cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Automated Optical Observatory For Thermospheric Dynamics Studies

A fully automated aeronomical observatory, whose main optical instruments are a field-widened Fabry-Perot interferometer and a tilting filter photometer, is described. The closed-loop control, data acquisition, and recording systems are based on the Zilog Z80A system of microprocessors and supporting components. The compact system, occupying the living room area of an Airstream trailer, is readily transportable to remote sites for unattended operation, where its operation can be remotely commanded and checked via a telephone link. The optical instrumentation, electronic control system, and operating procedures are discussed, and examples are given of data obtained from such an observatory recently located at Millstone Hill, Massachusetts. The operating experience with this observatory during its two years in the field is described.
A Review of Mandibular Angle Fractures

After studying this article, the reader will be able to: (1) review the incidence and etiology of mandibular angle fractures; (2) gain an understanding of patient evaluation and general management principles; and (3) discuss indications and available techniques for management of mandibular angle fractures. Angle fractures represent the highest percentage of mandibular fractures. Two of the most common causes of mandibular angle fractures are motor vehicle accidents and assaults or altercations. With any patient who has sustained facial trauma, a thorough history and comprehensive physical examination centering on the head and neck region as well as proper radiological assessment are essential. These elements are fundamental in establishing a diagnosis and developing an appropriate treatment plan for any mandibular fracture.
The management of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis: the Mount Sinai experience and a guide for hospitalists.

Background Cirrhosis and chronic liver disease carry appreciable morbidity and mortality. Cirrhotic patients frequently require hospitalization and their care is both extremely complex and labor-intensive.
Oxygen and Nitrous Oxide as Oxidants: Implications for Ethane Oxidative Dehydrogenation over Silica−Titania-Supported Molybdenum

A 10% Mo/Si−Ti catalyst was tested for ethane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) activity using either O2 or N2O as the oxidant. Ethane ODH activity was tested at contact times varying from 0.46 to 1.0 mg min/cm−3. N2O gives superior ethylene selectivities at a given ethane conversion outperforming oxygen at all contact times tested. Ethylene selectivities decrease with contact time at a far slower rate when using N2O as the oxidant. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments demonstrate that molybdenum in the catalyst is fully oxidized to Mo(VI) during ethane ODH using O2, whereas the reduction state decreases to an average of +5.8 when using N2O as the oxidant. Temperature-programmed oxidation experiments of pre-reduced 10% Mo/Si−Ti were carried out at different temperature ramp rates. The activation energy of re-oxidation when using N2O is 98 kJ/mol, whereas that of O2 is 41 kJ/mol leading to a re-oxidation rate at least 1700 times faster when O2 is the oxidant. This difference in rates accounts f...
Conditions Affecting the Isolation of Human Umbilical Cord Blood CD34+ Cells

The magnetic cell sorting (MACS) system was used to isolate CD34+ human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) stem cells (SC). Variables that might affect the detection of CD34+ cells, purity, enrichment, and yield of CD34+ cells, and the co-expression by CD34+ cells of CD38 and HLA-DR and their clonogenic capabilities were investigated. These variables were (a) separation technique [Ficoll, Percoll mononuclear cell (MNC) preparation] and (b) storage of HUCB [fresh, stored overnight (O/N) at 4 degrees C or frozen]. There was no difference between MNC prepared for MACS CD34+ SC isolation by Ficoll or Percoll separation. The use of fresh, O/N, or frozen HUCB did not affect the isolation of CD34+ SC.
Granulocyte responses of children to bacterial endotoxin.

Thirty infants and children with various diseases and 19 controls were given intravenous injections of a purified bacterial endotoxin to study their bone marrow granulocyte reserves. No serious reactions or sequellae were seen with the dosages employed. A significant increase in circulating granulocytes was observed in all hematologically normal children. The range and nature of the responses were compared to children with various diseases. Poor-to-absent granulocytic responses were seen in children with aplastic anemia and acute leukemia. With certain recognized limitations in interpretation, the test would appear to be a safe and useful adjunct for the study of marrow function in children.
Granulocyte transfusion therapy and amphotericin B: Adverse reactions?

One hundred twenty-five granulocyte transfusions were given concurrently with amphotericin B to 31 granulocytopenic patients with acute leukemia during a four year period. Twenty-six patients had culture-documented, and 5 had presumed fungal infections; pulmonary infiltrates were present in 26 patient courses. Eight patients developed pulmonary deterioration temporally related to therapy with amphotericin, granulocyte transfusions, or both. One event occurred following amphotericin alone. Three additional reactions occurred in alloimmunized patients with antibodies to human leukocyte antigens (HLA) who received random donor granulocytes, which may indicate a potential mechanism for the pulmonary reactions. Two reactions potentially represent an adverse interaction between amphotericin and granulocytes, but these were reversible and were not unlike reactions expected with each modality alone. Our data fail to document a specific detrimental interaction between granulocyte transfusions and amphotericin beyond the reactions associated with each modality, and the data suggest that other clinical factors, particularly infection and alloimmunization, also contribute to pulmonary decompensation. We nevertheless recommend great care and attention be given to administering these modalities in the setting of severely ill patients.
Explaining the errors away: Young children forgive understandable semantic mistakes

Abstract Errors differ in degree of seriousness. We asked whether preschoolers would use the magnitude of an informant's errors to decide if that informant would be a good source of information later. Four- and 5-year-olds observed two informants incorrectly label familiar objects, but one informant's errors were closer to the correct answer than the other's (e.g., one referred to a comb as a brush and the other referred to the same comb as a thunderstorm). When informants had an unambiguous view of the objects, children could identify which informant was closer to being correct, but they did not favor novel labels the “closer” informant later provided. When the informants had an ambiguous view of the objects (e.g., only the handle of the comb was visible), children preferred the novel labels provided later by the “closer” informant. Preschoolers are willing to overlook semantic errors that are close to being correct, but only when there is an understandable reason for the speaker's errors.
Complex formation thermodynamics of some metal(II) phenyl-2-pyridylketoximates

Abstract The formation of phenyl-2-pyridylketoximates of nickel(II), zinc(II), cadmium-(II), mercury(II) and lead(II) was studied potentiometrically in a medium of 40% (w/w) acetone and 60% (w/w) water. The values of step formation constants, free energy, entropy and enthalpy of complex formation were calculated. The formation of the mercury chelate was found to be entropy driven. The formation of phenyl-2-pyridylketoximates of other metals of the first transitional series could not be studied owing to experimental difficulties.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Compatible Transition Modeling Using an Amplification Factor Transport Equation

A new laminar–turbulent transition model for low-turbulence external aerodynamic applications is presented that incorporates linear stability theory in a manner compatible with modern computational fluid dynamics solvers. The model uses a new transport equation that describes the growth of the maximum Tollmien–Schlichting instability amplitude in the presence of a boundary layer. To avoid the need for integration paths and nonlocal operations, a locally defined nondimensional pressure-gradient parameter is used that serves as an estimator of the integral boundary-layer properties. The model has been implemented into the OVERFLOW 2.2f solver. Comparisons of predictions using the new model with high-quality wind-tunnel measurements of airfoil section characteristics confirm the predictive qualities of the model, as well as its improvement over the current state of the art in computational fluid dynamics transition modeling at approximately half the computational expense.
Euclidean Steiner minimal trees, minimum energy configurations, and the embedding problem of weighted graphs in E 3

Abstract We have found that a triple helix configuration of points in E3 yields the best value of the Steiner ratio for the Euclidean Steiner Minimal Tree (ESMT) problem. In this paper we explore the properties, configurations, and implications of this topology which yields this best Steiner ratio and its relationship to the Euclidean Graph embedding problem (EGEP) for weighted graphs in E3. The unique equivalence between these problems is also explored in their application for identification and modelling of minimum energy configurations (MECs) such as the biochemical protein structures of Collagen.
Gender differences in the perception and utilization of social support: Theoretical perspectives and an empirical test

The authors contend that women are the more supportive, nurturing and affectively-connected sex. They argue that these gender differences result from socialization experiences which may be modified by social and occupational roles. Theoretical perspectives and research addressing this proposition are reviewed. Empirical data on support-eliciting and support-providing behaviors in a cohort of medical students are then provided to test their thesis. The data suggest that women have developed a greater sensitivity to the needs of themselves and others, leading to a greater capacity to provide support and a greater dependence upon social support for psychological well-being. Personality and developmental factors that may account for these differences are examined. The implications of these findings for gender differences in mental health are discussed.
Infant temperament and maternal sensitivity as predictors of attachment security

Abstract This study investigated contributions of infant irritability, sociability, and maternal sensitivity to attachment security in a high-risk sample. Moderator, mediator, and additive models tested hypotheses that maternal sensitivity determines security and that temperament influences type of insecurity and subcategory placement. Composite measures of temperament and observational ratings of maternal sensitivity at 0–3 and 6 months predicted 12-month attachment classifications and subcategory placement. Interaction of 3-month maternal sensitivity and infant irritability predicted security (moderator model). Six-month sensitivity independently predicted security (additive model) and mediated the relation between irritability and security (mediator model). Maternal sensitivity distinguished secure and insecure infants. Three- and 6-month temperament independently predicted type of insecurity and subcategory placement. An integrative conceptualization of attachment and temperament is supported.
Ecological Studies and Mathematical Modeling of Cladophora in Lake Huron: 6. Seasonal and Spatial Variation in Growth Kinetics

The routine output of a mathematical model for Cladophora growth provides a useful integration of the biological, chemical and physical factors involved, but affords little information regarding the individual importance of key mechanisms. This manuscript describes model calculations of the seasonal and spatial variation in the processes regulating the growth of Cladophora. The impact of light, temperature, internal phosphorus levels, and self-shading are described on a seasonal basis. Details of phosphorus dynamics and the importance of self-shading are examined spatially. It is concluded that light and temperature are the primary variables regulating the seasonal growth dynamics of Cladophora. In cases where the presence of Cladophora is associated with a point source of nutrients, the growth rate is directly related to distance from the nutrient source. Seasonal cycles of Cladophora growth and the distribution of the alga with respect to depth are examined in terms of a critical energy balance between light-enhanced respiration and gross photosynthesis.
Ground-state quantum numbers of the half-filled Hubbard model

Working on a square lattice with an even number of sites ${\mathit{N}}^{2}$ and assuming a smooth connection between strong and weak coupling, we show that the ground state of the two-dimensional half-filled Hubbard model has momentum ${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{x}}$-${\mathit{k}}_{\mathit{y}}$=0, it is even under reflections, and transforms as an s wave under rotations when N/2 is even and as a d wave when N/2 is odd.
Benefit assessment of therapeutic products: the Centers for Education and Research on Therapeutics

The ability to manage risk depends critically on an understanding of the degree to which a known risk is balanced by the probability of a clinical benefit. Despite the massive emphasis on risk and risk management in the past few years and the long-term focus on defining benefit in the regulatory system, considerable uncertainty remains about the methods of defining benefit and how to operationalize this knowledge. In this 'think tank,' part of a larger series on risk management, issues were divided into those that can be identified before a study is initiated, those that commonly arise after a study is completed, biomarkers and surrogates, use of benefit findings in defining quality and performance indicators, implementation of findings into health systems and formularies, and methods of comparative trials. Key categories for the establishment of a research agenda to fill in gaps in our understanding of assessing benefit were developed by the group.
Prohibitin requires Brg-1 and Brm for the repression of E2F and cell growth.

E2F transcription factors play a major role in controlling mammalian cell cycle progression. We recently reported that a potential tumor suppressor, prohibitin, which interacts with retinoblastoma protein (Rb), regulates E2F function and this activity correlates with its growth-suppressive activity. We show here that prohibitin recruits Brg-1/Brm to E2F-responsive promoters, and that this recruitment is required for the repression of E2F-mediated transcription by prohibitin. Expression of a dominant-negative Brg-1 or Brm releases prohibitin-mediated repression of E2F and relieves prohibitin-mediated growth suppression. Although prohibitin associates with, and recruits, Brg-1 and Brm independently of Rb, prohibitin/Brg-1/Brm-mediated transcriptional repression requires Rb. A viral oncoprotein, SV40 large T antigen, can reverse prohibitin-mediated suppression of E2F-mediated gene transcription, and targets prohibitin through interruption of the association between prohibitin and Brg-1/Brm without affecting the prohibitin–E2F interaction.
Analysis of Gold Nanoparticles Effect on RSV Using AFM

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the most common viral causes of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in infants and result in pneumonia. In the present study, we used AFM to observe Gold nanoparticles effect on the RSV virus particles. The results indicated that RSV particles were almost round in shape with a polymorphous distribution via off-line particle analysis of AFM, most of the RSV particles had a diameter of approximate 135nm. When we mixed RSV with gold nanoparticles, we observed that gold nanoparticles bound around RSV and RSV start shrinking in size. Furthermore, in vitro infection of RSV alone and RSV with Gold nanoparticles were performed in Hep-2 cells. Our studies showed that when we incubated RSV with the gold nanoparticles for 30min, RSV size reduced only 5% but when we increased the incubation time to 1h, RSV size reduced 25 %, and increased the incubation time to 2 h, RSV size reduced 71%.Moreover, we observed that the nuclear envelope has deteriorated in RSV infected cells but some nuclear structure is still visible when these cells were incubated with the virus for 24 hours. On the other hand, uninfected cells have very well defined nuclear structures and the nuclear membrane is easily distinguishable from the interior organelles. In addition, the membranes appear fuller and more uniform. The nuclear envelope has also deteriorated in RSV+gold nanoparticle that prepared by incubated only 30min, infected cells for 24h. Since RSV size reduction is only 5% when virus incubated with the gold nanoparticles for 30min, virus still can damage the nuclear envelope. However, when we infected the cells with 1h and/or 2 h incubated RSV+Gold nanoparticle mixture, the damage on the nuclear envelope is reduced and cells have well defined nuclear structure.
Primary care physicians' concerns about offering a genetic test to tailor smoking cessation treatment.

Purpose: We assessed the importance assigned by primary care physicians to eight factors influencing whether they would order a genetic test to individually tailor smoking cessation treatment. Methods: A random sample of United States primary care physicians was surveyed about how important each of eight factors were in the decision to order the test. Broadly, these factors included the ability of the test to improve treatment, the patient's reaction to test results, concern about misuse of test results, and the ability of the physician's office to manage informed consent for the test. Results: Physicians indicated the most important factor they would consider in ordering a genetic test to tailor smoking cessation treatment was the ability to improve cessation outcomes. However, when told the genotype identified by the test was associated with stigma-inducing mental health conditions, physicians emphasized the importance of possible racial, insurance, and employment discrimination in their decisions. Conclusions: Primary care physicians are eager to improve smoking cessation treatment, but the collateral information generated by genetic testing to tailor treatment may be an impediment unless proper antidiscrimination measures are in place.
Congenital malformations in nonhuman primates: spontaneous and experimentally induced.

An attempt to survey spontaneous teratogeny among nonhuman primates bred under laboratory conditions revealed interesting but nonconclusive results. Data on controlled breeding in 2950 animals representing 12 species yielded an estimated incidence of 0.44% malformations. No indication was found that other primates display more malformations than man, and the limited information available suggests that there may be fewer spontaneous defects in nonhuman forms. Macaques and baboons appear to respond in a similar manner and to the same types of extrinsic agents as does man. Thalidomide, Rubella virus and androgenic hormones produce similar defects in comparable dosage at equivalent stages in development in both groups. Several other agents thought not to be teratogenic in man have been realistically tested in primates and also found to be non-teratogenic. Using thalidomide an attempt was made to determine the degree of sensitivity and delimit the susceptible period of Macaca mulatta to this drug. Typical limb malformations were obtained with a single dose of as little as 16 mg/kg between the twenty-fifth and thirtieth days of gestation. Comparable doses at earlier and later ages were without effect, thus defining the susceptible period. In addition, evidence of a positive dose-response relation and of a cephalocaudal gradient in teratogenesis was obtained.
Toward a Programming Model for Safer Pervasive Spaces

This paper addresses issues of safety in pervasive spaces. We show how pervasive systems are different from traditional computer systems, and how their cyber-physical nature ties intimately with the users. Errors and conflicts in such space could have detrimental, dangerous or undesired effects on the user, the space, or the devices. There are no support systems or programming models conscious of the issue of safety. Unrestrained programming is the model de jour, which is inadequate. We need a programming model that encourages and obligates various roles engaged in the development of pervasive spaces to contribute to increasing safety. We propose a model that utilizes role-specific safety knowledge, and that takes advantage of the rich sensing and actuations capabilities of pervasive systems to detect and handle “conflicting contexts” and prevent or detect/avert“impermissible contexts”. We present our model and discus show it mitigates overall safety risks in presence of uncertainty due to multiple independent roles.
Design and performance analysis of a distributed HPC molecular dynamics code on distributed resources

Molecular Dynamics (MD) is an important step towards understanding the behavior of biological systems. Even though, the state-of-the-art computational resource and techniques have made it feasible to do large-scale MD simulations, MD remains a very compute-intensive job, especially for large realistic systems. Thus there exists interest in developing and understanding the performance of MD code on multiple distributed HPC resources. To realize this goal, we have developed a preliminary parallel and distributed MD code and benchmarked it on the LONI (Louisiana Optical Network Interface) grid, which uses dedicated light-path networks to connect supercomputers across Louisiana.
Competition, cooperation, and the impact of antitrust on U.S. international competitiveness

This article draws upon the network-analytic power-dependence perspective of sociology to reveal the impact of U.S. antitrust policy on U.S. firms’ international competitiveness. Application of this perspective serves to provide a theoretical explanation for previous observations that U.S. firms seem to give up far more than they gain when cooperating with foreign competitors. Our analysis, both at the firm level and at the industry level, further strongly suggests that U.S. antitrust policy makes it very difficult for U.S. firms to survive in today's global markets, where competition and cooperation go hand in hand.
Effects of Aspect Ratio of Lead Zirconate Titanate on 1-3 Piezoelectric Composite Properties

An array of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) rods whose cross section is 25 µ m square was fabricated using synchrotron radiation (SR) lithography, and the effects of the aspect ratio (height/width) of the PZT rod on 1-3 piezoelectric composite properties were studied. The aspect ratio was between 3 and 9. Mechanical quality factor and acoustic impedance were found to depend weakly on the aspect ratio. However, electromechanical coupling coefficients were found to increase as the aspect ratio increased. Based on the result of deformation simulation by the finite element method (FEM), this dependence was found to be caused by the increase in piezoelectric coefficients as the aspect ratio increased.
Nucleation of Dislocations in Strained Epitaxial Layers

The introduction of dislocations into initially dislocation free strained epitaxial layers is examined. Examples are given of several different sources of dislocations, and the influence of these upon the final microstructure is shown. The sources most prevalent appear to be growth defects in epilayers with strains less than about 0.01, and topography-induced surface nucleated half-loops at strains greater than about 0.02.
Inertial scaling of dissipation in unsteady breaking waves

Wave dissipation by breaking, or the energy transfer from the surface wave field to currents and turbulence, is one of the least understood components of air–sea interaction. It is important for a better understanding of the coupling between the surface wave field and the upper layers of the ocean and for improved surface-wave prediction schemes. Simple scaling arguments show that the wave dissipation per unit length of breaking crest, � l, should be proportional to ρwgc 5 ,w hereρw is the density of water, g is the acceleration due to gravity and c is the phase speed of the breaking wave. The proportionality factor, or ‘breaking parameter’ b, has been poorly constrained by experiments and field measurements, although our earlier work has suggested that it should be dependent on measures of the wave slope and spectral bandwidth. In this paper we describe inertial scaling arguments for the energy lost by plunging breakers which predict that the breaking parameter b = β(hk) 5/2 ,w herehk is a local breaking slope parameter, and β is a parameter of O(1). This prediction is tested with laboratory measurements of breaking due to dispersive focusing of wave packets in a wave channel. Good agreement is found within the scatter of the data. We also find that if an integral linear measure of the maximum slope of the wave packet, S, is used instead of hk ,t henb ∝ S 2.77 gives better agreement with the data. During the final preparation of this paper we became aware of similar experiments by Banner & Peirson (2007) concentrating on the threshold for breaking at lower wave slopes, using a measure of the rate of focusing of wave energy to correlate measurements of b. We discuss the significance of these results in the context of recent measurements and modelling of surface wave processes.
Diagnostic Tests for Site-Specific Nitrogen Recommendations for Winter Wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields can be limited by both inadequate and excessive N availability. This study evaluated several diagnostic tests for predicting the economic optimum N rate (EONR) for winter wheat at 21 site-years. Tests included soil NO 3 (90 cm) at three sampling times [preplant, predormant, and at Zadoks Growth Stage (GS) 25 - five tillers], UV absorbance of NaHCO 3 soil extracts (30 cm) at preplant, and plant N concentration, N uptake, and chlorophyll meter measurements taken at GS 30 (pseudo stem initiation). All samples were obtained from the control plots (no N fertilizer). Yield response to applied N fertilizer was positive for 13 site-years (EONR of 34 to 168 kg ha -1 ), negative for three site-years, and not significant for five site-years. Nitrogen additions to sites with high soil NO 3 levels resulted in yield reductions up to 30%. The strongest relationship among diagnostic tests and EONR was preplant soil NO 3 content at the 90-cm depth (R 2 = 0.53). The combination of soil NO 3 -N content at GS 25 plus N uptake at GS 30 was also strongly related to EONR (R 2 = 0.58). Nitrogen rate recommendations for wheat adjusted for preplant soil NO 3 contents >56 kg ha -1 avoided excessive N applications at 11 of 21 sites, thereby increasing economic gains by $1 to $110 ha -1 (median $17) due to reduced fertilizer costs and avoiding yield reductions due to excessive N availability. Wheat N recommendations based on preplant soil NO 3 -N measurements in the 0- to 60-cm depth have potential for avoiding reduced profits, lower yields, and environmental risks associated with excess N use.
Spontaneous Generation and Disease Causation: Anton de Bary's Experiments with Phytophthora infestans and Late Blight of Potato

Anton de Bary is best known for his elucidation of the life cycle of Phytopthora infestans, the causal organism of late blight of potato and the crop losses that caused famine in nineteenth-century Europe. But while practitioner histories often claim this accomplishment as a founding moment of modern plant pathology, closer examination of de Bary's experiments and his published work suggest that his primary motiviation for pursing this research was based in developmental biology, not agriculture. De Bary shied away from making any recommendations for agricultural practice, and instead focused nearly exclusively on spontaneous generation and fungal development - both concepts promoted through prize questions posted by the Academie des Sciences in the 1850s and 1860s. De Bary's submission to the Academie's 1859 Alhumbert prize question illustrates his own contributions to debates about spontaneous generation and demonstrates the practical applications of seemingly philosophical questions - such as the origin of life.
Selecting training images with support vector machines for composite correlation filters in SAR ATR

The focus of this paper is a genetic algorithms based method to automate the construction of local feature based composite class models that capture the salient characteristics of configuration variants of vehicle targets in SAR imagery and increase the performance of SAR recognition systems. The recognition models are based on quasi-invariant local features, SAR scattering center locations and magnitudes. The approach uses an efficient SAR recognition system as an evaluation function to determine the fitness of candidate members of a genetic population of new models and synthetically generates composite class models that are more similar to existing configurations than those configurations are to each other. Intuitively, specific features of models of versions A and B of an object may not match, because they are outside of some tolerance, while they may both match some synthetic version C that is somewhere in the middle. Experimental recognition results are presented in terms of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to show the improvements in SAR recognition performance utilizing composite class models of configuration variants of MSTAR vehicle targets.
Effects of Fluoride in Remineralized Human Surface Enamel on Dissolution Resistance

Remineralized surfaces of human tooth enamel were dissolved at constant rates in 10 mM acetic acid at pH 4.0, and in 10 mM EDTA at pH 7.4 in a system that prevented redistribution of dissolved F. Surfaces remineralized 25 hours in 0.4 mM NaF (8 ppm F -) dissolved slower in acid or in EDTA than those remineralized in the absence of F-. The F- in three-hour remineralized surfaces had no effect on rates of mineral dissolution. Resistance to EDTA, as well as acid of 25-hour remineralized surfaces, indicates the occurrence of a maturation process, which may involve F- exchange for OH- ions in newly formed crystals. The results indicated that F- may slow caries by its action on remineralization if given sufficient time for this maturation.
Clinical impact of H-Y alloimmunity

H-Y antigens are a group of minor histocompatibility antigens encoded on the Y-chromosome with homologous H-X antigens on the X-chromosome. The disparate regions of the H-Y antigens are highly immunogenic and play an important role in understanding human alloimmunity. In this review, we investigate the history of H-Y antigen discovery along with their critical contributions in transplantation and pregnancy. In hematopoietic cell transplantation, male recipients with female donors who become seropositive for B-cell responses as H-Y antibodies following transplantation have increased rates of chronic graft-versus-host disease and decreased rates of relapse. Conversely, female patients who receive male kidney allografts are more likely than other gender combinations to develop H-Y antibodies and reject their allografts. Finally, in the setting of pregnancy, mothers who initially gave birth to boys are more likely to have subsequent pregnancy complications, including miscarriages, in association with H-Y antibody development. H-Y antigens continue to serve as a model for alloimmunity in new clinical scenarios. Our development of more sensitive antibody detection and next-generation DNA sequencing promises to further advance our understanding and better predict the clinical consequences of alloimmunity.
Space-time D-block codes via the virtual MIMO channel representation

We apply the recently introduced virtual channel representation to the problem of space-time coding for correlated multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels. The virtual channel representation clearly reveals the essential degrees of freedom in correlated MIMO channels and the corresponding statistical channel structure. Coding design criteria for general correlated channels are derived from pairwise error probability analysis, which reveal the effect of channel statistics and codeword properties on code performance. We focus on the K-diagonal model for correlated channels whose nonvanishing elements correspond to K diagonals of the virtual channel matrix. The K-diagonal model can be motivated by physical scattering considerations or as a low-dimensional approximation to the channel matrix that serves as a building block for general correlated channels. Space-time D-block codes that attain D-level diversity (related to K) per receive dimension are constructed using the theory of space-time block codes. Compared with space-time block codes, identical performance but with significantly smaller delay and complexity can be achieved by matching space-time D-block codes to the K-diagonal channel structure. Our construction also facilitates a natural tradeoff between rate and diversity by decomposing the original channel into several parallel virtual K-diagonal subchannels. Simulation results demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed techniques.
Composition of human islet cell preparations for transplantation

To study the cellular composition of human islet cell isolates for transplantation, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded cell pellets were stained by the immunoperoxidase method with a panel of antibodies characterising endocrine, epithelial, soft tissue and haematolymphoid components. Immediately after separation, the isolates contained 30–80% islet cells, differing mainly in the content of islet and acinar cells, whereas the soft tissue, ductal/ductular and haematolymphoid elements comprised a relatively constant 10–20%. After 1 week in culture the islet cell content of less highly purified isolates (30–40% islets) dropped dramatically to 5%. The highly purified isolates (70–80% islets) showed only a minimal change in cellular composition; however, approximately two-thirds of islet cells were degranulated and did not stain for insulin. Haematolymphoid components were still present in all cultured isolates. We conclude that primarily mechanical purification methods and short-term culture are not sufficient to eliminate highly immunogenic cells. In addition, short-term culture is deleterious to the isolate if a significant number of acinar cells is still present after enrichment.
Mechanics of microcantilever beams subject to combined electrostatic and adhesive forces

One of the most important issues facing the continued development and application of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is that of adhesion and friction between microstructures intended to transfer force. In this work, we develop modeling approaches for studying adhesion (i.e., stiction) using the observed shape of microcantilevers under electrostatic loading. Analytical models for an idealized configuration are presented first. The solutions reveal the regimes over which the cantilever deflections are sensitive to adhesion versus applied loading. Also, the energy release rate and hence the cantilever adhesion value is shown to be independent of the curvature of the initially freestanding beam. Second, with a finite-element modeling approach, we quantify the slight sensitivity of the cantilever deflections to the surface force law assumed and show that with Angstrom scale resolution of beam deflections, cohesive zone law information can in principle be deduced. We also use this approach to model the nonuniform electrostatic loading force used in our experiments and the effect of support post compliance. We then demonstrate how adhesion values are obtained along the length of a microcantilever.
Enhancement of Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity of Neonatal Cells by Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-12

Newborn infants are more susceptible to infections due in part to deficiencies in the cytotoxic functions of their lymphocytes. We investigated the ability of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-12 to enhance the cytotoxicity of neonatal (cord blood) and adult mononuclear cells (MNCs) in both natural killer (NK) cell and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. The cytotoxic activity of cord blood MNCs was less than 50% that of adult MNCs in most assays prior to exposure to cytokines. Incubation with IL-2 (100 U/ml) or IL-12 (1 ng/ml) for 18 h increased the NK cell activity (using K562 target cells) of both cord blood and adult MNCs, and the combination of IL-2 and IL-12 increased cord blood cytotoxicity threefold, making the cytotoxicity of cord blood cells equivalent to that of adult cells treated with the same cytokines. In ADCC assays with chicken erythrocyte targets, the combination of IL-2 and IL-12 increased the cytotoxicities of both cord blood and adult MNCs, with greater enhancement again seen with cord blood cells. In assays with NK cell-resistant CEM cells coated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gp120 antigen in the presence of hyperimmune anti-HIV immunoglobulin, ADCC of cord blood MNCs was about 50% that of adult MNCs; ADCC of cord blood MNCs increased two- to threefold with the addition of IL-2 and IL-12, whereas ADCC of adult MNCs did not increase. Incubation of cord blood cells, but not adult cells, with IL-2 or IL-12 for 1 week increased the percentage of CD16+/CD56+ cells two- to fivefold and enhanced ADCC activity. Thus, IL-2 and IL-12 greatly enhance both the NK cell and ADCC activities of neonatal MNCs and increase the number of NK cells in longer-term culture.
The emergence of ecosystem management: Reinterpreting the gospel?

Ecosystem management increasingly is viewed as a new “paradigm”; of public land management. The literature is becoming replete with studies of ecosystem management, including its implementation. Yet many of the studies are overly reliant on a technical and expert‐centered mode of implementation, as well as being somewhat uncritical about the value of ecosystem management. This policy review argues that much can be learned from the early days of the Progressive movement about how to bring about change in public land management. Specifically, early Progressives often were successful because they were able to link scientific management with key democratic values. This is the task that is facing ecosystem management advocates today as they confront a public interested, yet suspicious, of this evolving new land management regime.
Rates of convergence of posterior distributions

We compute the rate at which the posterior distribution concentrates around the true parameter value. The spaces we work in are quite general and include in finite dimensional cases. The rates are driven by two quantities: the size of the space, as measured by bracketing entropy, and the degree to which the prior concentrates in a small ball around the true parameter. We consider two examples.
Righting and turning in mid-air using appendage inertia: reptile tails, analytical models and bio-inspired robots

Unlike the falling cat, lizards can right themselves in mid-air by a swing of their large tails in one direction causing the body to rotate in the other. Here, we developed a new three-dimensional analytical model to investigate the effectiveness of tails as inertial appendages that change body orientation. We anchored our model using the morphological parameters of the flat-tailed house gecko Hemidactylus platyurus. The degree of roll in air righting and the amount of yaw in mid-air turning directly measured in house geckos matched the model’s results. Our model predicted an increase in body roll and turning as tails increase in length relative to the body. Tails that swung from a near orthogonal plane relative to the body (i.e. 0‐30 ◦ from vertical) were the most effective at generating body roll, whereas tails operating at steeper angles (i.e. 45‐60 ◦ ) produced only half the rotation. To further test our analytical model’s predictions, we built a bio-inspired robot prototype. The robot reinforced how effective attitude control can be attained with simple movements of an inertial appendage.
Independent Metalloregulation of Ace1 and Mac1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ace1 and Mac1 undergo reciprocal copper metalloregulation in yeast cells. Mac1 is functional as a transcriptional activator in copper-deficient cells, whereas Ace1 is a transcriptional activator in copper-replete cells. Cells undergoing a transition from copper-deficient to copper-sufficient conditions through a switch in the growth medium show a rapid inactivation of Mac1 and a corresponding rise in Ace1 activation. Cells analyzed after the transition show a massive accumulation of cellular copper. Under these copper shock conditions we show, using two epitope-tagged variants of Mac1, that copper-mediated inhibition of Mac function is independent of induced protein turnover. The transcription activity of Mac1 is rapidly inhibited in the copper-replete cells, whereas chromatin immunoprecipitation studies showed only partial copper-induced loss of DNA binding. Thus, the initial event in copper inhibition of Mac1 function is likely copper inhibition of the transactivation activity. Copper inhibition of Mac1 in transition experiments is largely unaffected in cells overexpressing copper-binding proteins within the nucleus. Likewise, high expression of a copper-binding, non-DNA-binding Mac1 mutant is without effect on the copper activation of Ace1. Thus, metalloregulation of Ace1 and Mac1 occurs independently.
Repeat-Associated Plasticity in the Helicobacter pylori RD Gene Family

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is remarkable for its ability to persist in the human stomach for decades without provoking sterilizing immunity. Since repetitive DNA can facilitate adaptive genomic flexibility via increased recombination, insertion, and deletion, we searched the genomes of two H. pylori strains for nucleotide repeats. We discovered a family of genes with extensive repetitive DNA that we have termed the H. pylori RD gene family. Each gene of this family is composed of a conserved 3' region, a variable mid-region encoding 7 and 11 amino acid repeats, and a 5' region containing one of two possible alleles. Analysis of five complete genome sequences and PCR genotyping of 42 H. pylori strains revealed extensive variation between strains in the number, location, and arrangement of RD genes. Furthermore, examination of multiple strains isolated from a single subject's stomach revealed intrahost variation in repeat number and composition. Despite prior evidence that the protein products of this gene family are expressed at the bacterial cell surface, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot studies revealed no consistent seroreactivity to a recombinant RD protein by H. pylori-positive hosts. The pattern of repeats uncovered in the RD gene family appears to reflect slipped-strand mispairing or domain duplication, allowing for redundancy and subsequent diversity in genotype and phenotype. This novel family of hypervariable genes with conserved, repetitive, and allelic domains may represent an important locus for understanding H. pylori persistence in its natural host.
Secularism in India: a Rejoinder

I am greatly indebted to Professor Marc Galanter and Professor John T. Flint for their detailed and thoughtful reviews of India as a Secular State. One of the important objects of the book was to stimulate precisely this kind of serious discussion of problems, problems of both scholarly analysis and public policy. The two reviews are useful in sharpening certain of the issues, and I am grateful for this opportunity to comment on them.
RF MEMS capacitive switches fabricated with HDICP CVD SiN/sub x/

The role of very low temperature (90-170/spl deg/C) high density inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (HDICP CVD) process in RF MEMS switch fabrication is addressed. The results on SiN/sub x/ layers produced by both HDICP CVD and plasma enhanced CVD (PECVD) are compared in terms of surface roughness, breakdown voltage and RF MEMS switch performance. It is found that HDICP CVD can provide very thin (250 /spl Aring/) nitride layer having root mean square (rms) roughness value of 1.6 nm at very low temperature (90/spl deg/C). The breakdown strength is measured to be 9MV/cm A SiN/sub x/ layer with these characteristics improves the device reliability and dramatically increases its down position capacitance providing additional degree of freedom in RF MEMS switch design.
Long-term oscillations in grassland productivity induced by drought

Disturbances such as drought have immediate impacts on ecosystem functioning, but little is known about long-term dynamic consequences of disturbance. Here, we show that a major drought perturbed prairie grassland from nearly constant average annual production, and induced 9 years of oscillations with a 2-year period. This pattern occurred in unmanipulated plots in many widely separated fields that were part of two different long-term studies. Using direct and indirect tests, we could reject the hypothesis that the oscillations were externally imposed by climate or herbivores. Weak evidence supported the hypothesis that oscillations were internally generated, caused by a litter and nitrogen dependent feedback on productivity. This hypothesis was supported by the results of two other long-term studies, in which burning and, separately, nitrogen addition eliminated the 2-year oscillations in plant production. However, more direct evidence failed to support the litter hypothesis. A final, but untested hypothesis was suggested by the observation that production tended to be synchronized amongst dominant plants. Drought may have synchronized production dynamics amongst plants with biennially greater allocation to above-ground growth. Regardless of the specific mechanism, our results show that a single disturbance may have long-lasting effects on the dynamics of plant production.
Voltammetry and LCEC of isoflavones

This study provides electrochemical and LCEC determination for three of the most abundant and most important isoflavones, Biochanin A, formononetin, and genistein. Cyclic voltammetry and pH-potential diagrams show that the isoflavones undergo pH-dependent irreversible oxidations. The LCEC determination of the isoflavones has been optimized for mobile phase composition and detection potential. Sub-nanogram detection limits have been achieved.
Proper-Time Relativistic Dynamics and the Fushchych-Shtelen Transformation

Abstract We report on a new formulation of classical relativistic Hamiltonian mechanics which is based on a proper-time implementation of special relativity using a transformation from observer proper-time, which is not invariant, to system proper-time which is a canonical contact transformation on extended phase-space. This approach does not require the use of time as a fourth coordinate and so we prove that it satisfies the two postulates of special relativity. In the free particle case, our transformation theory generates a Poincare group which fixes time (system proper-time). We prove that the Fushchych-Shtelen transformation is an element of our group, which fixes time for Maxwell’s equations. In the interaction case, our transformation theory allows us to avoid the no-interaction theorem. We show that the Santilli Isotopes appear naturally when interaction is turned on.
A strong antioxidant isolated from grapefruit juice retentate

Abstract A new furanocoumarin, 4-hydroxy-9-(3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-yl)-7H-furo [3,2-g] chromen-7-one (for convenience, temporarily designated as GF-338), was isolated and characterized from grapefruit juice retentate using different chromatography and spectra techniques. At the final concentration of 10 μmol/L in the reaction system, GF-338 showed 8.53±0.35% 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity while Vitamin C only showed 4.32±0.25%, which demonstrated that GF-338 is a potential strong antioxidant. Its other bioactivities remain to be evaluated.