiter masses. In both populations the joint distributions of mass with all orbital properties are largely scattergrams, with no statistically significant correlations. The overall statistical properties of LMCs are suggestive of a common formation mechanism with binary star systems. The similar form of the distributions of all orbital dynamic quantities in both populations may result from postformation dissipative orbital decay.
Combined subcutaneous and high-dose intravenous deferoxamine therapy of thalassemia.

Although the preliminary findings are encouraging, to assess the effectiveness of the SHYD program on the long-term course of thalassemia, a larger patient population and longer treatment and follow-up period are needed. The presence of cardiac abnormalities in patients in Group I suggests that to prevent heart damage in thalassemia, it may be necessary to start the HTP and effective chelation therapy at a very young age, realizing that the amount of iron removed will be small. The finding that two of the four patients who survived to receive the largest amount of Fe/kg have intact spleens and another had splenectomy at age 24 suggests that, in these patients, the spleen may have had a protective role for the heart. If this observation is confirmed, it would provide evidence that removal of the spleen may adversely affect the long-term course of patients with thalassemia. Six years' experience with the SHYD program has not provided evidence for significant acute or chronic toxicity. This suggests that it might be safe to administer the i.v. treatments at home, a program that is anticipated for the future, as it would significantly reduce cost and possibly be more convenient.
Doing systems engineering without thinking about it at NASA Dryden flight research center

When asked about his processes in designing a new airplane, Burt Rutan responded: "...there is always a performance requirement. So I start with the basic physics of an airplane that can get those requirements, and that pretty much sizes an airplane... Then I look at the functionality... And then I try a lot of different configurations to meet that, and then justify one at a time, throwing them out... Typically I'll have several different configurations... But I like to experiment, certainly. I like to see if there are other ways to provide the utility." This kind of thinking-engineering as a total systems engineering approach-is what is being instilled in all engineers at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center
Monte Carlo-based treatment planning for boron neutron capture therapy using custom designed models automatically generated from CT data

Abstract Purpose : A Monte Carlo-based treatment planning code for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), called NCTPLAN, has been developed in support of the NeW England Medical Center-Massachusetts Institute of Technology program in BNCT. This code has been used to plan BNCT irradiations in an ongoing peripheral melanoma BNCT protocol. The concept and design of the code is described and illustrative applications are presented. Methods and Materials : NCTPLAN uses thin-slice Computed Tomography (CT) image data to automatically create a heterogeneous multimaterial mathematical model of the relevant body part, which is then used as input as isocontours superimposed on precisely corresponding CT images of the body part. Currently the computational slowness of the dose calculations precludes efficient treatment planning per se, but does provide the radiation oncologist with a preview of the doses that will be delivered to tumors and to various normal tissues, and permits neutron irradiation times in Megawatt-minutes (MW-min) to be calculated for specific dose prescriptions. The validation of the NCTPLAN results by experimental mixed-field dosimetry is presented. A typical application involving a cranial parallel-opposed epithermal neutron beam irradiation of a human subject with a glioblastoma multiforme is illustrated showing relative biological effectiveness-isodose (RBE) distributions in normal CNS structures and in brain tumors. Parametric curves for the MITR-II M67 epithermal neutron beam, showing the gain facotrs (gain factor = minimum tumor dose/maximum normal brain (dose) for a various combinations of boron concentrations in tumor and in normal brain, are presented. Results : The NCTPLAN code provides good computational agreement with experimental measurements for all dose components alon the neutron beam central axis in a head phantom. For the M67 epithermal beam the gain factor for 1, boronophenylalanine for a small midline brain tumor under typical distribution assumptions is 1.4−1.8×. Implementation of the code under clinical conditions is demonstrated. Conclusion : The NCTPLAN code has been shown to be well suited to treatment-planning applications in BNCT. Comparison of computationally derived dose distributions in a phantom compared with experimental measurements demonstrates good agreement. Automatic superposition of isodose contours with corresponding CT image data provides the ability to evaluate BNCT doses to tumor and to normal structures. Calculation of gain factors suggests that for the M67 epithermal neutron beam, more advantage is gained for increasing boron concentrations in tumor than from increasing the boron tumor-to-normal brain ratio.
Targeted instant immunity.

Antibodies can be programmed to bind cancer cells using covalently binding antigens and adapters.
Work experience in adolescents with spinal cord injuries.

The purpose of this study is to compare the work experiences of adolescents with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to peers without disabilities. Twenty-eight adolescents with SCI and 25 age-matched individuals without disabilities (controls) took part in the study.A structured telephone questionnaire was used to assess their experience of household chores, volunteer jobs, and paid work. The mean age at interview was 16.2 years for those with SCI and 16.0 years for control participants. There was no significant difference between the individuals with SCI and the control participants in chores or volunteer work experiences, but the individuals with SCI were significantly less likely to have paid work experience than control participants (chi2 = 13.670, p 15 to 19 years, five of 15 individuals with SCI and 16 of 16 control participants had paid work (Fisher exact test p<0.001). Of individuals with SCI, those with milder injuries and those injured at a younger age were more likely to have work experience.
Electrochemical oxidation of 5-hydroxytryptamine in aqueous solution at physiological pH

The electrochemical oxidation of the indolic neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has been studied in aqueous solution at physiological pH using a pyrolytic graphite electrode. The initial step in the oxidation involves a 2e,1H+ reaction leading to a reactive carbocation intermediate (28b). This intermediate is attacked by 5-HT in an ion-substrate reaction to give 5,5′-dihydroxy-4,4′-bitryptamine (1) as the major product along with the C(4)OC(5′) bridged dimer 9. Alternatively cation 28b is attacked by water to yield, ultimately, tryptamine-4,5-dione (5). Many additional reactions occur between primary dimers 1 and 9 and carbocation 28b such that a very complex mixture of ultimate products are formed. A total of 15 products have been isolated and partially or completely characterized. It is possible that the oxidation reaction pathways and product profile elucidated might have a bearing on, as yet hypothetical, aberrant oxidation reactions of 5-HT in the central nervous system which could play a role in the etiology of mental illnesses such as diseases of the Alzheimer's type.
Pictographs and flow analysis of the hyaline cap inChaos chaos

Protoplasmic motion in the hyaline cap ofChaos chaos was studied using two techniques — cinema records and pictographs. The motion within and near the hyaline cap was graphed, and the results indicated there is restriction of forward motion of the granular plasmasol immediately before the hyaline cap which is caused by a plasmagel sheet. The striking fountain zone and the backward motion in the plasmagel tube during the advancement of this amoeba was noted. Cinemas recorded both the nature of the plasmagel sheet during pseudopodial movement as well as the formation of the plasmagel sheet. These results are in confirmation of the original proposal by Mast (1926) concerning the pattern of flow into the hyaline cap. The plasmagel sheet advanced by Mast on a hypothetical basis forAmoeba proteus is present inChaos chaos. Furthermore, a correlation is made between the syneresis, as envisioned by Mast, in the hyaline cap region with the syneresis resulting from the formation of a gel complex such as actin and myosin. It is suggested that amoeboid motion may have a similar mechanism as muscle contraction, and the conjecture by Kamiya (1959) that an active sliding of the plasmasol on the plasmagel occurs within the microscopic channels of the plasmagel is united with the plasmasol-plasmagel interconversion theory of Mast (1926) for amoeboid motion.
Fractal analysis of yeast cell optical speckle

Steady state laser light propagation in diffuse media such as biological cells generally provide bulk parameter information, such as the mean free path and absorption, via the transmission profile. The accompanying optical speckle can be analyzed as a random spatial data series and its fractal dimension can be used to further classify biological media that show similar mean free path and absorption properties, such as those obtained from a single population. A population of yeast cells can be separated into different portions by centrifuge, and microscope analysis can be used to provide the population statistics. Fractal analysis of the speckle suggests that lower fractal dimension is associated with higher cell packing density. The spatial intensity correlation revealed that the higher cell packing gives rise to higher refractive index. A calibration sample system that behaves similar as the yeast samples in fractal dimension, spatial intensity correlation and diffusion was selected. Porous silicate slabs with different refractive index values controlled by water content were used for system calibration. The porous glass as well as the yeast random spatial data series fractal dimension was found to depend on the imaging resolution. The fractal method was also applied to fission yeast single cell fluorescent data as well as aging yeast optical data; and consistency was demonstrated. It is concluded that fractal analysis can be a high sensitivity tool for relative comparison of cell structure but that additional diffusion measurements are necessary for determining the optimal image resolution. Practical application to dental plaque bio-film and cam-pill endoscope images was also demonstrated.
Spurious response error in a new product survey

Abstract A survey research problem called “spurious response error” is described. Survey respondents are said to respond in a spurious way when they claim to recognize advertisements, articles, or trademarks that they cannot possibly have seen or claim awareness or purchase of nonexistent brands. Spurious response may bias the results and conclusions of research studies, so that both researchers and the users of research need to be alert to its presence. The project studied spurious response in a survey of 270 grocery shoppers who were asked if they had purchased new brands of food. The paper describes demographic correlates of spurious response, illustrates the relationship between spurious response and other questionaire items, demonstrates the effects spurious response can have upon the findings of a study, and suggests ways to cope with the problem.
Comparison of Crevice Corrosion of Fe-Based Amorphous Metal and Crystalline Ni-Cr-Mo Alloy

The crevice corrosion behaviors of an Fe-based bulk metallic glass alloy (SAM1651) and a Ni-Cr-Mo crystalline alloy (C-22) were studied in 4M NaCl solution at 100 °C with cyclic potentiodynamic polarization and constant-potential tests. The corrosion damage morphologies, corrosion products, and the compositions of corroded surfaces of these two alloys were studied with optical three-dimensional reconstruction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). It was found that the Fe-based bulk metallic glass (amorphous alloy) SAM1651 had a more positive breakdown potential and repassivation potential than crystalline alloy C-22 in cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests and required a more positive oxidizing potential to initiate crevice corrosion in constant-potential tests. Once crevice corrosion initiated, the corrosion propagation of C-22 was more localized near the crevice border compared to SAM1651, and SAM1651 repassivated more readily than C-22. The EDS results indicated that the corrosion products of both alloys contained a high amount of O and were enriched in Mo and Cr. The AES results indicated that a Cr-rich oxide passive film was formed on the surfaces of both alloys, and both alloys corroded congruently in the crevice corrosion damage areas.
Mercury Species and SO2 Adsorption on CaO(100)

First principles-based quantum mechanical tools based upon Density Functional Theory were used to investigate the binding mechanism of Hg species and SO2 on CaO(100) surfaces for parallel and perpendicular orientations. One-fold, 2-fold and 3-fold high symmetry adsorption sites have been examined for the species, Hg0, SO2, HgCl, HgCl2 and HgO. It has been discovered that HgCl, HgCl2, and SO2 are strongly adsorbed on the CaO(100) surface at 0.125 ML coverage with chemisorption as the likely adsorption mechanism. Binding energies of Hg0 are minimal indicating a physisorption mechanism.
Spectroscopy of a single Mg+ ion

Abstract A single 24Mg+ ion has been laser cooled in a Penning trap and its optical spectrum observed by a double resonance technique. Residual Doppler line broadening implies a cyclotron-magnetron temperature of 50 ± 30 mK.