cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A change in the properties of deoxyguanylate kinase of E. coli caused by viral infection

Abstract The deoxynucleotide kinases of Escherichia coli are strikingly influenced by infecting the host with members of the T series of coliphages, ( Bessman, 1959 ; Kornberg et al, 1959 ). Within 20 minutes after infection with T2, T4, or T6, deoxyguanylate (dGMP) and deoxythymidylate kinases increase 10 to 20 fold. A fundamental question is whether these increased activities represent activation of pre-existing proteins, increased synthesis of the bacterial enzyme, or synthesis of a new protein initiated by the infecting coliphage particle. An investigation of this question has lead to the observation that (1) the deoxyguanylate kinase in crude extracts of normal cells requires potassium ions for its activity, (2) the deoxyguanylate kinase in crude extracts of cells infected with coliphage T2 does not require added potassium. The purpose of this report is to present data demonstrating these points.
Agent-based model for electricity consumption and storage to evaluate economic viability of tariff arbitrage for residential sector demand response

Abstract Demand response (DR) is one of many approaches to address temporal mismatches in demand and supply of grid electricity. More common in the commercial sector, DR usually refers to reducing consumption at certain hours or seasons, thus reducing peak demand from the grid. In the residential sector, where sophisticated appliance-level controls such as automatic dimming of lights or on-demand lowering of air conditioning are less common, building-based electricity storage to shift grid consumption from peak to off-peak times could provide DR without requiring consumers to operate their appliances on shifted or reduced schedules: Storage would be dispatched to appliances as needed while still shaving peaks on the grid. Technologically, storage and two-way-inverters are readily available to enable such residential DR. Economically, however, the situation is less clear. Specifically, are time-varying electricity tariffs available such that electricity cost reduction via arbitrage could offset manufacturing, financing, and installation costs of the required storage? To address this question we (i) devise an agent-based appliance-level stochastic model to simulate the electricity demand of an average U.S. household; (ii) loadshift the demand via simple dispatch strategies; and (iii) determine potential profits to the building owner, i.e. reduced electricity cost of the modified demand with realistic tariffs (Con Edison, NY) minus storage cost. We determine the economic viability for a range of traditional and advanced storage technologies as well as their optimum storage capacities to maximize profits. We find that (i) profits can range from Supplementary Data .
Temporal Trends in the Occurrence and Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction (from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Surveillance Study)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexists in the setting of myocardial infarction (MI), being associated with increased mortality. Nonetheless, temporal trends in the occurrence of AF complicating MI and in the prognosis of these patients are not well described. We examined temporal trends in prevalence of AF in the setting of MI and the effect of AF on prognosis in the community. We studied a population-based sample of 20,049 validated first-incident nonfatal hospitalized MIs among 35- to 74-year old residents of 4 communities in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study from 1987 through 2009. Prevalence of AF in the setting of MI increased from 11% to 15% during the 23-year study period. The multivariable adjusted odds ratio for prevalent AF, per 5-year increment, was 1.11 (95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.19). Overall, in patients with MI, AF was associated with increased 1-year case fatality (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 2.01) compared with those without AF. However, there was no evidence that the impact of AF on MI survival changed over time or differed over time by sex, race, or MI classification (all p values >0.10). In conclusion, co-occurrence of AF in MI slightly increased between 1987 and 2009. The adverse impact of AF on survival in the setting of MI was consistent throughout. In the setting of MI, co-occurrence of AF should be viewed as a critical clinical event, and treatment needs unique to this population should be explored further.
Antiserum developed for the E peptide region of insulin-like growth factor IA prohormone recognizes a serum protein by both immunoblot and radioimmunoassay

Nucleotide sequencing of the two known cDNAs encoding human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) predicts two different prohormone forms of IGF-I. The predicted prohormone amino acid sequences (E peptide regions) extend the carboxy-terminus of IGF-I by either an additional 35 (IGF-IA) or 77 (IGF-IB) amino acids. We developed an antiserum directed against a synthetic peptide which is unique to the E peptide region of IGF-IA prohormone. In a RIA using this antiserum, synthetic E peptide immunoreactivity was found in the serum of patients with chronic renal failure. The protein recognized by this antiserum has a mol wt of about 13,000 by neutral gel filtration and about 19,000 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. These data suggest that the E peptide region of the IGF-IA prohormone is expressed and circulates as part of the prohormone.
A partial exploration of the potential energy surfaces of SCN and HSCN: Implications for the enzyme-mediated detoxification of cyanide

Abstract Cyanide (CN) is considered to be a terrorist chemical weapon due to its ready availability in multi-kilogram quantities and multi-modal means of intoxication. The body uses the sulfur transferase enzyme rhodanese to detoxify cyanide via conversion of cyanide to thiocyanate. This paper explores the potential energy surfaces for the conversion of cyanide anion and hydrogen cyanide to thiocyanate anion and thiocyanic acid, respectively. The potential energy surface for the conversion of cyanide anion to thiocyanate shows that the formation of thiocyanate (SCN) is vastly preferred to formation of its isomer SNC. However, the potential energy surface for the conversion of hydrogen cyanide to thiocyanic acid reveals that the formation of HSCN and HNCS would be relatively equal. The failure for analytical methods to detect HNCS is rationalized by the observation that deprotonation of either HNCS or HSCN leads to the same thiocyanate anion.
Inhibition of the growth of the filamentous fungus, Allomyces macrogynus, by lipoic acid.

Abstract Lipoic acid (6,8-dithiooctanoic acid) inhibits the growth of the watermold, Allomyces macrogynus strain Burma 1Da, in agitated liquid culture. Growth is reduced 50% by a concentration of 50 × 10 −9 M . The specific effect on growth is to increase the lag phase; however, growing mycelia are also inhibited in their further growth. The analog 8-methyl-6,8-dithiooctanoic acid also inhibits growth, but 5,8-dithiooctanoic acid, glutathione, thioglycolate, cystine and cysteine are inactive. The inhibition is prevented by acetate, pyruvate, aspartate, glutamate, arginine, and proline. Over a concentration range of 50–5000 mμmoles/l. of lipoic acid, glutamic acid at 65–80 times the lipoic acid concentration prevented inhibition.
Physician attitudes toward treatment options for cerebrovascular disease.

One-hundred physicians older than 50 and 100 physicians younger than 50 were surveyed concerning treatment preferences for patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or completed stroke. These attitudes were compared to cardiovascular disease prevention strategies for patients with angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. Physicians younger than 50 were therapeutically aggressive for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease; physicians older than 50 were aggressive for cardiovascular disease but therapeutically nihilistic for cerebrovascular disease. Physicians younger than 50 were more likely to be aggressive for TIA than for completed stroke patients, and these physicians were more likely to utilize ticlopidine and oral anticoagulants for both TIA and completed stroke patients.
Topsoil Stockpiling Versus Exposure to Traffic: A Case Study on In situ Uranium Wellfields

Management of soils on areas subjected to planned disturbance, such as surface mine sites, is crucial to post-disturbance restoration. We conducted a study to determine which of the following two topsoil management strategies resulted in less of a negative impact to the soil and vegetation resources and better promoted site restoration on in situ uranium wellfields: (1) removal of topsoil from an entire wellfield and stockpiling until mining activity is complete; or (2) leaving the majority of topsoil on the wellfield and allowing it to be exposed to disturbance associated with wellfield development activity (primarily heavy vehicle traffic). Our study compared selected soil properties from areas on in situ uranium wellfields managed by the two strategies stated above and with adjacent, relatively undisturbed sites. Vegetation reestablishment was assessed on sites where topsoil was left in place. Results indicated that levels of vehicular traffic on wellfields did not cause significant soil compaction and that removal and stockpiling of topsoil results in more negative impacts than disturbance inflicted when topsoil is left in place.
Prognostic Value of the Clinical Examination of the Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Objective To determine the value of the history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting successful primary healing of a foot ulcer in a diabetic patient.
Determination of DNA Hybridization on Gold Nanoparticle Conjugated Polystyrene Particle Thin Film Using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to detect DNA hybridization on a polystyrene conjugated gold nanoparticle thin film. The gold nanoparticles were synthesized on the surface of poly(ethylenimine) coated polystyrene particles by citrate reduction. Single-stranded DNA was then immobilized on the nanoparticle surface via thiol bonding. Ultraviolet-visible spectrometry was used to monitor the conjugation of the nanoparticles on polystyrene particles and the immobilization of a single-stranded DNA probe. The morphology of the polystyrene-gold nanoparticle thin film was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and showed successful conjugation and immobilization. The infrared spectra obtained from the hybridization showed features of DNA structure and peak shifts at 1657 cm−1 compared to the non-complementary DNA due to changes in hydrogen bonding between N-H and C˭O of complimentary bases pairs. The peaks at 1067, 975, 920, and 859 cm−1, which were shifted to...
B lymphocytes induce the formation of follicular dendritic cell clusters in a lymphotoxin α-dependent fashion

Lymphotoxin (LT)α is expressed by activated T cells, especially CD4+ T helper type 1 cells, and by activated B and natural killer cells, but the functions of this molecule in vivo are incompletely defined. We have previously shown that follicular dendritic cell (FDC) clusters and germinal centers (GCs) are absent from the peripheral lymphoid tissues of LTα-deficient (LTα−/−) mice. LTα−/− mice produce high levels of antigen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)M, but very low levels of IgG after immunization with sheep red blood cells. We show here that LTα-expressing B cells are essential for the recovery of primary, secondary, and memory humoral immune responses in LTα−/− mice. It is not necessary for T cells to express LTα to support these immune functions. Importantly, LTα-expressing B cells alone are essential and sufficient for the formation of FDC clusters. Once these clusters are formed by LTα-expressing B cells, then LTα-deficient T cells can interact with B cells to generate GCs and productive class-switched antibody responses. Thus, B cells themselves provide an essential signal that induces and maintains the lymphoid microenvironment essential for GC formation and class-switched Ig responses.
Farm Policy Reform and the Environment

U.S. farm policy in the 1980s was marked by three significant developments: the international farm policy reform movement, the active participation by environment interests in the writing of the 1985 and 1990 farm bills, and the federal budget constraint. These developments raise new questions for farm policy. What are the environmental implications of domestic and international farm policy reform? Can both agricultural and environmental policy objectives be met in one piece of legislation? How does the federal budget constraint affect the feasible set of policy options? The goal of this paper is to outline an analytical framework that integrates technological, economic, and political factors for analysis of agricultural-environmental policy and to draw some preliminary conclusions about the environmental implications of the 1990 farm bill and trade liberalization
A general theory of intertemporal decision-making and the perception of time.

Animals and humans make decisions based on their expected outcomes. Since relevant outcomes are often delayed, perceiving delays and choosing between earlier versus later rewards (intertemporal decision-making) is an essential component of animal behavior. The myriad observations made in experiments studying intertemporal decision-making and time perception have not yet been rationalized within a single theory. Here we present a theory—Training-Integrated Maximized Estimation of Reinforcement Rate (TIMERR)—that explains a wide variety of behavioral observations made in intertemporal decision-making and the perception of time. Our theory postulates that animals make intertemporal choices to optimize expected reward rates over a limited temporal window which includes a past integration interval—over which experienced reward rate is estimated—as well as the expected delay to future reward. Using this theory, we derive mathematical expressions for both the subjective value of a delayed reward and the subjective representation of the delay. A unique contribution of our work is in finding that the past integration interval directly determines the steepness of temporal discounting and the nonlinearity of time perception. In so doing, our theory provides a single framework to understand both intertemporal decision-making and time perception.
Congenital Insensitivity to Pain: An Update

Elna M. Nagasako, Anne Louise Oaklander, Robert H. Dworkin* Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA Nerve Injury Unit, Departments of Anesthesiology, Neurology, and Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA Department of Anesthesiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 604, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
Phase structure of a lattice superconductor

A lattice Ginzburg-Landau model of superconductivity is explored in a Monte Carlo computer simulation (for charge ${e}^{2}=5$). The superconducting-normal transition is strongly first order deep in the type-I region and becomes more weakly first order moving in the direction of the type-II region. Beyond a certain point, the data suggest a second-order transition. The data are consistent with the existence of a tricritical point separating these two regimes.
Association Complexes between Cationic Metallophthalocyanines and Anionic Metalloporphyrins II: Ultrafast Studies of Excited State Dynamics†

Femtosecond transient absorption studies were conducted for self-assemblies between oppositely charged metal-substituted 18-crown-6 tetrasubstituted phthalocyanines (McrPc) and metal-substituted meso-(4-sulfophenyl)-porphine (MTPPS) or meso-(4-carboxylphenyl)-porphine (MTPPC). Excitation could be carried out at 400 nm (Ti-Sapphire second harmonic), which populates the porphyrin-localized S 2 state or directly into the CT band (690), and was achieved by changing the pump pulse wavelength with an optical parametric amplifier. Each complex showed the transient features and kinetics that were independent of the excitation wavelength. After 400 nm excitation, all complexes displayed rapid conversion to the low-lying charge-transfer state. Studies of the CuP/CuPc complex showed no significant decay of the transients on the subnanosecond time scale. However, investigations of the complexes containing different transition metals showed that deactivation of the complex excited state occurs through metal-centered (d,d) states. For the mixed metal/free-base complexes, the excited-state relaxation occurred through the metallotetrapyrrole component regardless of whether it was porphyrin or phthalocyanine. In these compounds, the charge transfer state deactivated to form the metal-centered (d,d) state within 2 ps, with lifetimes that varied somewhat with the metal center. This latter state repopulated the ground state with a lifetime of ca. 13 ps (NiP/NiPc), 200 ps (NiP/CuPc), 8 ps (CuP/NiPc), and 7 ps (FbP/CoPc). These metal-to-ground state rates were similar to those measured for the monomeric metallotetrapyrroles.
Contrasting breeding strategies of two sympatric orioles: first documentation of double brooding by Orchard Orioles

Although many studies have revealed intraspecific variation in the number of broods raised per breeding season, less is known about the causes of variation between species. We monitored the breeding behavior of congeners traditionally thought to raise one brood per breeding season, Orchard Orioles (Icterus spurius) and Baltimore Orioles (I. galbula). Both species have similar habitat and nesting requirements. We captured and banded orioles at three study sites in Maryland in 2004 and 2005. No pairs of Baltimore Orioles (N= 26) were double brooded, whereas 8 of 24 pairs (33%) of Orchard Orioles had a second brood and 7 of 16 pairs (44%) of Orchard Orioles that successfully raised a first brood also successfully raised a second brood during the same breeding season. Our findings provide the first documentation of double brooding by Orchard Orioles. The timing of molt and the amount of time and energy devoted to postfledgling parental care may contribute to this difference between species in terms of the number of broods per breeding season. SINOPSIS Aunque muchos estudios han revelado variacion intraespecifica en el numero de camadas por epoca reproductiva, se conoce poco sobre las causas de variacion entre especies. Monitoreamos la conducta reproductiva de congeneres tradicionales, (Icterus spurius y I. galbula) que se creia producian una sola camada por epoca reproductiva. Ambas especies ocupan habitats similares y tienen similaridades en los requisitos reproductivos. Capturamos y anillamos individuos de ambas especies en tres localidades de Maryland durante el 2004 y el 2005. Ninguna de las parejas de I. galbula (N= 26) produjo mas de una camada, mientras que ocho de 24 (33%) de las parejas de I. spurius produjeron una segunda camada. Siete de 16 parejas (44%) de I. spurius que fueron exitosas en una primera ocasion, fueron exitosas en criar un segundo grupo de pichones, durante la misma epoca reproductiva. Nuestro trabajo provee la primera documentacion de dos camada en I. spurius. El tiempo en que mudan y la cantidad de tiempo y energia que invierten como cuidado parental en los post-volantones puede contribuir a la diferencia entre las especies estudiadas, en lo referente al numero de camadas que producen.
Dynamic pricing strategies under a finite time horizon

In the near future, dynamic pricing will be a common competitive maneuver. In this age of digital markets, sellers in electronic marketplaces can implement automated and frequent adjustments to prices and can easily imagine how this will increase their revenue by selling to buyers "at the right time, at the right price." But at present, most sellers do not have an adequate understanding of the performance of dynamic pricing algorithms in their marketplaces. This paper addresses this concern by analyzing the performance of two adaptive pricing algorithms. We study the behavior of these algorithms within the Learning Curve Simulator, a platform for analyzing dynamic pricing strategies in finite markets assuming various buyer behaviors. The goals of our research are twofold: (i) to explore the use of simulation as a tool to aid in the development of dynamic pricing strategies; and (ii) to explicitly identify the market conditions under which our example strategies, Goal-Directed and Derivative-Following, are successful.
New deaminations IX - pyrolysis of N-alkyl-N,N-disulfonimides

Abstract N,N-Disulfonimide derivatives of certain alkyl amines stereoselectively pyrolyze without skeletal rearrangement to give up to 99% yields of alkenes.
Pharmacological Effects of the Spin Trap Agents N-t-Butyl-Phenylnitrone (PBN) and 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-N-Oxyl (TEMPO) in a Rabbit Thromboembolic Stroke Model : Combination Studies With the Thrombolytic Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Background and Purpose—It has been proposed that spin trap agents such as N-t-butyl-phenylnitrone (PBN) may be useful as neuroprotective agents in the treatment of ischemia and stroke. However, to date, there is little information concerning the effectiveness of spin trap agents when administered in combination with the only Food and Drug Administration–approved pharmacological agent for the treatment of stroke, the thrombolytic tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Thus, we determined the effects of PBN when administered before tPA on hemorrhage and infarct rate and volume. We also compared the effects of PBN with those of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO), another spin trap agent that has a different chemical structure and trapping profile, on the incidence of infarcts and hemorrhage. Methods—One hundred sixty-five male New Zealand White rabbits were embolized by injecting a blood clot into the middle cerebral artery via a catheter. Five minutes after embolization, PBN or TEMPO (100 mg/kg) was ...
Structural insights into selective histone H3 recognition by the human Polybromo bromodomain 2

The Polybromo (PB) protein functions as a key component of the human PBAF chromatin remodeling complex in regulation of gene transcription. PB is made up of modular domains including six bromodomains that are known as acetyl-lysine binding domains. However, histone-binding specificity of the bromodomains of PB has remained elusive. In this study, we report biochemical characterization of all six PB bromodomains' binding to a suite of lysine-acetylated peptides derived from known acetylation sites on human core histones. We demonstrate that bromodomain 2 of PB preferentially recognizes acetylated lysine 14 of histone H3 (H3K14ac), a post-translational mark known for gene transcriptional activation. We further describe the molecular basis of the selective H3K14ac recognition of bromodomain 2 by solving the protein structures in both the free and bound forms using X-ray crystallography and NMR, respectively.
An Observer for Rigid Body Motion With Almost Global Finite-Time Convergence

An observer that obtains estimates of the translational and rotational motion states for a rigid body under the influence of known forces and moments is presented. This nonlinear observer exhibits almost global convergence of state estimates in finite time, based on state measurements of the rigid body’s pose and velocities. It assumes a known dynamics model with known resultant force and resultant torque acting on the body, which may include feedback control force and control torque. The observer design based on this model uses the exponential coordinates to describe rigid body pose estimation errors on SE(3), which provides an almost global description of the pose estimate error. Finite-time convergence of state estimates and the observer are shown using a Lyapunov analysis on the nonlinear state space of motion. Numerical simulation results confirm these analytically obtained convergence properties for the case that there is no measurement noise and no uncertainty (noise) in the dynamics. The robustness of this observer to measurement noise in body velocities and additive noise in the force and torque components is also shown through numerical simulation results.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Hole resonant tunneling in Si/SiGe heterostructures

Abstract Resonant tunneling of holes in Si/SiGe double-barrier structures has been investigated by measurement of current-voltage characteristics and magneto-tunneling with the field parallel to the growth direction. Negative differential resistance with an improved peak-to-valley current ratio of about three at low temperature has been observed in a sample with a 3.4-nm-wide Si0.78Ge0.22 well between 5.3 nm Si barriers. Correspondences between the measured resonant peak positions and quasi-bound state levels associated with both light and heavy holes have been investigated through simultaneous numerical solutions of Poisson's and Schrodinger's equations, and a calculation of in-plane dispersion using a 2×2 Luttinger-Kohn Hamiltonian.
Side reactions in quinoline hydrodenitrogenation

Abstract The mechanism for hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) of quinoline to propylbenzene, propylcyclohexene and propylcyclohexane is well established. In this paper the formation of substantial amounts of species formed from HDN intermediates is reported for a cobalt-molybdenum/alumina catalyst. As many as eighteen species were found in reaction mixtures at concentration levels greater than 1%, with indoline and hydrindane being the most significant. The results suggest that Bronsted acidity may be responsible for the formation of indoline and hydrindane.
Selected AIDS beliefs, behaviors and informational needs of homosexual/bisexual men with AIDS or ARC

Abstract Due to the current absence of curative therapies, patients with AIDS or ARC (AIDS-Related Complex) rely on information to provide them with a sense of control over their lives [Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, Confronting AIDS: Directions for Public Health, Health Care and Research (1986)]. The purpose of this study was to describe AIDS beliefs, behaviors and informational needs of patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex 7 years into the epidemic. Data were collected once using a modified version of the AIDS Beliefs and Behaviors Questionnaire (ABBQ) developed by McKusick et al. [ Am. J. Public Hlth. 75 , 493–496 (1985)] and Moran et al. [ Oncol. Nurs. Forum (1988)]. Study results showed that 90% of outpatients ( N = 30) at an internationally recognized AIDS medical center wanted more information about building their immune systems. Surprisingly few patients (10%) wanted explicit information about safe sexual behaviors, although 4 years into the epidemic, this information was a central concern [Moran, Unpublished Masters thesis (1986)]. Results suggests that nurses need to take a more active role in monitoring and addressing patients' changing informational needs.
CHOICE OF NON-STEROIDIAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG IN PERSONS TREATED FOR DYSPEPSIA

Prior use of analgesics among 1327 new users of cimetidine over the age of 65 at Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound was much more common than among 5308 members of similar age and sex who had never taken cimetidine. The excess included not only most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin, but also extended to paracetamol. New users of cimetidine who had not received analgesics in the preceding 2 years were preferentially given recently introduced NSAIDs if an NSAID was subsequently prescribed. Review of prior studies of analgesic use and ulcer diseases reveals a regular association between ulcer and preceding use of paracetamol, a drug for which no causal association to ulcer is thought to exist. General increases in use of analgesics by elderly dyspeptic patients may have given rise to artefact in reported associations between manifestations of ulcer disease and NSAIDs.
Adverse reactions in blood donors with a history of seizures or epilepsy

Background Individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders are restricted from donating blood because of concern that they are prone to adverse donor reactions such as syncope and convulsions. A study evaluating whether that concern is warranted is reported. Study design and methods During a 2-year period beginning in 1987, blood donors in Maryland with a history of seizures were actively recruited by the American Red Cross. Adverse donor reactions were classified as "slight", indicating dizziness and nausea without loss of consciousness; "moderate," denoting syncope; and "severe," indicating convulsive syncope. Results There were 329,143 satisfactory blood donations; 613 individuals reporting a history of seizures donated blood a total of 723 times. Among donors with seizures, 186 (35.7%) were taking antiepileptic medication, and 61 (8.4%) had had one or more seizures in the preceding year. Individuals with seizures had a low incidence of adverse reactions (3.34%). Although this incidence was slightly higher than that in the entire population (2.24%), the difference was not significant. In particular, the risk of syncope with or without convulsive activity was low for people with seizures (0.21%) and not significantly greater than that in other donors (0.28%). Conclusion Individuals with seizures or epilepsy are not at greater risk for adverse reactions after blood donation, and major restrictions on their participation as blood donors are not warranted.
Renormalization for breakup of invariant tori

We present renormalization group operators for the breakup of invariant tori with winding numbers that are quadratic irrationals. We find the simple fixed points of these operators and interpret the map pairs with critical invariant tori as critical fixed points. Coordinate transformations on the space of maps relate these fixed points, and also induce conjugacies between the corresponding operators.
The American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) Exhibits Differential Cardiovascular Responses to LTC4 after Short- and Long-Term Cold Exposure

Abstract Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) responses to leukotriene (LT)C 4 have been studied in warm (W-A) and cold-acclimated (C-A) America bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana , but nothing is known about how the length of cold treatment affects the response to LTC 4 or how responses are affected by return to room temperature following cold exposure. In this study, two groups of frogs were placed at 5° either for 30 days (C-A) or for 1 day (W-C) and LTC 4 dose-response curves obtained at 5°. After the frogs were removed from cold, the baseline MAP and HR were monitored for 120 min, and dose-response curves were repeated at 2, 24, and 48 hr. The LTC 4 dose-response curves were also obtained during the three experimental days on frogs which had never been placed at cold temperature (W-A). C-A frogs showed greater MAP response than W-C frogs at 5°, and also showed the greatest MAP response of the three groups 48 hr after the animals were removed from cold temperature. These data suggest that up regulation of LTC 4 receptors may have occurred in C-A frogs. Cold exposure alone eliminated reflex HR response to LTC 4 in both C-A and W-C groups. Longer duration of action was also observed in these groups. The results demonstrate that short-term cold exposure can affect the response to LTC 4 in frogs, but that physiological adjustments occur in frogs undergoing long-term exposure.
Laser-produced MeV electrons and hard X-ray spectroscopic diagnostics

Abstract A new spectroscopic technique for the measurement of the sizes of hard X-ray sources produced by the irradiation of solid-density targets by intense laser radiation is discussed. The technique is based on the source broadening of K shell spectral lines from targets irradiated by intense picosecond laser pulses. The spectra are recorded by a modified Cauchois type spectrometer, where the detector is placed far behind the Rowland circle where source broadening dominates instrumental resolution. The laser irradiation with focused intensity greater than 10 18 W/cm 2 produces relativistic electrons that propagate from the focal spot into the surrounding target material with mm range. The energetic electrons produce 1 s electron ionization and K shell radiation with picosecond duration that can be utilized for transient radiography of dense objects including evolving dense plasmas. However, the hard X-ray source has mm lateral size when extended targets are utilized while a much smaller source size (of order 10 μm) is necessary for high-resolution point projection radiography. The lateral source size can be greatly reduced by using targets with limited aspect to the radiography object such as thin foils and wires, but the brightness of these sources is greatly reduced compared to thick planar targets. Studies indicate that the electron range and source size can also be reduced by utilizing an electrically resistive target material such as teflon. In this case the electron propagation from the focal spot is inhibited by a weak return current and incomplete space–charge neutralization. These experimental results are important not only for producing a small hard X-ray source for picosecond radiography but also for reducing the lateral propagation of energetic electrons that can be detrimental to fast-ignition fusion.
The ex-date impact of rights offerings. The evidence from firms listed on the Tokyo stock exchange

Abstract This paper examines the behavior of stock price and trading volume around the ex-dates of rights offerings by firms listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Based on a sample of 248 rights offerings over the time period from 1975 to 1989, we document a significant abnormal stock return of 7.10 percent on the ex-date of an offering. We also find significant increases in trading activity on the ex-date, and the five days leading up to the ex-date, with these increases being related to the ex-date abnormal return. In addition, our investigation reveals an increase in stock volatility after the ex-date, with the median value of this increase being 18 percent. Our results also indicate that a part of this volatility increase can be explained by changes in bid-ask spreads around the ex-date.
Comparison of problem behaviours in atypically developing infants and toddlers as assessed with the baby and infant screen for children with aUtIsm traits (BISCUIT).

Objective: Compares infants and toddlers with intellectual and developmental conditions in regard to the presence of challenging behaviour.Methods: Parents and caregivers to 140 children ranging from 17–35 months with five different conditions (Down syndrome (n = 23), developmental delay (n = 18), prematurity (n = 56), Cerebral Palsy (n = 15) and Seizure disorder (n = 28)) were administered the BISCUIT-Part 3. An ANOVA on overall scores and a MANOVA on the sub-scale scores were conducted to determine if groups differed significantly.Results: Results found no significant differences on total scores or differences on the sub-scales of the BISCUIT-Part 3: Aggressive/Destructive, Stereotypic and Self-Injurious. Some trends in individual item endorsement were found.Conclusions: It is possible that differences among individuals with these disorders are not apparent until later in life. These results emphasize the importance of monitoring challenging behaviours in all at-risk infants and toddlers to ensure that ...
Coercion, possibility, or context? Questioning the role of private foundations in American higher education

As an academic, I grapple with the role of private foundations in higher education; on the one hand, as a critical scholar-activist committed to radical social and economic change, and on the other hand, as a participant in foundation-funded academic projects. I recognize the contradictory position I occupy within an institution that has historically served the status quo. In this paper I attempt to deal with the question of whether foundation funds, historically made possible by our unjust social system, have the capacity to contribute to the systemic social and economic changes I – alongside like-minded colleagues – strive to realize. Specifically, I look at the role of foundations in American higher education for the purpose of agitating hegemonic ideas and challenging us to ask difficult questions about our day-to-day practices.
A Graphical modeling approach to simplifying sequential teams

A graphical model for sequential teams is presented. This model is easy to understand, and at the same time, is general enough to model any finite horizon sequential team with finite valued system variables and unconstrained decision rules. The model can also be represented as a directed acyclic factor graph. This representation makes it easier to visualize and understand the functional dependencies between different system variables. It also helps in identifying data that is irrelevant for a decision maker to take an optimal decision. Such irrelevant data can be identified using algorithms from graphical models. Thus, the structural properties of optimal decision makers in this model for a sequential team can be identified in an automated manner using the directed acyclic factor graph representation of the sequential team.
An overture for the sociology of credentialing: Empirical, theoretical, and moral considerations

Abstract There are a variety of relatively new, and some old and persisting, empirical issues confronting scholars of credentialing. Success in understanding these matters will be aided by greater theoretical and methodological precision and sophistication, and by avoidance of morality-driven assumptions about these topics. This paper discusses both promising and problematic aspects of current credentialing research.
Response of Rhizobium strains to acid and aluminium stress

Abstract Synchronous-culture, enrichment and isolation trials were done to determine effects of simulated soil acidity stress on growth of Rhizobium sp. (cowpea group), and to test whether tolerance of a strain is stable. In synchronous cultures, acidity and Al reduced the frequency of cell division. Non-dividing cells did not die, but those near division snowed evidence of heightened sensitivity to Al 3+ and H + . Differences in tolerance within single-strain populations were evidently not genetically determined. Prolonged culture under stress (72 generations) failed to enrich a strain in putative tolerant variants. And from six strains of different tolerance, isolates from single colonies that had grown on stress medium were no more tolerant than isolates from colonies on non-stress medium. Tolerance is a consistent and stable strain property.
Growth kinetics of lead dendrites in gels

Abstract Kinetic studies were made on lead dendrites grown in gels under a variety of parameters. The parameters fell into two classes: (a) those associated with the gel, and (b) those associated with the reducing metal. The effect of these parameters on the growth rate is given. In all cases a parabolic growth law was observed.
The composition and role of the fluid in migmatites: a fluid inclusion study of the Front Range rocks

Monophase negative-crystal shaped CO2 inclusions occurring isolated, in small clusters, or in well-healed intragranular fractures are common in the leucosome quartz of the 1700m.y.-old migmatites from the east-central Colorado Front Range. They are, however, quite rare in the mafic selvage and paleosome (host rock) quartz. The mode of occurrence suggests that these are the earliest inclusions to form. In addition to the difference in abundance of the inclusions, there is a difference in CO2-density distribution between migmatitic zones. The temperatures of homogenization for the leucosome inclusions range and ∼ +l°C from −67° C to +20° C with two maxima (at ∼ −21° C) while those for the paleosome and selvage inclusions are −37° C to +20° C with a single maximum at ∼ + 5° C. These differences between the migmatitic zones which occur on the scale of a few centimeters suggest that the formation of these inclusions was related to the migmatization process. The densities corresponding to the Th maxima are appropriate for the P-T conditions for migmatization estimated from the mineral geobarometer/geothermometer. These inclusions must contain nearly pure CO2, as their final melting temperatures (−56.5° to −57.2° C) are very close to that of the triple point of CO2. Their composition also was confirmed by Raman spectroscopic analyses.
Effect, uptake and disposition of nitrobenzene in several terrestrial plants

Eight species of plants were exposed to nitrobenzene in a hydroponic solution. Four species experienced no depression of either transpiration or photosynthetic rates, while one was rapidly killed and the other three were temporarily affected but recovered from the treatment. Uptake of nitrobenzene was passive and was shown to be proportional to the rate of water flux in each species. The transpiration stream concentration factor (TSCF) was 0.72. The root concentration factor (RCF) was variable between the species and was higher than expected, presumably due to deposits of insoluble metabolic products. All of the species examined displayed a capacity to chemically alter nonpolar nitrobenzene into both polar and insoluble products. Volatilization of nitrobenzene from the leaves was a major route of chemical loss.
Critical current density of Ag-doped Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductors in low magnetic fields

Abstract The variation of critical current density of silver-doped Y-Ba-Cu-O superconductors in low magnetic fields has been investigated. A semilog plot of the field dependence of the critical current density reveals a well-defined field value H ' c characteristic of a crossover between regions dominated by the inter- and intra-granular effects. Below H ' c , the normalized critical current density with different silver contents can be expressed as a universal function of the average magnetic flux in the weak link region. Increasing the silver content from zero to 15 mole percent corresponds to a monotonic increase of the screening supercurrent in the supercinducting material.
Using Uniformization for Derivative Estimation in Simulation

Using uniformization procedure, two classes of performance derivative estimation algorithms are defined for discrete-event systems that can be modeled as continuous time Markov chains.
Chromosomal location of Pm35 , a novel Aegilops tauschii derived powdery mildew resistance gene introgressed into common wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.)

A single gene controlling powdery mildew resistance was identified in the North Carolina germplasm line NC96BGTD3 (NCD3) using genetic analysis of F2 derived lines from a NCD3 X Saluda cross. Microsatellite markers linked to this Pm gene were identified and their most likely order was Xcfd7, 10.3 cM, Xgdm43, 8.6 cM, Xcfd26, 11.9 cM, Pm gene. These markers and the Pm gene were assigned to chromosome 5DL by means of Chinese Spring Nullitetrasomic (Nulli5D-tetra5A) and ditelosomic (Dt5DL) lines. A detached leaf test showed a distinctive disease reaction to six pathogen isolates among the NCD3 Pm gene, Pm2 (5DS) and Pm34 (5DL). An allelism test showed independence between Pm34 and the NCD3 Pm gene. Together, the tests provided strong evidence for the presence of a novel Pm gene in NCD3, and this gene was designated Pm35.
Synthesis of J-aggregating dibenz[a,j]anthracene-based macrocycles.

Several fluorescent macrocycles based on 1,3-butadiyne-bridged dibenz[a,j]anthracene subunits have been synthesized via a multistep route. The synthetic strategy involved the initial construction of a functionalized dibenz[a,j]anthracene building block, subsequent installation of free alkyne groups on one side of the polycyclic aromatic framework, and a final cyclization based on a modified Glaser coupling under high-dilution conditions. Photophysical studies on three conjugated macrocycles revealed the formation of J-aggregates in thin films, as well as in concentrated solid solutions (polyisobutylene matrix), with peak absorption and emission wavelength in the range of λ = 460−480 nm. The characteristic red-shifting of the J-aggregate features as compared to the monomer spectra, enhancement in absorption intensities, narrowed linewidths, and minimal Stokes shift values, were all observed. We demonstrate that improvements in spectral features can be brought about by annealing the films under a solvent-sa...
Aminobutadienes. X. Polymerization and copolymerization of 2‐phthalimidomethyl‐1,3‐butadiene

The polymerization and copolymerization of 2-phthalimidomethyl-1,3-butadiene were investigated. This monomer was easily polymerized by benzoyl peroxide catalyst in bulk or in solvent, and by γ-radiation in the solid state to give polymers having a softening point of 135–145°C. Although these resulting polymers did not give x-ray diffraction patterns, they showed crystalline patterns by electron diffraction. On the other hand, cationic polymerization with the use of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate in chloroform was attempted, but no formation of the polymer was observed. Also, this monomer was easily copolymerized with styrene in N,N-dimethylformamide. The monomer reactivity ratios and Alfrey-Price Q and e values calculated from the copolymerization data of this monomer (M1) with styrene (M2) were r1 = 2.0 ± 0.13, r2 = 0.15 ± 0.02, and Q1 = 2.78, e1 = 0.30.
Correlation of Symptoms, Age, Sex, Habitus With Cholecystographic Findings in 1,000 Consecutive Examinations

Summary Most of the patients in this study were referred for cholecystography with complaints of excessive belching, gas pains, and selective dyspepsia. There was no correlation between these symptoms and the cholecystographic findings. Excessive gas, vague upper abdominal pain, history of previous jaundice, and intolerance to cabbage, pork, ice cream, and fatty foods were encountered more frequently in patients with normal cholecystograms than in those with cholecystographic abnormalities. It was impossible to predict the radiographic findings on the basis of symptoms. Right upper quadrant colicky pain was the only symptom showing a positive correlation with the cholecystographic findings. This was present in 23 per cent of patients having demonstrable calculi.
Governance without Government in Somalia: Spoilers, State Building, and the Politics of Coping

Zones of state failure are assumed to be anarchic. In reality, communities facing the absence of an effective state authority forge systems of governance to provide modest levels of security and rule of law. Nowhere is this phenomenon more evident than in Somalia, where an array of local and regional governance arrangements have emerged since the 1991 collapse of the state. The Somalia case can be used both to document the rise of governance without government in a zone of state collapse and to assess the changing interests of local actors seeking to survive and prosper in a context of state failure. The interests of key actors can and do shift over time as they accrue resources and investments; the shift “from warlord to landlord” gives some actors greater interests in governance and security, but not necessarily in state revival; risk aversion infuses decisionmaking in areas of state failure; and state-building initiatives generally fail to account for the existence of local governance arrangements. The...
Compensatory eye movements during near fixation after fast adaptation to lenses.

When the eyes are converged on a near target, the gain of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) during a subsequent head rotation is dependent upon both the amount of vergence and the degree to which it is asymmetrical. In conditions without visual feedback, we measured the gain of the VOR in the right eye of observers as they rotated their heads to the right or left while viewing a target placed 22, 32.5 or 200 cm from the centre of head rotation. We then adapted the VOR to the magnifying effects of + 5 D lenses, and retested the VOR under the former convergence conditions. We found an inverse relationship such that the greater the VOR gain due to convergence, the less the effect of the rapid adaptation to lenses.