cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Urinary metals and maternal circulating extracellular vesicle microRNA in the MADRES pregnancy cohort.

Background: Exposure to metals increases risk for pregnancy complications. Extracellular vesicle (EV) miRNA contribute to maternal-fetal communication and are dysregulated in pregnancy complications. However, metal impacts on maternal circulating EV miRNA during pregnancy are unknown. Our objective was to investigate the impact of multiple metal exposures on EV miRNA in maternal circulation during pregnancy in the MADRES Study.Methods: Associations between urinary concentrations of nine metals and 106 EV miRNA in maternal plasma during pregnancy were investigated using robust linear regression (N=231). Primary analyses focused on metal-miRNA associations in early pregnancy (median: 12.3 weeks gestation). In secondary analyses, we investigated associations with late pregnancy miRNA counts in a smaller subset of participants (N=184) with paired data in the third trimester (median: 31.8 weeks gestation). MiRNA associated with three or more metals (PFDR<0.05) were further investigated using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR), an environmental mixture modeling approach.Results: Thirty-five miRNA were associated (PFDR<0.05) with at least one metal in early pregnancy. Only one association (an inverse association between cobalt and miR-150-5p) remained statistically significant when evaluating late pregnancy miRNA counts. Eight miRNA (miR-302b-3p, miR-199a-5p, miR-188-5p, miR-138-5p, miR-212-3p, miR-608, miR-1272, miR-19b-3p) were associated with three different metals (barium, mercury, and thallium) in early pregnancy, and their predicted target genes were enriched in pathways important for placental development. Results were consistent when using BKMR.Conclusions: Early pregnancy exposure to barium, mercury, and thallium may have short-term impacts on a common set of maternal circulating EV miRNA which target pathways important for placental development.
Design and Hardware Implementation of a Versatile Transform Decoder for Reed-Solomon Codes

The design and hardware implementation of a versatile Reed-Solomon encoder and decoder based on a transform decoding algorithm is presented. The decoder is electronically reconfigurable to accommodate a large number of different code parameters; the symbol fields range from 4 to 8 bits, the code lengths range from 3 to 255 symbols, and the rates are programmable downward to a minimum of one-half. The discrete transform used for encoding and syndrome computation is implemented with an algorithm that minimizes the number of extension-field products. The error locator uses a modified version of the Berlekamp-Massey feedback shift register synthesis algorithm to correct both errors and erasures. In the decoder’s implementation, extension-field operations are separated to a maximum extent from the normal binary operations to promote reconfiguration. The decoding algorithm results in a highly repetitive architecture intended for VLSI implementation. This VLSI architecture is described in detail. The design and measured performance of a TTL breadboard and key-function VLS I macrocells that have been implemented as custom designed LSI circuits are described.
Precise Nanoscale Surface Modification and Coating of Macroscale Objects: Open-Environment in Loco Atomic Layer Deposition on an Automobile

The fundamental chemical reaction conditions that define atomic layer deposition (ALD) can be achieved in an open environment on a macroscale surface too large and complex for typical laboratory reactor-based ALD. We describe the concept of in loco ALD using conventional modulated reactant flow through a surface-mounted “ALD delivery head” to form a precise nanoscale Al2O3 film on the window of a parked automobile. Analysis confirms that the processes eliminated ambient water contamination and met other conditions that define ALD growth. Using this tool, we demonstrate open-ambient patterned deposition, metal corrosion protection, and polymer surface modification.
Enteroviruses in Water: Concentration and Detection

Electronegative Filters Comparative Studies Electropositive Filters Other Media Factors Influencing Virus Concentration Second-Step Concentration Molecular Methods of Virus Detection Inhibitors of RT-PCR Keywords: detection of Enteroviruses; enteric viruses; methodology; viruses; viruses, concentration and detection
Botanicals as immunological adjuvants and immunomodulators.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 5559 Background: Saponins and beta glucans are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and as purified extracts are two of the most potent immunological adjuvants when injected mixed with antigen, or immunomodulators when orally ingested. Many widely consumed botanicals are advertised as immune enhancers but clear evidence for this is lacking. Globo H is a cell surface hexasaccharide expressed on many epithelial cancers. When conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and mixed with an immunological adjuvant, the magnitude of the antibody response against globo H and KLH depends largely on the potency of the adjuvant or immunomodulators used. Methods: Using the globo H-KLH conjugate, groups of 5 mice were immunized subcutaneously 3 times at 1 week intervals and sera drawn 1 and 2 weeks after the 3rd immunization to measure antibody response. Widely used botanicals were either used as adjuvant mixed with globo H-KLH conjugate (adj) prior to injection or as immunomodulator administered by oral gavage (PO) three times a week to the mice for 1 week before and 3 weeks after the first immunization. Botanicals utilized were TJ-48 (Honsofarm.CO.), Coriolus Vesicolor (Nammex), Maitaki MD fraction (Yukiguni Maitaki CO.) yeast beta glucan (Biotec Pharmacon), semi-synthetic saponin GPI-0100 (Advanced BioTherapies Inc.) and quillaja saponaria molina saponin mix (Fischer Scientific). Sera were analyzed by ELISA against synthetic globo H ceramide and KLH, and splenocytes by proliferation assays against KLH to measure T-cell response. Results: 4 separate experiments have been performed. Administered as adjuvant, neither TJ-48, maitaki nor barley β-glucan had demonstrable activity, but PSK, yeast β-glucan and GPI-0100 had progressively significant adjuvant activity (p< .05, .01, .005), and β-glucan and GPI-0100 significantly augmented proliferation compared to no adjuvant (SI 2.2 and 6.8 respectively). When administered orally, neither TJ-48, PSK, Maitaki, nor barley β-glucan had impact on serologic titer or proliferation but in a final experiment, the saponin mix and β-glucan both significantly augmented the antibody response against KLH. Conclusions: PSK and yeast β-glucan demonstrate moderate adjuvant activity, the semi-synthetic saponin GPI-0100 demonstrates the strongest adjuvant activity. When administered by oral gavage, only β-glucan of yeast origin and the saponin mix have immunomodulatory activity. We are currently exploring whether PSK or yeast β-glucan administered as adjuvants or the mixed saponins and yeast β-glucan administered orally are able to add to the adjuvant activity of saponin fractions such as GPI-0100 or QS-21. We have also begun to test additional botanicals including Echinacea, Astragalus and Tumeric. Support by Botanical Research Center Grant P50 AT002779 from the NCCAM.
Art/Museums: International Relations Where We Least Expect It, by Christine Sylvester

Art museums have traditionally seen their mission as essentially the acquisition, conservation, and display of aesthetic objects with the goal of education and enlightenment. These objects were typ...
Strict Hurwitzness of Bivariate Polynomials Under PolynomialPerturbations

The paper concerns strict Hurwitzness of interval bivariate polynomials under a family of interval polynomial perturbations. Necessary and sufficient strict Hurwitzness conditions are derived. We define the stability radius r for polynomial perturbations, and provide a formula for r.
Comparative sequencing of vertebrate genomes

The areas of large-scale DNA sequencing and sequence analysis are undergoing a rapid metamorphosis, as priorities shift from generating genome sequences for a select group of reference species to interpreting the information encoded therein. Comparison of the human genome sequence with that of other vertebrates has emerged as a critical component of this interpretative process. Newly developed experimental and computational methods are providing more powerful approaches for comparative sequence analyses, and in turn, these are being used for systematically unraveling the complexities of vertebrate genomes. Keywords: genome sequencing; comparative genomics; vertebrate; genome analysis; genome annotation
Asymptotics of a Class of Operator Determinants

In previous work of C.A. Tracy and the author asymptotic formulas were derived for certain operator determinants whose interest lay in the fact that quotients of them gave solutions to the cylindrical Toda equations. In the present paper we consider a more general class of operators which retain some of the properties of those cited and we find analogous asymptotics for the determinants.
Induction of Ig Somatic Hypermutation and Class Switching in a Human Monoclonal IgM+ IgD+ B Cell Line In Vitro: Definition of the Requirements and Modalities of Hypermutation

Partly because of the lack of a suitable in vitro model, the trigger(s) and the mechanism(s) of somatic hypermutation in Ig genes are largely unknown. We have analyzed the hypermutation potential of human CL-01 lymphocytes, our monoclonal model of germinal center B cell differentiation. These cells are surface IgM+ IgD+ and, in the absence of T cells, switch to IgG, IgA, and IgE in response to CD40:CD40 ligand engagement and exposure to appropriate cytokines. We show here that CL-01 cells can be induced to effectively mutate the expressed VHDJH-Cμ, VHDJH-Cδ, VHDJH-Cγ, VHDJH-Cα, VHDJH-Ce, and VλJλ-Cλ transcripts before and after Ig class switching in a stepwise fashion. In these cells, induction of somatic mutations required cross-linking of the surface receptor for Ag and T cell contact through CD40:CD40 ligand and CD80:CD28 coengagement. The induced mutations showed intrinsic features of Ig V(D)J hypermutation in that they comprised 110 base substitutions (97 in the heavy chain and 13 in the λ-chain) and only 2 deletions and targeted V(D)J, virtually sparing CH and Cλ. These mutations were more abundant in secondary VHDJH-Cγ than primary VHDJH-Cμ transcripts and in V(D)J-C than VλJλ-Cλ transcripts. These mutations were also associated with coding DNA strand polarity and showed an overall rate of 2.42 × 10−4 base changes/cell division in VHDJH-CH transcripts. Transitions were favored over transversions, and G nucleotides were preferentially targeted, mainly in the context of AG dinucleotides. Thus, in CL-01 cells, Ig somatic hypermutation is readily inducible by stimuli different from those required for class switching and displays discrete base substitution modalities.
NETWORK CENTRALITY AND THE CROSS SECTION OF STOCK RETURNS

Industries that are more central in the network of intersectoral trade earn higher stock returns than industries that are less central. To explain this finding, I argue that stocks in more central industries have greater market risk because they have greater exposure to sectoral shocks that transmit from one industry to another through intersectoral trade. Consistent with this argument, stock returns of central industries covary more closely with market returns and future consumption growth. In addition, the empirical evidence suggests that sectoral shocks that contribute to aggregate risk are more likely to pass through central industries than peripheral industries.
Estimating shallow shear velocities with marine multicomponent seismic data

Accurate models of shear velocities in the shallow subsurface (<300 m depth beneath the sea floor) would help to focus images of structural discontinuities constructed, for example, with P to S converted phases in marine environments. Although multicomponent marine seismic data hold a wealth of information about shear velocities from the sea floor to depths of hundreds of meters, this information remains largely unexploited in oil and gas exploration. We present a method, called the multiwave inversion (MWI) method, designed to use a wide variety of information in marine seismic data. As presented here, MWI jointly uses the observed traveltimes of P and S refracted waves, the group and phase velocities of fundamental mode and first overtone interface waves, and the group velocities of guided waves to infer shear velocities and Vp= Vs ratios. We show how to obtain measurements of the traveltimes of these diverse and, in some cases, dispersive waves and how they are used in the MWI method to estimate shallow shear velocities. We illuminate the method with synthetic and real multicomponent marine data and apply MWI to some real data to obtain a model of Vs with uncertainty estimates to a depth of 225 m and Vp= Vs to about 100-m depth. We conclude by discussing the design of offshore surveys necessary to provide information about shallow shear-velocity structures, with particular emphasis on the height of the acoustic source above the sea floor.
Glutamate-dependent long-term presynaptic changes in corticostriatal excitability

Abstract We have previously shown that brief high frequency stimulation of the anteromedial prefrontal cortex induces a long-term decrease in excitability of the glutamatergic corticostriatal terminal field. In contrast, a long-term increase in presynaptic corticostriatal excitability may be induced by presenting two brief cortical tetanizing stimuli separated by 2–3 min such that the second tetanus coincides with a period of increased excitability elicited by the first. 34 In the present study, we examined the glutamate receptor subtypes involved in these long-term changes in presynaptic excitability. A specific glutamate receptor antagonist was infused into the rat striatum 10–25 min prior to either a single or double cortical tetanic stimulation. To eliminate the participation of intrinsic striatal cells, a subset of animals received a striatal kainic acid lesion eight to 20 days before the recording experiment. Antagonists of the N -methyl- d -aspartate and metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes were effective in blocking the decrease in excitability induced by single cortical tetanic stimulation whereas an antagonist of the α-amino-3-hydroxy5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid/kainate receptor did not prevent the induction of a long-term reduction in excitability. In contrast, each of these antagonists prevented the induction of a long-term increase in excitability. These long-term modifications in excitability of the presynaptic glutamate axon terminals appear to be induced by similar mechanisms to those postulated to operate in long-term potentiation and depression. These enduring changes in presynaptic excitability are likely to represent important mechanisms for the selective modification of information processing in the striatum.
Stress-coupling phenomena in anisotropic fibres

Abstract An analytical framework is presented to interpret coupling between axial normal stresses and torsional shearing stresses observed in anisotropic fibres. This coupling can be uniquely described in terms of the material properties describing the anisotropy and the testing geometry. The coupling is described through a consideration of the rotation of material symmetry directions caused by shear and the application of standard transformation laws governing anisotropic elastic properties. The analysis is employed to describe the apparent linear increase in torsional modulus with axial tensile stress observed in anisotropic fibres. Isotropic fibres are predicted and observed to be free of such coupling. The results support the recent modelling of oriented polymer fibre compressive strength as an elastic buckling instability.
Angular distributions from photoionization of H

A study is made of the differential cross sections arising from the photoionization of $\mathrm{H}_{2}{}^{+}$. Previous studies indicated surprising differences in the shapes of the angular distributions calculated from exterior complex scaling and 2C methods. To further explore these differences, we have calculated the angular distributions from the photoionization of $\mathrm{H}_{2}{}^{+}$ using an independent two-body Coulomb function (2C) method and a distorted wave approach. As a final test, we also present calculations using a time-dependent technique. Our results confirm the discrepancies found previously and we present possible reasons for these differences.
Evidence for species specificity in the interaction between thyrotropin and thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin and their receptor in thyroid tissue.

The cAMP response in cultured human and dog thyroid cells was used to examine the relationship betweenhuman TSH, nonprimate thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) bioactivity in hunand nonhuman thyroid tissue. The bovine TSH (bTSH) to million TSH potency ratio was approximately 6-fold greater in dog than in human thyroid cells. Relative bioactivity of bTSH and TSI also differed these cell types. Thus, four TSI samples produced approximately 6- fold greater stimulation relative to bTSH in human thyroid than in dog thyroid cells. It is discussed why these data suggest that the TSH receptor as well as TSH and TSI display species specificity as defined by the classical concept of this term. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 54: 1059,1982)
Chemoreceptor stimulation interferes with regional hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction

Hypoxemia interferes with the diversion of blood flow away from hypoxic regions of the lung, possibly through activation of the arterial chemoreceptor reflex. The purpose of this study was to determine if selective stimulation of carotid chemoreceptors reduces the diversion of flow (hypoxic vasoconstriction) when normal systemic oxygen levels are present. Chloralose anesthetized dogs were paralyzed and each lung was separately ventilated via a dual-lumen endobronchial tube. left pulmonary artery (QL) and main pulmonary artery (QT) blood flows were measured with electromagnetic flow probes. Chemoreceptors were stimulated by perfusion of the carotid sinuses with hypoxic, hypercapnic blood. QL/QT averaged 46±4, 29±2, and 36±4% during bilateral O2 ventilation (control), left lung N2 ventilation, and left lung N2 plus chemoreceptor stimulation in dogs treated with the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor meclofenamate. After vagotomy, QL/QT averaged 45±4, 27±3, and 28±2% during the same conditions. QL/QT decreased significantly from control (P < 0.05) during left lung N2 alone but did not decrease during left lung N2 plus chemoreceptor stimulation in dogs with intact vagi. In contrast, QL/QT decreased significantly both before and during chemoreceptor stimulation in vagotomized dogs. The same responses were observed in dogs not treated with meclofenamate. These results indicate that selecitive stimulation of arterial chemoreceptors can interfere with regional hypoxic vasoconstriction and suggest that the vagus nerves may mediate this effect.
Empyema: development of a critical pathway.

Over the past 20 years at the authors' institution, the management of empyema has evolved. The authors recently have developed a critical pathway in an effort to facilitate diagnosis, guide therapy, and reduce cost. Currently, the average length of stay using this pathway is 4 to 5 days with decreased cost compared to the historic length of stay and a national children's hospital database. The authors review steps to develop a critical pathway as well as discuss their pathway for empyema management.
Dangerous allergens: why some allergens are bad actors.

Immune responses can be compartmentalized into innate versus adaptive components. This relatively recent dichotomy positioned the innate immune system at the interface between the host and the external environment and provided a new conceptual framework with which to view allergic diseases, including asthma. Airway epithelial cells and dendritic cells are key components of the innate immune system in the nose and lung and are now known to be intimately involved in allergen recognition and in modulating allergic immune responses. Here we review current thinking about how these two key cell types sense and respond to inhaled allergens, and emphasize how an understanding of “allergic innate immunity” can translate into new thinking about mechanisms of allergen sensitization and potentially lead to new therapeutic targets.
Trends and racial/ethnic disparities in severe obesity among US children and adolescents, 1976-2006.

Introduction. This study aims to describe the trends and racial/ethnic differences in prevalence of severe obesity among US children. Methods. We examined height and weight measurements from US chi...
Modeling Neutralization Kinetics of HIV by Broadly Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies in Genital Secretions Coating the Cervicovaginal Mucosa

Eliciting broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAb) in cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) represents a promising “first line of defense” strategy to reduce vaginal HIV transmission. However, it remains unclear what levels of bnAb must be present in CVM to effectively reduce infection. We approached this complex question by modeling the dynamic tally of bnAb coverage on HIV. This analysis introduces a critical, timescale-dependent competition: to protect, bnAb must accumulate at sufficient stoichiometry to neutralize HIV faster than virions penetrate CVM and reach target cells. We developed a model that incorporates concentrations and diffusivities of HIV and bnAb in semen and CVM, kinetic rates for binding (kon) and unbinding (koff) of select bnAb, and physiologically relevant thicknesses of CVM and semen layers. Comprehensive model simulations lead to robust conclusions about neutralization kinetics in CVM. First, due to the limited time virions in semen need to penetrate CVM, substantially greater bnAb concentrations than in vitro estimates must be present in CVM to neutralize HIV. Second, the model predicts that bnAb with more rapid kon, almost independent of koff, should offer greater neutralization potency in vivo. These findings suggest the fastest arriving virions at target cells present the greatest likelihood of infection. It also implies the marked improvements in in vitro neutralization potency of many recently discovered bnAb may not translate to comparable reduction in the bnAb dose needed to confer protection against initial vaginal infections. Our modeling framework offers a valuable tool to gaining quantitative insights into the dynamics of mucosal immunity against HIV and other infectious diseases.
The Multicultural Context of Linguistic Mediation in Health Care Provision

"Hablas espanol?" a man asked over the phone, hoping he has finally reached someone who speaks his language. He is frustrated because he can not communicate his medical needs in English. Fortunately, he has been directed to the office I worked in, Language Interpretative Services. Recognizing his language needs, I replied, "Me llamo Vanessa y yo hablo espanol. Te puedo ayudar?" I soon learned that his wife was in the beginning stages of labor and an interpreter was needed for communication between patient and doctor. This telephone interview exemplifies the importance of trained medical interpreters in the United States health care system. Without them, various problems arise, often resulting in non-English speaking patients receiving inadequate health care services.
Dietary protein type and cardiovascular disease risk factors

Observational studies suggested a negative association between vegetable protein and cardiovascular disease risk, whereas intervention studies have been less consistent. The majority of interventional studies that have evaluated the effects of soy protein compared to animal protein have used casein. Relative to casein, the effect of soy protein on lipids and lipoprotein appears to be variable and less dramatic than originally reported. When compared to animal proteins other than casein, relatively large intakes of soy protein (>/=25 g/d) appear to have a consistent, albeit small ( asymptotically equal to 5%), hypocholesterolemic effect. When assessed, no consistent additional benefit of soy protein on other cardiovascular disease risk factors; Lp(a), inflammatory markers, biomarkers of oxidative stress and endothelial function, has been reported. The data available on the effect of dietary protein on plasma lipids, lipoprotein levels, and cardiovascular disease risk factors is difficult to interpret and insufficient to account for the discrepancy between the observational and interventional studies.
Does mobility explain variation in colonisation and population recovery among stream fishes

Summary 1. Colonisation and population recovery are crucial to species persistence in environmentally variable ecosystems, but are poorly understood processes. After documenting movement rates for several species of stream fish, we predicted that this variable would influence colonisation rates more strongly than local abundance, per cent occupancy, body size and taxonomic family. We also predicted that populations of species with higher movement rates would recover more rapidly than species with lower movement rates and that assemblage structure would change accordingly. 2. To test these predictions, we removed fishes from a headwater and a mainstem creek in southwest Virginia and monitored colonisation over a 2-year period. Using an information–theoretic approach, we evaluated the relative plausibility of 15 alternative models containing different combinations of our predictor variables. Our best-supported model contained movement rate and abundance and was 41 times more likely to account for observed patterns in colonisation rates than the next-best model. Movement rate and abundance were both positively related to colonisation rates and explained 88% of the variation in colonisation rates among species. 3. Population recovery, measured as the per cent of initial abundance restored, was also positively associated with movement rate. One species recovered within 3 months, most recovered within 2 years, but two species still had not recovered after 2 years. Despite high variation in recovery, the removal had only a slight impact on assemblage structure because species that were abundant in pre-removal samples were also abundant in post-removal samples. 4. The significance of interspecific variation in colonisation and recovery rates has been underappreciated because of the widely documented recovery of stream fish assemblages following fish kills and small-scale experimental defaunations. Our results indicate that recovery of the overall assemblage does not imply recovery of each component species. Populations of species that are rare and less mobile will recover more slowly and will be more vulnerable to extinction in systems where chemical spills, hydrological alteration, extreme droughts and other impacts are frequent.
Effects of morphine on the rat adrenal medulla

Abstract Morphine was administered twice daily to rats and the adrenals were analyzed for catecholamines(CA), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) activity. Twenty-four hr after dosage with 10 mg/kg. CA were reduced and TH and DBH were slightly elevated. After 1 week of treatment, all three were elevated. Subsequent dose increments resulted in acute decreases in CA and DBH and increases in TH. followed by dose-dependent increases in CA, DBH and TH to a maximum of two to three times control levels after 2 weeks at 100 mg/kg. Withdrawal led to a decline to control levels within 10 days. Shifts in the subcellular distribution of DBH suggested that morphine administration increased the rate of vesicle synthesis, and measurements of the uptakes of [ 14 C]epinephrine and [ 3 H]metaraminol into isolated storage vesicles indicated an increased proportion of “immature” vesicles. Prolonged administration of large doses of morphine led to the formation of vesicles with an apparently defective amine uptake mechanism; these vesicles also displayed abnormally low fragility and a reduced rate of spontaneous CA efflux. These data suggest that: (1) tolerance to morphine-induced sympathoadrenal discharge does not develop and that the recovery from the acute CA depletion results from increased CA synthesis and storage: and (2) morphine produces a persistent change in the properties of adrenal medullary storage vesicles.
The endoscopic neck lift

Endoscopic technique may be applicable in selected patients undergoing neck rejuvenation with goals of decreased scar and morbidity. Access incision sites include submental, occipital scalp, and optionally the retroauricular sulcus. No preauricular scars are produced. Endoscopic visualization can assist with broad elevation of the neck skin, control of hemostasis, and lateral plication. While this area is still evolving, present patient selection, instrumentation, and operative technique are described.
Popular Opinion in Totalitarian Regimes: Fascism, Nazism, Communism

Paul Corner (ed.) (2009) Popular Opinion in Totalitarian Regimes: Fascism, Nazism, Communism (Oxford: Oxford University Press), 234 pp., ISBN 9780199566525, $55.00, hard cover Despite historians' b...
Anti-counterfeit system for agricultural product origin labeling based on GPS data and encrypted Chinese-sensible Code

With the increased attention given to geographical labeling and the increased awareness of enterprise brands in many countries, anti-counterfeit systems for identifying the origin of agricultural products are important for limiting the production of fake goods and improving the competitiveness of agricultural products. An anti-counterfeit system for identifying the origin of agricultural products based on GPS and encrypted Chinese-sensible Code was designed. The anti-counterfeit system used the LPC1768 microprocessor of the Coretex-M3 series as its core controller, and the system was programmed with the C language. The system could collect and process the weight and location of the agricultural products, encrypt and encode the Chinese-sensible Code based on an AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) algorithm with a different cipher each time, and then print the anti-counterfeit label. The application results showed that the system runs reliably and stably, 98% anti-counterfeit labels were correctly identified and used to trace the origin of the products. Additionally, the system accomplished the task of providing precise positioning and location accuracy is about 10m scope and unique identification information about the origin of agricultural products and achieved the aim of developing an anti-counterfeiting system.
The reproductive number for an HIV model with differential infectivity and staged progression

We formulate an HIV epidemic model with differential infectivity and staged disease progression to account for variations in viral loads and in the rate of disease progression in infected individuals. The stability of the infection-free equilibrium determines the threshold conditions under which the modeled disease either dies out or persists in the population. This stability, expressed in terms of the epidemic reproductive number, can be determined by the spectral radius of the next generation operator, or from the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix for the model system linearized about the infection-free equilibrium. We derive an explicit formula for the reproductive number employing both of these techniques by investigating the spectral radius of the next generation operator, and by directly applying M-matrix theory with recursive forward and backward inductions to characterize the eigenvalues of the Jacobian matrix in terms of the reproductive number.
Anti‐abortion advertising and access to the airwaves: A public interest doctrine dilemma

In September 1996 a federal appeals court ruled that broadcasters cannot refuse daytime or prime time television federal candidates’ political advertisements containing abortion images. Broadcasters argued the advertisements were harmful to children and, thus, should be restricted. This article explores this public interest dilemma involving two competing interests: the concern for the welfare of children and the public interest in informed political debate. This article also discusses implications of the court decision.
1557 AN EXPLANATION FOR THE EFFECT OF REYE'S SYNDROME SERUM ON PREPARATIONS OF ISOLATED MITOCHONDRIA

Reye's Syndrome (RS) serum added to isolated rat liver mitochondria caused a stimulation of O2 consumption [BBRC 79:1122 (1977)]. This suggested a metabolic toxin in the serum with activity against mitochondria. Recently, the substance responsible for the serum activity was identified as uric acid [BBRC 94:381 (1980)]. However, it appeared that uric acid had no direct effect on mitochondria. Instead, it was suspected that the stimulation of O2 consumption was a result of the oxidation of the added uric acid by peroxisomes, which are usually present with rat liver mitochondria prepared by differential centrifugation. This was confirmed by separating mitochondria and peroxisomes, in which case the serum effect followed the peroxisomal fraction. Further study showed that all of the serum activity detected in the bioassay was attributable to uric acid oxidation. The concentration of uric acid in serum was directly correlated with the magnitude of the serum effect on O2 utilization, and uricase treatment of serum abolished its effect on O2 consumption. In summary, the particular bioassay used in these studies detected uric acid, which is not a genuine pathogenic factor in RS. The search for “serum factors” should be continued using this general approach, but employing different bioassays to detect adverse effects on metabolic function. (Supp. by NIH NS 14936)
Frequency of Alfalfa Plants with Combined Resistance to the Pea Aphid and Spotted Alfalfa Aphid in Aphid-resistant Cultivars12

Among the aphid-resistant alfalfa cultivars ‘Dawson,’ ‘Kanza,’ and ‘Washoe,’ 75.0, 71.1, and 42.4%, respectively, of the plants were resistant (resistant and intermediately resistant) to the spotted alfalfa aphid, Therioaphis maculata (Buckton). Also, 75.0, 65.4, and 53.9%, respectively, were resistant to the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). The percentage of plants with combined resistance to both aphid species among these 3 cultivars was 59.6, 44.2, and 25.1, respectively.
Potassium channels: life in the post-structural world

More than three years have passed since the first structure of a potassium channel protein revealed fundamental molecular details of a platform for ion-selective conduction. Recent efforts have turned to understanding what this structure tells us about potassium channel structure and function in general and, most importantly, which questions remain unanswered. Successes in solving membrane protein structures are still hard won and slow. High-resolution studies of cytoplasmic channel domains and channel-associated proteins, the most tractable entry points for dissecting large, complex eukaryotic channels, are revealing a modularity of function commonly seen in many other biological systems. Studies of these domains bring into sharp focus issues of channel regulation, how these domains and associated proteins are coupled to the transmembrane domains to influence channel function, and how ion channels are integrated into cellular signaling pathways.
Study of three quasi-two-body channels from π + p interactions at 3.9 GeV/c

The $p{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ and $p{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ final states from ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p$ interactions at 3.9 GeV/c have been analyzed by the prism-plot technique and the following three quasi-two-body channels have been studied in detail: ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{+}p$, ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{++}$, and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{++}$. Results are presented on cross sections, differential cross sections, and single and joint spin density matrix elements. These are compared with the Dar-Watts-Weisskopf absorption model and Reggeized pion-exchange model predictions. Relations among joint spin density matrix elements for ${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{0}{\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{++}$ are compared with quark-model predictions.
Critical role of calnexin in Nef-mediated inactivation of ABCA1

Our previous studies demonstrated that HIV-1 Nef impairs the function of the main cellular cholesterol transporter, ABCA1, thus affecting reverse cholesterol transport, the key anti-atherogenic mechanism of the body. Nef has been shown to interact with ABCA1 through a DDDHLK motif in the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain, but, surprisingly, this interaction was not essential for ABCA1 inactivation suggesting that Nef may downregulate ABCA1 through an effect on an intermediate protein. We used mass spectrometry to search for ABCA1 interacting proteins whose binding to ABCA1 was altered by Nef. This search identified calnexin, a transmembarne protein that functions as an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone regulating maturation of glycosylated proteins. Calnexin, but not another endoplasmic reticulum chaperone Calreticulin, coimmunoprecipitated and co-localized with ABCA1 in the absence of Nef, and this interaction was disrupted by wild-type, but not by non-myristoylated Nef (Nef G2A), suggesting that membrane association was critical for this effect of Nef. Interestingly, Nef also interacted with calnexin, despite not being glycosylated, and this interaction was mapped to the region between amino acid residues 45 and 65 of Nef. Although calnexin has not been implicated in ABCA1 maturation, it is known to regulate maturation of other ABC transporters. Consistent with this notion, siRNA-mediated inactivation of calnexin resulted in surface expression of non-functional ABCA1 with shortened half-life, reproducing the effects of Nef. ABCA1 inactivation by Nef was reversed by lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine, suggesting involvement of lysosomes in Nef-dependent ABCA1 degradation. The DDDHLK®AAAAAA mutant of ABCA1, which showed greatly reduced binding to Nef, interacted with calnexin and this interaction was abrogated in the presence of Nef. These results suggest that Nef inactivates ABCA1 by blocking the interaction between this cholesterol transporter and calnexin, the cellular endoplasmic reticulum chaperone involved in regulation of folding and maturation of glycosylated proteins. Our results are consistent with a model whereby Nef disrupts the interaction between calnexin and ABCA1 by a competitive mechanism, via binding to calnexin and preventing its interaction with ABCA1, thus affecting ABCA1 maturation and promoting its degradation via the lysosomal pathway.
Gatekeeper communication networks and technological innovation: A study of U.S. and Mexican R&D organizations

Abstract A study of 71 professional employees in a U.S. R&D organization and 51 professional employees in a Mexican R&D organization found similarities in both organizations in the development of communication and gatekeeper networks, a relationship between physical proximity and the development of communication networks, and gatekeeper characteristics of higher performance, reading activity, and job satisfaction. Nationality had little or no moderating effects on the development of communication networks, or the relationship between physical proximity and the development of communication networks. Implications for theory and management practice are discussed.
Subrecursive programming languages II on program size

Programming languages which express programs for all computable (recursive) functions are called universal, those expressing programs only for a subset are called subrecursive programming languages, SPL's. M. Blum has shown that for certain SPL's any universal programming language (UPL) contains programs which are arbitrarily shorter and nearly as efficient as the shortest SPL program for the same function. We offer new proofs of this theorem to make the relationship beteeen size and efficiency more revealing and to show that finitely often efficiency is the price of economy of size. From the new proof we derive refinements of the basic theorem. In particular, we consider the size-efficency exchange for the task of computing constants, and derive a measure of the relative expressive power of SPL's. The results are illustrated with some new programming language models.
“Serving the masses, not the classes”: Station WHN, pioneer of commercial broadcasting of the 1920s

Historical accounts of how American radio developed into an advertising medium in the 1920s have focused almost exclusively on the broadcasting activities of large corporate concerns, especially AT&T. The contributory role of small broadcasters to this process has been overlooked, despite the fact that many of these were operating on a commercial basis when their larger corporate competitors were still eschewing direct advertising as an abuse of the medium. Drawing on contemporary publications and archival sources, this article details the controversial career of one such commercial pioneer, station WHN of New York, which played a crucial and hitherto overlooked role in opening up the airwaves to commercial use.
Evaluation of the Moisture Prediction Capability of Near‐Infrared and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Using Superdisintegrants as Model Compounds

ABSTRACT: The superdisintegrants (SDs) moisture content measurement by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy has been evaluated against thermogravimetric analysis as a reference method. SDs with varying moisture content were used to build calibration and independent model verification data sets. Calibration models were developed based on the water-specific NIR and ATR-FTIR spectral regions using partial least-square regression methods. Because of the NIR water low molar absorptivity, NIR spectroscopy handled higher moisture content (∼81%, w/w) than ATR-FTIR (∼25%, w/w). A two-way ANOVA test was performed to compare R 2 values obtained from measured and predicted moisture content (5%–25%, w/w) of SDs. No statistically significant difference was observed between the predictability of NIR and ATR-FTIR methods ( p = 0.3504). However, the interactions between the two independent variables, SDs, and analytical methods were statistically significant ( p = 0.0002), indicating that the predictability of the analytical method is material dependent. Thus, it would be important to recognize this highly dependent material and analytical method interaction when using NIR moisture analysis in process analytical technology to analyze and control critical quality and performance attributes of raw materials during processing with the goal of ensuring final product quality attributes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.
Undersea Instrumentation Reliability: Where Away?

The author is concerned with the lack of performance built into many of the instruments provided for today's underseas research: over 35 percent of the ?off-the-shelf? equipment fails to operate as delivered, while 75 percent of the developmental hardware fails to meet specifications, and 50 percent of the delivered developmental equipment fails to work. These figures, in part, detail why our progress is being impeded, and the consensus is that the lack of competent engineering may well be the most serious problem.
The Effects of Neonatal Cocaine Exposure on a Play-Rewarded Spatial Discrimination Task in Juvenile Rats

This study examined the effects of neonatal cocaine exposure on the rewarding properties of play in a modified T-maze. Animals were artificially reared from postnatal day (PND) 4-9 with drug concentrated in four daily feeds. There were four treatment groups, 40 mg/kg/day cocaine, 20 mg/kg/day cocaine, an artificially reared control and a surgery control. From PND 38-42, subjects were tested with a food reward (EXP 1) or a play reward (EXP 2). No deficits in learning were seen when the reward was food. The 20 mg/kg/day cocaine group, however, showed impaired learning and altered play behavior when the reward was access to a play partner. Neonatal cocaine exposure thus appears to differentially affect learning based on the type of reward presented.
Treatment of clinically localized Ewing's sarcoma with radiotherapy and combination chemotherapy.

Fifteen patients with localized Ewing's sarcoma were treated with 60Co teletherapy in doses of 5000 to 6500 rads and 1 to 2 years of systemic chemotherapy with vincristine and cyclophosphamide. All developed complete remissions of tumor, and 12 are surviving. Ten of the 12 have been continuously free of tumor since initial treatment for 91+, 84+, 67+, 31+, 21+, 19+, 17+, 12+, 11+, and 4+ months from diagnosis. The results suggest that this treatment is superior to other treatment methods with regard to extended tumor-free remission and survival.
Photoconductivity as a probe of polycrystalline films

The wavelengths of light effective in making these changes, i.e. the spectral response for photoconductivity, depend upon the localized states present in the band gap as well as being associated with transitions across the band gap itself. The change Au in mobility caused by photoexcitation could have a small contribution due to changes in bulk mobility through alteration of the density of charged imperfection scattering centers by illumination, but in polycrystalline films it is usually associated primarily with a change in intergrain barrier height and depletion layer width caused by illumination. Since carrier transport past intergrain barriers may occur either by thermal excitation over the barrier or by tunneling through the barrier with or without thermal assistance, the photoexcitation producing A p may also involve a change in the dominant mode of barrier transport. The temperature dependence of the photoconductivity, as interpreted via several models, may also give significant clues as to the nature of the imperfection states and their distribution. The temperature dependence of the photoconductivity decay, or its associated phenomenon of thermally stimulated conductivity, may be used to obtain information and to evaluate parameters of imperfections. Finally a variety of photo-induced chemisorption phenomena may occur at the surface of a thin polycrystalline film exposed to different ambients, which may dominate the electrical properties of the film. Because it is usually not possible to tell from photoconductivity measurements alone whether the effect of photoexcitation is to alter carrier
Comments on “Is there racism in economic research?”

Abstract Mason, Myers, and Darity attempt to determine whether racism exists in economic research. They conclude that racism exists if (a) authors do not attribute socioeconomic inequalities between blacks and nonblacks to racism, (b) black-authored articles are cited fewer times than others, and (c) articles published in a black-dominated journal are cited fewer times than others. Although articles claiming racial discrimination are in the minority, the authors give the impression that racism exists in economic research. Coleman strongly agrees with this impression, citing other authors who have argued the same. I find that these conclusions are unwarranted.
Regulation of Cell Cycle Synchronization by decapentaplegic During Drosophila Eye Development

In the developing Drosophila eye, differentiation is coordinated with synchronized progression through the cell cycle. Signaling mediated by the transforming growth factor-beta-related gene decapentaplegic (dpp) was required for the synchronization of the cell cycle but not for cell fate specification. DPP may affect cell cycle synchronization by promoting cell cycle progression through the G2-M phases. This synchronization is critical for the precise assembly of the eye.