cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pediatric HIV-1-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses suggesting ongoing viral replication despite combination antiretroviral therapy.

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)–specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses are common in infected adults and usually exhibit rapid decay after combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). CTLs develop later in the first year of life, and the fate of HIV-1–specific responses in perinatally infected children after ART is less well described. HIV-1–specific CTL responses were measured in 17 perinatally infected children and adolescents (ages 3–20 y) receiving combination ART. Seven had prolonged viral suppression (<400 copies/mL) for 2.5–5.3 y and 10 had persistent viremia (median, 77,550 copies/mL). HIV-1–specific CTL responses were tested by interferon (IFN)-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays using 53 overlapping peptide pools spanning the entire HIV-1 proteome. HIV-1–specific CTL responses were detected in 14 of 17 individuals. Responses to one to four viral proteins were found in eight of 10 individuals with persistent viremia and six of seven with prolonged viral suppression. The magnitude and breadth of CTL responses were similar between groups. HIV-1–specific CTL responses were present in the majority of perinatally infected subjects, irrespective of viremia at evaluation. Because ART-treated infected adults usually have rapid decay of responses, these data suggest viral replication below the limits of detection is more persistent in combination ART-treated perinatally infected pediatric subjects. The long-term clinical implications of these findings remain to be determined.
Cloning and expression of the cDNA encoding rabbit liver carbonyl reductase

Abstract Two cDNA sequences encoding rabbit carbonyl reductase (CBR) were cloned from a λgt10 rabbit liver cDNA library. The rabbit cDNAs coded for a protein with 84% identity to human CBR. Transient expression of the two rabbit cDNA sequences in COS7 cells increased both quinone reductase and aldo-keto reductase activities. These data demonstrate that CBR cDNAs from rabbit and human tissues code for similar proteins.
Effects of gabapentin on cocaine self-administration, cocaine-triggered relapse and cocaine-enhanced nucleus accumbens dopamine in rats☆

Gabapentin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue, with GABAmimetic pharmacological properties. Gabapentin is used for the treatment of seizures, anxiety and neuropathic pain. It has been proposed that gabapentin may be useful in the treatment of cocaine dependence. However, clinical trials with gabapentin have shown conflicting results, while preclinical studies are sparse. In the present study, we investigated the effects of gabapentin on intravenous cocaine self-administration and cocaine-triggered reinstatement of drug-seeking behavior, as well as on cocaine-enhanced dopamine (DA) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We found that gabapentin (25-200 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min or 2 h prior to cocaine) failed to inhibit intravenous cocaine (0.5 mg/kg/infusion) self-administration under a fixed-ratio reinforcement schedule or cocaine-triggered reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior. In vivo microdialysis showed that the same doses of gabapentin produced a modest increase (approximately 50%, p<0.05) in extracellular NAc GABA levels, but failed to alter either basal or cocaine-enhanced NAc DA. These data suggest that gabapentin is a weak GABA-mimic drug. At the doses tested, it has no effect in the addiction-related animal behavioral models here tested. This is in striking contrast to positive findings in the same animal models shown by another GABAmimetic--gamma-vinyl GABA (see companion piece to present article).
SU-FF-T-550: Evaluation of Setup Accuracy of a Stereotactic Radiotherapy Head Immobilization Mask Using KV On-Board Imaging

Purpose: To evaluate setup accuracy of the BrainLAB stereotactic radiotherapy head immobilization mask using orthogonal projections from on‐board imaging.Materials and Methods: Eight patients were simulated and treated with the BrainLAB stereotactic head immobilization masks and CT‐localizers for brain lesions using single and hypo‐fractions. Orthogonal pairs of kV projections were acquired using Varian Trilogy's on‐board imager. The kV projections were then registered with digitally‐reconstructed‐radiographs (DRR) obtained from treatment planning. Shifts between the kV images and reference DRR's were calculated: anterior‐posterior (A‐P), left‐right (L‐R) and superior‐inferior (S‐I). If the shifts were > 2 mm in any direction, the patient was reset within the immobilization mask until satisfying accuracy has been achieved. Results: Shifts as large as 5 mm in the A‐P, L‐R and S‐I directions between kV projections and DRR's were found. These shifts represent offsets between the treatment and simulation setup using immobilization mask. The mean offsets of 0.1 mm, 0.7 mm, and −1.6 mm represent systematic errors in the A‐P, L‐R and S‐I directions, respectively, using the BrainLAB localizer. The mean of the radial shifts is about 1.7 mm. The standard deviations of shifts 2.2 mm, 2.0 mm, and 2.6 mm represent patient setup accuracy with the BrainLAB mask in A‐P, L‐R and S‐I directions. Conclusions: The BrainLAB mask provides less invasive immobilization system than the head ring. Relying on this system for patient setup might be associated with errors as large as 5 mm. Image‐guidance with the kV on‐board imager provides shifts that are required to setup patient prior to or during patient treatment. The patient may relax or move during treatment, and thus uncontrolled and undetected setup errors may be produced with patients that are not well immobilized. The combination of stereotactic immobilization and image guidance will achieve more controlled and accurate patient setup within 2 mm.
Activity of serotonin-containing nucleus centralis superior (raphe medianus) neurons in freely moving cats

Presumed serotonin-containing neurons in the nucleus centralis superior (NCS) in freely moving cats showed a slow, rhythmic discharge rate during quiet waking (X = 2.41 ± 0.12 spikes/s), and displayed a strong positive correlation with level of behavioral arousal. Unit activity during phasic and tonic arousal, as elicited by acoustic stimuli, was increased by 76% and 31%, respectively, and unit activity decreased to active waking levels as the arousal response habituated. During active waking, unit activity was significantly increased by 18% as compared to quiet waking, but there was no correlation between unit activity and phasic body movements. NCS unit activity showed a significant decrease of 15% during drowsiness (first appearance of EEG synchronization) as compared to quiet waking, and then progressive decreases during the early (−27%), middle (−41%) and late (−67%) phases of slow wave sleep. During all phases of slow wave sleep, the occurrence of sleep spindles was frequently associated with a transitory decrease in unit activity. The discharge rate would typically decrease during the few seconds immediately preceding the spindle, remain at this low level during the occurrence of the spindle, and then increase immediately after the spindle. NCS unit activity showed decreases of 73% during Pre-REM (the 60 s immediately before REM onset) and 84% during REM, as compared to quiet waking. Unit activity reappeared on the average 2.7 s before the end of REM with significant increases in activity of 60% and 28% during the first second and first 10 s of unit activity, respectively, as compared to quiet waking. NCS neurons showed no significant changes in activity across the 24-h light-dark cycle, when behavioral state was held constant. Seventy-eight % of NCS units were excited by phasic auditory stimulation, with a mean latency of 41 ± 3 ms and a mean duration of 34 ± 4 ms. The response to repetitive auditory stimulation showed no evidence of habituation and was even present during sleep. A similar response was evoked by phasic visual stimulation in 68% of the cells tested. A small subset of cells (12%) were inhibited by phasic auditory and visual stimuli. NCS neurons were inhibited by low doses of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (50 μg/kg, i.m.) or LSD (50 μg/kg, i.p.). These data demonstrate that serotonin-containing NCS neurons exhibit properties very similar to those in the nucleus raphe dorsalis, but are different in many respects from medullary serotonergic neurons.
Infra-red spectra of capsular polysaccharides from thirteen strains of Cryptococcus neoformans.

STUDIES of infra-red absorption spectra of immunopolysaccharides have received little attention until recently. Thus, Levine, Stevenson and Kabler1 were able to show that the serologically reactive and type specific pneumococcal polysaccharides have distinctive spectra by which they can be identified. Later, Watson, Marinetti and Scherp2 working with the specific hapten of group C meningococcus were successful in assigning a provisional structure for the hapten by the aid of infra-red spectral analysis. Inasmuch as purified cryptococcal polysaccharides have shown serological reactivity by precipitation with specific hyperimmune rabbit serum3,4 in addition to stimulating antibody formation in mice5, it was deemed desirable to investigate their infra-red spectra and to compare these with the spectra of crude preparations.
Echocardiographic Confirmation of Mitral Valve Prolapse: A New Finding on Radionuclide Ventriculography- A Case Report

A prominent filling defect was depicted on a radionuclide ventriculogram in a patient with mitral regurgitation. This defect was later shown, by cardiac ultrasound, to be due to mitral valve prolapse into the left ventricle during diastole. This case illustrates that mitral valve prolapse should be added to the list of clinical entities that can result in an intraventricular defect on a radionuclide ventriculogram.
Distribution of radioactivity between the acid-soluble pool and the pools of RNA in the nuclear, nonsedimentable and ribosome fractions of rat liver after a single injection of labeled orotic acid

Abstract 1. 1. The distribution of acid-soluble and acid-insoluble radioactivity in homogenates of rat liver and the distribution of acid-insoluble radioactivity in various cell fractions of homogenates have been studied in a balance-sheet manner at various time points following a single intraperitoneal injection of labeled orotic acid. 2. 2. Equilibrium between the amounts of radioactivity in the acid-soluble pool and in the pool of nuclear RNA reached a ratio of about 8:1 by 3 h and remained constant from that time on. By the same criterion, equilibrium between the amounts of radioactivity in the acid-soluble pool and in the total acid-insoluble pool was reached after 36 h, with approx, 20% of the total radioactivity in the acid-soluble fraction. 3. 3. The apparent half lives of RNA in the nuclei, total ribosome fraction and nonsedimentable RNA were found to be 120 ± 13, 99 ± 11 and 90 ± 11 h, respectively. Similar half lives were calculated from the decay of the total radioactivity in these fractions per mg DNA. The total radioactivity per mg DNA in the acid-soluble fraction decayed with an apparent half life of 104 h. 4. 4. Evidence for reutilization of nucleotides has been obtained.
Oxidation of N-methyl-γ-tocopheramine to a nitroxide

An unstable nitroxide identified by electron paramagnetic resonance spectra was obtained by oxidation of N-methyl-γ-tocopheramine with peroxide and also by ultraviolet photooxidation.
Low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1 variant interacts with saturated fatty acids in Puerto Ricans

Low density lipoprotein related receptor protein 1 (LRP1) is a multi-functional endocytic receptor that is highly expressed in adipocytes and the hypothalamus. Animal models and in vitro studies support a role for LRP1 in adipocyte metabolism and leptin signaling, but genetic polymorphisms have not been evaluated for obesity in people. We examined whether dietary fats (eg., saturated, polyunsaturated) modulated the association of LRP1 variants with anthropometric traits. We studied a population-based sample of Puerto Ricans (n=920, aged 45–74 y) living in the Boston area. In multivariable linear regression models, we dichotomized saturated fat intake and found significant interaction terms between total saturated fatty acids and LRP1 rs1799986 genotype for BMI (P=0.006) and hip (P=0.002). High intake of saturated fat was associated with higher BMI (P=0.001), waist (P=0.008) and hip (P=0.003) in minor allele carriers (CT+TT) compared to CC participants. Further analysis of dichotomized individual saturated fatty acids revealed that interactions were strongest for two individual longer chain fatty acids. High intake of palmitic acid (C16:0; P=0.0007) and high stearic acid intake (C18:0; P=0.005) were associated with higher BMI in T carriers. Interactions were not detected for polyunsaturated fatty acids. Gene-diet interactions at the LRP1 locus support the hypothesis that susceptibility to weight gain based on saturated fatty acids is modified by genotype and possibly by chain length. These results may facilitate the development of a panel of genetic candidates for use in optimizing dietary recommendations for obesity management.
COMPARISON OF CYTOLETHAL DISTENDING TOXIN AND INVASION ABILITIES IN CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL PATIENTS AND POULTRY

The cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) and ability to invade cells are known virulence factors of Campylobacter jejuni. The cdtB subunit was sequenced in isolates obtained from humans (n = 19), chickens (n = 50), and turkeys (n = 22) to determine if pathogenic C. jejuni could be detected using the cdtB gene. Most of the C. jejuni isolates (87%) were found to carry the cdtB gene with a highly conserved sequence. However, 4 human, 5 chicken, and 2 turkey isolates had mutations resulting in sequences being 30% or less homologous to the consensus sequence. Some of these mutations had minor effects on cytotoxicity and isolates still were able to kill 18–67% of HeLa cells. In this study, there was no correlation in invasion abilities and cytotoxicity. The results indicated C. jejuni may utilize more than one mechanism in causing disease and pathogenicity but is strain dependent. Also, the utility of the cdtB as an indicator of pathogenicity is doubtful. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S.A. and creates a 1.2 billion dollar annual burden. Being able to detect and distinguish pathogenic from nonpathogenic strains is important for assessing the risk to consumers of contracting campylobacteriosis. Understanding which pathogenicity factors are important in causing disease can give information to develop targets for detecting pathogenic bacteria, intervention strategies and therapeutic medicines. This work points out that the ability of C. jejuni to cause disease varies by strain and one or more mechanisms may be used in causing disease. The results of this study indicate multiple targets may be necessary for designing a molecular assay used to detect pathogenic strains of C. jejuni. In order to reduce C. jejuni on poultry products, the incidences of campylobacteriosis and consequent economic burden, detection and intervention methods need to be developed.
Three-degree-of-freedom flexure-based manipulator for high-resolution spatial micromanipulation

Flexure-based compliant mechanism design enables the development of revolute joint manipulators without the backlash or Coulomb friction that impede precision position and especially force control. Additionally, due to scaling effects, the adverse consequences of Coulomb friction are exacerbated at small scales. Conventional approaches to compliant mechanism design impose several limitations, however, such as severely limited ranges of motion, poor kinematic behavior, and significant deformation under multi- axis loading. The authors have developed a new type of compliant mechanism that enables the implementation of spatially-loaded revolute joint manipulators with well- behaved kinematic characteristics and without the backlash and stick-slip behavior that would otherwise impede precision control. The primary innovation in the design is the split-tube flexure, a unique small-scale revolute joint that exhibits a considerably larger range of motion and significantly better multi-axis revolute joint characteristics than a conventional flexure. Specifically, the compliant manipulator has an approximately spherical workspace two centimeters in diameter, yet is structurally rigid along non-actuated axes. Data from the small-scale manipulator demonstrates that positioning resolution is limited by digital quantization and sensor noise, and not by more fundamental physical limitations, such as backlash or Coulomb friction.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A selenium-selective chromatoraphic detector based on isotope cluster

Abstract A selenium-selective chromatograhic detector based on mass spectrometry is described. Full mass spectra are collected continously from the gas chromatographic effuent. A computer program then searches the spectra for the naturall-occurring selenium isotope cluster, indicating which spectra in the data set are most likely to contain those clusters. The device involves a selective data-reduction technqiue, as opposed to a selective data-collection process; it therefore possesses some useful advantages. The method was tested on the EPA/NIH Mass Spectral Data Base and on the analysis of trimethylsilylated amino-acid mixtures including selenomethionine.
Constitutive expression in Escherichia coli of the Neurospora crassa structural gene encoding the inducible enzyme catabolic dehydroquinase.

In Neurospora crassa the qa-2 gene, which encodes catabolic dehydroquinase, is under positive control exerted by the inducer quinic acid and an activator protein encoded in the closely linked qa-1 gene. In order to determine if this regulatory mechanism is maintained when the qa-2 gene is cloned on a recombinant plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli, molecular cloning experiments have been performed using DNA isolated from a qa-1 +(inducible), a qa-1C (constitutive) and two qa-1 (non-inducible) strains of N. crassa. The results demonstrate that the level of expression of the qa-2 gene in E. coli is completely independent of the mutational state of the qa-1 gene. Moreover, the level of expression of the cloned qa-2 gene was unaffected by either an intracellularly produced inducer of catabolic dehydroquinase or by the general procaryotic positive effector, the CAP factor. The weight of evidence thus supports the conclusion that transcription of the N. crassa qa-2 gene in E. coli does not require the qa-1 activator protein and thus is not controlled by the same mechanism which functions in N. crassa.
Equivalence of certain models in protein ligand equilibria and the possibility of distinguishing between them.

Abstract Methods have been developed for analyzing the binding of ligand by a protein exhibiting allosteric properties. The procedure has been developed for the case of four subunits. The relationship to existing theoretical models has been discussed. The conditions under which a choice between models is feasible are described.
Satisfaction with retirement : vocational script development /

Abstract The concept of vocational script development is discussed as a narrative developmental and interpretive paradigm. The paradigm is considered central to satisfaction with retirement from active employment and is convergent with several theoretical perspectives. Personality and adult development theory, constructivist approaches, and vocational psychology/career development approaches support the concept of script as a therapeutic tool. Current ideas within these theories advance the application of script theory to retirement planning research and counseling. The response of employed people to retirement routine and activity is conceived of as further development of the vocational script, with implications for theorists, practitioners, and researchers.
Biomedical applications of free-electron lasers

Tunable, pulsed radiation sources in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelength ranges offer novel opportunities for investigating laser-induced biomedical effects. Free-electron lasers (FELs) deliver continuously tunable, pulsed radiation in the infrared, providing the capability to selectively target radiation into the vibrational modes of water or other biopolymers. Experimental techniques for measuring the absorption spectra of biological samples are described. These spectra indicate wavelengths that potentially serve as the basis for laser-induced biomedical effects. Some practical considerations for infrared, visible, and UV spectroscopy of biological samples are summarized, and the connection between biomedical research and more fundamental investigations of vibrational energy transfer are emphasized.
Protective Responses to Household Risk A Case Study of Radon Mitigation

This study analyzes the effectiveness of a mass-media radon information and testing campaign conducted in the Washington, D.C. area in the winter of 1988. Although an impressive number of test kits (approximately 100,000) were sold, the ultimate mitigation rates resulting from the campaign were extremely low. Analyses show that low mitigation rates cannot be explained by postulating that people's responses to radon are insensitive to the level of objective risk. They may instead be due to characteristics of the protective response required to reduce radon risk. Radon may be thought of as one of a family of household risks which have risk response profiles that make them particularly difficult for people to manage and remediate. Traditional information campaigns for such risks are likely to be ineffective; instead, they may require regulatory strategies or programs which provide active guidance and assistance.
Lipid composition and fatty acid metabolism by mammary cells of rat

Abstract 1. 1. Mammary cells from lactating rats contain approximately 270 pg. lipid per cell composed mostly of triglyceride and phospholipids (77 and 15 per cent respectively). The phospholipids were comprised of phospbatidylcholine 45, pbosphatidylethanolamine 24, sphingomyclin 10, and phosphaddylinositol 10 per cent respectively. 2. 2. The fatty acid composition of the total lipids resembled rat mille, containing fatty adds C8:0 to C20:4 inclusive. Palmitic, oleic, and linolcic were 25, 26, and 18 per cent of the total fatty acids. 3. 3. The mammary cells absorbed exogenous fatty acids in the following order C18:1 > C18:0 = C16:0 > C14:0 > C10:0 > C6:0 These fatty acids were preferentially estcrificd in the triglycerides and phosphatidylcholine. 4. 4. Hcxanoic acid was elongated to the homologous series of fatty acids C6:0to C16:oinclusive by rat mammary cells.
Structure and Composition of Nanometer-Sized Nitrides in a Creep-Resistant Cast Austenitic Alloy

The microstructure of a new and improved high-temperature creep-resistant cast austenitic alloy, CF8C-Plus, was characterized after creep-rupture testing at 1023 K (750 °C) and 100 MPa. Microstructures were investigated by detailed scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Principal component analysis of EDS spectrum images was used to examine the complex precipitate morphology. Thermodynamic modeling was performed to predict equilibrium phases in this alloy as well as the compositions of these phases at relevant temperatures. The improved high-temperature creep strength of CF8C-Plus over its predecessor CF8C is suggested to be due to the modified microstructure and phase stability in the alloy, including the absence of δ-ferrite in the as-cast condition and the development of a stable, slow-growing precipitation hardening nitride phase—the tetragonal Z-phase—which has not been observed before in cast austenitic stainless steels.
You would if you loved me: Toward an improved conceptual and etiological understanding of nonphysical male sexual coercion

This paper reviews current research regarding the prevalence and possible etiological factors associated with male sexual coercion, defined here as a class of inappropriate male behaviors in which nonphysical tactics (e.g., verbal pressure, lying, deceit, and continual arguments) are utilized to obtain sexual contact with an unwilling adult female. This form of sexual misconduct is contrasted with sexual aggression (i.e., forcible rape), in which the threat or use of physical force is utilized to gain sexual contact. A conceptual framework for understanding and examining sexual coercion within the broader context of male sexual misconduct is offered. This model consists of two primary dimensions: (1) types of sexual contact and (2) tactics for obtaining sexual contact, which intersect to form quadrants representing distinct categories of sexual misconduct. The broader sexual misconduct literature is utilized to shed light on possible predictors and etiological factors associated specifically with sexual coercion. These factors fall into four categories: (1) attitudinal or belief systems, (2) behavioral tendencies, (3) personality characteristics, and (4) childhood abuse experiences. Literature in each of these areas is reviewed and discussed. Finally, methodological and conceptual considerations for sexual misconduct research are presented.
Cross Coherence and Joint PDF of the Bartlett and Capon Power Spectral Estimates

The Bartlett algorithm results from a conventional (Fourier or beamforming) approach to power spectral estimation and the Capon algorithm results from an adaptive approach. Both algorithms make use of the data sample covariance matrix (SCM). The Bartlett algorithm relies directly on the SCM, while the Capon approach relies on the inverse of the SCM. Since both statistics depend on the same data, they are not independent in general. While the marginal distribution of each statistic is well-known, the joint dependence is unknown. This paper presents a complete statistical summary of the joint dependence of the Bartlett and Capon statistics, showing that the dependence is expressible via a 2 times 2 complex Wishart matrix where the coupling is determined by a single measure of coherence defined herein. Interestingly, this measure of coherence leads to a new two-dimensional algorithm capable of yielding better resolution than the Capon algorithm.
Diacylglycerol-mediated insulin resistance

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance remains a major medical challenge of the twenty-first century. Over the last half-century, many hypotheses have been proposed to explain insulin resistance, and, most recently, inflammation associated with alterations in adipocytokines has become the prevailing hypothesis. Here we discuss diacylglycerol-mediated insulin resistance as an alternative and unifying hypothesis to explain the most common forms of insulin resistance associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as lipodystrophy and aging.
Knowledge based automatic testing of microprocessor based systems (KBAT)

The authors describe a knowledge based system based on IBM PC compatibles, designed to assist engineers without detailed knowledge about microprocessors and associated peripherals, to debug microprocessor based systems. To debug the non-kernel faults a ROM emulator is designed which makes use of the system ROM (may be monitor) space to run the test routines using the target CPU itself. To debug the kernel faults a KDM (Kernel Debugging Module) is designed. The expert system (KBAT) decides which module to be used for troubleshooting the problem and prompts the user to connect that module. Then the system runs the particular test, suggest course and further action. The expert system was written using Leanardo expert system shell. >
Influence of monovalent cations on the growth of Hydra littoralis.

Li+, Cs+, Rb+, and K+ inhibit the clonal growth rate of Hydra littoralis and, depending upon conditions, can be toxic to the animals. These effects are counteracted by increasing the concentration of Na+ in the environment. In contrast to its inhibitory effect, K+, when in the presence of high concentrations of Na+, increases the growth rate of hydra significantly. Choline and histidine also increase the growth rate, but to a lesser extent. Various combinations of the monovalent ions lead to specific structural and behavioral changes in the animals.
Electrical activity induced by nitric oxide in canine colonic circular muscle

Nitric oxide generates slow electrical oscillations (SEOs) in cells near the myenteric edge of the circular muscle layer, which resemble slow waves generated by interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) a...
The strategic use of novel smallpox vaccines in the post-eradication world

We still face a threat of orthopoxviruses in the form of biological weapons and emerging zoonoses. Therefore, there is a need to maintain a comprehensive defense strategy to counter the low-probability, high-impact threat of smallpox, as well as the ongoing threat of naturally occurring orthopoxvirus disease. The currently licensed live-virus smallpox vaccine ACAM2000 is effective, but associated with serious and even life-threatening adverse events. The health threat posed by this vaccine, and other previously licensed vaccines, has prevented many first responders, and even many in the military, from receiving a vaccine against smallpox. At the same time, global immunity produced during the smallpox eradication campaign is waning. Here, we review novel subunit/component vaccines and how they might play roles in unconventional strategies to defend against emerging orthopoxvirus diseases throughout the world and against smallpox used as a weapon of mass destruction.
Improving the performance of probabilistic neural networks

A methodology for selection of appropriate widths or covariance matrices of the Gaussian functions in implementations of PNN (probabilistic neural network) classifiers is presented. The Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization process is employed to find these matrices. It has been shown that the proposed technique improves the generalization ability of the PNN classifiers over the standard approach. The result can be applied to other Gaussian-based classifiers such as the radial basis functions. >
Toward a Model of Teachers' Technology-Learning

Abstract This article presents a model of practicing Teachers' technology learning processes. The model emerged from comparative analysis across life-history case studies of four English teachers who had varied technology and teaching experience. The phases of the process include the individual, an initial learning experience, reflection, exploration, technology use, evaluation, and rejection. Teachers' pathways through this learning model do not follow a linear, stage progression as described in past research. The knowledge and experience teachers possessed and the nature of the technology learning experience, together, led to multiple pathways through the model and impacted Teachers' ability to integrate technology in support of subject matter learning. Due to the multiplicity of paths, educational technology courses and inservice need to focus more fully on particular content and provide more strategies for integrating the technology to support student learning.
Measuring lexical diversity in narrative discourse of people with aphasia.

Purpose A microlinguistic content analysis for assessing lexical semantics in people with aphasia (PWA) is lexical diversity (LD). Sophisticated techniques have been developed to measure LD. Howeve...
A prospective randomized trial demonstrating valved implantable ports have fewer complications and lower overall cost than nonvalved implantable ports

Background: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate whether a totally implanted valved subcutaneous port system would have fewer complications as compared to a standard nonvalved port. Methods: Study subjects requiring port placement were randomized to receive a valved port (PASV; Boston Scientific, Natick, MA) or a nonvalved port (BardPort; Bard Accesss Systems, Salt Lake City, UT). Each port was placed with standard operative technique. Difficulty with blood return, excess time spent accessing the port, and required interventions were reported over the initial 180 days of port usage. Results: Seventy-three patients were randomized to receive either a valved port (n 37) or a nonvalved port (n 36). No major complications were identified from port placement, and there were no differences in rates of infection between the 2 ports. A reported inability to withdraw blood was noted in the valved port group on 21 of 364 (5.8%) port accessions and in the nonvalved port group on 37 of 341 (11%) accessions (P 0.02). Significantly more total time was spent ensuring adequate blood draw from nonvalved ports as opposed to valved ports (750 minutes vs. 1545 minutes, respectively) (P 0.03). Conclusions: This study revealed that the PASV valved port is associated with significantly fewer instances of poor blood return and less nursing access time, indicating that a port with a PASV valve may be superior to a nonvalved device. © 2004 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.
Bayesian sensitivity analysis of incomplete data: bridging pattern‐mixture and selection models

Pattern-mixture models (PMM) and selection models (SM) are alternative approaches for statistical analysis when faced with incomplete data and a nonignorable missing-data mechanism. Both models make empirically unverifiable assumptions and need additional constraints to identify the parameters. Here, we first introduce intuitive parameterizations to identify PMM for different types of outcome with distribution in the exponential family; then we translate these to their equivalent SM approach. This provides a unified framework for performing sensitivity analysis under either setting. These new parameterizations are transparent, easy-to-use, and provide dual interpretation from both the PMM and SM perspectives. A Bayesian approach is used to perform sensitivity analysis, deriving inferences using informative prior distributions on the sensitivity parameters. These models can be fitted using software that implements Gibbs sampling. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DOSIS AL FETO EN RADIODIAGNOSTICO

Abstract: Irradiation and its effects over fetus are discussed. Also the eventuality of termination of gestation from this cause is considered.Key words: Ionizing radiation, Fetal radiation.Resumen: Se discute los efectos de la irradiacion al feto y sus consecuencias, segun dosis recibida, considerando la eventual suspension de embarazo por esta causa.Palabras claves: Irradiacion, Radiacion fetal.Introduccion Un tema relevante en radiodiagnostico y medicina en general; resulta ser el de una paciente mujer sometida a un estudio radiologico y en quien posteriormente, se constata que estaba embarazada. Dependiendo del tipo de estudio, es probable que el feto absorbiera una dosis por radiacion fotonica y las preguntas planteadas son respecto a si esta dosis, ?Conlleva un riesgo de malformaciones? ?Procede indicar interrupcion del embarazo?Riesgo y evidencias El periodo del embarazo mas sensible a danos al feto por irradiacion es entre 2 a 15 semanas despues de la fecundacion. Experimentos en animales sugieren que una dosis en el rango de 50 a 100 mGy puede ser fatal para el embrion. Observaciones en hijos de mujeres sobrevivientes al bombardeo de Hiroshima y Nagasaki demuestran que la malformacion mas frecuente es microcefalia. En la ultima mitad del periodo embrionario, desde las 8 a 15 semanas, existe el riesgo de deﬁcit mental para dosis al feto cercana a los 100 mGy. En 1977, el NCRP Report 54 recomendo, conservadoramente, que: «el riesgo de anormalidad no es relevante para dosis inferiores a 50 mGy y el riesgo de malformaciones solo aumenta sus-tancialmente para dosis superiores a los 150 mGy. Ahora bien, ?Es posible en radiodiagnostico impartir a un feto, cuya existencia no es conocida, una dosis de varias decenas de mGy? La respuesta es No y Si. En la Tabla I se muestran dosis maximas al feto en diversos estudios radiologicos
Increased Stability in the Cauchy Problem for Some Elliptic Equations

We derive some bounds which can be viewed as an evidence of increasing stability in the Cauchy Problem for the Helmholtz equation with lower order terms when frequency is growing. These bounds hold under certain (pseudo)convexity properties of the surface where the Cauchy data are given and of variable zero order coefficient of the Helmholtz equation. Proofs use Carleman estimates, the theory of elliptic and hyperbolic boundary value problems in Sobolev spaces, and Fourier analysis. We outline open problems and possible future developments.
Laser-excited Raman scattering in polybutene-1

Raman spectra are described for the three crystalline modifications of polybutene-1. The Raman frequencies are compared with infrared results and give good agreement. A normal-coordinate analysis for A-mode vibrations is presented for five possible helical conformations. The behavior of several calculated helix-sensitive bands is characterized. These results are applied to the experimental Raman frequencies and lead to the prediction of a 103 helix for the orthorhombic form III modification.
On the existence of degenerate trade-off curves in Backus-Gilbert theory

SUMMARY Using the quadratic delta-criterion, conditions are derived which must hold if the Backus-Gilbert trade-off curve is to reduce to a single point. Two examples are given which show the existence of problems for which this occurs.
High-Reliability RF-MEMS Switched Capacitors With Digital and Analog Tuning Characteristics

This paper presents an RF microelectromechanical system switched-capacitor suitable for tunable filters and reconfigurable networks. The switched-capacitor results in a digital capacitance ratio of 5 and an analog capacitance ratio of 5-9. The analog tuning of the down-state capacitance is enhanced by a positive vertical stress gradient in the the beam, making it ideal for applications that require precision tuning. A thick electroplated beam (4-4.5 μm) results in Q greater than 100 at C-X-band frequencies, switching times of 30-50 μs, and power handling of 0.6-1.1 W. The design also minimizes charging in the dielectric, resulting in excellent reliability performance even under hot-switched and high-power (1 W) conditions.
New treatments for atopic dermatitis

The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) is a complex inflammatory process involving resident and infiltrating cells of the skin, including keratinocytes, Langerhans’ cells; lymphocytes, mast cells, eosinophils; and cytokines, chemokines, and other mediators (see article by Leung elsewhere in this issue). 22 As in other allergic diseases, the inflammatory infiltrate reflects a predominant Th2 cytokine profile, but unlike in other allergic diseases, Th1 cytokines also have a role. Therapies for AD must target this complex inflammatory process. The mainstay of therapy for AD is skin hydration, avoidance of irritants, and use of topical steroids (see article by Boguniewicz and Nicol elsewhere in this issue). Topical steroids are not always effective and can lead to significant topical and systemic side effects. They may cause cutaneous atrophy, striae, bruisability, and telangiectasia of the skin. High-potency topical steroids can lead to systemic absorption and growth suppression in children. Alternative anti-inflammatory agents would be beneficial. This article discusses new topical immunodulators and other novel therapies for AD, including the following: Topical immunomodulators: Topical tacrolimus (FK506, Protopic) Topical pimecrolimus (ASM981, Elidel) Systemic immunomodulators: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; CellCEPT) Interferon-gamma (IFN-) Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg)
Paraffin section detection of the c-kit gene product (CD 117) in human tissues: Value in the diagnosis of mast cell disorders

The c-kit gene product (CD117) is known to be expressed by a variety of normal human tissue cell types, including breast epithelium, germ cells, melanocytes, immature myeloid cells, and mast cells. To further characterize the expression of this antigen, 117 normal human tissues and 576 human tumors were studied by paraffin section immunohistochemistry. Varying degrees of CD117 expression were identified in various normal cells and in 53% of all tumors studied. In most cases (42% of total), CD117 expression was weak. Expression was most common in mast cell disease (100%), testicular germ cell tumors (100%), endometrial carcinomas (100%), papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas (100%), small cell carcinomas (91%), malignant melanomas (90%), and ovarian epithelial carcinomas (87%). Strong immunoreactivity was only identified in cases of mast cell disease (11 of 11 cases), serous ovarian carcinoma (3 of 16), malignant melanoma (2 of 40), small cell lung carcinoma (one of seven), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (one of one). Although the pattern of reactivity was primarily cytoplasmic, a membrane staining pattern was seen in a subset of cases, and strong membrane staining was identified in normal mast cells and all cases of mast cell disease. The lack of tumor specificity of weak expression of this antigen limits its diagnostic utility in most cases. However, the strong membrane reactivity for CD117 identified in mast cells may be useful in the diagnosis of mast cell disorders.
MATRIX DIFFERENTIAL EQUATION AND HIGHER-ORDER NUMERICAL METHODS FOR PROBLEMS OF NON-LINEAR CREEP, VISCOELASTICITY AND ELASTO-PLASTICITY*

SUMMARY The constitutive equation is assumed in a very general form which includes as special cases non-linear creep, incremental elasto-plasticity as well as viscoelasticity represented by a chain of n standard solid models. Subdividing the structure into N finite elements, the problem of structural analysis is formu­ lated with a system of 6N(n + 1) ordinary non-linear first-order differential equations in terms of the components of stresses and strains in the elements. This formulation enables one to apply Runge­ Kutta methods or the predictor-corrector methods.
Viyé Diba's Tout Se Sait: The Affective Experience of Urban Life

This article focuses on Viye Diba’s Tout Se Sait (2014), a mixed-media installation that framed and evoked the experience of Dakar’s streets. Exhibited at the Koba Club in downtown Dakar during the Dak’Art Biennale 2014, this proposition expanded on themes, approaches, and materials in Diba’s precedent mixed-media work. With more than four decades of artistic practice and a doctorate in urban geography from the University of Nice, Diba has long explored issues involving urban life in his work. In this installation, the artist translated the order and disorder of Dakar’s streets in affective terms. Using materials culled from daily life, he redirected our focus to our daily field of vision, urging us “to really see what we look at” and feel its effect. By addressing Diba’s work in relation to the city as both source and frame, this article examines how Tout Se Sait brought new levels of clarity, resolution, and aesthetic resonance to the exploration of various economies—visual, spatial, material, and commercial—that shape lived experience in Dakar.
Moleküle und chemische Bindung

Atome sind vielleicht die fundamentalsten Teilchen der Chemie, doch Molekule sind der zentrale Gegenstand der modernen chemischen Forschung. In Kap. 6 wurde gezeigt, das die Quantenmechanik die Energieniveaus des H-Atoms exakt berechnen kann und eine Theorie entwickelt hat, die sich ebenso auf komplexere Atome ausdehnen last. Mit einigen mathematischen Anstrengungen liesen sich fur Helium eine exakte Ubereinstimmung von Theorie und Experiment und fur komplexere Atome gute Naherungen erzielen. Auserst wichtig ist, das das quantenmechanische Bild des Atoms zu einem Modell fuhrte, das viele Grundzuge ihrer Struktur einordnen konnte; zum Beispiel konnte gezeigt werden, das der Grundzustand eines C-Atoms 3 P ist.
Systems of Information: The Long View

In response to the perceived (by some) onset of an information society, historians have begun to study its roots and antecedents. The past is replete with the rise, fall, and transformation of systems of information , which are not to be confused with the narrower computer-mediated world of information systems . The history of systems of information—which for digestibility can be labeled information history —lacks neither scale nor scope. Systems of information have played a critical role in the transition to, and subsequent development of, capitalism; the growth of the state, especially the modern, nation-state; the rise of modernity, science, and the public sphere; imperialism; and geopolitics. In the context of these epochal shifts and episodes in human thinking and social organization, this essay presents a critical bibliographic survey of histories—outside the well-trodden paths of library and information-science history—that have foregrounded, or made reference to, a wide variety of systems of information.
The simian immunodeficiency virus 5' untranslated leader sequence plays a role in intracellular viral protein accumulation and in RNA packaging.

We investigated the role of 5′ untranslated leader sequences of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac239) in RNA encapsidation and protein expression. A series of progressively longer deletion mutants was constructed with a common endpoint six nucleotides upstream of the gag initiation codon and another endpoint at the 3′ end of the primer binding site (PBS). We found that efficient intracellular Gag-Pol protein accumulation required the region between the PBS and splice donor (SD) site. Marked reduction of genomic RNA packaging was observed with all the deletion mutants that involved sequences at both the 5′ and at the 3′ ends of the major SD site, and increased nonspecific RNA incorporation could be detected in these mutants. RNA encapsidation was affected only modestly by a deletion of 54 nucleotides at the 3′ end of the SD site when the mutant construct pΔ54 was transfected alone. In contrast, the amount of pΔ54 genomic RNA incorporated into particles was reduced more than 10-fold when this mutant was cotransfected with a construct specifying an RNA molecule with a wild-type packaging signal. Therefore, we conclude that the 175 nucleotides located 5′ of the gag initiation codon are critical for efficient and selective incorporation of genomic RNA into virions. This location of the SIV Ψ element provides the means for efficient discrimination between viral genomic and spliced RNAs.