cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RF Testing on a Mixed Signal Tester

In this paper, testing of radio frequency (RF) devices with mixed-signal testers is discussed. General purpose automatic test equipment (ATE) will be used. In this paper, a more universal test structure utilizing RF building blocks is proposed. A global positioning system (GPS) device is used as an example to illustrate how to develop the RF test plan with this usage. The test plan developed includes fast, cost-effective and dedicated circuitry.
Laryngotracheal Mucosal Surface Expression of Candidate Biomarkers in Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis

OBJECTIVES Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is an inflammatory process leading to fibrosis and narrowing of the laryngotracheal airway. There is variability in patient response to surgical intervention, but the mechanisms underlying this variability are unknown. In this pilot study, we measure expression of candidate targets at the mucosal surface of the subglottis in iSGS patients. We aim to identify putative biomarkers for iSGS that provide insights into the molecular basis of disease progression, yield a gene signature for the disease, and/or predict a response to therapy. STUDY DESIGN In vitro comparative study of human cells. METHODS Levels of candidate transcripts and proteins were measured in healthy and stenotic laryngotracheal tissue specimens taken from the mucosal surface in 16 iSGS patients undergoing endoscopic balloon dilation. Pre- and post-operative pulmonary function test and patient reported voice and breathing outcomes were also assessed. Unsupervised clustering was used to define patient subgroups based on expression profile. RESULTS Pulmonary function and voice and breathing outcome metrics demonstrated significant post-operative improvement. Transcript levels of αSMA, CCL2, COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, IFNG, and TGFB1 and protein levels of CCL2, IFNG, and IL-6 were significantly upregulated in stenotic as compared to healthy tissues. Marked heterogeneity was observed in the patterns of expression of candidate markers across individuals and tissue types. Patient subgroups defined by expression profile did not show a statistically significant difference in dilation interval. CONCLUSION Pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic pathways are significantly upregulated along the mucosal surface of stenotic laryngotracheal tissues, and CCL2 and IFNG merit further investigation as potential iSGS biomarkers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:342-349, 2021.
Observed onshore precipitation changes after the installation of offshore wind farms

The goal of this study is to assess the extent to which offshore wind farms can inadvertently affect precipitation at nearby onshore locations. As the winds slow down over an offshore wind farm due to the extraction of kinetic energy from the air flow by the turbines, a pattern of convergence upstream and divergence downstream of the farm is formed, which respectively may enhance precipitation offshore and reduce precipitation near the shore. To verify this hypothesis, we used observed precipitation data collected near two offshore wind farms in the western UK: Walney and Burbo Bank, built in 2011–2014 and 2005–2007, respectively. For each farm, we identified a “treatment” site, a meteorological station likely to be affected by the wake of the wind farm for a certain wind direction range, and a “control” site, unaffected by the farm for the same wind direction range. We used a difference-in-differences (DiD) approach between the precipitation data at the treatment and control sites before and after the construction of the wind farms to determine the net impact of the offshore farms on precipitation patterns at the shore. We found the following statistically significant signals at Walney after the construction of the wind farms: decreased wind speed (− 1.1 knots on average), reduced precipitation rate (− 0.003 mm/h), and reduced positive precipitation rate (i.e., only including hours with non-zero precipitation, − 0.080 mm/h). At Burbo Bank, wind speed and positive precipitation were reduced after the farm was built (− 1.45 knots and − 0.080 mm/h, respectively) with statistical significance, but no statistically significant drop in the hourly precipitation rate was found. All observed statistically significant changes were small in magnitude (order of 11% of the average or less). We speculate that, since Burbo Bank is very close to the shore (distance < 8 km), the divergence pattern cannot always form with sufficient strength to cause a precipitation suppression at the shore, which may explain the a less clear signal at that site. By contrast, the Walney farm is located ∼ 15 km away from the shore, which, we believe, is sufficient for the divergence zone to reach the shore.
A feminist manifesto of resistance against intellectual property regimes: reclaiming the public domain as an open-access information commons

This commentary article examines how the commodity form of knowledge – enclosed within the rigid structures of intellectual property (IP) – bears the imprint of Eurocentric, patriarchal, and capita...
100 million strong: A case study of group identification and deindividuation on Imgur.com:

Online groups can become communities, developing group identification and fostering deindividuation. But is this possible for very large, anonymous groups with low barriers to entry, highly constrained formats, and great diversity of content? Applying social identity theory and social identification and deindividuation effects theory, this study assesses influences on group identification and deindividuation in the case of Imgur.com. Respondents reported slightly positive levels of the three forms of group identification, but mixed levels of two forms of deindividuation. As argued by proponents of computer-mediated communication, demographics play only a minor role on these outcomes. More involved usage, such as direct access and commenting on images, is more associated with these outcomes, while more basic usage, such as total hours and reading comments, has little influence. Deindividuation is positively associated with group identification.
Feedback inhibition of lysine biosynthesis in yeast.

The pathway for the biosynthesis of lysine is feedback-inhibited by lysine in growing yeast.
Digital I 2 average current mode control for swith-mode power supplies

I2 average current mode control is a promising control technique featuring fast dynamic response, cycle-by-cycle current limiting and accurate current control. By implementing this technique digitally, the number of control loops is reduced, and the complexity of the loop design is simplified. In this paper, the digital control law, which only requires sampling the inductor current once in a cycle, is analyzed in detail. In addition, a smallsignal model for this control technique is proposed. Simulation results show that it has a faster transient response than average current mode control while keeping zero DC current error. Experimental results demonstrate the characteristics of this digital implementation of I2 average current mode control and verify the accuracy of the proposed small-signal model.
Taylor-series technique for moving source localization in the presence of sensor location errors

Uncertainty in sensor (receiver) locations can seriously deteriorate the source localization accuracy. A localization algorithm needs to take the sensor location errors into account in order to improve source location estimate. This paper considers the localization for the position and velocity of a moving source using the time differences of arrival (TDOAs) and frequency differences of arrival (FDOAs) of a signal received at a number of sensors that have random location errors. The proposed method is based on the Taylor-series method that jointly estimates both the source and sensor locations simultaneously. Simulation results show that with a reasonable initial guess close to the true solution to begin with, the proposed method converges to the true solution and achieves the CRLB accuracy for both near-field and far-field sources.
Higgs sector in extensions of the minimal supersymmetric standard model

Extensions of the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM) with additional singlet scalar fields solve the important $\ensuremath{\mu}$-parameter fine-tuning problem of the MSSM. We compute and compare the neutral Higgs boson mass spectra, including one-loop corrections, of the following MSSM extensions: next-to-minimal supersymmetric standard model (NMSSM), the nearly-minimal supersymmetric standard model (nMSSM), and the $U(1{)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$-extended minimal supersymmetric standard model (UMSSM) by performing scans over model parameters. We find that the secluded $U(1{)}^{\ensuremath{'}}$-extended minimal supersymmetric standard model (sMSSM) is identical to the nMSSM if three of the additional scalars decouple. The dominant part of the one-loop corrections are model independent since the singlet field does not couple to MSSM particles other than the Higgs doublets. Thus, model-dependent parameters enter the masses only at tree level. We apply constraints from LEP bounds on the standard model and MSSM Higgs boson masses and the MSSM chargino mass, the invisible $Z$ decay width, and the $Z\ensuremath{-}{Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ mixing angle. Some extended models permit a Higgs boson with mass substantially below the SM LEP limit or above theoretical limits in the MSSM. Ways to differentiate the models via masses, couplings, decays and production of the Higgs bosons are discussed.
Healthy Divide or Detrimental Division? Subgroups in Virtual Teams

ABSTRACTSubgroup formation, the emergence of smaller groups within teams, has been found to be detrimental to teamwork in virtual teams. Recently, however, an alternative view of the effects of subgroup formation proposes that the formation of subgroups is not always bad. When subgroups are based on identity characteristics like race and gender, they are like6ly to have negative effects, but when they are not, subgroups can have positive effects on teamwork. This paper empirically examines this proposition. Results of our study generally support the proposed assertion. When subgroups are not based on race or gender, they are positively associated with perceptions of social integration and open communication. However, when they are based on race and gender they are negatively associated with perceptions of social integration and open communication. The implications of this study demonstrate that subgroups may in many cases be beneficial rather than detrimental to virtual teams.
The Effects of Radioisotopes Used in Nuclear Medicine on Diagnostic Radioimmunoassay Testing: Is There Any Significant Interference?

The administration of radioisotopes for diagnostic nuclear medicine scans and therapeutic procedures is quite prevalent today. A period of interference with the counting of a radioimmunoassay [RIA] test may occur with the serum of a patient receiving an in vivo radionuclide that decays by gamma emission. Because the logistics of precounting all specimens may be cumbersome and prohibitive, it is important to determine the degree of this interference. In this study, the authors evaluate the potential interference of the most commonly used radioisotopes with RIA studies. For two months (March and August 1988) 10,650 patient serum specimens were counted for significant background gamma radiation before RIA testing. Forty-three patients, on whom 105 RIA tests were performed, were identified as having preassay gamma radiation in their serum. With the use of selective energy windows for each different interfering radionuclide, proportional determinations were made as to the amount of interfering gamma radiation spilling into the iodine 125 test marker window. It was shown that initial whole serum pretest gamma counts as high as 111,000 counts/minute did not significantly affect the results of the RIA. Because of the meticulous washing and decanting procedures required in modern RIA and the monoclonal nature of most antibodies used currently, it appears the degree of nonspecific binding of this potentially interfering radiation is minuscule. The energy level of cobalt 57, however, and many of the other commonly used radioisotopes, overlaps so closely that it is difficult to window for this interference. It is possible, therefore, that this distinction cannot be made and folate and vitamin B12 test systems using cobalt 57 markers may have to be routinely prescreened. The authors conclude that the requirement for prescreening of all RIA test samples for interfering gamma radiation is unnecessary (1987 CAP Commission on Laboratory Accreditation Inspection Checklist, Section VII, Question 07.0290).
Isolation and Characterization of Potential Cancer Stem Cells from Solid Human Tumors—Potential Applications

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cells within a heterogeneous tumor that have enhanced biologic properties, e.g., increased capacity for self-renewal, increased tumorigenicity, enhanced differentiation capacity, and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapies. This unit describes protocols to isolate and characterize potential cancer stem cells from a solid tumor. These involve creating a single-cell suspension from tumor tissue, tagging the cell subpopulations of interest, and sorting them into different populations. The sorted subpopulations can be evaluated for their ability to meet the functional requirements of a CSC, which primarily include increased tumorigenicity in an in vivo xenograft assay. Use of the protocols described in this unit makes it possible to study populations of cells that may have properties of CSCs. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 63:14.28.1-14.28.19. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: cancer stem cells; xenograft assay; cell separation and sorting
Determination of dimensional flow fields in hydrogeological settings via the MRT lattice‐Boltzmann method

[1] In this paper we demonstrate how the single and multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) lattice-Boltzmann (LB) method can be used to simulate hydrogeological flows under standard conditions. We explain in detail how real-world hydrogeological flow problems, which are formulated in terms of dimensional boundary and initial conditions, can be related to the nondimensional LB world, in which both the lattice spacing and the time step are nondimensional and typically set to unity. We first demonstrate the method in two examples where analytical solutions are known: steady state and transient flow of water in a square duct where fluid inertia is either negligible or not, respectively. Finally we simulate the flow of water in a sand where inertial forces are not negligible. For steady state flow we also present equations for calculating the permeability. Moreover, we demonstrate and advocate the usage of Richardson's extrapolation, which allows one to estimate LB modeling results for an infinite numerical resolution that include uncertainty intervals. For pressure-driven simulations of steady state creeping flow, we show how one can improve the numerical convergence behavior by performing “light-water” simulations at a lower Reynolds number while still predicting the correct velocity field.
Zinc in soils and plant nutrition

Publisher Summary The zinc (Zn) content of soils, according to rather extensive surveys, is generally in the range of 10-300 ppm. Certainly Zn, because of its concentration, can be considered as a trace element in soil. It occurs most frequently in the lithosphere as the mineral ZnS (sphalerite). Zn appears to be scattered throughout the mineral fraction of soils. It is probably held in crystal lattices, by isomorphous substitution and as occluded ions. Since it is a trace element, it is usually surrounded, by many other solid phases. Zn can also be held, by exchange sites, and adsorbed to solid surfaces. Crops differ in their sensitivity to zinc deficiency. Zn deficiencies are frequently found on soils, with restricted root zones. The movement of Zn to plant roots is dependent on the intensity factors (concentration) and on the capacity factors (ability to replenish). Increasing the pH decreases the solubility of zinc in soils, and thereby reduces the concentration, the concentration gradient, and, hence, the uptake and availability of Zn to plants. Zn plays an important role in auxin formation and in other enzyme systems. Presently, Zn is recognized as an essential component in several dehydrogenases, proteinases, and peptidases.
Effect of antimycin on the potato mitochondrial cytochrome b system

1. The difference spectrum anaerobic + succinate minus aerobic of potato mitochondria reveals bands at 552, 558 and 566 nm, probably belonging to three species of cytochrome b. 2. The longer-wavelength cytochrome b is distinguished in three respects: (1) It is much more highly reduced in State 4; (2) its degree of reduction increases on energization of the mitochondrion; (3) either the degree of reduction or the position of the α-band is affected by antimycin in the same way as cytochrome b in fragmented heart-muscle mitochondria. It is probably analogous to the cytochrome b of mamalian mitochondria. 3. The curve describing the effect of antimycin added to anaerobic mitochondria in the presence of succinate and ATP is hyperbolic. In the presence of uncoupler, the curve is strongly sigmoidal. The amount of antimycin required for a maximum effect is unaffected by the presence of uncoupler, but the maximum effect is greater. 4. It is concluded that antimycin combines preferentially with a site present in higher concentrations in energized mitochondria.
Ammonia transport in the proximal tubule in vivo.

Studies were performed to characterize the determinants of proximal tubule ammonia entry (and retention) in vivo. Rat proximal tubules were studied in vivo using in situ microperfusion. In both normal animals and animals with metabolic acidosis, increasing luminal flow rate significantly enhanced luminal ammonia entry. In contrast, luminal pH was not as important in determining ammonia entry. Analysis of the levels of luminal NH 3 in these studies was not consistent with simple diffusion equilibrium of NH 3 . In animals with chronic metabolic acidosis, additional studies demonstrated that inhibition of the Na + -H + exchanger had no direct effect on luminal ammonia entry. However, studies of ammonia efflux from tubules perfused with 10 mmol/L ammonia demonstrated significant transport of both NH 3 and NH 4 + . Studies of luminal glutamine deamidation via γ-glutamyltransferase in control conditions did not indicate a significant role for luminal ammoniagenesis in the superficial proximal tubule in vivo. These and other recent studies of proximal tubule ammonia transport significantly modify the traditional diffusion equilibrium (of NH 3 ) model of ammonia transport. Luminal flow rate is an important determinant of luminal ammonia entry. Transport of NH 4 + , both into and out of the tubule lumen, represents a major component of total ammonia transport.
Sterically congested in-methylcyclophanes.

The crowded in-methylcyclophane 9 was prepared by condensation of 1,8,13-tris(bromomethyl)-9-methyltriptycene and 1,3,5-tris(mercaptomethyl)benzene under high dilution conditions. Oxidation of 9 gave the highly crystalline trisulfone 10, and its X-ray structure was determined. The in-methyl carbon atoms of the two independent molecules in the structure are only 2.90 and 2.87 A from the centroid of the basal aromatic ring, the closest such contacts ever observed. In addition, the C−CH3 bonds in these cyclophanes are compressed; the two independent bond distances are 1.475 and 1.495 A, significantly shorter than the ca. 1.54 A distances found in similar but uncongested molecules.
Observations of Neptunian rings by Voyager Photopolarmeter Experiment

The Voyager Photopolarimeter Experiment detected the Neptunian rings 1989N1R and possibly 1989N2R. These rings were also photographed by the Voyager imaging cameras in August 1989. The firm detection of 1989N1R has an equivalent depth (the product of the radial width and mean normal optical depth) of 0.77 + or - 0.13 km, while a less certain detection of 1989N2R has an equivalent depth of 0.7 km + or - 0.2 km. Several statistical techniques were used to search for additional material in the Neptune ring system, and none was identified at a high confidence level.
Exchange, Perceived Alternatives, and Reinforcement Schedule: Cohesiveness Among Unmarried Couples

Abstract The extent to which partners of premarital dyads (N = 60 couples) believe they could just as easily have their needs met outside of the relationship was predicted and found to be associated with couple cohesiveness. As also predicted, this relationship was strongest when the exchange distribution between partners was imbalanced. Partner predictability was used as an indicator of the extent to which a couple tended to be on a continuous as opposed to an intermittent reinforcement schedule. I hypothesized that intermittent reinforcement (low predictability) is a better predictor of cohesiveness than continuous reinforcement (high predictability). The zero-order results showed a strong relationship in the direction opposite to that hypothesized. The longer the partners had been together, however, the weaker this relationship became, reaching near zero among the couples that had been together the longest.
Enhancing the deep ultraviolet response of 4H-silicon carbide-based photodiodes between 210 nm and 255 nm

This work demonstrates two novel 4H-SiC-based photodiode structures that enhance the response from ~200 nm to 260 nm by increasing the absorption of DUV photons within the high-electric-field depletion region and more efficiently collecting photo-generated carriers through drift as opposed to diffusion, despite the presence of surface recombination. In particular, the two devices discussed in this work have replaced the heavily doped, top-illuminated, n + -layer of conventional p-n - -n + diodes by a semi-transparent metal contact to create a p-n - -metal based device and by an n-type, wider bandgap AlGaN layer to create a heterojunction 4H-SiC/AlGaN p-n - -n + based device.
Synthesis of nickel-aluminide foams by pack-aluminization of nickel foams

Nickel–aluminide foams were synthesized from unalloyed nickel foams by using a two-step, high-activity pack-aluminizing process at 1273 K. After processing, the nickel–aluminide foams exhibited the original structure of the original nickel foams (open-cells with hollows struts and low density). Single-phase NiAl foams, with average composition within 1 wt.% of stoichiometry and with 92% open porosity, were produced by first selecting the appropriate aluminizing time, and then annealing to homogenize the structure. Foams of average Ni3Al composition were produced by the same method, but multiple intermetallic phases remained due to large variations in strut thickness and thus local composition. Nickel wires and tubes were also aluminized at 1273 K and homogenized for different times to further investigate the aluminizing kinetics and the creation of Kirkendall pores. For aluminization depths up to about 100 mm, Kirkendall pores can be avoided, leading to pore-free struts in the foam. # 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Treatment of catheter-related bacteremia with tissue plasminogen activator antibiotic locks

This retrospective study was completed to investigate the effectiveness of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) antibiotic locks (ABL) along with systemic antibiotics (AB) to clear catheter-related bacteremia (CRB) in children on chronic hemodialysis. There were 76 CRBs in 37 children. CRBs were successfully cleared with AB/ABL in 63/76 (83%) cases. Ten of 76 (13%) CRBs were symptomatic at 48 h of treatment. These were seven polymicrobial, two gram-negative, and one Candida CRB. 13/76 (17%) episodes required catheter exchange, and all were wire-guided exchanges. TPA-ABL/AB cleared gram-positive and gram-negative CRBs significantly better than polymicrobial CRBs (p < 0.01). The infection-free survival and the rate of recurrence at 45 days was not statistically different between the TPA-ABL/AB group and the catheter-exchange group. If CRB was symptomatic at 48 h of treatment, recurrence at 6 weeks was more frequent with persistent use of TPA-ABL/AB (p < 0.05). There were no episodes of metastatic infections, catheter malfunction from occlusion, or catheter breakdown during the course of TPA-ABL treatments. In conclusion, TPA-ABL can be safely and effectively used in the management of CRB, increasing the probability of catheter survival and preserving the vascular access site. With the exception of polymicrobial CRB, there is no disadvantage in using TPA-ABL/AB over catheter exchange, as the infection-free survival and the rate of recurrence are comparable.
Natural course of life changes after spinal cord injury: a 35-year longitudinal study.

To identify the natural course of changes in participation, employment, health and subjective quality of life over a 35-year interval among participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants were enrolled in 1973 from a specialty hospital in the Midwestern United States and assessed again approximately 35 years later. The inclusion criteria were the following: having traumatic SCI; being 18 years of age or older; and a minimum of 2 years having elapsed post injury. There were 64 participants who responded on both occasions. Average age at follow-up was 61.5 years, with 41.1 years having passed since SCI onset. The Life Situation Questionnaire was used to measure outcomes. Attrition analyses indicated that those who participated at follow-up were younger and had better overall outcomes at baseline (1973) when compared with those who dropped out of the study. Longitudinal analyses indicated a mixed pattern of favorable and unfavorable changes over the 35 years. The overall social participation decreased over time, although the sitting tolerance and hours spent in gainful employment increased. Non-routine physician visits increased. Satisfaction with employment improved over time, whereas satisfaction with social life, sex life and health declined. Self-reported adjustment improved, but the prediction of future adjustment in 5 years declined. Our study suggests that the natural course of SCI is marked by a survivor effect, whereby those with better outcomes are more likely to survive to follow–up, and a mixed pattern of favorable and unfavorable changes. Rehabilitation professionals should work to promote favorable outcomes in areas of strength, as well as minimize the likelihood of adverse outcomes.
Kinetic studies on the neutralization reaction between Japanese encephalitis virus and antiserum

Abstract Kinetic antiserum neutralization curves with Japanese encephalitis virus weree characterized by exponential inactivation phases of short duration which, under certain conditions, were followed by recovery phases in which surviving virus titer rose with increased time of contact of virus and antiserum in the neutralization mixture. The above characteristics were not altered by the use of hyperimmune sera, presence of heat-labile serum components, or selection of virus from persistent fractions. The extent of recovery was found to depend on the pH in the neutralization mixture or in the diluent, increasing as pH decreased when standard virus concentrations were employed. With high concentrations of virus in the neutralization mixture, recovery occurred even at high pH. Virus surviving neutralization by pooled rabbit antiserum resisted further neutralization by rabbit antiserum, but was completely sensitive to neutralization by guinea pig antiserum; however, virus surviving neutralization by guinea pig serum resisted further neutralization by both antisera. These results were interpreted as suggesting the hypothesis of a combined action of dissociation of virus:neutralizing antibody complexes, and replacement with either blocking antibody or antibody with ability to alter the critical site, or sites, on the virus surface in a manner which prevents further combination with neutralizing antibody.
Seismic attenuation structure in central Mexico: Image of a focused high-attenuation zone in the mantle wedge

Velocity spectra from moderate-sized earthquakes were used to investigate the P wave attenuation structure in central Mexico. In particular, we included regional events with magnitudes in the range of 4.5 to 6.1 recorded from 2005 to 2007 on the Middle American Subduction Experiment (MASE) array, which consists of 100 broadband sensors across central Mexico from Acapulco to Tempoal, near the Gulf of Mexico. By assuming a Brune-type source, a frequency-independent t* value was obtained for each seismogram in the frequency band 1 to 30 Hz. These measurements were then inverted for two-dimensional spatial variations in Q_p in the cross section along the MASE array, perpendicular to the trench. The model has uniform 20 km vertical grid spacing down to a depth of 200 km and 50 km or 100 km horizontal grid spacing depending on ray coverage. The inversion results show low attenuation in the subducting slab and high attenuation in the mantle wedge and the crust below and to the north of the volcanic belt. The focused high-attenuation zone (Q_p < 200) in the mantle wedge lies away from the top of the slab, between depths of 80 km and 120 km beneath the volcanic belt, and is likely to be related to relatively high temperature, fluids, and partial melts produced in subduction process. The high-attenuation region in the lower crust correlates with the low-resistivity and low-velocity region and could be caused by partial melts and fluids from dehydration and magmatic processes.
Generation of monoclonal antibodies against soluble human T cell receptor polypeptides.

One approach to the diagnosis and therapy of T cell-mediated diseases is to develop reagents specific for T cell receptor (TcR) variable (V) regions. To date, however, TcR expressed on the surface of antigen-specific T lymphocytes have proven to be poorly immunogenic. As a result, few monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing human variable regions are available. In this report, we have used the “phosphatidylinositol linkage” strategy to generate soluble forms of two human allogeneic TcR derived from human cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) known to be specific for HLA-A2 and HLA-Aw68/HLA-Aw69, respectively. Monomeric TcR α and s chains from the HLA-A2-specific CTL were purified in large quantities from CHO cells and each was used to immunize mice to generate mAb. In particular, the anti-β chain mAb, denoted anti-V_β13, stain a significant (≈ 5%) fraction of human peripheral blood α/β T lymphocytes, immunoprecipitate native anti-A2 TcR molecules, and activate T cells transfected with the relevant α and β chain cDNA. Anti-α chain mAb were also obtained against a constant region determinant which can immunoprecipitate detergent-solubilized polypeptides. In general, we find that immunizations with soluble protein are far superior to those with cells bearing TcR chimeras or in combination with the purified protein.
Controversy about uterine effects and safety of SERMs: the saga continues.

From the perspective of endometrial safety, there has been great controversy about what special management, if any, tamoxifen-treated patients should undergo. Periodic blind endometrial sampling or transvaginal ultrasound has been advocated by some. Because of the problems associated with either of these techniques alone, we recommended an approach that used transvaginal ultrasound and then proceeded to sonohysterography when the endometrial echo on transvaginal ultrasound was not reliably thin and distinct. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), in its committee opinion, stated that patients receiving tamoxifen therapy should only have an annual pelvic exam with pap smear if they remain asymptomatic. Newer data suggest, however, that there are high- and low-risk groups that can be identified by pretreatment screening. Before tamoxifen therapy, 17% of patients have polyps. These patients have 17 times the incidence of atypical hyperplasia than those whose uterus was negative before tamoxifen therapy. Such findings call into question the validity of the only study of raloxifene where uterine safety was the primary endpoint. In that study, any woman with baseline endometrial findings other than pristinely negative (i.e., low risk) was excluded. However, other raloxifene studies without pretreatment screening show relative risk (RR) = 0.8 (95% CI = 0.2, 2.7) for endometrial carcinoma. This compares with the women over 50 years of age in the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project P-1) with tamoxifen when the RR = 4.01 (95% CI= 1.70, 10.90). The existence of potentially high- and low-risk groups should be taken into account in any future clinical trials looking at the endometrial safety of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy of Pyridine Hydrogenation on Platinum Nanoparticles

Pyridine hydrogenation in the presence of a surface monolayer consisting of cubic Pt nanoparticles stabilized by tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) was investigated by sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy using total internal reflection (TIR) geometry. TIR-SFG spectra analysis revealed that a pyridinium cation (C{sub 5}H{sub 5}NH{sup +}) forms during pyridine hydrogenation on the Pt nanoparticle surface, and the NH group in the C{sub 5}H{sub 5}NH{sup +} cation becomes more hydrogen bound with the increase of the temperature. In addition, the surface coverage of the cation decreases with the increase of the temperature. An important contribution of this study is the in situ identification of reaction intermediates adsorbed on the Pt nanoparticle monolayer during pyridine hydrogenation.
Effects of casein and fibrin on calcium absorption and calcium homeostasis in the rat

To test the hypothesis that individual proteins have specific effects on calcium absorption, two proteins, casein and fibrin, were pair-fed in diets to rats for 3 weeks. Each protein was fed at normal (1.2%) and low (0.02%) calcium intakes. Diets were matched in other nutrients. Calcium absorption, measuredin vitro as serosal-to-mucosal concentration ratio of45Ca developed by duodenal sacs, was the same for both protein groups when calcium intake was normal and was increased by both low-calcium diets. Comparing low-calcium diets, absorption was greater in fibrin-fed than casein-fed groups. Balance studies showed that casein-and fibrin-fed rats taking normal calcium diets excreted the same amounts of calcium and phosphorus in urine and feces. Fibrin-fed rats taking low calcium excreted twice as much calcium as casein-fed rats and had decreased serum calcium. The balance data suggest that, compared to casein, fibrin prevents absorption or promotes excretion of calcium when calcium intake is low, and the response to calcium depletion is enhanced calcium absorption. It is concluded that individual proteins can alter calcium transport through effects on overall calcium homeostasis.
The cost of capital in the United States and Japan: A comparison

Abstract This paper uses financial statement data for large samples of U.S. and Japanese nonfinancial corporations to estimate the return to capital in each country for the period 1967—1983. Interpreting these as measures of the cost of capital, we find that the before-tax cost of corporate capital was higher for U.S. firms than for their Japanese counterparts, with the average gap potentially as high as 5.8 percentage points. The use of alternative measurement techniques alters the gap slightly but does not alter the basic finding. However, market returns in the two countries were much closer during the same period. Certain potential explanations for the gap in returns are rejected by empirical evidence, including differences in corporate taxation, differences in borrowing, and differences in asset mix. This leaves three potential explanations: differences in risk, differences in the tax treatment of individual capital income, and imperfections in the international flow of capital.
Differential tolerance and cross-tolerance to repeated daily injections of mu and kappa opioid agonists in the rat.

This study was designed to compare the development of tolerance to the effects of morphine and ethylketocyclazocine ( EKC ) on EEG, EEG power spectra and behavior and to assess any cross-tolerance. Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with chronic cortical EEG and temporalis muscle EMG recording electrodes and with permanent cannulae in the external jugular vein. In non-tolerant rats, 10 mg/kg (i.v.) injections of morphine and of ethylketocyclazocine produced biphasic EEG and behavioral profiles lasting for 3 and 2 hr , respectively. In both cases, a stuporous phase, associated with high-voltage cortical EEG bursts, was followed by a hyperactive phase, associated with low-voltage desynchronized EEG. However, power spectra derived from epochs of EEG bursting produced by morphine and ethylketocyclazocine were qualitatively different. One group of rats was then given a series of automatic, intravenous injections of morphine, while a second group received ethylketocyclazocine. Following chronic treatment, the duration of the biphasic EEG and behavioral profiles induced by morphine and ethylketocyclazocine were both significantly reduced. In both cases, the intensity of EEG bursting was also reduced as reflected by significant quantitative reductions in EEG power spectral densities. In assessments of cross-tolerance, ethylketocyclazocine tolerant rats were found to be cross-tolerant to the effects of morphine. However, no cross-tolerance to the effects of ethylketocyclazocine in morphine-tolerant rats was observed. These data contribute to a further understanding of the relative heterogeneity of mu and kappa receptor populations and to the differential pharmacodynamics of morphine and ethylketocyclazocine.
Drosophila Smoothened phosphorylation sites essential for Hedgehog signal transduction

The Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is crucial for animal development and is aberrantly activated in several types of cancer. In Drosophila melanogaster, Hh signalling regulates target gene expression through the transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci). Together, Protein Kinase A, Casein Kinase 1 and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 silence the pathway in the absence of ligand by phosphorylating Ci at a defined cluster of sites, thereby promoting its proteolytic conversion to a transcriptional repressor (Ci-75). In the presence of Hh, Ci-155 is no longer converted to Ci-75 and its ability to activate transcription is potentiated. All Hh responses require the seven transmembrane domain protein Smoothened, which itself becomes hyperphosphorylated during Hh signalling. Here we show that a cluster of protein kinase A and protein kinase A-primed casein kinase 1 phosphorylation sites in Smoothened, similarly distributed to those regulating Ci, are essential for Smoothened to transduce a Hh signal and for normal regulation of Smoothened protein levels.
Durability studies on concrete columns confined with advanced fibre composites

This paper presents the results of two different durability studies of concrete columns confined with Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite and with PVC-FRP hybrid composite. The confined concrete specimens were divided into three groups: control (left at room temperature), exposed to wet/dry environment and exposed to freeze/thaw environment. The confined and unconfined concrete specimens were loaded in uniaxial compression. Test results showed that both types of confinements effectively increase the strength and improve the energy absorption capacity of the concrete specimens. The FRP and PVC-FRP hybrid confinements showed to significantly protect the concrete when subjected to harsh environmental conditions. The 200 freeze/thaw cycles appeared to have insignificant effect on the strength and ductility; whereas, the 400 cycles of freeze/thaw showed a reduction in both strength and ductility of the specimens.
Protective and Arthritis-Resolving Activity in Sera of Mice Infected with Borrelia burgdorferi

Transfer of immune serum from immunocompetent mice infected with B. burgdorferi protects mice against syringe challenge, and transfer of immune serum after infection is established induces arthritis resolution but does not clear infection or spirochetemia or resolve carditis. Immune serum had very-high-titer passive protective activity against syringe challenge but failed to protect mice against host-adapted spirochetes when they were challenged with infected tissue transplants. Mice were passively immunized at selected intervals relative to challenge inoculation with antisera to recombinant forms of an immunodominant region of flagellin, P39, and OspC (which are recognized by immune serum), but none provided protection or modified existing infection or disease. Results suggest that spirochetes within joints, but not in other tissues, are selectively vulnerable to immune serum and that immune serum appears to contain antibody against yet-to-be-identified antigens that may be selectively expressed in the context of joint tissue.
The Digital History and Pedagogy Project: Creating an Interpretative/Pedagogical Historical Website.

The Digital History and Pedagogy Project (DHPP) is an interpretive/pedagogical collection of Web-based historical resources designed for use in inquiry-based learning in high school and university classrooms. It has been created by faculty and graduate students at a large urban college of education. This paper provides a rationale for the project rooted in current literature; presents a theoretical framework for this and other similar projects; and describes five current digital historical resources (DHRs) within the context of our framework.
Nepheloid layers and internal waves over continental shelves and slopes

Theoretical and laboratory results indicate that bottom velocities within shoaling internal gravity waves intensify upslope approximately inversely proportional to the water depth. The elevated velocities (and bottom stresses) caused by shoaling and, possibly, breaking internal waves might explain the generation and maintenance of near-bottom nepheloid zones and attached turbid plumes that have been observed over certain continental shelves and slopes. This process is proposed as an explanation of zones of relatively low transmissibility that emanate from the upper continental slope near Newport submarine canyon off southern California.
Bioenergy Traits of Ten Switchgrass Populations Grown in the Northeastern/Mid-Atlantic USA

Although switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has emerged as a bioenergy crop throughout the midwestern and southern USA, little evaluation has been conducted on the performance of switchgrass as a bioenergy crop in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic. The objectives of this study were to evaluate biomass characteristics of ten switchgrass populations grown in New Jersey and to determine which populations are best for use in biomass production. Ten populations of switchgrass were planted in a spaced-plant nursery in Freehold, NJ and evaluated for: winter injury, anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum navitas, lodging, tiller density, height, heading and anthesis date, and biomass yield as well as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, ash, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium in 2007 and 2008. Eastern upland populations 9064202 (Cape May Plant Materials Center accession #9064202), High Tide, and Carthage showed the least amount of winter injury, while southern lowland populations Alamo and Cimarron showed the most winter injury. Lowland populations were less susceptible to anthracnose than upland ecotypes and were taller and later maturing with higher cellulose contents. Lowland populations NSL, Cimarron, and Timber showed the least amount of lodging, and upland populations had the highest tiller densities. Lowland populations Cimarron and Timber had the highest biomass yields of 906.9 and 803.6 kg dry matter plant−1, respectively. Lignocellulosic and mineral contents did not differ greatly among cultivars and generally did not show trends with respect to cytotype. Timber, an eastern lowland ecotype, exhibited the best combination of characteristics and is a promising population for biomass production in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region of the USA.
Correlation between the structure, energy, and local elastic properties of grain boundaries in metals

The zero-temperature energies and equilibrium volume expansions of point-defect free asymmetrical grain boundaries (GBs) involving the four densest planes in fcc bicrystals (with some higher-index plane on the other side of the interface) have been determined using an embedded-atom-method potential fitted to Au. It is found that the two asymmetrical tilt GBs at the endpoints of the related GB energy vs twist disorientation curves give rise to pronounced energy cusps. As for symmetrical GBs, a practically linear relationship between the GB energy and equilibrium volume expansion is observed. The volume expansion and the destruction of the perfect-crystal stacking at the GB are shown to cause a pronounced local decrease in the resistance toward shear parallel to the GB plane. 21 refs., 5 figs.
Reply to comment regarding the paper entitled “is antisymmetrization necessary?”

Abstract The major point made is that the use of partial antisymmetrization is not an approximation but an alternative to the use of full antisymmetrization in theories of electronic properties. Another point is that the unsymmetrical primitive wave-function may be calculated directly rather than by resolution into symmetry components. Some results for HHe+ are presented.
NF1 Regulates a Ras-Dependent Vascular Smooth Muscle Proliferative Injury Response

Background— Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disorder with a broad array of clinical manifestations, including benign and malignant tumors, osseous dysplasias, and characteristic cutaneous findings. In addition, NF1 patients have an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including obstructive vascular disorders. In animal models, endothelial expression of the disease gene, NF1, is critical for normal heart development. However, the pathogeneses of the more common vascular disorders are not well characterized. Methods and Results— To examine the role of NF1 in vascular smooth muscle, we generated mice with homozygous loss of the murine homolog Nf1 in smooth muscle (Nf1smKO). These mice develop and breed normally. However, in response to vascular injury, they display a marked intimal hyperproliferation and abnormal activation of mitogen- activated protein kinase, a downstream effector of Ras. Vascular smooth muscle cells cultured from these mice also display enhanced pr...
Computationally lag-invariant recursive spectrum estimators

This paper is concerned with Fourier-based nonparametric spectral estimation methods for time-varying environments. It presents a class of interactive spectrum estimators in which the number of computations required to update the estimate at every data sample is independent of the number of the autocorrelation lags employed to produce this estimate. These estimators are termed lag invariant and form an important class due to their computational simplicity. Because of the lag-invariant property, resolution enhancement is achieved without additional cost in computations per frequency sample. The proposed class of recursive spectral estimators is based on specific selection of the lagged product windows used in the autocorrelation function estimation. In this paper, the conditions necessary to produce the lag-invariance property are delineated.