cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mycophenolic acid and intravenous immunoglobulin exert an additive effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis in the mixed lymphocyte reaction

Abstract Background Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has known immunomodulatory effects in autoimmune diseases and transplantation and is commonly used in desensitization protocols and for treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). IVIG inhibits the MLR and induces apoptosis in immune cells. Mycophenolate mofetil inhibits immune cell proliferation and is an effective immunsuppressive agent. Here, we examined the possible synergistic effects of combined MMF and IVIG on cell proliferation and apoptosis induction in the MLR. Methods Two-way MLRs were performed with mycophenolic acid (MPA), IVIG and both in combination. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by 3H-thymidine incorporation and Annexin flow cytometry, respectively. Results IVIG (1–10 mg/ml) or MPA (0.01–0.25 µg/ml) alone inhibited cell proliferation in the MLR in a dose-dependent manner. MPA at 0.01–0.03 µg/ml showed minimal inhibition, but the addition of 5 and 10 mg/ml IVIG increased inhibition significantly (p Conclusion 1) Combining low concentrations of IVIG (5–10 mg/ml) and MPA (0.01–0.03 µg/ml)has an additive effect on inhibition of cell proliferation in the MLR. 2) MPA alone neither induces nor inhibits apoptosis in T or B cells in the MLR, and has no effect on apoptosis induced by IVIG. These in vitro observations may have implications for modification of therapeutic approaches to protocols utilizing IVIG for desensitization and immune modulation.
Turnout as a Habit

It is conventional to speak of voting as “habitual.” But what does this mean? In psychology, habits are cognitive associations between repeated responses and stable features of the performance context. Thus, “turnout habit” is best measured by an index of repeated behavior and a consistent performance setting. Once habit associations form, the response can be cued even in the absence of supporting beliefs and motivations. Therefore, variables that form part of the standard cognitive-based accounts of turnout should be more weakly related to turnout among those with a strong habit. We draw evidence from a large array of ANES surveys to test these hypotheses and find strong support.
Bridging with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors for periprocedural management of antiplatelet therapy in patients with drug eluting stents†

Objective: To describe outcomes when glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) inhibitors are used as bridging antiplatelet therapy for surgical procedures in patients with drug eluting stents (DES). Background: The optimal management of patients with DES who require surgical procedures prior to completion of antiplatelet therapy is unclear. In high risk patients, the use of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors as bridging therapy while antiplatelet therapy is held has been described, but safety and efficacy data remain sparse. Methods: A pharmacy database was used to identify GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor orders at our hospital between January 1, 2007 and July 31, 2009. Indication for GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor administration and other clinical data were gathered through retrospective review of medical records. End points assessed were stent thrombosis, major bleeding, minor bleeding, postoperative acute coronary syndrome, and death within 30 days. Results: Four thousand One hundred seventy-six separate orders for GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were identified (January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2009). Six patients underwent non-cardiac and thirteen underwent cardiac surgery. Clopidogrel was discontinued a median of 6 days before surgery and 2 days prior to initiating GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor. All bridging patients were treated with eptifibatide infusion prior to procedure. There were no stent thromboses, deaths, or acute coronary syndrome events. Major bleeding occurred in 7 (53.9%) cardiac surgery patients and none of the non-cardiac surgery patients, while minor bleeding occurred in 1 (7.7%) and 1 (16.6%) patients, respectively. Conclusions: In patients with DES, who require cessation of clopidogrel before surgery, bridging with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors appears effective in preventing adverse cardiac outcomes but may be associated with bleeding in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Procedure for calibration of a coulometric system used for total inorganic carbon measurements of seawater

A calibration procedure is described for measurements of total inorganic carbon (CT) in seawater using a coulometric system. In contrast to a previously published protocol which is based on pure CO2 gas as a calibration standard, the present procedure is based on measurements of standard solutions treated similarly to seawater samples. We show that standard solutions for CT measurements can be easily prepared both in the laboratory and at sea from distilled water and preweighed sodium carbonate salt. With reasonable care, 1 l of standard solution can be used regularly over a period of a week. The precision of this calibration procedure ranges from ± 0.02 to ± 0.06%, allowing measurements of seawater samples to within ± 0.3 to ± 1.3 μmol C kg−1; such precision is necessary for detection of any increase in CT as a result of anthropogenic input. A preliminary comparison to assess the accuracy of these measurements when compared with an established manometric method performed on the same seawater shows close agreement, with a mean of 1978.4 ± 1.3 μmol C kg−1 for the coulometric method and 1978.8 μmol C kg−1 for the manometric analysis. The difference between these measurements (0.4 μmol C kg−1) is within the precision of either method. These standard solutions are simple, practical and inexpensive to prepare and measure, making them ideal for measurements at sea.
A method for incorporating organ motion due to breathing into 3D dose calculations in the liver: sensitivity to variations in motion.

Organ motion has been previously described using a probability distribution function that depends solely upon the amplitude of motion and the degree of asymmetry in the breathing cycle, and that function has been used with patient specific parameters to correct static dose distributions for patient breathing using a dose convolution method. In this study, the consequences of errors in the selection of those two parameters were evaluated. Patients previously treated using a focal liver dose escalation protocol were selected with tumors located in the superior or inferior portion of the liver. For a fixed degree of asymmetry (amplitude), the amplitude (asymmetry) of motion was varied about its nominal value and the consequences of organ motion on the dose distribution and the (potentially new) prescription dose were evaluated. These comparisons show that small (+/- 3 mm) variations of the amplitude of motion about the nominally measured value may not result in clinically significant changes ( 5 mm) can lead to significant changes. Assuming from measurement that the patient breathes asymmetrically (spends more time at expiration), variations in the assumed degree of asymmetry rarely lead to clinically significant changes; the most significant cause for concern being when the patient breathing cycle is maximally different from the treatment planning case (e.g., patient assumed to spend more time at expiration, but later breaths symmetrically). The results point out where quality assurance efforts should be concentrated to help assure the validity of the assumptions used to correct the static dose distributions for patient breathing using the convolution method.
High-Energy Neutron Dosimetry

Conversion coefficients for effective dose were calculated for neutrons with energies from 20 MeV to 2 GeV with MCNPX. A high-energy neutron depth-dose experiment was also performed in an effort to test the validity of performing absorbed dose calculations with MCNPX. The results of the experiment have been compared to calculations made by MCNPX.
A simple model to predict the effectiveness of molecules that block attachment of human rhinoviruses and other viruses.

The binding of viruses to cell surfaces is often mediated by cell surface receptors. The use of soluble receptors, such as intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) for human rhinovirus (HRV), CD4 for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and CR2 for Epstein-Barr virus, for in vivo antiviral therapy is under serious investigation. A number of synthetic compounds that affect HRV attachment and uncoating (termed WIN compounds) are also being studied. However, the mechanism behind the dose-response effect of these agents in preventing infection has not been clearly demonstrated. In addition to simple blocking (by receptors) or inactivation of binding sites (by WIN compounds) on the virus surface, other mechanisms of inhibition have been proposed and demonstrated, including cooperative inactivation of neighboring sites, receptor-induced viral attachment protein (VAP) shedding, virus particle inactivation, and inhibition of multivalent virus binding. We present a simple mathematical model to predict the effect of these molecules on virus infection by incorporating only the blocking or site inactivation step of the blocking molecule and its resulting effect on attachment. The ability of the model to reproduce the response of a virus to a dose of blocking molecules is used to distinguish the role of blockers in inhibiting attachment from the other mechanisms of viral inactivation that have been proposed. The model includes both the reversible attachment of the virus to its cellular receptor and to soluble receptors or synthetic molecules (blockers). The model qualitatively predicts the published dose-response curves for the HRV-14/WIN, HRV-14/ICAM-1, and HIV/ CD4 systems under pseudoequilibrium conditions and is quantitatively accurate as a model for HRV-14 attachment, consistent with a mechanism involving simple competition of the blocker with the cellular receptor for attachment sites on the virus surface. The failure of the model to properly quantify blocking for EBV and HIV under certain conditions suggests that other effects not included in the model are important for viral entry in these systems.
The role of nutrition in pediatric HIV/AIDS: A review of micronutrient research

It is becoming increasingly evident that nutrition is not only an important component of health but also that levels of specific nutrients can affect disease expression. This is particularly apparent in the realm of HIV disease. Despite this knowledge, research in this area, especially pertaining to the pediatric population, has been limited. This report presents a narrative review and critique of the work that has been conducted in the area of micronutrients including descriptive, correlational, and intervention studies. Gaps in knowledge, recommendations for future research, and nursing implications are highlighted. Current information suggests a role for micronutrients in the treatment of HIV disease, and further research will help develop these adjunct therapies that can affect the overall outcomes and quality of life of these patients. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Decision making framework for photovoltaic cell technologies using six sigma

The fast pace of technology and business innovation in the renewable energy sector can make it difficult to thoroughly evaluate competing technologies, often because incontrovertible data is lacking or obscured by speculation, hype, and vaporware claims. Thus an impartial and comprehensive tool is needed to analyze qualitative and subjective parameters. This paper proposes the use of Six Sigma as a quantitative method suitable for evaluating emerging technologies in the solar and other renewable energy markets and will demonstrate how the Six Sigma tools of the Fishbone Diagram, Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Priority Matrix can be applied to analyze photovoltaic cell technologies. Market data is shown to confirm the results of the Six Sigma analysis.
A linear pivoting heuristic procedure for computing the curve of intersection of two bicubic surface patches

Abstract This work describes a new approach to the old problem of finding the curve of intersection of bicubic spline surfaces. The procedure used is based on the Gaussian pivotal methods used to change basic solutions in linear programming. In this case, the “linear system” is derived from the 32 control points used to define the two surface patches; a “Phase I” linear program is solved to determine if there is “interference” between the two control polygons. If there is none, the two surfaces do not intersect. If there is, the procedure “pivots across” a series of triangles and lines defined in a particular way to develop an arbitrarily good approximation to the curve of intersection. The method relies on earlier “subdivision” work of others to develop control points “closer” to the surface, if needed.
On initial algebras of multiplicative invariants

Abstract Consider the ring of multiplicative invariants, k [ A ] G , of the group algebra k [ A ] of a faithful G -lattice A over base field k . Among other things, we will determine the cardinality of the set of all initial algebras, in ≽ ( k [ A ] G ) , of the ring of multiplicative invariants over all possible admissible orders ≽ on A .
Comparison of the Maclura pomifera lectin-binding glycoprotein in late fetal and adult rat lung.

The lectin,Maclura pomifera agglutinin (MPA), binds to alphagalactose residues of glycoproteins on the apical surface of type II alveolar cells. It has recently been shown to bind to macrophages. We isolated the cell surface glycoprotein, which binds the MPA lectin, from fetal and adult rat whole lung to determine if changes in this glycoprotein occur during development from fetal to adult life. The glycoprotein was purified from whole lung cell membranes by lectin affinity chromatography that resulted in 105-fold enrichment. The MPA binding glycoproteins from both fetal and adult lung had the same apparent molecular weight of 170 kD as determined by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Amino acid analysis revealed similar composition of the fetal and adult proteins. Two-dimensional peptide maps of the 170 kD proteins isolated from fetal and adult lung were also similar. These data indicate that the glycoprotein that binds MPA to lung cell membranes does not change during this stage of development. Our method for the isolation of this glycoprotein can be used for the generation of antibodies or other molecular probes for further study of this protein.
Volcanic, CO2 and solar forcing of northern and southern hemisphere surface air temperatures

Seasonally-resolved energy balance models having air–surface, land–ocean and Northern and Southern Hemisphere resolution are used to elucidate the possible relative importance of several external factors on the climate of the past century. The model used here allows a direct comparison of observed and simulated temperatures from the same physical domains—over land and sea separately in each hemisphere. The availability of independent temperature records in two hemispheres significantly increases the number of independent degrees of freedom in the data available to ‘verify’ the simulations. Independent volcanic effects are found in both hemispheres, while similar responses for the more globally distributed CO2 and tentatively identified solar forcings are found in the two hemispheres. The empirically derived CO2 equilibrium doubling response for air surface temperature is 1.6±0.3°C, although the statistical significance of this result is uncertain.
Insulin, pancreatic polypeptide, and glucagon release from the chicken pancreas in vitro: responses to changes in medium glucose and free fatty acid content.

Abstract The effects of glucose and fatty acids on release of insulin, pancreatic polypeptide (APP), and glucagon by the chicken pancreas were investigated in vitro. Small fragments of chicken pancreas were perifused; pancreatic hormones were measured in the effluent perifusate by radioimmunoassay. Elevation of medium glucose from 200 mg/dl to 500 mg/dl did not affect insulin release while elevation to 700 mg glucose/dl produced a sustained increase in insulin output. Glucagon release was consistently suppressed when glucose was elevated to either level. Pancreatic polypeptide secretion was not reduced by increases in medium glucose. Butyrate and valerate (5 mM) did not affect output of any of the hormones measured. Oleate and linoleate (0.3 and 1.0 mM, respectively) both stimulated insulin secretion; linoleate also stimulated APP and glucagon secretion. None of the fatty acids tested directly reduced glucagon or APP output although partial antagonistic effects of the fatty acids on pancreatic secretion were suggested by “off response” increases in the pancreatic hormone output upon removal of the long-chain fatty acids from the perifusion medium.
Enhancing trend-following strategies with option selling

(2004). Enhancing trend-following strategies with option selling. Quantitative Finance: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 1-6.
Texture discrimination and unit recordings in the rat whisker/barrel system

We have developed a semi-automated technique for acquiring neurophysiological data during whisker-based tactile discriminative behavior. Water-deprived, blindfolded rats are tethered by means of a harness vest that permits them to contact a rough (250 micrometer grooves) or smooth discriminandum with only their vibrissae. Discriminanda are mounted on a motor-driven carousel, and the rat indicates its choice (rough, smooth) by licking either a right or left water port located near the carousel. A narrow light beam detects general proximity of the animal's nose to the discriminandum, although actual whisker contact is monitored by a SuperVHS camera and measured offline using field-by-field videographic analysis. Rats can be trained within 3-6 weeks at which time they perform 100-150 trials/day at a level of 80% correct. Unit recording from the somatosensory cortex reveals that neurons increase their firing upon whisker contact of a discriminandum and that firing remains elevated during several hundred milliseconds of ongoing contact, even with the smooth surface. Nevertheless, despite the animal's ability to distinguish the rough and smooth surfaces, overall neuronal firing rates were indistinguishable for the two surfaces. In some cases, temporal firing patterns differed, although not in a consistent way across recording sites.
Lactobacillus casei response to pteroylpolyglutamates

Abstract The growth response of L. casei to pteroylpolyglutamates was investigated. The slope of the response curve varies with the number of glutamic acid residues present in the conjugate, becoming steeper for those forms with more than three glutamic residues. A greater concentration of these higher polyglutamates was needed for a given response in comparison with the amount of mono or lower polyglutamates needed. These variations in response to different polyglutamates must be considered in evaluating the values of folate activity in natural products as assayed by L. casei .
The occurrence and fate of PCDDs and PCDFs in five bleached kraft pulp and paper mills

Abstract Preliminary results from the USEPA/Paper Industry Cooperative Dioxin Screening Survey are presented. Inputs, intermediates, and exports from five bleached kraft pulp and paper mills were analyzed for 2378-TCDD and 2378-TCDF.
Stratigraphy and provenance of strata along the San Marcos fault, central Coahuila, Mexico

Stratigraphic and petrologic studies, supported by geologic mapping north of the San Marcos fault (central Coahuila), indicate that as much as 3,000 m of coarse Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous detritus was derived from south of the fault. Two coarse Jurassic submarine conglomerate units (Las Palomas and Sierra El Granizo beds of the La Casita Formation) reflect separate episodes of displacement. Younger Jurassic eolianite and marine sandstone (Colorado and Tanque Cuatro Palmas beds of the La Casita Formation) record subsequent (Tithonian) fault inactivity. Neocomian rejuvenation of the fault produced alluvial deposits (San Marcos Formation); finer-grained, paralic or marine strata that are distal and suprajacent, and manifest the same faulting, are the La Mula Formation. Interruption of Neocomian displacement is indicated by a tongue of carbonate (Padilla and Barril Viejo Formations) that divides the San Marcos into upper and lower members. The principal source of this detritus was the wildflysch of the late Paleozoic, arcproximal Las Delicias basin and the plutonic rocks that cut it. Rb-Sr ages on clasts and from outcrops of granitic rocks are Triassic and probably reflect late-stage magmatism within the Las Delicias arc. Although this arc supplied most of the detritus to the Las Delicias basin, Devonian ages on some clasts reveal that an unknown source area lay somewhere nearby during the late part of the Paleozoic Era. The San Marcos fault may have served as part of the system of transform faults that connected sea-floor-spreading ridges of the Atlantic with those of the Pacific. If so, then the Jurassic units record periods of Jurassic activity and inactivity of that system. Neocomian displacment may have been caused by subsequent isostatic adjustment.
In situ mineralized hydroxyapatite on amino acid modified nanoclays as novel bone biomaterials

Abstract A novel biomineralization route to synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAP) in montmorillonite (MMT) clay galleries modified with 5-aminovaleric acid is presented. The oraganomodified MMT clay with mineralized HAP (in situ HAPclay) was characterized by transmission Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to evaluate molecular interactions between clay-modifier-HAP. FTIR spectroscopy studies indicated the formation of HAP within the modified MMT clay galleries. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies indicated the formation of apatite in modified MMT clay and also showed shifts in peak positions corresponding to the apatite in in situ HAPclay. This indicated that the apatite formed in in situ HAPclay exhibits differences in its lattice structure as compared to ex situ hydroxyapatite (HAP). The in situ HAPclay was further used for the preparation of nanocomposite chitosan/polygalacturonic acid (ChiPgA) composite films. Human osteoblast cells were cultured on these ChiPgA composite films containing in situ HAPclay. Human osteoblasts form clusters and exhibit good biocompatibility with these films. This work demonstrated the potential to design biomineralized HAP in nanocomposites as new bone biomaterials.
Effects of papaverine on smooth muscle cell morphology and vein graft preparation

Venous injury following mechanical distension and its late sequelae were studied in a canine model. Jugular vein segments distended without and with papaverine (60 mg/100 ml) were compared with nondistended vein segments after they had been placed into the arterial circulation for 1 to 12 months. Arteriography showed no significant statistical discrepancy in luminal diameter of the three vein segments. Complete reendothelialization had occurred in all vein grafts at the time of harvesting. Similar histocytologic features existed in the nondistended segments and in the portion distended with human plasma protein fraction (Plasmanate) plus papaverine (150 to 300 mm Hg). The intimal-medial hyperplasia was characterized by an increase in fibrocellular layers with an elaboration of vasa vasorum. Conversely, collagen and extracellular matrix replaced the myocyte, producing medial fibrosis in vein mechanically distended with Plasmanate alone. Papaverine prevented mechanical stimulation of smooth muscle cells to overproduce extracellular connective tissue elements. Mechanical stretching of intimal and medial myocytes induced fibrogenesis and fibroplasia. Papaverine is useful in vein preparation; it protects the endothelium and smooth muscle cells in the intima and media and prevents leukocyte infiltration and medial fibrosis.
Risky recreation: an exploration of factors influencing the likelihood of participation and the effects of experience

The purpose of this research was to systematically examine factors that may influence participation in risky recreational activities. Because more people participate in risky leisure activities, it is important to acquire a more in-depth understanding of the factors influencing their behaviours. We examine these issues in the context of a survey concerned with participation in the sport of mountain biking. Results revealed that experience influenced risk perceptions, expected affective outcomes, and the attractiveness or appeal of the activity. In addition, expected affective outcomes moderated the influence of experience on appeal. The likelihood of participation in a high-risk consumption activity was determined by affective outcome expectancies, appeal of the activity, risk perceptions, and prior experience. The results also indicated that the activity's appeal moderated the influence of perceived risk on the individual's likelihood of participation.
Efficient PCNA complex formation is dependent upon both transcription coupled repair and genome overall repair.

Abstract The protein proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an auxiliary factor for DNA polymerase δ and is involved in the resynthesis step of nucleotide excision repair (NER). After UV irradiation of quiescent cells, PCNA forms an insoluble complex with nuclear substructures. We have investigated associations between NER and its subcomponent pathway, transcription coupled repair (TCR) on PCNA complex formation using genetically related hamster cell lines with different repair characteristics. In DNA repair proficient cells, the PCNA complex was readily detectable within 30 min after UV irradiation by both immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. This complex formation after UV occurs efficiently in quiescent cells. In UV5 (human XP-D homolog) and UV 24 (human XP-B homolog) cells, which are totally deficient in NER, the PCNA complex was not detectable at 30 min after UV. The PCNA complex formation is restored to normal levels in UV5 cells after transfection with the human XPD gene, encoding a subunit of the basal transcription factor, TFIIH. In UV61 (Human CS-B homolog) cells, that are defective only in transcription coupled repair (TCR) of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), the rate of PCNA complex formation was 2-fold slower than in repair proficient cells. This defect was complemented by transfection of the CSB gene into the UV61 cells. We thus conclude that efficient PCNA complex formation after UV is dependent upon both the NER and TCR pathways in hamster cells. The association of several other DNA repair proteins including XPA, RPA, TFIIH and p53 with the insoluble PCNA complex in UV treated cells suggests a central role for PCNA in different steps of NER.
A large area liquid scintillation multiphoton detector

A 60 layer lead-liquid scintillator shower detector, which we call the SLIC, has been used for multiphoton detection in the Fermilab tagged photon spectrometer. The detector has an unimpeded active area which is 2.44 m by 4.88 m and is segmented, by means of teflon coated channels, into 3.17 cm wide strips. The 60 layers in depth are broken into three directions of alternating readouts so that three position coordinates are determined for each shower. At present the readouts are made by 334 photomultiplier tubes coupled to BBQ doped wavelength shifter bars which integrate the entire depth of the detector. It is relatively straightforward to increase the number of readouts to include longitudinal segmentation and to increase the segmentation of the outer region which are at present read out two strips to a readout. The energy and position resolutions of isolated showers are about 12%√E and 3 mm., respectively. The SLIC has been used to study the K−π+π0 decay of the D0 [1], as well as for electron and muon identification in ψ → e+e− and ψ → μ+μ− plus π0 identification in γp → ψχ [8].
Expression of H-2 antigens during growth of cultured tumor cells.

H-2 antigens cell surface expression has been investigated in murine cultured tumor cells L1210 at different stages of their growth. H-2 antigens are maximally expressed during the mid-log phase of cell growth as judged by the sensitivity of cells to antibody mediated lysis in the complement dependent cytotoxic test and by the absorbing capacity for H-2 antisera. The yields of H-2 antigens solubilized from cells at different stages of growth correlated consistently with the cell surface expression of these antigens.Mouse histocompatibility (H-2) antigens are genetically determined cell surface markers which are expressed on most murine cells and tissues. Since Medawar's (1) discovery that allograft survival could be prolonged by non-particulate murine transplantation antigens, it has been attempted to solubilize these antigens from the surface of cell membranes. A variety of methods have been applied and considerable efforts were made to characterize the biological as well as chemical natures of both huma...
Comparing median lethal concentration values using confidence interval overlap or ratio tests

Experimenters in toxicology often compare the concentration-response relationship between two distinct populations using the median lethal concentration (LC50). This comparison is sometimes done by calculating the 95% confidence interval for the LC50 for each population, concluding that no significant difference exists if the two confidence intervals overlap. A more appropriate test compares the ratio of the LC50s to 1 or the log(LC50 ratio) to 0. In this ratio test, we conclude that no difference exists in LC50s if the confidence interval for the ratio of the LC50s contains 1 or the confidence interval for the log(LC50 ratio) contains 0. A Monte Carlo simulation study was conducted to compare the confidence interval overlap test to the ratio test. The confidence interval overlap test performs substantially below the nominal α = 0.05 level, closer to p = 0.005; therefore, it has considerably less power for detecting true differences compared to the ratio test. The ratio-based method exhibited better type I error rates and superior power properties in comparison to the confidence interval overlap test. Thus, a ratio-based statistical procedure is preferred to using simple overlap of two independently derived confidence intervals.
Fucosylglycolipids in cells transformed by a temperature-sensitive mutant of murine sarcoma virus

WE have reported that fucosylglycolipid metabolism is markedly altered in cells transformed by oncornavirus1. Transformed cells exhibit a sharp decrease in radioactive fucose incorporation into a chromatographically less mobile fucosylglycolipid, with a corresponding increase in radioactivity in chromatographically more mobile fucosylglycolipids. We describe here further studies of fucosylglycolipid metabolism using normal rat kidney (NRK) cells transformed by a cold-sensitive mutant of murine sarcoma virus (MSV)2. The cell line, designated NRK (MSV-1b), is cold sensitive for maintenance of the transformed phenotype. The cells express the transformed phenotype at the permissive temperature (39° C) but appear phenotypically normal at the non-permissive temperature (33° C). Cells transformed by this mutant are non-producer cells, but contain the MSV genome in a rescuable form. Using these cold-sensitive transformants, we were able to demonstrate, in a temporal fashion, a relationship between altered fucosylglycolipid metabolism and the development of the transformed phenotype.
College Men'S Reactions to Hypothetical Forceful Sexual Advances from Women

Summary A sample of 263 college men read a vignette in which they were to imagine receiving a forceful sexual advance from a woman. Initiator relationship was varied by describing the woman as a relative stranger an acquaintance, a recent non-sexual dating partner, or a steady dating partner with whom the subject has already had sexual intercourse (sexual date). The sexual intimacy of the act attempted-genital touch, oral sex, and sexual intercourse-was varied in the vignette. Subjects gave ratings for social acceptability, positive reaction, feelings of violation, and negative impact of the situation, and indicated if they would consent to sex with the initiator. Results revealed a significant effect for relationship. Men had generally negative responses to the advance of a stranger and positive responses to the advance of a sexual date. Reactions to acquaintance and recent date advances were more positive than those for a stranger, but less positive than responses to the sexual date. The results add fur...
Penicillin -cyanosulphilmines; cyanamide/iodobenzene diacetate, a convenient cyanonitrene reagent for -cyano sulphilmines, sulphoximines, phosphinimines and aziridines

Abstract Cyanamide with iodobenzene diacetate give cyanonitrene adducts of sulphides, sulphoxides, phosphines, and olefins. Penicillins give N -cyanosulphilimines, shown by intramolecular N-H...N hydrogen bonding or NMR ASIS to have β(S) stereochemistry.
Where Are the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables?: A Systematic Exploration of Access to Food Stores Offering Fresh Fruits and Vegetables as Told by Midwestern African American Women

This exploratory study systematically examined Midwestern African American women’s (n = 273) access to food stores offering more than 5 fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Access to potential (within 0.5 miles of household) and realized (where participant buys fruits and vegetables most often) food stores was assessed. Descriptive analyses revealed that participants lived closer to food stores not offering more than 5 fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Participants purchased fresh fruits and vegetables from food stores that were an average of 1.2 miles further than the closest food stores offering more than 5 fresh fruits and vegetables daily to their household. Results highlight complexities of the food environment and the need to further investigate factors influencing food-related behaviors.
Predictors and Consequences of Perceived Lack of Choice in Becoming an Informal Caregiver

Objectives: Using data from a national sample of informal caregivers to older adults, we identify predictors of lack of choice and the consequences of lack of choice in taking on the caregiving role. Methods: A national telephone survey with 1397 caregivers was carried out to assess whether respondents had a choice in taking on the caregiving role, their demographic characteristics, the nature and duration of their caregiving experience, and its impact on their physical and psychological well-being. We compare caregivers who felt they had no choice in taking on the caregiving role to those who did. Results: In total, 44% of caregivers reported a lack of choice in taking on the caregiving role. Highly educated, older caregivers caring for a younger care recipient with emotional or behavioral problems were most likely to report that they had no choice in taking on the caregiving role. Lack of choice is associated with higher levels of emotional stress, physical strain, and negative health impacts, after con...
Communication strategies to reach first-time visitors

Abstract Attracting new visitors is a major concern for destinations that are trying to increase tourism revenues. A marketing communication plan addressing new visitors is a central element to any community's tourism development strategy. This article reports the results of a study that investigated where the potential visitor would look for information about a tourism destination they have never visited before, in addition to traditional information sources that travel planners reference such as advice from family and friends, newspapers, and magazines. The results showed a person's own travel files, as a vacation planning reference, was more popular than information sources previously reported in travel studies. Those tourists who were likely to have and use a travel information file considered themselves skilled and experienced travelers, were familiar with the destination, and had strong intentions of visiting the destination. Suggestions are made on how destinations can add information to travel fil...
Continuum of Intellectual Disability: Demographic Evidence for the “Forgotten Generation”

Abstract Demographic features of Americans with mild intellectual disabilities were estimated in an analysis of the National Health Interview Survey. The cohort was compared to the population of the United States, persons with specific learning disabilities, and persons with mental retardation. Comparison on basic indices of adaptive functioning and SES suggest a large cohort of Americans who share many support needs and social and economic vulnerabilities with those labeled “mentally retarded.” The combined prevalence of intellectual disability/mental retardation was estimated to be 1.27%. Implications are discussed in terms of the “forgotten generation” report of the 1999 President's Committee on Mental Retardation and evolving conceptions of mental retardation.
ESR measurements of free radical photoinitiation rates by nitroxide termination

Application a un polystyrene dope par un nitroxyde et a un revetement acrylique-melamine-formaldehyde dope de la meme facon
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 colocalizes with phosphorylated tau in human inclusion-body myositis paired-helical filaments and may play a role in tau phosphorylation.

Abstract To investigate the possible role of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) in the formation of paired helical filaments (PHFs) in muscle of patients with inclusion-body myositis (IBM), we immunolocalized cdk5, by light- and electron- microscopy, in muscle biopsies of six IBM patients. Approximately 80–90% of IBM vacuolated muscle fibers, and 10–15% of non-vacuolated fibers, contained well defined cdk5-immunoreactive inclusions that colocalized with phosphorylated tau in 70–80% of those fibers. Immunoelectronmicroscopy revealed the association of cdk5 with tau-immunoreactive PHFs. In all biopsies that contained them, regenerating muscle fibers had diffuse, moderate to strong cdk5 immunoreactivity. At all neuromuscular junctions, there was strong cdk5 immunoreactivity postsynaptically. Our study suggests that cdk5: (1) plays a role in IBM pathogenesis, possibly mediating phosphorylation of PHF-related tau; (2) is involved in muscle regeneration; and (3) has a novel function at normal neuromuscular junctions.
EPIDEMIC OF KANAMYCIN RESISTANT SERRATIA MARCESCENS SEPSIS IN A NEWBORN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

EPIDEMIC OF KANAMYCIN RESISTANT SERRATIA MARCESCENS SEPSIS IN A NEWBORN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Ultra-low-noise regenerative frequency divider for high-spectral-purity RF signal generation

We implement an ultra-low-noise frequency divider chain from 8 GHz to 5 MHz that utilizes custom-built regenerative frequency divide-by-2 circuits. The single-sideband (SSB) residual phase-noise of this regenerative divider at 5 MHz output is −163 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz offset frequency. This level is achieved with custom-built mixers that use 2N2222A bipolar junction transistors in a conventional double-balanced diode ring. We report absolute phase-noise of radio-frequency (RF) signals at 10 MHz and 5 MHz obtained by dividing an 8 GHz signal generated from ultra-stable optical comb-based frequency division. The absolute SSB phase-noise for a 10 MHz and 5 MHz signal at 1 Hz offset is −143 dBc/Hz and −150 dBc/Hz, and at 100 kHz offset is −174 dBc/Hz and −177 dBc/Hz, respectively.
Electron irradiation effects on the shunt resistance of silicon solar cells

Abstract Shunt resistance R sh values greater than 5×10 6 μ have been measured for high efficiency silicon solar cells fabricated by a low temperature diffusion technique, whereas lower values ((0.5−1.0)×10 5 μ) were obtained for ion-implanted solar cells. A degradation in R sh values by an order of magnitude was observed after electron irradiations of 1 MeV to a fluence of 1 × 10 16 e − cm −2 . Temperature dependence studies indicated a rapid decrease in R sh above a threshold temperature which is sensitive to the device quality. As the fluence of irradiation increased, very little shift in the threshold temperature towards lower values was observed. The degradation in R sh causes an enhancement in the dark saturation current which is partly responsible for degradation in the open-circuit voltage of the devices.
DNA levels in differentiating tracheary elements.

The relative amount of nuclear DNA in recently differentiated tracheary elements of cultured pea root cortical cells was determined. Cells containing 2c, 4c, 8c, and 16c amounts of DNA were observed, and the distribution of the DNA classes was similar to that of the undifferentiated cell population.
Cross‐cultural validation of Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence scale

This study empirically validated Antonovsky's suggestion that a Sense of Coherence is important in managing stress and remaining both physically and psychologically healthy. In both Anglo-American and Native American cultures, Sense of Coherence Measures were found to correlate negatively with measures of physical and mental distress. More interestingly, this study supported Antonovsky's prediction that people from various cultures may attain a similar level of a Sense of Coherence, despite great socioeconomic differences.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Several Air Cleaners for Reducing the Hazard from Indoor Radon Progeny

In studies conducted in the early 1980s, it was suggested that the use of room-type air cleaners were relatively ineffective in reducing the hazards associated with the presence of radon decay products in indoor air. Some studies suggested that air cleaning could actually increase the dose delivered by the decay products by shifting the activity-weighted particle size distribution to smaller sizes to the point where dose increase even though exposure decreased. A recently developed automated, semicontinuous instrument now permits the direct measurement of activity-weighted size distributions in occupied homes so that the exposure to those occupants can be directly determined and the effect of the air cleaners on dose be estimated. Three different types of air cleaners were tested in this study; an electrostatic air cleaner (EAC), an ion generator / fan system (IG / F), and a filtration unit that was operated at two different fan speeds (LO-FIL and HI-FIL). The three units reduced the median exposure to ra...
Histamine, cyclic AMP, and gastric secretion in the dog

Canine gastric mucosal cyclic AMP content was determined at 1, 5, 30, 60, and 120 min after commencing a 2-hr continuous intravenous infusion of histamine of sufficient dose to elicit a brisk acid secretory response from the dog stomach. The increase in acid output was significant at 30 min and stabilized at the stimulated level for the duration of histamine infusion. By contrast, there was no significant increase in mucosal cyclic AMP content at any time of measurement. Our findings indicate that the acid secretory response of the canine stomach to histamine does not require prior accumulation of cyclic AMP in the mucosal tissue.
Oscillator and amplifier devices for millimeter applications

As radio communications (including mobile) move into the millimeter wave range, greatly expanded applications for active devices operating in this range can be foreseen. The merits and demerits of GaAs and Si IMPATT diodes, GaAs and InP transferred-electron devices, and GaAs and InP FETs, for use in the 15-100 GHz frequency range, will be covered.
Alteration of medullary respiratory unit discharge by iontophoretic application of putative neurotransmitters.

Abstract 1 Cats with midcollicular decerebration were vagotomized, paralyzed and artificially ventilated. Phrenic nerve activity was recorded as an index of central respiratory rhythm. Medullary respiratory neurones and non-respiratory cells located in approximation to the ventral respiratory nucleus were tested for their responsiveness to iontophoretically applied gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (ACh) and glutamate. 2 GABA tended to inhibit, whereas ACh and glutamate excited activity both of respiratory and non-respiratory units. Some phase-spanning respiratory unit activities were converted to phasic discharge patterns linked to either inspiration or expiration concomitant with application of low GABA doses. Appropriate applications of GABA also resulted in a complete cessation of the respiratory or non-respiratory neuronal activities. 3 While application of ACh or glutamate induced continuous firing in phasic, phase-spanning respiratory neurones, the periodic discharge patterns of inspiratory or expiratory units was not altered by ACh or, in many instances, by glutamate. Only at high doses of glutamate was the phasic discharge of some inspiratory or expiratory units converted to tonic activity. 4 These observations suggest that strong inhibitory processes serve to maintain the phasic firing pattern of respiratory units. These data also support the concept that active-inhibitory phase-switching mechanisms serve to define respiratory rhythmicity.
MC2: Map Concurrency Characterization for MapReduce on the Cloud

MapReduce is now a pervasive analytics engine on the cloud. Hadoop is an open source implementation of MapReduce and is currently enjoying wide popularity. Hadoop offers a high-dimensional space of configuration parameters, which makes it difficult for practitioners to set for efficient and cost-effective execution. In this work we observe that MapReduce application performance is highly influenced by map concurrency. Map concurrency is defined in terms of two configurable parameters, the number of available map slots and the number of map tasks running over the slots. We show that some inherent MapReduce characteristics enable well-informed prediction of map concurrency. We propose Map Concurrency Characterization (MC2), a standalone utility program that can predict the best map concurrency for any given MapReduce application. By leveraging the generated predicted information, MC2 can judiciously guide Map phase configuration and, consequently, improve Hadoop performance. Unlike many of relevant schemes, MC2 does not employ simulation, dynamic instrumentation, and/or static analysis of unmodified job code to predict map concurrency. In contrast, MC2 utilizes a simple, yet effective mathematical model, which exploits the MapReduce characteristics that impact map concurrency. We implemented MC2 and conducted comprehensive experiments on a private cloud and on Amazon MC2 using Hadoop 0.20.2. Our results show that MC2 can correctly predict the best map concurrencies for the tested benchmarks and provide up to 2.2X speedup in runtime.
Neural Correlates for Angular Head Velocity in the Rat Dorsal Tegmental Nucleus

Many neurons in the rat lateral mammillary nuclei (LMN) fire selectively in relation to the animal's head direction (HD) in the horizontal plane independent of the rat's location or behavior. One hypothesis of how this representation is generated and updated is via subcortical projections from the dorsal tegmental nucleus (DTN). Here we report the type of activity in DTN neurons. The majority of cells (75%) fired as a function of the rat's angular head velocity (AHV). Cells exhibited one of two types of firing patterns: (1) symmetric, in which the firing rate was positively correlated with AHV during head turns in both directions, and (2) asymmetric, in which the firing rate was positively correlated with head turns in one direction and correlated either negatively or not at all in the opposite direction. In addition to modulation by AHV, some of the AHV cells (40.1%) were weakly modulated by the rat's linear velocity, and a smaller number were modulated by HD (11%) or head pitch (15.9%). Autocorrelation analyses indicated that with the head stationary, AHV cells displayed irregular discharge patterns. Because afferents from the DTN are the major source of information projecting to the LMN, these results suggest that AHV information from the DTN plays a significant role in generating the HD signal in LMN. A model is proposed showing how DTN AHV cells can generate and update the LMN HD cell signal.