cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent-conjugated antibodies as rapid ex vivo markers for bacterial presence on orthopedic surgical explants and synovium: A pilot study

Surgical infection is one of the most pressing problems in the field of orthopedic surgery; however, current detection methods are plagued by high costs and long wait times. This study seeks to demonstrate the ability of a novel assay using fluorescently conjugated antibodies and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to accurately detect bacterial presence on orthopedic surgical explants, tissue, and synovial fluid in 30 min. Explanted hardware, tissue, and synovial fluid samples suspected to be infected were collected from human subjects with institutional review board consent. Samples were prepared using a 30-min protocol, consisting of rinsing, nonspecific blocking and staining steps, and imaged using CLSM. Images were analyzed using ImageJ (National Institute of Health) to determine the percent area of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Results of the assay were compared to the hospital's microbiological laboratory and Gram staining results. Ninety three samples were collected and tested using the 30-min testing protocol; 75 samples were synovial fluid and 18 were tissue and explants. Seventy four of 75 (98.6%) synovial fluid samples correlated with the hospital laboratory's microbiological findings. Of the 18 explant and tissue samples, our assay found bacterial presence in 14 of 18 samples, while the hospital microbiology laboratory found bacterial presence in 13 of 18 samples. This assay reliably stained and rapidly identified the presence of Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria on surgical explants, tissue and synovial fluid in 30 min. This methodology may serve as a point of service tool for the determination of bacterial presence during surgical procedures.
Investigating Smart Traffic Signal Controllers at Signalized Crosswalks: A Reinforcement Learning Approach

At signalized crosswalks, traditional traffic control strategies such as fixed-time control and detector- actuated control are likely to be inefficient, which often adds to traffic congestion. Additionally, there exists limit amount of research investigating the "metrics" or threshold performance values of applying control strategies at crosswalks. It is likely that a "smart" control strategy can minimize delay to pedestrians and motorists at crosswalks. This paper describes a reinforcement learning approach to search for an optimal traffic signal control strategy. A value function approximation technique -- deep Q-network -- is adopted to facilitate the learning process. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, a case study was conducted using microsimulation. The reinforcement learning framework was compared with baseline traffic signal controllers on the basis of traffic efficiency. The results indicated that existing detector-based traffic signal controllers work well in periods with low pedestrian volume. However, after pedestrian volume reaches moderate levels, the proposed reinforcement learning framework is superior. The results also confirmed that if the appropriate sensor and control technology can lead to an optimal traffic control strategy from the perspectives of efficiency, we will have achieved a form of "smart interaction" at crosswalks, which can be a useful element of smart mobility.
Genome gymnastics: unique modes of dna evolution and processing in ciliates

In some ciliates, the DNA sequences of the germline genomes have been profoundly modified during evolution, providing unprecedented examples of germline DNA malleability. Although the significance of the modifications and malleability is unclear, they may reflect the evolution of mechanisms that facilitate evolution. Because of the modifications, these ciliates must perform remarkable feats of cutting, splicing, rearrangement and elimination of DNA sequences to convert the chromosomal DNA in the germline genome (micronuclear genome) into gene-sized DNA molecules in the somatic genome (macronuclear genome). How these manipulations of DNA are guided and carried out is largely unknown. However, the organization and manipulation of ciliate DNA sequences are new phenomena that expand a general appreciation for the flexibility of DNA in evolution and development.
A Survey of Massachusetts Physicians’ Smoking Intervention Practices

Attitudes toward smoking intervention, and the intervention practices of 65 residents, 51 attending physicians, and 292 community physicians in central and western Massachusetts were assessed through a mailed questionnaire. Nearly all physicians reported that they obtained information on the smoking status of new patients and told smokers to quit. Proportionately fewer physicians, however, reported that they counseled their patients on how to stop smoking; those who did, did so for relatively brief periods of time. After differences in physician age and smoking status were controlled for, residents were significantly more likely than attending physicians to counsel their patients on how to stop smoking, but were also more likely (than attending and community physicians) to recommend or refer their patients to formal smoking cessation programs. A small percentage of the physicians responding (3%-16%) reported that they were prepared to counsel smokers, but most reported that information on where to refer patients, smoking cessation techniques, and skills training would be of great value. The results of this survey suggest practical differences between residents and attending and community physicians in approaching patients who smoke and in attitudes toward the need for additional skills and financial and organizational assistance.
Abstract BDDs: A Technque for Using Abstraction in Model Checking

We propose a new methodology for exploiting abstraction in the context of model-checking. Our new technique uses abstract BDDs as its underlying data structure. We show that this technique builds a more refined model than traditional compiler-based methods proposed by Clarke, Grumberg and Long. We also provide experimental results to demonstrate the usefulness of our method. We have verified a pipelined carry-save multiplier and a simple version of the PCI local bus protocol. Our verification of the PCI bus revealed a subtle inconsistency in the PCI standard. We believe this is an interesting result by itself.
Scaling simulation-based game analysis through deviation-preserving reduction

Multiagent simulation extends the reach of game-theoretic analysis to scenarios where payoff functions can be computed from implemented agent strategies. However this approach is limited by the exponential growth in game size relative to the number of agents. Player reductions allow us to construct games with a small number of players that approximate very large symmetric games. We introduce deviation-preserving reduction, which generalizes and improves on existing methods by combining sensitivity to unilateral deviation with granular subsampling of the profile space. We evaluate our method on several classes of random games and show that deviation-preserving reduction performs better than prior methods at approximating full-game equilibria.
Towards privacy-preserving model selection

Model selection is an important problem in statistics, machine learning, and data mining. In this paper, we investigate the problem of enabling multiple parties to perform model selection on their distributed data in a privacy-preserving fashion without revealing their data to each other. We specifically study cross validation, a standard method of model selection, in the setting in which two parties hold a vertically partitioned database. For a specific kind of vertical partitioning, we show how the participants can carry out privacy-preserving cross validation in order to select among a number of candidate models without revealing their data to each other.
Conjuring Curriculum, Conjuring Control: A Reading of Resistance in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

AbstractHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth book (and film) of the record-breaking J. K. Rowling series, has been heralded as a catalyst for resurgence in literacy and demonized as an attack on traditional values. Using a cultural studies framework, this article suggests that Order of the Phoenix provides fertile ground for understanding the contemporary socio-cultural context and its relation to contemporary issues in education and education policy. The Harry Potter series consistently revolves around the young wizard’s experiences in school, with this fifth installment focusing on issues of curriculum and the control thereof. The author suggests that an analysis of the text could provide a particular reading that serves to critique current moves toward standardization, high-stakes accountability, and curriculum control.
Double-beam laser absorption spectroscopy: shot noise-limited performance at baseband with a novel electronic noise canceler

In a high J-value scheme (photo-excitation sequence), the authors investigate the characteristics of three-step photo-ionization, through an autoionizing level, of a complex atom using three single-mode pulsed dye lasers. The report covers (1) ion yield dependence on the balance of three laser intensities; (2) AC Stark effect, observed in intermediate excitation; and (3) multi-photon-resonance effect in a stepwise near-resonant excitation. The experimental results are discussed through comparison with the theoretical analyses, that include the effects of magnetic sublevel degeneracy.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Surface area measurements of the first-wall in the tandem mirror experiment-upgrade (TMX-U)

Abstract Surface analysis and area measurements of samples from inside TMX-U have been made in order to examine the effects of titanium gettering and plasma irradiation. Auger electron spectroscopy measurements indicate that significant quantities of oxygen are incorporated into Ti deposited on the first-wall during operation of TMX-U. Surface area measurements of warm- wall liner samples indicate that their surface areas are 8 times larger than their geometric areas. A factor of 5 increase in surface area occurred after long term gettering and exposure to the TMX-U plasma. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations show that the warm-wall has a complicated surface topography.
Regulation and Sarbanes‐Oxley

Many of the papers in this special issue are concerned with regulation and some with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX). In this commentary I will begin by summarizing the arguments for regulation that have been made in the literature.1 I will then consider whether these arguments apply to SOX. I will suggest that, rather than being based on sound principles, regulation often seems to be a consequence of the public’s need for action in response to a crisis, and that this was the case with SOX .I will argue that the recent financial meltdown provides another example of the same phenomenon.
Salts in two chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles

Grain-by-grain analytical electron microscope analyses of two micrometeorites, or interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) of the chondritic porous subtype show the presence of rare barite (BaSO4) and magnesium carbonate, probably magnesite. Salt minerals in chondritic porous (CP) IDPs give evidence for in situ aqueous alteration in their parent bodies. The uniquely high barium content of CP IDP W7029(asterisk)C1 is consistent with barite precipitation from a mildly acidic (pH above 5) aqueous fluid at temperatures below 417 K and low oxygen fugacity. The presence of magnesite in olivine-rich, anhydrous CP IDP W7010(asterisk)A2 is evidence that carbonate minerals occur in both the chondritic porous and chondritic smooth subtypes of chondritic IDPs. Citing Schramm et al. (1989) for putative asteroidal-type aqueous alteration in IDPs and probable sources of chondritic IDPs, salt minerals in CP IDPs could support low-temperature aqueous activity in nuclei of active short-period comets.
Finiteness of class number in characteristic 2

Abstract Let V be a nondefective quadratic space over a function field F of characteristic 2. Let S be a Dedekind set of spots consisting of almost all spots on F and let o be the corresponding ring of integers. If L is an o lattice on V we let g denote the number of classes in the genus of L . We prove that g is finite if dim V ≥ 10 or if dim V = 8 and o is a principal ideal domain. The finiteness of g is also established in all cases where V does not contain a quaternary anisotropic subspace. The number of spinor genera in a genus is also examined and shown to be finite in all cases.
Critical Analysis of Dimension Reduction by a Moment Closure Method in a Population Density Approach to Neural Network Modeling

Computational techniques within the population density function (PDF) framework have provided time-saving alternatives to classical Monte Carlo simulations of neural network activity. Efficiency of the PDF method is lost as the underlying neuron model is made more realistic and the number of state variables increases. In a detailed theoretical and computational study, we elucidate strengths and weaknesses of dimension reduction by a particular moment closure method (Cai, Tao, Shelley, & McLaughlin, 2004; Cai, Tao, Rangan, & McLaughlin, 2006) as applied to integrate-and-fire neurons that receive excitatory synaptic input only. When the unitary postsynaptic conductance event has a single-exponential time course, the evolution equation for the PDF is a partial differential integral equation in two state variables, voltage and excitatory conductance. In the moment closure method, one approximates the conditional kth centered moment of excitatory conductance given voltage by the corresponding unconditioned moment. The result is a system of k coupled partial differential equations with one state variable, voltage, and k coupled ordinary differential equations. Moment closure at k = 2 works well, and at k = 3 works even better, in the regime of high dynamically varying synaptic input rates. Both closures break down at lower synaptic input rates. Phase-plane analysis of the k = 2 problem with typical parameters proves, and reveals why, no steady-state solutions exist below a synaptic input rate that gives a firing rate of 59 s-1 in the full 2D problem. Closure at k = 3 fails for similar reasons. Low firing-rate solutions can be obtained only with parameters for the amplitude or kinetics (or both) of the unitary postsynaptic conductance event that are on the edge of the physiological range. We conclude that this dimension-reduction method gives ill-posed problems for a wide range of physiological parameters, and we suggest future directions.
Boundaries of Immune Reactivity: Implications for the Relationship of Man to His Environment

It is a phenomenon characteristic of the mammalian immune system that immunoglobulins can be produced that recognize foreign organisms. This characteristic is important in thwarting pathological infestations, but the implications of the potential recognition of diverse elements in the human ecosystem extend further. Immunoglobulins do not recognize everything. There are boundaries to their potential repertoire that define the sphere of immune reactivity. To consider that sphere is to explore the edges of the immune system—an exploration that is, I believe, interesting and informative. Immunoglobulins can bind to multicellular parasites, eukaryotic amoebas, fungi, bacteria, and viruses; but this list does not really describe the range of immune reactivity since immunoglobulins bind to molecular structures on these organisms and not to the whole organisms. What molecular structures are recognized? Immunoglobulins can bind to protein macromolecules, to nucleic acid macromolecules, and to sugar macromolecules. It is important to note that they cannot recognize amino acids, nucleic acids, or simple sugars by themselves but instead require interaction with larger determinants. It was demonstrated in a series of experiments with proteins and sugars containing increasing numbers ofsubunits that immunoglobulins can recognize as few as three of these subunits combined in a chain but not less [I]. It appears that immunoglobulins can bind to determinants with molecular weights greater than 250 daltons or with dimensions in the range of tens to Supported in part by PHS grants A122505 and CA36189 awarded by the NIH and by a Hartford Foundation fellowship. The author thanks Drs. K. Smachlo and M. Lamm for their helpful suggestions and Ms. J. Nagy for secretarial assistance. This essay received honorable mention in the 1986 Dwight J. Ingle Memorial Writing Award for authors under 36.
Maps for general open quantum systems and a theory of linear quantum error correction

We show that quantum subdynamics of an open quantum system can always be described by a linear, Hermitian map irrespective of the form of the initial total system state. Since the theory of quantum error correction was developed based on the assumption of completely positive (CP) maps, we present a generalized theory of linear quantum error correction, which applies to any linear map describing the open system evolution. In the physically relevant setting of Hermitian maps, we show that the CP-map-based version of quantum error correction theory applies without modifications. However, we show that a more general scenario is also possible, where the recovery map is Hermitian but not CP. Since non-CP maps have nonpositive matrices in their range, we provide a geometric characterization of the positivity domain of general linear maps. In particular, we show that this domain is convex and that this implies a simple algorithm for finding its boundary.
C3F2-DMAC: Clustered Contention and Contention Free Fully Decentralized MAC for The 3M Environment: real-time Multimedia, Multi-hop, and Mobile

In this paper we describe a novel medium access control (MAC) solution for establishing a wireless LAN capable of supporting contention and contention free access on the same channel for use in mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET). This new MAC protocol is fully decentralized and allows any number of mobile stations to share a common wireless channel and collaborate in managing its resources. These stations will partition the channel bandwidth into non contiguous contention free periods (CFP) and contention periods (CP). Each CFP is assigned exclusively for one station to transmit data to other stations within range. Each CFP will occur at fixed periodic interval and transmission during CFP will not be preceded by random back-off period. Stations may contend to transmit data using CSMA/CA method during any CP. The stations will self-organize into clusters and will employ distributed algorithms to share the channel capacity in temporal and spatial dimensions to avoid interference and collisions. This clustered contention and contention free fully decentralized MAC (C3F 2-DMAC) protocol allows mobile stations managing the channel to efficiently establish a common time reference and maintain common state information regarding current allocation of channel resources in terms of duration and timing of each CFP and its assignment to a mobile station
Nematic phases observed in amphiphilic polyelectrolyte-surfactant aggregate solutions

A lyotropic phase transition is observed in a water-soluble polyelectrolyte–surfactant aggregate system (polymerized cetyltrimethylammonium 4-vinylbenzoate, or pC16TVB). Unlike other oppositely-charged polyelectrolyte–surfactant aggregates at the stoichiometrically-matched charge point, these aggregates do not precipitate, and instead form isotropic–nematic biphasic solutions in water. The aggregates maintain amphiphilic behavior through the phase transition and appear to maintain the structure observed in dilute solution – that of rod-like aggregates (L/d ∼ 35 with d = 4 nm). Rheology, microscopy and small-angle neutron scattering are used to verify the nature of the phase transition and structure of the mesogen. The phase transition occurs at a concentration higher than that predicted by simple theory; however, flexibility, charge repulsion and polydispersity must be considered in this system.
Hypertriploid Plants in Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.)

SUMMARYFour hypertriploid plants were obtained: two plants were found in the progeny of the primary trisomic for chromosome 4 (Robust) in the F2 population of the cross between Robust x KM 200 (a short-awned mutant). The F1 hybrid of Robust x zebra Colorado (zbc) and Robust x light green (lg4) contained one plant each. All the four hypertriploids studied were larger than their diploid sibs in various plant organs.The frequency of trivalents was predominantly high with an average 4.91 per cell followed by bivalents (2.06), univalents (1.73), and quadrivalent (0.35). The presence of a quadrivalent indicated the presence of one chromosome four times. Since hypertriploids were morphologically similar to Robust trisomic for chromosome 4 and all occurred in its progenies, it is assumed that chromosome 4 is repeated four times. The quadrivalent sometimes dissociated into two bivalents at MI, thus increased the number of bivalents, eventually increasing the total number of trivalents plus bivalent (6III + 2II, 4I...
The effects of father involvement in parent training for conduct problem children.

Thirty families who received parent training for conduct-disordered children were divided into two groups, father-involved families and father-absent families. Immediately post-treatment both groups reported significant improvements in their children's behaviors. Behavioral data showed significant increases in mother praises and reductions in mother negative behaviors, child non-compliance and deviancy. One year later the children continued to show reductions in non-compliance and deviance. However, significantly more of the mother-child dyads who maintained behavioral improvements came from father-involved families.
Real-time rendering of realistic-looking grass

The absence of accurately rendered grass in real-time applications such as games and simulation systems can be directly attributed to the massive amounts of geometry required to model grass patches. This in turn is responsible for the drastic increase in the computational complexity of light transport for global illumination. Our work attempts to fill the void by presenting an image-based algorithm for interactive rendering of realistic-looking grass. A bidirectional texture function (BTF) is constructed and employed in combination with a view-dependent depth map to synthesize a grass texture for given viewing and illumination conditions. In addition to the visual effects captured by BTFs, our method is able to produce grass silhouettes as well as account for external occluders such as rocks and other objects scattered over a grass field.
Measurement of electron-impact excitation cross sections out of metastable levels of argon and comparison with ground-state excitation

This paper reports the results of measurements of cross sections for electron excitation out of the ${1s}_{3}$ and ${1s}_{5}$ metastable levels of argon (the $J=0$ and 2 levels, respectively, of the ${3p}^{5}4s$ configuration) into eight of the ten levels of the ${3p}^{5}4p$ manifold. The metastable atoms were generated by two methods: (a) an atomic beam emerging from a hollow-cathode discharge, and (b) charge-exchange collisions between a fast argon-ion beam and cesium atoms. The metastable argon atoms are excited by a crossed electron beam into the ${3p}^{5}4p$ levels and the emissions from these levels are utilized to determine the cross sections. Removal of the ${1s}_{5}$ atoms in the hollow-cathode discharge experiment by means of laser pumping allows us to determine the separate contributions from each metastable level to the observed fluorescence signal. The magnitudes of the cross sections for excitation out of the metastable levels into the different levels of the ${3p}^{5}4p$ manifold vary vastly. The patterns of the observed variations are interpreted by means of a multipole analysis. This multipole model is also used to discuss the comparison of excitation cross sections out of the metastable levels with those out of the ground level.
Function of association cortex in monkeys

Summary Four normal monkeys and six with extensive unilateral decortication plus destruction of the contralateral frontal and posterior association areas were studied in a series of twelve experiments. As compared with the normal controls, the operated animals were ( a ) neither seriously nor permanently impaired in their performance on visual search or patterned string problems, ( b ) slightly, but to a significant degree, retarded on discrimination reversal, ( c ) not permanently deficient in the discrimination of tridimensional objects, ( d ) significantly inferior in discriminating bidimensional patterns, particularly those which did not differ in colour, ( e ) impaired on delayed response tests in which the delay intervals were varied randomly, and ( f ) markedly and consistently inferior on two- and three-choice oddity problems. Performance on the double alternation problem did not differentiate the normal and operate groups. It was pointed out that all the operated monkeys were deficient in their ability to reverse response tendencies to previously rewarded stimuli. The restricted applicability of the concepts of localization, mass action, and equipotentiality is discussed in terms of the results of this study.
Qualitative research and the computer

This paper explores some of the possibilities of using computers in qualitative research. The common association of computing with quantitative procedures in social science is a very narrow and restricted way of thinking about them. In fact, the predominant use of computers in social science is in text-processing and record-managing tasks, many of which are very similar to the kinds of clerical work which qualitative researchers have traditionally performed for themselves. Recent developments in computing technology have aroused interest in the possibility of using computing as a means to support qualitative research (e.g., Werner, 1982; Drass, 1980; Becker and Gordon, 1984). This paper is not concerned with the details of developing the necessary programs. Rather, it outlines what such a system might do for researchers, and why. The first section makes some general points about qualitative research and introduces the metaphor of the computer as a clerk for organizing, indexing, and retrieving notes. The second section presents a series of specific features which a working computer system might have. The third section discusses current prospects for the development of such systems.
Class Politics and Political Change in the United States, 1952–1992

Recent debates over the relationship between class and voting in democratic capitalist societies havefocusedprimarily on the question of whether levels of class voting have declined. As a result,few studies have distinguished between "class voting" as an outcome versus classfactors as causal mechanisms of vote choice. This distinction is critical to understanding what role class-relatedfactors play in explaining vote choice - and thus to advancing debates over the changing relationship between class and political behavior in the U.S. and elsewhere. We use National Election Studies data to first investigate class-specific changes in voting behavior in presidential elections and then analyze the causal mechanisms explaining the three most significant class-specific trends. Wefind that while the realignment of the self-employed with the Republican Party is largely explained by class-relatedfactors, professionals' realignment with the Democratic Party is a product of their increasingly liberal views of social issues. Also, prompted by higher levels of economic satisfaction and declining supportfor the welfare state, unskilled workers' historically high levels of supportfor Democratic candidates have eroded since the 1980 Presidential election. Our analyses also show that while class politics increasingly competes with other salient bases of voting behavior, the political impact of social issue attitudes has not displaced the class cleavage in recentpresidential
Hormonal regulation of complement components and receptors throughout the menstrual cycle.

Objectives: Complement components have been recently demonstrated to be present in the reproductive tract. Among these components, C3 synthesis by glandular epithelium of the rat uterus has been shown to be regulated by estrogen; progesterone inhibits this synthesis. However, the hormonal regulation of C3 and the presence of other complement factors in the human has not been investigated to date. In this study we examined the presence and the hormonal regulation of different complement components and receptors in the human endometrium at various phases of the menstrual cycle of normally cycling women with no pelvic pathologic abnormalities. Study Design: Endometrial tissue was obtained from normally cycling women, and immunohistochemistry was performed by means of monoclonal antibodies against C3, factors B, decay-accelerating factor, membrane cofactor protein, and complement receptor types 1, 2, and 3. The tissue was incubated with minimal essential media without methionine containing methionine labeled with sulfur 35. Immunoprecipitations were performed on the media with goat antihuman C3 antibody, and the proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results: C3 was found to be present in the glandular epithelial cells of luteal endometrium. Biosynthesis as analyzed by immunoprecipitation with anti-C3 antibody was found to increase during the luteal phase of the cycle and to be minimal in the proliferative phase. Like C3, factor B and decay-accelerating factor were localized to the luteal glandular epithelial cells. In contrast, membrane cofactor protein was found to be present in the glandular epithelium throughout the menstrual cycle, and complement receptor type 1 was present only in the stromal compartment of luteal endometrium. Complement receptor type 3 was present only in the infiltrating leukocytes in the luteal endometrium, whereas complement receptor type 2 was undetectable. Conclusions: These findings suggest that several components of the complement system exist in the human endometrium in a hormone-dependent manner and may play a role in normal reproductive function.
Tributyltin-induced effects on MAP kinases p38 and p44/42 in human natural killer cells.

Abstract NK cells form a class of lymphocytes that are able to kill tumor cells, virally infected cells and antibody-coated cells without prior sensitization. Tributyltin (TBT) is a toxic chemical that was used in large scale in wood preservation, marine antifouling paints, and slime control in paper mills. TBT has been detected in human foods such as dairy products, meat and fish and detectable levels have been found in human blood. The role of TBT in immunosuppression has been reported and its specific inhibition of the human NK-cell cytotoxic function has also been described. The current studies examined the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and p44/42 during TBT-induced inhibition of NK cytotoxic function. Continuous in vitro exposure to 300 nM TBT for 1 h decreased the NK cell cytotoxic function with concomitant increases in phosphorylated forms of both p38 and p44/42 but not the total levels of either of these enzymes. Similar results were obtained with 500 nM TBT treatment. A 1 h exposure to 300 nM TBT followed by 24 h in TBT-free media resulted in a further decrease in the cytotoxic function with an accompanying increase in the phosphorylated forms of p38 and p44/42 MAPKs as compared to controls (approximately 50%). However, after 48 h in TBT-free media, the phosphorylation levels of both p44/42 and p38 MAPKs decreased by about 50 and 30%, respectively. NK cell cytotoxic function also continued to decrease with time in TBT-free media. A 24 h exposure to 200 nM TBT decreased cytotoxic function of NK cells (>90%) but produced donor-dependent effects on the phosphorylated p38 and p44/42 MAPK levels. These data indicated that in vitro exposures to TBT induced changes in the phosphorylation (activation) states of p38 and p44/42 but not in their overall levels of expression in human NK cells.
The 18α-epimer of α-boswellic acid: conformational diagnosis of triterpenoids by ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy

Abstract The synthesis of 18α-α-boswellic acid is reported and the hypsochromic shift in the u.v. absorption spectrum associated with the 18β→18α transformation is proposed as a diagnostic technique in conformational analysis.
Subjective randomization in one-and two-person games

Following the study by Rapoport and Budescu (1992), two experiments are reported whose main purpose is to compare the generation of random sequences in one- and two-person games. The first experiment addresses the generation of trinary series in two-person zerosum games with asymmetric players. The second examines the generation of binary series using a between-subjects design, and compares the cognitive processes operating in one- and two-person games. Although both types of games result in similar deviations from randomness, they seem to induce qualitatively different cognitive processes.
Metabolism of proline in insect flight muscle and its significance in stimulating the oxidation of pyruvate

Mitochondria from flight muscle of the blowfly, Phormia regina, oxidize proline with a Qo2 of 130, a rate that accounts for the rate of utilization of the amino acid during flight. Respiratory control and ADP:O ratios for the flavoprotein-catalyzed oxidation of proline are less than 2. Oxidation of proline generates δ′-pyrroline-5-carboxylate, glutamate, and subsequently intermediates of the Krebs cycle. Proline, but not glutamate or malate, stimulates oxidation of pyruvate. Flight muscle mitochondria are permeable to proline, α-glycerophosphate, and pyruvate, but not to glutamate and substrates of the citric acid cycle. These findings suggest that proline enhances the rate of pyruvate metabolism by penetrating the mitochondrial barrier, forming intramitochondrial precursors of oxaloacetate, and effecting the complete oxidation of pyruvate via the Krebs cycle at a maximal rate. It is suggested that a similar mechanism may be operative in vivo to explain how the limitation of pyruvate oxidation, found at the initiation of flight, may be relieved.
A Philosophy for CNS Radiotracer Design

ConspectusDecades after its discovery, positron emission tomography (PET) remains the premier tool for imaging neurochemistry in living humans. Technological improvements in radiolabeling methods, camera design, and image analysis have kept PET in the forefront. In addition, the use of PET imaging has expanded because researchers have developed new radiotracers that visualize receptors, transporters, enzymes, and other molecular targets within the human brain.However, of the thousands of proteins in the central nervous system (CNS), researchers have successfully imaged fewer than 40 human proteins. To address the critical need for new radiotracers, this Account expounds on the decisions, strategies, and pitfalls of CNS radiotracer development based on our current experience in this area.We discuss the five key components of radiotracer development for human imaging: choosing a biomedical question, selection of a biological target, design of the radiotracer chemical structure, evaluation of candidate radio...
Minimizing Disability: An Overview of the Pervasiveness, Clinical Manifestations and Treatment of Depression in Parkinson's Disease

This review was conducted to establish the degree to which depression can intensify and further complicate the difficulty of living with Parkinson's disease. The authors evaluated the literature on depression in Parkinson's disease, to better understand and report on its pervasiveness, clinical manifestations, and treatment. As a result of an extensive literature review, the analysis focused on Parkinson's disease depression research that has been conducted by the medical, social work, and psychological communities. The results suggest that nearly one third of all Parkinson's patients had some form of depression over the course of their disease. The clinical manifestations of Parkinson's disease depression are daunting including yet not limited to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, psychomotor retardation, memory impairment, irrational thought processes, and suicidal ideation. Parkinson's disease depression can be successfully treated with a multiplicity of antidepressants. Selective serotonin reu...
HIV retrotransposon activity and the immunopathogenesis of AIDS

This article presents the new hypothesis that HIV retrotransposon insertional mutagenesis induces genomic effects that bring about immune dysfunction through disruption, deletion or rearrangement of the genome of the host. This activity may be augmented by the action of most, if not all, the cofactors of HIV-induced disease.
A model of the neural mechanisms underlying multisensory integration in the superior colliculus

Much of the information about multisensory integration is derived from studies of the cat superior colliculus (SC), a midbrain structure involved in orientation behaviors. This integration is apparent in the enhanced responses of SC neurons to cross-modal stimuli, responses that exceed those to any of the modality-specific component stimuli. The simplest model of multisensory integration is one in which the SC neuron simply sums its various sensory inputs. However, a number of empirical findings reveal the inadequacy of such a model; for example, the finding that deactivation of cortico-collicular inputs eliminates the enhanced response to a cross-modal stimulus without eliminating responses to the modality-specific component stimuli. These and other empirical findings inform a computational model that accounts for all of the most fundamental aspects of SC multisensory integration. The model is presented in two forms: an algebraic form that conveys the essential insights, and a compartmental form that represents the neuronal computations in a more biologically realistic way.
The developing oligodendrocyte: key cellular target in brain injury in the premature infant

Brain injury in the premature infant, a problem of enormous importance, is associated with a high risk of neurodevelopmental disability. The major type of injury involves cerebral white matter and the principal cellular target is the developing oligodendrocyte. The specific phase of the oligodendroglial lineage affected has been defined from study of both human brain and experimental models. This premyelinating cell (pre-OL) is vulnerable because of a series of maturation-dependent events. The pathogenesis of pre-OL injury relates to operation of two upstream mechanisms, hypoxia-ischemia and systemic infection/inflammation, both of which are common occurrences in premature infants. The focus of this review and of our research over the past 15-20 years has been the cellular and molecular bases for the maturation-dependent vulnerability of the pre-OL to the action of the two upstream mechanisms. Three downstream mechanisms have been identified, i.e., microglial activation, excitotoxicity and free radical attack. The work in both experimental models and human brain has identified a remarkable confluence of maturation-dependent factors that render the pre-OL so exquisitely vulnerable to these downstream mechanisms. Most importantly, elucidation of these factors has led to delineation of a series of potential therapeutic interventions, which in experimental models show marked protective properties. The critical next step, i.e., clinical trials in the living infant, is now on the horizon.
Chemistry Surrounding Chiral Tungsten(II) η1-Imine Complexes

Chiral tungsten(II) η1-imine complexes [Tp‘(CO)(PhC⋮CMe)W(NHCRR‘)]+ (Tp‘ = hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate) have been prepared by oxidation of the corresponding amido complexes Tp‘(CO)(PhC⋮CMe)W(NHCHRR‘) (R/R‘ = Ph/Ph, Ph/Me, Me/Et, and H/CHMePh) with elemental iodine. These oxidations also result in formation of amine complexes which have been independently synthesized. Oxidation in the presence of a weak base suppresses amine formation. However, when R = Ph, deprotonation of the imine product forms the neutral azavinylidene complex Tp‘(CO)(PhC⋮CMe)W(NCRR‘). Protonation of the azavinylidene complex provides a clean route to the desired imine complex. Crystal structures of a representative complex from each category of nitrogen donor ligand have been determined: cationic imine complex [Tp‘(CO)(PhC⋮CMe)W(NHCMeEt)][BAr‘4] (2a), cationic amine complex [Tp‘(CO)(PhC⋮CMe)W(NH2CH2CHMePh)][I3] (4d), neutral amido complex Tp‘(CO)(PhC⋮CMe)W(NHCHMeEt) (1a), and neutral azavinylidene complex Tp‘(CO)(PhC⋮CMe...
Role of circulating lipid abnormalities in chronic renal allograft rejection

Role of circulating lipid abnormalities in chronic renal allograft rejection. The evidence that circulating lipid abnormalities may play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic renal allograft rejection is tantalizing but circumstantial. In animal models of cardiac and aorta allograft rejection, lipogenic diets accelerate vascular injury, and treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors reduce vascular injury. Histological studies have demonstrated foam cells and apolipoprotein deposits in the intima of arteries from chronically rejecting human kidneys. Observational studies have found correlations between plasma lipid levels and both acute and chronic rejection. The association between lipid levels and acute rejection in cyclosporine A (CsA)-treated renal transplant recipients suggests the possibility that plasma lipids may influence the immunosuppressive effects of CsA by modulating the lipoprotein-free levels of CsA. If true, such an effect could also explain the results of recent controlled trials showing that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors reduced graft coronary artery disease and that they prolonged survival in heart transplant recipients. In any case, the hypothesis that circulating lipid abnormalities contribute to chronic renal allograft rejection deserves further testing in well-designed, clinical trials.
Cephalisation bei Caniden

Cephalisation in Canidae Studied were the intraspecific and interspecific relationships between brain weight and body weight in Canidae. Inclination values of the allometric lines: intraspecific – 0,25, interspecific 0,571. Most of the studied species have nearly the same degree of cephalisation, deviations from the interspecific allometric line are small; the cephalisation of Nyctereutes and Otocyon is less developed than in the other canid species. There is no difference in cephalisation between most canids and felids. Mustelids show a high variability in cephalisation. Criticized were the data of Bauchot (1985) and Gittleman (1986) on brain weight and body weight.
Pressure-Sensitive Chromogenic Polyesters

Cyano-OPV moieties were covalently incorporated into a PETG backbone to create ductile amorphous polymers which change their PL and absorption color as a function of deformation. The cyano-OPV concentration was systematically varied, and the composition was related to the material's optical response. This approach afforded PETG/dye copolymers which upon annealing display characteristics of aggregated dye molecules. The materials exhibit a significant color change upon compression, consistent with disassembly of the dye aggregates. This mechanochromic response is irreversible and can be detected by the unassisted eye.
"Covalent hydration" reactions in model monomeric Ru 2,2'-bipyridine complexes: thermodynamic favorability as a function of metal oxidation and overall spin states.

Density functional theory (DFT) has been used to investigate the plausibility of water addition to the simple mononuclear ruthenium complexes, [(NH3)3(bpy)Ru═O]2+/3+ and [(NH3)3(bpy)RuOH]3+, in whi...
Comparison of ligation and fulguration methods

Abstract Bilateral vasectomy for sterilization using the electrofulguration technique has resulted in no early recanalization of the vas deferens, whereas recanalization did follow the vas ligation method. The operative discomfort and morbid state with minor wound complications were higher with the fulguration method than with the ligation method.
Complementary standoff chemical imaging to map and identify artist materials in an early Italian Renaissance panel painting.

Two imaging modalities based on molecular and elemental spectroscopy were used to characterize a painting by Cosimo Tura. Visible-to-near-infrared (400–1680 nm) reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging spectroscopy were employed to identify pigments and determine their spatial distribution with higher confidence than from either technique alone. For example, Mary’s red robe was modeled through the distribution of an insect-derived red lake (RIS map) and lead white (XRF lead map), rather than a layer of red lake on vermilion. The RIS image cube was also used to isolate the preparatory design by mapping the reflectance spectra associated with it. In conjunction with results from an earlier RIS study (1650–2500 nm) to map and identify the binding media, a more thorough understanding was gained of the materials and techniques used in the painting.
Solomon Stoddard and the Origin of the Great Awakening in New England

(1997). Solomon Stoddard and the Origin of the Great Awakening in New England. The Historian: Vol. 59, No. 4, pp. 741-758.
The Significance of Content Knowledge for Informal Reasoning regarding Socioscientific Issues: Applying Genetics Knowledge to Genetic Engineering Issues.

This study focused on informal reasoning regarding socioscientific issues. It sought to explore how content knowledge influenced the negotiation and resolution of contentious and complex scenarios based on genetic engineering. Two hundred and sixty-nine students drawn from undergraduate natural science and nonnatural science courses completed a quantitative test of genetics concepts. Two subsets (n = 15 for each group) of the original sample representing divergent levels of content knowledge participated in individual interviews, during which they articulated positions, rationales, counterpositions, and rebuttals in response to three gene therapy scenarios and three cloning scenarios. A mixed-methods approach was used to examine the effects of content knowledge on the use of informal reasoning patterns and the quality of informal reasoning. Participants from both groups employed the same general patterns of informal reasoning. Data did indicate that differences in content knowledge were related to variations in informal reasoning quality. Participants, with more advanced understandings of genetics, demonstrated fewer instances of reasoning flaws, as defined by a priori criteria, and were more likely to incorporate content knowledge in their reasoning patterns than participants with more naive understandings of genetics. Implications for instruction and future research are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed89:71–93, 2005
A path forward on Medicare readmissions.

Under Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, two thirds of U.S. hospitals will receive penalties of up to 1% of Medicare reimbursements. But the program could exacerbate disparities in care and create disincentives to providing care for the very ill.