cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Degradation Models to Assess Pipeline Life

Longitudinal inspections of thickness at particular locations along a pipeline provide useful information to assess the lifetime of the pipeline. In applications with different mechanisms of corrosion processes, we have observed various types of general degradation paths. We present two applications of fitting a degradation model to describe the corrosion initiation and growth behavior in the pipeline. We use a Bayesian approach for parameter estimation for the degradation model. The failure-time and remaining lifetime distributions are derived from the degradation model, and we compute Bayesian estimates and credible intervals of the failure-time and remaining lifetime distributions for both individual segments and an entire pipeline circuit.
23 – THE POSTULATES OF STEADY-STATE THERMODYNAMICS

The central problem of the thermodynamic theory of irreversible processes is the determination of the entropy produced as internally generated heat because of the various dissipative phenomena occurring in any natural spontaneous process. Determination of the production of entropy in the general case is a difficult task. No general theory of nonequilibrium thermodynamics is available. However, much progress has been made in the understanding of processes near equilibrium when the system is in a steady state, and when linear relations among conjugate parameters characterize the steady state. In most cases of practical interest the restriction to near equilibrium is not as stringent as it is in the case of chemical reactions. Development of a comprehensive theory of steady-state thermodynamics requires the introduction of three new postulates in addition to those of equilibrium thermodynamics. The first of these is the postulate of the existence of local equilibrium. The second establishes relations between generalized thermodynamic driving forces and generalized thermodynamic fluxes. The third postulate imposes symmetry restrictions on these relations.
Software platforms to facilitate reconstructing genome‐scale metabolic networks

Summary System-level analyses of microbial metabolism are facilitated by genome-scale reconstructions of microbial biochemical networks. A reconstruction provides a structured representation of the biochemical transformations occurring within an organism, as well as the genes necessary to carry out these transformations, as determined by the annotated genome sequence and experimental data. Network reconstructions also serve as platforms for constraint-based computational techniques, which facilitate biological studies in a variety of applications, including evaluation of network properties, metabolic engineering and drug discovery. Bottom-up metabolic network reconstructions have been developed for dozens of organisms, but until recently, the pace of reconstruction has failed to keep up with advances in genome sequencing. To address this problem, a number of software platforms have been developed to automate parts of the reconstruction process, thereby alleviating much of the manual effort previously required. Here, we review four such platforms in the context of established guidelines for network reconstruction. While many steps of the reconstruction process have been successfully automated, some manual evaluation of the results is still required to ensure a high-quality reconstruction. Widespread adoption of these platforms by the scientific community is underway and will be further enabled by exchangeable formats across platforms.
Self-complementary symmetric graphs

The class of self-complementary symmetric graphs is characterized using the classification of finite simple group.
Dieldrin: Interaction with Nerve Components of Cockroaches

We have evidence that the nerve components of the dieldrin-resistant German cockroach have less binding capacity for dieldrin than those of the susceptible cockroach; the highest interstrain difference was in the crudenucleus fraction. The dieldrin-nerve complexes are not extracted by many organic solvents.
IDO: A double-edged sword for TH1/TH2 regulation

Abstract Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) has been well defined as one of the important immunosuppressive properties for T H 1 cell-mediated immune responses, but its function in T H 2 dominant system is poorly understood. Recently, an appreciable number of publications suggest that the role of IDO in T H 2 cell regulation may be different from that of T H 1 immune responses. Here we review the evidence on the regulatory function of IDO and tryptophan metabolites in T H 1/T H 2 differentiation. We propose that IDO-kynurenine pathway can serve as a negative feedback loop for T H 1 cells but it may play a distinct role in up-regulating T H 2 dominant immune responses.
Germ Cell Migration Across Sertoli Cell Tight Junctions

The blood-testis barrier includes strands of tight junctions between somatic Sertoli cells that restricts solutes from crossing the paracellular space, creating a microenvironment within seminiferous tubules and providing immune privilege to meiotic and postmeiotic cells. Large cysts of germ cells transit the Sertoli cell tight junctions (SCTJs) without compromising their integrity. We used confocal microscopy to visualize SCTJ components during germ cell cyst migration across the SCTJs. Cysts become enclosed within a network of transient compartments fully bounded by old and new tight junctions. Dissolution of the old tight junctions releases the germ cells into the adluminal compartment, thus completing transit across the blood-testis barrier. Claudin 3, a tight junction protein, is transiently incorporated into new tight junctions and then replaced by claudin 11.
Iterative nonlinear technique for automatic detection of land mines in highly cluttered multispectral images

Automatic mine detection is an area of intense research due to the implications in humanistic and battlefield management related issues. In this paper, we describe a fully automatic and iterative implementation of the nonlinear MM-MNF algorithm and review its performance for detecting landmines in multi-spectral images provided by the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis program. The MM-MNF algorithm utilizes a powerful linear multi-spectral enhancement tool, called the Maximum Noise Fraction (MNF) transform, in conjunction with a nonlinear detection device based on mathematical morphology. The iterative implementation of this algorithm improves the accuracy of the clutter covariance estimation, which is turn decreases the number of false alarms, as compared to a previously reported implementation. The result are significantly better than the ones obtained from a constant false alarm rate algorithm, known as the RX-algorithm, whose performance was also inferior to the previous implementation of the MM-MNF algorithm.
Does Surgical Timing Influence Functional Recovery After Lumbar Discectomy? A Systematic Review

Background The impact of the duration of preoperative symptoms on outcomes after lumbar discectomy has not been sufficiently answered in a single study but is a potentially important clinical variable.
Determining the Cost Benefit of High-Temperature Coatings for Concentrating Solar Power Thermal Storage Using Probabilistic Cost Analysis

Probabilistic cost analysis determined the cost benefit for applying a protective coating to the wetted surfaces of stainless steel tank walls for concentrating solar power (CSP) thermal storage applications. The model estimated the total material cost of coated 347 or 310 stainless steel (347/310) and the cost of uncoated Inconel 625, which served as the reference tank wall cost. Model results showed that the cost of the coated 347/310 stainless steel was always statistically less than the cost of the bare Inconel 625 when these materials are used for tank walls at representative tank diameters and temperatures for CSP storage applications.
An Abrasive Wear Model of Fractal Surfaces Based on the Slip–Line Theory of Plasticity

A generalized abrasive wear model of a three-dimensional rough (fractal) surface sliding against a relatively softer material is presented. The model is based on a slip-line field of a rigid spherical asperity (or spherical wear particle) that plows through a soft surface, resulting in material removal by a microcutting process. The analysis yields a relationship of the abrasive wear coefficient in terms of the interfacial adhesion characteristics of the interacting surfaces, topography (fractal) parameters, elastic-plastic material properties, and applied normal load. Numerical results illustrate the effects of surface roughness and interfacial adhesion (lubrication effect) on the abrasive wear coefficient of fractal surfaces.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Polymerization of Acetylenes Containing Heptadecafluorononenyloxy Group and Polymer Properties

Polymerizations of two kinds of fluorine-containing aromatic disubstituted acetylenes, 1-[p-(heptadecafluorononenyloxy)phenyl]-2-phenylacetylene (p-C9F17ODPA) and 1-[p-(heptadecafluorononenyloxy)phenyl]-1-hexyne (p-C9F17OPH) were studied with groups 5 and 6 transition-metal catalysts. p-C9F17ODPA polymerized with TaCl5-Et3SiH catalyst to give a new polymer over 70 yield and its maximum intrinsic viscosity ([η]) was as high as 2.1 dl g−1. p-C9F17OPH polymerized with Ta and Nb catalysts, but yield and [η] of the polymer were lower. Poly(p-C9F17ODPA) and poly(p-C9F17OPH) were in the form of a yellow solid and white solid, and began to lose weight at 410°C and 270°C, respectively, which indicates high thermal stability. Both polymers had a main-chain structure consisted of alternating double bonds, and were completely soluble in some fluorine-containing solvents such as m-(CF3)2C6H4 and CCl2FCClF2. Poly(p-C9F17ODPA) formed a tough film by solution casting, and showed high PO2 value [4×10−8 cm3 (STP) cm cm−2 s−1 cm Hg−1] comparable to that of poly(dimethylsiloxane).
Collective Action Cascades: An Informational Rationale for the Power in Numbers

Self-interested individuals pursue their goals rationally taking into account the constraints imposed by their environment and best-responding to the strategic behavior of other individuals: when applied to collective action, economic theory predicts undersupply. Meanwhile, the behavior of masses of people is described as excitable, emotional, irrational, suggestible, hypnotic, disorderly, and unpredictable: in practice, it seems, collective action is oversupplied, and erratically so. The contagious and volatile dynamics of collective action appear to defy rationalization. I conceptualize a social movement as a dynamic informational cascade. Turbulencies emerge endogenously from rational individual behavior. Disorderly mass behavior is a by-product of a powerful decentralized mechanism of information aggregation.
Raman Scattering From Surface Molecules Excited By Guided Optical Waves And Surface Plasmons

Raman scattering measures vibrational frequencies in materials, and is used to identify and characterize species and structures. Generally, scattering of laser radiation from a surface upon which molecules are deposited leads only to very weak Raman signals because the number of molecules which are able to interact with the beam is very small. We have recently used integrated optics, i.e., in the form of light propagation in dielectric waveguides, and plasmon surface polaritons (surface electromagnetic waves) on metals, to increase the number of interacting molecules, in the first case, and to greatly increase the strength of the optical field, in the second. The details of the techniques will be described and illustrated with spectra from interfacial molecules. First, the optical properties of a film are determined from measurements of the angular dependence of the reflectivity or transmission of light. Analysis of these results can give the film thickness and refractive index. Second, the scattered light is focused on the slit of a double monochromator and the Raman spectrum recorded as a spectral shift from the exciting light. Frequency shifts, intensity changes and polarization variations are observed in the spectra of surface molecules compared to bulk molecules. Scattering from the substrate and from defects in the films are also observed. Measurements of this type aid in the characterization of surfaces and our ability to engineer its properties for specific uses.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Phytochrome photosensory signalling networks

Light is life for plants. To continuously assess and adapt to fluctuations in the quality and quantity of this essential commodity, plants deploy sensory photoreceptors, including the phytochromes. Having captured an incoming photon, the activated phytochrome molecule must relay this information to nuclear genes that are poised to respond by directing appropriate adjustments in growth and development. Defining the intricate intracellular signalling networks through which this sensory information is transduced is an area of intense research activity.
Gender variation in delinquent behavior changes of child welfare-involved youth

Abstract The number of girls engaging in delinquent behaviors in the U.S. is increasing. While more studies of female delinquency are appearing, such studies specific to the child welfare population are limited. The current research examines youth reported and investigated as maltreated because limited information exists for this high-risk group of youth about gender differences in delinquency, and the factors associated with changes in such behavior. Data were from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW) a national longitudinal probability study of youth reported and investigated as maltreated in the United States. Youth were aged 11 to 15 years at baseline, the time of the initial maltreatment investigation ( n = 1134). Changes in delinquent behavior varied by level of depression and discipline for females and by level of substance use for males. Such differences speak to the possibility of a need for more attention to the different needs of males and females involved with the child welfare system in an effort to prevent and reduce delinquent behaviors.
Where do adolescents get their condoms

Abstract Purpose: To determine where adolescents obtain their condoms; the availability and accessibility of condoms; condom availability in relationship to different sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates; and the availability of safer sex information in places where condoms are sold. Methods: We conducted a random digit-dialed telephone survey of 259 14–19-year-old adolescents in Monroe County, New York. Self-reported health services use, knowledge and use of confidential services, and where adolescents obtained or intended to obtain condoms were assessed. Research assistants visited all retail establishments in five areas of similar population size with gonorrhea rates from 887 to 12,427 per 100,000 adolescents to assess how available and accessible condoms were in each store. Perceived access and actual condom availability and accessibility were compared using Chi-square and Student's t -tests. Results: Trained interviewers dialed 11,800 numbers in 1993, identifying 4449 (40%) households among 11,065 numbers reached successfully. Of these, 393 (8.8%) had eligible adolescents and 259 (66%) completed interviews. Most adolescents reported obtaining, or planning to obtain, condoms in stores rather than from free health care settings. Adolescents who have used condoms more often reported having obtained them without cost than having purchased them. Condoms were available at 101 (83%) of 122 stores identified. All drug stores and 75% of supermarkets sold condoms and displayed them openly. Most small grocery stores also sold condoms (92%), but were less likely to openly display them. No stores displayed or provided safer sex information. Areas with higher STD rates had more stores ( p p Conclusions: Many adolescents obtain their condoms in retail stores. Condom accessibility varied by store type and area STD rate. Increasing condom visibility in private grocery stores may increase the accessibility of condoms to adolescents in areas with highest STD rates.
Wnt pathway activity confers chemoresistance to cancer stem-like cells in a neuroblastoma cell line

Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor in infancy. We have shown that the neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH contains CD133+ cells that are more resistant than 133− cells to Doxorubicin (DOX), a common chemotherapeutic agent. We hypothesize that activation of wnt signaling pathway in CD133+ cells contributes to their chemoresistance. To test this hypothesis, CD133+ cells were positively selected using magnetic micro-beads. Subsequently, CD133+ and negatively selected CD133− cells were treated with 100 ng/ml of DOX for up to 72 h. Then, cells were either lysed for total RNA extraction or fixed for immunostaining. Wnt “SIGNATURE” PCR Array was used to determine if changes in wnt related gene expression levels occurred and to estimate a pathway activity score. Expression of wnt pathway proteins β-Catenin and p-GSK3β (S-9) was determined by immunocytochemistry. Two wnt pathway inhibitors were used to determine the changes in cell viability, using the MTT assay. Results showed that wnt related genes were differentially expressed in CD133+ cells as compared to CD133− cells, both with and without DOX treatment. Pathway activity scores showed that DOX treatment significantly suppressed the wnt pathway activity in CD133− cells. Expression of β-catenin and p-GSK3β (S-9) was significantly greater in DOX treated and untreated CD133+ cells. The presence of wnt inhibitors with DOX decreased the number of live cells in CD133+ group and the percentage of live cells in both groups were equal. These data suggest that higher wnt pathway activity could be responsible for the chemoresistance of CD133+ cells in neuroblastoma cell lines.
A neuronal VLDLR variant lacking the third complement-type repeat exhibits high capacity binding of apoE containing lipoproteins.

Abstract Very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) is a multi ligand apolipoprotein E (apoE) receptor and is involved in brain development through Reelin signaling. Different forms of VLDLR can be generated by alternative splicing. VLDLR-I contains all exons. VLDLR-II lacks an O-linked sugar domain encoded by exon 16, while VLDLR-III lacks the third complement-type repeat in the ligand binding domain encoded by exon 4. We quantitatively compared lipoprotein binding to human VLDLR variants and analyzed their mRNA expression in both human cerebellum and mouse brain. VLDLR-III exhibited the highest capacity in binding to apoE enriched β-VLDL in vitro and was more effective in removing apoE containing lipoproteins from the circulation than other variants in vivo. In human cerebellum, the major species was VLDLR-II, while the second most abundant species was a newly identified VLDLR-IV which lacks both exon 4 and 16. VLDLR-I was present at low levels. In adult mice, exon 4 skipping varied between 30 and 47% in different brain regions, while exon 16 skipping ranged by 51–76%. Significantly higher levels of VLDLR proteins were found in mouse cerebellum and cerebral cortex than other regions. The deletions of exon 4 and exon 16 frequently occurred in primary neurons, indicating that newly identified variant VLDLR-IV is abundant in neurons. In contrast, VLDLR mRNA lacking exon 4 was not detectable in primary astrocytes. Such cell type-specific splicing patterns were found in both mouse cerebellum and cerebral cortex. These results suggest that a VLDLR variant lacking the third complement-type repeat is generated by neuron-specific alternative splicing. Such differential splicing may result in different lipid uptake in neurons and astrocytes.
Cell Interactions With Fibronectin-Coated Electrically Conducting Polypyrrole Thin Films

Surface properties of electrically conducting polymers, including charge-density and wettability, can be altered reversibly by oxidation or reduction. Thus, these materials are interesting systems on which to study the interactions of proteins and cells with surfaces. The properties of polypyrrole were studied in environments suitable for protein adsorption and cell culture. Optically transparent films of polypyrrole were synthesized, and the stability of the oxidized and reduced states in aqueous media were studied. UV/VIS spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and spectroelectrochemistry measurements confirmed the oxidation state of the polymer films. The positively-charged form of polypyrrole could be changed to its neutral form by applying a constant potential (-0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl reference). It was found that the shape of bovine aortic endothelial cells on fibronectin-coated polypyrrole films can be controlled by varying the oxidation state of the polypyrrole.
Dynamics of Fst for the island model.

Abstract F st is a measure of genetic differentiation in a subdivided population. Sewall Wright observed that F st = 1 1 + 2 Nm in a haploid diallelic infinite island model, where N is the effective population size of each deme and m is the migration rate. In demonstrating this result, Wright relied on the infinite size of the population. Natural populations are not infinite and therefore they change over time due to genetic drift. In a finite population, F st becomes a random variable that evolves over time. In this work we ask, given an initial population state, what are the dynamics of the mean and variance of F st under the finite island model? In application both of these quantities are critical in the evaluation of F st data. We show that after a time of order N generations the mean of F st is slightly biased below 1 1 + 2 Nm . Further we show that the variance of F st is of order 1 d where d is the number of demes in the population. We introduce several new mathematical techniques to analyze coalescent genealogies in a dynamic setting.
Evidence from flagelliform silk cDNA for the structural basis of elasticity and modular nature of spider silks

Orb-web weaving spiders rely on their aerial nets to entrap flying prey. A key mechanical feature of orb-web design is the high elasticity of the capture spiral. We report the cloning of substantial cDNA for flagelliform gland silk protein, which forms the core fiber of the catching spiral. Like all silks, the flagelliform protein is composed largely of iterated sequences. The dominant repeat of this protein is Gly-Pro-Gly-Gly-X, which can appear up to 63 times in tandem arrays. This motif likely forms Pro2-Gly3 type II β-turns and the resulting series of concatenated β-turns are thought to form a β-spiral. We propose that this spring-like helix is the basis for the elasticity of silk. The variable fifth position of the motif (X) is occupied by a small subset of residues (Ala, Ser, Tyr, Val). Moreover, these X amino acids occur in specific patterns throughout the repeats. This ordered variation strongly suggests that with hydration, the β-spirals form hydrogen-bonded networks that increase the elasticity of flagelliform silk. The self-assembly of flagelliform protein monomers into silk fibers may be promoted by β-spiral/β-spiral interactions. Additionally, the other two motifs in the flagelliform protein, Gly-Gly-X and a spacer that disrupts the glycine-rich regions, may contribute to the alignment of monomers into fibers. The flagelliform protein cDNA was compared to the other members of the spider silk gene family. We show that all spider silk proteins can be characterized as sets of shared structural modules. The occurrence of these modules among the proteins is inconsistent with the phylogenetic relationships inferred from the C-terminal regions. This observation, along with the high level of variation among individual flagelliform protein repeats, but striking lack of such variation in the other silk proteins, suggests that unusual homogenization processes are involved in silk protein evolution.
An improved evolutionary algorithm for fundamental matrix estimation

The estimation of the fundamental matrix is an important problem in epipolar geometry. Many estimation methods have been proposed before, including the eight-point algorithm, Simple Evolutionary Agent (SEA) and RANSAC. In this paper, we investigate the evolutionary agent-based algorithm for fundamental matrix estimation, and present a new algorithm that improves the existing evolutionary algorithm both accuracy- and efficiency-wise. The model focuses on selecting a best combination of input points to compute the fundamental matrix via the eight-point algorithm. To improve the existing algorithm, our new model holds competition over all agents for population control and evolutionary experience accumulation. In addition to a larger competition scope, we add the outlier elimination mechanism, which greatly accelerates the algorithm. New parameters are introduced to control the convergence more efficiently. The improved algorithm achieves lower computation load and more accurate results. A general analysis about parameter selection is also provided.
Physiological Role of Cholecystokinin on Gastric Emptying and Acid Output in Dogs

We investigated the physiological role of cholecystokinin (CCK) on gastric emptying and acid secretion in seven conscious dogs with gastric cannulae. Two hundred milliliters of a 4% amino acid meal was given via the cannula, and both gastric emptying and acid output were measured concurrently using a dye-dilution technique. Gastric emptying of the liquid amino acid meal was exponential, and the acid output and plasma concentrations of CCK, gastrin, and somatostatin peaked within 30 min after the meal. Intravenous infusion of CCK-8 at 28 and 56 pmol/kg/hr but not 14 pmol/kg/hr increased plasma levels of the peptide and inhibited gastric emptying as well as acid output. Plasma gastrin was not affected significantly by the CCK infusion, whereas plasma somatostatin increased significantly in response to 56 pmol/kg/hr of CCK-8. Loxiglumide, 22 µmol/kg/hr, significantly enhanced gastric emptying and augmented acid output, as well as plasma gastrin response, whereas it abolished the postprandial rise in plasma somatostain. We concluded that in dogs, CCK plays an important role in the physiologic regulation of postprandial gastric emptying of a liquid caloric meal and acid output. Its inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion appears to be mediated, at least in part, by somatostatin.
Identities for sums of Dedekind type

Abstract Sums of Dedekind type are defined by the formula f(h, k) = Σ μ( mod k) A( μ k ) B( hμ k ) , where each of A(x) and B(x) satisfies a multiplication formula of the form Σ b( mod q) F(x + b q ) = q ν(F) F(qx) . Properties of these sums are obtained, including an extension of M. I. Knopp's identity for the classical Dedekind sums s(h, k).
Body composition and resting energy expenditure in humans: role of fat, fat-free mass and extracellular fluid.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether there are independent effects of extracellular fluid volume (ECF) and fat mass (FM) on resting energy expenditure (REE) relative to fat-free mass (FFM) in adult men and women. METHODS: Multiple linear regression analysis was used to relate REE, as determined by indirect calorimetry, to FFM and FM (measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry) and ECF (measured using bromide space and/or the radiosulfate washout space) in 153 women and 100 men with varying amounts of body fat. RESULTS: REE correlated significantly with FFM and FM in women (r=0.65 and r=0.63, both P<0.001) and men (r=0.62 and r=0.48, both P<0.001, FFM and FM, respectively). In a multiple linear regression analysis FFM, FM and age significantly contributed to the ability to predict REE in both genders. The models that were derived were not significantly different between women and men. In women the contribution to REE from FM was easier to detect when FM was greater. Adjustment of FFM for ECF did not improve the relationship between FFM and REE. CONCLUSIONS: FFM, FM and age are significant, independent predictors of REE in both men and women. Adjustment of FFM for ECF does not improve the ability of FFM to predict REE, which suggests that ECF is a highly integrated component of FFM in healthy adults. Expressing REE relative to FFM alone will introduce errors when lean and obese populations are compared.
Extramembranous glomerulonephritis in childhood: Relationship to systemic lupus erythematosus

Extramembranous glomerulonephritis is an uncommon but distinct pathologic lesion in children. The diagnosis is established by the characteristic light, immunofluorescent, and ultrastructural abnormalities in renal biopsy specimens. This report describes seven of the ten children with this lesion studied in the past 11 years. Emphasis is given to the comparison of four children with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis with three others who presented with a nephrotic syndrome but subsequently developed evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus. Two of the latter three children, and three others with SLE and MGN not described in detail, demonstrated deposition of IgA by immunofluorescence along glomerular capillaries. Five of six children with SLE and MGN had microtubular structures in glomerular endothelial cells demonstrable by electron microscopy. These observations suggest that children with MGN require careful and continuing study for evidence of SLE.
Jet Quenching in Dense Matter

The quenching of hard jets in ultrarelativistic nuclear collisions is estimated emphasizing its sensitivity to possible changes in the energy loss mechanism in a quark-gluon plasma.
Experience with rubella and rubella immunization in institutionalized children.

Serial monitoring of rubella hemagglutination-inhibiting antibodies in institutionalized children revealed that 4 of 16 nonvaccinated rubella-susceptible children had developed antibodies and 4 of 29 children immunized with Cendehill rubella vaccine had a fourfold or greater rise in antibody titer during the same 4 year interval. This apparent spread of wild virus occurred within three building with a population estimated to be 91 per cent “immune.” The vaccinees have shown a slight fall in hemagglutination-inhibiting antibody titers over the four years, and both the vaccines and naturally immune children who experienced the “booster” response had titers lower than the others. These observations cast doubt on the ability of “herd immunity” to prevent the spread of wild rubella virus.
The Amount of Fetal Blood Remaining in the Placenta at Birth

SummaryThe amount of fetal blood remaining in placenta and cord has been determined in 84 births, making use of the total amount of fetal hemoglobin in relation to its concentration in cord blood of the same infant. Expressed as percentage of body weight, the amount is 4.5 in 62 vaginal deliveries with prompt clamping of the cord, 2.5 in 5 cases of placental transfusion, and 5.1 in 16 cesarean sections. In 4 cases of preeclampsia the amount is markedly greater than in other comparable births. The possibility is suggested that events shortly before birth, perhaps during the second stage of labor, influence the partition of blood between fetus and placenta.
Genotoxic Drugs Induce Interaction of the c-Abl Tyrosine Kinase and the Tumor Suppressor Protein p53

The function of the c-Abl protein tyrosine kinase is unknown. The present studies demonstrate that the antimetabolite 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) induces binding of c-Abl and p53. Ara-C treatment of cells that express wild type or a dominant negative, kinase-inactive c-Abl(K-R) was associated with formation of c-Abl-p53 complexes and increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21. However, down-regulation of Cdk2 by ara-C was found in cells expressing wild type c-Abl and not in cells expressing c-Abl(K-R) or those deficient in p53. Similar findings were obtained following treatment of cells with the alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). Cells that express the c-Abl dominant negative or are null for c-Abl exhibited partial abrogation of Cdk2 down-regulation and G1 arrest in response to MMS exposure. Cells lacking the c-abl gene also responded to ara-C and MMS with increases in p53 levels and induction of p21. These findings indicate that the cellular response to certain genotoxic drugs involves binding of c-Abl to p53 and down-regulation of Cdk2 by a c-Abl kinase/p53-dependent mechanism.
A systematic data review of the cost of rehydration therapy

Dehydration secondary to acute gastroenteritis is a commonly encountered condition among patients presenting to physicians’ offices and hospital EDs. Treatment options consist of oral rehydration therapy (ORT), intravenous rehydration therapy (IVRT) and subcutaneous rehydration therapy (SCRT). Although most patients with dehydration can be effectively treated in an outpatient setting, hospitalization is frequently warranted, with estimated annual inpatient costs for dehydration therapy exceeding $US1 billion in the US in 1999 for elderly patients alone. Although most treatment guidelines recommend ORT as first-line treatment for mild to moderate dehydration, IVRT remains the predominant route of administration for rehydration fluids in the acute care setting in the US. To evaluate the current state of the literature examining costs associated with dehydration therapy, a systematic review of articles published on MEDLINE from 2000 to 2009 was conducted. A total of 20 reports containing pharmacoeconomic data on re-hydration therapy were evaluated. Findings suggest that ORT and SCRT may be less costly than IVRT in the treatment of mild to moderate dehydration; however, variability in cost parameters examined or data collection methods described in the literature precluded a comprehensive comparative cost-effectiveness analysis of treatment options. Future pharmacoeconomic analyses of rehydration therapy should incorporate time-motion analyses comprising a consistent set of variables to determine the most cost-effective treatment modality for patients with mild to moderate dehydration.
The Countable Extension Basis Theorem and its applications

Abstract We prove the Countable Extension Basis (CEB) Theorem for noncompact metric spaces. As an application of the CEB Theorem we give alternative proofs of some classical results in the area. In particular, we construct a universal complete metric space X K in the class of spaces with e-dim X⩽K together with a K -soft map onto the Hilbert cube. As a corollary we obtain Olszewski's completion theorem. Also we apply the CEB Theorem to give an alternative proof of the Splitting Theorem in extension theory for noncompact spaces.
High-performance microchannel plate detectors for UV/visible astronomy

Abstract Recent advances in basic microchannel plate detector technology include new photocathodes such as diamond and GaN with high UV efficiency (up to >50%), silicon-based microchannel plates with low fixed pattern noise and background event rates less than 0.02 events cm−2 s−1. In combination with cross-strip photon counting readouts with spatial resolutions of
Pacing, Problem-Solving Instructions, and Hypothesis Testing in Verbal Conditioning

This experiment was designed to investigate the influence of pacing, problem-solving instructions, and hypothesis testing on the conditioning of plural verbal responses. Ss were assigned to a Paced or Nonpaced group. Within each of the above conditions, Ss were assigned to one of four instruction subgroups: Task, Nontask, Random, and Control. Ss in all groups were merely told to say words. E said “good” following plurals emitted by the Task and Nontask groups. The Task group was also instructed to make E say “good” as many times as possible. “Good” was presented randomly for the Random condition, and nothing was said by E during the control treatment. The results indicated a significant increase in the number of plurals emitted by the Task and Nontask groups over trials but no statistically significant pacing effects.
Sociology: Honour the helpful

Alexander Oettl presents evidence that scientists who share advice and expertise enhance their colleagues' productivity.
Boosting and measuring the performance of ensembles for a successful database marketing

This paper provides insights on advantages and disadvantages of two ensemble models: ensembles based on sampling and feature selection. Experimental results confirm that both ensemble methods make robust ensembles and significantly improve the prediction performance of single classifiers at the cost of interpretability and additional computing resources. In particular, classifiers utilizing prior class distributions like support vector machine and naive Bayesian classifier only marginally benefit from ensembles, while classifiers with higher variance like neural networks and tree learners make a strong ensemble. Further, there seems to be an optimal ratio of selecting input variables that maximizes the performance of ensembles while minimizing computational costs when feature selection is used to create ensembles. Finally, we show that most evaluation methods become useless when we compare models on data sets with very skewed class distributions.
Habenula lesions attenuate lateral hypothalamic analgesia in the formalin test

The purpose of the experiment was to determine the role of the habenula complex (Hb) in lateral hypothalamic (LH) analgesia for tonic pain. The results demonstrate that lesions of the Hb attenuated LH analgesia in the formalin test. The result of Hb lesions cannot be attributed to non-specific brain damage since bilateral caudate nucleus lesions of similar extent to the Hb complex damage failed to modify the analgesic effect of LH stimulation. The critical damage was probably to the lateral habenula nucleus since it receives a major input from the LH. In addition to the primary finding, we observed that lesions of the Hb had no effect on the baseline response to formalin.
The effect of steric hindrance on physical properties in an amine‐cured epoxy

A pair of aliphatic amines were synthesized in order to study the effect steric hindrance has on the physical properties of an amine-cured epoxy resin. The hindered amine (TMSiDA) has NH2 groups that are obstructed by the presence of adjacent methyl groups while the unhindered amine (SiDA) does not contain any NH2 steric hindrance. DGEBA cured with TMSiDA is less dense, absorbs less moisture, and has a higher Tg than does SiDA/DGEBA. Torsional pendulum results show that TMSiDA/DGEBA has a slightly higher rubbery modulus and a secondary transition at a lower temperature than DGEBA cured with SiDA. Activation energies for the secondary transition were determined for TMSiDA/DGEBA and SiDA/DGEBA and are 19 and 14 kcal/mol, respectively.
Vertex operators in 2K dimensions.

A formula is proposed which expresses free fermion fields in 2{ital K} dimensions in terms of the Cartan currents of the free fermion current algebra. This leads, in an obvious manner, to a vertex operator construction of non-Abelian free fermion current algebras in arbitrary even dimensions. It is conjectured that these ideas may generalize to a wide class of conformal field theories.
Synthesis and characterization of wire-like Ru2((ap)4-[σ-oligo(phenylene ethynyl)] compounds

Abstract Reported herein are the synthesis, electrochemical and structural characterization of wire-like Ru 2 -alkynyl compounds, Ru 2 ( ap ) 4 (L n ) x , where ap is 2-anilinopyridinate, and L n is –(C CC 6 H 4 ) n SCH 2 CH 2 SiMe 3 with n = 1 ( 1 ) and 2 ( 2 ), and x can be 1 ( a ) and 2 ( b ). Reactions between Ru 2 ( ap ) 4 Cl and one equiv. of LiL n yielded the mono-alkynyl compound only, while the use of 4–5 equiv. of LiL n resulted in a mixture of both the mono and bis-alkynyl species. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of compounds 1a and 1b revealed structural similarities to Ru 2 ( ap ) 4 (C 2 Ph) and Ru 2 ( ap ) 4 (C 2 Ph) 2 , respectively. Magnetic, spectroscopic and voltammetric measurements also revealed a minimal perturbation on electronic structures due to the functionalization of OPE ligands with thiol-TMSE group (–SCH 2 CH 2 SiMe 3 ). Most significantly, it can be estimated based on the structure of 1a that the Ru–OPE2–S– linkage in 2a is significantly longer than the depth of C11 thiol SAM and hence enables the insertion of 2a into the latter.
Computable bounds for the discrimination of Gaussian states

By combining the Minkowski inequality and the quantum Chernoff bound, we derive easy-to-compute upper bounds for the error probability affecting the optimal discrimination of Gaussian states. In particular, these bounds are useful when the Gaussian states are unitarily inequivalent, i.e., they differ in their symplectic invariants.
Biomimetic Light Harvesting in Nanoporous Metal Organic Materials

Metal organic framework materials (MOFs) represent a class of solid state materials with a number of properties advantageous for numerous applications ranging from gas storage and separation, heterogeneous catalysis, and controlled drug release to name only a few. Of the plethora of unexplored applications of MOFs, frameworks that can facilitate biomimetic solar photochemistry are of significant interest. Solar photochemistry applications rely on the ability of the MOF material to undergo facile and directional photoinduced electron transfer, much like biological light harvesting systems. One strategy is to utilize the nanoscale cavities within the MOF to encapsulate photoactive guests that can participate in directional photo-induced electron transfer reminiscent of biological electron transport chains. Here we discuss two such light harvesting systems. First, photoexcitation of a Zn(II)-trimesic acid based metal organic framework containing co-encapsulated Ru(II)tris(2,2'-bipyridine) (RuBpy) and Co(II)tris(2,2'-bipyridine) (CoBpy) results in inter-molecular electron transfer (ET) between the excited state of RuBpy (3MLCT) and the ground state CoBpy The rate of inter-cavity ET, kET, is found to be 3.7x106 s−1. Using the semi-classical Marcus equation and the observed rate constant, it is determined that ET occurs between RuBpy and CoBpy complexes located in adjacent cavities (∼19.6 A). We have also previously demonstrated the ability to specifically encapsulate metall-porphyrins within the octahemioctahedral cavites of both Cu and Zn HKUST-1. Here the simultaneous encapsulation of both Zn(II) tetrakis(tetra 4-sulphonatophenyl)porphyrin (Zn4SP) and Fe(III)tetrakis (tetra 4-sulphonatophenyl)porphyrin (Fe4SP) into a Zn(II)-HKUST-1 metal organic framework is demonstrated. Photo-excitation of the Zn4SP results in inter-molecular electron transfer (ET) between the encapsulated 3Zn4SP and the Fe(III)4SP sites as evident by the reduction in 3Zn4SP lifetime from 370 μs (kobs 2.7x103 s−1) to 83 μs (kobs = 1.2x104 s−1) in the presence of Fe4SP giving a kET ∼ 9.xx103 s−1.
Anomalous light scattering at the ferroelectric phase transition of KH2PO4

Abstract The temperature-dependent scattered light intensity accompanying the ferroelectric phase transition of KH 2 PO 4 is presented as an isofrequency-temperature scan. The temperature dependence of the data is shown to be better fit to the coupled harmonic oscillator model than to the single overdamped oscillator. This mode of data presentation also displays the anomalous light scattering near the phase transition.
Cellular polyamine depletion reduces DNA synthesis in isolated lymphocyte nuclei

Abstract The accumulation of putrescine, spermidine and spermine in activated bovine lymphocytes was blocked by the combined action of two inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis, methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) and α-methylornithine. Lymphocytes were cultured under three conditions: (1) α-methylornithine alone, (2) MGBG alone, or (3) α-methylornithine plus MGBG. DNA synthesis in nuclei isolated from these cells was reduced from control rates by approx. 10, 55 and 75%, respectively. In each case, the degree of inhibition was similar to that observed with the intact cells. Stimulation of nuclear DNA synthesis with the postnuclear supernatant fraction was not affected by polyamine depletion of the cells. Several experiments indicate that the reduced rate of in vitro DNA synthesis was caused by the lack of polyamines and not by alternate effects of the drugs. No inhibition was observed (1) when spermidine was added to inhibited cultures 12 h before harvest and nuclear isolation, (2) when the drugs were added after polyamines had accumulated, and (3) when the drugs were added directly to the in vitro assay. In addition, the degree of inhibition of in vitro DNA synthesis correlated with the degree of polyamine deficiency. These in vitro studies confirm the results obtained with whole cells and support the hypothesis that DNA synthesis is one cellular site of action of the naturally occurring polyamines.
Reversed phase paper chromatography of metal ions with phenylbenzohydroxamic acid

Abstract The chromatographic behavior of some 35 different metal ions has been studied using paper impregnated with phenylbenzohydroxamic acid and 2-octanone. A number of selective separations can be accomplished using eluents varying in acidity from Ph 3 to 5 or 6 molar acid.
Mentoring with Future Urban Teachers

Increasing educational opportunities for children who live in urban areas is a social, moral, and economic imperative. Teacher preparation is one key to facing this challenge, and mentoring appears to hold promise as a critical component of urban teacher education programs. This article summarizes the mentoring component of a large, federally funded partnership project designed to support future urban teachers. Procedures for recruiting and selecting mentor teachers, typical mentor-student activities, and participants' perceptions of the mentoring activities are described.
Pyruvate and alanine metabolism in carp liver mitochondria.

Abstract Carp liver mitochondrial preparations oxidize pyruvate without requirement for the addition of a “sparker” intermediate. The carboxyl carbon of alanine appears as CO 2 at a rate more than 50 times that of carbon 2. From the stoichiometry of alanine oxidation, the carbon which enters the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle appears to be oxidized completely to CO 2 , with the exception of that which accumulates as citrate. Fluoroacetate increases citrate accumulation in a manner in accord with the formation of fluorocitrate, the active inhibitor of aconitase. Carbon dioxide is fixed by carp liver mitochondria undergoing oxidative phosphorylation, with most of the fixed carbon residing in oxalacetate. All the intermediates of the TCA cycle become labeled upon incubation with alanine-2-C 14 , and in a manner which indicates the sequential flow of carbon from pyruvate through each intermediate of the TCA cycle, in accordance with the classical scheme. The effect of malonate on the flow of carbon shows that blockage occurs at the site of succinate oxidation. Several observations on the operation of the TCA cycle point to the competitive inhibition of succinoxidase by oxalacetate. The results obtained on the in vitro operation of the TCA cycle in carp liver mitochondria can be best explained on the assumption that mitochondria, prepared in 0.25 M sucrose, have undergone significant damage. This damage results in two systems operating simultaneously: one characteristic of intact mitochondrial function and the other resembling a mixture of soluble enzymes no longer possessing the structural organization of undamaged mitochondria.