cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurobehavioral effects of prenatal alcohol: Part II. Partial least squares analysis.

Abstract This paper, the second in a series of three, introduces Partial Least Squares (PLS) methods for assessing the effects of moderate levels of prenatal alcohol exposure on performance and behavior in young school-age children. Studies of human behavioral teratology pose statistical problems for which standard multiple regression methods are inadequate. Prenatal alcohol exposure, the teratogenic “dose,” can be assessed only indirectly through a variety of measures of alcohol consumption. Similarly, the behavioral outcomes we examine—IQ, achievement, classroom behavior, and vigilance—are each measured indirectly in terms of multiple items or indicators. We find that a single latent variable, estimated as a linear combination of the measures of alcohol consumption, provides an appropriate measure of “dose” for summarizing the relationships between alcohol exposure and each of the four blocks of outcome variables. A pattern of alcohol consumption emphasizing binge behavior (i.e., reporting average consumption of multiple drinks per drinking occasion, or at least five drinks on any single occasion) in the period prior to recognition of pregnancy is significantly correlated with latent variables computed from each of the four outcome blocks: IQ, academic achievement, classroom behavior and attention/vigilance.
Absolute stability and parameter sensitivity.

This paper extends the notion of absolute stability to include the parameter variations of the linear part of the system. A simple analytic procedure is proposed to calculate the regions of absolute stability in the parameter space. then, a parallelepiped of maximum volume is embedded in the region to interpret its boundaries and obtain readily the information about parameter variations which do not affect the system stability.
An RFID application in large job shop remanufacturing operations

Abstract In this study, we evaluate the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology for improving remanufacturing efficiency. We report the results of discrete-event simulation model that analyzes how RFID creates value within the remanufacturing operation. We find that the simulated gains from using RFID are quite modest, and propose alternative justifications for the major benefits seen in practice. We then provide a framework for deciding on the adoption of active RFID technology such as real-time location system (RTLS) for easy identification of components in the remanufacturing process and the adoption of passive RFID for permanently tagging components of remanufacturable products.
Effects of symptomatic status and the menstrual cycle on hot flash-related thermoregulatory parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To compare core body temperature variation, sweating thresholds, and sweat rate in symptomatic and asymptomatic postmenopausal women and in eumenorrheic women in the follicular and luteal phases. DESIGN: Twelve symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic postmenopausal women and 12 eumenorrheic women were recorded in a temperature- and humidity-controlled laboratory during thermoneutral and warm conditions. Core body temperature variation was measured with an ingested radiotelemetry pill, basal body temperature with a rectal thermistor, skin temperature with four skin surface thermistors, and sweat rate with a capacitance hygrometer. RESULTS: Symptomatic women had significantly lower sweating thresholds and higher maximum sweat rates compared with all other women. These results could not be explained by differences in estrogen, progesterone, or body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women with hot flashes are uniquely characterized by low sweating thresholds and high sweat rates, relative to asymptomatic and eumenorrheic women.
Distributed Rate Control and Power Control in Resource-constrained Wireless Sensor Networks

We consider the joint rate control and power control problem in wireless sensor networks. The resource constraints are incorporated in a cross layer optimization framework and a distributed algorithmic solution is proposed. We show that the join rate control and power control algorithm converges to the global optimum solution efficiently and effectively.
Data meet a network energizer: a portrait of Joseph T. O'Leary

As a former student, I was entrusted with the honour to write an academic portrait of Joseph T. O'Leary. Apprehension is an understatement. This is someone who truly inspired and steadfastly guided...
OC74: Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of tethered cord in fetuses without open neural tube defects

Objectives: Tethered cord is most commonly associated with open neural tube defects but is also seen in isolation or in association with other spinal anomalies. The level of the conus can be identified with ultrasound but is not routinely imaged. We report five cases of tethered cord in fetuses without open neural tube defects. Methods: Fetuses with tethered cord were examined by ultrasound. Results: Two cases had myelocystocele (skin covered myelocele), one fetus had VACTERL association, and one fetus had a clubfoot and lower back fatty tail (skin lipoma). The low conus was seen with ultrasound in these five cases. Three-dimensional ultrasound was helpful in identifying lumbar and sacral spine levels. Threedimensional ultrasound of the lipomatous ‘tail’ was also performed. Postnatal MRI confirmed the diagnosis in all five cases. All cases were repaired surgically. Conclusions: Tethered cord is associated with childhood morbidity and its prenatal diagnosis is rarely reported in fetuses without open spina bifida. With these five cases, we show that this diagnosis can be made with accuracy and visualization of the conus should be performed in fetuses with other spinal abnormalities or clubfoot.
Effect of torsemide and furosemide on clinical, laboratory, radiographic and quality of life variables in dogs with heart failure secondary to mitral valve disease

Abstract Objectives Diuretic therapy reduces preload and relieves congestion secondary to cardiac dysfunction. Torsemide (torasemide) is a loop diuretic with longer duration of action, decreased susceptibility to diuretic resistance, and adjunctive aldosterone antagonist properties compared with furosemide. We hypothesized that torsemide would be well tolerated and no less effective than furosemide at diuresis, control of clinical signs, and maintenance of quality of life (QOL) in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF). Animals, materials and methods Seven client-owned dogs with stable CHF receiving twice daily oral furosemide and adjunctive medications. Utilizing a double-blinded, randomized, crossover design, dogs were administered either oral furosemide at their current dose or an equivalent oral dose of torsemide (1/10 of the daily furosemide dose divided into twice daily dosing) on day 0. Crossover occurred at day 7 and the study ended on day 14. Clinical, laboratory, radiographic, and QOL variables were evaluated on days 0, 7 and 14. Results No dogs developed recurrent CHF during the study. Mean furosemide dose on day 0 was 5.13 mg/kg/day (range 2.8–9.6). Following torsemide treatment, creatinine ( P = 0.020), urea nitrogen ( P = 0.013), phosphorus ( P = 0.032), albumin ( P = 0.019), carbon dioxide ( P = 0.015) and anion gap ( P = 0.005) were significantly increased, and urine specific gravity ( P = 0.004) and chloride ( P = 0.021) were significantly decreased compared with furosemide dosing. No differences in QOL were found. Conclusions Results indicate that torsemide is equivalent to furosemide at controlling clinical signs of CHF in dogs and is likely to achieve greater diuresis vs. furosemide. Larger clinical trials evaluating torsemide as a first or second-line loop diuretic for congestive heart failure in dogs are warranted.
Ontogeny of tool use in cottontop tamarins, Saguinus oedipus: innate recognition of functionally relevant features

Abstract Adult cottontop tamarins are sensitive to the functionally relevant and irrelevant features of objects used as tools to gain access to food. We conducted four experiments designed to assess whether infant cottontop tamarins show comparable sensitivities to functionally relevant and irrelevant features. All subjects were reared in a species-typical social environment, but prior to the present studies had never participated in any experiments, and had no access to tools or other freely moving, manipulable objects with the exception of food. Despite their lack of experience, the pattern of object choice by infants precisely mirrored those obtained with adults. Specifically, having learned to use a hard blue cane to retrieve food (experiment 1), infant tamarins immediately generalized to other objects (experiments 2–4), recognizing that changes in colour and texture play no role in an object's functionality as a tool, whereas changes in size and shape do. These data suggest that for cottontop tamarins, a species that does not naturally use tools, and infrequently manipulates objects, that the capacity to distinguish between functionally relevant and irrelevant features develops in the absence of domain-specific experience. Copyright 2002 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .
Specificity of the binding of fd gene 5 protein to polydeoxyribonucleotides.

Abstract The long-wavelength circular dichroism (CD) changes induced by binding of fd gene 5 protein to the alternating DNA sequences poly[d(A-C)] and poly [d(C-T)] were similar to those induced by the protein complexed with the homopolymers poly[d(A)], poly[d(C)], and poly[d(T)]. The fd gene 5 protein showed different binding affinities for the various polymers. The affinity for the alternating sequences was not compositionally weighted with respect to the affinities for the homopolymers, indicating that both base composition and base sequence of the template are important for the binding of fd gene 5 protein.
Correlates of death anxiety in elderly persons

Studied the variables related to death anxiety in the elderly. The population consisted of 122 elderly persons who resided in the community and in institutions. Questionnaires that measured demographics, support systems, health, personality, and death anxiety were administered. Multiple regression analyses with death anxiety as the criterion were performed on five subsamples of the population. The results showed very little consistency in predictors of death anxiety among the subsamples. It was concluded that death anxiety response patterns are a function of the population examined, rather than existing as general characteristics of the elderly, which explains the inconsistency of previous literature on death anxiety in elderly persons.
Building Complexity to Understand Myosin V Cargo Transport

There is a large gap between the conditions we use to study molecular motors in vitro, and the motor walking in a cellular environment. For simplicity, in vitro experiments on myosin V generally use single constitutively active truncated motor constructs that walk on individual bare actin filaments. Within the cell, however, actin generally has bound tropomyosin. Full-length motors are regulated by a folded-to-extended conformational transition, and adapter proteins that link the motor to cargo can affect this conformational transition. Adapter proteins, or the cargo itself, can also recruit multiple motors to improve the efficiency of cargo movement. The theme of this talk is that by re-creating a more native myosin complex and actin track, unexpected properties of the motor emerge that are likely to be important for cellular cargo transport. Several different class V myosins will be used to illustrate these principles.
Use of Portable Monitoring for the Diagnosis and Management of Sleep Disordered Breathing in Children: Highly Desirable, But Not Ready for Prime Time

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a common condition of childhood with significant associatedmorbidity. Overnight attended recording andassessment of sleepandbreathingbypolysomnography (PSG) in a sleep laboratory have been traditional parts of the comprehensive evaluation of children who present signs and symptoms suggestive of OSAS. These studies require resources and facilities that are not always widely available. Simpler,more available, and less expensive alternatives have been sought. This article discusses the available alternatives to PSG for the evaluation of the child with suspected OSAS.
A post hoc correction procedure for systematic errors in time-sampling duration estimates

Numerous previous studies have shown that partial-interval sampling in direct observation systematically overestimates duration and underestimates frequency. Whole-interval sampling systematically underestimates both duration and frequency. This paper presents a post hoc method through which the systematic errors in duration estimates in partial-interval sampling and whole-interval sampling can be minimized.
INTERLOBE COMMUNICATION IN 13C-METHIONINE-LABELED HUMAN TRANSFERRIN

[1H, 13C] NMR investigations of metal-induced conformational changes in the blood serum protein transferrin (80 kDa) are reported. These are thought to play an important role in the recognition of this protein by its cellular receptors. [1H, 13C] NMR resonance assignments are presented for all nine methionine 13CH3 groups of recombinant deglycosylated human transferrin on the basis of studies of recombinant N-lobe (40 kDa, five Met residues), NOESY-relayed [1H, 13C] HMQC spectra,1 and structural considerations. The first specific assignments for C-lobe resonances of transferrin are presented. Using methionine 13CH3 resonances as probes, it is shown that, with oxalate as the synergistic anion, Ga3+ binds preferentially to the C-lobe and subsequently to the N-lobe. The NMR shifts of Met464, which is in the Trp460-centered hydrophobic patch of helix 5 in the C-lobe in contact with the anion and metal binding site, show that Ga3+ binding causes movement of side chains within this helix, as is also the case in...
Congestion, Information, and Secret Information in Flow Networks

Some users of a communications network may have more information about traffic on the network than others do-and this fact may be secret. Such secret information would allow the possessor to tailor its own traffic to the traffic of others; this would help the secret information possessor or informed user and (might) harm other uninformed users. To quantitatively study the impact of secret information, we formulate a flow control game with incomplete information where users choose their flows in order to maximize their (expected) utilities given the distribution of the actions of others. In this environment, the natural baseline notion is Bayesian Nash Equilibrium (BNE); we establish the existence of BNE. Next, we assume that there is a user who knows the realized congestion created by other users, but that the presence of this informed user is not known by other uninformed users; thus, the informed user has secret information. For this environment, we define a new equilibrium concept: the Bayesian Nash Equilibrium with Secret Information (BNE-SI) and establish its existence. We establish rigorous estimates for the benefit (to the informed user) and harm (to the uninformed users) that result from secret information; both the benefit and the harm become smaller for large networks. Interestingly, simulations demonstrate that secret information may in fact benefit all users. Secret information may also harm uninformed users in particular scenarios. This analysis can be used as a starting point for securing communications networks, both from the network manager and the user's perspectives.
Decentralized semaphore support in a virtual shared-memory system

Distributed shared memory has increasingly become a desirable programming model on which to program multicomputer systems. Such systems strike a balance between the performance attainable in distributed-memory multiprocessors and the ease of programming on shared-memory systems. In shared-memory systems, concurrent tasks communicate through shared variables, and synchronization of access to shared data is an important issue. Semaphores have been traditionally used to provide this synchronization. In this paper we propose a decentralized scheme to support semaphores in a virtual shared-memory system. Our method of grouping semaphores into semaphore pages and caching a semaphore at a processor on demand eliminates the reliability problems and bottlenecks associated with centralized schemes. We compare the performance of our scheme with a centralized implementation of semaphores and conclude that our system performs better under high semaphore access rates as well as larger numbers of processors.
High-pressure effects on bacteria

Laser treatment of tissues can generate elevated pressures in the kilobar range. This review will provide an overview of the known cellular and biochemical effects of elevated pressure. As an example of pressure effects on enzyme structure/function. I will present results on the effects of high pressure on the stability and activity of the enzyme DNA gyrase. Information will also be provided on the pressure shock response of the bacterium Escherichia coli to abrupt shifts in elevated hydrostatic pressure. Finally, I will describe an unusual group of organisms which have evolved specialized adaptations for life at high pressure. These are the deep-sea barophilic ('pressure loving') bacteria.
Controlled Synthesis of Silica Capsules: Taming the Reactivity of SiCl4 Using Flow and Chemistry

Abstract Monodisperse silica microcapsules are typically fabricated using hard templating methods. Though soft templating methods are known, none yet provides a fast and easy method to produce monodisperse capsules. Herein, we describe a mesofluidic strategy whereby monodisperse droplets of reactive silica precursors are formed using a snap-off mechanism via a T junction. Both the mesofluidic system and the composition of the reactive silica formulation are critical features. Using solid- and solution-state 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy, we have developed models for why some formulations form exploding capsules, why some capsules contain crystalline materials, and why some capsules have thin or thick walls.
Mid-year progress report 2004

now that this editorial team has completed its first term, it is with great pleasure that I briefly update our readers regarding the journal's progress. Various statistics from 2003 have been trickling in, and although they are uniformly encouraging, it is perhaps the feedback that we are receiving
Molybdate binding by ModA, the periplasmic component of the Escherichia coli mod molybdate transport system.

ModA, the periplasmic-binding protein of the Escherichia coli mod transport system was overexpressed and purified. Binding of molybdate and tungstate to ModA was found to modify the UV absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of the protein. Titration of these changes showed that ModA binds molybdate and tungstate in a 1:1 molar ratio. ModA showed an intrinsic fluorescence emission spectrum attributable to its three tryptophanyl residues. Molybdate binding caused a conformational change in the protein characterized by: (i) a shift of tryptophanyl groups to a more hydrophobic environment; (ii) a quenching (at pH 5.0) or enhancement (at pH 7.8) of fluorescence; and (iii) a higher availability of tryptophanyl groups to the polar quencher acrylamide. The tight binding of molybdate did not allow an accurate estimation of the binding constants by these indirect methods. An isotopic binding method with 99MoO42− was used for accurate determination of KD (20 nM) and stoichiometry (1:1 molar ratio). ModA bound tungstate with approximately the same affinity, but did not bind sulfate or phosphate. These KDs are 150- to 250-fold lower than those previously reported, and compatible with the high molybdate transport affinity of the mod system. The affinity of ModA for molybdate was also determined in vivo and found to be similar to that determined in vitro.
Percentage labeled mitoses curves in exponentially growing cell populations.

Abstract Integral equations are used to calculate the age density function for each phase of the life cycle (G1, S, G2and M) in an exponentially growing cell population. The age density functions of labeled cells after a pulse of tritiated thymidine are also obtained. From these it is a simple matter to determine the fraction of labeled mitoses as a function of time (“PLM-curve”). The Laplace transform of the PLM-function is exhibited in closed form. Some special cases in which the transform can be easily inverted, including the work of Takahashi (1966) , are examined in detail. It is pointed out that the results of Barrett (1966) apply only to a population in which the expected number of cells remains constant, although for practical purposes it appears that this restriction affects the PLM-curve only slightly.
A new potent radiosensitizer: 1-(2′, 3′-dideoky-α-d-erythro-hex-2′-enopyranosyl)-2-nitroimidazole (RA-263)

Abstract Among a series of 2-nitroimidazole nucleosides synthesized, 1-(2′,3′-dideoxy-α-D-erythro-hex-2′-enopyranosyl)2-nitroimidazole (RA-263) was found to be one of the most effective radiosensitizers. Exponentially growing asynchronous Chinese hamster (V-79) cells were employed for in vitro toxicity tests and radiation survival curves. Although RA-263 was nontoxic to the oxic V-79 cells at a concentration of 1 mM up to 4 hr exposure, cell growth was completely inhibited of the hypoxic cells under these conditions. The β-isomer of RA-263 was comparatively less cytotoxic to the hypoxic cells since 43% cells survived under similar conditions. RA-263 produced an enhancement ratio (ER) of 2.0 at 0.5 mM, higher concentrations markedly suppressed the shoulder region of the radiation cell survival curve and produced a significant increase in radiosensitization. The acute LD50, of RA-263 in CDF1 mice was found to be 3.3 g/kg, indicating that RA-263 is approximately 2.5 times less toxic than misonidazole. Pharmacokinetic studies in C57 mice bearing B16 melanoma produced a favorable tumor/plasma ratio of 0.88 and brain/plasma ratio of 0.16 after 30 min at the dose level of 1 mg/g administered intraperitoneally. In vivo radiosensitization studies in BALB/c mice bearing EMT6 mammary tumor indicate that RA-263 is as effective a sensitizer as misonidazole at an equivalent dose of 1 mg/g. Increasing the dose of RA-263 to 2 mg/g caused a significant increase in radiosensitization. These data suggest that RA-263 may be superior to misonidazole as a radiosensitizer for potential clinical use.
Stain-Free total protein staining is a superior loading control to β-actin for Western blots

Semi-quantification of proteins using Western blots typically involves normalization against housekeeping genes such as β-actin. More recently, Ponceau S and Coomassie blue staining have both been shown to be suitable alternatives to housekeeping genes as loading controls. Stain-Free total protein staining offers the advantage of no staining or destaining steps. Evaluation of the use of Stain-Free staining as an alternative to β-actin or the protein stain Ponceau S showed that Stain-Free staining was superior to β-actin and as good as or better than Ponceau S staining as a loading control for Western blots.
A Water-Soluble Poly(phenylene ethynylene) with Pendant Phosphonate Groups. Synthesis, Photophysics, and Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembled Films†

This paper reports the synthesis, optical, and thin-film-forming properties of a new water-soluble poly(phenylene ethynylene) that features phosphonate solubilizing groups. The new polymer, PPE-PO3-, is prepared by a synthetic route that involves initial preparation of a neutral analogue polymer in which the phosphonate groups are in the form of dibutyl esters. The neutral polymer is converted to the water-soluble form by cleavage of the phosphonate ester groups using (CH3)3SiBr. PPE-PO3- absorbs in the blue of the visible region and features a moderately intense fluorescence. The absorption and fluorescence of the polymer vary strongly with pH, an effect which is believed to arise because the polymer exists in a strongly aggregated form at low pH and in a relatively unaggregated state at high pH. Ultrathin multilayer films of the PPE-PO3- are deposited by the layer-by-layer (LbL) method using either the cationic polyelectrolyte poly(diallyldimethylamine) or Zr(IV) as deposition “partners”. Absorption spe...
Detection and resolution of closely related satellite DNA sequences by molecular cloning.

Highly repeated satellite DNAs often consist of mixtures of DNAs with closely related repeating sequences. By cloning individual molecules we have resolved the 1.705 g/cm3 satellite DNA of Drosophila melanogaster into two distinct components: polydA-A-G-A-GT-T-C-T-C and polydA-A-G-A-G-A-GT-T-C-T-C-T-C. The presence of two distinct sequences within this physically homogeneous satellite DNA had not previously been detected by standard physical, chemical, or sequencing techniques. Both cloning and direct sequence analysis suggest that the five-base-pair and seven-base-pair repeating units reside on separate molecules and are not interspersed with each other.
Xeroradiography of dental structures. III. Pilot clinical studies

A new experimental intraoral dental xeroradiographic system was evaluated for future application in dentistry. Similar projections on conventional film radiographs and experimental dental xeroradiographs were compared visually and radiation exposure for both techniques was measured by thermoluminescent dosimetry. The xeroradiographic system was judged superior for imaging most structures, especially oral soft tissues, subtle bony abnormalities, and fine calculus deposits. Furthermore, xeroradiography requires only one third the radiation exposure of corresponding conventional film techniques. Dental xeroradiography appears to have great promise in radiographic interpretation of oral disease.
Reaction of ethylene with trinuclear hydrido cluster complexes of ruthenium formation and fragmentation of μ-propionyl complexes: crystal and molecular structure of Ru2{μ-OC(Et)}2(CO)6

A variety of edge double-bridged trinuclear hydrido cluster complexes of ruthenium react with ethylene under mild conditions and in some cases with the uptake of CO to form compounds containing a bridging propionyl group. Three general reactions are described. (1) In hexane solution halo-hydrido complexes Ru3(μ-H,μ-X)(CO)10, (X = Cl, Br or I, 1a, b or c) react with ethylene (3 atm) and CO (1 atm) at room temperature, forming within 20 h the corresponding propionyl halide complexes Ru3{(μ-X,μ-OC(Et)}(CO)10, (X = Cl, Br or I, 2a, b or c) in yields of 63, 82 and 66%, respectively. IR, NMR and analytical data are presented. (2) In THF solution, the sodium salts of [M3(μ-H,μ-CO)(CO)10]− (M = Ru, 3 or Os, 4) react with ethylene to form new anionic species which, following acidification, yield the corresponding hydridopropionyl complexes M3{μ-H,μ-OC(Et)}(CO)10, M = Ru, 5a, M = Os, 6. IR and NMR data are presented. (3) In hexane solution complex 5a reacts further with ethylene under the same mild conditions to yield products indicating fragmentation to Ru(CO)4 (appearing as 13 mol Ru3(CO)12) and the dimer Ru2{μ-OC(Et)}2-(CO) 6, 7a (91% yield). Other hydridoacyl and related complexes of the type Ru3{μ-Hμ-OC(R)}(CO)10, (R = Me, Ph or NMe2, 5b, c or d) react similarly with ethylene under mild conditions to yield 13 mol Ru 3(C0)12 and the dimers Ru2{μ-OC(Et),μ-OC(R)}(CO)6, (R = Me, Ph or NMe2, 7b, c or d) in nearly quantitative (90–100%) yields. IR, NMR and analytical data are presented. Also, a single-crystal X-ray study of 7a was undertaken at 115 K. Complex 7a crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21m with cell dimensions a = 6.730(2) A, b = 13.459(5) A, c = 8.977(3) A, β = 109.14(2)° and Z = 2. The structure was solved by the heavy atom method and refined by full matrix least squares to a final R = 0.034 and Rw = 0.046 for 1850 unique reflections. The binuclear framework consists of two tricarbonyl ruthenium fragments joined by a strong Ru-Ru bond (2.686(1) A) and two bridging propionyl groups crystallographically related to each other by a mirror plane containing the two ruthenium atoms; the acyl carbon atom of each propionyl group is attached to the same ruthenium atom while the oxygen atom of each group is coordinated to the other ruthenium atom. The symmetry-related C-O bond lengths of 1.245(5) A reflect partial double bond character. The trapezoidal Ru-Ru-C(Et)-O rings are planar; the normals to these planes define an angle of 80.8(7)°.
A NEW SYNDROME OF CONGENITALLY DEFECTIVE PHAGOCYTOSIS

Siblings of opposite sex experienced frequent and severe bacterial infections, usually respiratory, from early in childhood. The girl's infections were often accompanied by acute and massive Coombs' positive hemolytic anemia, as well as narked hepatosplenomegaly, both of which responded to steroid therapy. Immunoglobulin levels were slightly low but total hemolytic complement, C'3 and antibody production were normal. Her brother has persistent hepatosplenomegaly with mild anemia and repeated severe pneumonia usually due to Pseudomonas. Routine immunologic studies were also normal. Phagocyte function in terms of particle uptake and bacterial killing in both is normal, whereas their serum fails to support the phagocytosis of bacteria by normal white cells in vitro. This defect is corrected by the addition of normal serum to the assay, but not by heat inactivated serum, and opsonin activity of normal serum is not inhibited by patients' serum. No defect can be identified in the parents. The opsonizing deficiency is most marked with gram negative bacteria with 80 to 135%. of initial bacteria surviving at 2 hours, the majority extracellular, as compared to less than 107. survival using normal serum. Present studies suggest a defect in the alternate pathway of complement activation. The patients have been essentially well for several months while receiving infusions of fresh frozen plasma twice monthly.
Disconnected Interacting Protein 1 binds with high affinity to pre-tRNA and ADAT

Disconnected Interacting Protein 1 (DIP1), a member of the double-stranded RNA-binding protein family based on amino acid sequence, was shown previously to form complexes with multiple transcription factors in Drosophila melanogaster. To explore this protein further, we have undertaken sedimentation equilibrium experiments that demonstrate that DIP1-c (longest isoform of DIP1) is a dimer in solution, a characteristic common to other members of the dsRNA-binding protein family. The closest sequence identity for DIP1 is found within the dsRBD sequences of RNA editase enzymes. Consistent with this role, we demonstrate binding of DIP1-c to a potential physiological RNA target: pre-tRNA. In addition, DIP1-c was shown to interact with ADAT, a tRNA deaminase that presumably modifies pre-tRNAs. From these data, we hypothesize that DIP1 may serve an integrator role by binding its dsRNA ligand and recruiting protein partners for the appropriate metabolism of the bound RNA.
The effect of hydrogen peroxide on the rubidium transport of the rat lens.

Abstract The possibilities of ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide, a product of ascorbate oxidation, influencing the cation transport mechanism in the lens have been further explored. Since the possibility that the ascorbate effect on the cation transport of the lens may be largely due to the hydrogen peroxide further studies were made with peroxide. When the lens was incubated in a medium containing hydrogen peroxide but not glucose, the uptake of rubidium ion was adversely affected. Thus peroxide had similar effects as ascorbate. The addition of glucose to the medium abolishes both the hydrogen peroxide or the ascorbate effect. Hydrogen peroxide, lowered the glutathione level of the lens whereas ascorbate did not.
SPP: An anti-phishing single password protocol

Most users have multiple accounts on the Internet where each account is protected by a password. To avoid the headache in remembering and managing a long list of different and unrelated passwords, most users simply use the same password for multiple accounts. Unfortunately, the predominant HTTP basic authentication protocol (even over SSL) makes this common practice remarkably dangerous: an attacker can effectively steal users' passwords for high-security servers (such as an online banking website) by setting up a malicious server or breaking into a low-security server (such as a high-school alumni website). Furthermore, the HTTP basic authentication protocol is vulnerable to phishing attacks because a client needs to reveal his password to the server that the client wants to login. In this paper, we propose a protocol that allows a client to securely use a single password across multiple servers, and also prevents phishing attacks. Our protocol achieves client authentication without the client revealing his password to the server at any point. Therefore, a compromised server cannot steal a client's password and replay it to another server. Our protocol is simple, secure, efficient and user-friendly. In terms of simplicity, it only involves three messages. In terms of security, the protocol is secure against the attacks that have been discovered so far including the ones that are difficult to defend, such as the malicious server attacks described above and the recent phishing attacks. Essentially our protocol is an anti-phishing password protocol. In terms of efficiency, each run of our protocol only involves a total of four computations of a one-way hash function. In terms of usability, the protocol requires a user to remember only one password consisting of eight (or more) random characters, and this password can be used for all of his accounts.
Contamination Resulting from the Release of Radioactive Liquid Wastes to the Tennessee River System

The high-volume, low-level radioactive liquid wastes originating at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are dispersed into the Tennessee River System by way of White Oak Creek and the Clinch River, Releases are controlled so that the resulting average concentration in the Clinch River complies with permissible levels set forth by the National Committee on Radiation Protection and the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Since 1951 measurements have been made of the radioactivity in the water and of the accumulation of radioactivity on the bottom sediment of the Clinch and Tennessee Rivers. Findings of the surveys on radioactivity on the bottom sediment are summarized for 1954 through 1958. (C.H.)
Kava Pirates in Vanuatu

Cultural property activists have worried about the bioprospecting, or even biopiracy, of kava ( Piper methysticum ), a plant exchanged and consumed for many Pacific social and ritual purposes. By the 1990s, kava and concoctions made from the plant's component kavalactones were increasingly popular products within global markets for recreational and medicinal drugs. Starting in 2002, however, a number of European countries among others banned kava imports after initial reports that some heavy users suffered liver damage. This has complicated the kava story as producer efforts shifted from protecting rights to the plant to reopening blocked export markets. The difficulty is to both push kava into global markets while protecting local rights to the plant. A promising strategy may be developing consumer awareness of geographic indicators and “noble” kava varieties that Vanuatu's local producers may control yet globally market as “the best in the world.”
Mechanical properties of products of thermocatalytic and radiolytic styrene–acrylonitrile copolymerization

The mechanical properties of styrene (S)-acrylonitrile (AN) mixtures, ranging from 20 to 80 wt % S, polymerized by thermocatalytic and radiolytic techniques were studied. Maximum compressive and tensile strength was obtained for the mixture containing 60 wt % styrene. The hardness increased with styrene concentration up to 40 wt % and then remained nearly constant. Radiolytic copolymerization gave stronger copolymers than thermal copolymerization since irradiation enhances crosslinking. For the same composition, as the dose increases, the strength increases to a maximum and then decreases due to competing rates of crosslinking and degradation. 5 figures.
Inline frequency-non-degenerate phase-sensitive fibre parametric amplifier for fibre-optic communication

Error-free transmission of 2.5 Gbit/s data over 60 km of dispersion-compensated standard single-mode fibre is demonstrated by using an inline phase-sensitive fibre-parametric amplifier and double-sideband data modulation format. The power penalty for the phase-sensitive amplifier was found to be 10−6 and <2 dB compared to that for an equivalent phase-insensitive fibre-parametric amplifier of the same gain.
Differential games in large-scale sensor-actuator networks

Surveillance systems based on sensor network technology have been shown to successfully detect, classify and track targets of interest over a large area. State information collected via the sensor network also enables these systems to actuate mobile agents so as to achieve surveillance goals such as target capture and asset protection. But satisfying these goals is complicated by the fact that track information in a sensor network is routed to mobile agents through multi-hop communication links and is thus subject to delays and losses. In addition, as the sensor network is scaled in size, high throughput rates for all pursuers cannot be sustained at all times, which necessitates a network communication strategy that adapts to pursuer information requirements.In this paper, we concentrate on the formulation of optimal pursuit control strategies in the presence of network effects, assuming that target track information has been established locally in the sensor network. We adapt ideas from the theory of differential games to networked games --including ones involving non-periodic track updates, message losses and message delays-- to derive optimal strategies, bounds on the information requirements, and scaling properties of these bounds. Moreover, we present a specific network communication protocol which has the required scalable information characteristics and conclude with the results of experimental studies.
Sampling nitric oxide from combustion gases

Experimental study of several sampling tube and probe material compositions and designs aimed at preventing nitric oxide reduction when sampling nitric oxide from combustion gases. A 250,000 Btu/h furnace fired with technical grade methane was used for testing the sampling probes over a wide range of air-fuel mixtures. The results obtained include the finding that the use of stainless steel in probes creates inaccuracies in near-stoichiometric and fuel-rich sampling in hydrocarbon flames. For very fuel-rich flames, water cooling is needed even in quartz probes to prevent significant reduction of nitric oxide.-
Cloning and sequencing of the bovine flavocytochrome b subunit proteins, gp91-phox and p22-phox: comparison with other known flavocytochrome b sequences

Neutrophils play an essential role in the cellular defense of the bovine mammary gland and compromised leukocyte function has been linked to the development of bovine mastitis. During masti- tis, large numbers of leukocytes migrate into the mammary tissues where they become activated, resulting in the assembly of neutrophil membrane and cytosolic proteins to form a superoxide anion- generating complex known as the NADPH oxidase. The key membrane-associated component of the NADPH oxidase is flavocytochrome b, which is a heterodimer of p22-phox and gp91-phox. Cur- rently, only the human, porcine, murine, and rattus p22-phox and the human, porcine, and murine gp91-phox gene sequences are known. Because of the important role neutrophils play in bovine host defense, we carried out studies to clone, sequence, and analyze expression of bovine flavocytochrome b. Using polymerase chain reaction cloning tech- niques and a bovine spleen cDNA library we have cloned both of the bovine flavocytochrome b sub- units, p22-phox and gp91-phox. Comparison of the bovine sequences with those of other species also revealed important information regarding key struc- tural features of gp91-phox and p22-phox, includ- ing location of putative glycosylation sites. This study greatly contributes to our understanding of the potential functional sites of the flavocyto- chrome b subunits as well as providing information that can be used to study the role of neutrophils in bovine inflammatory diseases such as mastitis. J. Leukoc. Biol. 64: 114-123; 1998.
Ideophones’ challenges for typological linguistics: The case of Pastaza Quichua

Typological studies of motion verbs have struggled to conceptualize a framework that would adequately account for languages which make use of ideophoness for expressing manner of motion. This paper examines ideophones in the Pastaza Quichua dialect of Amazonian Ecuador, with a special focus on the structural patterns observable in two categories of Quichua verbs of motion: verbs of motion by limited translocation and verbs of motion by nonlimited translocation. These two types of verbs and their ideophones manifest 5 major patterns of verb/ideophone interaction, which may be schematized with a gradient scale of possibilities. On the one hand, verbs and their ideophones may come together and coalesce into a unity of meaning, a meaning that is, in fact, lexicalized in one verb form by other languages. On the other hand, verbs and their ideophones may be more inclined toward a ‘separatist semantics’, in which each entity expresses a conceptually distinctive action, event, or process. These patterns problematize several assumptions made in typological studies.
The Socialization of Achievement in Poor and Minority Students A Comparative Study

Ethnic similarities and differences in children’s perceptions of their parents’ educational socialization practices and attributions for success and failure, and the impact of these variables on mathematics achievement, were examined in a sample of 591 poor African American, Latino, Indo-Chinese, and Caucasian fifth and sixth graders. Students completed the Educational Socialization Scale (ESS), the Sydney Attribution Scale (SAS), and the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) in math. Results revealed distinct ethnic differences in perceptions of educational socialization and attributions. However, the factors that distinguished the groups were not the ones that predicted higher mathematics achievement. Rather, the authors found evidence for the notion that higher achievement is predicted by both cultural universals as well as cultural specifics. Findings are discussed in terms of the culture and contexts of achievement.
Grand challenges in analyzing EM band-gap structures: an FDTD/Prony technique based on the split-field approach

The finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique is an approach to efficiently investigate the broadband characteristics of periodic structures. The challenge in this paper is to develop an efficient and powerful computational engine utilizing the FDTD/Prony method to obtain the electromagnetic characteristics of the periodic structures composed of complex scatterers of dielectrics and conductors of arbitrary shape. It is demonstrated that the FDTD/Prony technique is a powerful engine in the characterization of complex electromagnetic structures.
Alteration of the humoral immune response against muscle acetylcholine receptor by timed administration of α(1 → 3)dextran

Previously, we discovered a profound idiotypic connectivity among antibodies involved in the immune responses to alpha(1----3)dextran (Dex) and the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). The present studies were undertaken to assess whether these connections represent functional pathways for regulation. It was found that immunization of mice with Dex prior to challenge with AChR reduced the subsequent response to receptor. The timing of the Dex administration was crucial for this effect with a 6-day delay between Dex and AChR being optimal whereas 0- or 12-day delays proved ineffective. The suppressive effect was specific for Dex, as treatment with the closely related, but idiotypically distinct, alpha(1----6)dextran did not diminish the anti-AChR response. Consistent with functional connections in the AChR-Dex network, an inverse relationship between anti-AChR and anti-Dex antibodies was observed in these studies. Thus, high levels of anti-AChR antibodies were associated with low levels of anti-Dex antibodies and vice versa. A similar relationship was observed for serum antibodies from patients with myasthenia gravis. To investigate the mechanism for the antigen-induced cross-regulation, hybridomas were constructed from spleen cells of mice treated 6 days earlier with Dex. A variety of idiotypes (Id), anti-Id and anti-anti-Id were obtained from this fusion. In addition, sera from day-6 mice were examined for the expression of key anti-Id which might provide regulation in the anti-AChR response. The main feature of these sera was the presence of EB3-7-reactive antibodies which did not bind Dex, and hence were not identical to J558. A monoclonal antibody with similar properties was obtained from the day-6 fusion (DX6) which had additional binding specificity for anti-AChR antibodies. Antibodies induced by Dex immunization appear to participate in the cross-regulation observed here. Understanding the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon will have important implications for network theory and for prediction of immune responsiveness.
The effect of magnetic field alignment on heat transfer in liquid metal blanket channels

Several liquid-metal blanket design concepts employ rectangular ducts. If the duct walls can be accurately aligned with the magnetic field, substantial improvement in heat transfer may result due to the favorable characteristics of MHD (magnetohydrodynamic) side layers. A detailed analysis of the velocity and temperature profiles has been carried out under fully developed flow conditions for reactor-relevant Hartmann numbers in the range of 5000 and a wall conductance ration of 0.01. The results show that substantial changes in the wall temperatures can result from changes of only a few degrees in the magnetic field angle. An assessment of the possible sources of misalignment in an operating power-reactor blanket suggests that it will be very difficult to maintain sufficiently good alignment to fully exploit side layers as a means to enhance heat transfer. >
Construction risk assessment by linguistics

The authors introduce the concept of construction project analysis by fuzzy set theory and provide a methodology for risk assessment by linguistics. It is shown that the use of fuzzy sets will allow an analyst to communicate degrees of risk of individual project elements to people in readily understood language terms. Once these individual risk elements are communicated, fuzzy set theory would then permit an evaluation of the overall risk of a construction project. An illustrative example is presented. >