cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diabetes and hypertension in isolated sixth nerve palsy: a population-based study.

Purpose Diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension are frequently reported as ischemic causes of sixth nerve palsy/paresis, but there are few rigorous studies to support these associations. We conducted a population-based case-control study to determine the presence and magnitude of any association of preexisting diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension with isolated sixth nerve palsy. Design Retrospective population-based case-control study. Participants and Controls Participants were patients with new onset of neurologically isolated sixth nerve palsy or paresis (n = 76) in Olmsted County, Minnesota, from January 1, 1978, to December 31, 1992. Controls (n = 76) were selected from the same general population and were matched for age, gender, and length of medical follow-up. Methods Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records linkage system, which captures virtually all medical care provided to residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, we identified all incident cases of neurologically isolated sixth nerve palsy/paresis (n = 76) among county residents between the given dates. An equal number (n = 76) of controls were randomly selected from the general population. We reviewed the entire medical record of each case and control, using stringent predetermined criteria to define the presence of diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension. We compared the prevalence of diabetes and systemic hypertension between cases and controls by use of chi-square tests, and we calculated odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Main Outcome Measures Presence or absence of diabetes mellitus and systemic hypertension. Results Diabetes mellitus occurred more frequently in cases (23.7%) than in controls (5.3%; P = 0.001; OR, 5.59; 95% CI, 1.79–17.42). Systemic hypertension occurred with similar frequency in cases (51.3%) and controls (39.5%; P = 0.14; OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 0.85–3.08). Coexistent diabetes mellitus and hypertension were more common in cases (18.4%) than in controls (2.6%; P = 0.002; OR, 8.36; 95% CI, 1.83–38.18). Conclusions We conclude that there is a 6-fold increase in odds of having diabetes in cases of sixth nerve palsy over controls, whereas systemic hypertension does not seem to be associated with increased odds. In contrast, there is an 8-fold increased odds of having coexistent diabetes and hypertension in cases of sixth nerve palsy over controls. The much-cited association of systemic hypertension alone with sixth nerve palsy may be coincidental.
Reptation quantum Monte Carlo calculation of charge transfer: The Na-Cl dimer

Abstract The phenomenon of ion pairing in aqueous solutions is of widespread importance in chemistry and physics, and charge transfer between the ions plays a significant role. We examine the performance of quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) calculations for describing the charge transfer behavior in a NaCl dimer. The influence of the fermion nodes is investigated by obtaining the electron density using the reptation Monte Carlo approach. The fermion nodes are given by single-particle orbitals in Slater–Jastrow trial wavefunctions. We consider the single-particle orbitals from Hartree–Fock and density functional theory calculations with several exchange-correlation approximations. Appreciable dependence of the charge transfer on the fixed-node approximation was found although the total energy was found to be rather insensitive. Our work shows that a careful examination of the fixed-node approximation is necessary for quantifying charge transfer in QMC calculations even when other properties such as reaction energetics are insensitive to the approximation.
Evaluating functional antibodies in rhesus monkeys immunized with hepatitis B virus surface antigen vaccine with novel adjuvant formulations

Effective and safe novel adjuvants are of great interest to the vaccine research community. In this study, we describe our evaluation of adjuvant formulations containing a TLR9 agonist adjuvant (ISS1018) or ISCOMATRIX™ adjuvant for a two-dose regimen of hepatitis B virus surface antigen virus-like particle vaccine in mice and rhesus macaques. Our results show a 10-20 fold improvement in Ab binding titers determined in an antigen-sandwich assay for adjuvant formulations with ISCOMATRIX™ adjuvant, in comparison to routine aluminum formulation. Furthermore, we optimized a competition assay to evaluate a functional component of immune sera, using a conformation-dependent and protective mAb, RFHBs1, as the probe. Although good correlation was observed between Ab binding titers from the antigen-sandwich assay and functional titers from the in-solution competition against RFHBs1, the latter assessment provided a much more stringent ranking of adjuvant formulations than the former. These results indicate the importance of evaluating functional Abs when assessing and comparing novel adjuvant formulations, as it provides another angle to investigate the effects of change in adjuvant composition on antigenic integrity of the testing vaccines.
Static displacements and the electrical resistivity of interstitial alloys

Abstract It appears that the predominant mechanism by which interstitial solute atoms influence the electrical resistivity of alloys, unlike substitutional solutes, is through the associated static displacements of the host atoms. A quantitative test of this hypothesis is possible in the case of tetragonal iron-carbon martensites, where the magnitude of the static displacements is experimentally known. The resistivity component arising from the static displacements is estimated by analogy to the mean-square thermal displacements and corresponding electrical resistivity of pure iron. The result agrees fairly well with various measurements on the effect of dissolved carbon on the resistivity of martensitic alloys. The displacement hypothesis also provides a logical explanation for the anomalous resistivity increase observed during the aging of iron-carbon and iron-nickel-carbon martensites. Spontaneous rearrangements of the interstitial atoms during aging tend to occur in such a manner as to increase the static displacements, as illustrated by theoretical treatment of the formation of carbon-atom pairs. The normal aging behavior can be altered, however, by the prior introduction of a dense dislocation substructure through thermomechanical treatment, as in ausformed martensites.
North American Harpacticoid Copepods Ii. New Records and Species of Elaphoidella (Canthocamptidae) From the United States and Canada

Nordamerikanische Angaben von Elaphoidella bidens coronata Sars werden hier zusammengefasst und neue werden aufgezeichnet. Das Weibchen von E. subgracilis (Willey) aus Saskatchewan, Kanada, wird wiederbeschrieben. Drei neue nordamerikanische Arten werden beschrieben: E. reedi, das Weibchen und das Mannchen; E. californica, nur das Weibchen; und E. kodiakensis, nur das Weibchen.
On axiomatization of Łukasiewicz's four-valued modal logic

Formal aspects of various ways of description of Jan Łukasiewicz’s four-valued modal logic £ are discussed. The original Łukasiewicz’s description by means of the accepted and rejected theorems, together with the four-valued matrix, is presented. Then the improved E.J. Lemmon’s description based upon three specific axioms, together with the relational semantics, is presented as well. It is proved that Lemmon’s axiomatic is not independent: one axiom is derivable on the base of the remanent two. Several axiomatizations, based on three, two or one single axiom are provided and discussed, including S. Kripke’s axiomatics. It is claimed that (a) all substitutions of classical theorems, (b) the rule of modus ponens, (c) the definition of “◊” and (d) the single specific axiom schema: ⬜A ∧ B → A ∧ ⬜B, called the jumping necessity axiom, constitute an elegant axiomatics of the system £.
Implementing a cache consistency protocol

We present an ownership-based multiprocessor cache consistency protocol, designed for implementation by a single chip VLSI cache controller. The protocol and its VLSI realization are described in some data, to emphasize the important implementation issues, in particular, the controller critical sections and the inter- and intra-cache interlocks needed to maintain cache consistency. The design has been carried through to layout in a P-Well CMOS technology.
The role of public values in setting health care priorities

Public values must play a substantial role in any attempt to deal with the health care resource allocation problem. This article examines how preferences for the health outcomes of care (e.g. improved or worsened physical suffering) can provide a coherent basis upon which set explicit health care priorities. Preferences for health outcomes could be mapped onto information concerning the outcomes expected from the specific health services when used for particular clinical conditions. These 'preference-weighted' outcomes would determine the relative priority given to health services for each specific condition. Generic outcome measures would be used in order to permit comparison of benefits and harms across different services. It is argued herein that allocation rules cannot be based on individual patients' preferences. Instead, average population preferences should be used to evaluate the relative importance of services--as occurs in other insurance contexts--despite theoretical concerns about the aggregation of preferences. Patients' preferences might also be estimated by reference to relevant demographic factors, but only if population subgroups are identified with relatively homogeneous preference patterns and if the use of such subgroups is deemed socially acceptable. Concerns about stereotyping and discrimination might limit the tractability of this approach.
Refining oxygen isotope analysis in the Nasca region of Peru: An investigation of water sources and archaeological samples

The development of complex societies, irrigation agriculture and sociopolitical transitions are of interest to researchers working in the Nasca region on the south coast of Peru. Occupied for thousands of years, many questions regarding the circumstances of these changes in the area are being investigated. Oxygen isotope analysis provides a method for exploring residential mobility of past peoples during these transitions. This study presents new δ18O data from water sources that would have been used by the ancient inhabitants, providing important information regarding the oxygen isotope variability in the region and the necessary baseline data for migration studies in this region. Our results suggest that the isotopic composition of water sources in the Nasca region is not highly variable. In addition, archaeological human tooth enamel samples from the sites of La Tiza and Pajonal Alto are analysed. The δ18Oc results of the human enamel samples confirm the local nature of the burial population, as suggested by previous strontium isotope analysis (87Sr/86Sr). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. This article was published online on 13 January 2010. An error was subsequently identified. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been corrected 15 January 2010.
THE SKILLS THAT TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS NEED: AN INVESTIGATION OF TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION GRADUATES, MANAGERS, AND CURRICULA

This study examines the skills that recent technical communication graduates and managers believe technical communication students need before entering business and industry as new technical communicators. Through questionnaires and interviews with recent graduates and managers of technical communication departments as well as an analysis of the participating schools' curricula, this study suggests areas where technical communication may need more preparation, including business operations, project management, problem-solving skills, and scientific and technical knowledge. Further research is needed at local, state, and national levels to analyze technical communication undergraduate curricula along with responses from recent graduates of technical communication programs and managers of technical communication programs. Only through continued research can we ensure that future technical communicators receive an education that eases their transition into the world of business and industry.
Evaluation of a serologic marker, CA19-9, in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Excerpt Study Objective:To determine the utility of the serologic marker CA19-9 in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in patients suspected of having a pancreatic disorder. Design:Blinded study of ...
Inability of flavonoids to modify roentgen ray irradiation mortality in guinea pigs.

SummaryIt has been shown that rutin, hesperidin, hesperidin methylchalcone, and naringin were ineffective in modifying Roentgen ray irradiation lethality in guinea pigs. There was an indication that post-irradiation medication with rutin may have increased the rate of mortality.
Pragmatism at the center — is it enough?

Both the Congress and the President come across after a few months as extreme pragmatists. Earlier fears of a “veto‐proof” Congress are dissolving. Huge mandates last November plus the decline of party discipline make independents of new congressmen and congresswomen despite Democratic party caucuses. Meanwhile, a basically conservative President struggles mightily with the stubborn growth of the federal government — now 22 percent of the economy — and loses. With only 18 percent of voters calling themselves Republican, how can he cut programs paying dollars to individuals while unemployment mounts and inflation only creeps downward?
Parameter Insensitive Observers

In this paper the problem of designing an observer for a system with constant or slowly varying inputs is considered. The norm of the observer matrix is shown to be a useful tool in designing observers that are relatively insensitive to parameter changes.
Compliant Mechanisms Formed From Shaped Wire

This paper presents an alternative to fabrication methods commonly used in compliant mechanisms research. This method integrates torsional springs made of formed wire into compliant mechanisms. In this way the desired force, stiffness, and motion can be achieved from a single piece of formed wire. Two techniques of integrating torsion springs are fabricated and modeled: helical coil torsion springs and torsion bars. Because the mechanisms are more complex than ordinary springs, simplified models, which aid in design, are presented which represent the wireform mechanisms as rigid body mechanisms using the pseudo-rigid-body model. The method is demonstrated through the design of a mechanically tristable mechanism. The validity of the simplified models is discussed by comparison to finite element models and, in the case of the torsion bar mechanism, to experimental measurements.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Basic treatment considerations using chemotherapy for patients with small cell lung cancer

Despite the initial high response rates and some cures with combination chemotherapy, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) remains fatal in 95% of the patients treated for this disease in the United States. Extensive laboratory and clinical research has been ongoing to attempt to improve the outcome of patients with SCLC. The basic treatment considerations of chemotherapy include applications in different clinical settings and different times during the treatment course. Most of the clinical research information in this article describes considerations regarding the initial induction chemotherapy. Other considerations include induction chemotherapy combined with chest irradiation, maintenance chemotherapy administered after completing an initial course of induction chemotherapy or induction chemotherapy combined with chest radiotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy administered after surgical resection of SCLC. This article reviews these basic treatment considerations that should be incorporated into ongoing preclinical and clinical research to develop more effective therapies for patients.
Training Millennials: a practical and theoretical approach

Purpose – For student reference supervisors and trainers, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of the millennial worker and how we can effectively train student reference employees in virtual reference. The purpose of this paper is to present best practices for training the millennial generation of reference workers on virtual reference.Design/methodology/approach – This paper is a combination of a case study and theoretical approach including a literature review of “computer mediated communication” (CMC) theory as well as Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) best practices. This paper describes the creation of a training manual for the millennial student who works in reference and are the primary respondents to instant messaging.Findings – This project describes why it is necessary to train millennial student reference employees differently than librarians or paraprofessionals when dealing with virtual reference.Practical implications – This paper presents practical training techniqu...
The sodium pump and hypertension: A physiological role for the cardiac glycoside binding site of the Na,K-ATPase

The Na,K-ATPase (or Na pump) is an integral membrane protein that transports Na+ and K+ across the plasma membrane of almost all animal cells and couples this work to the hydrolysis of the terminal phosphate bond of ATP (1). A significant fraction (up to ≈30%) of the ATP generated by cell metabolism is dedicated to this active transport process. The electrical gradient created by the Na pump is essential for the excitable activity of muscle and nerve tissue, and the inwardly directed Na gradient maintained by the Na pump is used in most cells and organs to drive the uptake and accumulation of a wide range of essential nutrients and cellular substrates and to reduce cell calcium and proton concentrations. The Na,K-ATPase also serves as the unique binding site for cardiac glycosides, such as ouabain, digoxin, and digitoxin. Plant extracts containing cardiac glycosides have been used therapeutically since the 18th century. The cardiac glycoside site is the pharmacological target for digoxin, which is currently used widely in the treatment of congestive heart failure. However, the strong evolutionary conservation of this binding site among almost all species has suggested that important physiological functions may involve recognition of this site by endogenous agents. The work of Dostanic-Larson et al. in this issue of PNAS (2) demonstrates that the cardiac glycoside binding site of Na,K-ATPase plays an important physiological role in blood pressure regulation. It is reported that ACTH-induced hypertension is abolished when the interaction of cardiac glycosides with the Na,K-ATPase is …
Monitoring Pc 4 photodynamic therapy in clinical trials of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma using noninvasive spectroscopy

Silicon phthalocyanine Pc 4 photodynamic therapy (Pc 4-PDT) has emerged as a potentially effective treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Noninvasive reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopy before, during, and after PDT may provide useful dose metrics and enable therapy to be tailored to individual lesions. We present the design and implementation of a portable bedside spectroscopy system for initial clinical trials of Pc 4-PDT of CTCL. Reflectance and fluorescence spectra were obtained from an early stage CTCL patient throughout the course of the PDT treatment. Preliminary patient data show a significant effect of Pc 4 on the tissue absorption, modest Pc 4 photobleaching, and heterogeneity of Pc 4 within and between the lesions.
Fractional derivative viscoelastic model for frequency-dependent complex moduli of automotive elastomers

Finite element modeling has been used extensively nowadays for predicting structural vibration and noise radiation of automobile engines and subsystems. However, many elastomeric components on the engines or subsystems are often omitted in the FE models due to primarily the lack of material properties at higher frequencies. The present paper describes a form of fractional derivative viscoelastic model for characterizing frequency-dependent complex moduli of elastomers. The model is used to predict the high frequency complex moduli of some fluoroelastomers with varying durometers. Excellent correlations between testing and prediction are obtained.
First-Principles Study of Point-Defect Production in Si and SiC

The authors have calculated the displacement-threshold energy E(d) for point-defect production in Si and SiC using empirical potentials, tight-binding, and first-principles methods. They show that -- depending on the knock-on direction -- 64-atom simulation cells can be sufficient to allow a nearly finite-size-effect-free calculation, thus making the use of first-principles methods possible. They use molecular dynamics (MD) techniques and propose the use of a sudden approximation which agrees reasonably well with the MD results for selected directions and which allows estimates of Ed without employing an MD simulation and the use of computationally demanding first-principles methods. Comparing the results with experiment, the authors find the full self-consistent first-principles method in conjunction with the sudden approximation to be a reliable and easy method to predict E{sub d}. Furthermore, they have examined the temperature dependence of E{sub d} for C in SiC and found it to be negligible.
A perfusion chamber for physiological studies with acutely dissociated neurons.

Abstract We describe a recording chamber that immobilizes acutely dissociated neurons on an ultra-fine mesh grid positioned above a moving stream of perfusate. This chamber is easily fabricated and has two attributes for single-electrode voltage-clamp or patch-clamp recording: (1) shallow immersion ( μ m) of the neurons, and (2) stable recording with rapid perfusion rates.
Fecundity and Husband-Wife Age Gap at First Marriage—Cross-Country Analysis

One explanation given for the gender wage gap is the division of labor in the home. On the marriage outset, averagely speaking, husbands who are older invest more human capital in market activities than wives. This paper concentrates on the age gap at first marriage. It hypothesizes that the demand for children is one important reason for the husband-wife age gap. To show this, the paper extends a two-sided matching model of marriage (originally introduced by Eugenio Giolito [1]) based on the biological fact that men have a longer fecundity horizon than women and examines cross-country data from World Marriage Patterns 2000 to show a higher marital age gap the greater the role children play in economic activities, the greater the importance of agriculture in an economy, the greater a country’s rural compared to total population, and the greater the population’s proportion of pro-natal religions.
Flight Thresholds of the Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Flight initiation threshold temperatures for agitated and undisturbed adult armyworms, Pseudaletia unipuncta , were measured. A predefined sequence of disturbances was applied to individual moths in an empty environmental chamber at various constant temperatures. With this agitation, the minimum flight threshold observed was 4°C, and the majority of moths could initiate flight at 10°C or above. A linear trend was noted between the log of duration of preflight wing shivering and ambient temperature. There were no detectable interactions with the sex or age of moths. Undisturbed moths were placed on oat seedlings at various constant temperatures under the photoperiodic conditions of rearing and left overnight. The presence of wing scales on a surface coated with Tanglefoot indicated flight. Flight was indicated at a minimum of 8°C. Flight maintenance thresholds were determined by lowering the temperature in a small tubular enclosure containing a single flying moth. Thresholds averaged 5.0°C for females and 3.9°C for males, with a minimum observed threshold of −l°C. No significant interactions with moth age or relative humidity at testing were noted.
Age-independent, gray matter-localized, brain-enhanced oxidative stress in male fischer 344 rats: Brain levels of F2-isoprostanes and F4-neuroprostanes

While studies showed that aging is accompanied by increased exposure of the brain to oxidative stress, others have not detected any age-correlated differences in levels of markers of oxidative stress. Use of conventional markers of oxidative damage in vivo, which may be formed ex vivo and/or eliminated by endogenous metabolism, may explain these conflicting results. Recently, F(2)-isoprostanes and F(4)-neuroprostanes, peroxidation products of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, respectively, have been identified as sensitive and reliable markers of oxidative injury. Therefore, this study was designed to quantify brain levels of F(2)-isoprostanes and F(4)-neuroprostanes and their precursors in 4, 10, 50, and 100 week old male Fischer 344 rats. Data show that levels of F(2)-isoprostanes and F(4)-neuroprostanes were comparable in all animal age groups. However, levels of F(4)-neuroprostanes were approximately 20-fold higher than those of F(2)-isoprostanes in all age groups, despite the fact that brain levels of docosahexaenoic acid were only twice as high as those of arachidonic acid. Based on our findings, it is concluded that aging is not accompanied by enhanced brain susceptibility to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the metabolically active gray matter of the brain, where docosahexaenoic acid is abundant, appears more susceptible to oxidative stress than the white matter.
Review of pneumatic reduction of intussusception: Evolution not revolution

Pneumatic insufflation of the colon for reduction of pediatric intussusception has recently been recognized in the United States as an alternative method for the more traditional hydrostatic reduction with contrast material. The experience with pneumatic reduction in China is extensive; more than 14,000 cases have been reported in the English language literature. In this review, the general technique used in China is summarized, and the international experience with air insufflation is included in a comparison of hydrostatic and pneumatic reduction techniques.
Oxygen isotope activities and concentrations in aqueous salt solutions at elevated temperatures: Consequences for isotope geochemistry

Studies of the effect of dissolved salts on the oxygen isotope activity ratio of water have been extended to 275°C. Dehydrated salts were added to water of known isotope composition and the solutions were equilibrated with CO2 which was sampled for analysis. For comparison similar studies were made using pure water. Results on water nearly coincide with earlier calculations. Salt effects diminish with increasing temperature only for solutions of MgCl2 and LiCl. Other salt solutions show complex behavior due to the temperature-dependent formation of ion pairs of changing character. Equilibrium fractionations (103 ln α) between 1 molal solutions and pure water at 25, 100, and 275°C are: NaCl 0.0, −1.5, +1.0; KCl 0.0, −1.0, +2.0; LiCl −1.0, −0.6, −0.5; CaCl2 −0.4, −1.8, +0.8; MgCl2 −1.1, −0.7, −0.3; MgSO4 −1.1, +0.1, −; NaF (0.8 m) 0.0, −1.5, −0.3; and NH4Cl (0.55 m) 0.0, −1.2, −1.3. These effects are significant in the isotope study of hot saline fluids responsible for ore deposition and of fluids found in certain geothermal systems. Minor modification of published isotope geothermometers may be required.
‘What is to be done?’ Anticipating the future and mobilizing prudence

Various social and political factors often block the emergence of good ideas — e.g., the presence of an overbearing leader, the loquaciousness of some actors and the shyness of others, conventional and doctrinal thinking, the political climate, etc. — and devices have been invented to overcome some of these obstacles in decisionmaking settings: the Delphi technique, idea writing, and the nominal group technique are all ‘front-end’ operations designed to encourage the blossoming of possible solutions to problems. Devices for generating ideas have not been helpful in coping with the volumes of ideas produced, however, and this had led some theorists to give up on the human mind as a solver of problems. Following a summary of the factors impeding rationality in decisional settings, the advantages of Q methodology are presented, and a case study is described in which Q, in conjunction with front-end operations, has been used to assist groups in clarifying their own perspectives and in gaining access to collective wisdom (political prudence) for purposes of problem solving. ...every on says something true about the nature of things, and while individually we contribute little or nothing to the truth, by the union of all a considerable amount is amassed. (Aristotle,)
Boundary controllability of Maxwell's equations with nonzero conductivity inside a cube, II: Lack of exact controllability and controllability for very smooth solutions

Abstract This is a second paper in a two part series. In the prequel, [S.S. Krigman, C.E. Wayne, Boundary controllability of Maxwell's equations with nonzero conductivity inside a cube, I: Spectral controllability, J. Math. Anal. Appl. (2006), doi:10.1016/j.jmaa2006.06.101 ], we showed that a system of Maxwell's equations for a homogeneous medium in a cube with nonnegative conductivity possesses the property that any finite combination of eigenfunctions is controllable (spectral controllability) by means of boundary surface currents applied over only one face of the cube. In the present paper it is established, by modifying the calculations in [H.O. Fattorini, Estimates for sequences biorthogonal to certain complex exponentials and boundary control of the wave equation, in: New Trends in Systems Analysis, Proceedings of the International Symposium, Versailles, 1976, in: Lecture Notes in Control and Inform. Sci., vol. 2, Springer, Berlin, 1977, pp. 111–124], that spectral controllability is the strongest result possible for this geometry, since the exact controllability fails regardless of the size of the conductivity term. However, we do establish controllability of solutions that are smooth enough that the Fourier coefficients of their initial data decay at an appropriate exponential rate. This does not contradict the lack of exact controllability since in any Sobolev space there are initial conditions which violate these restrictions.
HLA class I antigen display on hepatocyte membrane in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: its role in the pathogenesis of chronic type B hepatitis

It has been suggested that cytotoxic T cells are involved in the recognition and lysis of the infected hepatocytes in chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and that the target antigen is probably HBcAg which is displayed on the hepatocyte membrane during active viral replication. However, studies in other viral infection have demonstrated that cytotoxic T cells recognize viral antigen on the infected cells only in the context of HLA class I antigens. To test whether this mechanism is also operative in chronic hepatitis B virus infection, we studied the expression of HLA class I antigens in livers from 35 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection by indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibody against HLA class I antigens. The blocking effect of monoclonal antibody against HLA class I antigens on the in vitro T cell cytotoxicity to autologous hepatocytes was also studied. The results revealed that HLA class I antigen was undetectable on the hepatocyte membrane in all of 10 HBeAg-positive carriers with minor hepatitic activity, whereas it was demonstrated in 15 (88%) of the 17 HBeAg-positive patients with chronic active liver disease and in 7 (87%) of the 8 anti-HBe-positive “normal” carriers. The in vitro T cell cytotoxicity to autologous hepatocytes in six HBeAg-positive patients with chronic active liver disease was significantly inhibited by preincubation of hepatocytes with monoclonal antibody (10 to 40 μg per ml) against HLA class I antigen, but not by monoclonal antibody against HLA class II antigens and non-HLA-associated surface molecules (Leu 11). These findings suggested that HLA class I antigens became detectable on hepatocyte membrane while significant histological activity developed in chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and that the effector cytotoxic T cells required HLA class I antigen as target structure(s).
A QCA Implementation of a Configurable Logic Block for an FPGA

This paper presents the design, layout, and successful simulation of a configurable logic block (CLB) for a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) architecture based on a next-generation technology, quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA). Previous work on QCA-based FPGAs has focused on programmable interconnect. In contrast, this paper focuses on programmable logic. A novel single-layer CLB with fixed interconnect is developed by implementing four look-up tables (LUTs). Also, this paper presents a novel serial write/random-access read QCA memory design, which is one of the components in a LUT. QCADesigner software is used to design and simulate a 4-to-16 decoder, 16-bit memory, and output circuit to implement a LUT. The simulation of the CLB confirms the expected outcomes.
Postsecondary Education and Economic Well‐Being of Single Mothers and Single Fathers

We investigate the effects of postsecondary education on the economic well-being of single parents. The data for this study are from the 1993 Panel Study of Income Dynamics, with a sample of 930 single mothers and 168 single fathers. The results indicate that postsecondary education, particularly a 4-year college degree, improves the economic status of both single mothers and single fathers. Controlling for the effects of education and other factors, single fathers fare better than single mothers, and White single parents fare better than their African American counterparts. To benefit single parents, social policies must devote more resources toward human capital development and reduction of gender- and race-based discrimination in the labor market.
The place of rural, remote and least-wealthy small islands in international water development: the nexus of geography-technology sustainability in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia

Many least-wealthy, rural, remote and resource-poor small island communities are unlikely to benefit from high-profile global water improvement initiatives. Their small landmasses, geologic composition, geography, social and technological isolation, colonial history, and weak educational and financial resources constitute significant barriers to improving access to safe drinking water. This paper discusses the relatively unique position of such island societies in the international community, providing a case study of the Federated States of Micronesia that integrates data and information pertaining to water resources management and governance, spanning from the island village to national scale. A vision is offered regarding the interaction between small island human and biophysical water systems, manifesting ways to pursue water resource development to improve public health which are constructed to be economically, physically and culturally sustainable.
Neural Reconstruction with Approximate Message Passing (NeuRAMP)

Many functional descriptions of spiking neurons assume a cascade structure where inputs are passed through an initial linear filtering stage that produces a low-dimensional signal that drives subsequent nonlinear stages. This paper presents a novel and systematic parameter estimation procedure for such models and applies the method to two neural estimation problems: (i) compressed-sensing based neural mapping from multi-neuron excitation, and (ii) estimation of neural receptive fields in sensory neurons. The proposed estimation algorithm models the neurons via a graphical model and then estimates the parameters in the model using a recently-developed generalized approximate message passing (GAMP) method. The GAMP method is based on Gaussian approximations of loopy belief propagation. In the neural connectivity problem, the GAMP-based method is shown to be computational efficient, provides a more exact modeling of the sparsity, can incorporate nonlinearities in the output and significantly outperforms previous compressed-sensing methods. For the receptive field estimation, the GAMP method can also exploit inherent structured sparsity in the linear weights. The method is validated on estimation of linear nonlinear Poisson (LNP) cascade models for receptive fields of salamander retinal ganglion cells.
Manganese-induced NF-κB activation and nitrosative stress is decreased by estrogen in juvenile mice

Manganese toxicity can cause a neurodegenerative disorder affecting cortical and basal ganglia structures with a neurological presentation resembling features of Parkinson's disease. Children are more sensitive to Mn-induced neurological dysfunction than adults, and recent studies from our laboratory revealed a marked sensitivity of male juvenile mice to neuroinflammatory injury from Mn, relative to females. To determine the role of estrogen (E2) in mediating sex-dependent vulnerability to Mn-induced neurotoxicity, we exposed transgenic mice expressing an NF-κB-driven enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter construct (NF-κB-EGFP mice) to Mn, postulating that supplementing male mice with E2 during juvenile development would attenuate neuroinflammatory changes associated with glial activation, including expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) and neuronal protein nitration. Juvenile NF-κB-EGFP mice were separated in groups composed of females, males, and males surgically implanted with Silastic capsules containing 25 μg of 17-β-estradiol (E2) or vehicle control. Mice were then treated with 0 or 100 mg/Kg MnCl(2) by intragastric gavage from postnatal days 21-34. Manganese treatment caused alterations in levels of striatal dopamine, as well as increases in NF-κB reporter activity and NOS2 expression in both microglia and astrocytes that were prevented by supplementation with E2. E2 also decreased neuronal protein nitration in Mn-treated mice and inhibited apoptosis in striatal neurons cocultured with Mn-treated astrocytes in vitro. These data indicate that E2 protects against Mn-induced neuroinflammation in developing mice and that NF-κB is an important regulator of neuroinflammatory gene expression in glia associated with nitrosative stress in the basal ganglia during Mn exposure.
Black Students' Reactions to Feedback Conveyed by White and Black Teachers1

The present investigation examined some processes mediating self-fulfilling prophecies among black students. Specifically, we hypothesized that feedback conveyed by black and white teachers would differentially influence black students' perceptions of how the teacher viewed their success/failure, effort, ability, luck and task difficulty. In addition, we hypothesized that negative feedback would affect perceptions of evaluations differently than positive feedback. Ninety black undergraduates participated in an experiment in which a black or white teacher (confederate) expressed one of five evaluative feedback responses to a student's score on an analogies test. The results provided partial support for the first hypothesis: black female students perceived white teachers as assessing their performance less positively: that is, they perceived them to underestimate their ability and the difficulty of the task. Negative feedback also led students to believe the teacher held an unfavorable but inaccurate impression of their ability and effort, and that the teacher underestimated the difficulty of the task. These findings suggest that black students—black females in particular—may assume that white teachers hold less favorable assessments of them than black teachers and all students may be sensitive to negative evaluations.
Evidence for BLM and Topoisomerase IIIα interaction in genomic stability

The genomic instability of persons with Bloom’s syndrome (BS) features particularly an increased number of sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs). The primary cause of the genomic instability is mutation at BLM, which encodes a DNA helicase of the RecQ family. BLM interacts with Topoisomerase IIIα (Topo IIIα ), and both BLM and Topo IIIα localiz et o the nuclear organelles referred to as the promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies. In this study we show, by analysis of cells that express various deletion constructs of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged BLM, that the first 133 amino acids of BLM are necessary and sufficient for interaction between Topo IIIα and BLM. The Topo IIIα-interaction domain of BLM is not required for BLM’s localization to the PML nuclear bodies; in contrast, Topo IIIα is recruited to the PML nuclear bodies via its interaction with BLM. Expression of a full-length BLM (amino acids 1–1417) in BS cells can correct their high SCEs to normal levels, whereas expression of a BLM fragment that lacks the Topo IIIα interaction domain (amino acids 133–1417) results in intermediate SCE levels. The deficiency of amino acids 133–1417 in the reduction of SCEs was not explained by a defect in DNA helicase activity, because immunoprecipitated 133–1417 protein had 4-fold higher activity than GFP-BLM. The data implicate the BLM-Topo IIIα complex in the regulation of recombination in
NASA A-Train and Terra Observations of the 2010 Russian Wildfires

Wildfires raged throughout western Russia and parts of Eastern Europe during a persistent heat wave in the summer of 2010. Anomalously high surface temperatures (35-41 C) and low relative humidity (9-25 %) from mid- June to mid-August 2010 shown by analysis of radiosonde data from multiple sites in western Russia were ideal con- ditions for the wildfires to thrive. Measurements of out- going longwave radiation (OLR) from the Atmospheric In- frared Sounder (AIRS) over western Russian indicate persis- tent subsidence during the heat wave. Daily three-day back- trajectories initiated over Moscow reveal a persistent anti- cyclonic circulation for 18 days in August, coincident with the most intense period of fire activity observed by Mod- erate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). This unfortunate meteorological coincidence allowed transport of polluted air from the region of intense fires to Moscow and the surrounding area. We demonstrate that the 2010 Rus- sian wildfires are unique in the record of observations ob- tained by remote-sensing instruments on-board NASA satel- lites: Aura and Aqua (part of the A-Train Constellation) and Terra. Analysis of the distribution of MODIS fire products and aerosol optical thickness (AOT), UV aerosol index (AI) and single-scattering albedo (SSA) from Aura's Ozone Mon- itoring Instrument (OMI), and total column carbon monox- ide (CO) from Aqua's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) show that the region in the center of western Russia sur- rounding Moscow (52 -58 N, 33 -43 E) is most severely impacted by wildfire emissions. Over this area, AIRS CO, OMI AI, and MODIS AOT are significantly enhanced rela- tive to the historical satellite record during the first 18 days in August when the anti-cyclonic circulation persisted. By mid-August, the anti-cyclonic circulation was replaced with westerly transport over Moscow and vicinity. The heat wave ended as anomalies of surface temperature and relative hu- midity, and OLR disappeared. After 18 August the fire activ- ity greatly diminished over western Russia and levels of the satellite smoke tracers returned to values typical of previous years.
Davis Social Links: Leveraging Social Networks for Future Internet Communication

In this paper, we present a social network based network communication architecture, Davis Social Links (DSL). DSL uses the trust and relationships inherent to human social networks to provide an enhanced communication architecture for future Internet designs. We begin with a conceptual discussion of how future network architectures can leverage social networks. Next, we describe the DSL architecture and how it provides to end-users control over the irreachability within the network. We conclude with a discussion of the capability to manage dynamic communities within DSL.
Data flow analysis and its application to software maintenance

Algorithms are presented that limit the scope of recalculation of data-flow information for representative program changes. A prototype data-flow analysis program has been developed for a subset of the Ada language. An example analyzed by the prototype shows its possible use by program maintenance personnel. >
Variations in Stress Responses as a Function of Cognitive and Personality Variables

Prior research shows wide individual differences in perception of and response to stressful life events. The present study examined the extent to which those differences could be attributable to individual differences in one's feelings of general self-efficacy or to characteristic ways of attributing causality for possible successful resolution of the problem posed. A sample of 273 undergraduate students were surveyed to ascertain their estimates of the stressfulness of four of 16 stressful life events as well as their attributions of the causality of successful resolution and the individuals' scores on the Self-efficacy Scale. Subjects' ratings of stressfulness were quite consistent regardless of the specific definition of stress used, were significantly, but at a low level, related to felt self-efficacy, and were inconsistently related to attributional characteristics. Further directions for research in the situational and individual interaction in assessing the impact of stressful events are suggested.
Measurement of the Thermal Conductance of Shred-Ded Urea-Formaldehyde in Vertical Panel

A series of measurements of the thermal conduct ance of vertical panels representing building walls have been made. The building panels contained shredded urea-formaldehyde foam at different densities. The results showed a linear decrease in the thermal conductance as the shredded foam density is in creased.
Imaging and Tailoring the Chirality of Domain Walls in Magnetic Films

Electric-current-induced magnetization switching is a keystone concept in the development of spintronics devices. In the last few years this field has experienced a significant boost with the discovery of ultrafast domain wall motions and very low threshold currents in structures designed to stabilize chiral spin textures. Imaging domain-wall spin textures in situ, while fabricating magnetic multilayer structures, is a powerful way to investigate the forces stabilizing this type of chirality, and informs strategies to engineer structures with controlled spin textures. Here, recent results applying spin-polarized low-energy electron microscopy to image chiral domain walls in magnetic multilayer films are summarized. Providing a way to measure the strength of the asymmetric exchange interaction that causes the chirality, this approach can be used to tailor the texture and handedness of magnetic domain walls by interface engineering. These results advance understanding of the underlying physics and offer new insights toward the design of spintronic devices.