cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wave Equation-Based Implicit Subdomain DGTD Method for Modeling of Electrically Small Problems

A second-order wave equation-based implicit discontinuous Galerkin time-domain (DGTD) method is proposed to efficiently model electrically small problems. The proposed method employs the second-order wave equation for electric field (or magnetic field) as the governing equation of the DG formulation, instead of the first-order Maxwell’s curl equations. A modified version of the Riemann solver (upwind flux) is introduced to evaluate the numerical flux resulting from the weak form of the wave equation. Compared with previous first-order Maxwell’s curl equation-based implicit DGTD methods, which typically solve all electric and magnetic field unknowns for each subdomain, the proposed method only needs to solve for the electric field unknowns plus the surface magnetic field unknowns at subdomain interfaces. This reduces the dimensions of the resultant linear system and thus allows for modeling larger problems. Furthermore, unlike element-based DGTD methods, the proposed method is subdomain-based. The computational region is divided into multiple subdomains based on the domain-decomposition method, and each subdomain may contain multiple elements. Different element types and orders of basis functions can be employed in different subdomains to exploit the geometry property of the model. A nonconformal mesh is allowed between different subdomains to increase meshing flexibility. The Newmark-beta time-integration scheme is used for implicit temporal discretization, and fast direct linear solvers, such as the lower-diagonal-upper decomposition algorithm, are employed to accelerate time integration when all the subdomains are in a sequential order. Numerical results show that the proposed method is more efficient in terms of CPU time, and also saves memory with respect to the previous implicit DGTD method when modeling electrically small problems.
Judicial Attitudes: Pylons for the Advocate

An advocate must be aware of the mental environment of the judge, particularly the appellate judge. Their quiet presence has not impeded the use of labels, including judicial attitude as well as a whole subset of ideological labels such as conservative, liberal, activist, restraintist, interpretivist, noninterpretivist, positivist, and with a pejorative ring, biased.Such bents of mind are the pylons around which the persuasive course must be raced. After the judge masters the facts and distills the relevant legal principles from a case, something must push him toward a decision. In the great percentage of cases, the process of assimilating facts and principles points unerringly to one outcome. However, in a small percentage of cases consensus cannot be readily attained. In these cases, the holding may be influenced one way or another by the attitude of the judges. Fortunately, the advocate can acquire the necessary sensitivity to these attitudes through episodic ventures to a court of appeals.
Beyond Naked Exclusion: Exclusive Dealing after Dentsply

Although many have come to regard the collection of models that predict anticompetitive consequences from strategic conduct by dominant firms as a “post-Chicago” revolution, the canonical post-Chicago “Naked Exclusion” theory of exclusive dealing maintains the fundamental Chicago structure where exclusive dealing is modeled as a contract driven quid pro quo. However, in the highly influential case U.S. v. Dentsply, the Third Circuit analyzed exclusive dealing in terms of a discriminatory refusal to deal where buyers received no compensation for exclusivity. This article develops a model of exclusive dealing consistent with Dentsply and many other major antitrust cases.
The response model of moral disgust

The philosophical debate over disgust and its role in moral discourse has focused on disgust’s epistemic status: can disgust justify judgments of moral wrongness? Or is it misplaced in the moral domain—irrelevant at best, positively distorting at worst? Correspondingly, empirical research into disgust has focused on its role as a cause or amplifier of moral judgment, seeking to establish how and when disgust either causes us to morally condemn actions, or strengthens our pre-existing tendencies to condemn certain actions. Both of these approaches to disgust are based on a set of assumptions that I call, in what follows, the evidential model of disgust. This paper proposes an alternative model, which I call the response model. Instead of looking at disgust as a cause and justification of judgments of moral wrongness, I will argue that disgust is better understood as a response to wrongness. More precisely, I argue that disgust is a response to norm violations, and that it is (sometimes) a fitting response insofar as norm violations are potentially contagious and therefore pose a threat to the stability and maintenance of norms.
Sample preparation methods for the analysis of pharmaceutical materials

Summary This chapter provides practical guidance on the use of six widely used extraction and isolation techniques from the sample preparation perspective. The first two sections, solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) deal with liquid sample types. The sections on supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) focus mainly on solid samples, while the centrifugation and filtrarion sections handle the suspensions. The theme of each section is that a successful sample preparation protocol should account for specificity and homogeneity as well as recovery and final physical state of the target analyte. The ultimate aim is to produce a sample that is compatible with the intended analytical technique, so that the maximum information can be obtained.
Kinetochore Function from the Bottom Up

During a single human lifetime, nearly one quintillion chromosomes separate from their sisters and transit to their destinations in daughter cells. Unlike DNA replication, chromosome segregation has no template, and, unlike transcription, errors frequently lead to a total loss of cell viability. Rapid progress in recent years has shown how kinetochores enable faithful execution of this process by connecting chromosomal DNA to microtubules. These findings have transformed our idea of kinetochores from cytological features to immense molecular machines and now allow molecular interpretation of many long-appreciated kinetochore functions. In this review we trace kinetochore protein connectivity from chromosomal DNA to microtubules, relating new findings to important points of regulation and function.
Effects of prior aerobic exercise on sitting-induced vascular dysfunction in healthy men

Acute aerobic exercise prevents sitting-induced impairment of flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Further, evidence suggests that sitting-induced impairment of FMD occurs via an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism that disrupts endothelial function. We hypothesized that acute aerobic exercise would prevent impairment of femoral artery FMD by limiting oxidative stress responses that increase endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels and disrupt nitric oxide (NO) status. In a randomized, cross-over study, healthy men (n = 11; 21.2 ± 1.9 years) completed two 3 h sitting trials that were preceded by 45 min of either quiet rest (REST) or a single bout of continuous treadmill exercise (65% maximal oxygen consumption) (EX). Superficial femoral artery FMD, plasma glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), ET-1, arginine (ARG) and its related metabolites [homoarginine (HA), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA)] were assessed at baseline, 1 h following EX (or REST) (0 h), and at 1 h intervals during 3 h of uninterrupted sitting. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. During REST, femoral artery FMD declined from baseline (2.6 ± 1.8%) at 1, 2, and 3 h of sitting and resting shear rate decreased at 3 h. In contrast, when sitting was preceded by EX, femoral artery FMD (2.7 ± 2.0%) and resting shear rate responses were unaffected. No between trial differences were detected for plasma glucose, MDA, ET-1, ARG, HA, ADMA, or SDMA. Prior aerobic exercise prevented the decline in femoral artery FMD that is otherwise induced by prolonged sitting independent of changes in oxidative stress, ET-1, and NO status.
School Climate and Cyber-Bullying

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of school climate, including disciplinary climate, academic press, and parental involvement, on behaviors of cyberbullying by victims and perpetrators. The literature on cyberbullying has shown that victims who experience cyberbullying suffer many negative consequences, such as depression, sadness, anger, and even thoughts of suicide. Although cyberbullying has emerged as a new form of bullying with the more frequent use of technology, it has many characteristics in common with traditional in-school bullying. A questionnaire administered to volunteer students contributed to the findings of this study. Cross tabulation analysis was performed to examine response rates to address research questions. The findings and conclusion supports the notion that cyberbullying is a new threat to the safety and security of our students that reaches past the school wall and to the virtual community.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis in Diabetic End Stage Renal Disease

The management of the diabetic patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) has undergone significant changes over the last 20 years. In the beginning, diabetics were not even considered for dialysis because of their extensive co-morbidity from other systemic diseases. Early attempts to treat these patients with chronic hemodialysis were faced with disappointing results (1). Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD) performed either in hospital or at home with a cycler over 30-40 hours/week, had certain advantages such as the decline or even arrest of the deterioration of neuropathy and retinopathy. However, when the residual kidney function was no longer present, this dialysis was not adequate and the majority of patients were dying from either electrolytic abnormalities or cardiovascular complications. This high mortality make IPD an unattractive treatment for the diabetic patient with ESRD.
The Plasma Membrane Transporters and Channels of Corneal Endothelium

The idea of developing a theoretical model of a transporting epithelium appears worthwhile. With it, physiological and pharmacological manipulations could be tested in silico to develop agents that can suitably affect function. However, there are apparently no such models readily available for use by interested researchers. Part of the problem is that it has been presumed that a large amount of experimental information is required prior to modeling, yet, that is not always the case; we have modeled the corneal endothelium using five experimental values. The remaining six parameter values are calculated algebraically assuming cellular steady-state conditions. We have used the distribution of channels and/or transporters of the endothelium, and find that the program reproduces quite well the experimental behavior of the electrical potential difference and rate of fluid transport across that layer, in the steady state, as well as after changes in ambient conditions and after addition of inhibitors. In addition, the program favors the hypothesis that translayer fluid transport originates in electro-osmosis. This tool is readily available and written in Basic, hence it is easily modifiable for the modeling of other epithelia.
A WIA-PA Network Oriented Routing Algorithm Based on VCR

Based on the IEEE-802.15.4 standard and WIA-PA networks with VCR in it, the minimum hop routing algorithm and energy-efficient routing algorithm in wireless networks are introduced. The merits and weaknesses of the two algorithms are analyzed. A routing algorithm based on VCR is designed and simulated. The results show that the novel routing algorithm is efficient. By comparing the WIA-PA VCR application with different algorithms, achieved lower delay management data packet forwarding and energy consumption of data packets transmitting, and be more suitable for the WIA-PA network applications.
Mixer-First MIMO Receiver with Multi-Port Impedance Tuning for Decoupling of Compact Antenna Systems

This paper introduces mutual impedance tuning for N-path mixer-first MIMO receivers, useful for dynamic decoupling of coupled-antenna systems. A two-port mixer-first MIMO receiver is realized in 45-nm SOI CMOS and includes polyphase baseband resistive-coupling networks. This coupled response is upconverted to radio frequency to realize tunable mutual impedance. The two receivers consume 16 mW and operate over 0.1-3 GHz. Each receiver achieves 3–6 dB noise figure and 14–40 dB conversion gain. When connected to two antennas placed an eighth-wavelength apart, measurements show that N-path decoupling improves signal-to-noise ratio by 7 dB.
Successful development of a first in class tissue-based morphometric approach to re-define prostate cancer Gleason grading and improve risk discrimination at the time of diagnosis.

e16610Background: We have previously shown the importance of utilizing the intact tissue section and quantitative multiplex immunofluorescence (MIF) for developing accurate prognostic risk models i...
Differential sensitivity to cytotoxic chemotherapy according to histologic growth pattern of advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

9098Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between lung adenocarcinoma growth patterns and response to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Methods: Patients (pts) diagnosed with i...
Reirradiation for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a pediatric brain tumor with dismal prognosis despite initial radiation therapy (RT). The clinical consequences of attempting reirradiation (reRT) in these patients to alleviate both symptomatology and improve prognosis are currently unclear. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to clarify the efficacy and safety of reRT in DIPG. Searches of seven electronic databases from inception to January 2019 were conducted following the appropriate guidelines. Articles were screened against prespecified criteria. The incidence and duration of clinical outcomes were then extracted and pooled by means of meta-analysis from the included studies. A total of 7 studies satisfied all criteria, describing 90 cases of DIPG in which reRT was attempted 11.8–14 months after initial RT. Based on a random-effects model, the incidences of clinical improvement and radiologic response following reRT were 87% (95% CI, 78–95%) and 69% (95% CI, 52–84%), respectively. The incidence of acute serious toxicity was 0% (95% CI, 0–4%). Pooled overall survivals from initial diagnosis and time of reRT were 18.0 months (95% CI, 14.2–21.7) and 6.2 months (95% CI, 5.5–7.0), respectively. Based on these results, the clinical consequences of reRT for DIPG when administered appropriately and safely at first progression appear acceptable, and potentially favorable, based on the limited evidence in the current literature. Concerns regarding acute serious toxicity were not realized. It is likely that a subcohort of all DIPG diagnoses will be most amenable to improve prognosis with reRT, and greater investigation is required to identify their characteristics.
Assessing online media reliability: assigning a trust metric value and detecting 'Fake News' (Conference Presentation)

Today fabricated information is easily distributed throughout social media platforms and the internet, allowing embellished information to effortlessly slip through, misinform and manipulate the public to an attacker's erroneous execution. Falsified information –also known as "fake news" -- has been around for many centuries, but today it presents a unique challenge because it can affect voting patterns, political careers, new business product roll-outs, and countless other information consumption processes. This paper proposes a method that uses machine learning, and Bayes' theorem to identify “Fake News” stories. We use Bayesian estimators to calculate the conditional probability that a story is fake given the presence of feature predictors inside a news story. We present a concise summary of the qualitative methods used to study Fake News stories followed by the Computational Social Science and Machine Learning methods used to train and tune a classifier to detect Fake News. We expose some of the main linguistic trends identified in social media platforms associated with Fake News. We close the paper proposing a larger integrated system that can be used to identify and autonomously archive falsified content.
An On-Line Monitoring Device for Dissolved Gas in Transformer Oil Based on Spectrum Technology

On-line monitoring of dissolved gas in transformer oil can effectively judge the early fault of transformer. The existing monitoring devices are generally based on gas chromatography, which need to be replaced carrier gas and calibrated periodically, therefore, the maintenance work is heavy. In recent years, photoacoustic spectrum technology with the advantages of high accuracy and no carrier gas required is gradually stressed, but its measurement accuracy is susceptible to mechanical vibration and noise, and its main components such as modulation disk is prone to failure. For this reason, this paper proposes an on-line monitoring device for dissolved gas in transformer oil based on spectrum technology, which doesn't need carrier gas and maintenance during operation. The device is simpler and lighter in structure and better in performance. The device can on-line monitor 7 kinds of dissolved gas in transformer oil, and has functions such as transformer fault diagnosis, remote alarm, local man-machine interaction, local storage, and supports multiple communication modes such as IEC61850 protocol. The field application shows that the device can provide the basis for transformer fault diagnosis.
Ethics and Geoengineering: An Overview

There is widespread agreement that ethical concerns are central to decision-making about, and governance of, geoengineering. This is especially true of the most prominent and paradigm example of climate engineering, the spraying of sulfate particles into the stratosphere in order to block incoming sunlight and so limit global warming (hereafter, ‘stratospheric sulfate injection’ (SSI)). Geoengineering ethics, like geoengineering science, is still in its early, exploratory days. This chapter offers an introductory overview of the emerging discussion and some of the challenges moving forward, taking SSI as its key example. It identifies a range of values relevant to geoengineering, exposes some misleading early framings, argues that questions of justification and context are both important, and summarizes the Tollgate principles for geoengineering governance. One theme is that despite the initial agreement on the centrality of ethics, in practice there are profound risks that ethical considerations will be marginalized, both in the short-term as research is developed, and in the longer-run, in any deployment.
Modeling COVID-19 Growing Trends to Reveal the Differences in the Effectiveness of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions among Countries in the World

ABSTRACT Objective We hypothesize that COVID-19 case growth data reveals the efficacy of NPIs. In this study, we conduct a secondary analysis of COVID-19 case growth data to compare the differences in the effectiveness of NPIs among 16 representative countries in the world. Methods This study leverages publicly available data to learn patterns of dynamic changes in the reproduction rate for sixteen countries covering Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. Furthermore, we model the relationships between the cumulative number of cases and the dynamic reproduction rate to characterize the effectiveness of the NPIs. We learn four levels of NPIs according to their effects in the control of COVID-19 growth and categorize the 16 countries into the corresponding groups. Results The dynamic changes of the reproduction rate are learned via linear regression models for all of the studied countries, with the average adjusted R-squared at 0.96 and the 95% confidence interval as [0.94 0.98]. China, South Korea, Argentina, and Australia are at the first level of NPIs, which are the most effective. Japan and Egypt are at the second level of NPIs, and Italy, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Spain, are at the third level. The US and UK have the most inefficient NPIs, and they are at the fourth level of NPIs. Conclusions COVID-19 case growth data provides evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of the NPIs. Understanding the differences in the efficacy of the NPIs among countries in the world can give guidance for emergent public health events.
Cylindrical Focused Laser Differential Interferometer

A novel configuration of focused laser differential interferometry (FLDI) was developed, simulated, and tested. The new configuration is referred to as cylindrical FLDI or CFLDI. Using cylindrical ...
Handbook of the assisted reproduction laboratory

Human Fertilization Overview of Spermatogenesis and Ejaculation Implantation Evaluation of Male Infertility Female Infertility Ovarian Stimulation and Ovulation Induction Oocyte and Pre-Embryo Classification Oocyte and Embryo Culture Micromanipulation of Human Gametes, Zygotes, and Embryos Quality Control: A Framework for the ART Laboratory Internal and External Quality Control in the Andrology Laboratory Quality Assurance in the Embryology, Andrology, and Endocrine Laboratories Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and Management of the Cryopreservation Laboratory Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88): A Review The Physician-Laboratory Relationship Ethics and the Assisted Reproductive Technologies Managed Care and ART Index
Transportation Improvements and Land Values in the Antebellum United States: A Hedonic Approach

We offer county-level estimates of the effect of water and rail access on the value of antebellum farms. Employing a hedonic model, we find that in 1850 average farm values in counties with access to a canal or navigable river were $2.68 per acre greater than counties without such access and $1.80 greater with rail access. In 1860 the figures were $3.75 for a canal or river access and $1.35 for rail. With average farm size around 200 acres and per capita national income roughly $150 during the decade, we conclude that on average transportation access yielded substantial economic gains.
Photon scattering in the giant resonance region of 24Mg, 28Si, and 32S.

Cross sections for the elastic and inelastic scattering of monochromatic photons from /sup 24/Mg, /sup 28/Si, and /sup 32/S have been measured for incident photon energies between 17 and 28 MeV, spanning the region of the giant dipole resonance. The cross sections are interpreted in terms of the coupling between the giant dipole resonances built on the ground and 2/sub 1//sup +/ states. A good quantitative description of the energy-averaged cross sections is obtained in the context of the dynamic collective model, provided /sup 32/S is a vibrational nucleus and /sup 24/Mg and /sup 28/Si are prolate and oblate nuclei, respectively. The cross sections for /sup 28/Si show considerable structure that is correlated in the elastic and 2/sub 1//sup +/ channels and that is not predicted by the dynamic collective model. The elastic cross section is used to infer the total photoabsorption cross section, which is shown to be somewhat more structured than implied by previous direct measurements.
Myo-Inositol Deficiency in Gerbils: Comparative Study of the Intestinal Lipodystrophy in Meriones unguiculatus and Meriones libycus

Like Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), Meriones libycus develop an intestinal lipodystrophy due to myo-inositol deficiency. Fat accumulation was observed in the intestine of both species when a myo-inositol-deficient diet containing coconut oil was fed to female gerbils. It began in the duodenum and gradually extended to the entire small intestine. Starvation partially removed the accumulated fats. The efficiency of fat absorption was not affected. Most of the accumulated fats were lauric acid-rich triglyceride with the fatty acid composition reflecting the pattern of the intestinal lymph triglyceride during normal transport of absorbed coconut oil. The ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid in various intestinal lipids was increased. A marked decrease in all plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, including chylomicron, was also observed. It is assumed that the intestinal fat accumulation resulted from a defect in lymphatic transport of dietary fats.
Experiments in intraocular hydrodynamics: III. Some effects of experimentally induced changes in aqueous salt concentration

If the osmotic pressure of the aqueous is artificially altered by perfusion at constant IOP with water or salt solution, the IOP responds, after the perfusion, in such a manner that there is a linear relationship between NaCl concentration of perfusion fluid and change in IOP, except at low concentration of NaCl, at which the response is complex.
Two signal models in innate immunity

Two-signal models have a rich history in immunology. In the classic two-signal model of T-cell activation, signal one consists of engagement of the T-cell receptor by antigen/major histocompatibility complex, whereas signal two arises from costimulatory ligands on antigen-presenting cells. A requirement for two independent signals helps to ensure that T-cell responses are initiated only in response to bona fide infectious threats. Our studies have led us to conclude that initiation of innate immune responses to pathogens also often requires two signals: signal one is initiated by a microbe-derived ligand, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or flagellin, whereas signal two conveys additional contextual information that often accompanies infectious microbes. Although signal one alone is sufficient to initiate many innate responses, certain responses-particularly ones with the potential for self-damage-require two signals for activation. Many of our studies have employed the intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila, which has been established as a valuable model for understanding innate immune responses. In this review, we discuss how the innate immune system integrates multiple signals to generate an effective response to L. pneumophila and other bacterial pathogens.
OBE: Some Answers for the Uninitiated

(1994). OBE: Some Answers for the Uninitiated. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 67, No. 4, pp. 193-196.
Introduction to Variational Sensitivity Analysis

The methods for discrete sensitivity analysis discussed in the previous chapter are very general in that they are equally applicable to nonstructural sensitivity analysis involving systems of linear equations, eigenvalue problems, etc. However, for structural applications they also have two disadvantages. First, not all structural analysis solution methods lead to the type of discretized equations that are discussed in Chapter 7. For example, shell-of-revolution codes such as FASOR [1] directly integrate the equations of equilibrium without first converting them to systems of algebraic equations. Second, operating on the discretized equations often requires access to the source code of the structural analysis program which implements these equations. Unfortunately, many of the popular structural analysis programs do not provide such access to most users. It is desirable, therefore, to have sensitivity analysis methods that are more generally applicable and can be implemented without extensive access to and knowledge of the insides of structural analysis programs. Variational methods of sensitivity analysis achieve this goal by differentiating the equations governing the structure before they are discretized. The resulting sensitivity equations can then be solved with the aid of a structural analysis program. It is not even essential that the same program be used for the analysis and the sensitivity calculations.
Bulged Invader probes: activated duplexes for mixed-sequence dsDNA recognition with improved thermodynamic and kinetic profiles

Double-stranded oligonucleotides with +1 interstrand zipper arrangements of intercalator-functionalized nucleotides are energetically activated for recognition of mixed-sequence double-stranded DNA. Incorporation of nonyl (C9) bulges at specific positions of these probes, results in more highly affine (>5-fold), faster (>4-fold) and more persistent dsDNA recognition relative to conventional Invader probes.
Dharma Dancing: Ballroom Dancing and the Relational Order

Extending Norman Denzin’s innovations in ethnography, and reflecting his concerns with cultural interpretation and visual media, this article offers a multimedia excursion into the conjunction of ballroom dancing and relational theory. By creating a relationship between multiple media (photography and videography) and modes of human communication (poetry, prose, dance, visual art), the article brings forth possibilities not contained in any one alone. Simultaneously, the authors attempt to expand on the implications of relational theory. Through visual art, poetry, and prose, the authors discover new facets of what it means to be related and variously bring into focus issues of aesthetics, gender, power, and the dynamics of daily life.
Molecular thermodynamic model for solvent-induced glass transitions in polymer—supercritical fluid systems

A molecular thermodynamic approach is described for predicting polymer glass transition temperatures as a function of the amount of gas sorbed by the polymer. The predictive model is based on a lattice theory of polymer solutions and the concept of order parameters, the use of which has been important in the development of macroscopic models and phenomenological analyses of glass transitions. A general definition of the solvent-induced glass transition is given, and then applied within the framework of this lattice model and its order parameters to predict glass transition temperatures for several polymer-compressed CO2 mixtures. The model is also used to examine a new experimental observation described as retrograde vitrification.
Laboratory diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii infections by PCR directed to genes encoding for mitochondrial 5S and 28S ribosomal RNA.

Abstract PCR with 5S mitochondrial ribosomal RNA (5S) target is a sensitive and specific assay for the detection of Pneumocystis carinii in clinical specimens from the respiratory tract. We developed an oligonucleotide probe directed to a 200 bp amplicon generated by fungal-specific universal primers that anneals with sequrences specific for P. carinii in the 28S ribosomal RNA gene (28S). Of 50 archived bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens, 46 of 50 samples (92% agreement) gave the same result (23 positive, 23 negative) by PCR directed to the 5S and 28S assays. Results of calcofluor white staining of BAL smears on slides indicated agreement with the molecular results in 43 of 46 (93.5%) assays. PCR detection of P. carinii by amplification of 28S ribosomal gene target by fungal-specific primers and an organism-specific probe provides an alternate genomic target for the laboratory diagnosis of this organism.
The sixth taste

Five taste qualities are recognized in humans: sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and umami. Rats and some other species may also have a sixth taste. Behavioral and electrophysiological data suggest that rats can taste polysaccharides derived from starch. Furthermore, the tastes of sugars and polysaccharides appear to differ in quality. Rats also discriminate different types of polysaccharide and starch molecules. Recent studies indicate that sweet taste is mediated by a T1R2 and T1R3 receptor complex but the identity of the hypothesized polysaccharide taste receptor remains to be established.
Spectroscopy of Neurotransmitters and Their Clusters: Phenethylamine and Amphetamine Solvation by Nonpolar, Polar, and Hydrogen-Bonding Solvents

Clusters containing a phenylethylamine (PEA) or amphetamine (AMP) molecule and a solvent species such as Ar, CH4, CF3H, CO2, H2O, and other small molecules are formed in a supersonic jet expansion....
Comment on a linear technique for the measurement of ultrashort optical pulse widths

Abstract It is noted that a linear technique which has been proposed for the measurement of the duration of ultrashort light pulses can give erroneously small values when the pulses are frequency modulated.
Water deficit modulates gene expression in growing zones of soybean seedlings. Analysis of differentially expressed cDNAs, a new beta-tubulin gene, and expression of genes encoding cell wall proteins.

Transfer of soybean seedlings to low-water-potential vermiculite (ψw = −0.3 MPa) results in a reversible decrease in hypocotyl growth and modulation of several polysomal mRNAs (Plant Physiol 92: 205–214). We report here the isolation of two cDNA clones (pGE16 and pGE95) which correspond to genes whose mRNA levels are increased, and one cDNA clone (pGE23) which corresponds to a gene whose mRNA level is decreased in the hypocotyl zone of cell elongation by water deficit. In well-watered seedlings mRNAs hybridizing to pGE16 and pGE95 are most abundant in mature regions of the seedling, but in water-deficient seedlings mRNA levels are reduced in mature regions and enhanced in elongating regions. RNA corresponding to soybean proline-rich protein 1 (sbPRP1) shows a similar tissue distribution and response to water deficit. In contrast, in well-watered seedlings, the gene corresponding to pGE23 was highly expressed in the hypocotyl and root growing zones. Transfer of seedlings to low-water-potential vermiculite caused a rapid decrease in mRNA hybridizing to pGE23. Sequence analysis revealted that pGE23 has high homology with β-tubulin. Water deficit also reduced the level of mRNA hybridizing to JCW1, an auxin-modulated gene, although with different kinetics. Furthermore, mRNA encoding actin, glycine-rich proteins (GRPs), and hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) were down-regulated in the hypocotyl zone of elongation of seedlings exposed to water deficit. No effect of water deficit was observed on the expression of chalcone synthase. Decreased expression of β-tubulin, actin, JCW1, HRGP and GRP and increased expression of sbPRP1, pGE95 and pGE16 in the hypocotyl zone of cell elongation could participate in the reversible growth inhibition observed in water-deficient soybean seedlings.
The head extractions, brain and pituitary uptake and metabolism of progesterone and 5α-dihydroprogesterone in anesthetized, female rabbits

Abstract Three days after ovariectomy adult female rabbits were injected intramuscularly with either 2 μg estradiol/kg b.w., 0.5 mg progesterone/kg b.w., 2 μg estradiol plus 0.5 mg progesterone/kg b.w., or oil vehicle daily for 5 days. On the sixth day the animals were anesthetized and given a continuous infusion of [ 14 C]progesterone and [ 3 H]5α-pregnane-3,20-dione (5α-DHP) for 4 h via the femoral vein. Head extractions, calculated from the difference in blood concentrations of radioactive steroids between the femoral artery and jugular vein, were in the range of 60–75% for both progesterone and 5α-DHP and were unaffected by the hormone treatments. Nine brain areas and the pituitary were analyzed for [ 14 C]progesterone, [ 3 H]5α-DHP and [ 14 C]5α-DHP. Generally, the brain and pituitary retention and distribution of [ 14 C]progesterone and [ 3 H]5α-DHP and the brain and pituitary metabolism of [ 14 C]progesterone were unaffected by hormone treatments. In the cerebellum, progesterone treatment increased [ 14 C]progesterone retention as compared to oil treatment. All tissues contained 2–7 times more [ 14 C]progesterone than arterial blood concentrations. [ 3 H]5α-DHP tissue: arterial blood concentrations ratios were much lower ranging from 0.9 to 1.78. [ 14 C]progesterone and [ 3 H]5α-DHP showed similar brain distribution with highest concentrations in the pons, pons reticulum and midbrain reticulum. All tissues converted progesterone to 5α-DHP, but only the cerebellum contained more [ 14 C]5α-DHP than [ 14 C]progesterone.
How to Play the Linnaean Games

The Linnaean Games, the college-bowl style entomological contest held during the branch and national meetings of the Entomological Society of America, are six years old, and I think it is time for a “how to” look at preparing for and winning the Linnaean Games. There are how-to books for other competitive sports, why not the Linnaean Games? This paper presents my philosophy, based on three years of competition on the Wildcat Team representing the University of Kentucky (two first-place and one second-place finishes at the branch level, two years of competition at the national level), on subjects ranging from how to select a team to psyching up for the games
Identification, interval bounds, and linear algebraic estimation for a class of nonlinear problems

We discuss three aspects of estimation for a class of nonlinear parameter estimation problems: identifiability, interval bounds for nonidentifiable parameters, and a linear algebraic estimation algorithm which is not iterative. The discussion is motivated by fluorescence decay analysis and a liver tracer model
Reversal of an abnormal free fatty acid response to emotional stress in a diabetic adoloescent using a portable insulin-infusion pump

Repeated episodes of ketoacidosis in some juvenile diabetics has been associated with an abnormal rise in circulating free fatty acids (FFA) following emotional stress. Reversal of this phenomenon occurred after treatment with a portable insulin infusion pump (PIIP). Following initiation of PIIP treatment, this abnormal rise in FFA secretion was eliminated, as were the patient's episodes of ketoacidosis. We believe that PIIP treatment should be considered in the poorly controlled compliant diabetic patient.
Unique modification of human heart glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase by blue agarose

Abstract The major form of glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase in human heart (GPDH-1) is a minor form ( t 1 2 @ 40 °C changed from 1.6 min to >180 min); (b) it could now be stained for activity on native gels following electro-phoresis; and (c) it now migrated with the bromphenol blue dye front. The results suggest that this stabilized form of GPDH-1 is due to the covalent binding of charged ligands from the column and that this technique may be useful for studying the molecular structure and/or the active site of GPHD-1 and possibly of other enzymes which bind to blue agarose.
Second Decrease in the Period of the Vela Pulsar

THE first discontinuity in period of the Vela Pulsar (PSR 0833–45) occurred between February 24 and March 3, 1969 (refs. 1 and 2). The period decreased by 208 ns and the rate of change of period increased by 1 × 10−15 s s−1. A similar discontinuity occurred between August 21 and September 4, 1971. A preliminary analysis of the data shows that the period decreased by 179 ns and that the rate of change of period increased. A definitive analysis of the discontinuity will have to await more data because of the normally irregular behaviour of the period3.
A simple stackable re-radiating boundary condition (rRBC) for FDTD

The fundamental properties of a new re-radiating boundary condition (rRBC) for terminating the grid in the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method are examined. It is shown that because it is based on the field teleportation principle of [M.E. Watts et al., February-March 2003], this rRBC generates exact negative copies of the outgoing time-domain fields in FDTD, independently of the angle of incidence, polarization, field impedance, or material properties. The effect of the rRBC is to differentiate the outgoing signal and reduce it approximately by a factor of 10 in the time domain. Several rRBC boundaries can be stacked, one after the other, to continually decrease the level of the outgoing signal. Termination of the rRBC stack with a one cell Huygen's condition further reduces the signal, and minimizes the integration feedback as the faint echoes cross backwards through the rRBCs. It is shown that the net result is a boundary that is more efficient than a PML of similar total thickness (especially at shallow angles of incidence) and is trivial to program, requiring no special treatment for corners or material properties.
Tissue-Specific Induction of COX-2 and Prostaglandins in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Extraplacental Human Gestational Membranes in a 2-Chamber Transwell Culture System

The current study investigates tissue-specific prostaglandin secretion and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) induction in full-thickness human gestational membranes. Gestational membranes were collected from healthy, nonlaboring cesarean deliveries at 37 to 39 weeks gestation and cultured in 2-chamber Transwell devices. Lipopolysaccharide exposure (100 ng/mL for 8 hours) elevated prostaglandin E(2) and F(2α) concentrations in the amniotic chamber medium regardless of whether exposure was to the amniotic, decidual, or both sides of the membranes. However, prostaglandin E(2) and F(2 α) concentrations in the decidual chamber medium were elevated compared with controls only if the decidual side was exposed directly to lipopolysaccharide. Whereas prostaglandin F(2α) concentrations increased to similar extents in the amniotic and decidual chambers regardless of lipopolysaccharide exposure modality, prostaglandin E(2) concentrations were 22-fold higher on the amniotic side than the decidual side after lipopolysaccharide stimulation of the amnion. These findings demonstrate the propagation of prostaglandins, prostaglandin precursors, or other factors in the direction of the decidua to the amnion, but the reverse situation was not evident. Immunostaining for COX-2 was related to the side of lipopolysaccharide exposure, that is, exposure to the amnion caused immunostaining in cells of the collagen layers of the amnion and chorion, whereas exposure to the decidual side caused staining in decidual cells. These findings suggest that the inflammatory effect of lipopolysaccharide on COX-2 induction occurs within a localized area of exposure and that prostaglandins or their precursors move across the tissues of the gestational membranes by currently undefined transport mechanisms.
Considerations in the growth of α-iron single crystals

Abstract The influence of strain rate on the Luders strain and its subsequent effects on the critical strain necessary for single crystal growth by the strain-anneal technique were investigated in α-iron. The magnitude of the Luders strain was found to be a controlling factor in single crystal growth and the speed of travel of crystals through a steep temperature gradient governed the orientations developed.
Phenotypic variability in three families with valosin-containing protein mutation.

Background and purpose The phenotype of IBMPFD [inclusion body myopathy with Paget's disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)] associated with valosin-containing protein (VCP) mutation is described in three families. Methods Probands were identified based on a pathological diagnosis of frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43-positive inclusions type IV. VCP sequencing was carried out. Clinical data on affected family members were reviewed. Results Ohio family: four subjects presented muscle weakness and wasting. (One subject had both neuropathic and myopathic findings and another subject showed only evidence of myopathy. The etiology of weakness could not be ascertained in the remaining two subjects.) Two individuals also showed Parkinsonism (with associated FTD in one of the two). The proband's brain displayed FTLD-TDP type IV and Braak stage five Parkinson's disease (PD). A VCP R191Q mutation was found. Pennsylvania family: 11 subjects developed IBMPFD. Parkinsonism was noted in two mutation carriers, whilst another subject presented with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). A novel VCP T262A mutation was found. Indiana family: three subjects developed IBMPFD. FTD was diagnosed in two individuals and suspected in the third one who also displayed muscle weakness. A VCP R159C mutation was found. Conclusions We identified three families with IBMPFD associated with VCP mutations. Clinical and pathological PD was documented for the first time in members of two families. A novel T262A mutation was found. One individual had PPA: an uncommon presentation of IBMPFD.
Direct spectroscopic observation of 1.27 μm and 1.58 μm emission of singlet (1Δg) molecular oxygen in chemically generated and dye-photosensitized liquid solutions at room temperature

Abstract Direct spectroscopic observation of (0,0) at 1.27 μm and (0, 1) at 1.58 μm of 1 Δ g → 3 Σ g − transitions of molecular oxygen in H 2 O 2 -OCl − chemiluminescence reaction and in dye-sensitized fluorocarbon solutions at room temperature is reported. Observation of these weak and ultraweak emissions was accomplished by developing an extremely sensitive near IR spectrophotometer using a thermoelectrically cooled PbS detector, optimized optics, and a boxcar integrator, as a data processor.
Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease: possible identity with anti-microsomal antibody.

Thyroid microsomal antigen and peroxidase (TPO) have a close intracellular anatomical relationship, especially in exocytotic vesicles. We considered that antibodies to microsomal antigen might react with TPO and therefore looked for the presence of antibodies against TPO in the serum of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). TPO was prepared from Graves2 thyroid glands, solubilized by n-octyl glucoside, and its activity was assayed by the guaiacol method. Control sera and sera with a positive microsomal hemagglutination test (MCHA(+)) were assayed for their ability to precipitate TPO activity by incubation of sera with TPO and protein A. We identified MCHA(+) sera which caused precipitation of TPO activity, and the extent of precipitation was related to the amount of serum added. A significant correlation was present between this anti-peroxidase activity and microsomal antibodies titers, measured by a micro-ELISA method. Affinity columns prepared from immunoglobulins of MCHA(+) sera, coupled to ...
Prevalence of the GABAA receptor assemblies containing α1-subunit in the rat cerebellum and cerebral cortex as determined by immunoprecipitation: lack of modulation by chronic ethanol administration

The anti-alpha1 antibody elicited higher immunoprecipitation (%) values of the [3H]flunitrazepam and [3H]muscimol binding activity in the rat cerebellum vs. cerebral cortex, whereas immunoprecipitation values for [3H]Ro 15-4513 and [3H]zolpidem were comparable in these brain regions. Chronic ethanol administration neither changed the radioligand binding to the immunoprecipitated pellet nor the percentage immunoprecip-itation values, thereby indicating that chronic ethanol did not result in down-regulation of the GABAA receptor assemblies containing alpha1-subunit.
Ontogeny of behavioral sensitivity to glycine in the chick embryo

Strychnine (STR), glycine (GLY), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were injected intravenously into 6- and 7-day chick embryos and subsequent effects upon spontaneous motility were observed. In 7-day embryos STR alone increased motility and when injected simultaneously with GLY antagonized the GLY-induced motility decrements; STR did not antagonize GABA-induced motility decrements. In 6-day embryos STR injected alone had no effect on motility, but did antagonize motility decrements induced by the simultaneous injection of GLY; again STR did not antagonize GABA-induced motility decrements.