cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Prenatal Ethanol Exposure on the Postnatal Development of the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential in the Rat

Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) were used to study the postnatal development of the peripheral and brainstem auditory pathways in rat pups prenatally exposed to ethanol. Pups were offspring of dams receiving either a liquid diet containing ethanol (ethanol pups) or a control diet (control pups). Two to four pups from control and ethanol litters were systematically selected for BAEP analysis and examined periodically from the ages of 2 to 10 weeks. BAEPs to 0.1 msec clicks (60 dB HL, B/sec) were recorded with subcutaneous scalp electrodes in nonsedated animals. Latencies of the various BAEP waves decreased with age in both groups, reflecting maturation of the subcortical auditory pathway. Ethanol pups, however, showed retarded BAEP maturation as indicated by significantly longer BAEP wave latencies and smaller wave amplitudes than those of the control pups. While group differences were greatest early in development, the ethanol group still had significantly longer BAEP wave latencies at maturity. These results indicate that prenatal ethanol exposure retards development of the peripheral and brainstem auditory pathways and that prolonged auditory transmission times, despite a “catch-up” trend, persist in maturity. BAEP data, birth weights, and postnatal weight gains of ethanol pups were not consistent with the effects of pre- and postnatal malnutrition as reported by others.
The American Numismatic Society Library and Numismatic Scholarship

Abstract This article discusses the early development of the American Numismatic Society (ANS) Library in its richer historical context, congruous with developments in numismatic scholarship and th...
Pancraniosynostosis after Surgery for Single Sutural Craniosynostosis

Three children who developed pancraniosynostosis after surgery to correct nonsyndromic single suture synostosis (2 sagittal, 1 unilateral coronal) were noted on prolonged follow-up to have a decreased rate of head growth, and beaten copper findings on plain radiographs of the skull. All had elevated intracranial pressure as recorded by lumbar puncture. The children were reoperated, and then cranial growth resumed, and the radiographic abnormalities resolved. Because of the risk of pancraniosynostosis after surgery for single suture craniosynostosis, extended neurosurgical follow-up for patients with craniosynostosis is warranted.
The function of the social network formed by Japanese sojourners’ wives in the United States

Abstract The current study investigated the function of the social network formed by Japanese wives who temporarily resided in the United States due to their husbands’ job assignment or academic training. Twenty-six Japanese wives in a rural community in the East Coast participated in this study. Grounded theory analysis revealed that Japanese sojourners’ wives highly valued resources that allowed them to continue mothering and homemaking in the Japanese way during their sojourn. Japanese wives perceived their own social networks as the only source for them to obtain the desired resources in the foreign community in which they resided. In this environment, Japanese wives' network investigated in this study functioned as a corporate body to ensure the desired resources to anyone in the network in the sense that the network members shared a common interest, recognized who their leader was, performed assigned roles based on seniority, and had a strong sense of responsibility for performing their roles. The similarities of the function of Japanese wives’ network to Japanese traditional household system called the ie are discussed.
The Ages and Masses of the Stars

CONCERNING Mr. Schumann's comments (NATURE, January 24) upon Dr. Jeans's paper (December 6) on “The Ages and Masses of the Stars,” I should like to direct attention to the point of view expressed in my paper on “The Age of the Stars” which was read before the National Academy of Sciences on November 11 last, a few days before the meeting at which Dr. Jeans presented his work to the Royal Astronomical Society. It was there emphasised that the decrease of mass as a result of radiation is a necessary consequence of the theory of relativity. If relativity be accepted this must be so, independently of the mechanism involved in the change of mass as matter into mass as radiation. The fact that a star radiates means that it loses mass in this way: whether all the mass lost is lost by radiation is another matter. My paper, which is to appear in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences for February, goes into the point more fully than I can here.
Neutron, proton, and photonuclear cross-sections for radiation therapy and radiation protection

I review recent work at Los Alamos undertaken to evaluate neutron, proton, and photonuclear cross-sections up to 150 MeV (to 250 MeV for protons), based on experimental data and nuclear model calculations. These data are represented in the ENDF format and can be used in computer codes to simulate radiation transport. They permit calculations of absorbed dose in the body from therapy beams, and through use of kerma coefficients allow absorbed dose to be estimated for a given neutron energy distribution. In radiation protection, these data can be used to determine shielding requirements in accelerator environments and to calculate neutron, proton, gamma-ray, and radionuclide production. Illustrative comparisons of the evaluated cross-section and kerma coefficient data with measurements are given.
Generation and applications of structure envelopes for porous metal‒organic frameworks

The synthesis of polycrystalline, as opposed to single-crystalline, porous materials, such as zeolites and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), is usually beneficial because the former have shorter synthesis times and higher yields. However, the structural determination of these materials using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data is usually complicated. Recently, several methods for the structural investigation of zeolite polycrystalline materials have been developed, taking advantage of the structural characteristics of zeolites. Nevertheless, these techniques have rarely been applied in the structure determination of a MOF even though, with the electron-density contrast between the metal-containing units and pore regions, the construction of a structure envelope, the surface between high- and low-electron-density regions, should be straightforward for a MOF. Herein an example of such structure solution of MOFs based on PXRD data is presented. To start, a Patterson map was generated from powder diffraction intensities. From this map, structure factor phases for several of the strongest reflections were extracted and a structure envelope (SE) of a MOF was subsequently constructed. This envelope, together with all extracted reflection intensities, was used as input to the SUPERFLIP software and a charge-flipping (CF) structure solution was performed. This structure solution method has been tested on the PXRD data of both activated (solvent removed from the pores; dmin = 0.78 A) and as-synthesized (dmin = 1.20 A) samples of HKUST-1. In both cases, our method has led to structure solutions. In fact, charge-flipping calculations using SE provided correct solutions in minutes (6 min for activated and 3 min for as-synthesized samples), while regular charge flipping or charge flipping with histogram matching calculation provided meaningful solutions only after several hours. To confirm the applicability of structure envelopes to low-symmetry MOFs, the structure of monoclinic PCN-200 has been solved via CF+SE calculations.
Approaches to measuring cholesterol absorption in humans

Under optimal conditions, plasma cholesterol homeostasis is maintained by a variety of mechanisms, balancing input and output, thereby preventing the net accumulation of cholesterol in circulation and tissues. Among these mechanisms, intestinal cholesterol absorption has recently re-emerged as a potentially important contributor to cholesterol homeostasis. However, its regulation has been difficult to study in humans because of technical limitations in methodologies. In this review the major methods available for measuring cholesterol absorption including those that utilize cholesterol balance, single dose isotopic feeding, dual isotope plasma ratio, continuous isotope feeding, intestinal perfusion, stable isotopes and serum plant sterols or cholestanol to cholesterol ratios are reviewed and contrasted. Emphasis is placed on the strengths, technical and interpretational limitations and their applicability for use in metabolic, small-scale outpatient, population and large-scale intervention studies.
A note on adiabatic invariance in Hamiltonian systems depending singularly on the slow time

Abstract A one-degree-of-freedom oscillatory Hamiltonian system with a parameter depending singularly on the slow time is considered. It is shown that the system possesses an adiabatic invariant and its asymptotics is estimated for a rather general type of singularity. The leading term of the asymptotics turns out to be given by an integral of Fresnel type and the order of asymptotics is related to the type of singularity (stronger singularities cause larger change of adiabatic invariant). The result is applied to estimate the reflection coefficient in the problem of scattering electromagnetic wave on an obstacle with refraction index depending singularly on the coordinate. The relation to the stationary phase method is outlined.
Ropore structure development in poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) derived carbons

Abstract Microporous carbons characterized by different structural properties were prepared by carbonization of poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) in a nitrogen flow at temperatures in the range of 500-850°C. The carbonization process and the microstructural characteristics of the carbonaceous materials obtained have been studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA), diffuse reflectance FT-IR spectroscopy, inverse gas chromatography at infinite dilution (IGC), and sorption experiments. The temperature controlled carbonization of poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) leads, in one step, to formation of microporous carbons without using additional activation procedures. The pore sizes of the materials obtained were limited to the range of 0.38-0.6 nm, with wider, and thus more heterogeneous, micropore size distributions at higher temperature of heat treatment. The conclusions obtained are derived from adsorption studies of methane under conditions when monolayer adsorption is dominant and thus direct information of adsorbate/adsorbent interactions as a function of microstructural changes during carbonization can be revealed. Consistency is found with data from the other techniques employed.
An online condition number query system

Condition number of a matrix is an important measure in numerical analysis and linear algebra. It is a measure of stability or sensitivity of a matrix to numerical operations. However, the direct computation of the condition number of a matrix is very expensive in terms of CPU and memory cost, and becomes prohibitive for large size matrices. We propose to use data mining techniques to estimate the condition number of a given sparse matrix. In particular, we will use Support Vector Machine (SVM) to predict the condition numbers. That is, after computing the sparsity pattern features of a matrix, we use support vector regression (SVR) to predict its condition number. This Online Condition Number Query System (OCNQS) allows the users to submit their matrices and to obtain predicted condition numbers for their matrices. The accuracy of our prediction methods may not be as precise as the direct computation methods, but it is much faster. Our online system accepts matrices in Harwell-Boeing (HB) format and in standard MATLAB format. The users can use our system to estimate the condition number of their matrices through LAPACK software as well.
Quantification of PpIX concentration in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma models using spatial frequency domain imaging

5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is an attractive treatment option for nonmelanoma skin tumors, especially for multiple lesions and large areas. The efficacy of ALA-PDT is highly dependent on the photosensitizer (PS) concentration present in the tumor. Thus it is desirable to quantify PS concentration and distribution, preferably noninvasively to determine potential outcome. Here we quantified protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) distribution induced by topical and intra-tumoral (it) administration of the prodrug ALA in basal and squamous cell carcinoma murine models by using spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI). The in vivo measurements were validated by analysis of the ex vivo extraction of PpIX. The study demonstrates the feasibility of non-invasive quantification of PpIX distributions in skin tumors.
Numerical prediction of erosion on guide vanes and in labyrinth seals in hydraulic turbines

Abstract Erosion in hydraulic power plants is caused by sand particles in the flow. This is one of the major problems that restricts the lifetime between overhauls of water turbines. Especially those parts of the hydraulic turbine which are exposed to high flow velocities bear a considerable risk of being damaged by erosion processes. Therefore, suitable methods for the prediction of erosion are necessary already in the design phase. The prediction of erosion, based on the Lagrangian calculation of particle paths in a viscous flow, will be described for two components of a Francis turbine, for which results of field tests have been available. As a first example, the flow field calculation and the mechanisms of erosion in a labyrinth seal will be described. It will be shown, that the erosion level is strongly dependent on the particle size. The comparison between the numerically obtained erosion pattern and the observations in the field tests shows good agreement for the labyrinth chamber walls. Unphysically high values are predicted for the entrance region into the second seal gap. A fully 3D flow and erosion calculation around the guide vanes of the same Francis turbine will be presented as the second example. It will be shown, that the geometry of the guide vane including tip clearance, support and fillets leads to a complex flow field (clearance flow, corner vortex) which, as a consequence, results in a complicated fluid-particle interaction strongly affecting the erosion pattern. The agreement between the numerically obtained erosion pattern and the field test measurements is very good even for local effects, i.e., on the gap surfaces and the support.
THE SYNTHESIS OF PHAGE AND HOST DNA IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LYSOGENY.

Abstract A method of extraction is described which prevents excessive fragmentation of bacterial DNA. The larger bacterial DNA can then be separated from the phage DNA on sucrose gradients. The relative amounts of phage and host DNA made at various times during infection of Salmonella typhimurium with phage P22 leading to lysogeny have been determined. Phage-specific DNA synthesis begins at about 4 minutes, continues to increase for 2–4 minutes, and then decreases until complete repression is attained at 16 minutes. Autonomous phage DNA synthesis remains repressed from then on. Bacterial-specific synthesis proceeds at a decreasing rate until about 16 minutes, when almost complete inhibition is reached. When DNA synthesis recovers in the infected cells, only host-specific material is made. A new species of DNA, which is made only when phage DNA is synthesized, has been detected. The possible implications of these findings in the understanding of the lysogeny interaction is discussed.
Branched covers over strongly amphicheiral links

THIS PAPER deals with the question: which 3-manifolds have fundamental groups which are virtually Z-representable-have a subgroup of finite index which maps onto the infinite cyclic group, Z. A compact, orientable, irreducible 3-manifold with this property is finitely covered by a Haken manifold (is virtually Haken). The Haken manifolds are quite well understood: they are determined by homotopy type (of the pair (M, 8M)) [19], they have a solvable classification problem [4], [6], they have residually finite fundamental groups [lo], and they have a unique torus-annulus decomposition [15], [16] into geometric pieces [lS]. There is hope in extending much of these results for Haken manifolds to virtually Haken manifolds. It has been conjectured that for a 3-manifold, M, z,(M) is infinite if and only if xl(M) is virtually Z-representable (see [7], [8] for more discussion). In this paper we will consider (closed, orientable) 3-manifolds which are described as branched covers of the 3-sphere, branched over a fixed link, L c S3. There are many known examples of universal links-for which every 3-manifold can be represented as a cover of S3 branched over the link. Each 2-bridge knot or link, with the exception of those which are also torus knots or links, is universal [14]. For any link, L, in a 3-manifold, M, the collection of coverings of M branched over L forms a lattice. We observe (Lemma 2.3) that whenever an element of this lattice has virtually Z-representable fundamental group then so does every element above it in the lattice. We combine this with an analysis of the upper bound of a pair of elements (Theorem 2.1) to study how the property of virtual Z-representability proliferates throughout the lattice. When the link is strongly amphicheiral (invariant under an orientation reversing involution of S3), the involution theorem (section 3) will apply to show that certain coverings branched over the link will have virtually Z-representable fundamental group. Others will inherit this property by comparison. This includes those whose branching indices satisfy certain divisibility conditions (Theorem 4.1). We apply this to some of the known strongly amphicheiral universal links such as the figure eight knot and the Borromean rings. For example, any cover of S3 branched over the figure eight knot all of whose branching indices are divisible by some integer q > 2 has virtually Z-representable fundamental group (Corollary 4.3). This improves on results of [1], [12]. Throughout this paper we will consider only closed, orientable 3-manifolds. A map
LYSIS OF T4 PHAGE BY THE SPECIFIC LIPOCARBOHYDRATE OF PHASE II SHIGELLA SONNEI

When the specific lipocarbohydrate of Phase II Sh. sonnei and T4 phage react in vitro , the virus is rapidly inactivated and the content of the viral membrane is released into the surrounding medium. The reaction between phage and lipocarbohydrate proceeds only in the presence of a lipide constituent which can be extracted from the polysaccharide, rendering the latter inactive, and which can be replaced by certain fatty acids. It has been suggested that the lipocarbohydrate is the receptor substance of the Phase II bacillus which specifically combines with and brings about disintegration of the virus when the latter infects the host cell.
Astrocytes contain amyloid-β annular protofibrils in Alzheimer’s disease brains

Annular protofibrils (APFs) represent a newly described and distinct class of amyloid structures formed by disease-associated proteins. In vitro, these pore-like structures have been implicated in membrane permeabilization and ion homeostasis via pore formation. Still, their formation and relevance in vivo are poorly understood. Herein, we report that APFs are in human Alzheimer's disease brain samples and that amyloid-β APFs were associated with activated astrocytes. Moreover, we show that amyloid-β APFs in astrocytes adopt a conformation in which the N-terminal region is buried inside the wall of the pore. Our results together with previous studies suggest that the formation of amyloid-β APFs in astrocytes could be a relevant event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and validate this amyloidogenic structure as a target for the prevention of the disease.
Spectral Examination of Cured-Meat Pigments During Frankfurter Processinga

SUMMARY Spectrophotometric analyses of aqueous-acetone extracts of frankfurters were useful for characterizing the porphyrin pigments that formed during smokehouse treatment or laboratory heating. The absorption curves showed differences among samples in spectral structure, rates of pigment development, and pigment stability. They also showed promise of differentiating among samples on the basis of storage -stability.
The structure of phytoene

Abstract Phytoene, a noncrystalline, colorless polyene isolated from tomatoes and carrot oil has been shown to have an acyclic isoprenic structure, and its perhydro derivative (perhydrophytoene) has been shown to be identical with perhydrolycopene. According to its physical and chemical properties and to the isolation of acetone, levulinic aldehyde and glyoxal from its ozonolysis degradation products, the structure of phytoene is 7,8,11,12,12′,11′,8′,7′-octahydrolycopene.
Comparison of Split or Single Application of Gypsum for Wild Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.)

Gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) was evaluated as a single pre-emergent application (4,482 kg/ha) or a split application (2,242 kg/ha pre-emergent and 2,242 kg/ha 2 weeks later) for its effect on soil nutrient ...
Constructing Buddhism(s): Interreligious Dialogue and Religious Hybridity

This paper presents data from interviews with senior Catholic and Buddhist nuns living in the United States who participated in an interreligious dialogue. We focus on how Catholic nuns develop, appropriate, and adapt Buddhist forms and ideas in their daily religious practices and how Buddhist nuns respond. We describe and analyze three distinct discursive constructions of Buddhism that Catholic and Buddhist nuns draw upon, and discuss the significance of these constructions for members of both traditions as they think about their groups' futures. This material contributes to research on religious syncretism, appropriation, and the hybrid nature of religious traditions in practice.
Some research and development requirements to cut costs/schedules and provide a better design basis for nuclear power plants☆

Abstract The material presented in this paper defines areas for research that could lead to economy in both costs and schedules for nuclear power plants. Status of current research programs at TVA is presented. The major points of discussion are: (1) General Structural Design and Construction, (2) Protective Structures/Structural Protection and (3) Piping and Equipment.
Sampling Scheme for Estimating Populations of Corn Rootworm Larvae

Core and cube sample units were used to sample 3 and 13 central Iowa cornfields for corn rootworm larvae in 1978 and 1979, respectively. A washing-sieving-flotation technique was superior to visual searching or Tullgren funnels for recovering larvae from soil samples. Storage at subfreezing temperatures provided the best means of preserving samples. Optimal sampling plans were calculated for both sample units from variance components and cost estimates. Corn rootworm larvae can be sampled most efficiently by collecting a single cube sample at systematically selected locations. Sample sizes are presented for specified levels of precision.
Graphene networks for high-performance flexible and transparent supercapacitors

Graphene network (GN) was synthesized by a two-step chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method, involving the thermal annealing sputter-coated Cu film to form a Cu network by annealing for CVD deposition of graphene onto the Cu network catalyst. The resultant graphene network was transferred onto a flexible and transparent polymer (e.g., PDMS) substrate while maintaining its porous structure and integrated interconnection, providing both good optical transparency (e.g., transmittance of 86% at 550 nm wavelength) and mechanical flexibility. Flexible and transparent all-solid-state supercapacitors based on the newly-developed graphene network were fabricated to exhibit an area specific capacitance of 4.2 μF cm−2 at a discharge current of 0.1 μA with a high optical transparency (transmittance of 84%), which outperforms devices based on uniform multi-layer graphene sheet.
The effects of repetitive low frequency stimulation on control and “potentiated” synaptic responses in the hippocampus

Trains of low frequency stimulation (LFS) (1 sec−1 for 100 sec) were administered to the Schaffer collateral-commissural projections to the regio superior of the rat hippocampus before and after the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). In 2 of 16 cases (12.5%) these produced a persistent depression of control responses. In 14 of 18 experiments (77.7%) however LFS significantly reduced the “potentiated” responses. The possible basis for these effects and their significance for understanding the LTP effect are discussed.
Use of high-resolution measurements for the retrieval of temperature and gas-concentration profiles from outgoing infrared spectra in the presence of cirrus clouds

We explore ways in which high-spectral-resolution measurements can aid in the retrieval of atmospheric temperature and gas-concentration profiles from outgoing infrared spectra when optically thin cirrus clouds are present. Simulated outgoing spectra that contain cirrus are fitted with spectra that do not contain cirrus, and the residuals are examined. For those lines with weighting functions that peak near the same altitude as the thin cirrus, unique features are observed in the residuals. These unique features are highly sensitive to the resolution of the instrumental line shape. For thin cirrus these residual features are narrow (≤0.1 cm-1), so high spectral resolution is required for unambiguous observation. The magnitudes of these unique features are larger than the noise of modern instruments. The sensitivities of these features to cloud height and cloud optical depth are also discussed. Our sensitivity studies show that, when the errors in the estimation of temperature profiles are not large, the dominant contribution to the residuals is the misinterpretation of cirrus. An analysis that focuses on information content is also presented. An understanding of the magnitude of the effect and of its dependence on spectral resolution as well as on spectral region is important for retrieving spacecraft data and for the design of future infrared instruments for forecasting weather and monitoring greenhouse gases.
Sepsis-induced lung fibrosis in baboons is reduced by the treatment with a complement inhibitor

Pulmonary fibrosis is a major and common medical condition, characterized by progressive scaring and decline in lung function. Persistent inflammation and acute lung injury in response to sepsis are potential triggers of the fibrotic response. Recently, we have reported that Escherichia coli sepsis in baboons strongly induces procoagulant responses and affects the integrity of the lung. These effects are diminished by the treatment with compstatin, a C3 convertase complement inhibitor [1].
Splenic injury from blunt abdominal trauma in children: follow-up evaluation with CT.

PURPOSE: To assess if the initial grade of splenic injury depicted at computed tomography (CT) in children could help predict rate of healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-seven children with splenic injury graded at emergent CT were prospectively followed up with non-enhanced and contrast material-enhanced CT performed 2 weeks to 11 months after injury. RESULTS: In all 15 grade 1 and 2 splenic injuries, healing was seen at follow-up, including eight injuries that occurred in patients who underwent follow-up CT within 4 months. In 10 of 11 grade 3 splenic injuries, healing was seen within 6 months. In all 11 grade 4 injuries, residual lesions were seen within 4 months and healing took up to 11 months. Five of nine residual splenic injuries were more clearly visualized with contrast material enhancement. No splenic complications occurred. CONCLUSION: CT grade of splenic injury is related to rate of healing. Grade 1 and 2 injuries typically heal within 4 months, whereas grade 3 injuries take up to 6 months...
On the mobility versus drain current relation for a nanoscale MOSFET

The dependence of the linear and saturated drain current of a nanoscale MOSFET on the near-equilibrium, inversion layer mobility of a long-channel device from the same technology is examined. Simple expressions developed from a scattering theory of the MOSFET provide a quantitative relation between the long-channel mobility and the short-channel drain current. The theory explains the commonly observed mobility-dependence of the linear and saturated drain currents in present-day deep submicron MOSFETs, and the results can be extrapolated all the way to the ballistic limit.
Clinical significance of minimal residual disease in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its relationship to other prognostic factors: a Children's Oncology Group study.

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is an important predictor of relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but its relationship to other prognostic variables has not been fully assessed. The Children's Oncology Group studied the prognostic impact of MRD measured by flow cytometry in the peripheral blood at day 8, and in end-induction (day 29) and end-consolidation marrows in 2143 children with precursor B-cell ALL (B-ALL). The presence of MRD in day-8 blood and day-29 marrow MRD was associated with shorter event-free survival (EFS) in all risk groups; even patients with 0.01% to 0.1% day-29 MRD had poor outcome compared with patients negative for MRD patients (59% ± 5% vs 88% ± 1% 5-year EFS). Presence of good prognostic markers TEL-AML1 or trisomies of chromosomes 4 and 10 still provided additional prognostic information, but not in National Cancer Insitute high-risk (NCI HR) patients who were MRD+. The few patients with detectable MRD at end of consolidation fared especially poorly, with only a 43% plus or minus 7% 5-year EFS. Day-29 marrow MRD was the most important prognostic variable in multi-variate analysis. The 12% of patients with all favorable risk factors, including NCI risk group, genetics, and absence of days 8 and 29 MRD, had a 97% plus or minus 1% 5-year EFS with nonintensive therapy. These studies are registered at [www.clinicaltrials.gov][1] as [NCT00005585][2], [NCT00005596][3], and [NCT00005603][4]. [1]: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov [2]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT00005585&atom=%2Fbloodjournal%2F111%2F12%2F5477.atom [3]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT00005596&atom=%2Fbloodjournal%2F111%2F12%2F5477.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=CLINTRIALGOV&access_num=NCT00005603&atom=%2Fbloodjournal%2F111%2F12%2F5477.atom
The examined life: how we lose and find ourselves by stephen grosz.

This short and jargon-free book is a gem. Named as one of the ten favorite books of 2013 by The New York Times, it is a commercial bestseller. Neither its quality nor its appeal to readers is a wel...
From atopic dermatitis to asthma: the atopic march

Objective To examine the mechanisms whereby allergen exposure through the epidermis could initiate systemic allergy and predispose individuals to the development of 1 or more atopic diseases via the so-called atopic march. Data Sources PubMed databases from 1950 to the present were searched for relevant articles pertaining to epidemiologic and genetic evidence of the progression of the atopic march. Study Selection Articles concerning pathophysiologic conditions that link atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma were examined. Results The data suggest that a sequence of atopic manifestations occurs, typically atopic dermatitis in infancy followed by allergic rhinitis and/or asthma in later stages. Reduced filaggrin expression is implicated as a major predisposing factor for atopy in multiple lines of evidence, including genome-wide analysis and microarray investigations. Other gene products have an important role. Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies provide preliminary epidemiologic support for the sequential development of allergic diseases. Conclusion The mechanisms by which allergen exposure through the epidermis can initiate systemic allergy and predispose individuals to atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma have become clearer in recent years. Longitudinal studies of individuals carrying loss-of-function filaggrin gene mutations are needed to further define the risks associated with epidermal barrier dysfunction and potentially identify specific targets for barrier repair and prevention of atopic dermatitis and other atopic disease. The effects of preventive and treatment strategies have been inconsistent across studies, and further research is warranted before any definitive recommendations can be made.
Medial Frontal Event Related Potentials and Reward Prediction: Do Responses Matter?

Abstract Medial frontal event-related potentials (ERPs) following rewarding feedback index outcome evaluation. The majority of studies examining the feedback related medial frontal negativity (MFN) employ active tasks during which participants’ responses impact their feedback, however, the MFN has been elicited during passive tasks. Many of the studies examining the MFN show enhanced effects when an error in reward prediction occurs (i.e. expected rewards are not delivered). To clarify the roles of reward prediction error and active responding in producing the MFN, the current study employed a reward prediction design with active and passive task blocks. Following the presentation of a reward predictor, participants (active task) or the computer (passive task) indicated whether participants would receive the outcome associated with a stimulus presented on the left or right of the reward predictor. The MFN was largest when the trial outcome was worse than predicted and this effect was enhanced when the participant, rather than the computer, made the choice. These results show that both reward prediction error and active choice impact the neural system of outcome monitoring with the largest MFN when the individual’s decision led to the negative outcome.
A method for the immobilization of living Tetrahymena

Abstract The surfaces of plastic (polystyrene) Petri dishes from several suppliers were discovered to have the useful property of immobilizing cells of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophilia upon contact in nutrient-free buffer (10 mM Tris, pH 7.4). The procedure works with cells in both logarithmic and stationary growth phase, so long as they are first transferred to nutrient-free buffer, and then added to dishes already containing buffer to a depth of 2–10 mm. Dish surfaces specially treated for tissue cultures are unsuitable for this purpose. Cells can be released from the dish surfaces by the simple addition of growth medium (1% proteose peptone). Immobilized cells are fully competent to complete conjugation or cell division. The technique offers promise for facilitating experiments requiring microinjection, microsurgery, or simply detailed observation of living protozoan cells.
Web-based algorithm for cylindricity evaluation using support vector machine learning

This paper introduces a cylindricity evaluation algorithm based on support vector machine learning with a specific kernel function, referred to as SVR, as a viable alternative to traditional least square method (LSQ) and non-linear programming algorithm (NLP). Using the theory of support vector machine regression, the proposed algorithm in this paper provides more robust evaluation in terms of CPU time and accuracy than NLP and this is supported by computational experiments. Interestingly, it has been shown that the SVR significantly outperforms LSQ in terms of the accuracy while it can evaluate the cylindricity in a more robust fashion than NLP when the variance of the data points increases. The robust nature of the proposed algorithm is expected because it converts the original nonlinear problem with nonlinear constraints into other nonlinear problem with linear constraints. In addition, the proposed algorithm is programmed using Java Runtime Environment to provide users with a Web based open source environment. In a real-world setting, this would provide manufacturers with an algorithm that can be trusted to give the correct answer rather than making a good part rejected because of inaccurate computational results.
Effect of polyethylene oxide on the viscosity of dispersions of charged silica particles: interplay between rheology, adsorption, and surface charge

In this study a systematic investigation on the adsorption of polyethylene oxide (PEO) onto the surface of silica particles and the viscosity behavior of concentrated dispersions of silica particles with adsorbed PEO has been performed. The variation of shear viscosity with the adsorbed layer density, concentration of free polymer in the solution (depletion forces), polymer molecular weight, and adsorbed layer thickness at different salt concentrations (range of the electrostatic repulsion between particles) is presented and discussed. Adsorption and rheological studies were performed on suspensions of silica particles dispersed in solutions of 10−2 M and 10−4 M NaNO3 containing PEO of molecular weights 7,500 and 18,500 of different concentrations. Adsorption measurements gave evidence of a primary plateau in the adsorption density of 7,500 MW PEO at an electrolyte concentration of 10−2 M NaNO3. Results indicate that the range of the electrostatic repulsion between the suspended particles affects both adsorption density of the polymer onto the surface of the particles and the viscosity behavior of the system. The adsorbed layer thickness was estimated from the values of zeta potential in the presence and absence of the polymer and was found to decrease with decreasing the range of the electrostatic repulsive forces between the particles. Experimental results show that even though there is a direct relation between the viscosity of the suspension and the adsorption density of the polymer onto the surface of the particles, variation of viscosity with adsorption density, equilibrium concentration of the polymer, and range of the electrostatic repulsion cannot be explained just in term of the effective volume fraction of the particles and needs to be further investigated.
The basis for limited specificity and MHC restriction in a T cell receptor interface

αβ T cell receptors (TCRs) recognize peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins using multiple complementarity determining region (CDR) loops. TCRs display an array of poorly understood recognition properties, including specificity, cross-reactivity, and MHC restriction. Here we report a comprehensive thermodynamic deconstruction of the interaction between the A6 TCR and the Tax peptide presented by the class I MHC HLA-A*0201, uncovering the physical basis for the receptor's recognition properties. Broadly, our findings are in conflict with widely-held generalities regarding TCR recognition, such as the relative contributions of central and peripheral peptide residues and the roles of the hypervariable and germline CDR loops in engaging peptide and MHC. Instead we find that the recognition properties of the receptor emerge from the need to engage the composite peptide/MHC surface, with the receptor utilizing its CDR loops in a cooperative fashion such that specificity, cross-reactivity, and MHC restriction are inextricably linked.
Alignment System Devices For Medium Repetition Rate Glass Fusion Lasers

The OMEGA laser irradiation facility consists of a 24 arm Neodymium glass laser coupled to a spherical target irradiation chamber. A computer network is connected to the laser and target systems through a control room where operators can access any of the devices or subsystems within the facility. The facility is designed to produce 12 terawatt laser pulses and irradiate various materials to study laser-matter interactions at extremely high peak power. The system is capable of sustaining one target shot every 30 minutes.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Robust Nonnested Testing and the Demand for Money

Nonnested hypothesis testing procedures recently have been extended to dynamic nonnested models. We propose robust tests that generalize the J test and the F test for nonnested dynamic models with unknown serial correlation and conditional heteroscedasticity in errors and regressors. We investigate the finite-sample properties of our test statistics and propose to use bootstrap methods or the fixed-b asymptotics developed by Kiefer and Vogelsang to improve the asymptotic approximation to the sampling distribution of the test statistics. We compare the semiparametric bootstrap and the fixed-b approaches with the standard normal or chi-squared approximations using Monte Carlo simulations and find that they give markedly superior approximations. We also present an application to U.S. money demand models, where consumption seems to be a better variable than income as a “scale” variable in the money demand function.
Simulating winter wheat shoot apex phenology

Simulation models are heuristic tools for integrating diverse processes and help to increase our understanding of complex processes and systems. Models that predict crop development can serve as decision-support tools in crop management. This paper describes a phenology simulation model for the winter wheat shoot apex and reports validation and sensitivity analysis results.The complete developmental sequence of the winter wheat shoot apex is quantitatively outlined and correlated with commonly recognised phenological growth stages. The phyllochron is used to measure the thermal time between most phenological growth stages, thereby increasing the flexibility over the growing degree-day (GDD) and photothermal approaches. Nineteen site-years covering a range of climatic conditions, cultural practices and cultivars across the Central Great Plains, USA, are used to validate the model.Validation results show that the predicted phyllochron (108 GDD) agrees well with the observed phyllochron (107 GDD) for ten cultivars. Mean seedling emergence is predicted to within 2 days in almost all of the 19 site-years. The ability of the model to predict growth stages accurately increased successively from jointing to heading to maturity. Maturity is generally predicted to within 5 days of the observed day.After validation, recalibration of the phyllochron estimates between growth stages are provided, and corrections for mesic and xeric conditions are suggested. Further validation of the entire developmental sequence of the shoot apex is recommended.
Expression of androgen receptor mRNA in the late embryonic and early posthatch zebra finch brain.

Zebra finch males sing and females do not, and the underlying neural circuitry in males is more developed than that in females. Sex steroid hormones influence the development of sex differences in this circuitry, including differences in androgen receptor (AR) expression, although the role of androgens has been controversial. We isolated a cDNA encoding a portion of the zebra finch AR and used in situ hybridization to examine the spatiotemporal pattern of AR mRNA expression in the brain during late embryonic development and at hatching. We detected AR mRNA in all the major subdivisions of the brain as early as embryonic day 10. No qualitative sex differences in AR mRNA expression patterns were observed. Cells lining the ventral arm of the lateral telencephalic ventricles expressed AR mRNA on embryonic day 11 and posthatching day 1, as did cells lining the third ventricle at all three developmental stages examined, suggesting that androgens may play a role in early stages of cellular proliferation, migration, or differentiation. AR mRNA was also detected in the hippocampus, neostriatum, septum, ventromedial archistriatum, hypothalamic regions, dorsal mesencephalon, and in and around the brainstem nucleus tracheosyringealis. Our results suggested that androgens act early in neural development and therefore may contribute to the process of sexual differentiation.
Effects of Climate and Soil Properties on U.S. Home Lawn Soil Organic Carbon Concentration and Pool

Following turfgrass establishment, soils sequester carbon (C) over time. However, the magnitude of this sequestration may be influenced by a range of climatic and soil factors. Analysis of home lawn turfgrass soils throughout the United States indicated that both climatic and soil properties significantly affected the soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration and pool to 15-cm depth. Soil sampling showed that the mean annual temperature (MAT) was negatively correlated with SOC concentration. Additionally, a nonlinear interaction was observed between mean annual precipitation (MAP) and SOC concentration with optimal sequestration occurring in soils receiving 60–70 cm of precipitation per year. Furthermore, soil properties also influenced SOC concentration. Soil nitrogen (N) had a high positive correlation with SOC concentration, as a 0.1 % increase in N concentration led to a 0.99 % increase in SOC concentration. Additionally, soil bulk density (ρb) had a curvilinear interaction with SOC concentration, with an increase in ρb indicating a positive effect on SOC concentration until a ρb of ~1.4–1.5 Mg m−3 was attained, after which, inhibition of SOC sequestration occurred. Finally, no correlation between SOC concentration or pool was observed with texture. Based upon these results, highest SOC pools within this study are observed in regions of low MAT, moderate MAP (60–70 cm year−1), high soil N concentration, and moderate ρb (1.4–1.5 Mg m−3). In order to maximize the C storage capacity of home lawns, non C-intensive management practices should be used to maintain soils within these conditions.
Identification of Bladder Tumor-derived Hyaluronidase: Its Similarity to HYAL1

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid (HA) and its degrading enzyme, hyaluronidase, are intricately associated with tumor metastasis and angiogenesis. HA promotes tumor cell adhesion and migration, whereas its small fragments stimulate angiogenesis. Such small HA fragments are generated from the degradation of HA by hyaluronidase. We have previously shown (V. B. Lokeshwar et al., Cancer Res., 57: 773-777, 1997) that the HA levels are elevated in the urine and tumor tissues of bladder cancer patients regardless of the tumor grade (G). The hyaluronidase levels were found to be elevated in the urine and tumor tissues of G2 and G3 bladder cancer patients. Furthermore, angiogenic HA fragments were isolated from the urine of G2/G3 bladder cancer patients, which stimulated endothelial cell proliferation, a key event in angiogenesis. In this study, we characterized the bladder tumor-derived hyaluronidase. Analysis of hyaluronidase activity in the culture-conditioned media (CM) of 11 bladder cancer cell lines, using an ELISA-like assay and a substrate (HA)-gel technique, showed that the invasive bladder cancer cell lines secrete elevated levels of a Mr approximately 60,000 hyaluronidase. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, cloning, and sequence analyses revealed the expression of an HYAL1 transcript in bladder cancer lines. HYAL1 encodes for a hyaluronidase that is present in serum. Immunoblot analysis using an anti-HYAL1 peptide IgG confirmed the presence of a Mr approximately 60,000 HYAL1-related protein in the CM of bladder cancer cell lines, in the urine specimens from G2 and G3 bladder cancer patients, and in the partially purified preparations of bladder tumor-derived hyaluronidase. No HYAL1-related protein was detected in urine specimens from normal individuals, G1 bladder cancer patients, and patients with a history of bladder cancer but no disease at the time of testing. The bladder tumor-derived hyaluronidase present in CM and partially purified preparations was found to have maximum activity at a pH range of 4.1-4.3. The identification of bladder tumor-derived hyaluronidase should help in elucidating its role in bladder tumor progression.