cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inheritance of active and acquired immunity traits in sheep.

Six hundred sixteen ewes of six strains were inoculated twice with ovalbumin in Freunds' incomplete adjuvant. To quantify the humoral immune response to the foreign antigen, blood samples were collected from all ewes 1 wk post-second injection. Blood samples were also collected between 4 and 40 h of age from their 709 lambs, to examine genetic differences in ability of lambs to acquire maternal anti-ovalbumin antibodies. Titers of anti-ovalbumin antibodies were determined using kinetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Strain did not affect ewe immune response, but sire within strain was highly significant. In pregnant ewes, anti-ovalbumin antibody titers in 12- and 30-mo-old ewes were higher than those in 21-mo-old ewes. Number of lambs in utero did not significantly affect ewe immune response. Heritabilities of anti-ovalbumin titer from a paternal half-sib analysis were .27 +/- .17 for all ewes and .57 +/- .25 for only the pregnant ewes. The effect of strain of lamb on lamb anti-ovalbumin titer approached significance, and sire within strain was highly significant. Lamb anti-ovalbumin antibody concentration increased as time from birth to blood sampling increased to 18 h but declined thereafter. The size of the litter in which a lamb was born had a highly significant effect on the lamb's acquired immunity, with titer decreasing as litter size increased. The heritability estimate for lamb anti-ovalbumin antibody concentration from a paternal half-sib analysis was .38 +/- .11; it was .28 +/- .15 from the sire variance component of a full-sib analysis. When lamb titer was considered a maternal trait (lambs nested within their maternal grandsires within strains), the maternal grandsire variance component was negative. The average anti-ovalbumin antibody concentration of lambs that died between blood sample collection and 120 d of age was less than the average antibody concentration of lambs that survived (P less than .01).
Analysis and Generation

This chapter analyzes the functionality of LA-grammar in analysis and generation. Section 5.1 illustrates the process of incremental pragmatic interpretation during analysis, and explains why constituent-structure analysis seems to have such a strong intuitive basis. Section 5.2 discusses the relation between the syntactic generation of strings and the notion of pragmatico-semantic generation, defined as a mapping from utterance meanings to surfaces. Section 5.3 describes the left-associative approach to analysis and generation based on the Linear Path Hypothesis. Section 5.4 explains three basic problems of generation, and illustrates possible ways to solve the Extraction Problem and the Connection Problem. Section 5.5 addresses the Choice Problem of generation.
The Sciences and Arts Share a Common Creative Aesthetic

The sciences and arts were once, not so very long ago, considered to be very similar, certainly complementary, and sometimes even overlapping ways of understanding the world. No longer. Today we accept such generalizations as that the sciences are objective, analytical, and rational whereas the arts are subjective, emotional, and based on intuition. But I am a controversialist. The fact that arts and sciences are not widely perceived to be similar does not mean that they are not. Fashions often dictate perceptions of beauty and knowledge alike, and fashions are notoriously changeable. Thus, I am willing — indeed eager — to challenge the new fashion of separating sciences and arts into two, uncommunicating and even antagonistic camps. I believe that such a challenge is not only necessary if we are to develop a viable theory of thinking, but also healthy, for it should create controversy. Unlike some people, who believe that knowledge is best advanced by the slow accumulation of validated and undoubtable bits of information, I believe that we learn most by challenging conventional wisdom with the biggest and best arguments we can muster. This is my style. Sometimes it fails; sometimes it succeeds. But in either case, the process of trying to undermine dogma often reveals new aspects of knowledge, or forces it to be utilized in new and innovative ways that justify the rethinkings.
A ground-simulation investigation of helicopter decelerating instrument approaches

In connection with the expansion of civil helicopter operations in the current era, the effect of helicopter flight and control characteristics on the flying qualities for instrument flight rules (IFR) flight have become a factor of concern, and a research program has been initiated to investigate IFR certification criteria. A description is presented of an experiment which is the sixth in a series of ground- and flight-simulation investigations. This piloted-simulator experiment was conducted to examine the influence of stability-control augmentation, display information format, and approach-task effects on helicopter flying qualities for terminal-area operations incorporating a deceleration in instrument meteorological conditions. Simulated test configurations were evaluated for precision approaches with an instrument deceleration from 60 to about 15 knots in both calm air and simulated moderate turbulence and wind shear.
Teaching-oriented research

Abstract This paper examines some of the factors that make for a good teaching-oriented paper, in which research and practice are most clearly connected. Such papers have clear research questions, explicit and systematic approaches to teaching and learning for experimental and control groups, improvement measured by pre and posttests, and well-developed teaching implications. Various papers from different journals are used to illustrate the characteristics of successful teaching-oriented papers.
Incidence and circumstances of pediatric fall-related injuries: Which fall variables matter?

Abstract Background This study’s purpose was to determine if age, fall height, fall mechanism, landing surface, and landing position are associated with injury severity and hospital outcomes among pediatric fall patients. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients aged ≤18 years who sustained fall-related injuries admitted to an American College of Surgeons verified Level 1 trauma center from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2015. Results Patient age, fall mechanism, landing position, and landing surface were associated with the need for surgery. Patient age, fall mechanism, and landing position were also associated with intensive care unit admissions. Fall mechanism was the only variable associated with injury severity. No variables were associated with the need for mechanical ventilation or mortality. Conclusions Patient age, fall mechanism, landing surface, and landing position need to be considered with regard to injury severity and patient outcomes among pediatric fall patients.
Implementation of Assortative Matching Under Incomplete Information

Abstract This paper provides a unifying framework for matching markets with incomplete information in which the positive assortative match is always efficient. I construct a Vickrey-Clarke-Groves-like mechanism which implements the positive assortative match as an ex post Nash equilibrium. It achieves this result by using a payment rule that distinguishes between an agent deprived of any match and an agent who merely receives a reduced match value. The constructed mechanism recognizes only opportunity costs arising from the former, and not the latter, effect. I also generalize the stronger condition of envy freeness to these incomplete information environments and show that the constructed equilibrium is envy free.
Nursing's leaky pipeline: Barriers to a diverse nursing workforce.

Abstract Background Nursing educational programs have been charged with increasing the diversity of the nursing workforce; however, this depends on having a diverse and qualified applicant pool to select from. Purpose To determine the effects of student losses over time on nursing program diversity. Design and methods Descriptive longitudinal study. Progression of all students from a single university enrolled as pre-nursing majors from 2012 to 2016 (N = 2498) was tracked over seven key checkpoints during a seven-year time period. Results Slightly more than half of the students (57%) were lost prior to nursing program application, which occurred at the end of the sophomore year. Losses were higher for minority students (70%), those requiring remedial coursework (65%), and first-generation students (62%). Older students, those with a prior degree, and those who started in another major were more likely to persist through some, but not all, of the checkpoints. Conclusions Pre-nursing program losses significantly decreased the diversity of the remaining nursing applicant pool, particularly for African American students. Losses were highest during the freshman level Anatomy and Physiology course. Nursing education programs need to develop early intervention programs to support diverse students during the critical pre-nursing period to increase the diversity of the nursing workforce.
Clinical Outcomes of Warfarin Initiation in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With Incident Atrial Fibrillation.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of warfarin initiation following the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with late-stage chronic kidne...
Vascular Quality Initiative risk score for 30-day stroke or death following transcarotid artery revascularization.

Abstract Objective Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) using a flow-reversal neuroprotection system has gained popularity for the endovascular treatment of carotid artery atherosclerotic disease owing to its lower risk of stroke or death compared with transfemoral carotid artery stenting. However, specific risk factors associated with stroke or death complications after TCAR have yet to be defined. Methods All patients undergoing TCAR for the treatment of asymptomatic or symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid disease were identified between September 2016 and September 2019 in the Vascular Quality Initiative TCAR Surveillance Project. Our primary outcome was 30-day stroke or death. We created a risk model for 30-day stroke or death using multivariable fractional polynomials and internally validated the model using bootstrapping. Results During the study period 7633 patients underwent TCAR, of which 4089 (53.6%) were treated for symptomatic and 3544 (46.4%) for asymptomatic disease. The average age of patients undergoing TCAR was 73.3 ± 9.1 years and 63.7% were male. Stroke or death events within 30 days of the index operation occurred in 153 patients (2.0%). Factors independently associated with a higher odds of 30-day stroke or death included the severity of presenting stroke symptoms (cortical transient ischemic attack, odds ratio [OR], 2.17 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.21-3.90; P = .009]; stroke, OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 2.25-4.85; P Conclusions This Vascular Quality Initiative TCAR risk score calculator can be used to estimate the risk of stroke or death within 30 days of the procedure. Because TCAR is commonly used to treat patients with high surgical risk for carotid endarterectomy, this risk score will help to guide treatment decisions in patients being considered for TCAR.
Conversion of poplar biomass into high-energy density tricyclic sesquiterpene jet fuel blendstocks

In an effort to ensure future energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create domestic jobs, the US has invested in technologies to develop sustainable biofuels and bioproducts from renewable carbon sources such as lignocellulosic biomass. Bio-derived jet fuel is of particular interest as aviation is less amenable to electrification compared to other modes of transportation and synthetic biology provides the ability to tailor fuel properties to enhance performance. Specific energy and energy density are important properties in determining the attractiveness of potential bio-derived jet fuels. For example, increased energy content can give the industry options such as longer range, higher load or reduced takeoff weight. Energy-dense sesquiterpenes have been identified as potential next-generation jet fuels that can be renewably produced from lignocellulosic biomass. We developed a biomass deconstruction and conversion process that enabled the production of two tricyclic sesquiterpenes, epi-isozizaene and prespatane, from the woody biomass poplar using the versatile basidiomycete Rhodosporidium toruloides. We demonstrated terpene production at both bench and bioreactor scales, with prespatane titers reaching 1173.6 mg/L when grown in poplar hydrolysate in a 2 L bioreactor. Additionally, we examined the theoretical fuel properties of prespatane and epi-isozizaene in their hydrogenated states as blending options for jet fuel, and compared them to aviation fuel, Jet A. Our findings indicate that prespatane and epi-isozizaene in their hydrogenated states would be attractive blending options in Jet A or other lower density renewable jet fuels as they would improve viscosity and increase their energy density. Saturated epi-isozizaene and saturated prespatane have energy densities that are 16.6 and 18.8% higher than Jet A, respectively. These results highlight the potential of R. toruloides as a production host for the sustainable and scalable production of bio-derived jet fuel blends, and this is the first report of prespatane as an alternative jet fuel.
Biphasic regulation of glutamine consumption by WNT during osteoblast differentiation

Osteoblasts are the principal bone forming cells. As such, osteoblasts have enhanced demand for amino acids to sustain high rates of matrix synthesis associated with bone formation. The precise systems utilized by osteoblasts to meet these synthetic demands are not well understood. WNT signaling is known to rapidly stimulate glutamine uptake during osteoblast differentiation. Using a cell biology approach, we identified two amino acid transporters, Slc7a7 and Slc1a5, as the primary transporters of glutamine in response to WNT. Slc1a5 mediates the majority of glutamine uptake, whereas Slc7a7 mediates the rapid increase in glutamine uptake in response to WNT. Mechanistically, WNT signals through the canonical/β-catenin dependent pathway to rapidly induce Slc7a7 expression. Conversely, Slc1a5 expression is regulated by the transcription factor ATF4 downstream of the mTORC1 pathway. Targeting either Slc1a5 or Slc7a7 using shRNA reduced WNT induced glutamine uptake and prevented osteoblast differentiation. Collectively these data highlight the critical nature of glutamine transport for WNT induced osteoblast differentiation.
Targeted Screening for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Eligibility in Two Emergency Departments in Washington, DC.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective method to prevent HIV acquisition in high-risk individuals. This cross-sectional survey study estimated the proportion of patients who were PrEP elig...
Closing the Gap: Increasing Community Mental Health Services in Rural Indiana

Due to the significant need for mental health services in rural Martin County, IN and lack of providers, this study examined the current strengths of the community as well as the barriers preventing mental health service delivery. The goal of the study was to propose community-specific solutions to overcoming the barriers. Using a strengths-based approach (Saleeby in The strengths perspective in social work practice, Longman, White Plains, NY, 1992), the authors first sought to understand Martin County residents’ current experiences with mental health services. Second, the authors sought to understand Martin County residents’ opinions about church/mental health partnerships. As a result of this analysis, the authors comprised a list of feasible and sustainable recommendations for Martin County and similar rural areas that incorporate the strengths in the community, address their identified challenges, and thus created a model for mental health service provision that can be replicated in other rural communities with similar strengths as well as similar challenges.
Dining With Tax Collectors: Reducing the Tax Gap Through Church-Government Partnerships

This article explores an untapped resource in improving tax compliance: partnerships between the government and Judeo-Christian religious organizations. Currently, most of the techniques the IRS employs to improve tax compliance are based on a traditional theory of law enforcement in which compliance is achieved through a combination of increasing the probability of detection and/or increasing the potential penalty. Although the IRS has begun to adopt some initiatives based on awareness that factors apart from a simple economic calculus motivate tax compliance decisions, these programs are still in their infancy. The solutions that the IRS is considering are worthwhile, but they are mere stopgaps. In order to achieve a more lasting improvement in compliance rates, the IRS must considerably expand its efforts beyond the traditional theories of enforcement and adopt strategies that help establish tax compliance as an underlying social virtue. Scholars have recognized this need, but the current literature has paid little attention to how religious organizations can be used to help effect this change in taxpayer attitudes. Partnerships between the government and religious organizations have significant potential to effect a culture change by providing more effective forums for taxpayer education than those currently used and by serving as intermediaries between taxpayers and the government. These partnerships, if implemented correctly (as they have been in other areas of law enforcement), potentially could help create a long-term norm shift that would improve compliance, without significantly burdening the IRS’ already underwhelming resources.
Single cell morphological metrics and cytoskeletal alignment regulate VCAM-1 protein expression

Abstract In the initial stages of atherosclerosis, vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is a surface protein that mediates leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium’s luminal surface. VCAM-1 expression is upregulated on endothelial cells (ECs) under pro-inflammatory conditions and is known to be modulated by fluid shear stress (FSS). High, pulsatile FSS induces endothelial elongation and cytoskeletal alignment and downregulates pro-inflammatory induced VCAM-1 expression, which is associated with an athero-protective EC phenotype. In contrast, athero-prone ECs under low, oscillatory FSS fail to elongate and maintain a cobblestone morphology with random cytoskeletal alignment, while VCAM-1 expression is upregulated. Whether EC shape and cytoskeletal alignment play a role in the regulation of VCAM-1 protein expression independent of FSS has not been previously determined. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of EC morphology, specifically cell elongation and alignment, and cytoskeletal alignment on VCAM-1 protein expression using topographical micropatterning of an endothelial monolayer and single cell image analysis techniques. Elongated ECs with an aligned cytoskeleton significantly downregulated VCAM-1 protein expression in the absence of FSS compared to planar controls. In addition, linear correlations between morphological metrics and protein expression showed that actin alignment had a significantly stronger effect on VCAM-1 expression than cell elongation. Functionally, monocytic U937 cells statically adhered less on micropatterns compared to planar substrates, in a VCAM-1 dependent manner. Therefore, endothelial cellular elongation and alignment as well as cytoskeletal alignment regulate VCAM-1 protein expression and immunogenic functions to produce a less inflammatory phenotype in the absence of hemodynamic effects.
Online scheduling to minimize total weighted (modified) earliness and tardiness cost

We formulate a single machine online scheduling problem where jobs with distinct processing times, weights, and due dates arrive over time and must be processed one at a time without preemption in order to minimize the total weighted earliness and tardiness cost. We introduce a new scheduling policy, the list-based delayed shortest processing time (LDWSPT) policy, which is amenable to theoretical analysis. We develop lower and upper bounds on the performance of the LDWSPT policy for the minimization of total weighted (modified) earliness and tardiness cost for the case of equal earliness and tardiness costs, and then extend our results for the case when these costs are not equal. Finally, we close the optimality gap that currently exists in the literature for several variants of single machine online scheduling problems in the presence of earliness and tardiness by proving that our proposed policy is an optimal online algorithm for these variants.
Initial experience with tositumomab and iodine I 131 tositumomab for treatment of relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma

1757 Objectives To report our initial experience using tositumomab and 131I-tositumomab (BEXXAR®,GlaxoSmithKline) for treatment of relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in an ongoing phase I/II clinical trial. Methods After meeting eligibility criteria and providing informed written consent, patients (pts) were enrolled into separate dose-escalation studies for those with and without prior stem cell transplant, starting at 55 and 75 cGy total body radiation doses (TBD), respectively. Dosimetry imaging studies were performed after administration of 450 mg tositumomab and 5 mCi 131I-tositumomab. A single patient-specific therapeutic dosage of 450 mg tositumomab and 131I-tositumomab was then given. TBD was escalated/deescalated based on dose-limiting toxicity using a continual reassessment method (CRM). Results 10 pts (7 classical (c), 3 lymphocyte-predominant (LP) HL) have been enrolled. In the post-transplant group, 3 received a 55 cGy TBD of 131I-tositumomab and 1 received 79 cGy. 6 pts without prior transplant (n=3 with LPHL) received 75 or 87 (n=3, each) cGy TBD of 131I-tositumomab. The agent was well-tolerated in all cohorts, with no adverse events during infusion of the agent or grade 3/4 nonhematologic toxicity. The expected hematologic adverse events were common and transient, including grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia (n=2), neutropenia (n=2), lymphopenia (n=5), and grade 4 anemia (n=1). 2 pts with LPHL had a complete response 12 weeks post-131I-tositumomab, while 8 progressed (7 cHL, 1 LPHL). Conclusions Tositumomab and 131I-tositumomab can be safely administered to pts with relapsed/refractory HL. Major toxicities are hematologic. The CRM was successful for determining TBD for subsequent cohorts. Transplant recipients have tolerated higher doses than those previously reported in NHL. Complete responses in LPHL suggests some therapeutic effect of this agent against HL, particularly in this sub-type. Dose-escalation is ongoing. Research Support Research support is provided by GlaxoSmithKlin
Protein Expression of Proteasome Subunits in Elderly Patients with Schizophrenia

The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) is a major regulator of protein processing, trafficking, and degradation. While protein ubiquitination is utilized for many cellular processes, one major function of this system is to target proteins to the proteasome for degradation. In schizophrenia, studies have found UPS transcript abnormalities in both blood and brain, and we have previously reported decreased protein expression of ubiquitin-associated proteins in brain. To test whether the proteasome is similarly dysregulated, we measured the protein expression of proteasome catalytic subunits as well as essential subunits from proteasome regulatory complexes in 14 pair-matched schizophrenia and comparison subjects in superior temporal cortex. We found decreased expression of Rpt1, Rpt3, and Rpt6, subunits of the 19S regulatory particle essential for ubiquitin-dependent degradation by the proteasome. Additionally, the α subunit of the 11S αβ regulatory particle, which enhances proteasomal degradation of small peptides and unfolded proteins, was also decreased. Haloperidol-treated rats did not have altered expression of these subunits, suggesting the changes we observed in schizophrenia are likely not due to chronic antipsychotic treatment. Interestingly, expression of the catalytic subunits of both the standard and immunoproteasome were unchanged, suggesting the abnormalities we observed may be specific to the complexed state of the proteasome. Aging has significant effects on the proteasome, and several subunits (20S β2, Rpn10, Rpn13, 11Sβ, and 11Sγ) were significantly correlated with subject age. These data provide further evidence of dysfunction of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in schizophrenia, and suggest that altered proteasome activity may be associated with the pathophysiology of this illness.
An automated analysis of wide area motion imagery for moving subject detection

Automated analysis of wide area motion imagery (WAMI) can significantly reduce the effort required for converting data into reliable decisions. We register consecutive WAMI frames and use false-color frame comparisons to enhance the visual detection of possible subjects in the imagery. The large number of WAMI detections produces the need for a prioritization of detections for further inspection. We create a priority queue of detections for automated revisit with smaller field-ofview assets based on the locations of the movers as well as the probability of the detection. This automated queue works within an operator’s preset prioritizations but also allows the flexibility to dynamically respond to new events as well as incorporating additional information into the surveillance tasking.
The Regional Multinationals: Regional multinationals and government policy

The interaction between multinational enterprises (MNEs) and the governments of nation states has been studied for over thirty years, going back to the classic analysis of Vernon (1971). The interaction between MNEs and home and host governments has been further developed by Stopford and Strange (1991) in a model of triangular economic diplomacy. The entire development of a scholarly field known as international political economy (IPE) takes as its focus the interactions between MNEs and states. What can be added to this literature given the new evidence that MNEs operate predominately on a regional basis rather than on a global basis, as many earlier IPE studies have assumed? In brief, a focus on regionalization is now required to analyze states and firms. The issues to be explored in this chapter are the following: Given the new evidence on the economic interdependence within each region of the triad, is this being facilitated by regional or multilateral trade agreements? The EU is much more of an integrated common market than the looser free trade agreements of NAFTA, the FTAA, and the Asian Agreement of November 2002. Do international agreements really matter when 56% of all Asian trade was already intra-regional in 2001, before a formal trade agreement was announced? […]
Microwave effects in exhaust catalysis

Many attempts have been made to employ electromagnetic energy as a selective coreagent in catalytic reactions. Photocatalysis employs visible light for a variety of oxidation reactions on a very limited series of catalysts, those employing TiO2. In contrast, attempts to excite specific atom-atom bonds of adsorbed species in the infrared by vibrational resonance have not proved to break the specific bonds selectively. The differences are significant. Many recent studies have suggested that microwave energy can be employed in catalysis and that the results differ from “conventional” heating of the systems studied. Although “photocatalysis” is well accepted, “microwave-catalysis” has not here-to-fore been accepted as an approach to change the selectivity or efficiency of catalysis in the presence of microwave energy. We have studied the influence of microwave energy on sorption and catalysis, particularly on automotive exhaust catalysis. The development of a new generation of automotive exhaust catalysts faces several significant challenges, which might be overcome by the use of microwave energy. The first challenge is to shorten the time required for catalyst “light-off,” since a disproportionate fraction of the pollutants are produced as the catalyst is heated up to operating temperature. The second challenge is the influences of sulfur contaminants that impede the catalytic activity, particularly during light-off. Based on preliminary experiments, we propose that indeed microwave energy can induce catalyst light-off more efficiently than conventional heating and can reverse the poisoning by SO2 for a commercial three-way catalyst.
Effect of prior headlighting experience on ratings of discomfort glare

This study investigated the effects of prior headlighting experience on ratings of discomfort glare from headlamps in an actual driving situation. Specifically, discomfort glare ratings given by West Germans who had recently arrived in the United States and were, presumably, used to the relatively low levels of glare associated with headlamps in West Germany were compared with ratings given by U.S.-born subjects. The West German subjects reported significantly more discomfort than did the U.S. subjects. This finding is in agreement with the so-called range effect, in which subjective judgments are affected by the range of available stimuli. Consequently, the present findings support the hypothesis that discomfort glare ratings are affected by prior visual experience.
In vitro lymphocyte proliferation induced by radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation under isothermal conditions

Whole human blood was exposed or sham-exposed in vitro for 2 h to 27 or 2,450 MHz radio-frequency electromagnetic (RF) radiation under isothermal conditions (i.e., 37 +/- 0.2 degrees C). Immediately after exposure, mononuclear cells were separated from blood by Ficoll density-gradient centrifugation and cultured for 3 days at 37 degrees C with or without mitogenic stimulation by phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Lymphocyte proliferation was assayed at the end of the culture period by 6 h of pulse labeling with 3H-thymidine (3H-TdR). Exposure to radiation at either frequency at specific absorption rates (SARs) below 50 W/kg resulted in a dose-dependent, statistically significant increase of 3H-TdR uptake in PHA-activated or unstimulated lymphocytes. Exposure at 50 W/kg or higher suppressed 3H-TdR uptake relative to that of sham-exposed cells. There were no detectable effects of RF radiation on lymphocyte morphology or viability. Notwithstanding the characteristic temperature dependence of lymphocyte activation in vitro, the isothermal exposure conditions of this study warrant the conclusion that the biphasic, dose-dependent effects of the radiation on lymphocyte proliferation were not dependent on heating.
BAYESIAN DYNAMIC MODELS FOR QUALITY AUDITS BASED ON COUNT DATA

Three Bayesian models for quality audits based on count data are proposed. They allow the extraction of information from production experts and from observed data in order to provide more accurate inferences. The first model is based on a Poisson distribution. It fits those cases of production processes that improve with time, and enables the analyst in charge to estimate the improvement and to take advantage of it in order to reduce costs. The second model is based on a binomial distribution in which the quality index, expressed by the chance of producing a non-conforming item, may decrease or remain constant as time goes by. The third model, also based on a binomial distribution, is suitable to be used in an assembly line with several stages. Examples are given in order to illustrate the use of the models.
Binge eating in an obese community sample.

Objective The present study sought to examine the validity and utility of diagnostic criteria for binge-eating disorder (BED) by replicating and extending a study reported by de Zwaan and colleagues (International Journal of Eating Disorders, 15, 43–52, 1994). Method: Four groups of obese individuals were selected from a large community-based sample of men and women: 33 women and 20 men with BED, 79 women and 40 men with subthreshold BED, 21 women and 39 men who reported recurrent overeating, and 80 female and 80 male normal controls. The groups were compared on measures of body image concern, dieting behavior, and associated psychological distress. Results: Individuals with BED were distinguishable from overeaters and normal controls on a number of psychological and behavioral variables. Few differences were found between subthreshold and full-syndrome BED, raising questions about the diagnostic validity of the frequency threshold. Men with BED did not differ from women with BED above and beyond the gender-related differences observed across all four groups. Discussion: Our findings support the view of BED as a distinct syndrome. © 1998 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 23: 27–37, 1998.
Mode decoupling during retrorefraction as an explanation for bizarre radar echoes from icy moons

The two concepts of mode decoupling and retrorefraction are combined to explain the strength, distribution, and other features of the radar echoes from Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. A decoupling of two characteristic modes of propagation appears to be a key to an understanding of the anomalous distribution of power among the polarized components of the echoes. Causes of the decoupling are proposed and their morphological implications are introduced.
Synthesis and biological activity of a new series of N6-arylcarbamoyl, 2-(Ar)alkynyl-N6-arylcarbamoyl, and N6-carboxamido derivatives of adenosine-5'-N-ethyluronamide as A1 and A3 adenosine receptor agonists.

A new series of 1-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-1-deoxy-N-ethyl-β-d-ribofuranuronamide-bearing N-arylureas or N-arylcarboxamido groups at the purine 6 position and N-arylureas combined with halogens or alkynyl chains at the 2 position have been synthesized and tested for affinity at A1 and A2A adenosine receptors in rat brain membranes and at cloned rat A3 receptors expressed in CHO cells. The derivatives contained the 5‘ substituent found in the potent, nonselective agonist 1-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-1-deoxy-N-ethyl-β-d-ribofuranuronamide (NECA). While the carboxamido derivatives (9−13) showed affinity for A1 receptors, the urea derivatives (30−45) showed different degrees of affinity and selectivity for the A3 adenosine receptor subtype. In particular the derivative bearing a p-sulfonamidophenyl-urea at the 6 position, 31 showed a high affinity (Ki = 9 nM) and selectivity for the A3 receptors compared to that of the reference compound 1-[6-[[(3-iodophenyl)methyl]amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]-1-deoxy-N-methyl-β-d-ribof...
Persistently Active, Pacemaker-Like Neurons in Neocortex

The neocortex is spontaneously active, however, the origin of this self-generated, patterned activity remains unknown. To detect potential "pacemaker cells," we use calcium imaging to directly identify neurons that discharge action potentials in the absence of synaptic transmissionin slices from juvenile mouse visual cortex. We characterize 60 of these neurons electrophysiologically and morphologically, finding that they belong to two classes of cells: one class composed of pyramidal neurons with a thin apical dendritic tree and a second class composed of ascending axon interneurons (Martinotti cells) located in layer 5. In both types of neurons, persistent sodium currents are necessary for the generation of the spontaneous activity. Our data demonstrate that subtypes of neocortical neurons have intrinsic mechanisms to generate persistent activity. Like in central pattern generators (CPGs), these neurons may act as "pacemakers" to initiate or pattern spontaneous activity in the neocortex.
Francisco Bramon`s "El triumpho de la Virgen".

THIS ONE-ACT AUTO, El triumpho de la Virgen , comprises most of Book III of Francisco Bramon’s Los sirgueros de la Virgen sin original peccado , a pastoral novel published in Mexico in April, 1620. It was presumably performed immediately following Mass in the chapel of the Virgen de los Remedios in celebration of this patron saint of Mexico City.
Update on postdural puncture headache

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is among the most common serious morbidities associated with spinal anesthesia, with an extrapolated incidence of
DYNAMIC STRUCTURE OF NUCLEIC ACID DUPLEXES

Sequence-dependent structural variations in nucleic acids are important for the protein-nucleic acid and RNA-DNA interactions essential for life. Furthermore, structural variations are important factors in the binding of extrinsic agents, such as mutagens or drugs. While an understanding of these subtle structural variations may have biological significance, the nucleic acid double helix also provides a challenging problem. Since we can fairly readily determine that a double helix is right- (probably) or left-handed, we know a priori the structure nearly as well as one often can determine a protein structure. It is therefore incumbent upon us to determine the structure accurately and to high-resolution if we wish to distinguish the three-dimensional, sequence-dependent structural subtleties. The constraints in constructing a double helix from complementary nucleic acid strands via base-stacking with two or three interbase hydrogen bonds in each base pair also suggests that the double helix should assume a fairly stable structure; modeling indicates that some degree of conformational flexibility may still be present though.
Benomyl: Effectiveness against the microsporidian Nosema heliothidis in the corn earworm, Heliothis zea

Abstract The fungicide benomyl was studied as a possible antimicrobial agent for obtaining Nosema heliothidis-free laboratory colonies of Heliothis zea. Newly hatched, transovarially infected larvae were placed on artificial diets containing 250, 500, or 1000 ppm benomyl. While late-stage larvae were found to be free of Nosema spores, low-level infections were found in pupae and newly emerged adults. The reduced intensity of infection in adults reared as larvae on treated diets was not correlated with a significant reduction in the efficiency of transovarian transmission. The chemical effect of benomyl was manifested by aberrant spores and vegetative stages and a rapid reduction in the number of microsporidian stages. However, small, isolated centers of infection in various host tissues resulted in a rapid resurgence of the microsporidiosis in pupae and adults. Thus, at the concentrations tested, benomyl was not effective in eliminating infection by N. heliothidis in H. zea. A discussion of the necessity for careful evaluation of the apparent suppression of microsporidioses by antimicrobial agents is also presented.
Soft error assessments for servers

In order to assess the soft error rate (SER) of a server, it is important to not only quantify the soft error contribution of the individual semiconductor components, but also to account for derating and for SER mitigation like hardening and shielding. Derating describes the fact that not every soft error has an impact. A large number of soft errors vanish based on electrical, logical or timing considerations. They have no impact. Additionally, a server can, to a large degree, be protected from the impact of soft errors by implementing error detection and correction means. In these cases the impact of the soft error is limited to the extra compute time needed for the correction. Summing up the SER contributions from transistors and circuits results in the so-called raw soft error rate, a rate which describes just the bottom layer of the system stack. Powerful protection mechanisms at higher layers can reduce that rate by several orders of magnitude. Awareness of this vertical interaction across the different layers in the system stack leads to servers optimized for robustness.
John F. Stevens—A Great Civil Engineer

In 1927 John F. Stevens was elected president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and in so doing the Society honored a great engineer, a great builder, and a man who truly loved the practice of civil engineering. Stevens was a self-trained engineer and constructor who directed some of the great construction efforts of the 19th and 20th centuries. In his early years, Stevens was engaged in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, first with the contractors and then for the railway company directly. Two presidents thought so highly of his engineering skill that they appointed him to lead major construction efforts in the early 20th century. President Theodore Roosevelt made him chief engineer of the Isthmian (Panama) Canal work, and Wilson sent him to Russia in 1917, as chairman of a commission of railway engineers to rehabilitate and operate rail lines in Siberia. This narrative traces his adventures and growth as an engineer, but it also provides guidance as to how an engineer develops his capabilities in order to handle greater challenges.
Stress analyses and in-situ fracture observation of wear protective multilayer coatings in contact loading

Abstract A model was developed to describe stress distributions in hard multilayer coatings under applied contact load, simulating coating application for wear protection. Elastic deformations were considered and an algorithm was suggested to calculate normal and shear stress across the coating thickness for various numbers of layers and layer thickness. The model was applied to analyze contact stress in Ti–TiN multilayer coatings produced by vacuum arc deposition. Calculated locations of maximum shear stress agreed well with locations of actual coating failures, which were studied in-situ using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A three-point bending test stage was designed for SEM observations of deformation and crack development under a cylindrical indenter. Results indicated that the highest shear stress occurs under the substrate/coating interface and that this region may plastically deform causing coating adhesive and cohesive failure. When using a multilayer coating design with 10 pairs, the peak stress was moved into the coating volume, reducing normal and shear stresses in the substrate by as much as 40 and 22%, respectively. A good correlation between computational and experimental studies verified the model applicability for optimizing the design of hard multilayer coatings in tribological contacts.
A critical review of Kenneth A. Strike's Liberal Justice and the Marxist critique of education: A study of conflicting research programs

Kenneth Strike in his book, Liberal Justice, defends liberalism against the Marxist critique. Strike maintains that liberalism and Marxism are different "research programs," or analysis of social phenomena. He argues that "lil~eralism can be restructured to deal with the Marxist critique without abandoning its core values more readily than Marxism can accommodate itself to the defensible features of liberalism." (p. 2) The central premises of Strike's argument is the following: (1) That Marxists have not been able to dispense with the need for a theory of justice; (:2) That Marxists, especially those who have recently written about education, have tended to abandon the hard core of a Marxist view...; (3) that capitalism is not part of liberalism's hard core; and (4) that liberals can modify their defective conceptions of growth and human development in ways that meet Marxist criticism, yet do not abandon the liberal hard core. (p. 11)
Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in Crohn's disease

Despite extensive research, the etiology of Crohn's disease remains unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests the possibility that a primary defect of intestinal barrier function may be present in Crohn's disease. In this review, the possible role of intestinal barrier defect in Crohn's disease is discussed. It has been recognized for some time that Crohn's patients have a defective intestinal epithelial barrier function manifested by an increase in intestinal permeability. Recent studies indicate that a subgroup of healthy first-degree relatives of Crohn's patients (a population at high risk for developing Crohn's disease) also have increased intestinal permeability. Additionally, this subgroup of patients have evidence of increased exposure to foreign antigens, suggesting a possible link between increase in intestinal permeability and increase in antigenic penetration. Furthermore, exacerbation of Crohn's disease is produced by agents that disrupt intestinal epithelial barrier function, while remission of active disease is induced by decreasing intestinal antigenic load. A "leaky gut" hypothesis is advanced which proposes that a preexisting disorder of intestinal permeability is responsible for the intestinal inflammation of Crohn's disease.
Differentiating Characteristics of Juvenile Methamphetamine Users

The authors investigated the differences in characteristics and risk behaviors endorsed by detained adolescent methamphetamine users and compared them with other drug users. Subjects completed the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory and a questionnaire in which sociodemographics and behavioral information were explored and compared. Multivariate analyses and self-reports revealed that meth-using adolescents were more likely than other drug users to present symptoms of a clinical syndrome, and had higher prevalence rates of attempted suicide and parents who use drugs. Results indicate significant differences between these groups and suggest the need for individualized drug treatment.
Failure and revival: physical education and youth sport in China

The physical health of citizens in China has declined in recent years. The provision of quality physical education, health education and youth sport programmes to more than 200 million students in grades 1 to 12 is tremendously challenging. Specific challenges are (1) sufficient funding for Ti Yu, (2) laws, (3) knowledge base, (4) time, (5) new curriculum reform, (6) youth sport and (7) teacher-coach preparation/training. The revival of physical health in China involves sound strategies, practices and fitness standards that have begun or are to be implemented. These include (but are not limited to) (1) World Health Organization recommendations, (2) collaboration between China and international scholars/agencies, (3) new Ti Yu science knowledge in Chinese languages; (4) exemplary health, physical education and youth sport curriculum materials, (5) preparation of quality physical education teachers and youth sport coaches and (6) a dedication to the revival of physically active, healthy lifestyles for stude...
Framework for near real-time simulation of earthmoving projects using location tracking technologies

Abstract The cost-and-time-optimized planning of earthmoving projects has been significantly boosted as a result of deploying simulation techniques. However, the realism and accuracy of the simulation models diminish as a result of the heavy reliance on the statistical data and of not taking into account the context-specific features of the project. To address this issue, this research proposes an overarching tracking-technology-independent framework based on the integration of new location tracking technologies with the simulation model in order to continuously fine-tune the simulation model. A set of multi-dimensional rules that accommodates various types of 2D and 3D sensory data are proposed to capture the details of truck and excavator motions. The proposed framework encompasses a method for a multi-step data processing that considers equipment-specific geometric and operational features to improve the quality of location data and, in turn, enhance the accuracy of the equipment state-identification. Furthermore, environmental factors are proposed to be continuously monitored to discriminate between long and short-term changes in the operation cycle time. A loosely-coupled multi-tier prototype is developed to test and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Two case studies, one in a controlled laboratory environment and one based on actual data from a mining site, are presented. The proposed framework is found to contribute to enhancing the quality of near real-time simulation and capturing the finest details of truck and excavator motions through the concurrent consideration of the fleet as a whole.