cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social disadvantage and the black-white disparity in spontaneous preterm delivery among California births

We examined the contribution of social disadvantage to the black-white disparity in preterm birth. Analyses included linked vital and hospital discharge records from 127,358 black and 615,721 white singleton California births from 2007-11. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated by 4 logistic regression models for 2 outcomes: early (<32 wks) and moderate (32-36 wks) spontaneous preterm birth (ePTB, mPTB), stratified by 2 race-ethnicity groups (blacks and whites). We then conducted a potential impact analysis. The OR for less than high school education (vs. college degree) was 1.8 (95% confidence interval 1.6, 2.1) for ePTB among whites but smaller for the other 3 outcome groups (ORs 1.3-1.4). For all 4 groups, higher census tract poverty was associated with increased odds (ORs 1.03-1.05 per 9% change in poverty). Associations were less noteworthy for the other variables (payer, and tract percent black and Gini index of income inequality). Setting 3 factors (education, poverty, payer) to 'favorable' values was associated with lower predicted probability of ePTB (25% lower among blacks, 31% among whites) but a 9% higher disparity, compared to probabilities based on observed values; for mPTB, respective percentages were 28% and 13% lower probability, and 17% lower disparity. Results suggest that social determinants contribute to preterm delivery and its disparities, and that future studies should focus on ePTB and more specific factors related to social circumstances.
Automatic computation and solution of generalized harmonic balance equations

Abstract Generalized methods are presented for generating and solving the harmonic balance equations for a broad class of nonlinear differential or difference equations and for a general set of harmonics chosen by the user. In particular, a new algorithm for automatically generating the Jacobian of the balance equations enables efficient solution of these equations using continuation methods. Efficient numeric validation techniques are also presented, and the combined algorithm is applied to the analysis of dc, fundamental, second and third harmonic response of a nonlinear automotive damper.
Carbon-driven synthesis of bi-plasmonic Ag-Cu nanocomposite phosphate glasses

Abstract A simple method for the synthesis of Ag-Cu co-doped phosphate glasses displaying dual plasmon resonances is reported. The effective preparation is carried out by melting and heat treatment processes (ambient atmosphere) employing Ag2O and CuO as metal nanoparticle precursors alongside carbon powder as reductant. Melt-quenched material shows optical absorption features characteristic of discrete silver and copper nanoclusters, while the photoluminescence is dominated by monovalent copper. Further thermal processing results in the development of a broad, extended bi-metallic plasmonic absorption. It is primarily influenced by silver nanoparticles, and appears consistent with the precipitation of the metals individually. The facile approach paves the way for further research on glasses with enhanced plasmonic properties.
Elastin-like Polypeptide (ELP) Charge Influences Self-Assembly of ELP-mCherry Fusion Proteins.

Self-assembly of protein–polymer bioconjugates presents an elegant strategy for controlling nanostructure and orientation of globular proteins in functional materials. Recent work has shown that genetic fusion of globular protein mCherry to an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) yields similar self-assembly behavior to these protein–polymer bioconjugates. In the context of studying protein–polymer bioconjugate self-assembly, the mutability of the ELP sequence allows several different properties of the ELP block to be tuned orthogonally while maintaining consistent polypeptide backbone chemistry. This work uses this ELP sequence tunability in combination with the precise control offered by genetic engineering of an amino acid sequence to generate a library of four novel ELP sequences that are used to study the combined effect of charge and hydrophobicity on ELP–mCherry fusion protein self-assembly. Concentrated solution self-assembly is studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and depolarized light scatte...
Enhanced Myeloid Progenitor Cell Cycling and Apoptosis in Mice Lacking the Chemokine Receptor, CCR2

Chemokines regulate hematopoiesis in part by influencing the proliferative status of myeloid progenitor cells (MPC). Human MCP-1/murine JE, a myelosuppressive chemokine, specifically binds C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2). Transgenic mice containing a targeted disruption in CCR2 that prevents expression of CCR2 mRNA and protein and have MPC that are insensitive to inhibition by MCP-1 and JE in vitro were assessed for potential abnormalities in growth of bone marrow (BM) and spleen MPC. MPC in both unseparated and c-kit+lin- populations of BM from CCR2-deficient (-/-) mice were in a greatly increased proliferation state compared with CCR2 littermate control (+/+) mice, an effect not apparent with progenitors from spleens of CCR2 (-/-) mice. Increased cycling status of CCR2 (-/-) BM MPC did not result in increased numbers of nucleated cells or MPC in BM or spleens of CCR2 (-/-) mice. Possible reasons for this apparent discrepancy were highlighted by flow cytometric analysis of c-kit+lin- BM cells and colony formation by MPC subjected to delayed addition of growth factors. The c-kit+lin- population of BM cells from CCR2 (-/-) mice had a significantly higher percentage of apoptotic cells than those from CCR2 (+/+) BM. However, elevated apoptosis was not associated with decreased numbers of c-kit+lin- cells. The increased percentage of apoptotic c-kit+lin- cells was due to elevated apoptosis within the c-kitdimlin-, but not the c-kitbrightlin-, subpopulations of cells. Consistent with enhanced apoptosis of phenotypically defined cells, MPC from CCR2 (-/-) BM and purified c-kit+lin- cells demonstrated decreased cell survival in vitro upon delayed addition of growth factors. The data suggest that signals received by CCR2 limit proliferation of progenitor cells in the BM, but also enhance survival of these cells.
The Only Game in Town: Why Capacities Must Matter Morally

In this chapter, I defend the second step of the main argument: if something has a set of typical human capacities, it has serious moral status. The major line of reasoning in this chapter is that there are cases of human organisms that are in such a state that the only satisfactory basis for their serious moral status is their set of typical human capacities. Since most of us—philosophers and non-philosophers alike—do believe that these human organisms have serious moral status, and since most of us do base this serious moral status on something, it must be the set of typical human capacities that we base it on. Finally, I spend the last two sections of the chapter explaining why the second step of the main argument can be arrived at in different ways, by adopting either the moral framework of John Rawls’ original position or the moral framework of Martha Nussbaum’s “capabilities approach”
Stripping of Resists

The stripping or removal of resists completes the total lithographic process. In a sense, resist removal is the reverse of the original coating process, since the resist and primer must be stripped to the original bare surface. Selective removal of the resist without substrate damage or residuals is necessary prior to ion implantation, metal or insulator deposition, or oxidation of silicon. In addition, the stripping of the resist is a vital step in the lift-off process (Chapter 12).
Axonal Anatomy Optimizes Spatial Encoding in the Rat Entorhinal-Dentate System: A Computational Study

Objective: The network architecture connecting neural regions is defined by the organization and anatomical properties of the projecting axons, but its contributions to neural encoding and system function are difficult to study experimentally. Methods: Using a large-scale, spiking neuronal network model of rat dentate gyrus, the role of the anatomy of the entorhinal-dentate axonal projection was evaluated in the context of spatial encoding by incorporating grid cell activity to provide physiological, spatially-correlated input. The dorso-ventral extents of the entorhinal axon terminal fields were varied to generate different feedforward architectures, and the resulting spatial representations and spatial information scores of the network were evaluated. Position was decoded from the population activity using a point process filter to investigate the contributions of network architecture on spatial encoding. Results: The model predicted the emergence of anatomical gradients within the dentate gyrus for place field size and spatial information along its dorso-ventral axis, which were dependent on the extents of the entorhinal axon terminal fields. The decoding results revealed an optimal performance at an axon terminal field extent of 2 mm that lies within the biological range. Conclusion: The axonal anatomy mediates a tradeoff between encoding multiple place field sizes or achieving a high spatial information score, and the combination of both properties is necessary to maximize spatial encoding by a network. Significance: In total, this paper establishes a mechanistic neuronal network model that, in concert with information-theoretic and statistical methods, can be used to investigate how lower level properties contribute to higher level function.
Abstract 1831: Role of autophagy in lymphangiosarcoma initiation and progression

Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare malignant vascular tumor which is formed from aberrant proliferation of endothelial cells (ECs). We previously established a vascular tumor mouse model by conditional knockout of Tsc1 gene in ECs and revealed that hyper-activated mTORC1 and increased VEGF autocrine are required for lymphangiosarcoma development and progression. However, we also found that there are other unknown factors which contribute to vascular tumor development besides mTORC1 hyper-activation. Autophagy has been shown to play an important role in tumor initiation and progression. However, the role of autophagy in mTORC1-dependent vascular tumor development is unclear. In this study, we studied the potential role and mechanism of autophagy in promoting lymphangiosarcoma development. FIP200 (FAK family interacting protein of 200 kDa) was identified as an essential autophagy gene, which was shown to play a key role in breast cancer development and progression. By crossing Tsc1f/f, Scl-Cre mice with Fip200f/f mice, we generated Tsc1/Fip200 double cKO mice. We found that Fip200 deletion blocked lymphangiosarcoma development induced by mTORC1 hyper-activation in mice. We established an immortalized lymphangiosarcoma cell line named Tsc1ΔEC from Tsc1 cKO mice and examined their growth in xenograft transplant models following CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of Fip200, Atg5 or Atg7 in Tsc1ΔEC cells. Our data showed that KO of each of these autophagy genes impaired vascular tumor growth in nude mice. Mechanistically, we found that Fip200 KO suppressed mTORC1 signaling activation under glucose starvation condition. In addition, we found that both Fip200 KO and lipase inhibitor Orlistat treatment in Tsc1ΔEC inhibited mitochondria respiration and decreased ATP content by seahorse assay. We also found that deletion of Fip200, Atg5, Atg7 or LAL in Tsc1ΔEC blocked lipid droplets (LDs) degradation and decreased glycerol release. Collectively, our data suggest that autophagy is required for lymphangiosarcoma initiation and progression through mTORC1 hyper-activation maintenance under stress conditions and supplying energy consumption by regulating lipid metabolism. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Fuchun Yang, Shaogang Sun, Jun-Lin Guan. Role of autophagy in lymphangiosarcoma initiation and progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1831.
Immune modulation by chronic exposure to waterpipe smoke and immediate-early gene regulation in murine lungs.

Objective We investigated the effects of chronic waterpipe (WP) smoke on pulmonary function and immune response in a murine model using a research-grade WP and the effects of acute exposure on the regulation of immediate-early genes (IEGs). Methods WP smoke was generated using three WP smoke puffing regimens based on the Beirut regimen. WP smoke samples generated under these puffing regimens were quantified for nicotine concentration. Mice were chronically exposed for 6 months followed by assessment of pulmonary function and airway inflammation. Transcriptomic analysis using RNAseq was conducted after acute exposure to characterise the IEG response. These biomarkers were then compared with those generated after exposure to dry smoke (without water added to the WP bowl). Results We determined that nicotine composition in WP smoke ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 mg per puffing session. The lung immune response was sensitive to the incremental severity of chronic exposure, with modest decreases in airway inflammatory cells and chemokine levels compared with air-exposed controls. Pulmonary function was unmodified by chronic WP exposure. Acute WP exposure was found to activate the immune response and identified known and novel IEG as potential biomarkers of WP exposure. Conclusion Chronic exposure to WP smoke leads to immune suppression without significant changes to pulmonary function. Transcriptomic analysis of the lung after acute exposure to WP smoke showed activation of the immune response and revealed IEGs that are common to WP and dry smoke, as well as pools of IEGs unique to each exposure, identifying potential biomarkers specific to WP exposure.
Antithymocyte Globulin is Associated with a Lower Incidence of De Novo Donor-Specific Antibody Detection in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Experience

Purpose De novo donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) have been associated with significantly increased risk for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and lung allograft dysfunction. Induction immunosuppression has improved the long-term outcome of lung transplantation. However, the impact of Induction immunosuppression on the development of de novo DSA in lung transplant recipients is not well defined Methods We assessed the relationship between using rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin (rATG) for induction immunosuppression and the development of de novo DSA in a cohort of consecutive lung transplant recipients (n = 67) that were followed for 12 months post-transplant. All recipients had negative flow cytometry crossmatch on the day of transplant. Anti-HLA antibodies in the serum were assessed at 1, 3, 6, 12 months post-transplant. DSA were defined as having a Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) > 1000 Results 41/67 lung transplant recipients (LTR) received a single dose rATG (1.5 mg/kg) within 24 hours of transplant. De novo DSA were detected in 10/41 (24.3%) compared to 13/26 (50%) ATG and no ATG groups respectively at 12 months post-transplant. However, de novo DSA were detected within 1 month post-transplant in 5/10 (50%) compared to 3/13 (23.3%) rATG and no rATG groups respectively. There was no significant difference in the de novo DSA MFI levels between the rATG group (median MFI = 1379 & 2124 for class I & II respectively) compared to the no rATG group (median MFI = 2186 & 2388 for class I & II respectively) at 12 months post-transplant. De novo DSA prevalence is shown in Table 1. Conclusion Induction with a single dose of rATG is associated with a significant decrease in the prevalence of HLA de novo DSA in LTR at 12 months post-transplant. De novo DSA were detected earlier in the rATG group compared to no rATG group. These findings warrant investigating in a larger study the impact of rATG induction on de novo DSA levels and lung allograft dysfunction.
Biological Validation of a Chemical Effluent Decontamination System

Introduction:Failure of an existing effluent decontamination system (EDS) prompted the consideration of commercial off-the-shelf solutions for decontamination of containment laboratory waste. A ble...
Low Food Security Present on College Campuses despite High Nutrition Literacy

College students have higher food insecurity than non-student households. The relationship between college student food security and nutrition literacy has not been explored. Across three campuses ...
Regarding Class Quizzes: a Meta-analytic Synthesis of Studies on the Relationship Between Frequent Low-Stakes Testing and Class Performance

We present the results of a meta-analytic synthesis of the literature on the association between the use of frequent low-stakes quizzes in real classes and students’ academic performance in those classes. Data from 52 independent samples from real classes (N = 7864) suggests a moderate association of d = .42 between the use of quizzes and academic performance. Effects are even stronger in psychology classes (d = .47) and when quiz performance contributed to class grades (d = .51). We also find that performance on quizzes is strongly correlated with academic performance (k = 19, N = 3814, r = .57) such that quiz performance is relatively strongly predictive of later exam performance. We also found that the use of quizzes is associated with a large increase in the odds of passing a class (k = 5, N = 1004, odds ratio = 2.566).
Age differences in broader autism phenotype traits from young adulthood to older adulthood

Much of past research has been dedicated to refining the operationalization and correlates of the broader autism phenotype (BAP) and less on how the BAP differs by socio-demographic characteristics, like age-particularly after midlife. This gap is important because other nonclinical trait-like characteristics (e.g., personality) have shown considerable age differences, leading to work assessing the malleability of psychological characteristics and improving outcomes for individuals and their significant others. In the current study, we examined cross-sectional age differences in the BAP in a large sample of adults ranging in age from 18 to 85. We recruited a sample of 2966 adults ranging in age from 18 to 85 (Mage = 36.53, SD = 12.61; 58.9% Female; 1.1% with an ASD diagnosis) recruited from an online survey service. We found that total BAP scores were higher in younger adults and lower among older adults. These differences were particularly true for pragmatic language difficulties, with this component of the BAP showing the most dramatic age differences. Aloofness showed similar negative associations with age, albeit much smaller. Rigidity was not significantly associated with age. The results are consistent with other research showing an abatement of symptoms among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) across early life and theories predicting changes in other psychological characteristics (e.g., personality). The results are discussed in the context of the malleability of ASD and BAP traits across life, the clinical implications of these changes, and the origins and consequences for lifespan differences in BAP. LAY SUMMARY: Little is known about how subclinical autistic-like traits among middle-aged and older adults compare to younger adults. We found that these subclinical traits were highest in young adults and lowest in older adults. Knowing how these traits differ by age can provide researchers and clinicians with a sense of how much these traits might change across life, if the traits might be sensitive to interventions, and when in development it might be best to intervene.
Measuring Delegation

Principal-agent analyses of delegation to international organizations have advanced our understanding of international cooperation through institutions. However, broader tests of why and when states delegate are not possible without a clear means for objectively identifying and measuring delegation. This paper develops a metric for delegation based upon the services the agent provides to its principals and the resources and autonomy it has to provide those services. This numerical metric is continuous and generalizable to a wide variety of principal-agent relationships. This paper then demonstrates the face validity of the measure with case studies of delegation to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The paper concludes with a test of Realist and Institutionalist hypotheses for cooperation using the delegation metric, demonstrating the complexity of the underlying reasons we observe delegation.
Centralization of pancreatic cancer treatment within an integrated healthcare system improves overall survival.

BACKGROUND Higher-volume centers for pancreatic cancer surgeries have been shown to have improved outcomes such as length of stay. We examined how centralization of pancreatic cancer care within a regional integrated healthcare system improves overall survival. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 1621 patients treated for pancreatic cancer from February 2010 to December 2018. Care was consolidated into 4 Centers of Excellence (COE) in surgery, medical oncology, and other specialties. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, Chi-square tests, and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed. RESULTS Neoadjuvant chemotherapy use rose from 10% to 31% (p < .001). The median overall survival (OS) improved by 3 months after centralization (p < .001), but this did not reach significance on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that in a large integrated healthcare system, centralization improves overall survival and neoadjuvant therapy utilization for pancreatic cancer patients.
Intramuscular Vaccination With the HSV-1(VC2) Live-Attenuated Vaccine Strain Confers Protection Against Viral Ocular Immunopathogenesis Associated With γδT Cell Intracorneal Infiltration

Herpes simplex virus type-1(HSV-1) ocular infection is one of the leading causes of infectious blindness in developed countries. The resultant herpetic keratitis (HK) is caused by an exacerbated reaction of the adaptive immune response that persists beyond virus clearance causing substantial damage to the cornea. Intramuscular immunization of mice with the HSV-1(VC2) live-attenuated vaccine strain has been shown to protect mice against lethal ocular challenge. Herein, we show that following ocular challenge, VC2 vaccinated animals control ocular immunopathogenesis in the absence of neutralizing antibodies on ocular surfaces. Ocular protection is associated with enhanced intracorneal infiltration of γδ T cells compared to mock-vaccinated animals and animals vaccinated with inactivated HSV-1(VC2) virus. The observed γδ T cellular infiltration was inversely proportional to the infiltration of neutrophils, the latter associated with exacerbated tissue damage. Inhibition of T cell migration into ocular tissues by the S1P receptors agonist FTY720 produced significant ocular disease in vaccinated mice and marked increased in neutrophil infiltration. These results indicate that ocular challenge of mice immunized with the VC2 vaccine induce a unique ocular mucosal response that leads into the infiltration of extracorporeal γδ T cells resulting in the amelioration of infection-associated immunopathogenesis.
Perception, judgment, and motivation in manufacturing enterprises: Findings and preliminary hypotheses from in-depth interviews

Abstract In-depth interviews with decision makers in 113 well regarded small and medium size metalworking enterprises in Argentina, Mexico and the United States suggest that such individuals often perceive market, technological and public policy data in a highly imperfect manner, and thus address themselves to problems which are variants, sometimes remote variants, of those actually confronted. This leads to mistaken judgments, and the use of judgmental heuristics to solve problems further biases results. Additional complications result from the fact that enterprise objectives vary from task to task. These findings and preliminary hypotheses have major implications for the analysis of entrepreneurial behavior.
An SCMOS digital cell family for mixed-signal applications

A CMOS digital cell family has been developed for use in VLSI mixed-signal applications. This cell family has been designed with MOSIS scaleable CMOS rules for use with triple-level metal processes and consists of cells 90 /spl lambda/ high. The cell family includes approximately 80 cells incorporating conventional logic and flip-flop functions and is designed for maze routing with automatic place and route tools, such as CELL3. This cell family is unique in that all substrate and well connections are isolated from the digital power busses, allowing significantly reduced digital noise coupling to the substrate. Demonstrations of this cell library on the MOSIS.6 micron HP process (/spl lambda/=.3 micron) are underway.
PIGMENTATION AND TAXONOMY OF THE GENUS XANTHOMONAS

Starr, Mortimer P. (University of California, Davis), and William L. Stephens. Pigmentation and taxonomy of the genus Xanthomonas. J. Bacteriol. 87:293-302. 1964.-The colonies formed by phytopathogenic bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas are typically yellow in color. This chromogenesis stems from the presence in all yellow xanthomonads of a particular carotenoid pigment. This unique "Xanthomonas-carotenoid," which has not been found in any yellow nonxanthomonad, is characterized herein to the extent required for its recognition by relatively simple screening procedures. In general, the occurrence of a carotenoid "alcohol" with absorption maxima at 418, 437, and 463 mmu (petroleum ether)-in a gram-negative, polarly-flagellated, oxidative, rod-shaped bacterium-would suggest placement of that microorganism in the genus Xanthomonas.
A Profile of Faculty Development in Physical Therapy Education Programs

The purpose of this study was to report on the status of faculty development in physical therapy education programs. A survey questionnaire was sent to the directors of 110 physical therapy programs nationwide. Analysis of responses from respondents (n = 79; 72%) demonstrated 1) criteria used to evaluate faculty members were similar among different institutions, 2) fewer than half of the institutions have a faculty development plan (FDP), 3) the majority of those institutions that have an FDP supported similar areas and activities to facilitate faculty development, and 4) respondents used creative ways to support faculty development. The results appear to indicate that most physical therapy programs do not have a formalized program to assist faculty members in their development of skills in research, teaching and service.
Energy and character of the lowest excited singlet state of acetaldehyde

Abstract Low dispersion absorption spectra of CH 3 CHO vapor at 300°K and at 523°K were recorded photoelectrically between 2300 and 3500 A (maximum absorption, 2970 A). The contour was found to be relatively insensitive to temperature. It is concluded that all important bands originate from the lowest vibrational level of the ground electronic state. The origin of the transition is probably at energies at least as low as that of the longest wavelength (weakest) band observed, that is, near 28,700 cm −1 . Further evidence that the origin is near 3483 A is found in the emission spectrum, which extends to wavelengths as low as 3500 A. It then follows from available measurements that the vibrational assignments are analogous to those recently made for the corresponding transition of the isoelectronic molecule, HCOF. In particular, the prominent upper state frequencies are those of the CO stretching mode. 1120 cm −1 , and of the out-of-plane mode of the CCHO skeleton, 480 cm −1 .
Hypnotic responsivity from a developmental perspective: insights from young children.

Abstract Evidence indicates that hypnotic responsivity in children younger than 8 years of age differs significantly from that of older children and adults. The sudden increase in responsiveness around age 8, differing patterns of item difficulty for young children, specific problems with hypnotic dream and age regression items, and the lack of conceptual distinction between volition and nonvolition argue for a fundamental discontinuity between young children and adults regarding responsivity. These differences result from underlying developmental processes that characterize young childhood, including limitations in executive cognitive functioning, more overt forms of involvement, and reliance on authoritative others for direction, regulation, and support. The unique features of young children's hypnotic responsivity offer the opportunity to reconsider hypnosis within a developmental context.
Theoretical study of the atomization energy and geometry of sulfur dioxide and sulfur monoxide

Abstract Computational studies with complete basis set, hybrid, gradient-corrected, and local spin density approximation density functional methods were performed on sulfur dioxide and sulfur oxide with target to compute their structure, bond dissociation energies, vibrational spectra, and atomization energies. The obtained results are compared with the experimental results. It was demonstrated that the complete basis set ab initio method and the hybrid DFT method were accurate for computing bond dissociation energies. The total atomization energy is better described using the gradient-corrected density functional method. It was demonstrated that sulfur dioxide is a very difficult computational system that requires a larger basis set and a high order electronic interaction for its proper description.
Sulfhydryl and disulfide groups of platelet membranes. I. Determination of sulfhydryl groups

Methods were evaluated for the quantitative measurement of free thiols in isolated platelet membranes. Two techniques were found applicable utilizing either the retentative capacity of nitrocellulose filters for 203Hg-labeled p-chloromercuri-benzoate adducts of membrane proteins or the spectrophotometric assay of the thiol or thione anions released in the formation of mixed disulfides between membrane thiols and the disulfide reagents, 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) or 6,6′-dithio-dinicotinic acid. Complete or partial solubilization of membranes with urea, sodium dodecyl sulfate or phospholipase A resulted in exposure of additional thiols to reaction with 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) or 6,6′-dithiodinicotinic acid. Approximately one half of the total thiols was found to be masked in native non-solubilized membranes. Kinetic studies on the reaction rates of the various SH reagents tested indicate the presence of at least two classes of thiols in the platelet membrane. The reproducibility and simplicity of the methods proved their general usefulness in quantitative and qualitative thiols assays of membrane proteins.
Temporal influences and downstream consequences of actions during the bargaining process

What are the consequences of generous acts or betrayals that occur during the course of a negotiation on future exchange? Are the effects enhanced or diminished over time? We examine the impact of time between negotiations and test how generous acts or violations at the end of one negotiation influence behavior when parties meet again weeks later. Our predictions about the impact of time on positive and negative reciprocity are tested in a laboratory experiment where parties meet again for an exchange either immediately following their first negotiation or several weeks later. We find that prior actions do have a significant impact on trust development and emotions, as well as costly actions when parties meet again. These emotions and perceptions remain in tact and motivate behavior even after several weeks. Exploratory analysis reveals that initial trust perceptions, formed before the negotiation, are also an important factor motivating behaviors when parties meet again. We conclude by discussing the imp...
Anion Exchange Properties of a Mesoporous Aluminophosphate

A mesoporous aluminophosphate support, meso-AlPO, was synthesized by phosphate treatment of an AlO4Al12(OH)24(H2O)7+ cluster/dodecyl sulfate salt, followed by extraction of the surfactant with an acetate/methanol solution. The meso-AlPO product was shown to be an effective anion exchange material. Anion exchange capacities for chromate and several monoanionic and dianionic organic dyes fell in the range from approximately 1.3−1.6 meq/g. Control experiments with the neutral support MCM-41 and a nonionic dye indicated that anion adsorption in meso-AlPO was caused predominantly by electrostatic interactions rather than pure physisorption. Multiple exchanges were possible if the support was regenerated by acid treatment at pH 4.3. While the material exhibited size-selectivity for anionic dyes, the average pore sizes increased during anion exchanges in aqueous solutions. The mesopore structure of meso-AlPO was thermally stable up to 200 °C, and anion exchanges at 100 °C under aqueous reflux resulted in similar...
Role of macromolecular hydration in the binding of the Escherichia coli cyclic AMP receptor to DNA.

The osmotic stress technique was used to measure the changes in macromolecular hydration that accompany binding of the Escherichia coli CAP protein to its transcription-regulatory site (C1) in the lactose promoter and that accompany the transfer of CAP from site C1 to nonspecific genomic DNA. Formation of the C1 complex is accompanied by the net release of 79 +/- 11 water molecules. If all water molecules were released from macromolecular surfaces, this result would be consistent with a net reduction of solvent-accessible surface area of 711 +/- 189 A2. This area is only slightly smaller than the solvent-inaccessible macromolecular interface in crystalline CAP-DNA complexes. The transfer of CAP from site C1 to nonspecific sites is accompanied by the net uptake of 56 +/- 10 water molecules. Taken with the water stoichiometry of sequence-specific binding, this value implies that formation of a nonspecific complex is accompanied by the net release of 2-44 water molecules. The enhanced stabilities of CAP-DNA complexes with increased osmolality (decreased water activity) may contribute to the ability of E.coli cells to tolerate dehydration and/or high external salt concentrations.
Effect of an Anticholinergic Agent on Riboflavin Absorption in Man

Oral administration of the anticholinergic drug propantheline bromide to healthy adult males 30‐60 min. before an ofal dose of 150 mg./m.2 riboflavin (as the phosphate) delayed the absorption of the vitamin but caused a pronounced increase in the total amount absorbed. This is attributed to delayed gastric emptying and slower transit of riboflavin solution through the small intestinal lumen due to the anticholinergic effect of propantheline. It is suggested that concurrent administration of an anticholinergic agent may also have a marked effect on the bioavailability of drugs that are ordinarily not completely absorbed.
Measurement of longitudinal spin diffusion in dilute 3He4He solutions

Abstract We have used pulsed NMR to investigate longitudinal spin diffusion in a dilute (350 ppm) solution of 3He in 4He at temperatures between 100 and 4 mK. The design of our experiment allows us to measure D| independently of Dτ. Our preliminary results are in good agreement with theoretical calculations, both in the classical (⪢TF) and intermediate (T ∼ TF) regimes.
Chemical and isotopic constraints on the origin of low-silica latite and andesite from the Andes of central Peru

Low-silica latite highly enriched in large-ion-lithophile elements and moderately potassic low-Si andesite were erupted in central Peru during late Cenozoic time. FeO*/MgO ratios of 0.93 to 1.25 at 53 wt percent SiO/sub 2/ indicate a definitely calcalkalic character. The combination of low FeO*/MgO ratios, low SiO/sub 2/, and high Cr, Co, and Ni with large-ion-lithophile and light rare-earth elements makes it very unlikely that the parent magmas were produced by high-pressure partial melting of subducted ocean-floor basalt (eclogite). The data are more compatible with small degrees of partial melting of ultramafic material or mixtures of basalt and ultramafic mantle. The initial melts probably contained 52 to 53 percent SiO/sub 2/ and had a content of large-ion-lithophile elements nearly as high as that of the rocks. /sup 87/Sr//sup 86/Sr ratios of from 0.7042 to 0.7051 and low to very low Rb/Sr ratios indicate an isotopically variable source region that, at least in part, had earlier been depleted in Rb relative to Sr.
Assessment of factors affecting fire performance of mattresses: a review

An in-depth analysis of U.S. residential fire statistics shows that although the total number of fires and deaths due to mattress fires has dropped as a result of several regulatory approaches, the mattress/bedding fires continue to account for one of the largest shares of residential fire deaths and injuries. To address the increasing number of deaths per 1000 mattress/bedding fires, the open flame mattress flammability regulation (16 CFR 1633) was introduced in 2007. The 16 CFR 1633 prescribes performance standards rather than design standards; this allows manufacturers the flexibility to meet the needs of the consumer without sacrificing fire safety. This flammability regulation for residential mattress has generated much interest in understanding the burning behavior of mattresses as well as in developing new materials for mattress construction. To comply with this regulation, it is essential to understand mattress construction, fire performance testing, factors affecting mattress flammability, and compliance solutions. This report reviews the impact of current mattress flammability standards, examines factors affecting mattress flammability, and reviews full-scale and bench-scale test methods that are being developed for mattresses. The construction type, geometry, and size of a mattress are major factors in determining the fire threat of a mattress. The soft materials used in the mattress set, including cushioning materials, fire blocking materials, and tickings, act both individually and collectively to affect the fire performance. The performance of fire barrier materials designed to protect the inner cushioning material from heat and flame is largely dependent on the choice of cushioning material and ticking. When used with an incompatible combination of filling material and ticking, a fire barrier may fail to protect thermal degradation and subsequent burning of filling material. Some of the challenges in designing mattresses have been identified and reported here.
The formation of the Ca ii K line in a spinning spicule

The emission of the Ca ii K line from a spinning cylindrical spicule model is considered. In order to reproduce the observed spicule K line profiles, the model must have both radial and axial gradients in Ne and Te. The rotating spicule model is optically thin at all heights and is hotter and more dense than a stationary model computed in a previous paper. It is proposed that the so-called Type I and Type II spicules may be structurally the same features, with different rotational velocities.
Broadband Optical Mammography: Hemoglobin saturation maps for cancerous human breasts

We present hemoglobin saturation maps of breast cancer patients using a diffusion model for continuous wave optical mammography. Initial clinical results show that reduced hemoglobin saturation is found in the cancerous region of the breast.
Logistics decisions following urban disasters

This work describes the development and functions of an IBM-compatible real-time microcomputer software to be used as a decision tool in coordinating and carrying out transportation-related activities in the aftermath of urban disasters such as earthquakes. The package incorporates the needs and experiences of response organizations involved in the postearthquake transportation-related operations in Mexico City. A number of transportation needs recognized as vital in operations related to emergency preparedness, response, and return to normalcy have been addressed. The software is named the “Transportation Emergency Decision Support System” (TEDSS) and includes the following features: 1) A graphical network-editing capability to modify the street network in terms of geometric and operational changes which could take place, including closed street links, changes in number of lanes, changes in travel direction of streets, cordoned off areas, parking-regulation changes, changes in transit routes, etc. 2) An emergency vehicle-dispatch algorithm to determine the best route to be taken from an origin to an incident point, considering all the changes which have taken place in the street system geometry and operational conditions. 3) A street clean-up prioritization scheme to assign priorities for the clean up of closed street links in terms of the amount of resources needed for the cleanup of a closed link as well as the degree of importance of each closed link in search and rescue operations and return to normalcy.
Reconstruction of the Chemotaxis Receptor-Kinase Assembly

In bacterial chemotaxis, an assembly of transmembrane receptors, the CheA histidine kinase and the adaptor protein CheW processes environmental stimuli to regulate motility. The structure of a Thermotoga maritima receptor cytoplasmic domain defines CheA interaction regions and metal ion-coordinating charge centers that undergo chemical modification to tune receptor response. Dimeric CheA-CheW, defined by crystallography and pulsed ESR, positions two CheWs to form a cleft that is lined with residues important for receptor interactions and sized to clamp one receptor dimer. CheW residues involved in kinase activation map to interfaces that orient the CheW clamps. CheA regulatory domains associate in crystals through conserved hydrophobic surfaces. Such CheA self-contacts align the CheW receptor clamps for binding receptor tips. Linking layers of ternary complexes with close-packed receptors generates a lattice with reasonable component ratios, cooperative interactions among receptors and accessible sites for modification enzymes.
Agalactosyl IgG and mannose-binding proteins: Biochemical nicety or pathophysiological paradigm?

It is unclear whether modified immunoglobulins are at least partially responsible for rheumatoid arthritis (pages 237–243) or only an effect of the disease.
Particles dispersion on fluid–liquid interfaces

Abstract This paper is concerned with the dispersion of particles on the fluid–liquid interface. In a previous study we have shown that when small particles, e.g., flour, pollen, glass beads, etc., contact an air–liquid interface, they disperse rapidly as if they were in an explosion. The rapid dispersion is due to the fact that the capillary force pulls particles into the interface causing them to accelerate to a large velocity. In this paper we show that motion of particles normal to the interface is inertia dominated; they oscillate vertically about their equilibrium position before coming to rest under viscous drag. This vertical motion of a particle causes a radially-outward lateral (secondary) flow on the interface that causes nearby particles to move away. The dispersion on a liquid–liquid interface, which is the primary focus of this study, was relatively weaker than on an air–liquid interface, and occurred over a longer period of time. When falling through an upper liquid the particles have a slower velocity than when falling through air because the liquid has a greater viscosity. Another difference for the liquid–liquid interface is that the separation of particles begins in the upper liquid before the particles reach the interface. The rate of dispersion depended on the size of the particles, the densities of the particle and liquids, the viscosities of the liquids involved, and the contact angle. For small particles, partial pinning and hysteresis of the three-phase contact line on the surface of the particle during adsorption on liquid–liquid interfaces was also important. The frequency of oscillation of particles about their floating equilibrium increased with decreasing particle size on both air–water and liquid–liquid interfaces, and the time to reach equilibrium decreased with decreasing particle size. These results are in agreement with our analysis.
Application of inverse source concepts to photoacoustic tomography

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT), also known as optoacoustic or thermoacoustic tomography, is a hybrid imaging technique that possesses great potential for a wide range of biomedical imaging applications. Image reconstruction in PAT is tantamount to solving an inverse source problem, where the source represents the optical energy absorption distribution in the object that is induced by an interrogating pulsed optical waveform. In this work, we re-examine the PAT image reconstruction problem from a Fourier domain perspective by use of established time-harmonic inverse source concepts. A mathematical relationship between the photoacoustic pressure wavefield data on an aperture that encloses the object and the three-dimensional Fourier transform of the optical absorption distribution evaluated on a collection of concentric spheres is investigated. In addition to providing a framework for deriving both exact and approximate analytic reconstruction formulae, we demonstrate that this mapping provides an intuitive means of understanding certain spatial resolution characteristics of PAT.
A least-squares minimum-cost network flow algorithm

Node-arc incidence matrices in network flow problems exhibit several special least-squares properties. We show how these properties can be leveraged in a least-squares primal-dual algorithm for solving minimum-cost network flow problems quickly. Computational results show that the performance of an upper-bounded version of the least-squares minimum-cost network flow algorithm with a special dual update operation is comparable to CPLEX Network and Dual Optimizers for solving a wide range of minimum-cost network flow problems.
Solid-phase Pd-catalysed cross-coupling methods for the construction of π-conjugated peptide nanomaterials

We describe the development of two procedures for the synthesis of peptides that are embedded with a variety of π-conjugated semi-conducting oligomers. These procedures utilise solid-phase variants of classical palladium-catalysed cross-couplings commonly used to prepare π-conjugated oligomers. The resulting peptide–π–electron hybrids are soluble in aqueous media and self-assemble to produce 1D nanostructures, simultaneously forming networks of π-stacked conduits. The procedures have allowed for the inclusion of complex chromophores including mixed aryl units, ethynylene linkers and sexithiophenes where the latter peptide's nanostructures demonstrated substantial conductivity when employed as an active layer in a field-effect transistor.
Observations on the Definition of P-values

Summary Many books define P-values in different ways, and it is generally assumed that these definitions are all equivalent. That this is not the case may come as a surprise, but we shall demonstrate here that some definitions of P-values are not even consistent with such rudimentary a procedure as specifying a critical region.