cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of E6AP (UBE3A) with Human Papillomavirus Type 11 E6 Protein

The cellular E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP (UBE3A) interacts with the cancer-associated HPV E6 oncoproteins, where together with the viral E6 oncoprotein it binds and targets the degradation of the p53 tumor suppressor. We find that the HPV-11E6 protein also associates with E6AP in vivo, and thereby can target the degradation of an E6-associated protein. Mutation of an E6-binding LXXLL peptide motif on E6AP eliminated the association, revealing a common mode of interaction between high- and low-risk E6 proteins and E6AP. E6AP was required for the in vivo degradation of DLG1 by both HVP-18 E6 and a chimeric HPV-11E6. The common functional interaction of both cancer-associated and non-cancer-associated E6 proteins with E6AP establishes a common mechanism for E6 proteins trophic to mucosal squamous epithelium.
Parametric study of the molten-clad motion based on one-dimensional model

Abstract The relocation of the molten clad during an unprotected undercooling transient in LMFBRs is important in assessing their effect on the reactivity, fuel motion, and subsequent core dispersion. A one-dimensional clad-relocation model was applied to R-series test conditions in which the pin bundles were small. The overall results were consistent with the experimental observation. A parametric study of the total pressure drop, which is one of the key boundary conditions, has been performed for the FFTF-type subassembly. The oscillatory pressure-drop effect due to the streaming sodium vapor generated by the chugging of the lower level of liquid sodium was also investigated. Another important aspect considered in the present study is the significant influence of the upper plenum structure and the reactivity effect due to sodium voiding on the clad relocation.
Molecular one‐electron integrals over slater‐type atomic orbitals and irregular solid spherical harmonics

The one-electron integral over Slater-type atomic orbitals centered at A and B and irregular solid spherical harmonics as operator centered at C is evaluated analytically by using elliptical coordinates and translation of the solid spherical harmonics from center C to either focus A or B. A special case is the three-center nuclear attraction integral which is also evaluated by means of the Neumann expansion and expressed without associate Legendre functions of the second kind. The strict observation of the charge distribution concept leads to compact expressions for the integral. It has the further advantage that the charge density distributions which have been developed for the two-center cases and used in calculations for diatomic molecules can be utilized.
The Morbidity, Mortality, and Costs Associated with Clostridium difficile Infection

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of infectious health care-associated diarrhea and is a major burden to patients and the health care system. The incidence and severity of CDI remain at historically high levels. This article reviews the morbidity, mortality, and costs associated with CDI.
Norepinephrine and GTP-γ-S increase myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in α-toxin permeabilized arterial smooth muscle

A new method for preparing permeabilized smooth muscle fibers from rabbit mesenteric artery has been developed using alpha-toxin, a transmembrane pore-making exo-protein produced by Staphylococcus aureus. After alpha-toxin treatment the fibers developed tension as a function of Ca2+ concentration (EC50 = 890 nM). But they could not contract without added ATP, indicating ATP is permeable. When the sarcoplasmic reticulum was loaded with 5 X 10(-7) M Ca2+ solution, NE induced a transient contraction in 2 mM EGTA 0 M Ca2+ solution and a transient and maintained contraction in 5 X 10(-7) M Ca2+ solution. GTP-gamma-S, a non-hydrolyzable analogue of GTP, substituted for NE in producing these contractile effects. The analysis of the relationship between Ca2+ and maintained tension revealed that NE and GTP-gamma-S cause increases in Ca2+ sensitivity of myofilament shifting the EC50 to 280 nM and 160 nM, respectively. We conclude that NE or GTP-gamma-S causes an increase in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and that G protein may be involved in receptor signal transduction system. alpha-Toxin is a useful tool to permeabilize the smooth muscle tissue to ions and small molecules without any damage of receptor and signal transduction system.
Asset specificity and vertical integration in franchising

This study empirically tests transaction cost hypotheses with the use of data on publicly-owned franchised firms. We employ measures of the proportion of company-owned outlets for the degree of integration and brand name capital for the degree of asset specificity. The results suggest that for the sampled firms the degree of asset specificity is positively related to the degree of vertical integration. Additionly, increases in the real interest rate and firm growth rates are found to be positively related with vertical integration, while increases in unanticipated growth and firm experience are negatively related with vertical integration.
Locomotion of Autistic Adults

Objective: To assess gait in patients with autism. Design: Clinical and physiologic assessment. Setting: Research hospital Patients and Subjects: Five adults with autism and five healthy, age-matched control subjects. Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical and biomechanical assessment. Results: Clinical assessment showed mild clumsiness in four patients and upper limb posturing during gait in three patients. The velocity of gait, step length, cadence, step width, stance time, and vertical ground reaction forces were normal in all patients. The only significant abnormality was decreased range of motion of the ankle. Some patients exhibited slightly decreased knee flexion in early stance. Clinically, the gait appeared to be irregular in three patients, but the variability was not significantly increased. Conclusions: The findings in patients with autism indicate a nonspecific, neurological disturbance involving the motor system. The normal velocity of gait and the normal step length argue against a parkinsonian-type disturbance, whereas the clinical picture suggests a disturbance of the cerebellum.
A theory of growth

Abstract A generalized theory of growth is presented based upon three postulates. The first asserts that the rate of growth is jointly proportional to a monotonic function of the generalized distance from the origin to present size (“reproductive capability”), and to a monotonic function of the generalized distance from present size to ultimate size (“limiting factor”). The second postulate restricts the monotonic function to power (or “mass action”) functions. The third postulate constrains the model to a mathematically tractable set which never-the-less is sufficiently general to include the cases of Malthusian, Gompertz, logistic and Bertalanffy-Richards Growth. The most general case is termed the “generic growth model”. Other special cases are termed hyperGompertzian and hyperlogistic growth. Generic growth is illustrated by rat weight data from the literature.
Large dynamic range, parallel detection system for electron diffraction and imaging

A parallel detection system for electrons in the 10–800‐kV energy range is described. The design is based on a 576×382 pixel charge‐coupled device array operating at liquid‐nitrogen temperature. This is coupled by fiber optics to a single‐crystal YAG screen, which serves as the primary detection element. The performance of the system for quantitative electron diffraction and imaging studies is described. The system will record a maximum count of 16 000 per pixel with low noise at a frame rate of 2.5 frames per second.
Proliferation of microglia/macrophages in the demyelinating CNS and PNS of twitcher mouse

Abstract In demyelinating lesions in the central and peripheral nervous systems of twitcher mouse, a murine model of globoid cell leukodystrophy, marked increases of [ 3 H]thymidine-labeled elements including Mac-1 immunopositive (Mac-1 + ) microglia/macrophages was observed. Their proliferative activities were already pronounced at the postnatal day (P) 20, an early stage of demyelination, peaked at P30 and then declined at P45, at the terminal stage of the disease. Many of the [ 3 H]thymidine-labeled Mac-1 + cells had morphological features of ramified microglia. Macrophage-like Mac-1 + cells were less frequently labeled. The results of this study showed that (1) microglia/macrophages proliferated in the genetic demyelinating lesions, (2) many dividing Mac-1 + cells had the shape of ramified microglia and (3) the rate of proliferation declined in later stages when reactive microglia/macrophages were abundant in the lesions. The temporal events of this study suggest that signal(s) from the degenerating myelin or myelin-forming cellslate(s) cellular proliferation and that ramified microglia were one of the principal-dividing elements in the lesion. The biological mechanisms underlying the decline of the proliferative activity of microglia require further studies.
Large-area crop monitoring with the NOAA AVHRR: Estimating the silking stage of corn development

Abstract The silking stage is an important event in the growth and development of the corn plant. Weather conditions at this stage can be critical to the final grain yield of the crop. Knowledge of the time of occurrence of the silking stage, as well as the weather conditions at that time, is important to individuals concerned with monitoring grain yield. Field observations provide estimates of crop development within the United States; however, these data are not readily available for other areas. A satellite-based method of monitoring the silking stage was developed and compared to ground-based estimates of the occurrence of the silking stage. Several vegetation indices, computed from weekly composites of visible and near-IR data of the NOAA AVHRR, estimated the occurrence of silking over large areas within 1 week of ground-based estimates. These indices may be the preferred method of estimating the occurrence of silking over large areas known to be predominantly planted with corn when reliable or representative ground-based estimates are unavailable.
SIRTF focal-plane technologies

The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) will have three science instruments, the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) which will obtain multispectral images between 1.8 micron and 26 microns, the Infrared Spectrometer (IRS) which is a set of two dispersive spectrometers covering the wavelength range between 2.5 and 200 microns, and the Multiband Imaging Photometer for SIRTF (MIPS) which is a general-purpose photometric instrument which operates between 30 and 1,200 microns. Taken together, the full wavelength range of these instruments extends from 1.8 micron to 1,200 microns, equivalent to nearly a factor of 700 in photon energy and diffraction limited image size. In addition to supporting this unprecedented spectral and optical coupling requirement, the SIRTF detectors must operate at lower temperatures than previously demonstrated and be optimized for new levels of performance in order to achieve the goals of the science mission. Thus, development of the detector arrays for the SIRTF instruments is one of the most challenging aspects of the instrument development activities.
Microspectrophotometric Study of Ozone Fading of Disperse Dyes in Nylon

The fading of disperse-dyed nylon by atmospheric ozone can pose a problem at high environmental temperatures and humidities. In attempting to devise ways to inhibit such fading, researchers have suggested that the reaction between ozone and dye occurs chiefly at the fiber surface—that ozone does not penetrate inward, but that the dye diffuses outward from the fiber interior due to the concentration gradient set up as surface dye is destroyed. This mechanism has been supported, though not proved, by observations that dye diffusion is also sensitive to humidity in such systems, that rates of dye loss due to ozone exposure correlate with dye desorption rates into water, and that dye loss, like dye diffusion, depends on the square root of time and on the size of the dye molecule. These findings were based on determinations of total dye content in fiber specimens; however, adapting the techniques of microspectro photometry to fibers, as described in this paper, makes it possible to observe directly the locus o...
Patient satisfaction and clinical efficacy of the new perineal bone-anchored male sling.

Abstract Objective: We retrospectively evaluated the safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction following the male sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients, with a median age of 67 years, underwent the perineal male sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence. Radical retropubic prostatectomy was the commonest etiology of SUI. The male sling was placed over the bulbar urethra, through a perineal incision and anchored with the help of bone screws inserted in the pubic rami. Efficacy and treatment satisfaction were evaluated with the help of the validated UCLA/RAND questionnaire and questions addressing treatment satisfaction. Patients were defined as "cured" if they were dry or "improved" if utilizing 1–2 pads per day (based on response to question 1 of the UCLA/RAND questionnaire. Responses to questions 4 and 5 of the UCLA/RAND were utilized to determine the impact of the procedure on urinary leakage and urinary function postoperatively. Complications if any were noted. Results: One patient developed infection and two developed short-lasting perineal/buttock pain. Significantly, no patient developed urethral erosion. At a mean follow-up of 24 months, 34 patients were either dry (17/46, 37%) or utilizing only 1–2 pads per day (17/46, 37%), giving a cure/improvement rate of 74%. On evaluating the response to questions 4 and 5 of the UCLA/RAND questionnaire, 72% patients stated that urinary leakage and function were a "small to no problem". Moreover, 59% patients were moderately or completely satisfied with the procedure and 11% stated they were halfway satisfied with the procedure giving an overall satisfaction of 70%. A similar percentage felt that the treatment halfway or completely met their expectations. Conclusions: At a mean follow-up of 24 months, the male sling procedure appears to be effective in the management of male SUI with a success rate of 74%. Moreover, it is safe as evidenced by the absence of any major complications such as urethral erosion. Finally, it is associated with a 70% patient satisfaction.
Stability of the Infant Car Seat Challenge and Risk Factors for Oxygen Desaturation Events

Objectives To explore the stability of the one-point Infant Car Seat Challenge and risk factors that may be associated with oxygen desaturation events. Design, Setting, and Participants This descriptive, nonexperimental, observational study examined the responses of 49 premature infants during two 90-minute Infant Car Seat Challenges at a tertiary health care institution. Main Outcome Measures Three Infant Car Seat Challenge outcomes were explored: (a) pass/fail rates following two Infant Car Seat Challenge observation periods, (b) oxygen saturation and desaturation patterns during two Infant Car Seat Challenges, and (c) the association between oxygen desaturation events and infants’ chronological, gestational, and corrected gestational ages. Results The findings indicated that 86% of premature infants had stable results, 8% passed Infant Car Seat Challenge 1 but not Infant Car Seat Challenge 2, and 6% failed Infant Car Seat Challenge 1 and passed Infant Car Seat Challenge 2. In addition, the odds for oxygen desaturation events increased for infants born at less than or equal to 34 weeks gestation and hospitalized longer than 7 days. Conclusions The Infant Car Seat Challenge success rate for identifying infants at risk for oxygen desaturation events was equal to or better than that of other screening tests for newborn medical conditions. The findings of this study will assist neonatal health care providers in making appropriate recommendations for infants’ safe travel at discharge.
Alteration of intramolecular disulfides in insulin receptor/kinase by insulin and dithiothreitol: insulin potentiates the apparent dithiothreitol-dependent subunit reduction of insulin receptor

Dithiothreitol (DTT) was observed to increase both beta-subunit autophosphorylation and exogenous substrate phosphorylation of the insulin receptor in the absence of insulin. The natural protein reducing agent thioredoxin was also observed to increase the insulin receptor beta-subunit autophosphorylation. The activation of the insulin receptor/kinase by both DTT and thioredoxin was found to be additive with that of insulin. Further, the increase in the insulin receptor beta-subunit autophosphorylation in the presence of DTT and insulin was demonstrated to be due to an increase in the initial rate of autophosphorylation without alteration in the extent of phosphorylation. Similarly, the increase in the exogenous substrate phosphorylation was due to an increase in the Vmax of phosphorylation without significant effect on the apparent Km of substrate binding. In the presence of relatively low concentrations of DTT, insulin was found to potentiate the apparent insulin receptor subunit reduction of the native alpha 2 beta 2 heterotetrameric complex into alpha beta heterodimers, when observed by silver staining of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels. N-[3H]Ethylmaleimide ([3H]NEM) labeling in the absence of DTT pretreatment demonstrated that only the beta subunit had accessible sulfhydryl group(s). However, treatment of insulin receptors with DTT increased the amount of [3H]NEM labeling in the beta subunit as well as exposing sites on the alpha subunit. Further, incubation of the insulin receptors with the combination of DTT and insulin also demonstrated the apparent insulin-potentiated subunit reduction without any increase in the total amount of [3H]NEM labeling.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A STRUCTURALLY BASED ANALYTIC MODEL FOR ESTIMATION OF BIOMASS AND FUEL LOADS OF WOODLAND TREES

Allometric/structural relationships in tree crowns are a consequence of the physical, physiological, and fluid conduction processes of trees, which control the distribution, efficient support, and growth of foliage in the crown. The structural consequences of these processes are used to develop an analytic model based on the concept of branch orders. A set of interrelated equations describe the relationships between structural characteristics, including the distribution of a tree's foliage and the partitioning of the structural components within the crown for the efficient support of that foliage. The foliage biomass distribution in a tree crown and the geometric relationships between the branch orders supporting that distribution are used to define a functional depth that is used to compute an associated functional crown volume. These are computed first for the foliage and then for each of the tree's branch orders. Each functional crown volume is linearly related to its respective biomass component. These consistent linear relationships are demonstrated first with data from pinyon pine and then with data from Utah juniper and Valencia orange trees. The structural changes and associated biomass distribution changes suggest that crown growth is controlled from the outside in, with the resulting structural changes an emergent property of crown adjustment to the annual addition of new foliage. The relationships derived are potentially applicable across a range of additional tree species, in other woody species and applicable over a wide range of locations and conditions.
Change-Point Detection for High-Dimensional Time Series With Missing Data

This paper describes a novel approach to change-point detection when the observed high-dimensional data may have missing elements. The performance of classical methods for change-point detection typically scales poorly with the dimensionality of the data, so that a large number of observations are collected after the true change-point before it can be reliably detected. Furthermore, missing components in the observed data handicap conventional approaches. The proposed method addresses these challenges by modeling the dynamic distribution underlying the data as lying close to a time-varying low-dimensional submanifold embedded within the ambient observation space. Specifically, streaming data is used to track a submanifold approximation, measure deviations from this approximation, and calculate a series of statistics of the deviations for detecting when the underlying manifold has changed in a sharp or unexpected manner. The approach described in this paper leverages several recent results in the field of high-dimensional data analysis, including subspace tracking with missing data, multiscale analysis techniques for point clouds, online optimization, and change-point detection performance analysis. Simulations and experiments highlight the robustness and efficacy of the proposed approach in detecting an abrupt change in an otherwise slowly varying low-dimensional manifold.
Singley oxygen in synthesis. Formation of antimycin A3 from an oxazole template

Abstract Antimycin A 3 has been synthesized using an oxazole template for constructing the framework of the dilactone. Formation of the nine-membered ring was accomplished by reaction of an ω-hydroxyl group with an activated carboxylate generated in the reaction of the oxazole with singlet oxygen.
C/EBPβ Activates E2F-regulated Genes in Vivo via Recruitment of the Coactivator CREB-binding Protein/P300

The E2F transcription factors play an essential role in regulating the G(1)- to S-phase transition of the cell cycle. Previous studies have identified the importance of interactions between E2Fs and other transcription factors as a mechanism for transcriptional control of a subset of E2F regulated target genes. However, the mechanisms responsible for E2F target gene specificity remain incompletely understood. Here we report that in a mammalian in vivo model of synchronized proliferation, C/EBPbeta occupancy on the promoters of E2F-regulated growth-related genes increases as a function of cell cycle progression. C/EPBbeta binding to these promoters is associated with recruitment of the coactivator CBP/p300, histone H4 acetylation, and maximal activation of E2F target genes. Moreover, binding of CBP/p300 to E2F targets is markedly reduced in C/EBPbeta null mice, resulting in reduced expression of E2F regulated genes. These findings identify C/EBPbeta as a direct activator of E2F target genes in mammalian cell cycle progression through a mechanism that involves recruitment of CBP/p300. The demonstration of a functional link between C/EBPbeta and CBP/p300 for E2F target gene activation provides a potential mechanism for how coactivators such as CBP/p300 can be selectively recruited to E2F target genes in response to tissue-specific growth stimuli.
Increased GADD153 gene expression during iron chelation-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T-lymphocytes

Depriving cells of iron likely stresses them and can result in cell death. To examine the potential relationship between this form of stress and cell death, Jurkat T-lymphocytes were made iron-deficient by exposing them to the iron chelator, deferoxamine (DFO). Such treatment produced evidence of apoptosis, including cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, and also formation of apoptotic bodies. Additionally, proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase was detected, suggesting involvement of caspases in initiating apoptosis. Indeed, a selective caspase-3 inhibitor prevented the effects of DFO. During the early induction period of apoptosis, GRP78 and HSP70 mRNA expression was not affected. In contrast, there was mainly increased mRNA expression of Growth Arrest and DNA Damage-inducible gene 153 (GADD153), which seemed to be at the level of transcription rather than mRNA stability. Furthermore, fortifying cells with antioxidants did not prevent the increased GADD153 mRNA expression, and no evidence of single-strand breaks in DNA was found, suggesting that neither reactive oxygen species nor DNA damage was involved in triggering GADD153 gene activation. DFO also caused GADD153 protein to be expressed. Because GADD153 is recognized as a pro-apoptotic gene, these findings generate the notion that GADD153 might help mediate apoptosis in iron-deficient cells.
Design and Use of Expansion Joints in New and Existing Clay Masonry Wall Systems

In modern masonry wall construction, integration of expansion joints (both vertical and horizontal) has become commonplace, but the rationale behind their width, placement, detailing, and maintenance is often misunderstood. With restoration projects and older wall systems it is often not clear whether expansion joints are needed and should be added as part of a restoration. Older structures in particular offer unique challenges. Damage of masonry wall systems can occur as a result of volume changes in the masonry materials despite the presence of expansion joints; this is frequently because joints are placed or installed inappropriately for the construction of the wall system, the particular wall geometry, or other factors related to the placement of joints designed to accommodate movement. This paper attempts to clarify and expand on the reasoning behind many of the standard guidelines commonly used for joint placement, size, and spacing. In addition, suggestions are provided for joint placement and detailing in several atypical situations, such as existing buildings, parapets, solid masonry wall systems, and window lintels. Factors leading to the need for expansion joints are reviewed, along with several lesser known concepts regarding expansion joint implementation. Also addressed are common problems with installation and maintenance of existing expansion joints.
Computer-aided detection of colonic polyps using volume rendering

This work utilizes a novel pipeline for the computer-aided detection (CAD) of colonic polyps, assisting radiologists in locating polyps when using a virtual colonoscopy system. Our CAD pipeline automatically detects polyps while reducing the number of false positives (FPs). It integrates volume rendering and conformal colon flattening with texture and shape analysis. The colon is first digitally cleansed, segmented, and extracted from the CT dataset of the abdomen. The colon surface is then mapped to a 2D rectangle using conformal mapping. Using this colon flattening method, the CAD problem is converted from 3D into 2D. The flattened image is rendered using a direct volume rendering of the 3D colon dataset with a translucent transfer function. Suspicious polyps are detected by applying a clustering method on the 2D volume rendered image. The FPs are reduced by analyzing shape and texture features of the suspicious areas detected by the clustering step. Compared with shape-based methods, ours is much faster and much more efficient as it avoids computing curvature and other shape parameters for the whole colon wall. We tested our method with 178 datasets and found it to be 100% sensitive to adenomatous polyps with a low rate of FPs. The CAD results are seamlessly integrated into a virtual colonoscopy system, providing the radiologists with visual cues and likelihood indicators of areas likely to contain polyps, and allowing them to quickly inspect the suspicious areas and further exploit the flattened colon view for easy navigation and bookmark placement.
The combined use of CPIB and thyroxine in treatment of hyperlipoproteinemias.

The combined effect of CPIB and levothyroxine on lipoprotein concentrations in 13 patients with various types of hyperlipoproteinemias has been investigated. Analysis of long-term observations indicates the following: (1) CPIB lowers Sf 20-10 5 concentrations profoundly regardless of the initial lipoprotein distribution. (2) Addition of levothyroxine to CPIB produces no further significant effect on Sf 20-10 5 concentrations. (3) The effect of CPIB on Sf 0-20 concentrations appears to depend on the initial lipoprotein distribution. In carbohydrate-sensitive hyperlipemias CPIB can markedly increase Sf 0-20 levels, whereas it has no such effect in other hyperlipoproteinemias. On occasion, a marked Sf 0-20 lowering effect occurs in patients with Sf 0-20 hyperlipoproteinemias. Two such instances are reported in detail. (4) In combined Sf 0-20 and Sf 20-10 5 hyperlipoproteinemias the combination of CPIB and thyroxine is often more effective than either agent used separately in reducing total lipoprotein concentrations.
The experimental study of the optical properties of metals and the relation of the results to the Drude free electron theory

(1957). The experimental study of the optical properties of metals and the relation of the results to the Drude free electron theory. Advances in Physics: Vol. 6, No. 21, pp. 102-144.
Analysis of Solution Exchange in Flow Chambers with Applications to Cell Membrane Permeability Measurement

Cell membrane permeability estimation using flow chamber experiments is susceptible to errors caused by non-negligible solution exchange time after switching of perfusate reservoirs. To prevent such confounding effects, we have undertaken theoretical and experimental analyses of the mass transport of osmotically active solutes. A diffusion-convection model was used to predict the kinetics of solution exchange as a function of Peclet number (Pe) and chamber geometry, yielding guidelines for the design of flow chambers optimized for permeability measurement. Common experimental methods for quantifying solution exchange kinetics (using transmittance or absorbance measurements) were also simulated, and found to be associated with significant error. We therefore used a confocal microscopy technique to validate the dependence of solute exchange kinetics on Pe; the solution exchange time was negligible for flow rates with Pe > 106. A fluorescence quenching method was used to estimate the membrane water permeability (L p) of mouse insulinoma (MIN6) cells in adherent monolayer cultures, yielding L p A/V w0 = (4.4 ± 0.1) × 10−8 Pa−1 s−1 (where A/V w0 is the ratio of cell surface area to isotonic water volume).
Sediment carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling in an anoxic fjord, Effingham Inlet, British Columbia

Sediment geochemistry, as well as benthic exchange of nutrients, was investigated in Effingham Inlet, a fjord located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in Barkley Sound. The effect of bottom-water oxygenation on sediment carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling was compared at sites overlain by oxic and anoxic bottom waters. The sites, separated by only 3 kilometers, were similar in terms of key diagenetic parameters including mass accumulation rate and bulk sediment organic carbon content, thus allowing a focus on diagenetic effects attributable to depositional oxygen availability. Benthic flux chamber incubations, sulfate reduction rate measurements, measurements of solid-phase and pore water chemical profiles were compared for the sites. These comparisons reveal that diagenetic processes in the site overlain by oxic waters act to retain more phosphorus in the sediment relative to the anoxic site. Differences in phosphorus benthic fluxes and burial between the two sites most likely result from differences in organic matter cycling under aerobic versus anaerobic conditions and are not strongly influenced by cycling of P associated with metal oxide phases.
Increased rejection of primary tumors in mice lacking B cells: Inhibition of anti‐tumor CTL and TH1 cytokine responses by B cells

We investigated the role of B cells in tumor immunity by studying immune responses of mice genetically lacking B cells to primary tumors. IgM(-/-) B cell-deficient mice (BCDM) exhibited enhanced resistance to 3 histologically diverse syngeneic tumors as compared to the wild-type (WT) mice. EL4 thymoma and MC38 colon carcinoma grew progressively in WT mice, but regressed spontaneously in BCDM whereas growth of B16 melanoma was slowed significantly in BCDM as compared to the WT mice. BCDM exhibited increased T cell infiltration of tumors, higher T(H)1 cytokine response and, in the case of MC38, a higher anti-tumor CTL response. The increased tumor resistance of BCDM did not seem to result from intrinsic changes in their non-B immunocytes because adoptive transfer of WT splenic B cells to BCDM abrogated tumor rejection and resulted in diminished anti-tumor T(H)1 cytokine and CTL responses. Studies involving BCR-transgenic mice indicated that B cells may inhibit anti-tumor T cell responses by antigen-nonspecific mechanisms since neither tumor-specific antibodies nor cognate T:B interactions were necessary for inhibition of tumor immunity by B cells. IFN-gamma secretion in splenocyte:tumor co-cultures of tumor-challenged BCDM was inhibited by WT but not CD40(-/-) B cells indicating that B cells may inhibit anti-tumor T(H)1 cytokine responses in a CD40-dependent manner. Adoptive transfer of CD40(-/-) B cells into BCDM resulted in restored growth of MC38 suggesting additional factors other than CD40 are involved in dampening anti-tumor responses. The effects of B cells on anti-tumor response warrant further study.
Time-varying array shape estimation by mapping acoustic field directionality

This paper introduces a towed-array shape estimation technique that exploits the directional structure of the time-varying acoustic field. Unlike conventional array shape estimation methods that use discrete sources of opportunity, the proposed approach does not assume knowledge of the number of sources in the field or their estimated directions. Instead, the entire time-varying field directionality map is used. Additionally, maneuverability of the array is exploited to improve endfire resolution and left/right discrimination for a nominally linear array. The algorithm forms an approximate joint maximum-likelihood estimate of time-varying field directionality and array shape using an iterative Expectation-Maximization (EM) approach. Simulations are given to evaluate the array shape estimation error during a maneuver. In a simulated multi-source scenario, the proposed method is shown to be more robust than methods that rely on direction-of-arrival estimation when the full field around the array is considered.
Art, Politics and Commerce in Chinese Cinema

Ying Zhu and Stanley Rosen, Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong Press, 2010, US$25 (soft), 308 pp. Mainland China's rapidly expanding film market has created the need for scholarship that combines t...
Technical advances in the analysis of single, acoustically evoked potentials

Abstract A method that evaluates the degree and, perhaps, the form and time position of single EEG evoked potentials is described. Its sensitivity and possible error sources are estimated. The method uses a double summation of cross products between a template and the EEG. This double summation is repeated at 25 msec steps through the EEG creating a correlogram. The analysis is given for the template times itself ) i.e. , optimal matching), for the template buried in the specified noise of a 2 c/sec wave, the template buried in the unspecified noise of an EEG, and, for an EEG stimulated by a list of spoken words.
Hemangiomas of the external auditory canal

Hemangiomas of the external auditory canal are rare with only 16 cases reported in the literature. We report the case of a 62-year-old woman who presented with bleeding from the external auditory canal. Physical examination and imaging were consistent with a hemangioma. Initial diagnostic evaluation failed to reveal the full extent of the lesion resulting in recurrence after primary local excision. After recurrence, the hemangioma was managed successfully with embolization and a more extensive resection. In addition, we review the relevant literature with respect to epidemiology, presentation, evaluation, pathology, and management options for hemangiomas arising in the external auditory canal.
Understanding and influencing urban residents’ knowledge about wildland management in Austin, Texas

Due to increasing exurban settlement around Austin, Texas and subsequent land use changes, the City of Austin Wildland Division faces competing pressures from residential communities regarding land and wildlife management actions. Current environmental education and outreach efforts in Austin focus on developing environmental literacy about the city’s wildland areas adjacent to exurban settlement as well as their management program. The desired outcome is to promote more positive perceptions and motivate pro-environmental behaviors that are consistent with the city’s wildland program. We conducted a mail survey of 1,000 residents living near the urban wildlands to better understand factors that influence residents’ proficiency in four knowledge domains: karst aquifers, endangered species, rangeland ecology, and the city’s management program. Regression analyses identified positive associations between local newspaper readership and residents’ environmental knowledge of karst aquifer geology, rangelands, and city’s wildland program. Previous engagement in environmentally oriented education programs or organization was positively associated with all four knowledge domains. Some strategies for information dissemination about the wildlands include the use of local newspapers and homeowners association newsletters. Newer, younger residents are the suggested target audience for initiating a proposed environmental education and outreach program. Such programs should incorporate both local environmental organizations and homeowners associations.
Phonological priming reflects lexical competition

A phonological relationship between a prime and a target produces facilitation when one or two initial phonemes are shared (low-similarity facilitation) but produces interference when more phonemes are shared (high-similarity interference; Slowiaczek & Hamburger, 1992). Although low-similarity facilitation appears to be a strategic effect (Goldinger, Luce, Pisoni, & Marcario, 1992), this result cannot generalize to high-similarity interference because the two effects are dissociated (Slowiaczek & Hamburger, 1992). In the present study, strategic processing in high-similarity interference was investigated. The phonological relatedness proportion (PRP) and the prime-target interstimulus interval (ISI) were varied in a shadowing experiment. Low-similarity facilitation was found only with a high PRP and long ISI, but high-similarity interference was found regardless of PRP and ISI. These results suggest that strategies influence low-similarity facilitation, but high-similarity interference reflects automatic processing.
The complexity of resource allocation and price mechanisms under bounded rationality

We develop a framework for designing and evaluating the complexity of mechanisms that allocate resources in a distributed setting to agents or processors with bounded computational ability. We discuss several mechanisms and describe the construction of efficient price based mechanisms, which exploit the decentralized aspects of the problem. These price mechanisms are polynomial in the number of resources, precision of the solution, and the logarithm of the number of agents.
Prenatal multiple immunization.

Summary 1. Whooping cough and diphtheria are still the two most important preventable contagious diseases of infancy. 2. Forty to 50 per cent of mothers, and hence their offspring, are not immune to diphtheria, and only 15 to 30 per cent show immunity to pertussis. 3. In selected cases, prenatal immunization is highly desirable and sometimes necessary. 4. When women were immunized in the last trimester of pregnancy with multiple vaccines, 80 per cent or more of them responded with high titers of antibodies protecting against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and influenza. 5. These protective titers were quantitatively passively transferred to the newborn babies in whom they persisted for a period of three months or more. 6. Reactions were more severe when the combined vaccines contained diphtheria toxoid than when they did not. There was less reaction to the alumprecipitated than to the fluid preparation. 7. We have encountered no adverse effects upon either mothers or babies from inoculations given in the last trimester of pregnancy. 8. The method of prenatal multiple immunization would seem to protect the newborn baby against the threat of diphtheria and pertussis, and if need be, influenza and tetanus during the first three months of life when effective active immunity cannot be established. 9. Active immunization should follow at 3 to 4 months of age, when passive immunity has been lost, and when mechanisms for establishment of active immunity function more efficiently than at an earlier age.
In situ plasma activated low temperature chemistry and the S-curve transition in DME/oxygen/helium mixture

Abstract The effect of non-equilibrium plasma activated low temperature chemistry (PA-LTC) on the ignition and extinction of Dimethyl Ether (DME)/O2/He diffusion flames has been investigated experimentally in a counterflow burner with in situ nanosecond pulsed discharge at 72 Torr. A uniform discharge is generated between the burner nozzles by placing porous metal electrodes at the nozzle exits. The ignition and extinction characteristics of DME/O2/He are studied by employing OH and CH2O Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) techniques at constant strain rates and O2 mole fractions on the oxidizer side with varying the DME mole fractions. Contrary to the conventional understanding, strong low temperature reactivity during ignition process is observed for DME with non-equilibrium plasma activation even at 72 Torr and flow residence time of a few milliseconds. The OH PLIF shows strong OH signal at and after ignition, whereas extremely low OH signal before ignition. However, the CH2O PLIF experiments demonstrate that, with the increase of DME mole fraction on the fuel side, the CH2O PLIF signal intensity increases significantly before ignition and decreased rapidly after ignition. The low OH number density and high CH2O number density before DME ignition clearly demonstrates the existence of PA-LTC at low pressure. Moreover, at higher O2 mole fraction and discharge repetition frequency, the in situ discharge significantly modifies the characteristics of ignition and extinction, thus creating a new monotonically and fully stretched ignition S-curve without an extinction limit. Compared to our previous study of methane, the existence of strong low temperature reactivity in DME oxidation makes ignitions occur at much lower fuel mole fractions, thus accelerating the transition of ignition curve from conventional S-curve to the fully stretched S-curve. The transition from the conventional S-curve to the new stretched ignition curve at high plasma repetition rate indicates that the plasma could dramatically change the chemical kinetic pathways of DME oxidation by activating the low temperature chemistry even at low pressure. The chemical kinetic model for the plasma–flame interaction has been also developed based on the assumption of constant electric field strength in the bulk plasma region. Both experiments and modeling results reveal that the PA-LTC has a much shorter timescale comparing with that of thermally activated low temperature chemistry owing to the rapid radical production by plasma. The reaction pathways analysis shows that atomic O generated by the discharge is critical to controlling the population of radical pool.
GROWTH-HORMONE RELEASE-INHIBITING HORMONE IN GASTROINTESTINAL AND PANCREATIC D CELLS

Abstract The normal pancreatic D cell has been well recognised since 1931, but its secretory product has not been identified with certainty. Combined immunocytochemical methods, and histological methods for endocrine granules, have demonstrated that it contains a product with G.H.- R.I.H.-like immunoreactivity. G.H.-R.I.H. has also been localised in the upper gastrointestinal tract, tentatively in the morphologically similar D cell of the Wiesbaden classification. The potent actions of this peptide on pancreatic and gastrointestinal function suggest that it may play an important role in digestive physiology.
The Taylor Rule and Optimal Monetary Policy

where it denotes the Fed’s operating target for the federal funds rate, pt is the inflation rate (measured by the GDP deflator), yt is the log of real GDP, and y# t is the log of potential output (identified empirically with a linear trend). The rule has since been subject to considerable attention, both as an account of actual policy in the United States and elsewhere, and as a prescription for desirable policy. Taylor argues for the rule’s normative significance both on the basis of simulations and on the ground that it describes U.S. policy in a period in which monetary policy is widely judged to have been unusually successful (Taylor, 1999), suggesting that the rule is worth adopting as a principle of behavior. Here I wish to consider to what extent this prescription resembles the sort of policy that economic theory would recommend. I consider the question in the context of a simple, but widely used, optimizing model of the monetary transmission mechanism, which allows one to reach clear conclusions about economic welfare. The model is highly stylized but incorporates important features of more realistic models and allows me to make several points that are of more general validity. Out of concern for the robustness of the conclusions reached, the analysis here addresses only broad, qualitative features of the Taylor rule and attempts to identify features of a desirable policy rule that are likely to hold under a variety of model specifications.
Chemical synthesis and immunological properties of oligosaccharides derived from the vegetative cell wall of Bacillus anthracis.

Bacillus anthracis vaccine candidate: Sera of rabbits exposed to live and irradiated-killed spores of B. anthracis Sterne 34F2 or immunized with B. anthracis polysaccharide conjugated to KLH elicited antibodies that recognize isolated polysaccharide and two synthetic trisaccharides providing a proof-of-concept step in the development of vegetative and spore-specific reagents for detection and targeting of non-protein structures of B. anthracis.
Effects of Cooling Processes on Microstructure Evolution of X80 Pipeline Steel

With the development of pipeline industry, the pipeline steels with higher strength and plasticity, better low-temperature toughness and weldability are the main development trend. For bainitic pipeline steels, M/A constituent is the main hard phase. Although the M/A constituent can enhance the strength, the larger block-form M/A constituent can deteriorate low-temperature toughness. Therefore, it is essential to further investigate how to refine the M/A constituent. In the present paper, X80 pipeline steel was cooled to room temperature with various cooling paths after hot compression deformation at the temperature of 800oC. The evolution of microstructure of X80 pipeline steel has been analyzed by optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental results show that increasing the cooling rate can significantly refine M/A constituent and promote the formation of granular bainite, and the bainitic ferrite can be also greatly refined. In addition, the effects of five final temperatures of fast cooling were also investigated.