cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Cytotoxic Activity of NK/LAK Cells

In this unit, methodology is presented for measuring the capacity of human natural killer (NK) or lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells to lyse tumor cell targets. Cytotoxicity of these effector cells is evaluated in a short-term (51)Cr-release assay using NK-sensitive tumor cells as the targets for NK cells or NK-resistant tumor cells as the targets for LAK cells. In the basic protocol, a generic (51)Cr-release assay is described in which PBMC, purified NK cells or interleukin 2 (IL-2)-activated lymphocyte populations (LAK cells) are utilized as effector cells. Support protocols describe preparation of nonadherent tumor cells, cells obtained from malignant effusions, trypsinized tumor cells from adherent monolayer culture, or freshly isolated tumor cells from surgical specimens. All of these cell types can serve as the (51)Cr-labeled target cells in the basic protocol. The procedure for labeling target cells from any of these sources with (51)Cr is also provided.
Cooperation and Group Size in the N-Person Prisoners' Dilemma

This study explores the relationship between group size and member cooperation when individual and group interests conflict. Existing theories incorrectly imply that larger groups should experience more difficulty in providing “public goods” (goods whose benefits are not confined to the purchaser). A theoretically based typology that identifies nine systematic patterns associated with changes in group size and parameters of individual and group payoff structure is presented. The typology describes nine different ways in which group size can affect cooperation in the provision of public goods. In a computer-administered experiment using three of these nine types and group sizes of three, six, and nine, 90 college students were given sequences of opportunities to choose between “cooperation” (which benefited everyone) and “noncooperation” (which benefited the chooser but harmed everyone else). For one of these types, a counter-intuitive but theoretically predicted positive relationship between group size an...
Hereditary globulin factors and immune tolerance in man.

Eight nontransfused donors of antibodies against a hereditary γ-globulin factor lacked the factor, but each donor's mother had it. The probability that this is a chance observation is .00003. A ninth donor had been transfused, and she and her mother both lacked the factor. It is assumed that each nontransfused donor's antibody was formed against his mother's γ-globulin and that immune tolerance had not been induced.
Microsample introduction by tungsten filament electrode into capacitively coupled microwave plasma for atomic emission spectroscopy: diagnostics

A microwave plasma based on a capacitively coupled microwave plasma was developed and several diagnostical parameters were evaluated. This plasma was sustained at powers as low as 25 W with He as the plasma gas. Rotational (2500 K) and excitation (4500 K) temperatures were determined from N+2 and Fe, respectively. The rotational and excitation temperatures were independent of power (35–115 W), radial (−3 to +3 mm) and axial (1–7 mm) positions, and the He plasma gas flow-rate (4–8 l min−1). The excitation temperature decreased slightly with plasma gas flow-rate between 3 and 4 l min−1 while the rotational temperature remained constant. The electron density (4 × 1014 cm−3) also remained unchanged with both power and radial distances.
Effects of dichloroacetate in spinal stroke in the rabbit.

Abstract High levels of brain lactate may contribute to cellular death and dysfunction in acute cerebral ischemia. Although sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) has been shown to lower brain lactate in incomplete cerebral ischemia, functional outcome has not been assessed with DCA. We examined the effects of DCA treatment on functional neurologic outcome using a previously developed model for “spinal stroke” in the rabbit. Thirty male New Zealand white rabbits weighing 1.3–2.8 kg were studied. After anesthesia with 15–40 mg/kg pentobarbital IV, a laparotomy was performed and the aorta exposed. A metal clamp was placed on the aorta just distal to the left renal artery for 20 minutes and then removed. The abdominal wound was closed in two layers. Animals then received either 2cc normal saline (n=15) or 300 mg/kg DCA in 2cc normal saline (n=15) over 10 minutes. The animals were returned to their cages when awake and were examined at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours for neurologic assessment. The exams were performed by a blinded examiner who was unaware of the treatment given. A three point ambulatory score (O=can't walk, 1=walk but not hop, 2=hopping) and a two point activity score (O=inactive, 1=active) were used. At 24 hours, 67% of the DCA-treated animals were actively moving about compared to only 27% of the controls (P=0.03; Fisher Exact Test). Ten of fifteen control animals were unable to walk, while only five of fifteen DCA-treated animals were unable to walk (P=0.07). Sixty percent of the DCA animals were able to hop compared to 27% of controls (P=0.06). These results suggest that DCA can reduce morbidity from spinal cord ischemia in the rabbit.
Relationships Between Impervious Surfaces within a Watershed and Measures of Reproduction in Fathead Minnows ( Pimephales Promelas )

Urban regions have a high percentage of impervious surfaces which are critical nonpoint pollution sources. To evaluate the role of impervious surfaces on stream quality, a mobile field station was constructed into which stream water was pumped. Study sites were located within one low, two intermediate and two high percent impervious surface watersheds. Stream water entered three 20-gallon, flow-through aquaria which were divided by 1/8′′ mesh plastic screen into four equal compartments, each containing one male-female fathead minnow breeding pair (n= 12 pairs), and one 4′′ diameter PVC tube (4′′×4′′, cut lengthwise) as a breeding substrate. Temperature within the mobile unit (18–25 °C) maintained by air conditioners or heaters; water temperature in the aquaria (20–24 °C) maintained by aquarium heaters. Daily observations included: reproductive behavior, development of male secondary sexual characteristics, and egg counts. Time spent conducting nest and/or egg care activities, average daily spawn attempts, development of male secondary sexual characteristics (tubercles, dorso-ventral banding, head and body coloration) and male-initiated chasing of female were directly related to percent impervious surface in the watershed (ANOVA, p < 0.05). While spawning frequency and average day to first oviposition were not significantly different between study sites, average daily egg count, number of pairs breeding per day and number of eggs per breeding pair were all associated with land use patterns (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Using reproductive measures in a mobile field station show promise as a flexible method of evaluating water quality in watersheds in urban and urbanizing regions.
Prostaglandin-Induced Release of Anterior Pituitary Hormones: Structure-Activity Relationships

Prostaglandins (PG’s) of the E, F, A, or B series were infused into a lateral ventricle of the brain of adult male rats, and the efficacy of each PG to stimulate the discharge of LH, prolactin, and TSH from the pituitary gland was determined. PGE2, PGF2α, and PGF2αβ were found to be potent stimulators of LH release. The release was considerably less when PGE1, PGF1β, PGA2 or PGB2 was infused. The basal release of LH was not altered by infusion of PGFlα, PGA1, PGB1, or the control solution. It is suggested that the cis double bond in the 5,6 position and the 11-hydroxyl group are essential for the LH releasing activity of PG’s and that these functional groups may be of importance for activation of a receptor at the level of the brain. Prolactin secretion was stimulated 6 to 7-fold by the infusion of 5 γg of PGE2, but 20 γg had no stimulatory effect. PGF2β caused a 3 to 4-fold increase in basal plasma prolactin concentration and was the only PG tested other than PGE2 that stimulated prolactin release. None ...
Serum anti-myelin antibodies in chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Abstract To investigate the role of anti-myelin antibodies in chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (CR-EAE), sera from SJL/J mice with CR-EAE actively induced by inoculation with spinal cord homogenate in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) were compared with sera from mice to whom CR-EAE was passively transferred by lymph node cells (LNC) stimulated with myelin basic protein (BP). Sera were obtained serially from mice during both remissions and relapses of disease and were evaluated for the presence of anti-myelin antibodies using an avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase technique. Four of six mice with CR-EAE induced with cord-CFA were positive for anti-myelin antibodies 15–124 days after inoculation, with 16 of 18 sera positive in these four mice. Two mice inoculated with cord-CFA did not have detectable serum anti-myelin antibodies, despite a clinical and histophatological picture indistinguishable from the antibody-positive mice. None of seven mice with CR-EAE passively transferred by BP-stimulated LNC had detectable anti-myelin antibodies in 30 sera obtained 7–141 days after cell transfer. We conclude that serum anti-myelin antibodies probably do not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of CR-EAE in SJL/J mice.
Granular Damping Analysis Using a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Approach

Granular damping, which possesses promising features for vibration suppression in harsh environment, has been studied using empirical analysis and more recently using the discrete element method (DEM). The mechanism of granular damping is highly nonlinear, and, when numerical analyses are performed, usually a relatively long simulation time of structural vibration is needed to reflect the damping behavior especially at low frequency range. The present research explores the granular damping analysis by means of the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) approach. Unlike the DEM that tracks the motion of granules using the direct numerical integration of Newton's equations, the DSMC is a statistical approach derived from the Boltzmann equation to describe the velocity evolution of the granular system. Since the exact time and locations of contacts among granules are not calculated in the DSMC, a significant reduction in computational time/cost can be achieved. While the DSMC has been exercised in a variety of granular systems, its implementation to granular damping analysis poses unique challenges. In this research, we develop a new method that enables the coupled analysis of the stochastic granular motion and the structural vibration. The complicated energy transfer and dissipation due to the collisions between the granules and the host structure and among the granules is directly and accurately incorporated into the analysis, which is essential to damping evaluation. Also, the effects of granular packing ratio and the excluded volume of granules, which may not be included in conventional DSMC method, are explicitly taken into account in the proposed approach. A series of numerical analyses are performed to highlight the accuracy and efficiency of the new approach. Using this new algorithm, we can carry out parametric analysis on granular damping to obtain guidelines for system optimization.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Online multistep optical exploration and processing of unknown environments: environmental and biotechnology applications

New methods are needed to analyze and monitor multicomponent unknown environments or media (an object), for example, air toxic mixtures or protein mixtures. The existing methods are basically a single-pass measurement and do not provide enough information. We propose an optical exploration approach, a multistep feedback controlled architecture that includes multiple measurements with systematic modification of an object to get additional data. We discuss various optical techniques to modify and probe the object. The data obtained from the multiple measurements allow the object properties (say, individual concentrations) to be evaluated. Experimental data on air toxic mixtures are presented.
AFLP assessment of genetic variability among velvetbean (Mucuna sp.) accessions

Velvetbean (Mucuna sp.) is a self-pollinated crop classified within the Leguminosae. Using AFLP markers, gene diversity and phenetic relationships were estimated in a collection of 40 velvetbean accessions from cultivated species and different eco-geographic regions. Eleven selective primer combinations generated a total of 508 amplification products. The average number of scorable fragments was 23 per primer combination. A total of 251 polymorphic markers was detected. The polymorphisms obtained ranged from 36% to 61% with an average of 49%. The final phenetic trees were constructed using Nei and Li’s coefficient of similarity with UPGMA. Other clustering algorithms were examined and all had high co-phenetic correlations, indicating the goodness of fit for the resulting phylogenetic trees. The phenetic tree as well as principal component analysis (PCA) separated the 40 velvetbean accessions into two main clusters. Bootstrap and Jackknife analyses were completed and their values indicated strong to moderate support for the two main clusters. This grouping confirmed the existing phenological difference with regard to maturity. The high values of the similarity coefficients observed (0.87 to 0.97) imply that the accessions used in this study are similar. The level of genetic variability detected within the velvetbean accessions with AFLP analysis suggests that it is a reliable, efficient, and effective marker technology for determining genetic relationships in velvetbean.
Impact of Encapsulation Within Hydrogel Microspheres on Lipid Digestion: An In Vitro Study

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of encapsulation of protein-coated lipid droplets within biopolymer hydrogel microspheres on their digestibility by lipase. We therefore compared the in vitro lipid digestion of non-encapsulated (“emulsions”) and encapsulated (“filled microspheres”) casein-coated lipid droplets. Filled microspheres were fabricated from a phase separated mixture of pectin and sodium caseinate and emulsified oil to form an oil-in-water-in-water (O/W/W) emulsion. The microspheres were then acidified, cross-linked with transglutaminase, and washed to remove excess pectin. Filled hydrogel microspheres were stable to simulated mouth conditions but formed large flocs under simulated gastric conditions. The casein stabilized emulsion showed modest droplet flocculation under simulated mouth conditions and showed significant flocculation and coalescence under simulated gastric conditions. The structure of both microspheres and emulsions was completely destroyed following in vitro digestion. Digestion profiles revealed similar rates of lipid digestion for both microspheres and emulsions. Since in vitro digestion conditions simulate the small intestine, the region of the body where the majority of lipid digestion and absorption occurs, these results suggest that lipid droplets encapsulated within microspheres would be digested similarly to those in conventional emulsions. Based on these findings, filled hydrogel microspheres appear to be a suitable delivery system for lipophilic bioactives.
Flip chip assembly with advanced RDL technology

With silicon node technology shrinking to beyond 14nm, die pad pitch becomes smaller and bumps become finer dimensioned so that I/O pads can be laid out. In many cases, flip chip assembly is required because of layout considerations, performance, and cost effectiveness. Often, the fine pitch layout poses great challenges to existing bumping and flip chip assembly capability. This paper is to report an advanced redistribution layer (RDL) solution for a tighter pitch designed die so that that current flip chip assembly process can be used. The test vehicle die has two rows of staggered 40/80um pitch peripheral pads. The RDL is constructed with PBO-Cu-PBO stack and an advanced 10/10um L/S RDL design rule. After the RDL application, the bump pitch of the die is expanded into an area array flip chip type with 170um pitch. Mechanical, Electrical, Constructional analysis is reported in the paper. Assembly process and manufacturability with thermal compression flip chip technology is evaluated. Initial construction analysis and reliability test is conducted. The results clearly show that this RDL technology is feasible and potentially a viable choice for new Silicon node technology die with tight pitch.
Characterization of the growth and auxin physiology of roots of the tomato mutant, diageotropica

Roots of the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.) mutant (diageotropica (dgt) exhibit an altered phenotype. These roots are agravitropic and lack lateral roots. Relative to wild-type (VFN8) roots, dgt roots are less sensitive to growth inhibition by exogenously applied IAA and auxin transport inhibitors (phytotropins), and the roots exhibit a reduction in maximal growth inhibition in response to ethylene. However, IAA transport through roots, binding of the phytotropin, tritiated naphthylphthalamic acid ([3H]NPA), to root microsomal membranes, NPA-sensitive IAA uptake by root segments, and uptake of [3H]NPA into root segments are all similar in mutant and wild-type roots. We speculate that the reduced sensitivity of dgt root growth to auxin-transport inhibitors and ethylene is an indirect result of the reduction in sensitivity to auxin in this single gene, recessive mutant. We conclude that dgt roots, like dgt shoots, exhibit abnormalities indicating they have a defect associated with or affecting a primary site of auxin perception or action.
Introductory Lecture. Excited states at surfaces: Fano profiles in STM spectroscopy of adsorbates

The Fano–Anderson model for a discrete state embedded within a continuum is revisited within the context of excitation and decay processes which lead to some manifestations of Fano lineshape profiles. The phenomenon of resonance tunneling between an STM tip and a metal surface upon which there are isolated adsorbed atoms is discussed and the relationship between the spectroscopic signature of such systems and that of the Fano profile is taken up. Recent experimental studies of Kondo systems of magnetic adsorbates such as Co and Ce adsorbed on noble metal (111) surfaces have motivated this work.
Genetic probes of ribosomal RNA function

We have used a genetic approach to uncover the functional roles of rRNA in protein synthesis. Mutations were constructed in a cloned rrn operon by site-directed mutagenesis or isolated by genetic s...
Generalized prediction intervals for BLUPs in mixed models

A prediction interval is derived for the BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Predictor) in mixed models involving a single random effect of interest, using the generalized inference approach. The resulting prediction interval is referred to as a generalized prediction interval. The solution in the case of the simplest balanced random effects model is first derived to provide better insight into the approach. Extensions to the unbalanced case as well as to a general model are then provided. A simulation study is carried out to show the advantage of the proposed interval compared to the ML and REML based intervals available from widely used software packages such as SAS and R/S+. The estimated coverage probabilities show that the generalized prediction interval exhibits substantially better performance compared to ML and REML based intervals; the latter intervals were found to be highly conservative.
La Girl Filipina: Paz Marquez Benitez, Brokering Cultures

A 1910 Normal School Yearbook featured six young women in basketball uniforms. Sixteen-year-old Paz Marquez, the tallest among them and the captain of the team, looks out unsmilingly. In the early years of the century, photographs of women's basketball teams appeared in hundreds of normal-school yearbooks across the American landscape, but this photo came from the normal school in Manila. Two years later, sharing another American ritual, the former team captain graced the cover of the weekly magazine Renacimiento Filipino, this time dressed in a luxurious gown befitting the Queen of the Carnival. That same year, 1912, Paz Marquez graduated with a B.A. in the first class from the College of Liberal Arts at the newly formed, secular University of the Philippines. Participating in commonplace American events, Paz Marquez (later Benitez) acted as a bridge, a link, between two cultures. Over the next decades, Paz continued in this role. In addition, however, she also became a cultural broker, as she confronted the conundrum that the use of English as the official language had imposed on Filipino culture. In these ways, Paz illustrates the complicated and intriguing story of U.S. nation-building from an intimate and distinctly Philippine viewpoint.
Social and academic functioning in adolescents with child sexual abuse-related PTSD

Although child sexual abuse (CSA) has been associated with a host of psychological problems, one of the most frequently linked disorders is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Famularo, Kinscherff, & Fenton, 1992; Merry & Andrews, 1994). PTSD is characterized by intrusive reexperiencing symptoms, avoidance behaviors, and elevated arousal (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), and is associated with widespread functional impairments and low quality of life (Giaconia et al., 1995; Zayfert, Dums, Ferguson, & Hegel, 2002). Although less is known about the effects of PTSD on functioning during adolescence than in adulthood, there is some evidence that PTSD has a deleterious effect on adolescent social and academic functioning. For example, in a community sample of adolescent girls, those with PTSD were significantly more likely to report having failed a class or grade, been suspended from school, or been arrested (Lipschitz, Rasmusson, Anyan, Cromwell, & Southwick, 2000). Similarly, in a study of adolescents who survived a sinking ship, Bolton et al. (2004) found that PTSD symptoms were associated with impairments in friendships and social functioning. However, no studies to date have examined the effects of PTSD symptom severity on functioning specifically among adolescent survivors of CSA. Examining psychosocial impairments among adolescents with CSA-related PTSD is important in order to identify the consequences of PTSD at this developmental stage as well as to inform intervention strategies designed specifically for adolescents. This study examines the effects of CSA-related PTSD on social and academic functioning in adolescents. We hypothesize that: 1) increased symptom severity of PTSD will be associated with decreased social functioning; and 2) increased symptom severity of PTSD will be associated with decreased academic functioning. In addition, this study explores the relationship between the PTSD symptom clusters and functioning areas as well as the relationships between trauma characteristics and functioning.
Electric Potential Gradients above Thunderstorms

Abstract Measurements of the electric potential gradient from a U-2 airplane flying over thunderstorms show that sustained gradients occurred only in the vicinity of convective cloud disturbances that rose above the stratiform anvil cloud. The potential gradient often reversed in polarity immediately after lightning occurred in the cloud. We interpret these effects as indicating the presence of a charged screening layer at the upper cloud boundary. The observations further suggest to us that Wilson conduction currents flow from thunderstorms to the upper atmosphere for only as long as convection continues.
Exact solution to the time-dependent one-speed multiregion neutron diffusion equation

Abstract Exact solutions are obtained to the time-dependent one-speed neutron diffusion equation in one-dimensional multiregion Cartesian and spherical geometries with multiplication and without delayed neutrons. These solutions enable the study of the one-speed space-time behavior of prompt neutrons in an arbitatry number of neutronically dissimilar material regions. Parametric benchmark calculations are presented.
Photoelectron microscopy of erythrocyte ghosts: imaging of lectin binding sites with colloidal gold markers.

Abstract Images of human red cell ghosts have been obtained by photoelectron microscopy (photoemission electron microscopy or PEM) without any staining, metal coating or shadowing. Membrane folding, when it occurs in these collapsed structures, shows up clearly even though the membrane itself is only 5–10 nm in thickness. Using red cell ghosts as a model system, it is shown that colloidal gold can act as a photoemissive marker. Specific lectin binding sites on the cell surface were labeled with a colloidal gold-wheat germ agglutinin complex. The gold particles were readily detectable against the weaker emission from the cell surface.
Short Research Note: Using the group‐value model to explain the role of noninstrumental justice in distinguishing the effects of distributive and procedural justice

The purpose of this study was to distinguish the effects of distributive, instrumental procedural, and noninstrumental (i.e. group-value effects) procedural justice in a field study. As predicted by the group-value model (Lind & Tyler, 1988), noninstrumental procedural justice captured unique variance in organizational commitment, turnover intentions, as well as both individual and group performance. Furthermore, noninstrumental justice explained more unique variance in commitment and performance than did distributive justice or instrumental procedural justice. These findings provide a greater understanding of why procedural justice, as a whole, has been found to be more predictive of these outcomes in prior research.
Effect of colostomy on experimentally produced neoplasms of the colon of the rat

As a means of determining the effect of the fecal stream in the pathogenesis of experimentally produced colonic tumors in Wistar strain rats, simple colostomies were performed in the left colon of 57 female rats at approximately 4 cm above the anus. Fifty-four rats received daily subcutaneous injections, 5 days per week, of the carcinogen 3:2'dimethyl-4-aminodiphenyl at a dosage of 2 mg/day/100 Gm body weight. Of the 54 rats, 17 (31.4%) developed either hyperplasia, adenomatous polyps or carcinoma of the large bowel proximal to the colostomy site. None of the 54 rats developed any lesion distal to the colostomy. None of the three control rats with colostomies developed any kind of tumor. Of the colonic lesions that developed, 12 were hyperplasias, 12 were adenomatous polyps and four were carcinomas. All hyperplasia developed at colostomy edge. Diversion of the fecal stream prevents development of colonic neoplasms in Wistar rats in this experimental situation.
In vivo coronary angioscopy

The feasibility of in vivo coronary angioscopy was tested utilizing a 1.8 mm angioscope in vessels where blood had been replaced by optically clear liquids, including a new perfluorocarbon emulsion. After trials in postmortem canine and human coronary arteries, in vivo intraluminal visualization was accomplished in the dog with a catheterization technique and in patients during open heart surgery. The results demonstrate the feasibility and potential clinical usefulness of direct visualization of intravascular anatomy and disease, analogous to endoscopy of other organ systems.
The kinetothermal analysis and synthesis of cam systems

Abstract The meaning of kinetothermal analysis and synthesis of mechanisms is defined. Using kinetothermal analysis and synthesis, an analytical technique is developed to describe and compensate for the kinetothermal errors in displacement, velocity and acceleration in cam-follower systems. The class of problems considered includes the case where either a cam, follower or framework is subjected to a different uniform temperature than the other two and the case where a cam, follower or frame expand differently in a uniform temperature change due to unequal coefficients of thermal expansion. An example application is presented.
The correlation method for rapid monitoring of Escherichia coli in foods

Aims: A new rapid method was developed to rapidly monitor Escherichia coli counts in foods. Materials and Results: One ml of modified selective broth with 4-methylumbelliferyl β-D-glucuronide and 1 ml of food sample were mixed in a sterile test tube and incubated at 37°C. The positive reaction (fluorescence under u.v. light) was monitored at regular 30 min intervals. The positive reaction times in test tubes were compared with actual E. coli numbers from tested samples. The growth of E. coli in test tubes (broth) was much faster than growth on agar. The first experiment was performed to evaluate the rapid correlation method using pure E. coli cultures. The correlation between E. coli counts by the conventional plating method and positive reaction (fluorescence production) times in test tubes was highly agreeable (r2=0·95). In the case of low E. coli numbers, such as 2·0 log10 cfu ml−1, the rapid correlation method detected their presence after 10 h incubation. When highly contaminated samples were assayed (8 log10 cfu ml−1), the rapid correlation method detected the presence of E. coli after 4 h incubation. In the ground beef experiment, the correlation between fluorescence production time and actual E. coli numbers was also strongly agreeable (r2=0·92). Conclusions: From these results, it is obvious that the new rapid method can rapidly monitor E. coli counts in foods. Significance and Impact of the Study: The results indicated that the new method saved about 10–14 h incubation time compared to conventional plating methods. The rapid correlation method required much shorter incubation times compared to conventional plating methods for monitoring E. coli.
Recombinant lipidated dengue-4 envelope protein domain III elicits protective immunity

The combination of recombinant protein antigens with an immunostimulator has the potential to greatly increase the immunogenicity of recombinant protein antigens. In the present study, we selected the dengue-4 envelope protein domain III as a dengue vaccine candidate and expressed the protein in lipidated form using an Escherichia coli-based system. The recombinant lipidated dengue-4 envelope protein domain III folded into the proper conformation and competed with the dengue-4 virus for cellular binding sites. Mice immunized with lipidated dengue-4 envelope protein domain III without exogenous adjuvant had higher frequencies of dengue-4 envelope protein domain III-specific B cells secreting antibodies than mice immunized with the nonlipidated form. Importantly, lipidated dengue-4 envelope protein domain III-immunized mice demonstrated a durable neutralizing antibody response and had reduced viremia levels after challenge. The study demonstrates that lipidated dengue-4 envelope protein domain III is immunogenic and may be a potential dengue vaccine candidate. Furthermore, the lipidation strategy can be applied to other serotypes of dengue virus.
Exact results for models of multichannel quantum nonadiabatic transitions

We consider nonadiabatic transitions in explicitly time-dependent systems with Hamiltonians of the form $\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{H}(t)=\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{A}+\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{B}t+\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{C}/t$, where $t$ is time and $\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{A},\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{B},\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\stackrel{\ifmmode \hat{}\else \^{}\fi{}}{C}$ are Hermitian $N\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}N$ matrices. We show that in any model of this type, scattering matrix elements satisfy nontrivial exact constraints that follow from the absence of the Stokes phenomenon for solutions with specific conditions at $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\infty}$. This allows one to continue such solutions analytically to $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}+\ensuremath{\infty}$, and connect their asymptotic behavior at $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\infty}$ and $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}+\ensuremath{\infty}$. This property becomes particularly useful when a model shows additional discrete symmetries. In particular, we derive a number of simple exact constraints and explicit expressions for scattering probabilities in such systems.
Early Discharge Program in a NICU Can be Cost Effective Without Compromising Quality. † 831

We hypothesized that an Early Discharge Program (EDP) using case management(CM) to facilitate earlier discharge (d/c) of preterm infants to home or transfer to level II hospital would be cost effective without compromising quality. The EDP was instituted on 1/1/96. Infants born 1/1/96-6/30/96 at<30wk GA were included in the analysis. Infants were excluded for transfer or death prior to 30wk postmenstrual age (PMA). CM included involvement of family, patient care coordinator, primary care physician, neonatologist and home nursing. D/C criteria were based on physiologic stability and included:3 34wks PMA, po feeds, thermostability in an open crib, infrequent apnea and FiO2 requirement <30%. Infants were considered for transfer to a level II facility when medically stable with FiO2 requirement <30% and on enteral feeds. Families were contacted within 4 wks of d/c to assess parent satisfaction and post-d/c healthcare utilization. CM infants were stratified into 2 categories based on GA at birth and compared with a retrospective control (CTL) group (7/1/94-6/30/95) for NICU length of stay (LOS) and d/c wt[mean (SD)]: Table Regression analysis, controlled for gender, BW, 5 min apgar, insurance and race showed that LOS was decreased in the CM group by 7d (p=0.02). Using a 4 point rating system, all of the parents contacted, indicated that they were highly satisfied with the discharge preparations. ER visits and readmission within 2 wks of d/c were infrequent and not related to early discharge. Given that the average charge for an NICU is $2,000/day, we conclude that the preliminary data suggests that this ED program will have a substantial effect on NICU expenditures with no demonstrable compromise to healthcare delivery or parent satisfaction.
Professionals and Professors: Substance or Style?:

To determine what aspects of writing are most important in a business context, previous researchers have often surveyed business professionals as well as business faculty. We recently took a differ...
Revascularization versus amputation for elderly patients

eripheral and coronary vascular diseases are common in the P West; both become clinically important in the latter decades of life, and both are different clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis. The effects of coronary atherosclerosis usually are felt first, with significant mortality due to myocardial infarctions, disabling angina, or ischemic cardiomyopathy. The elderly patient presenting with peripheral vascular disease tends to have a limb salvage situa
Rare-earth element geochemistry of fluorite-carbonate deposits in western Montana, U.S.A.

Abstract The fluorite-carbonate-quartz deposits of Mineral, Missoula and Ravalli Counties in western Montana, U.S.A., at one time described as carbonatitic, have recently been shown to be hydrothermal in origin based on chemical, O- and Sr-isotope, and field studies. We report the results for rare-earth elements (REE) in the fluorite and carbonate minerals and discuss the implications for their origin. Fluorite from Lime Gulch, White Cloud, Swallow, Spar, Wilson Gulch and Snowbird deposits exhibits REE/chondrite patterns with a pronounced enrichment in the middle REE (MREE), highly depleted light REE (LREE) and slightly depleted Lu, often accompanied by a similar small depletion in Yb. La is depleted relative to Sm by an order of magnitude. Calcite is also MREE-enriched, although La is not as depleted relative to Sm as in the associated fluorite; dolomite does not show La depletion relative to Sm. Calcite and dolomite have negative Eu anomalies whereas some of the fluorite does not. REE patterns for the fluorite and carbonates are typical of those from other hydrothermal deposits reported in literature. Chemical zonation caused by complexation of MREE and HREE with carbonate and fluoride ions and a high degree of REE fractionation apparently produced the REE distribution patterns observed for these deposits.
Unified approach to atomic transport phenomena in metallic glasses from the bond deficiency perspective

Atomic bond deficiency (BD) is considered to be a structural defect that facilitates atomic transport in metallic glasses (MGs) and deeply undercooled liquids. A small displacement of an atom from the second to the first-nearest-neighbor position of a BD cage is regarded as the elementary process which involves cooperative movements of multiple adjacent atoms and hence requires existence of a cluster of BD defects. Such a local configuration is defined as the most basic transport unit. Diffusion, structural relaxation, and inelastic shear flow are all attributed to cooperative responses of different numbers of the transport units. Some long-standing unsolved puzzles for three major transport phenomena are clarified, including (1) the fractional Stokes-Einstein relationships between diffusion and flow, and between diffusion and structural relaxation, (2) the great variety of the activation parameters of shear flow, and (3) the bimolecular kinetics of structural relaxation.
Isolation of a β-Sitosterol Complex from Salvia sclarea

Salvia sclarea, a member of the Labiatae family, has been reported previously to contain the diterpene sclareol and two acidic pentacyclic triterpenes. The presence of free β-sitosterol is now reported, characterized unequivocally by the preparation of acetate, benzoate, dinitrobenzoate, and hydrogenated acetate. An accompanying contaminant, probably a sterol, has not yet been identified.
Nano/microscale pyroelectric energy harvesting: Challenges and opportunities

With the ever-growing demand for renewable energy sources, energy harvesting from natural resources has gained much attention. Energy sources such as heat and mechanical motion could be easily harvested based on pyroelectric, thermoelectric, and piezoelectric effects. The energy harvested from otherwise wasted energy in the environment can be utilized in self-powered micro and nano devices, and wearable electronics, which required only µW–mW power. This article reviews pyroelectric energy harvesting with an emphasis on recent developments in pyroelectric energy harvesting and devices at micro/nanoscale. Recent developments are presented and future challenges and opportunities for more efficient materials and devices with higher energy conversion efficiency are also discussed.
A stochastic optimization approach for the selection of reflective cracking mitigation techniques

Abstract Purpose In Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) overlays, the existing cracks in the underlying pavements can propagate upward to the new added overlay and may cause Reflective Cracks (RC). These cracks allow water infiltration to the underlying layers and causes further moisture damage as well as weakening the unbound layers. Over the years, several methods have been developed for mitigating the RCs. This study aims to investigate the current reflective cracking mitigation methods and develop a methodology for the selection of appropriate mitigation technique. The developed model is then applied to a case study in the state of Florida. Method To accomplish this goal, a nationwide literature review was conducted to better understand the current in practice methods in the United States. Moreover, a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) in five different road types was performed to find the annuity of roadway rehabilitation for each of the mitigation methods. The uncertainty in the LCCA results is represented using Exploratory Modeling and Analysis (EMA) method. Then through a Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model, a stochastic optimization model was developed to find the appropriate reflective cracking mitigation solution under Florida’s climate and road conditions, based on different cost and performance weights. Results Based on the available data for the state of Florida, the LCCA results indicate that the annuity of maintaining the roadway with Fabrics and ISAC are lower compared to other methods. However, the results of stochastic optimization model reveal that while looking at the performance and cost at the same time, different methods would be more feasible. For instance, while the cost of the used method does not matter at all and only performance matters, STRATA® is more probable to be the appropriate mitigation technique. The findings of this research are critical for decision makers to better understand the most cost-effective mitigation technique in different conditions.
Property modeling across transition temperatures in polymers: a robust stiffness–temperature model

Abstract The variation of stiffness with temperature in polymers is widely discussed in the literature. Previous studies have been concerned with the effects of temperature for highly specific materials and for limited ranges of temperature. Representations or predictions of stiffness variations for wide classes of polymers (thermosets, thermoplastics, amorphous, semi-crystalline, filled, unfilled, linear, crosslinked, etc.) and over wide ranges of temperature (from fully glassy to fully rubbery) have not been established. However, modern engineering design tools, especially those based on virtual design environments, require robust property models that apply over the entire range of temperatures that extend far below and substantially above the T g of the matrix. The present paper addresses that need. The influence of temperature on secondary bonding in polymers is the basis of the approach. Weibull statistics are used to represent the failure of secondary bonds during the relaxation processes that lead to stiffness change over the full range of use temperatures. The feasibility of the approach was illustrated by applying the model to experimental data chosen at random from the literature. The behavior of six polymers of very different nature was successfully described.
Mechanism of Aging of Mipafox-Inhibited Butyrylcholinesterase

Elucidating mechanisms of aging of esterases inhibited by organophosphorus (OP) compounds is important for understanding toxicity and developing biomarkers of exposure to these agents. Aging has classically been thought to involve net loss of a single side group from the OP moiety of phosphylated esterases, rendering the enzyme refractory to reactivation. However, recent evidence has shown that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the catalytic domain of human neuropathy target esterase (NEST) undergo aging by alternative mechanisms following their inhibition with N,N'-diisopropylphosphorodiamidofluoridate (mipafox, MIP). This study was performed to determine whether MIP-inhibited butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) ages conventionally, by net loss of a single side group, or by an alternate route, e.g., reversible deprotonation or displacement of both isopropylamine groups, as recently observed for MIP-inhibited NEST and AChE, respectively. Diisopropylphosphorofluoridate (DFP), the phosphate analogue of the phosphoroamidate MIP, was used for comparison. Kinetic values for MIP against BChE were as follows: ki = (1.28 +/- 0.053) x 10(6) M-1 min-1; k3 = 0.004,15 +/- 0.000,27 min-1; k4 = 0.008,49 +/- 0.000,99 min-1. Kinetic values for DFP against BChE were as follows: ki = (1.83 +/- 0.18) x 10(6) M-1 min-1; k3 = 0.004,88 +/- 0.000,24 min-1; k4 = 0.0121 +/- 0.0028 min-1. Mass spectrometric studies revealed a mass shift of 123.4 +/- 0.7 Da for the active-site peptide peak of aged DFP-inhibited BChE, corresponding to a monoisopropylphosphate adduct. Similarly, the analogous mass shift for aged MIP-inhibited BChE was 122.4 +/- 0.7 Da, corresponding to a monoisopropylphosphoroamido adduct. Therefore, we conclude that the MIP-BChE conjugate ages by loss of a single isopropylamine group, in contrast to MIP-inhibited AChE or NEST.
Diabatic field ionization of highly excited sodium atoms

Data demonstrating that, contrary to earlier results, laser-excited sodium Rydberg atoms may pass from low-electric field strengths to ionizing electric field strengths along two quite distinct paths is presented. One path involves predominantly adiabatic passage while the other path involves predominantly diabatic passage. Data are presented along with a model that supports this conclusion.
Phosphorylation of Geranyl and Farnesyl Pyrophosphates by Nm23 Proteins/Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinases

The biochemical mechanism(s) by which Nm23 proteins/nucleoside diphosphate kinases suppress tumor metastasis, inhibit cell motility, and affect cellular differentiation are not known. Here we report that Nm23 proteins can phosphorylate geranyl and farnesyl pyrophosphates to give triphosphates. Wild type Nm23-H1 had higher geranyl and farnesyl pyrophosphate kinase activities than did mutants of Nm23-H1 that do not inhibit cell motility. The phosphorylation of farnesyl pyrophosphate appears to occur in vivo as cells with an elevated level of Nm23-H1 contained more farnesyl triphosphate than did control cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report that farnesyl triphosphate exists in cells. The phosphorylation of farnesyl pyrophosphate by Nm23 proteins could alter isoprenoid metabolism, and cells with an elevated level of Nm23 proteins were found to contain more farnesylated 46- and 24-kDa proteins than did control cells. The phosphorylation of geranyl and farnesyl pyrophosphates by Nm23 proteins provides a novel mechanism by which these proteins might exert their biological effects.
EFFECT OF NITROGEN SUPPLY ON NITROGEN CONTENT AND GROWTH RATE OF JUVENILE MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (PHAEOPHYTA) SPOROPHYTES1

The effect of nitrogen supply on nitrogen content and growth rate of juvenile Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. A. Agardh sporophytes was studied in two types of experiments: growth in continuously flowing mixtures of deep (nutrient-rich) and surface (nutrient-poor) seawater, and growth in batch cultures with alternate 7–10 day periods in deep and surface water. In the continuous flow experiments, the nitrogen content of the plants increased with the increased concentration of nitrate in the seawater. In the batch culture experiments, a lag period of 3–7 days often occurred before changes in the nitrogen supply were reflected in corresponding changes in the nitrogen content of the plants. Growth rates were a linear function of tissue nitrogen which varied between 1–3% dry weight. Saturation of growth rate as a function of tissue nitrogen did not occur, although tissue nitrogen levels did saturate as a function of external nitrate supply. Juvenile M. pyrifera sporophytes do not appear to “store” nitrogen. Total nitrogen varies from 1–6% dry weight in Laminariales and Fucales, but only some species of Laminaria appear to accumulate large pools of “surplus” nitrogen.
The Pretreatment, Enzymatic Hydrolysis, and Fermentation of Cattails from Constructed Wetlands

Using cattails to produce biofuel will add value to the land and will also reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by replacing petroleum products. In order to investigate the feasibility of converting cattails into ethanol, cattails from constructed wetlands on the North Carolina A&T Farm underwent three kinds of pretreatment processes: NaOH, hot water, and dilute sulfuric acid. All three pretreatment methods were able to effectively increase enzymatic digestibility of cattail cellulose. The glucose yields resulting from enzymatic hydrolysis after pretreatment with NaOH, hot water, or dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment were 66.8, 62, and 54.8% of the cellulose (raw cattails basis), respectively. For both dilute sulfuric acid and hot water pretreatment, a high temperature (453–463 K) pretreatment was more effective compared to a lower temperature (394 K) pretreatment. It is recommended that further studies be carried out at a faster heating rate and shorter residence time for the pretreatment process. Sacchar...