cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Methodology for the construction of a hierarchy of kalman filters for nonlinear primitive equation models

Abstract In this paper we present a methodology for the construction of a hierarchy of Kalman filters for nonlinear primitive equation (PE) models. We capitalize on the approximations introduced in Fukumori and Malanotte-Rizzoli (1995) that make the filter feasible and efficient for a PE model of the Gulf Stream jet in an idealized zonal channel configuration. These approximations involve a) a method that reduces the model's effective state dimensions; b) use of the error's asymptotic steady-state limit; c) a time-invariant linearization of the dynamic model used only for the time integration of the state error covariance matrix. Here we eliminate the time-invariance with two different procedures. In the first one we allow for full time evolution of the error covariance but preserve the time-invariant linearization of model dynamics around a unique mean state. The second procedure allows for the covariance time-evolution by time evolving the linearization of the model dynamics around successive 10 day intervals. The error covariance matrix evaluated asymptotically for each 10 day interval is then updated accordingly. We use again the idealized zonal channel configuration for the evolution of an unstable, highly nonlinear jet. The assimilated dataset consists of velocity pseudo-observations taken at two identical arrays of 13 moorings each designed to encompass the region of growing, finite amplitude meanders mimicking the Gulf Stream behavior. We summarize our results as follows. The first conclusion concerns the importance of specifying full covariances instead of the usual assumption of white noise. Estimates based upon the linearized dynamics of the model provide quite successful assimilation results even in the steady-state asymptotic limit. This result strongly suggests that accurate specification of process noise maybe the most critical issue for Kalman filtering. The second conclusion is that nonlinearities in the model may be more important than the covariance time evolution per se when based on a time-invariant linearization. Allowing for time variation of the covariance through the second procedure outlined above produces better assimilation estimates of the model variables. Thus a procedure similer to, but simpler than, extended Kalman filtering would be affordable and efficient while allowing to take into account important nonlinearities through successive linearizations around different mean states.
DNA/RNA Flexibility

Flexibility of DNA and RNA molecules are characteristics that describe resistance of these polymers to conformational distortion. The bending flexibility of nucleic acid molecules is an important factor that governs local interactions involved in protein–nucleic acid recognition and RNA folding as well as global properties such as supercoiling and genome organization. Keywords: worm-like chain; rotational diffusion; ring-closure kinetics; intrinsic bend
Effects of fast neutron radiation on polypropylene

Capacitor-grade polypropylene films were irradiated in a 2-MW thermal nuclear reactor and exposed to fast neutron radiation at a flux rate of 2.6*10/sup 12/ neutron/cm/sup 2/ s and gamma radiation at a level of 10/sup 7/ rad/h. The postirradiation effects on changes in the electrical and chemical properties of the films were studied for irradiation times up to 10 h. The electrical properties were DC and AC breakdown voltages, life under pulsed voltage stress, dielectric permittivity, dielectric losses, and volume resistivity. Chemical analysis was performed using the infrared spectroscopy technique. Small changes were detected in the dielectric strength, dielectric properties, and volume resistivity of the film. These changes are believed to be caused by oxidation of the polypropylene film, as was evidenced by the infrared spectra showing an increase in the carbonyl absorption peak at 1720 cm/sup -1/. >
Structure of liquid crystals in a confined geometry

We present the results of our structural measurements on smectic liquid crystal films deposited on photolithographed gratings on both glass and silicon substrates. These gratings have periods in the range of 664 nm - 200 micrometers , and the depths of up to 2 micrometers . We found that both silicon and glass gratings are able to align the liquid crystal in the period range 664 nm - 24 micrometers , as determined using both x-ray diffraction and optical microscopy. This result sets upper and lower boundaries for grating preparation. The results of our measurements were fit to a multilayer orientational model in order to determine the thickness of the observed aligned layer. We discuss the possible impact of our results on large area display packaging and preparation.
Characterization of the Binding of Recombinant Mouse Sperm Fertilin β Subunit to Mouse Eggs: Evidence for Adhesive Activity via an Egg β1Integrin-Mediated Interaction

Abstract The sperm protein fertilin (also known as PH-30) is a candidate for mediating the interactions between sperm and egg plasma membranes. Fertilin is a heterodimer. The β subunit, which has a region with homology to the family of integrin ligands known as disintegrins, has been hypothesized to be involved in the binding of sperm to the egg surface. To investigate this hypothesis and determine what role fertilin β plays in fertilization, we have expressed the putative extracellular domain of mouse fertilin β in bacteria as a fusion protein with maltose-binding protein (hereafter referred to as recombinant fertilin β-EC) and used two assays to characterize its binding to mouse eggs. Immunocytochemistry was used to examine the localization of recombinant fertilin β-EC binding. A luminometric assay was also developed to quantify levels of binding of recombinant fertilin β-EC to single eggs. We find that recombinant fertilin β-EC binds to the region of the plasma membrane of the egg to which sperm bind, thus providing the first direct evidence that fertilin β has adhesive properties. Peptides corresponding to the disintegrin domain of fertilin β reduce its binding to eggs, suggesting that this domain is at least partially involved in the recognition of fertilin β by binding sites on the egg. Treatment of zona pellucida-free eggs with chymotrypsin reduces the ability of the eggs to support the binding of recombinant fertilin β-EC, implicating an egg surface protein as a binding site for recombinant fertilin β-EC. Binding of recombinant fertilin β-EC to eggs is also reduced in the absence of divalent cations and is supported by 2.0 mMCa2+, Mg2+, or Mn2+. Furthermore, eggs incubated in recombinant fertilin β-EC prior toin vitrofertilization show reduced levels of sperm binding. Finally, we have examined the possible role of integrins on eggs as receptors for fertilin β, since an anti-α6integrin subunit monoclonal antibody, GoH3, has been shown to inhibit sperm binding (E. A. C. Almeidaet al.(1995)Cell81, 1095–1104). We find that: (a) an increased amount of GoH3 epitope on the egg surface does not correlate with an increased ability of the eggs to bind sperm or recombinant fertilin β-EC; (b) the GoH3 antibody has virtually no inhibitory effect on recombinant fertilin β-EC binding; and (c) recombinant fertilin β-EC binding is reduced in the presence of anti-β1integrin antibodies. These results suggest that a β1-containing integrin participates in the binding of recombinant fertilin β-EC to mouse eggs.
Hip fracture and its consequences: differences between men and women

This article describes the state of knowledge regarding gender differences with respect to hip fracture and its subsequent outcomes. Most of the work to date investigating hip fracture patients has been done with women, yet some evidence from a few studies with a significant number of male hip fracture patients and from nonfracture samples suggests that women and men may be different at the time of fracture and will have a different course of recovery.
A Novel Non-Natural Nucleoside That Influences P-Glycoprotein Activity and Mediates Drug Resistance

Multidrug resistance during cancer chemotherapy is commonly acquired by overexpression of the ATP binding cassette transporter, P-glycoprotein (P-gp). As such, inhibitors that target P-gp activity represent potential therapeutic agents against this form of drug resistance. This study evaluated the ability of various non-natural nucleosides that mimic the core structure of adenosine to modulate drug resistance by inhibiting the ATPase activity to P-gp. Of several analogues tested, only one novel non-natural nucleoside, 5-cyclohexylindolyl-2′-deoxyribose (5-CHInd), behaves as a P-gp inhibitor. Although 5-CHInd is an adenosine analogue that should block the binding of ATP, the non-natural nucleoside surprisingly stimulates the ATPase activity of P-gp in vitro. However, 5-CHInd is not an exportable substrate for P-gp as it is not transported across an MDCK-MDR1 monolayer. In addition, 5-CHInd differentially modulates MDR by decreasing or increasing the cytotoxicity of several chemotherapeutic agents. Although...
Trust: The scarcest of medical resources

In this paper, I claim that the doctor-patient relationship can be viewed as a vessel of trust. Nonetheless, trust within the doctor-patient relationship has been impaired by managed care. When we conceive of trust as social capital, focusing on the role that it plays in individual and social well-being, trust can be viewed as a public good and a scarce medical resource. Given this, there is a moral obligation to protect the doctor-patient relationship from the cost-containment mechanisms that compromise its ability to produce trust.
Tracing tropical Andean glaciers over space and time: Some lessons and transdisciplinary implications

Tropical Andean glaciers are sensitive to climate changes over different temporal and spatial scales and are important hydrological resources. They exist in a dynamic interface between the atmosphere and lithosphere, hypothesized to influence rates of tectonic uplift. An accurate understanding of the extent and timing of past tropical glacial advances is a crucial source of paleoclimatic information for the validation and comparison of global climate models. Both present-day glacier recession and field evidence of past episodes of deglaciation in the Central Andes of Peru and Bolivia have been used to test hypotheses about how these glaciers respond to climatic forcing, and likewise impact developing societies and ecosystems downstream. Results from three facets of this research into tropical glacial recession are reviewed. In this context, glacial-environmental assessment is discussed as a focal point for transdisciplinary investigations of both physical and human dimensions of climate change. Important insights are gained when these ice masses are evaluated from different disciplinary perspectives as transient phases of water in specific topographic contexts.
Therapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis

There have been many treatment modalities used for the therapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Although treatment need not be given for cosmetically insignificant lesions, which are often self-limited, therapy is usually indicated for larger, cosmetically significant and disfiguring lesions, and lesions which progress. This review summarizes the published evidence in support of the numerous therapeutic options that have been employed for cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Dyspnea and panic among patients with newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Context Among patients with lung cancer, dyspnea is associated with psychological distress, fatigue, and poor coping. Respiratory symptoms are also a common trigger for panic attacks in the general population. Minimal research has addressed the prevalence of panic disorder or the association of dyspnea with the risk of panic disorder in lung cancer. Objectives We explored the frequency of panic disorder symptoms and the association of dyspnea with the risk of panic disorder symptoms among patients with newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer. Methods During 2006–2010, consecutive patients presenting for initial consultation at a thoracic oncology clinic completed a survey of current symptoms, including dyspnea and panic disorder symptoms. We evaluated the frequency of panic disorder symptoms. Logistic regression was used to test the association of dyspnea with the risk of panic disorder symptoms, adjusting for age, gender, disease stage, performance status, and major depression symptoms. Results Among 624 patients (mean age=63.7; standard deviation=12.1; 52.6% female), 48.1% reported that breathing was at least somewhat difficult and 11.2% endorsed panic disorder symptoms. Dyspnea was independently associated with higher risk of panic disorder symptoms (odds ratio=2.19, 95% confidence interval=1.11–4.31, P=0.02). Younger age and major depression symptoms also were associated with higher risk (P Conclusion Almost half of the patients with newly diagnosed non-small cell lung cancer reported dyspnea, and patients with dyspnea were more than twice as likely to endorse panic disorder symptoms relative to patients without dyspnea. Results highlight the need to differentiate panic disorder symptoms among patients who report dyspnea, particularly those who are younger or experiencing major depression symptoms.
On estimating the reliability of ecological forecasts.

Abstract Recent work has highlighted the utility of nonparametric forecasting methods for predicting ecological time series ( Perretti et al., 2013 . Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 110, 5253–5257). However, one topic that has received considerably less attention is the quantification of uncertainty in nonparametric forecasts. This important topic was brought to the forefront in the recent work by Jabot (2014. J. Theor. Biol.). Here, we add to this emerging discussion by reviewing the available methods for quantifying forecast uncertainty in nonparametric models. We conclude with a demonstration of one such method using the simulation model of Jabot (2014. J. Theor. Biol.). We find that nonparametric forecast error is accurately estimated with as few as 10 observations in the time series.
Organ Markets: Problems Beyond Harms to Vendors

For more than a quarter century, the World Health Organization (WHO) has encouraged nations to ban the purchase or sale of human organs for transplantation from living or deceased donors (WHO 2010)...
Ultra-Low-Photon-Defect Cryo-Laser Performance of Resonantly Diode-Pumped Er 3+ :YAG

We report what is believed to be the first ultra-low-photon-defect resonantly diode- pumped Er:YAG cryo-laser. Quasi-CW laser performance at 85 K in this initial experiment was found to be 58% efficient. Quasi-CW power of ~22 W was achieved.
Preparation of volatile molecular lithium-niobium alkoxides. Crystal structures of [Nb(μ-OCH2SiMe3)(OCH2SiMe3)4]2 and [LiNb(μ3-OCH2SiMe3)-(μ2-OCH2SiMe3)2(OCH2SiMe3]2

Abstract New heterometallic alkoxides [LiNb(OCH2CMe3)6]2 (4), LiNb(OCH2CMe3)6(Me3CCH2OH)2 (5), and [LiNb(OCH2SiMe3)6]2 (6) have been prepared from the corresponding homometallic alkoxides. All are moderately soluble in hydrocarbons and sublime in moderate to good recoveries. The structure of 6 determined crystallographically contains an Nb2Li2(μ-O)4(μ3-O)2 central-core geometry. Compound 4 appears to be isostructural on the basis of 1H NMR data. Bulk pyrolysis of 4 gives crystalline LiNbO3 under N2 at 600°C. However, LiNbO3 films are not obtained from 4 by spray MOCVD under conditions that give LiNbO3 films from [LiNb(OEt)6]∞. Crystallographic structure determination for the precursor compound [Nb(μ-OCH2SiMe3)(OCH2SiMe3)4]2 (3) reveals an edge-shared biotahedral geometry in which the μ-O atoms are distinctly pyramidal. This structure is maintained in solution; the pyramidal bridge configurations allow coexistence of syn and anti dimeric isomers. Precursor 3 also exhibits a dimer-monomer equilibrium for which ΔH = 63(3) kJ/mol and ΔS = 180(10) J/(K mol).
IRRADIATION AND BCNU EFFECTS IN THE STROMA IN A RAT TRANSPLANTED GLIOMA MODEL: ANALYSIS OF CEREBRAL TUMOR BED EFFECT

F-344 rats were treated with whole-brain fractionated or unfractionated 137Cs at several time intervals up to 6 weeks before they received intracerebral grafts of an ethylnitrosourea-induced rat astrocytoma (36B-10). Rats treated with a single dose of 18 Gy at 3- and 2 week intervals prior to tumor implantation died earlier than unirradiated control tumor recipients (P less than 0.05, log rank sum test). Delivered 2 weeks prior to tumor grafting single doses of 10, 15, and 20, but not 5 Gy also reduced animal life span (P less than 0.05). Similarly, a total dose of 38 but not 28.5, 19, or 9.5 Gy, each delivered in five daily fractions 2 1/2 weeks before tumor grafting, shortened survival (P less than 0.05). Chemotherapy with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (13.3 mg/kg) alone or in combination with a single-dose of irradiation of 18 Gy 3 weeks preceding transplantation showed no effect on animal survival. Unirradiated control tumors demonstrated sheets of densely-packed isomorphic astrocytes, perivascular brain parenchymal invasion, sparse, thin-walled vasculature, frequent mitoses, but little necrosis or hemorrhage. The tumors of rats irradiated before transplantation showed large areas of confluent necrosis associated with microvascular thrombosis, edema, and multifocal acute hemorrhages. These survival results and morphological changes indicate that the cerebral tumor bed effect involves early animal death and extensive morphological changes in the tumors; and they suggest that tumor cell death in irradiated brain tumors may, in part, result from radiation-induced vascular injury.
Advanced Interactive Personal Computer-Based Process Control Systems for Oxide MOCVD Systems.

A versatile control system, which uses standard commercial software and hardware has been developed and applied to control oxide (and carbide) MOCVD and CVD systems. The control system is implemented within a personal computer platform. The system operates in the real time Microsoft Windows™ environment utilizing the full advantage of the sophisticated graphical user interfaces, dynamic data exchange, networking, and multitasking capabilities. We have used two different sets of commercial software to control and monitor system hardware. The first software set is INTOUCH™, a Man-Machine interface software from WONDERWARE™ in conjunction with Microsoft Excel™ and I/O interface software. The second software set is LABVIEW™, which is primarily a data acquisition control system from National Instruments, combined with Visual Basic™. Both systems include a friendly interactive real-time windows-based user interface, an advanced process entry and recording spread sheet interface, alarm and security management systems, data display and recording, maintenance routines, and complete networking and remote operation capabilities. In addition, the configurations provide a flexible hardware interface that can directly interface to I/O cards in the PC’s bus, as well as to most industrial Programmable Logic Controllers, various types of process controllers, I/O devices and other forms of hardware. Most importantly, the system can interface with any in-situ process monitor or higher level intelligent process control systems in order to optimize the process. Modules may be activated or deactivated as needed (even as part of the process). These systems have been used for home-built systems, as well as to retrofit a modified Spire SPI-MOCVD™ 500XT system. General process interaction and results will be discussed.
Evaluating Animo Model for Predicting Nitrogen Leaching in Rice and Wheat

Nitrogen (N) leaching could be a serious problem for coarse-textured soils. Various models are created to simulate N leaching in coarse-textured soils, but their testing is required to evaluate the accuracy of simulations. This study evaluated the Soil Water Atmosphere Plant (SWAP) and Agricultural NItrogen MOdel (ANIMO) models to predict soil water content and N leaching. Calibration was performed with soil water content data from wheat crop and validation was conducted with NO3-N and NH4-N concentrations data from rice crop of the same field. Hydraulic and various other N rate constants were calibrated using the PEST (Parameter EStimation Technique) model. The calibration of the SWAP model showed differences between measured and predicted soil water content at different soil depths were less than 2/5th of the measured absolute error (MAE). The calibration of the ANIMO model showed relatively large differences between measured and predicted NO3-N concentrations that could be attributed to erratic values ...
Computer identification of waves in the auditory brain stem evoked potentials

Abstract The high reliability with which the waves I through V can be identified in auditory brain stem potential (BAEP) recordings suggests the possibility of using the computer to identify the peaks. This paper examines the application of a smoothing algorithm in which detection of zero crossings in the derivative array of the averaged potentials is used to identify waves I–V in clinical BAEP recordings. A comparison of computer wave identification with human evaluation is presented. The results suggest that computer evaluation cannot entirely replace ‘manualrs evaluation of the waves, but can expedite analysis and alert the clinician to potentially abnormal responses.
Phantom evaluation of angiographer performance using low frame rate acquisition fluoroscopy.

The authors have investigated the effect of 5 frames/s televisionfluoroscopy on the time required to selectively catheterize five test arteries in an angiographic phantom. Here, 5 frames/s acquisition was accomplished by sampling frames from a 30 frames/s video signal. Sampled frames were stored in a video memory which provided continuous display to the fluoroscopist between samples. The test phantom was a plastic model of an aorta with branching vessels immersed in an isodense suspension of barium in water. For four of the five vessels there was no significant difference in time required for catheter placement between 30 frames/s and 5 frames/s.
Participation, Representation, and Social Justice: Using Participatory Governance to Transform Representative Democracy

The direct incorporation of citizens into complex policy-making processes is the most significant innovation of the “third wave” of democratization in the developing world. Participatory governance (PG) institutions are part of a new institutional architecture that increases the connections among citizens and government officials. This article draws from a single case of PG to explore how its particular mechanisms work to transform representative democracy. In the cases examined here, PG institutions are grafted onto representative democracy and existing state institutions. These are state-sanctioned venues that require the intense involvement of citizens and government officials, without which the programs would grind to a halt. These features can expand citizen participation, enrich political representation, and enhance social justice.
Antiemetic effects of 5-HT1A agonists in the pigeon

Abstract Ditolyguanidine (DTG) induced a dose-dependent emetic response in pigeons, with 100% of the birds vomiting after 5.6 mg/kg. Retching and vomiting originally induced by DTG could be conditioned to the test situation. Both the unconditioned and conditioned emetic responses were dose-dependently blocked by 8-hydroxy-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) and LY228729, agonists at the 5-HT 1A subtype of serotonin receptor, but not by the 5-HT 3 antagonist tropisetron. Higher doses (0.25–0.5 mg/kg) of tropisetron exhibited intrinsic emetic activity which could also be prevented by 8-OH-DPAT. NAN-190, a putative 5-HT 1A partial agonist, produced both an antiemetic response when administered before DTG and also attenuated the antiemetic effects of 8-OH-DPAT. Pentobarbital blocked the conditioned, but not the unconditioned DTG-induced emesis. These results support the possibility that 5-HT 1A agonists exhibit antiemetic activity against a broad range of emetic stimuli, including conditioned vomiting which is usually resistant to pharmacological attenuation.
“Ripple Effects” in Youth Peacebuilding and Exchange Programs: Measuring Impacts Beyond Direct Participants

A number of organizations have a mission of encouraging peace throughout the world by enhancing young people’s knowledge and understanding of other countries and cultures. One strategy used to further this mission is international or intercultural exchange programs. Most evaluations of exchange programs gather data only from the direct participants who traveled to another country. But these programs have the potential to have impacts that expand beyond the direct participants—or “ripple effects.” Thus, a more appropriate methodology to evaluate exchange programs is “360-degree feedback,” which gathers data from multiple sources. This study uses 360-degree feedback to evaluate a youth peacebuilding and exchange program by gathering data not only from the exchange students but also from chaperones, host families, and students and teachers in the host school. ANOVA analyses finds that the program had positive impacts on the exchange students and, in many cases, even greater ripple effects on indirect participants.
Applicator for use of cesium-137 miniaturized tube sources in the treatment of uterine cervix cancer

A modified afterloading Kumar Cervical Applicator with a 3 mm diameter central tandem permits insertion of the afterloading tandem into the uterus without need of manual cervical dilatation. While general anesthesia is required for insertion of standard cervical applicators, this is eliminated because the central tandem is no larger than a uterine sound, and the tandem may be painlessly inserted into the uterus while the patient is awake.
NMR in high-pressure phases of solid NH3 and ND3.

Pulsed NMR experiments have been performed under pressure (Pl4.1 kbar) on phases I and II of solid ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{ND}}_{3}$. Line narrowing in ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$-II demonstrates that rapid rotations and diffusion occur. The proton ${T}_{1}$ reflects an activation energy of diffusion of 4400 K (\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}20%). The jump time close to the melting point in ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$-II is 6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}8}$ s. The hexagonal structure of ${\mathrm{ND}}_{3}$-II is confirmed by the observation of a small quadrupole splitting of the deuteron spectrum. The orientation correlation time, as determined from the deuteron ${T}_{1}$, is 1.0\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}12}$ s. Thus, ammonia-II is a typical rotor-phase solid. In ${\mathrm{NH}}_{3}$-I, the pressure dependences of the proton ${T}_{1}$ and ${T}_{1D}$ are used to determine the activation volumes of threefold rotations and diffusion, respectively. By comparing with stimulated-echo experiments in ${\mathrm{ND}}_{3}$-I, we find a small isotope effect upon the diffusion rate. No proton or deuteron NMR evidence was found corresponding to the previously reported premelting transition indicated by the anomalous attenuation of ultrasound in phase I.
Generation of Aspergillus- and CMV- specific T-cell responses using autologous fast DC

Background Recent reports have described a new strategy for differentiation and maturation of monocyte (Mo)-derived DCs within only 48 h of in vitro culture (fast-DC). Here we assess the efficacy of the fast-DC to process and present different Aspergillus fumigatus and CMVAg preparations to autologous T cells, compared with DCs generated in standard 7-day cultures (standard-DC). Methods Adherent blood Mo were treated with GM-CSF and IL-4 (1 day for fast-DC, 5 days in the standard-DC) to generate immature DCs, and then were matured for either 1–2 days (fast-DC) or 2 days (standard-DC) with inflammatory cytokines. DCs were pulsed with A. fumigatus or CMV Ag preparation immediately prior to maturation, or infected after maturation with adeno-pp65. Mature DCs were then used to prime Ag-specific proliferative and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) responses. Results Fast-DC were CD14− and expressed mature DC surface markers to the same degree as standard-DC, and maintained thisphenotype after withdrawing cytokine from the cultures. Fast-DC and standard-DC were equally capable of inducing A. fumigatus and CMV-specific T-cell proliferation, as well as priming Ag-specific CTL activity. The Aspergillus- and CMV-specific CTL were of mixed CD3+/CD4+and CD3+/CD8+ phenotype, and specifically killed autologous DCs pulsed with A. fumigatus Ag and autologous CMV infected fibroblasts, respectively. Discussion Fast-DC are as effective as standard-DC in the generation of Ag-specific T-cell responses. Moreover, use of fast-DC not only reduces labor and supply cost, as well as workload and time, but also increases the number of DCs derived from adherent Mo, which may facilitate the use of DCs in clinical trials of cellular immuno-therapy.
Comparative community outreach to increase cervical cancer screening in the Mississippi Delta.

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to increase participation in cervical cancer screening of under-screened women living in the Mississippi Delta, a U.S. population at high risk for cervical cancer. Methods We conducted a door-to-door feasibility study of women living in the Mississippi Delta to increase participation in cervical cancer screening in 2009–10. Women ( n = 119) aged 26–65 years who had not been screened in last 3 years or more, were not pregnant, and had a cervix were offered a cost-free choice: clinic-based Pap testing or home self-collection with HPV DNA testing. Results Seventy-seven women (64.7%) chose self-collection with HPV testing, of which sixty-two (80.5%) returned their self-collected specimen. By comparison, 42 women (35.3%) chose Pap testing, of which 17 (40.5%) attended their clinic appointment. Thus there was an almost 4-fold greater participation of under-screened women in self-collection with HPV testing than in free Pap testing (78.4% vs. 21.5%). Conclusions We found that offering self-collection will increase participation in cervical cancer screening among under-screened populations living in the Mississippi Delta. Based on these preliminary results, we suggest that self-collection with HPV DNA testing might complement current Pap testing programs to reach under-screened populations of women, such as those living in the Mississippi Delta.
Dose-dependent metabolism of benzene in hamsters, rats, and mice

Abstract The disposition of oral doses of [14C]benzene was investigated using a range of doses that included lower levels (0.02 and 0.1 mg/kg) than have been studied previously in rat, mouse, and in hamster, a species which has not been previously examined for its capacity to metabolize benzene. Saturation of metabolism of benzene was apparent as the dose increased, and a considerable percentage of the highest doses (100 mg/kg) was exhaled unchanged. Most of the remainder of the radioactivity was excreted as metabolites in urine, and significant metabolite-specific changes occurred as a function of dose and species. Phenyl sulfate was the predominant metabolite in rat urine at all dose levels (64–73% of urinary radioactivity), followed by prephenylmercapturic acid (10–11%). Phenyl sulfate (24–32%) and hydroquinone glucuronide (27–29%) were the predominant metabolites formed by mice. Mice produced considerably more muconic acid (15%), which is derived from the toxic metabolite muconaldehyde, than did rats (7%) at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg. Unlike both rats and mice, hydroquinone glucuronide (24–29%) and muconic acid (19–31%) were the primary urinary metabolites formed by hamsters. Two metabolites not previously detected in the urine of rats or mice after single doses, 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene and catechol sulfate, were found in hamster urine. These data indicate that hamsters metabolize benzene to more highly oxidized, toxic products than do rats or mice.
Cerebral lipofucsinosis induced with tellurium: Electron dispersive X-ray spectrophotometry analysis

Abstract Ingestion of tellurium (0.2 g/day) by rats resulted in the so-called ‘black’ brain caused by the presence of the dark tellurium particles localized in the numerous lipofucsin granules in the cytoplasm of the neurons throughout the brain. The tellurium was identified in the organelles by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis, and this was correlated with light and electron microscopy examination, to permit morphological interpretation of the succession of pathogenetic events. Tellurium is a known mitochondrial marker and it was thus possible to identify this localization in the early stages of intoxication, both in membrane-bound bodies and eventually in lipofucsin granules. The conclusions are that tellurium given in sufficient amounts causes cerebral lipofucsinosis in the rat, and that the degeneration of mitochondria results in the formation of lipofucsin.
Signaling Pathways in Reactive Astrocytes, a Genetic Perspective

Reactive astrocytes are associated with a vast array of central nervous system (CNS) pathologies. The activation of astrocytes is characterized by changes in their molecular and morphological features, and depending on the type of damage can also be accompanied by inflammatory responses, neuronal damage, and in severe cases, scar formation. Although reactive astrogliosis is the normal physiological response essential for containing damage, it can also have detrimental effects on neuronal survival and axon regeneration, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases. It is believed that progressive changes in astrocytes as they become reactive are finely regulated by complex intercellular and intracellular signaling mechanisms. However, these have yet to be sorted out. Much has been learned from gain-of-function approaches in vivo and culture paradigms, but in most cases, loss-of-function genetic studies, which are a critical complementary approach, have been lacking. Understanding which signaling pathways are required to control different aspects of astrogliosis will be necessary for designing therapeutic strategies to improve their beneficial effects and limit their detrimental ones in CNS pathologies. In this article, we review recent advances in the mechanisms underlying the regulation of aspects of astrogliosis, with the main focus on the signaling pathways that have been studied using loss-of-function genetic mouse models.
High-Energy Potential Scattering with Short-Range Forces

An attempt is made to separate out long- and short-range effects for high-energy elastic scattering. Within the context of a high-energy approximation, expressions for the scattering amplitudes are obtained for the cases $\mathrm{kR}\ensuremath{\gg}\mathrm{ka}\ensuremath{\gg}1$ and $\mathrm{kR}\ensuremath{\gg}1g\mathrm{ka}$, where $R$ and $a$ denote the long and short ranges, respectively. For the latter case, the entire short-range effect is included in a phenomenological $S$-wave term while the long-range contributions are written explicitly.
KBr Pellet Holder

Recently, this Laboratory had reason to scan some KBr pellets, produced in a Beckman Die, using a Model 14 Cary Recording Spectrophotometer. The problem of mounting the pellets in the instrument beam led to the design and fabrication of two brass holders according to the plans shown in Figure 1. When mounted in the instrument with the cell holders at the approximate center of the sample chamber, the pellet holder will pass the full beam of the instrument. Two pellet holders are used with one containing the sample pellet in the sample beam and the other a blank KBr pellet in the reference beam. Figure 2 shows a holder mounted in the sample chamber of the instrument.
Mass Distribution Data from the 1969 Pasadena Smog Experiment

Abstract As part of the 1969 Pasadena Smog Experiment, approximately 50 particle mass distribution samples were obtained for subsequent detailed chemical analysis. This paper reports on the method of sampling and the resulting mass concentration and particle size distribution measurements. Eight aerosol mass distribution determinations are compared with corresponding aerosol volume distributions calculated from the Minnesota Aerosol Analysis System measurements. Differences are discussed but not resolved. Particle size distribution data obtained in this study are compared with other published data. Sampling limitations and uncertainties are discussed. Data are presented to illustrate the probable sampling reproducibility and accuracy.
Proactive effects of stimuli, delays, and response position during delayed matching from sample

Effects of sample stimulus, delay, and correct response position from Trial N - 1 on performance during Trial N were examined for a two-choice delayed matching from sample task. The results seemed to demon­ strate proactive interference with retention of sample stimuli on Trial N when that stimulus was different from Trial N - 1 as compared to when the stimulus was the same as on Trial N - 1. In addition, when stimuli were the same on Trial N - 1 and Trial N, and Trial N - 1 was incorrect, there was greater interference than if Trial N - 1 was correct. Evaluation of performance as a function of delays on Trial N - 1 and Trial N provided some support for D'Amato's recent description of delayed matching from sample performance as a temporal discrimination process. Several experiments in recent years have revealed functional similarities between short-term memory in monkeys and man (see Jarrard & Moise, 1971; D'Amato, 1973). In particular, retroactive interference effects have been shown to be as important determinants of memory task performance in monkeys as in man. The role of proactive interference factors has been more difficult to assess. Because of the considerable theoretical importance of proactive interference for the develop­ ment of theories of memory in man, it is important to investigate for those who wish to construct theories of memory in animals. In animal research, the evidence for proactive inter­ ference during short-term memory has been contradic­ tory. Some relevant studies have manipulated length of intertrial interval where longer sepatation between trials presumably reduces the interference from events of the previous trial. Gleitman, Wilson, Herman, and Rescorla (1963) reported superior performance in a delayed response task under conditions of distributed practice
Seasonal distribution of the flower thrips (Frankliniella tritici (Fitch)) and onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on safflower in Eastern Montana

Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius L., is an important drought-tolerant oilseed crop, used for the production of vegetable oil and protein meal. It is one of the few broadleaf crops that can be used for crop rotation in the small grains agroecosystem of the Northern Great Plains. Safflower is currently produced on about 60 000 ha in eastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota and about 10 000 ha in Alberta and Saskatchewan. There is little information available on the pest insect species on safflower in the Northern Great Plains; however, four pest species have been reported from California, including the westem flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)), lygus bug (Lygus hesperus Knight), green peach aphid (Myzus persicae (Sulzer)), and the bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scopoli) (Carlson 1966, 1972).
B-Cell depletion and immunomodulation before initiation of enzyme replacement therapy blocks the immune response to acid alpha-glucosidase in infantile-onset Pompe disease.

Objective To evaluate whether B-cell depletion before enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) initiation can block acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) antibody responses and improve clinical outcomes. Study design Six subjects with Pompe disease (including 4 cross-reacting immunologic material–negative infants) aged 2-8 months received rituximab and sirolimus or mycophenolate before ERT. Four subjects continued to receive sirolimus, rituximab every 12 weeks, and intravenous immunoglobulin monthly for the duration of ERT. Sirolimus trough levels, IgG, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD20, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, creatine kinase, creatine kinase-MB, C-reactive protein, platelets, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were measured regularly. Results Immunomodulation achieved B-cell depletion without adverse effects. After 17-36 months of rituximab, sirolimus and ERT, all subjects lacked antibodies against GAA, 4 continued to gain motor milestones, yet 2 progressed to require invasive ventilation. The absence of infusion-associated reactions allowed the use of accelerated infusion rates. Conclusion B-cell depletion and T-cell immunomodulation in infants naive to ERT was accomplished safely and eliminated immune responses against GAA, thereby optimizing clinical outcome; however, this approach did not necessarily influence sustained independent ventilation. Importantly, study outcomes support the initiation of immunomodulation before starting ERT, because the study regimen allowed for prompt initiation of treatment.
Lubiprostone activates CFTR, but not ClC-2, via the prostaglandin receptor (EP4)

The goal of this study was to determine the mechanism of lubiprostone activation of epithelial chloride transport. Lubiprostone is a bicyclic fatty acid approved for the treatment of constipation [1]. There is uncertainty, however, as to how lubiprostone increases epithelial chloride transport. Direct stimulation of ClC-2 and CFTR chloride channels as well as stimulation of these channels via the EP(4) receptor has been described [2-5]. To better define this mechanism, two-electrode voltage clamp was used to assay Xenopus oocytes expressing ClC-2, with or without co-expression of the EP(4) receptor or β adrenergic receptor (βAR), for changes in conductance elicited by lubiprostone. Oocytes co-expressing CFTR and either βAR or the EP(4) receptor were also studied. In oocytes co-expressing ClC-2 and βAR conductance was stimulated by hyperpolarization and acidic pH (pH = 6), but there was no response to the β adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol. Oocytes expressing ClC-2 only or co-expressing ClC-2 and EP(4) did not respond to the presence of 0.1, 1, or 10 μM lubiprostone in the superperfusate. Oocytes co-expressing CFTR and βAR did not respond to hyperpolarization, acidic pH, or 1 μM lubiprostone. However, conductance was elevated by isoproterenol and inhibited by CFTR(inh)172. Co-expression of CFTR and EP(4) resulted in lubiprostone-stimulated conductance, which was also sensitive to CFTR(inh)172. The EC(50) for lubiprostone mediated CFTR activation was ~10 nM. These results demonstrate no direct action of lubiprostone on either ClC-2 or CFTR channels expressed in oocytes. However, the results confirm that CFTR can be activated by lubiprostone via the EP(4) receptor in oocytes.
Comparison of low- and high-calcium-requiring forms of the calcium-activated protease with their autocatalytic breakdown products

Abstract The effect of controlled autocatalytic degradation on the subunit molecular weight, subunit composition and calcium sensitivity of the low-calcium-requiring and the high-calcium-requiring forms of the calcium-activated muscle protease was examined. Purified low- and high-calcium-requiring proteases coelectrophorese on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Controlled autocatalysis of either form of the protease results in extensive degradation of their respective 30 kDa subunits and partial degradation of their 80 kDa subunits. In this electrophoresis system the electrophoretic banding pattern of the low-calcium-requiring protease is clearly different from that of the autocatalytically degraded high-calcium-requiring protease. Similar results were obtained using a nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel system. Both the high- and low-calcium-requiring proteases were made more sensitive to calcium by autocatalytic degradation. However, the results of this study strongly indicate that autocatalytic degradation does not resultin conversion of high-calcium-requiring protease to the low-calcium-requiring protease as has been recently hypothesized (Suzuki et al. (1981) J. Biochem. 90, 275–278).
Formation and Reactivity of the Osmium(IV)–Cyanoimido Complex [OsIV(bpy)(Cl)3(NCN)]−

Oxo-like reactivity exists for a new series of osmium complexes such as [Os(IV) (bpy)(Cl)3 (NCN)](-) (bpy=2,2'-bipyridine, see structure) containing the cyanoimido ligand. This ligand is formed directly at the metal center by the reaction of Os(VI) -nitrido precursors with tetraethylammonium cyanide. In the cyanoimido complexes there is an extensive electron-transfer chemistry at the metal center and an extensive functional-group chemistry based on the ligand.
Interleaved diffractive optical element design

In this paper we present a design method for meso-scale diffractive optical elements (DOEs). We briefly review the purpose and functionality of DOEs in general and describe our technique for designing on-axis as the basis for more elaborate devices, namely beam splitters. We explore two alternative approaches to beam splitter design and their respective issues. We discuss the limitations of our design method, in both fundamental and practical terms, and present solutions for those problems. We employ electromagnetic modeling techniques to simulate the performance of our devices and we present quantitative results as well as qualitative comparisons of our designs. Finally, we discuss an optimization algorithm for improving DOE performance aimed specifically at achieving beam splitters that are robust to misalignment and nonuniform illumination.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Silylcarboxonium and Silyloxonium Ion Intermediates of the Cationic Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactones and Tetrahydrofuran Initiated by Electrophilic Trimethylsilylating Agents1

The initiation of the cationic ring-opening polymerization of lactones and tetrahydrofuran by electron-deficient organosilicon species has been investigated. The formation of the long-lived silylcarboxonium ion 1a from γ-butyrolactone and the silyloxonium ion 2a from THF has been evidenced by 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR. The structure and NMR chemical shifts of 2a were also calculated using DFT/IGLO methods, and the results are in good agreement with experimental data. The nature of the ions is discussed in terms of the reactivity with respect to their methylated analogues. Polymerization of lactones initiated by in situ formed silylcarboxonium ions showed a much higher rate than that initiated by trimethylsilyl triflate, while polymerization of tetrahydrofuran in a similar manner failed. The mechanism of polymer initiation is discussed.
ISOMERIC DIFFERENCES IN THE NUCLEATION OF CRYSTALLINE HYDROCARBONS FROM THEIR MELTS

Large liquid clusters of the globular hydrocarbon 2,2,3-trimethylbutane were generated in supersonic expansions and frozen, in flight, by evaporative cooling while being monitored by electron diffraction. The nucleation rate rose to 8 × 1028 m-3 s-1 by the time half of the clusters were frozen. Nucleation properties are contrasted with those observed several decades ago by Turnbull and Cormia for three n-alkanes in emulsions. Despite the 15 order of magnitude difference between the rates of nucleation for the globular and linear hydrocarbons, it was possible to make valid comparisons and corroborate Turnbull's inferences that the flexible, linear molecules nucleate by a rather different mechanism. Nucleation of the globular hydrocarbon was similar to that of other simple, rather rigid molecules studied in this laboratory and implied a solid−liquid interfacial free energy of about 4.6 mJ/m2, a value fairly typical for a substance of its (low) heat of fusion. On the other hand, the linear alkanes exhibit in...
Crystal structure of acetylcholine perchlorate

The crystal structure of acetylcholine perchlorate has been determined from three-dimensional X-ray diffractometer data. The molecular geometry of this compound differs from that observed for acetylcholine bromide but is structurally similar to that observed for acetylcholine chloride.