cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence following the second wave of Pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Background: In April 2009, a new pandemic strain of influenza infected thousands of persons in Mexico and the United States and spread rapidly worldwide. During the ensuing summer months, cases ebbed in the Northern Hemisphere while the Southern Hemisphere experienced a typical influenza season dominated by the novel strain. In the fall, a second wave of pandemic H1N1 swept through the United States, peaking in most parts of the country by mid October and returning to baseline levels by early December. The objective was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against the pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza strain by decade of birth among Pittsburgh-area residents. Methods and Findings: Anonymous blood samples were obtained from clinical laboratories and categorized by decade of birth from 1920-2009. Using hemagglutination-inhibition assays, approximately 100 samples per decade (n = 846) were tested from blood samples drawn on hospital and clinic patients in mid-November and early December 2009. Age specific seroprevalences against pandemic H1N1 (A/California/7/2009) were measured and compared to seroprevalences against H1N1 strains that had previously circulated in the population in 2007, 1957, and 1918. (A/Brisbane/59/2007, A/Denver/1/ 1957, and A/South Carolina/1/1918). Stored serum samples from healthy, young adults from 2008 were used as a control group (n = 100). Seroprevalences against pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza varied by age group, with children age 10-19 years having the highest seroprevalence (45%), and persons age 70-79 years having the lowest (5%). The baseline seroprevalence among control samples from 18-24 year-olds was 6%. Overall seroprevalence against pandemic H1N1 across all age groups was approximately 21%. Conclusions: After the peak of the second wave of 2009 H1N1, HAI seroprevalence results suggest that 21% of persons in the Pittsburgh area had become infected and developed immunity. Extrapolating to the entire US population, we estimate that at least 63 million persons became infected in 2009. As was observed among clinical cases, this sero-epidemiological study revealed highest infection rates among school-age children. © 2010 Zimmer et al.
The crystal structure of hexagonal RbNiF3(6H)

Abstract At atmospheric pressure, RbNiF 3 has the hexagonal BaTiO 3 structure. The variation of its lattice parameters is studied from −175 to 600°C and shows no anomaly. The coefficient of thermal expansion α a increases from 14 × 10 −6 to 27 × 10 −6 °C −1 and α c increases from 11 × 10 −6 to 28 × 10 −6 °C −1 . Our refinement of position parameters using powder pattern intensities leads to results that are in essential agreement with those of Babel. However, disagreement in the fluorine positions lead to significantly different interatomic distances and angles. These differences are discussed in terms of similar known structures, published nmr data and electrostatic repulsion and screening of ions.
Patient Perspectives in the Management of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia

Abstract: In today’s healthcare environment prevention plays a pivotal role. With the aging population, herpes zoster (HZ) pain and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) are two conditions that will have a significant impact on the healthcare industry. The common held belief that HZ patients are protected from recurrence, after one episode of shingles no longer holds true. In a recent study data has shown recurrence rates of over five percent. The evidence suggests those who experienced pain lasting more than 30 days after the initial onset of shingles were more likely to have a recurrence, especially in the first three to four years after the initial episode.6 Understanding the variables that influence the patient s perspective of pain can impact healthcare delivery. Increasing the quality of life for the elderly through preventive measures including education, immunization, and implementation of early treatment guidelines can significantly reduce the incidence of PHN.
Constraint propagation neural networks for Huffman-Clowes scene labeling

The authors propose a three-layered neural network to perform Huffman-Clowes scene labeling. The proposed neural network uses the topology and the interconnections of neurons to achieve global consistency through propagating local constraints. The problem-solving knowledge is embedded in the topology as well as the connections between neurons in the network. A brief review of the Huffman-Clowes scene labeling scheme is presented. The proposed constraint propagation neural network is described. Several examples are given to illustrate the operation of the network. Time complexity analysis of the network is discussed. A comparison with conventional algorithms is given. The characteristics of the proposed neural networks are discussed. >
An early look at XQuery

XQuery is a query language for real and virtual XML documents and collections of these documents. Its development began in the second half of 1999. With roughly 3 years of work completed, it’s high time that we provided an initial description of this language, and a sense of where it is in its development cycle. XQuery is being developed within W3C. Every consortium of this type has its own rules and its own ways of getting its work done. W3C provides visibility to the public by making available drafts of the specifications that it has under development at relatively frequent intervals. Mailing lists are established for each specification to allow the public to provide feedback on these drafts. Unfortunately, the W3C process does not allow us to publicly discuss the internal workings of the XML Query WG, including schedules, proposals that are being considered, and discussions that have taken place. Even so, with the amount of material that is contained in the most recent public drafts of these specifications, we have more than enough to discuss.
Ultrastructure of rat ovarian interstitial cells. I. Normal structure and regressive changes following hypophysectomy.

Normal ultrastructure of ovarian interstitial cells from intact rats is described. Regressive changes in the ultrastructure of interstitial cells after hypophysectomy were studied at periods ranging from 2 days to 2 months after the operation. Lipid increases appreciably within 2 days after hypophysectomy, but lipid droplets are no longer osmiophilic. Involution of smooth endoplasmic reticulum is advanced within 2 days, and 300–600 A tubules, characteristic of most interstitial cells in intact animals' ovaries, are replaced by larger tubules of uneven diameter and some vesicular profiles. Nuclear shrinking, accumulation of heterochromatin, and reduction in nucleolar size are most rapid during the first 3 weeks. Polysomes disperse and mitochondrial cristae are gradually reorganized from tubular to lamellar forms during the first month. Mitochondria are also reduced in size, number, and number of cristae. The Golgi complex decreases gradually in size and number of small vesicles; its maximal state of regression is not attained until 2 months have elapsed. After its initial, rapid involution, smooth endoplasmic reticulum declines steadily in amount for the duration of the investigation.
Changes in skeletal muscle vascular resistance with weight gain: associations with insulin and sympathetic activity.

BORNE, AGATHA T., ALYCIA A. TRUETT, MICHELLE P. MONTEIRO, JULIA VOLAUFOVA, AND DAVID B. WEST. Changes in skeletal muscle vascular resistance with weight gain: associations with insulin and sympathetic activity. Obes Res. 1999;7:68–75. Objective: This study was designed to characterize changes in peripheral vascular resistance with weight gain, and whether these changes are correlated with insulin and/or sympathetic activity. Research Methods and Procedures: Femoral vascular resistance (FVR), mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and plasma insulin were measured before and during overfeeding in seven dogs with unilateral lumbar ganglionectomy (L3 to L6). Measurements were taken standing and while walking on a treadmill. Results: There was a significant main effect of weight gain to increase mean arterial pressure (16.5±8.4 mmHg and 12.5±6.8 mmHg increase for standing and walking baseline, respectively) and heart rate (increase from week 1 of 31.6±10.6 beats/minute standing and 38.3±9.1 walking beat/minute). FVR increased immediately with overfeeding/ weight gain [standing: denervated (DNX):1.32±0.3 to 2.34±0.5; intact: 0.88±0.17 to 1.9±0.33 mmHg/mL-min−1], but returned to baseline with continued weight gain. Return of FVR to baseline occurred between weeks 2 and 3 of overfeeding in the DNX limb, but did not return to baseline until week 6 in the innervated limb. These changes were not correlated with plasma insulin levels. Discussion: These data suggest that vascular resistance may be normal in the obese, but increases in vascular resistance occur early with weight gain (before changes in arterial pressure). This initial increase in vascular resistance could initiate the series of events leading to obesity-associated hypertension. Additionally, changing vascular resistance during weight gain may be influenced by sympathetic activity, because DNX limb FVR returned to baseline −3 weeks earlier than the innervated limb.
An interface for controlling external devices via the IBM PC/XT/AT parallel port

This article describes the construction and operation of a simple interface to control external devices via the IBM PC/XT/AT’s parallel printer port. The interface is relatively inexpensive and easy to build. It is potentially useful for controlling behavioral experiments.
Molar concentration of K2SO4 and soil pH affect estimation of extractable C with chloroform fumigation-extraction.

Abstract Methods of determining soil microbial biomass need to be reliable and produce consistent results across soils with a wide range of properties. We investigated the effect of extractant molarity (distilled water and 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 0.5 M K 2 SO 4 ) on the flush of C (i.e. the difference between fumigated and unfumigated subsamples) with the chloroform fumigation–extraction method in soils of different pH. Extraction efficiency of 0.5 M K 2 SO 4 relative to water was dependent upon soil pH. The ratio of extractable C in water to that in 0.5 M K 2 SO 4 for five acidic soils was 1.5±0.3 in unfumigated controls, 1.4±0.2 in fumigated samples, and 1.8±0.7 in fumigated minus control flushes, respectively. Ratios in six alkaline soils were 1.0±0.2, 0.9±0.2, and 0.8±0.2, respectively. Flocculation/dispersion of organic colloids and changes in the diffuse double layer surrounding clay particles are possible reasons for differences in extractable C with changes in extractant molarity and soil pH. Chloroform fumigation–extraction with any of the extractants was less related to soil organic C and potential C and N mineralization during 50 days of incubation ( r 2 =0.51±0.11) than was chloroform fumigation–incubation without subtraction of a control ( r 2 =0.74±0.08). Changes in microbial biomass estimates with changes in extractant molarity and soil pH suggest that chloroform fumigation–extraction may not be reliable in a wide range of soils.
Space-limited recruitment in open systems: the importance of time delays

We study the dynamic behavior of open systems where older or larger individuals can inhibit the recruitment of juveniles into the population. Our approach is to examine the predictions of simple dynamic models. In these models, settlement rate into open space is decoupled from local population density. Our more elaborate models are special cases of Roughgarden et al.'s (1985) model for an open marine population with space—limited recruitment. We found, as did Roughgarden et al., that two qualitatively different dynamic outcomes were possible: a stable steady state, and cyclic fluctuation in population density and space occupied. The crucial factor needed to produce cyclic fluctuations is a time delay between settlement and recruitment into the adult population. The introduction of density—dependent mortality in adults serves to stabilize the limit cycle. The effect of growth or development rate on stability depends upon the relationship between these rates and individual size or age. This is because increased growth may act to increase the area occupied at equilibrium (a destabilizing factor), but can cause developmental time lags to either increase or decrease in length. As a result, an unstable system can be stabilized by either an increase or a decrease in juvenile growth rate when adults do not grow, or grow more slowly than juveniles.
Silly putty of the tympanic cavity: The migrating “Earplug”

Abstract Water precautions after tympanostomy tube placement is a frustrating topic for parents and children. We present a unique case of a child whose parents used silly putty to protect the ear, inadvertently causing migration of the putty into the middle ear. Removal of the putty required an unusual technique due to its unique viscoelastic properties. Repeated cold water infusions and suctioning of the middle ear was used to remove the putty in its entirety. We hope this unique case will help otolaryngologists better educate their patients on proper water precautions and assist them should they encounter silly putty of the middle ear.
Environmental embrittlement of two-phase Fe30Ni20Mn35Al15

Abstract It is shown that the ductility of lamellae-structured Fe 30 Ni 20 Mn 35 Al 15 (in at. %), which consists of B2 and f.c.c. phases, is influenced by testing environment. Tensile tests performed in air at strain rates ranging from 3 × 10 −6 to 3 × 10 −1 s −1 showed that the elongation to fracture and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased with increasing strain rates below 3 × 10 −3 s −1 , and were independent of strain rate at ∼10.5% and 840 MPa for strain rates ≥ 3 × 10 −3 s −1 . In order to understand this strain-rate sensitive behavior, tensile tests were also performed in either dry oxygen or 4% hydrogen + nitrogen at different strain rates. The elongation and UTS in oxygen were insensitive to strain rate and close to those tested at 3 × 10 −3 s −1 in air, whereas the elongation in hydrogen was 4% for strain rates ≤3 × 10 −3 s −1 and increased to ∼10.8% at 3 × 10 −1 s −1 . The reduction of ductility in air and hydrogen-charged environment at low strain rate is attributed to hydrogen embrittlement.
Multi‐window spectrum estimation — A linear algebraic approach

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the multi-window method for spectral estimation and sinusoid detection. The multi-window method, devised by D.J. Thomson, has many features that distinguish it from other spectrum estimation techniques. It has an elegant derivation, starting from first principles and using optimality arguments. It lends itself to performance analysis and provides a built-in measure of its reliability. In contrast to Thomson's integral equation derivation, we use linear algebraic methods both to treat the problem and to develop the solution. In addition to the tutorial, we present an overview of published generalizations and analyses of the method.
In Community We Trust: Online Security Communication at eBay

As e-commerce and virtual communities fundamentally change the way Americans do business and build relationships, how can people be assured of safety in unfamiliar cyberspaces? This essay focuses on online auction site eBay to understand how eBay has successfully attracted millions of users in spite of perceived risks and uncertainties. It argues that eBay is, in fact, a community (of commerce), and that the rhetorical construction of “community” on the site provides a foundation for trust between users. Based on trust theory, this essay isolates eBay's “community trust” model as consisting of seven elements that work together to give users reasons to trust and to be trustworthy. Finally, the essay examines recent changes to eBay's system, suggesting that so-called improvements for control might actually weaken the “community trust” system already in place–a warning to other sites that might imitate eBay's community approach.
Formation of D-1-amino-2-propanol from L-threonine by enzymes from Escherichia coli K-12.

Abstract Escherichia coli K-12 cells contain two dehydrogenases which in sequence catalyze the net conversion of L -threonine to the D -isomer of 1-amino-2-propanol. These two enzymes are L -threonine dehydrogenase ( L -threonine + NAD + → aminoacetone + CO 2 + NADH + H + ) and D -1-amino-2-propanol dehydrogenase (aminoacetone + NADH + H + D -1-amino-2-propanol + NAD + ). Each enzyme has been obtained in purified form free of the other; the nature of the reaction catalyzed by the latter dehydrogenase alone and in a coupled system with the former enzyme has been studied. The results provide an explanation on the enzymological level for the utilization of L -threonine by cell suspensions of certain microorganisms for the biosynthesis of the D -1-amino-2-propanol moiety of Vitamin B 12 .
Implication of Mitochondrial Cytoprotection in Human Islet Isolation and Transplantation

Islet transplantation is a promising therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus; however, success rates in achieving both short- and long-term insulin independence are not consistent, due in part to inconsistent islet quality and quantity caused by the complex nature and multistep process of islet isolation and transplantation. Since the introduction of the Edmonton Protocol in 2000, more attention has been placed on preserving mitochondrial function as increasing evidences suggest that impaired mitochondrial integrity can adversely affect clinical outcomes. Some recent studies have demonstrated that it is possible to achieve islet cytoprotection by maintaining mitochondrial function and subsequently to improve islet transplantation outcomes. However, the benefits of mitoprotection in many cases are controversial and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This article summarizes the recent progress associated with mitochondrial cytoprotection in each step of the islet isolation and transplantation process, as well as islet potency and viability assays based on the measurement of mitochondrial integrity. In addition, we briefly discuss immunosuppression side effects on islet graft function and how transplant site selection affects islet engraftment and clinical outcomes.
Chemical correlates of α-tocopherol (Vitamin E) alteredMalacosoma disstria herbivory inFraxinus pennsylvanica var.Subintegerrinia, green ash

The antioxidant α-tocopherol (vitamin E), applied in a basal trunk band to the green ash tree,Fraxinus pennsylvanica var.subintergerrinia, elicited an alteration of foliar feeding byMalacosoma disstria larvae (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae). The bioassayed effects were dependent on the dosage of elicitor, the time after elicitation, and the position in the tree. Leaves for chemical analysis were collected from trees receiving two dosages and at two intervals after elicitation. Compounds in the ethyl acetate extractables from the ash tree leaves were separated by TLC and HPLC. TLC separations showed differences in the nonhydrolyzed extractables attributable to elicitor dosage and time after elicitation. TLC-resolved differences were also evident among acid-hydrolyzed samples. HPLC-resolved profiles revealed eight peaks in the nonhydrolyzed extractables that were quantitatively negatively correlated with larval feeding preference between elicited versus control foliage on at least one of the two sampling dates. Results from this study and other investigations reported in the literature indicate that the antioxidantα-tocopherol (vitamin E) can function as an environmental-stress elicitor of alterable defensive chemistry in green ash and other plants.
Selective suppression of the murine autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction by physiological concentrations of hydrocortisone: Effects on cell-surface Ia antigens

Abstract Strong, adult (Type II) autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions (AMLR) were observed in cultures of lymphoid cells from both A.TH and A.TL mice. These were suppressed by more than 90% in the continuous presence of 7.5 × 10 −8 M hydrocortisone-21-sodium succinate. This concentration of hormone had minimal effects on the allogeneic mixed lymphocyte response (MLR) and the mitogenic response to concanavalin A (Con A). Higher concentrations suppressed all three responses. Treatment of autologous cell mixtures for the first 30 hr with 7.5 × 10 −8 M hydrocortisone resulted in a 78% suppression of the AMLR. This was not associated with a detectable decrease in the quantity of Ia antigens on the stimulator-cell surface, as evaluated by the susceptibility of treated cells to antibody dependent, complement-mediated lysis, using [A.TH × B.10M]F 1 anti-A.TL antiserum. Hence, this suppression did not appear to result from an alteration of the antigens putatively associated with stimulation of the AMLR. Separate pretreatment of stimulator and responder cells with 7.5 × 10 −8 M hydrocortisone followed by culturing with appropriate companion cells had no major effect on the AMLR. Therefore, low-dose hydrocortisone did not appear to selectively eliminate or permanently inactivate subpopulations of responder or stimulator cells. Rather, it appeared to regulate active cellular processes that are initiated by the coculturing of these cells and are required for the early stages of autologous lymphocyte activation.
Low-Energy Neutral-Atom Imaging Techniques for Remote Observations of the Magnetosphere

Recent developments in the detection of neutral atoms will enable construction of space-based imagers that may reveal the global structure and dynamics of the terrestrial magnetosphere. The principal technical challenge of imaging low-energy neutral atoms having energies <30 keV is separating them from the intense uv background, to which their detectors are sensitive, with minimal loss of trajectory and energy information. Three instrument concepts for separating low-energy neutral atoms from the background uv are discussed: neutral-atom ionization via transmission through an ultrathin carbon foil and subsequent electrostatic deflection, uv grating polarizers and attenuators, and high-frequency shutters. Hardware associated with each of these concepts is mated to a detector section that provides trajectory, coincidence, and, if required, time-of-flight measurements. d E EO EC £FWHM
The Marital Scales: Measurement of Intent, Attitudes, and Aspects Regarding Marital Relationships

Studies on marital relationships focus on intent to marry, global positive or negative attitudes toward marriage, and expectations for what married life will be like. There are currently no instruments capable of assessing all three of these areas. This study outlines the development and validation of the Marital Scales. One is designed to measure intent to marry (Intent to Marry Scale), another is for general attitudes toward marriage (General Attitudes Toward Marriage Scale), and the last scale measures expectations for marital relationships (Aspects of Marriage Scale). They are also designed to be applicable for any individual, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation. Results demonstrated excellent factor structure, and good internal reliability and construct validity for the instrument.
Lipstick as a Determiner of First Impressions of Personality: An Experiment for the General Psychology Course

(1952). Lipstick as a Determiner of First Impressions of Personality: An Experiment for the General Psychology Course. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 241-244.
Feeding Old Cats—An Update on New Nutritional Therapies

Aging is associated with a wide variety of physiological changes that compromise the ability of the body to respond to stress or change, and ultimately contribute to morbidity and mortality. Much research has been done on the aging process in humans and experimental animals, and the impact of diet, but there is relatively little data from companion animal studies. However, although many of the aging changes are likely to be similar between different mammals, it is known that there are some differences with cats. In contrast to dogs and humans, elderly cats experience an increase in their maintenance energy requirements rather than a continued decline, which may be mediated partly through a better-maintained basal metabolic rate but also through progressive compromise in fat and protein digestion. Old age is also associated with a progressive loss of lean body mass that may be mitigated in part by feeding higher protein levels. Diets designed for healthy elderly cats should therefore concentrate on being energy dense, highly digestible and with an increase in the proportion of protein calories, and being fed with the aim of supporting optimal body weight. There is also strong evidence emerging that dietary manipulation in cats may be able to modify aspects of the aging process, with a long-term longitudinal study of cats demonstrating both survival and health benefits from feeding a diet supplemented with antioxidants, fatty acids, and a prebiotic source.
Use of 10 MV spoiled x ray beam for treatment of head and neck tumors

The employment of a 10 MV X ray beam for treatment of head and neck tumors has been investigated. A 1.2 cm thick beam spoiler positioned 7 cm from the patient surface was used to achieve adequate dose to the superficial region. This technique provides at least 90% depth dose at 0.5 cm depth, which is clinically required for the treatment. For departments able to acquire only one megavoltage machine, the technique can provide an option to treat adequately both shallow as well as deep-seated tumors by choosing a high megavoltage machine; a low megavoltage machine cannot provide an equivalent option to treat deep-seated tumors.
NO adsorption and dissociation on Rh(111): PM-IRAS study.

We have used in situ polarization-modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy to study the adsorption/dissociation of NO on Rh(111). While these studies have not been conclusive regardin...
Formation of HCN and its chlorination to c1cn by stimulated human neutrophils—2. Oxidation of thiocyanate as a source of HCN

Abstract 1. 1. Leucocytes challenged by Staphylococcus epidermidis or stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) produce cyanide from thiocyanate. 2. 2. The amount of H 14 CN formed depends on KS 14 CN concentration and is enhanced by pretreatment of phagocytosed bacteria with penicillin or by adding amine-taurine to the medium of PMA-stimulated neutrophils. 3. 3. The reaction of taurine chloramine or chlorinated Staphylococcus epidermidis (containing N-Cl groups) with thiocyanate results in HCN formation. At higher concentration of chloramine cyanogen chloride is formed. 4. 4. Cyanide is chlorinated by PMA-stimulated neutrophils and this process is significantly enhanced by exogenous taurine and inhibited by 3-amino 1,2,4-triazole. 5. 5. It is conceivable that oxidation of thiocyanate to HCN and chlorination of HCN to ClCN is mediated by the chlorinating species (taurine chloramine) produced by stimulated neutrophils
The big wham: Thoughts on comets, risks, and a strategic defense initiative for the eco-system

COMMENTARY The Big Wham: Thoughts on Comets, Risks, and a Strategic Defense Initiative for the Eco-System Gregory Benford In mid-July of 1994, Jupiter’s fireworks upstaged the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Apollo moon landing. While aging astronauts exchanged toasts, fragments of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 slammed into the giant planet. Only two years ago we did not even know this comet existed. In July, it triggered hotspots as large as the Earth. Those days of ferocious pounding saw the most energetic events ever witnessed by humans. They struck a clear, vibrant chord in the public. Here was disaster, drama, danger. Chunks of ice and dust up to 2.5 miles across vaporized in fiery moments. Acne larger than worlds blotched Jupiter’s face. Scientists, too, got a bonus. Up through the entry tunnels in Jupiter’s ammonia cirrus flowered plumes of fried debris. Surprisingly, there was no immediate evidence for water in the upwelling. Close study may reveal the depths of Jupiter’s atmosphere, telling us much we could never learn on our own. Many drew an even deeper lesson. Worldwide fascination focused beyond the fireworks, to the future. Could that happen to us? Sure; in fact, it has happened to our home world before. Meteoric bombardment has been well known to astronomers for well over a century. Science fiction authors, always game for a bit of catastrophe, started using the idea half a century ago. The notion seems to have reemerged because the striking photos from our planetary survey craft of the 60s and 70s underlined how many bodies in the inner solar system were riddled with impact craters-Mercury, Mars, of course our moon, and the moons of Jupiter as well. Meteor bombardment was once quite common, and even now bits of debris from the early solar system regularly smash into some larger target. Each day about a hundred tons of small particles, mostly ice, fall into our own atmosphere. I became involved with the idea of meteor impact as a threat in the 196Os, spurred by J. E. Enever’s factual article “Giant Meteor Impact” in the March, 1966 AMlog. As far as I know, it was the first detailed study-one not referenced by astronomers. creso~ Bensxd, Department of Physics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92717. Journal of Smiol and EVolutionary Sysfems 17(1):363-370 ISSN: 0161-7361 Copyright @ 1994 by JAI Prea, Inc. All ligbta of reproductiotl in any folm lwuvcd.
Gauge models with Majorana fields

Abstract Restrictions imposed on the construction of gauge models with Majorana fields are discussed. An example is given for a model with right-handed weak currents where lepton number violation is required.
Singular matrices with restricted rows in vector spaces over finite fields

We show that for any subset [email protected]?F"q^d with |E|@?q^d^-^1^+^2^d, the number of singular matrices whose rows are in E is close to the expected number (1+o(1))|E|^dq.
Radiation curing of an epoxy-acrylate-6,7-epoxy-3,7-dimethyloctyl acrylate

Abstract Exposure of 6,7-epoxy-3,7-dimethyloctyl acrylate to electron beam radiation leads to polymerization via the acrylate group. When the epoxy acrylate is irradiated in the presence of diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate, both acrylate and epoxide functionalities take part in the polymerization process. In this latter system acrylate polymerization is postulated as occurring via a radical process (induced by slow electrons and phenyl radicals) and epoxide polymerization induced by hydrogen fluoride. UV irradiation of the epoxy acrylate containing diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate under aerobic conditions leads only to polymerization via the epoxide, whereas when oxygen is absent both functional groups participate in the curing process.
Peer Mediation to Increase Communication and Interaction at Recess for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Recess plays an integral role in the social and emotional development of children given the time provided to engage in interactions with others and practice important social skills. Students with ASD, however, typically fail to achieve even minimal benefit from recess due to social and communication impairments as well as a tendency to withdraw. Implementation of evidence-based interventions such as peer-mediated social skills groups, are necessary to ensure recess is an advantageous learning environment for students with ASD. A multiple-baseline design across participants was used to determine if a functional relationship exists between a social skills instructional program combined with peer networks with school staff as implementers and increases in level of communicative acts for participants with ASD at recess. Results indicate all participants demonstrated an immediate increase in the number of communicative acts with the introduction of the intervention. Implications for practice are discussed.
THE SECRETION OF AN ANTIDIURETIC SUBSTANCE INTO THE CIRCULATION OF RATS EXPOSED TO NOXIOUS STIMULI12

Exposure to a physical or emotional stimulus which is noxious to animal or man results in an inhibition of the diuresis induced by the ingestion of water (Pickford, 1945; Verney, 1947; Kelsall 1949). This antidiuretic response to a stressful stimulus is diminished in the absence of the neurohypophysis (O’Conner and Verney, 1942). Consequently, it has been postulated that the antidiuretic response is dependent upon the activation of the neurohypophysis and the release of an “anti-diuretic hormone“ into the circulation. Direct evidence that an increase in the antidiuretic activity of the blood occurs when an animal is exposed to a noxious stimulus is not available. With the development of a relatively simple, sensitive and precise procedure for the assay of antidiuretic substances (ADS) in the blood plasma (Stein, Jinks, and Mirsky, 1952), it became possible to determine the activity of the plasma from rats exposed to noxious stimuli.
The structure of the mitochondrial inner membrane-matrix compartment

The structural complexity of cells, their organelles, assemblies and molecules is well appreciated by all biologists. Electron microscopy has revealed the intimate interdependence of specialized functions on specific structure. Many experimental biologists would agree that the integration of metabolic function in cells and its regulation can largely be explained in terms of structural interactions and separations between elements (enzymes, substrates) of the diverse metabolic pathways ~. On the other hand, since cells are small and diffusion times may be short compared to enzyme turnover times it is possible that no organization exists between the enzymes in some metabolic pathways and that the metabolic interactions or regulatory behaviours are diffusion controlled rather than specifically controlled by the structure or spatial arrangement (microenvironment) of the elements involved. Specific examples of questions concerning the diffusion vs. structural control of metabolism are: (1) Are the interactions of the electron transport complexes in the inner mitochondrial membrane diffusion controlled or do they normally exist as a large functional complex~? (2) Are the glycolytic enzymes organized into a complex (of enzymes) ~ ? (3) Are the so-called 'soluble' Krebs' cycle enzymes organized into a large complex within the inner membrane matrix compartment 4 ? Similar questions can be asked for other metabolic pathways but the physicalchemical problem involved in all of these systems stems from the relationship between diffusion coefficients, enzyme turnover time and cell volume. The rates of all chemical reactions are bound by the time it takes for the two reactants to encounter each other. This time depends on the size and shape of the reactants, the viscosity of the medium, the distance between the two particles and the number of dimensions of the system. When one considers the small distances involved in living cells, assumes
Lipopolysaccharides and cytokines downregulate the angiotensin II type 2 receptor in rat cardiac fibroblasts.

Abstract The present study examines the effect of lipopolysaccharides and proinflammatory cytokines on the expression of the second isoform of the angiotensin II receptor (AT2), which may have a role in lowering collagen deposition in cardiac tissue. Cardiac fibroblasts express high levels of both angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 receptors. Incubation with lipopolysaccharides for 24 h dose- and time-dependently decreased angiotensin II AT2 receptor expression with no apparent difference in the affinity. Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, Nω-nitro- l -arginine methyl ester and the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A, but not the protein kinase C inhibitors bisindolylmaleimide and calphostin C, abolished the inhibitory action of lipopolysaccharides. The cytokines interleukin-1β and tissue necrosis factor-α mimicked the effect of lipopolysaccharides. All three compounds induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside and the cGMP analog 8-bromoguanosine cyclic monophosphate downregulated angiotensin II AT 2 receptor expression. The findings are consistent with the pathway in which lipopolysaccharides or cytokines induce iNOS. The data suggest that lipopolysaccharide- or cytokine-dependent induction of iNOS and resultant production of nitric oxide leads to the production of cGMP, which in turn downregulates expression of the angiotensin II AT 2 receptor in cardiac fibroblasts.
T-cell Engineering for Cancer Immunotherapy

The adoptive transfer of tumor-reactive cells is a promising approach for the treatment of melanoma and some other cancers. To remedy the difficulties associated with the isolation and expansion of tumor-reactive T cells in most cancer patients, peripheral blood T cells can be retargeted to any chosen tumor antigen by the genetic transfer of an antigen-specific receptor. The transduced receptors may be human leukocyte antigen-restricted, heterodimeric T-cell antigen receptor (TCRs), or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which typically recognize native cell-surface antigens. Considerable progress has been made in recent years to address the challenges posed by the transfer of either receptor type. Vector and protein modifications enable the expression of TCR chains in human T cells at functional levels and with a reduced risk of mis-pairing with endogenous TCR chains. The combinatorial inclusion of activating and costimulatory domains in CARs has dramatically enhanced the signaling properties of the chimeric receptors described over a decade ago. Based on the effective T-cell transduction and expansion procedures now available to support clinical investigation, improved designer TCRs and second generation CARs targeting an array of antigens are being evaluated in a range of hematological malignancies and solid tumors.
Raman combinations and stretching overtones from water, heavy water, and NaCl in water at shifts to ca. 7000 cm-1

Photographic Raman spectra were obtained at shifts to ca. 7000 cm−1 for pure water and for a saturated aqueous solution of NaCl using argon ion laser excitation. Raman spectra were also obtained photoelectrically for H2O and D2O between ca. 2500 and ca. 7000 cm−1 using 248-nm excimer laser excitation and boxcar detection. Overtone and combination assignments are presented for H2O and D2O. The first IR OH-stretching overtone from water occurs 215 cm−1 above the first Raman OH-stretching overtone because the IR overtones are dominated by asymmetric stretching. The second OH-stretching Raman overtone from water is estimated to occur near 10,020 ± 20 cm−1, with 9950 cm−1 as a lower limit.
Interstrain cross-reactive idiotypes on monoclonal antibodies to an encephalitogenic myelin basic protein peptide

Abstract In order to assess the role of idiotype (Id) and the anti-Id network in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), Id-bearing monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to human myelin basic protein (MBP) peptide acetyl 1–9, as well as mAb anti-Id, were developed in EAE-susceptible PL/J mice (H-2 u ). These mice recognize MBP residues acetyl 1–9 as an encephalitogenic determinant. Reactivities of PL/J Id-bearing mAbs to MBP and to MBP peptides were identical to those of mAbs generated against the same MBP peptide in EAE-resistant BALB/c mice (H-2 d ), even though isotypes of the mAbs differed. By using an inhibitory ELISA and immunoblotting, it was demonstrated that one PL/J mAb anti-Id recognized a public or framework Id, whereas another PL/J mAb-anti Id was directed to a private Id more restricted to the paratopic site. Two Id-bearing PL/J mAbs shared a cross-reactive Id (IdX) on the light chain, and an interstrain IdX was present on both the heavy and light chains of mAbs raised in PL/J and BALB/c mice to the same MBP peptide. The PL/J mAb anti-Id was capable of cross-regulating the production of Id-bearing mAbs by hybridomas across murine strains. These findings suggest that a restrictive family of germ-line genes encode for these Id-bearing antibodies to MBP peptide, irrespective of whether the MBP peptide is encephalitogenic in the murine strain immunized. Manipulation of the Id network may provide a means for modifying autoimmune demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system.
The impact of chlorine on chromium speciation in a laminar diffusion flame

Abstract Measurements of total chromium and hexavalent chromium have been obtained in a laminar methane/air diffusion flame. Chlorine was added to methane in the form of methyl chloride gas. A dilution-quenching probe sampled the emissions from the flame. Particles were collected on a filter and vapor phase species were collected in impingers. All samples were analyzed for hexavalent chromium with a spectrophotometric method. The filter sample was also analyzed for total chromium by X-ray fluorescence. Total chromium added to the flame was determined by gravimetric analysis of the chromium source, chromium hexacarbonyl. Recovery of chromium of up to 64% was achieved. The addition of methyl chloride to the fuel had a dramatic impact on the speciation of the chromium emission. The fraction of hexavalent chromium increased significantly as small amounts of chlorine were added. Partitioning between phases was also altered; much more hexavalent chromium was found in the impingers as the chlorine loading increased. Equilibrium calculations reproduced experimental trends but showed strong sensitivity to the thermochemical properties of the included species, particularly CrO 2 Cl 2 .
DNA Repair and Genome Maintenance in Bacillus subtilis

SUMMARY From microbes to multicellular eukaryotic organisms, all cells contain pathways responsible for genome maintenance. DNA replication allows for the faithful duplication of the genome, whereas DNA repair pathways preserve DNA integrity in response to damage originating from endogenous and exogenous sources. The basic pathways important for DNA replication and repair are often conserved throughout biology. In bacteria, high-fidelity repair is balanced with low-fidelity repair and mutagenesis. Such a balance is important for maintaining viability while providing an opportunity for the advantageous selection of mutations when faced with a changing environment. Over the last decade, studies of DNA repair pathways in bacteria have demonstrated considerable differences between Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Here we review and discuss the DNA repair, genome maintenance, and DNA damage checkpoint pathways of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. We present their molecular mechanisms and compare the functions and regulation of several pathways with known information on other organisms. We also discuss DNA repair during different growth phases and the developmental program of sporulation. In summary, we present a review of the function, regulation, and molecular mechanisms of DNA repair and mutagenesis in Gram-positive bacteria, with a strong emphasis on B. subtilis.
Role of carnitine in utilization of dietary medium-chain triglycerides by term infants

The role of carnitine in oxidation of dietary medium-chain fatty acids (as medium-chain triglycerides) was studied in term human infants. Infants were fed, alternately, formulas with fat content that was predominantly long-chain triglycerides, or 40% medium-chain triglycerides. Urinary acylcarnitine excretion was significantly higher and the ratio of free to total carnitine was significantly lower when infants were fed the formula with medium-chain triglycerides. Two groups of 10 infants were fed a commercial soy-protein-based formula modified to contain 40% of fat calories as medium-chain tri- glycerides and with or without added L-carnitine. By 56 d, in- fants fed the formula without added L-carnitine excreted sig- nificantly more medium-chain dicarboxylic acids than did the same infants at 28 d and significantly more than infants con- suming the carnitine-supplemented formula at either 28 or 56 d. Results are consistent with a role for carnitine in metabolism ofdietary medium-chain triglycerides in infants. Am J Clin
Improved cut sequences for partitioning based placement

Recursive partitioning based placement has a long history, but there has been little consensus on how cut sequences should be chosen. In this paper, we present a dynamic programming approach to cut sequence generation. If certain assumptions hold, these sequences are optimal. After study of these optimal sequences, we observe that an extremely simple method can be used to construct sequences that are near optimal. Using this method, our bisection based placement tool Feng Shui outperforms the previously presented Capo tool by 11% on a large benchmark. By integrating our cut sequence method into Capo, we are able to improve performance by 5%, bringing the results of Feng Shui and Capo closer together.
Measure Extensions, Lebesgue-Stieltjes Measure Kolmogorov Consistency Theorem

A salient underpinning of probability theory is the one-to-one correspondence between distribution functions onR n and probability measures on the Borel subsets ofR n . Verification of this correspondence involves the notion of measure extension.
El síndrome cardiorenal en insuficiencia cardíaca: Un paradigma en evolución

Heart failure constitutes a significant source of morbidity and mortality in the United Sta-tes and its incidence and prevalence continue to grow, increasing its burden on the health care system. Renal dysfunction in patients with heart failure is common and has been associatedwith adverse clinical outcomes. This interaction, termed the cardiorenal syndrome, is a complex phe-nomenon characterized by a pathophysiological dise-quilibrium between the heart and the kidney, in which malfunction of one organ subsequently promotes the impairment of the other.Multiple neuro-humoral mechanisms are involved in this cardiorenal interaction, including the deficiency of and/or resistance to compensatory natriuretic pepti-des, leading to sodium retention, volume overload and organ remodeling. Management of patients with the cardiorenal syndrome can be challenging and should be individualized. Emerging therapies must address the function of both organs in order to secure better clinical outcomes. To this end, a multidisciplinary ap-proach is recommended to achieve optimal results.
Galactic winds and stellar populations in Lyman α emitting galaxies at z ∼ 3.1

We present a sample of 33 spectroscopically confirmed z ~ 3.1 Ly$\alpha$-emitting galaxies (LAEs) in the Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS) field. This paper details the narrow-band survey we conducted to detect the LAE sample, the optical spectroscopy we performed to confirm the nature of these LAEs, and a new near-infrared spectroscopic detection of the [O III] 5007 \AA\ line in one of these LAEs. This detection is in addition to two [O III] detections in two z ~ 3.1 LAEs we have reported on previously (McLinden et al 2011). The bulk of the paper then presents detailed constraints on the physical characteristics of the entire LAE sample from spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting. These characteristics include mass, age, star-formation history, dust content, and metallicity. We also detail an approach to account for nebular emission lines in the SED fitting process - wherein our models predict the strength of the [O III] line in an LAE spectrum. We are able to study the success of this prediction because we can compare the model predictions to our actual near-infrared observations both in galaxies that have [O III] detections and those that yielded non-detections. We find a median stellar mass of 6.9 $\times$ 10$^8$ M$_{\odot}$ and a median star formation rate weighted stellar population age of 4.5 $\times$ 10$^6$ yr. In addition to SED fitting, we quantify the velocity offset between the [O III] and Ly$\alpha$ lines in the galaxy with the new [O III] detection, finding that the Ly$\alpha$ line is shifted 52 km s$^{-1}$ redwards of the [O III] line, which defines the systemic velocity of the galaxy.