cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formation of heterophile antibodies by human tonsilar lymphocytes. I. In vitro stimulation with heterologous antigens.

Abstract Short term cultures of human tonsilar lymphocytes (HTL) in a medium with human AB serum were studied for production of plaque forming cells (PFC) against bovine (BRBC) and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) following in vitro stimulation by various antigens. Stimulation by BRBC or SRBC resulted in production of significant number of PFC against BRBC and SRBC, 100 to 500/10 6 HTL, 4 to 8 days after initiation of the cultures. Seven of 10 HTL specimens stimulated by BRBC produced PFC against both BRBC and SRBC and three gave negative results. Of 12 SRBC-stimulated HTL samples, five produced PFC against both SRBC and BRBC, four against SRBC only and the remaining three gave negative results. Evidence was presented that E rosetting cells (T) as well as plastic-adhering cells were required for the in vitro PFC responses. Stimulation of HTL by murine thymocytes or by murine lymphoma EL-4 cells resulted also in formation of PFC against both BRBC and SRBC. Antibodies secreted by the PFC were studied by inhibition tests with solubilized heterophile antigens. These studies demonstrated that Hanganutziu-Deicher antibodies were secreted by PFC produced by HTL stimulated by BRBC as well as by SRBC and that Forssman antibodies were secreted by PFC formed by SRBC-stimulated HTL. Demonstration of P-B antibodies was not unequivocal. Stimulation by Hanganutziu-Deicher antigen induced in seven of 19 HTL specimens formation of PFC against BRBC and SRBC and stimulation by Paul-Bunnell antigen resulted in formation of PFC against BRBC or against BRBC and SRBC in four of 25 specimens.
Comment on “Essential Role of IL-17A in the Formation of a Mycobacterial Infection-Induced Granuloma in the Lung”

We read with interest the recent paper on the role of IL-17A produced predominantly by Vγ4+ and Vγ6+ γδ T cells in murine pulmonary granuloma maturation in response to bacillus Calmette-Guerin and virulent M. tuberculosis ([1][1]). Considerable literature links γδ T cells to M. tuberculosis
Regional differences in pleural lymphatic albumin concentration in sheep.

We used quantitative reflectance autoradiography to compare the concentration of albumin in visceral pleural lymphatics at the cranial and caudal ends of the sheep's lung in the vertical (60 degrees head-up) and horizontal (supine) positions. Twelve to fourteen hours after injecting 125I-albumin intravenously we placed four anesthetized sheep in the vertical position to establish a microvascular hydrostatic pressure gradient along the vertical height of the lung. We placed two anesthetized sheep in the horizontal position. Four hours later, we fixed the left lung and removed visceral pleural tissue blocks from the cranial and caudal ends, separated by a 15-cm distance, along the costovertebral margin. We measured the silver grain density in the pleural lymphatic autoradiograms by dark-field reflectance microspectrophotometry. In the vertical position, the lymph albumin concentration at the cranial end (top) of the lung averaged 2.5 +/- 0.4 g/dl compared with the caudal end (bottom), which averaged 1.8 +/- 0.3 g/dl. The difference (42% greater at the top than the bottom) is significant (P less than 0.05). The computed gradient in perimicrovascular interstitial albumin osmotic pressure was 0.26 +/- 0.13 cmH2O/cm lung height. There were no differences between the cranial and caudal lymphatic groups in the two horizontal sheep.more » We conclude that in the sheep lung there is a gradient in perimicrovascular albumin concentration due to the vertical gradient in microvascular hydrostatic pressure.« less
Modeling the Measured Time to Corrosion Cracking

The deterioration models for reinforced concrete structures include a period for time to corrosion cracking: time from initiation of corrosion to first cracking. Theoretical equations for determining the time to corrosioncracking have been presented but never validated. This paper reports on a study which was initiated to validate or modify a set of theoretical equations for field linear polarization, unguarded and guarded, corrosion rate devices. The test variables included six corrosion rates, two concrete cover depths, two reinforcing steel bar diameters and spacings, two exposure conditions (indoors and outdoors), and one design concrete strength (water to cement ratio). Influence of temperature and chloride content on the measured corrosion rates are presented. Corrosion rates increase with increasing chloride content and corrosion rates vary significantly with annual changes in temperature, highest in the spring and lowest in the winter. Measured metal loss measurements were compared with the calculated metal loss based on monthly corrosion rate measurements for both devices. The 3LP device significantly over-estimated the amount of metal loss and the Geocor 3 device significantly under-estimated the amount of metal loss based on average monthly measurements. The theoretical time to corrosion cracking equations significantly under-estimated the time to corrosion cracking using a uniform corrosion rate based on the measured metal loss.
Ethyl pyruvate diminishes the inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide infusion in horses.

Summary Reasons for performing the study: Endotoxaemia contributes to morbidity and mortality in horses with colic due to inflammatory cascade activation. Effective therapeutic interventions are limited for these horses. Ethyl pyruvate (EP), an anti-inflammatory agent that alters the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, improved survival and organ function in sepsis and gastrointestinal injury in rodents and swine. Therapeutic efficacy of EP is unknown in endotoxaemic horses. Objectives: Determine the effects of EP on signs of endotoxaemia and expression of proinflammatory cytokines following administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in horses. Methods: Horses received 30 ng/kg bwt LPS in saline to induce signs of endotoxaemia. Next, horses received lactated Ringer's solution (LRS), (n = 6), 150 mg/kg bwt EP in LRS, (n = 6), or 1.1 mg/kg bwt flunixin meglumine (FM), (n = 6). Controls received saline followed by LRS (n = 6). Physical examinations, behaviour pain scores and blood for clinical pathological testing and gene expression were obtained at predetermined intervals for 24 h. Results: Lipopolysaccharide infusion produced clinical and clinicopathological signs of endotoxaemia and increased expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 (P<0.001) compared with controls. Leucopenia and neutropenia occurred in all horses that received LPS. Horses treated with EP and FM had significantly (P<0.0001) reduced pain scores compared with horses receiving LPS followed by LRS. Flunixin meglumine was significantly more effective at ameliorating fever compared with EP. Both EP and FM significantly diminished TNFα expression. Ethyl pyruvate significantly decreased, but FM significantly increased, IL-6 expression. Neither EP nor FM altered IL-8 expression. Conclusions and potential relevance: Ethyl pyruvate administered following LPS diminished the clinical effects of endotoxaemia and decreased proinflammatory gene expression in horses. Ethyl pyruvate suppressed expression of proinflammatory cytokines better than FM. However, FM was a superior anti-pyretic compared with EP. Ethyl pyruvate may have therapeutic applications in endotoxaemic horses.
The Persian Gulf Conflict: The Impact of Stressors as Perceived by Army Reservists

This study examines the extent to which certain stressors influenced U.S. Army Reserve soldiers and their families as a result of the Persian Gulf conflict. Family composition, location of the soldier, rank, and gender were variables used to make comparisons of how the stressors affected soldiers and their families. Results revealed that married soldiers suffered from greater stress overall than single soldiers. Lower ranking soldiers and their families were affected less by the stressors outlined in this study than higher ranking soldiers and their families. Female soldiers were influenced less by the stressors than their male counterparts. Single-parent families handled the stressors better than two-parent families, and families with three or more school-age children responded better to the stress indicators than families with no children in school. On the basis of these results, clinical implications are discussed.
Systematic Errors in the Annual and Intraseasonal Variations of the Planetary-Scale Divergent Circulation in NMC Medium-Range Forecasts

Abstract The systematic error in the National Meterological Center's (NMC) medium-range operational forecasts of the global divergence during 1987 and 1988 is examined in this study. As in other operational NWP models the NMC model has too weak an annual mean, annual cycle, and 30–60 day oscillation. This weakness shows up after only a few days, especially over the monsoon region and tropical areas. When the intraseasonal oscillation amplitude is large the model predictive skill is improved. The eastward propagation of the low-frequency mode is well predicted throughout the 10-day forecast period. The north-south migration of the tropical Hadley circulation, depicted primarily by the annual-cycle mode, is also weaker although the phase pattern predicted by the MRF is consistent with analyses.
Detection of phospholipase C-β 2 activation by G-protein subunits

Many neurotransmitters and hormones convey their signals into cells via transmembrane receptors that activate heterotrimeric G proteins which in turn active phospholipase C-(beta) (PLC- (beta) ). Activation of PLC-(beta) by the (alpha) q and (beta) (gamma) subunits of G proteins results in activation of protein kinase C and release of Ca 2+ from intracellular stores, which in turn results in a multitude cellular changes. We have recently found that activation of PLC-(beta) by G proteins occurs by lateral association on the membrane surface. Here, we have measured the affinity of the membrane- bound species by fluorescence energy transfer and have conducted time-resolved studies to assess the lifetime of the PLC-G protein complexes in order to understand PLC signaling inside the cell. To better interpret these results, we outline methods to convert the two-dimensional dissociation constant measured for the membrane-bound proteins to a three dimensional one. We also detail calculations to determine the concentrations at which non-specific protein-protein interactions occurs due to membrane crowding. To differentiate between the physical association of PLC-G complexes and activation, we have developed a real-time fluorescence-based PLC-(beta) activity to determine the length of time that PLC- (beta) remains active after G protein dissociation. A model for activation will be presented.
A Full-Wave Rectifier for Interfacing with Multi-Phase Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters

This paper describes an asynchronous full-wave rectifier for use with a multiple-electrode disk-shaped piezoelectric generator. By using quarter-circle shaped electrodes, similar to an ultrasonic motor, multiple output voltage phases are obtained from a single resonating piezoelectric disk. Two-electrode transducer outputs are often rectified using a full-wave diode bridge rectifier, which requires a significant voltage drop between input and output, decreasing the rectifier's voltage efficiency. Previous asynchronous rectifiers use MOS switches to avoid the diode drop, however they lack the ability to efficiently rectify the multiple output phases generated from a disk-shaped transducer. Other CMOS rectifiers need two input waveforms that are equal and opposite, which a piezoelectric transducer may not generate for many input vibrations.
The assessment of time management in middle-school students

Abstract A self-assessment of time management is developed for middle-school students. A sample of entering seventh-graders (N = 814) from five states across the USA completed this instrument, with 340 students retested 6 months later. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis suggested two factors (i.e., Meeting Deadlines and Planning) that adequately explain the variance in time management for this age group. Scales show evidence of reliability and validity; with high internal consistency, reasonable consistency of factor structure over time, moderate to high correlations with Conscientiousness, low correlations with the remaining four personality dimensions of the Big Five, and reasonable prediction of students’ grades. Females score significantly higher on both factors of time management, with gender differences in Meeting Deadlines (but not Planning) mediated by Conscientiousness. Potential applications of the instrument for evaluation, diagnosis, and remediation in educational settings are discussed.
Foundations of lens ion transport

Purpose: Prof. George Duncan began work on the lens almost 40 years ago. His studies laid the foundation for our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate lens electrolyte content. Methods: In the late 1960s Prof. Duncan conducted microelectrode and tracer flux studies that illustrated a link between ion transport, osmotic balance and lens transparency. Results: His work defined the permeability properties of lens membranes and the requirement for equilibrium between passive ion movement and active ion transport. Later, Prof. Duncan and his colleagues at the University of East Anglia carried out an analysis of human cataractous lenses that revealed abnormal sodium, potassium, calcium and water levels in lenses with cortical opacification. Prof. Duncan presented the argument that the lens swells, calcium rises and cellular organization is disrupted if active sodium-potassium transport fails to balance cation leakage. Over the course of several years, the University of East Anglia group discovered evidence for a high degree of cooperativity between fiber and epithelial cells. Prof. Duncan’s discoveries became the foundation for later studies by his group and others that showed certain lens cells are specialized for active ion transport and shift ions for the entire lens. Conclusions: In recent years more has been learned regarding expression and regulation of Na,K-ATPase in lens epithelium and fibers. Recent studies by Tamiya, Okafor and Delamere (Am. J. Physiol. 2007 In Press) point to alterations of Na,K-ATPase activity subsequent to stimulation of purinergic receptors. It is interesting that one of the earliest reports on functional purinergic receptors in lens epithelium came from Prof. Duncan and the University of East Anglia group.
Comparative effects of diets consisting of one or two algal species upon assimilation efficiencies and growth of juvenile oysters, Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin)

Abstract Juvenile oysters, Crassostrea virginica , were fed one of six diets consisting of three species of algae fed singly or in two-species combinations. Dietary components were Isochrysis galbana (Diet I), Platymonas suecica (Diet P), and Thalassiosira pseudonana (Diet T). High (Diet TI), intermediate (Diets T, I, PT, PI), and low (Diet P) growth responses were observed. Intermediate and low growth responses were explained in terms of differing levels of ingestion and assimilation. The high growth response with Diet TI was not explained by measured values of ingestion and assimilation.
L-arginine improves resting cardiac transmembrane potential after burn injury.

Previous studies from our laboratory have suggested that burn injury disrupts nitric oxide production and promotes a loss of cell membrane integrity. We hypothesized that administration of L-arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide (NO), would prevent postburn depolarization of the cardiac cell membrane and preserve cell membrane integrity. Third degree scald burn comprising 43% of the total body surface area was produced in rats (n = 22); sham burn controls (n = 11) were included. Burn rats were either untreated (N = 11) or given 300 mg/kg L-arginine immediately, 3, 6, and 23 h postburn. Untreated burn injury caused depolarization of the cardiac cell membrane (cardiac Em fell from 79.0 +/- 1.4 mV in shams to 67.0 +/- 1.5 mV 24 h after untreated burn, p < .05) and an increase in myocardial tissue lactate. Urine nitrate levels (assessed to provide a measure of NO production) fell after untreated burn (0.49 +/- 0.10 microM/24 h) compared with levels measured in sham burns (7.99 +/- 0.64 microM/24 h, p < .05), indicating that burn injury reduced NO production. Postburn administration of L-arginine improved cardiac Em (81.5 +/- 2.1 mV), reduced myocardial tissue lactate levels, and increased urinary nitrate levels above values measured for untreated burns. Our data indicate that L-arginine, in the absence of fluid resuscitation, provides postburn cardiac cell membrane protection, possibly due to enhanced nitric oxide production.
Agricultural productivity in densely populated areas

Abstract The impact of population density on agricultural productivity in the New York and Philadelphia metropolitan areas is assessed using an aggregate production function. The concept of agglomeration economies is used to explain the relationships among population density, proximity to metropolitan areas and agricultural productivity. Regression results indicate that the technical efficiency of farming operations is disadvantaged in more densely populated areas.
Emergency department management of thyrotoxic crisis with esmolol.

Abstract A previously healthy 26-year-old woman presented to the emergency department complaining of a severe, throbbing, and bifrontal headache. Initial vital signs were pulse rate, 130 beats/min; blood pressure, 128 50 mm Hg ; temperature, 100.1°F. Shortly thereafter the patient's pulse and temperature increased to 170 beats/min and 103°F, respectively. Physical examination showed a tremulous, anxious woman in moderate distress who had a diffusely and symmetrically enlarged thyroid gland. A diagnosis of thyrotoxic crisis was made, and appropriate therapy instituted, including the use of an esmolol infusion for control of hypersympathetic activity. A review of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of thyrotoxic crisis is presented.
Activity Involvement as an Ecological Asset: Profiles of Participation and Youth Outcomes

Prior research has demonstrated that participation in out-of-school time activities is associated with positive and healthy development among adolescents. However, fewer studies have examined how trajectories of participation across multiple activities can impact developmental outcomes. Using data from Wave 3 (approximately Grade 7) through Wave 8 (approximately Grade 12) of the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, this study examined patterns of breadth in out-of-school time participation in activities and associated outcomes in positive youth development (PYD), Contribution to self and community, risk behaviors, and depressive symptoms. We assessed 927 students (on average across waves, 65.4 % female) from a relatively racially and ethnically homogeneous sample (about 74 % European American, across waves) with a mean age in Wave 3 of 12.98 years (SD = 0.52). The results indicated that high likelihood of participation in activities was consistently associated with fewer negative outcomes and higher scores on PYD and Contribution, as compared to low likelihood of participation in activities. Changes in the breadth of participation (in particular, moving from a high to a low likelihood of participation) were associated with increased substance use, depressive symptoms, and risk behaviors. Limitations of the current study, implications for future research, and applications to youth programs are discussed.
Multichromophoric dye-sensitized solar cells based on supramolecular zinc-porphyrin⋯perylene-imide dyads

Multichromophoric dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) based on self-assembled zinc-porphyrin⋯peryleneimide dyads on TiO2 films display more efficient light-to-electrical energy conversion than DSCs based on individual dyes. Higher efficiency of multichromophoric dyes can be attributed to co-sensitization as well as vectorial electron transfer that lead to better electron–hole separation in the device.
σ(N) -dependent control of acid resistance and the locus of enterocyte effacement in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli is activated by acetyl phosphate in a manner requiring flagellar regulator FlhDC and the σ(S) antagonist FliZ.

In enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), sigma factor N (σN) regulates glutamate-dependent acid resistance (GDAR) and the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE); discrete genetic systems that are required for transmission and virulence of this intestinal pathogen. Regulation of these systems requires nitrogen regulatory protein C, NtrC, and is a consequence of NtrC-σN-dependent reduction in the activity of sigma factor S (σS). This study elucidates pathway components and stimuli for σN-directed regulation of GDAR and the LEE in EHEC. Deletion of fliZ, the product of which reduces σS activity, phenocopied rpoN (σN) and ntrC null strains for GDAR and LEE control, acid resistance, and adherence. Upregulation of fliZ by NtrC-σN was shown to be indirect and required an intact flagellar regulator flhDC. Activation of flhDC by NtrC-σN and FlhDC-dependent regulation of GDAR and the LEE was dependent on σN-promoter flhDP2, and a newly described NtrC upstream activator sequence. Addition of ammonium chloride significantly altered expression of GDAR and LEE, acid resistance, and adherence, independently of rpoN, ntrC, and the NtrC sensor kinase, ntrB. Altering the availability of NtrC phosphodonor acetyl phosphate by growth without glucose, with acetate addition, or by deletion of acetate kinase ackA, abrogated NtrC-σN-dependent control of flhDC, fliZ, GDAR, and the LEE.
Cementless Femoral Reconstruction in Patients With Proximal Femoral Deformity

Distorted proximal femoral anatomy can pose a great technical challenge during total hip arthroplasty. Fifty-eight total hip arthroplasty were performed in 51 patients with proximal femoral deformity from 1998 to 2006. All hips except 2 were treated with cementless prosthesis. Twenty-three patients had a retained hardware that had to be removed. Nonprimary cementless components were used in 22 (25%) femurs. In 21 (23%) hips, osteotomy was required to properly fit the cementless stem in the femur. At the time of latest follow-up (4 years on average), functional scores showed significant improvement. Radiographically, all femoral components showed stable bone ingrowth except 2 hips (3.5%) with stable fibrous ingrowth and 1 hip (2%) with loosening. There were 2 (3.5%) revisions in 2 patients for periprosthetic fracture and femoral loosening. The mechanical failure rate was 9% (5 hips). Despite technical difficulties, cementless femoral reconstruction provides a reliable and durable result in patients with proximal femoral deformity.
Short- and Long-Term Outcomes After Silastic Medicalization Laryngoplasty: Are Arytenoid Procedures Needed?

Summary Objective To evaluate short- and long-term vocal outcomes after medialization laryngoplasty (ML) using a silastic implant in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). Design and Methods Prospective study of consecutive patients undergoing ML with silastic (MLS) diagnosed with UVFP from 2009 till 2012 and with at least 9 months follow-up. Pre- and post-treatment maximum phonation time (MPT) and voice handicap index (VHI) scores were compared to assess the impact of ML on these outcomes. Patients with high vagal lesions or lateralized vocal folds (very low MPT) were compared with the entire group and the literature. Results A total of 124 patients with UVFP underwent MLS. Forty-six patients were excluded as they either had a Gore-Tex implant (eight), short follow-up (20), or the primary case was a revision (18). Seventy-eight patients were included. Pretreatment mean VHI (total score) was 67 for the entire cohort. Postoperative VHI score was significantly lower both in short-term (3–8 weeks) follow-up, mean score 27 (paired t -test, P P P P Conclusion MLS alone is effective in managing UVFP in most patients.
A Stochastic Stefan Problem

We consider a stochastic perturbation of the Stefan problem. The noise is Brownian in time and smoothly correlated in space. We prove existence and uniqueness and characterize the domain of existence.
Have you ever taught before

A teacher risks serious misunderstanding by refusing to accept racial stereotyping as an excuse for poor academic performance.
Pemetrexed in head and neck cancer: A systematic review

Summary Pemetrexed has been evaluated as a novel chemotherapeutic for head and neck cancer (HNC). In this review, we examined the efficacy and tolerability of pemetrexed in patients with HNC. Relevant English-language literature was identified via PubMed and a review of published abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and European Society for Medical Oncology annual meetings from January 2000 through September 2012. Search terms were “pemetrexed” (or “LY231514”) and “head and neck cancer.” Completed prospective phase I to III trials of pemetrexed alone or in combination with other agents or radiotherapy evaluating objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and/or overall survival (OS) were eligible; ten studies were reviewed. Results for ORR, PFS, and/or OS in patients receiving pemetrexed in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and/or radiotherapy were promising in the first-line treatment setting. Pemetrexed was associated with acceptable grade 3–4 hematologic toxicities; it did not result in nonhematologic toxicities commonly seen with cisplatin, such as nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and neuropathy. In a single phase III randomized trial, although median OS was longer for patients treated with pemetrexed plus cisplatin (7.3 months) versus cisplatin plus placebo (6.3 months), the difference did not reach statistical significance ( P = .082). Results of this review suggest that pemetrexed is an active chemotherapeutic in combination with other agents or radiotherapy in patients with HNC. In particular, the role of pemetrexed as a radiosensitizer and potential alternative to cisplatin warrants investigation. More research is needed to clearly define the role of pemetrexed in HNC treatment.
Scattering-equivalent multichannel systems and n-body (n ⩾ 3) nuclear forces

Abstract Rigorous conditions are given for two nonrelativistic N -particle ( N ⩾ 2) systems with unitarily equivalent Hamiltonians to yield the same scattering amplitudes. This allows the phenomenological investigation of n -body ( n ⩾ 3) nuclear forces by varying nuclear bound-state wave-functions while leaving unaltered the pertinent scattering predictions.
Reputation and legislative leadership

Abstracting away other aspects of legislative leadership, such as the nature of the collective action a leader tries to promote or the exact nature of the leader's own goals, we have constructed a stylized model of one important aspect of the leader's problem: the use of reputation. Reputation is really a problem of using the uncertainty of followers to the leader's best advantage, to make the most of whatever real resources the leader actually has. Although the leadership game has multiple equilibria when the leader is precisely indifferent between costless punishment and acquiescence, the slightest preference between those actions yields a unique equilibrium. When the preference is for costless punishment, this equilibrium involves creating a reputation, and we can use its properties to draw conclusions about (1) the nature and strategy of reputation-building and of the reactions of sophisticated followers; and (2) the manifestations of these strategic considerations in institutional and political change in Congress.1
Effects of heat flux, mass flux, vapor quality, and saturation temperature on flow boiling heat transfer in microchannels

Abstract Flow boiling heat transfer with the refrigerants R-134a and R-245fa in copper microchannel cold plate evaporators is investigated. Arrays of microchannels of hydraulic diameter 1.09 and 0.54 mm are considered. The aspect ratio of the rectangular cross section of the channels in both test sections is 2.5. The heat transfer coefficient is measured as a function of local thermodynamic vapor quality in the range −0.2 to 0.9, at saturation temperatures ranging from 8 to 30 °C, mass flux from 20 to 350 kg m −2 s −1 , and heat flux from 0 to 22 W cm −2 . The heat transfer coefficient is found to vary significantly with heat flux and vapor quality, but only slightly with saturation pressure and mass flux for the range of values investigated. It was found that nucleate boiling dominates the heat transfer. In addition to discussing measurement results, several flow boiling heat transfer correlations are also assessed for applicability to the present experiments.
Stereotactic method for determining anatomical localization in physiological brain images

To the Editor: Physiological brain images pro­ duced by positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are seductive, appearing self-sufficient and inviting evaluation by visual inspection. The eye readily makes the assumption that physiological demarcations correspond directly to familiar ana­ tomical boundaries. Unfortunately, anatomy is only indirectly and indistinctly portrayed in such images. Regional analysis of a physiological measurement, however, has meaning only when the anatomical structure corresponding to each area within the to­ mographic image is known. Moreover, the termi­ nology with which anatomical location is expressed must be precise and universally comprehensible. Therefore, we echo the recommendation in Dr. Mazziotta's editorial in this issue (p. 481) that a method for determining anatomical location within physiological brain images that is itself independent of the physiological image be developed, standard­ ized, and accepted into general use. We have developed and validated a stereotactic method for determining anatomical localization within physiological brain images that meets many of Dr. Mazziotta's proposed criteria (Fox et ai., 1985). The relation of the planes of section of the physiological image to the cranial vault must be per­ manently recorded. We accomplish this with a lat­ eral skull radiograph obtained after head positioning and immobilization. A series of well-defined mea­ surements, followed by computer-programmed tri­ gonometric coordinate transformations ascribe a stereotactic coordinate (bicommissural coordinate system) to each point within the tomographic brain image. Both the underlying anatomical assumptions and the overall accuracy of this method have been extensively validated. Thus, anatomy is determined and described objectively, accurately, and unambiguously. Comparisons can be made between sub­ jects, between laboratories, between imaging mo­ dalities, and even with postmortem data. Total in­ dependence from the physiological image makes this method equally applicable to all forms of phys­ iological imaging, including measurements of he­ modynamics, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and biochemistry. In fact, this method can be readily applied to anatomical brain imaging techniques, to facilitate research applications of structural tomog­ raphy and to allow correlations between PET and proton nuclear magnetic resonance images or x-ray computed tomography. It should be noted that although every pixel within the tomographic image is ascribed a stereo­ tactic coordinate, the grouping of these coordinates into regions of interest remains at the discretion of the investigator. This approach allows the investi­ gator to select the angle and level of the planes of section most appropriate for each study, without the necessity of scanning in planes parallel to a refer­ ence plane. We anticipate that this method will fulfill the needs of many laboratories for the determination and description of specific anatomical locations within physiological images.
Interactive MPEG-4 low-bit-rate speech/audio transmission over the Internet

The recently developed MPEG-4 technology enables the coding and transmission of natural and synthetic audio-visual data in the form of objects. In an effort to extend the object-based functionality of MPEG-4 to real-time Internet applications, architectural prototypes of multiplex layer and transport layer tailored for transmission of MPEG-4 data over IP are under debate among Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), and MPEG-4 systems Ad Hoc group. In this paper, we present an architecture for interactive MPEG-4 speech/audio transmission system over the Internet. It utilities a framework of Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) over Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) to provide controlled, on-demand delivery of real time speech/audio data. Based on a client-server model, a couple of low bit-rate bit streams (real-time speech/audio, pre- encoded speech/audio) are multiplexed and transmitted via a single RTP channel to the receiver. The MPEG-4 Scene Description (SD) and Object Descriptor (OD) bit streams are securely sent through the RTSP control channel. Upon receiving, an initial MPEG-4 audio- visual scene is constructed after de-multiplexing, decoding of bit streams, and scene composition. A receiver is allowed to manipulate the initial audio-visual scene presentation locally, or interactively arrange scene changes by sending requests to the server. A server may also choose to update the client with new streams and list of contents for user selection.
Respiratory metapneumoviral infection without co-infection in association with acute and chronic lung allograft dysfunction.

BACKGROUND Metapneumoviral respiratory infection is a community-acquired respiratory viral (CARV) infection. Lung transplantation recipients exposed to CARV are at risk for development of allograft rejection. The cellular and molecular pathways initiated by viral infection leading to allograft dysfunction are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to identify human metapneumoviral (hMPV) cases in association with allograft rejection. METHODS A literature search was conducted to identify cases of both hMPV and allograft rejection within 6 months of the initial infection. This resulted in 1,007 lung transplantation recipients, with a total of 2,883 samples identified. Of these, 57 demonstrated isolated hMPV without co-infection with other agents. RESULTS The results of the study indicate that 35% of acute hMPV infections without co-infection, at the time of detection by molecular diagnostic platforms, were associated with acute cellular rejection within 3 months. There were 9.4% of the cases subsequently associated with chronic allograft dysfunction/bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, which was collectively termed chronic rejection for purposes of analysis. In conclusion, the prompt identification of isolated hMPV from lung transplantation patients is an important treatable risk factor for subsequent allograft dysfunction. The cellular and molecular pathogenesis of viral-induced allograft rejection remains a topic of future study.
Time-dependent implicit evolution equations

On presente des theoremes d'existence et d'unicite pour des problemes de Cauchy correspondant aux equations abstraites de la forme d(B(t)u(t))/dt+A(t,u(t))=f(t), ou B(t) est une famille dependante du temps d'operateurs lineaires
Universal units of magnetism, mechanics and temperature

Abstract The ever-increasing accuracy in measurements of fundamental quantities may eventually lead to the establishment of five highly precise “universal units” of magnetic intensity, mass, length, time and temperature. Speculations on the current possibilities for the selection and use of such units are presented. It is proposed that these hypothetical units may permit the revelation of many new universal constants of major importance to fundamental theory and to causal resolutions of several stubborn mysteries of physics. Suggested practical values for new units are: magnetic intensity unit M = 1.84253 gauss; mass unit m = 217.699 grams; length unit r = 1.61562 centimeters; time unit t = 0.538912 sec.; temperature unit °T = 0.0708681 degree Absolute.
Tungsten and nitinol braided endovascular catheters: an evaluation of heating in 1.5 t

Purpose Interventional MRI offers the ability to provide soft tissue contrast and functional information in the absence of ionizing radiation. However, performing endovascular procedures in MRI raises safety concerns due to heating from the metallic braid incorporated into catheters. Heating in tungsten and nitinol braided catheters was assessed in an in vitro model simulating a patient undergoing a scan at specific absorption rate (SAR) level of 4 W/kg. Materials and Methods Heating adjacent to the catheters was assessed with fluoroptic temperature probes placed at the device tip, 5cm, 10cm, and 20cm proximal to the tip in a polyacrylamide gel in the head portion of a phantom. A 2.8F tungsten braided catheter (Terumo Progreat, Somerset, NJ) and a 1.9F nitinol braided catheter (eV3 Echelon, Irvine, CA) were serially embedded in a laterally offset conformation. A 5F stainless steel braided catheter (Cook Beacon Tip Torcon Advantage, Bloomington, IN) was used as a positive control and a temperature sensor was placed in background gel, well away from devices. Endovascular devices were immersed at 98cm and exposed to 2-min of scanning followed by 8-min without scanning. The immersed length was shortened by 5cm and this cycle was repeated until the immersed length was 63cm. MR scanning was based on modified fast spin echo imaging on a 1.5T scanner. Results The tungsten braided catheter did not show heating. The maximal heating for the nitinol braided catheter occurred at 20cm proximal to the tip at an immersed length of 93cm. The maximal initial rate of heating was 4.00°C/min and the maximal temperature rise during a 2-min scan was 2.32°C. Heating varied along the catheter, with the most heating at 10cm and 20cm proximal to the tip. The maximal temperature rise during a 2-min scan was 0.33°C for the background and 2.65°C for the positive control. Conclusion The study provides information on the magnitude of focal heating induced in a head simulating a “worst-case” scenario of a patient undergoing a neurovascular procedure. Nitinol displayed substantial heating when compared to the tungsten device. This tungsten braided catheter showed potential safe use in interventional MRI without substantial SAR restrictions.
How to distribute a finite amount of insulation on a wall with nonuniform temperature

Abstract This paper shows that it is possible to distribute a finite amount of insulation in an optimal way that minimizes the overall heat transfer rate from a nonisothermal wall to the ambient. The optimal insulation thickness for a plane wall varies as the square root of the local wall-ambient temperature difference. Corresponding variational-calculus results are developed for cylindrical walls covered with insulation. The heat loss reduction associated with using the optimal thickness is greater when the wall is plane, as opposed to cylindrical, and when the wall temperature variation in the x direction has a greater second derivative, d 2 T / dx 2 . It is shown finally that the best insulation for a single-phase stream suspended in an environment of different temperature is the insulation with uniform thickness.
Novel use of the Amplatzer duct occluder to close perivalvar leak involving a prosthetic mitral valve

Perivalvar leak following atrioventricular valve replacement can result in heart failure or hemolytic anemia. These patients may be poor surgical candidates given a complex clinical condition. We describe transcatheter closure of a perivalvar leak in a 3-month infant who had undergone left atrioventricular valve replacement with a St. Jude's prosthesis.
Models for partially hydroxylated silica and alumina and the modeling of metal-support interaction of triosmium clusters on silica and alumina

Abstract Surface complexes formed from the reactions of Os 3 (CO) 12 with silica and alumina are generally represented as (μ-H)(μ-OSi ) Os 3 (CO) 10 and (μ-H)(μ-OAl ;)Os 3 (CO) 10 , with a surface oxygen atom bridging two osmium atoms, and as (μ-OSi ) 2 Os 3 (CO) 10 and (μ-OAl )Os 3 (CO) 10 , in which two surface oxygens bridge the same two osmium atoms. These surface complexes have been modeled employing computer graphics techniques. Models for partially hydroxylated silica and gamma-alumina have been developed and metal-support interaction between (μ-H)Os 3 (CO) 10 , Os 3 (CO) 10 , and local regions of support surfaces have been studied. Van der Waals interaction energies, nonbonded contacts as a function of orientation of the cluster with respect to the surface, and possible relaxation of the cluster have been considered. The results indicate that the (μ-H)Os 3 (CO) 10 unit appears to bind readily to selected oxygen sites of the silica and alumina with little or no steric restraint. On the other hand, the cluster unit Os 3 (CO) 10 is not readily accommodated on either the silica or alumina surfaces by means of a double-oxygen bridge to two osmium atoms without extreme disruption of the surface or the cluster.
Neutralization of Bovine Enteroviruses by Colostrum, Milk, and Blood Serum

Summary Serum and colostrum samples from seven parturient cows, milk from these animals after seven or more days of lactation, and serum samples from their offspring before and after nursing, have been tested for their ability to neutralize two serologic types of bovine enteroviruses isolated from the same dairy herd. In most, the descending order of the neutralizing potencies of these samples was: colostrum, parturient cow serum, postnursing calf serum, prenursing calf serum, and normal milk. The neutralizing potency of normal milk was found to be negligible, and five prepartum milkings in one cow were found to decrease the antibody content of the mammary secretions to that of normal milk. The efficiency with which ingested colostral antibody was absorbed into the blood stream was apparently quite high in newborn calves but somewhat decreased if nursing was deferred for 22 or even 12 hr after birth. There was no apparent correlation between the levels of neutralizing antibody in the serums of calves at the end of the first week of life and the age at which enteroviruses were first detected in rectal swabs from these animals.
Photocatalytic degradation of chloroform by bis (bipyridine)dichlororuthenium(III/II)

Broadband (λ > 320 nm) irradiation of chloroform solutions of either [Ru(bpy)2Cl2] or [Ru(bpy)2Cl2]Cl exposed to air led to a photostationary state, in which [Ru(bpy)2Cl2]+ predominated, and to the continuous decomposition of CHCl3, as evidenced by the accumulation of HCl, hydroperoxides (CCl3OOH and CHCl2OOH), and tetra-, penta-, and hexachloroethane. The addition of Cl− increased the rate of photodecomposition, while the replacement of Cl− by F− greatly decreased the rate. The observations are consistent with a photocatalytic cycle in which [Ru(bpy)2Cl2]+ is photochemically reduced to [Ru(bpy)2Cl2], which is thermally reoxidized by CCl3OO or CCl3OOH. In the absence of air a much slower photodecomposition reaction takes place leading to continuously increasing concentrations of chloroethanes. The data are consistent with a catalytic cycle in which [Ru(bpy)2Cl2]+ is photoreduced, as in aerated solutions, while [Ru(bpy)2Cl2] is photooxidized with chloroform as the substrate.
An investigation into stochastic claims reserving models and the chain-ladder technique

Abstract This paper considers a range of stochastic models which give the same reserve estimates as the chain-ladder technique. The relationship between the models described by Renshaw and Verrall (Renshaw, A.E., Verrall, R.J., 1998. British Actuarial Journal 4, 903–923) and Mack (Mack, T., 1993. ASTIN Bulletin 23, 213–225) is explored in more detail than previously. Several new models are suggested and some new ways to allow for negative incremental claims for the chain-ladder technique and other claims reserving methods are put forward.
Ventricular demand pacemaker inhibition by an atrial fixed rate pacemaker.

External and internal electrical fields may supress pacemaker function. Suppression of an epicardial ventricular demand pacemaker by an epicardial fixed rate atrial pacemaker set at high amperage is described in this report
Akedah, the Holocaust, and the Limits of the Law in Roth's "Eli, the Fanatic"

In her article "Akedah, the Holocaust, and the Limits of the Law in Roth's 'Eli, the Fanatic'" Aimee L. Pozorski argues that Philip Roth's 1957 short story dramatizes the tension between the law on the one hand and the philosophy of ethics, on the other hand with the story's protagonist ultimately choosing ethics as evidenced by his identification with a displaced Hasidic Jew near the story's end. In reading the story through the inter-textual references to the Genesis story of the Akedah, Pozorski discusses the limits of the law in the face of vulnerable children and within the context of the history of the Holocaust. Aimee L. Pozorski, "Akedah, the Holocaust, and the Limits of the Law in Roth's 'Eli, the Fanatic'" page 2 of 8 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 16.2 (2014): Thematic Issue History, Memory, and the Making of Character in Roth's Fiction. Ed. Gustavo Sanchez-Canales and Victoria Aarons
Carbon monoxide-induced dinitrogen cleavage with group 4 metallocenes: reaction scope and coupling to N-H bond formation and CO deoxygenation.

The scope of CO-induced N2 cleavage in a series of zirconocene and hafnocene complexes containing activated, side-on bound dinitrogen ligands has been studied. In each case, bridging oxamidide ligands, [N2C2O2]4−, were formed from N−N bond cleavage coupled to N−C and C−C bond assembly. For the zirconium examples, [(η5-C5Me4H)2Zr]2(μ2,η2,η2-N2) and [Me2Si(η5-C5Me4)(η5-C5H3-3-tBu)Zr]2(μ2,η2,η2-N2), dinitrogen loss became competitive with N2 carbonylation, and significant quantities of the zirconocene dicarbonyl accompanied oxamidide formation. In contrast, the hafnocene complex [(η5-C5Me4H)2Hf]2(μ2,η2,η2-N2) underwent clean carbonylative dinitrogen cleavage with no evidence of N2 loss. CO-induced N2 cleavage was also coupled to N−H bond formation by hydrogenation and C−H bond activation, as carbonylation of the zirconocene and hafnocene dinitrogen complexes in the presence of H2 or phenylacetylene furnished isocyanato metallocene complexes with bridging imido (μ-NH) ligands. In the case of the ansa-hafnocen...
CyberTech I: online introduction to computer science course for high school students

As high schools begin to offer more distance learning courses, universities have an opportunity to establish partnerships to deliver online computer science courses. As we face declining enrollment, these partnerships offer the ability to reach a significant portion of students who may not otherwise consider computer science. Particularly for underrepresented groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanics, women, and first-generation college students, these partnerships offer the potential to recruit additional students into computing fields. This paper describes the first portion of a multi-year partnership between a large university and multiple high schools in a metropolitan area. CyberTech I is an online introduction to computer science course offered to high school students by university faculty. Initial results indicate that students were generally satisfied with their online course experience and plan to continue to participate in the program. We describe the curriculum introduced and discuss some of the challenges faced and the lessons learned.
DETECTION OF DNA CONSTRUCTS IN MECONIUM USING POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION.† 1802

Objectives: Meconium accumulates as early as the second trimester of gestation of the fetus and may be useful for the early detection of pathogens in the neonates. The evaluation of pathogens by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in meconium is complicated by the presence of non-specific inhibitors. This study is undertaken to develop a suitable extraction procedure and determine the feasibility of using PCR to detect DNA in the meconium.