cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus Resistance Database (CoV-RDB): SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility to monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma, and plasma from vaccinated persons (preprint)

As novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with different patterns of spike mutations have emerged, the susceptibility of these variants to neutralization by antibodies has been rapidly assessed. However, neutralization data are generated using different approaches and are scattered across different publications making it difficult for these data to be located and synthesized. The Stanford Coronavirus Resistance Database (CoV-RDB;https://covdb.stanford.edu ) is designed to house comprehensively curated published data on the neutralizing susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 variants and spike mutations to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), convalescent plasma (CP), and vaccinee plasma (VP). As of October 2021, CoV-RDB contains 186 publications including 64 (34%) containing 7,328 neutralizing mAb susceptibility results, 96 (52%) containing 11,390 neutralizing CP susceptibility results, and 125 (68%) containing 20,872 neutralizing VP results. The database also records which spike mutations are selected during in vitro passage of SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of mAbs and which emerge in persons receiving mAbs as treatment. The CoV-RDB interface interactively displays neutralizing susceptibility data at different levels of granularity by filtering and/or aggregating query results according to one or more experimental conditions. The CoV-RDB website provides a companion sequence analysis program that outputs information about mutations present in a submitted sequence and that also assists users in determining the appropriate mutation-detection thresholds for identifying non-consensus amino acids. The most recent data underlying the CoV-RDB can be downloaded in its entirety from a Github repository in a documented machine-readable format.
Science and politics: The discovery of nuclear fission 75 years ago

The discovery of nuclear fission came as a sensational surprise to scientists everywhere, not least to the discoverers themselves. That much is undisputed, but almost everything else about the history of this discovery has been controversial, at the time and ever since. Most often the discovery is portrayed as a purely chemical achievement: Fission is discovered in Berlin in December 1938 at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Chemistry, when the chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann identify barium as a product of the neutron irradiation of uranium. This corresponds to Hahn’s own account of the discovery, for which he was awarded the 1944 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. Over the years, however, the chemistry narrative has been criticized for omitting physics and the contributions of Hahn’s closest colleague, the physicist Lise Meitner (Fig. 1). In a more comprehensive narrative, the team of Hahn, Meitner, and Strassmann (Fig. 2) conducts a four-year investigation that involves physics and chemistry at every stage, and even after Meitner is forced to emigrate from Germany in July 1938 she and physics play an essential role in the discovery. In this narrative Meitner is a co-discoverer of nuclear fission who is unjustly denied the recognition she is due. Which of these narratives more truly represents how the science was done and who was responsible for it? In this article I will focus on the science, keeping in mind that this discovery cannot be fully understood without also considering its historical context. For it took place at a time of racial persecution, forced emigration, political pressure, and fear – conditions that affected the
Job Competencies and the Curriculum: An Inquiry into Emotional Intelligence in Graduate Professional Education

Empirical research has produced evidence suggesting that the ability to assess, regulate, and utilize emotions (i.e., emotional intelligence) is important to the performance of workers. Yet, few graduate professional program curriculums adequately address the emotional and interpersonal skills that prospective employers want most in their employees and that employees find most useful in their work. The results from this study showed that the potential for enhanced emotional capabilities could be improved in the traditional graduate classroom. Furthermore, findings revealed a strong relationship between emotional intelligence and academic performance.
Recovery of Fascicular Signals from Whole Nerve Recordings -- A Simulation Study

Functional electrical stimulation as neural prostheses partially restores lost motor activities in neurologically impaired patients. The control signals for the prostheses generally come from artificial sensors. Other suggested sources for control signals are spontaneous electrical activity recordings from peripheral nerves. The multi-contact flattening interface nerve electrode (FINE) has been shown to be useful for selective recording of peripheral neural activity. However, it has not yet been possible to obtain individual fascicular signals from voltage measurements on electrical contacts of the FINE. We propose to test the hypothesis of using blind source separation (BSS) of neural recordings made using the FINE to recover independent fascicular signals which will be the source for the control signals. BSS alone however, is not sufficient for matching the location of the sources to the recovered signals which is crucial for our purpose. We will also develop a post BSS processing step in order to deterministically match reconstructed signals to the sources. Most of the work and results shown here were previously presented by the authors at the EMBS 2004 conference; the exception being the new material in post-BSS processing
Stereochemistry of cyclopropylcarbinyl rearrangements

Abstract The cyclopropylcarbinyl-cyclopropylcarbinyl rearrangement involved in the thujopsene-widdrol interconversion has been shown to proceed with retention of configuration. 7-Bromowiddrol (3) was converted to the 6,7-α-epoxide (4) which, in turn, was reduced with LAD to yield 7β-deuterowiddrol (5). Acid catalyzed rearrangement of 5 gave monodeuterothujopsene (6) and the stereochemistry of the deuterium was determined by NMR spectroscopy. Spectral analysis of the cyclopropane protons was achieved by use of calculated spectra at three fields. The results establish that the interconversion must involve either the small lobe of the back bond of the cyclopropane ring or a series of 1,2-shifts via a puckered cyclobutonium ion.
Exchange interactions in the perovskites Ca 1 − x Sr x MnO 3 and R MnO 3 ( R = L a , P r , S m )

Measurement of the variation of the N\'eel temperature ${T}_{N}$ with pressure P and the compressibility \ensuremath{\kappa} of the orbitally ordered $\mathrm{Mn}(\mathrm{III}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ array of the $R{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$ family $(R=\mathrm{L}\mathrm{a},\mathrm{P}\mathrm{r},\mathrm{S}\mathrm{m})$ and of the $\mathrm{Mn}(\mathrm{IV}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ array of the ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Sr}}_{x}{\mathrm{MnO}}_{3}$ system have enabled the determination for each of a systematic increase in \ensuremath{\kappa}, the magnitude of the Bloch parameter ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{B}\ensuremath{\equiv}d\mathrm{ln}{T}_{N}/d\mathrm{ln}V,$ and ${T}_{N}$ with decreasing bending of the (180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}-\ensuremath{\varphi}) Mn-O-Mn bond angles. The data demonstrate that the anomalously high value of $\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{B}=5.5$ reported previously for ${\mathrm{LaMnO}}_{3}$ is not due to orbital order and its attendant anisotropic magnetic order. A higher $|{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{B}|$ than 3.3 and an increasing compressibility characterize a system on the approach from the localized-electron side to a first-order transition from localized to itinerant electronic behavior. Moreover, the puzzling empirical relationship ${T}_{N}\ensuremath{\sim}〈{\mathrm{cos}}^{2}\ensuremath{\varphi}〉$ for the \ensuremath{\pi}-bonding $\mathrm{Mn}(\mathrm{IV}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ array is rationalized by dominance of a semicovalent exchange term over the superexchange term in the perturbation theory for the spin-spin interatomic interactions. The data also provide indirect evidence for a transition from in-phase to out-of-phase stacking along the c axis of the (001)-plane orbital ordering that has been predicted by Mizokawa, Khomskii, and Sawatzky.
Quantitative Comparison of Formed in Rat and Mouse Covalent Aflatoxin-DNA Livers and Kidneys

The covalent interactions between aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and DNA were investigated in the inbred F344 rat and noninbred CD -1 Swiss mouse. A good correlation was found between the level of covalent modification of DNA, species sensitivity, and organ specificity, to the toxic effects of AFB1. The patterns of AFB1 acid hydrolysis products from DNA isolated from the livers and kidneys of both species were examined. The principal acid hydrolysis product in all cases was identified as 2,3-dihydro-3-hydroxy-(N7-guanyl)AFB1. Minor products consisted of adducts formed by the chemical transformation of the AFB1-N7-substituted guanine moiety forming putative formamidopyrimidine derivatives and the activation of AFB1 metabolites, which also modified the N-7 guanine atom. These last-mentioned products were present in greater amounts in resistant tissues. In vitro studies on the activation of AFB1 by microsomal fractions of mouse and rat livers found that mouse liver microsomes were rapidly inactivated.
Design efficiencies for indoor wireless

Summary form only given. This paper explores an emerging frontier for wireless communications: campus and indoor wireless coverage. Proper design of an indoor wireless solution involves RF performance, cost, specific customer requests, ease of installation and ease of maintenance. Tradeoffs exist in the selection of an indoor wireless system from the various types available, based on cost versus performance. Optimum placement for system components depends on objectives such as coverage with minimal use of antennas or cables, and disguise for minimum visual impact. Currently available service types for in-building wireless include indoor public voice and data service, wireless office service (WOS) and wireless LAN. Customization and archival issues based on user adoption and growth expectations impact the selection and design decisions for in-building systems. Finally, the paper highlights the involvement and support of IT staff in installation and deployment strategies for successful and efficient design of any indoor wireless solution.
Development of a Product Development Lab Course: Application of Theoretical, FEA and Experimental Techniques

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and experimental techniques based laboratory courses are used in the mechanical engineering curriculum to equip students with numerical and experimental abilities to solve design problems. Review of mechanical engineering curricula in US universities found no definite structure for the numerical and experimental based laboratory courses to support the core courses. Also, the authors found that due to lack of knowledge about the application of finite element analysis and lack of collaboration of experimental laboratories in the universities and colleges, students are unable to apply theory, numerical tool and experiment, when it comes to complete product design. To be effective product development engineers, students have to know how to use these engineering tools effectively for various mechanical systems to design a product with perfection. This motivated the authors to develop, teach, and evaluate a laboratory course before the senior design project, where students will have hands on experience with product design. The application of theoretical, numerical and experimental techniques, and their interconnectedness, will also be addressed in this new course. The main three learning objectives of this course were: (1) the ability to apply physical and mathematical models to analyze or design the mechanical systems; (2) the ability to use numerical tools (e.g., FEA) and a fundamental understanding of the limitations of such tools; and (3) the ability to correlate the theoretical knowledge with FEA and experimental findings. Some of the issues observed from the previously taught FEA laboratory related course are: (1) students do not understand how to use FEA tools in practical design problems; (2) students are unable to relate the theory with numerical and experimental result; (3) students do not understand the importance of verification of numerical results; and (4) students with knowledge of a particular analysis background have problems setting up the product design requirements dealing with different analysis systems. To overcome these difficulties, the proposed course will select design problems related to heat, fluid, vibration, and fracture and examine the overall design process including preliminary design, material selection, manufacturing, analysis, and testing. Simulating the complexity of “real world” engineering will prepare students for their senior design projects. The main benefits of this course are: (1) application of theoretical, numerical, and experimental techniques to solve a design problem, and (2) hands on experience with design problems.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Enzyme systems in the mycobacteria V. The pyruvic dehydrogenase system

Abstract A soluble pyruvic dehydrogenase has been isolated from cell-free extracts of the H 37 Ra strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis var. hominis . Pyruvate is oxidatively decarboxylated to acetyl CoA and CO 2 . Magnesium, DPN, CoA and DPT are required for this oxidation. The pyruvic dehydrogenase is inhibited by versene; magnesium can, in part, reverse this inhibition. K S values for DPN and CoA are 1.3·10 −5 and 5.5·10 −5 moles/liter, respectively. The pyruvic dehydrogenase appears to be part of an enzyme complex. Associated with the pyruvic dehydrogenase are a phosphotransacetylase, a lactic dehydrogenase and a lipoic dehydrogenase.
Strategies for Using Host-Guest Chemistry in the Extractive Separations of Ionic Guests

Host-guest chemistry has led to a new paradigm in extractive separations, generating new possibilities for efficient separations of ionic species to meet the challenging needs of industry. This account describes the approach the authors have recently undertaken, recent results, and future directions toward highly selective separations of anions based on host?guest chemistry principles. The material presented deals mainly with the genesis and discovery of new extractive systems, illustrating the potential of particular chemical concepts with examples of practical application. Major questions of interest concern the role of anions in extractive processes and factors underlying the recognition and transport of anions. Theoretical efforts explore the technique of molecular-design itself as embodied in the evolving HostDesigner program. Design calculations are capable of generating ranked candidate multifunctional ion receptors based on hydrogen-bond-donor groups having O?H and N?H donor functionalities. Efforts to synthesize candidate receptors together with studies of molecular structure and the thermodynamics of binding and transport provide a complete picture for understanding structure-function relationships and feedback for further molecular modeling. Extraction data are evaluated in a thermochemical context in which the solvent matrix, including use of anion-solvating lipophilic alcohols, plays a pivotal role. Applications are envisioned for the solution of many typesmore » of separations needs, and examples are taken mainly from the authors' own research as applied to treatment of radioactive wastes for disposal.« less
Radiative and radiationless processes of Er3+ in MnF2

Abstract We have designed a method for the measurement of radiative and radiationless transition rates of fluorescent systems with several metastable levels. This method applies to systems with adjacent metastable levels connected by multiphonon relaxation processes. The measurements required are those of the integrated fluorescence intensities and decay times at different temperatures; no absorption or excitation measurements are required. We have applied this method to the study of the fluorescence of Er3+ in MnF2. The knowledge of both radiative and non- radiative decays has allowed us to reconstruct the kinetics of the excitation and de-excitation processes and to find the dependence on temperature and energy gap of multiphonon relaxation processes in this system.
Archaeology as diachronic anthropology

Fred T. Plog. The Study of Prehistoric Culture Change. New York: Academic Press, 1974. xii + 199 pp. Figures, tables, appendices, references, and index. $11.50.
Sudden onset of diabetic ketoacidosis during consensus interferon therapy for chronic viral hepatitis C.

ABSTRACT Introduction Interferon (IFN)- α , used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, has rarely been associated with the development of diabetes. Consensus interferon (CIFN), which is used for nonresponders, has not been associated with this complication. We describe the first case of new onset diabetes in a patient on CIFN. Case A 50-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C and no prior diabetes was started on IFN- α . After 24 weeks with a detectable viral load, he was switched to CIFN. Four weeks later, he presented in diabetic ketoacidosis which resolved with appropriate therapy without any ascertainable etiology (glutamic acid decarboxylase negative). Within 9months he was off insulin, and is off all diabetic medications with an HgA1c of 5.6% 2 years after the episode.
South Korean retail industry: government’s role in retail liberalization

The Korean government has played an important role in the development of the domestic retailing industry. Korean manufacturers were nurtured until they were able to compete with manufacturers throughout the world. Korean retailers are now caught in the domestic market between the powerful Korean manufacturers and foreign retail competitors who have themselves learned to be competitive by going head to head with world‐class retailers. Manufacturers, rather than retailers, have dominated the Korean distribution industry. Korean retailing is characterized by large department stores owned by the chaebols, and small, inefficient family‐centered operations. In contrast to the department store’s decline in sales, the growth of discount stores is the strongest trend in Korean retailing. The government has chosen the manufacturing sector for aggressive development. The result has been a world competitive, export intensive manufacturing sector and a weak, inefficient retail sector. We use state as strategist in retailing (SSR) model to explain how dimensions and stages of government involvement affect retailing.
Influence of Inlet Oil Temperature on the Instability Threshold of Rotor-Bearing Systems

The existing literature contains a number of disparities in assessing the effect of inlet oil temperature on the instability threshold speed in hydrodynamic journal bearings. Specifically, some papers have presented evidence that lowering the inlet oil temperature tends to have a stabilizing effect, whereas others have shown the opposite. No clear explanation has been offered for this phenomenon. This paper presents the results of a series of experiments that explain the nature of these disparities and sheds light on the effect of the inlet oil temperature on the instability threshold in hydrodynamic journal bearings.
Insights from a Simple Hotelling Model of the World Oil Market

This paper uses annual data on world oil price and consumption from 1965 to 2006 to calibrate a Hotelling model of optimal nonrenewable resource extraction. Numerical solutions are generated for various specifications of the elasticity of demand for both isoelastic demand and linear demand under each of two possible market structures: perfect competition and monopoly. Prior to the 1973 oil crisis, the model that best fits actual data is one of perfect competition with linear demand and a demand elasticity of −0.4. For the periods 1973–1981 and 1981–1990, the model that best fits actual data is one of monopoly with linear demand and demand elasticities of −0.8 and −0.7, respectively, suggesting that the market was strongly influenced by OPEC during this time. Under the model that best fits the most recent period (perfect competition with linear demand and demand elasticity −0.5), the real oil price (in 1982–1984 U.S.$) should fall in the range $60.87–$66.31/barrel over the years 2010–2030.
Transgranular, Granulated, and Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking in AISI 304 SS

Abstract This paper discuses the stress corrosion cracking observed when slow strain rate tests were run on AISI 304 stainless steel specimens in oxygenated 288 C water. Transgranular, intergranular, and granulated stress corrosion cracks were observed. The type of cracking observed was a function of the degree to which the specimens were sensitized. The degree of sensitization also determined the tensile properties observed in the specimens after these slow strain rate tensile tests. Transgranular and intergranular cracking have been reported before, but granulated cracking has not. Possible causes for granulated cracking and its relationship to transgranular and intergranular cracking are discussed. The influence of surface finish on crack initiation is also discussed.
Estimation of a distribution function under generalized ranked set sampling

This research is concerned with distribution estimation under RankedSet Sampling (RSS) and under a generalized version of RSS (i.e., in the ith sample, is observed instead of so that the data are . Distribution estimation under both balanced and generalized RSS is accomplished. Starting with a Dirichlet process prior for F, the common distribution of the X's, the missing X values are generated. The estimate of the distribution function F is updated (the posterior distribution is again a Dirichlet process) based on the complete pseudo data . These two steps are repeated until the estimate of F stabilizes.
Labor and Deliver Characteristics and the Risk of Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage in Low Birth Weight Infants

To assess the influence of labor and delivery events on the risk of germinal matrix hemorrhage in preterm newborns, we conducted a review of data collected on 449 babies who weighed 1.5 kg or less. Babies delivered vaginally were more likely to have germinal matrix hemorrhage than were babies delivered abdominally (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.4,3.3). Among babies delivered vaginally, the risk of germinal matrix hemorrhage was increased by 39% if labor lasted more than 12 hours. Among babies delivered abdominally, the occurrence of any labor was accompanied by a 150% increased risk of germinal matrix hemorrhage. The only indication for abdominal delivery associated with an increased risk of germinal matrix hemorrhage was impending amnionitis (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2,5.7), whereas the only indication associated with a decreased risk was preeclampsia (odds ratio, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.6). Epidural and local anesthesia were associated with a reduced risk of germinal matrix hemorrhage among babies delivered abdominally. We conclude that delivery practices, or their indications, appear to influence the risk of germinal matrix hemorrhage in low birth weight babies.
Characterization of plasma-deposited organosilicon thin films

Abstract Preliminary experimental data on the chemical composition and properties of films 1200–2000 A thick from representative monomers of silanes, siloxanes and silazane are presented. Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and contact angle measurements were used to characterize the films as deposited at ambient temperature and after thermal treatment up to 300 °C. For an evaluation of the film integrity the relative pinhole density was determined using an electrolytic bubble trail technique. For the as-deposited films the elemental ratios derived from the ESCA study are similar to those calculated for the corresponding monomers. These analyses show that the post-deposition thermal annealing causes a significant change in the surface and bulk composition and consistently provides defect-free films.
Cisplatin preceded by concurrent cytarabine and hydroxyurea: a pilot study based on an in vitro model.

As previously reported, cytotoxic synergy is produced when clinically achievable concentrations of cytarabine (Ara-C) and hydroxyurea (HU) are used as potential inhibitors of in vitro DNA repair in cisplatin (cis-Pt)-treated human colon carcinoma cells. This pilot study was subsequently designed to duplicate the in vitro dose and schedule and to determine the toxicity of this three-drug combination in two cohorts of patients. 21 patients had received prior chemotherapy and 19 were not previously treated. All patients had refractory solid tumors. They received monthly cycles of an oral loading dose of 800 mg/m2 HU followed every 2 h by 6 oral doses of 400 mg/m2, a 12-h continuous infusion of 200 or 250 mg/m2/h Ara-C concurrent with the HU, and then 100 mg/m2cis-Pt over 1 h. A total of 95 cycles were given with the expected toxicities of nausea and vomiting and fatigue but no major acute toxicity observed. Thrombocytopenia was significant but transient and was dose-limiting only for patients who had received prior therapy. The median platelet nadir after one cycle was 43,000/μl for all patients and 67,000/μl for those who had not undergone prior treatment. Azotemia was treatment-limiting in responding and stable patients, suggesting the possibility of synergistic nephrotoxicity. Interestingly, there were early transient rises in both uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Partial responses were seen in 9 of 32 patients with measurable disease and there was significant improvement in 5 of 8 patients with only evaluable disease. The responses or improvement occurred in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, breast carcinoma, glioblastoma, ovarian carcinoma, small-cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Of these 14 patients, 9 had failed prior chemotherapy regimens. Significantly, responses were observed in 3 of 8 patients who had previously receivedcis-Pt, suggesting that the HU/Ara-C combination modulatedcis-Pt resistance. Because of these encouraging results, a second pilot study has been initiated with modifications dictated by the toxicity issues raised in this trial.
Self-segregating hyperbranched polymer/silver nanoparticle hybrids in thermoplastic polyurethane films†

Self-segregating hyperbranched polymer (HBP) additives have been utilized to concentrate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at the air interface of polyurethane films. The limited spontaneous surface migration of the AgNPs was enhanced through the addition of appropriately functionalized HBPs. Both amine and thiol terminated additives were employed to allow interaction of the HBP with the nanoparticles. Both types of additives increased surface concentration of silver modestly, though the thiol-terminated HBPs demonstrated nearly a seven-fold enhancement of surface migration. It was also found that wholly-aliphatic HBPs demonstrated only slightly reduced ability to bias AgNP concentration as compared to HBPs functionalized with perfluorinated chains. In addition, films containing 1% total silver concentration were tested for antimicrobial activity using the ASTM-E 2180 protocol. Significant reduction of the microorganisms was observed for all samples, 6-log reduction was achieved for the gram-negative bacteria P. aeruginosa, the gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, and the fungi C. albicans. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Radiative cooling in the NLTE region of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere-Global energy balance

Abstract Radiative cooling in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere is predominantly from 15-μm emissions of CO2. Above t 120 km, complete NLTE cooling from NO becomes more important. Above 100 km, both the CO2 and the NO cooling are proportional to concentrations of atomic oxygen which are dynamically controlled and poorly characterized by observations. Furthermore, the rate for energy exchange between O and CO2(ν2 = 1) is very poorly known. CO2 is close to LTE throughout the mesosphere, but small departures from LTE between 65 and 80 km may be important for questions of remote sensing. Remote sensing for trace gases, e.g., O3 and H2O, must consider NLTE effects in the mesosphere. A global mean column model for aeronomy processes above 65 km gives a reasonable agreement with observed temperatures, suggesting that radiative balance may be possible without the need for including eddy cooling or gravity wave heating.
A method to measure operating variables in electrosurgery.

Abstract Variables affecting tissue response to electrosurgical wounding have been identified and discussed. An electronic measuring device was designed and built to record actual power generated at the active electrode during surgical use of an electrosurgery instrument. In addition, this electronic device measures the amount of time the active electrode is in contact with tissue. Coupled with an electrosurgery unit producing a documented waveform and an electrosurgery electrode having a controlled-depth gauge, variables affecting tissue response to electrosurgery wounding may be measured.
A Data-Driven Predictive Approach for Drug Delivery Using Machine Learning Techniques

In drug delivery, there is often a trade-off between effective killing of the pathogen, and harmful side effects associated with the treatment. Due to the difficulty in testing every dosing scenario experimentally, a computational approach will be helpful to assist with the prediction of effective drug delivery methods. In this paper, we have developed a data-driven predictive system, using machine learning techniques, to determine, in silico, the effectiveness of drug dosing. The system framework is scalable, autonomous, robust, and has the ability to predict the effectiveness of the current drug treatment and the subsequent drug-pathogen dynamics. The system consists of a dynamic model incorporating both the drug concentration and pathogen population into distinct states. These states are then analyzed using a temporal model to describe the drug-cell interactions over time. The dynamic drug-cell interactions are learned in an adaptive fashion and used to make sequential predictions on the effectiveness of the dosing strategy. Incorporated into the system is the ability to adjust the sensitivity and specificity of the learned models based on a threshold level determined by the operator for the specific application. As a proof-of-concept, the system was validated experimentally using the pathogen Giardia lamblia and the drug metronidazole in vitro.
The evolution of chemical defences and mating systems in tiger moths (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae)

The origin and evolution of allelochemical sequestration in tiger moths (Arctiidae) is a complex interplay of larval and adult strategies and phylogenetic history. Using a phylogeny of Arctiidae, we examine the acquisition of secondary compounds from larval host plants and the use of secondary compounds and ultrasound in male courtship displays. We note that two sets of defensive signals (secondary chemicals and ultrasound) have been incorporated independently into arctiid courtship displays. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are used in larval defence, and transformed into male courtship pheromones in several lineages. Phylogenetic inertia best explains the presence of adult collection and use of PAs in the absence of larval sequestration. Ultrasound, an adult defensive display directed at bats and other predators, has also been incorporated into arctiid mating displays. Sensory exploitation appears to underlie this co-option of defence signals for mating purposes.
Gravitational effect on light propagating through a dielectric

Abstract The phase of an electromagnetic wave propagating through a dielectric, which is fixed in a gravitational field, is analyzed. This interaction results in a gravitationally dependent phase shift proportional to c −3 . The size of this effect is briefly discussed with regard to a dielectric in Mach-Zehnder and Sagnac interferometers. The effect depends neither on the area of the interferometer nor on the dispersion of the dielectric.
Hemoglobin catabolism and iron utilization by malaria parasites

Erythrocytic malaria parasites transport large quantities of erythrocyte cytoplasm to an acidic food vacuole, where hemoglobin is degraded. Globin is hydrolysed to free amino acids, which are subsequently incorporated into parasite proteins. Potentially toxic heme moieties are polymerized to hemozoin and also probably provide necessary parasite iron. Our understanding of the precise mechanisms of hemoglobin processing is incomplete. However, it is clear that hemoglobin catabolism and related events in the malarial food vacuole are the likely targets of both important antimalarial drugs and of promising new compounds. Thus, a more precise characterization of the metabolism of hemoglobin and iron by malaria parasites should expedite the development of new modes of antimalarial chemotherapy.
Body wall morphology of Pentapora foliacea (Ellis and Solander) (Bryozoa, Cheilostomata).

The ascophoran Pentapora foliacea was studied from epoxy sections of skeletal and soft (hard-soft) tissues. The basal wall is double, indicating the colony grew as two independent layers, back to back. The structure of the vertical walls and interzooidal communication organs indicates that zooids were budded in the usual way as in most encrusting cheilostomes. Secondary layers of the frontal wall are of acicular aragonite. The ovicell develops as a flattened cuticular bladder in early ontogeny; the aragonitic layer of the frontal wall later engulfs it. A median vesicle, an evagination of the vestibular wall, is present but the eggs may be supplied with sufficient yolk to nurture the embryo. The overall ovicell structure is similar to that of hyperstomial ovicells in other cheilostomes.
ASSESSING ADOLESCENTS FOR AIDS INFORMATION

Risk-reduction programs to restrict spread of AIDS to adolescents should be based on current knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among teenagers. A 51 item true/false questionnaire was given anonymously to 723 arbitrarily selected students in an inner city High School. Percent of affirmative answers was computed for whole group and for 3 factors: sex, grade & class standing. The majority knew: etiology (72%); immune effects (83%); prognosis (90%); and transmission in high risk groups (74-90%), but 70% felt blood donors also at risk. 84% favored mandatory screening for homosexual men, 77% for drug addicts, 52% for armed forces but only 48% would choose confidential screening for themselves. Half favored local treatment centers while 46% of ♂ and 35% ♀ favored school exclusion. For group comparisons, differences with a p<.01 are reported. Twice as many ♀ (8%) as ♂ (4%) knew someone with AIDS. More ♂ (50%) than ♀ (36%) thought condoms prevent AIDS. Honors, regular, remedial students reported fear of personal susceptibility (60%, 62%, 74%), would consider confidential screening (38%, 48%, 63%), and expected imminent cure (35%, 42%, 50%). Our pilot survey documents areas of misperception, fear and variable levels of factual knowledge. Differences between sexes and school achievement groups can be used as a basis for designing more effective educational interventions.
Biological properties and pathological role of a phytotoxic glycopeptide from Corynebacterium insidiosum

Abstract A phytotoxic glycopeptide was isolated from cultures of Corynebacterium insidiosum and from alfalfa plants infected with this organism. The toxin causes wilting in both leaves and stems of test plants and exhibits no host specificity. Biological activity of the compound is dependent on time and on concentration. The toxin is stable to wide fluctuations in pH and still retains biological activity after heating at 121 °C for 2 h. Partial acid hydrolysis of the toxin abolished its biological activity. Modification of the glycopeptide obtained from cultures to remove chelated copper results in a colorless apotoxin which still possesses biological activity and a molecular weight virtually identical to the untreated toxin. A phytotoxic compound was also isolated from infected alfalfa tissue and was present in quantities large enough to account for symptom production in biological assay tests. The glycopeptide from alfalfa extracts was similar to the apotoxin (glycopeptide from cultures) in that the same sugar residues were present, the molecular weights were the same and the optical rotations were comparable. The compound meets the requirements of a “vivotoxin”.
Regular production economies

Abstract In this paper we extend the concept of regularity developed by Mas-Colell and Kehoe for constant-returns production economies to economies with primary and intermediate goods. To do so, we must deal with consumer demand functions that satisfy boundary conditions more general than any considered previously. We initially specify the production technology as a linear activity analysis model that allows free disposal of all commodities. Later, we indicate how our results can be extended to economies with more general production technologies.
CAM in the real world: you may practice evidence-based medicine, but your patients don't.

Background Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) approaches are widely used among individuals suffering from headache. The medical literature has focused on the evidence base for such use and has largely ignored the fact that these approaches are in wide use despite that evidence base. Discussion This article focuses on the uses of CAM by patients and suggests strategies for understanding and addressing this use without referring back to the evidence base. The rationale for this discussion pivots on the observation that patients are already using these approaches, and for many there are anecdotal and historical bases for use which patients find persuasive in the absence of scientific evidence. Conclusion Until such time as the body of scientific literature adequately addresses non-conventional approaches, physicians must acknowledge and understand, as best as possible, CAM approaches which are in common use by patients. This is illustrated with a case study and examples from practice. This article does not review the evidence base for various CAM practices as this has been done well elsewhere.
Partial Chain Deuteration as an IRRAS Probe of Conformational Order of Different Regions in Hexadecanoic Acid Monolayers at the Air/Water Interface

External infrared reflection−absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) of hexadecanoic acid-d17 (half deuterated at the tail end) monolayers at the air/water interface has been used to investigate conformational order in both halves of the molecule. The symmetric and asymmetric CH2 stretching vibrations in the liquid-condensed phase were found to be 0.8 and 1.3−1.8 cm-1 lower in frequency respectively than the same vibrations in hexadecanoic acid-d3 (terminal methyl deuterated), suggesting substantially higher conformational order near the polar headgroup. Theoretical simulations of the bands reveal that the effect cannot arise from different IRRAS intensities for these vibrations in the two molecules. IRRAS measurements at a series of temperatures between 14 and 27 °C reveal a different average response to increased temperature in the two halves of the chain: conformational disorder is introduced at the tail end at a lower temperature. This work demonstrates that current state-of-the-art IRRAS measurements provid...
Field effect in chalcogenide glasses

It is generally believed that chalcogenide glasses contain large densities of defect centers characterized by a negative effective correlation energy. If so, the Fermi level should be pinned and at most a small field effect should be observed. Nevertheless, there have been several reports of significant field effects in chalcogenide glasses. In this work, we report the results of new field-effect measurements on amorphous ${\mathrm{Te}}_{39}$${\mathrm{As}}_{36}$${\mathrm{Si}}_{17}$${\mathrm{Ge}}_{7}$${\mathrm{P}}_{1}$. We find that the response is dominated by very slow transients which take several hours to reach steady state at room temperature. The steady-state field effect is consistent with the concept of defects characterized by a negative effective correlation energy, but the transient response is difficult to understand. We show that first-order kinetic model of carrier trapping by valence alternation pairs explains the transient effects observed in a natural way. We also demonstrate that field-effect measurements as a function of time and temperature can be used to evaluate qualitatively both the defect densities and energies. This analysis further enables us to understand apparent inconsistencies in the previously reported results. The defects investigated appear to be characteristic of all Te-As based glasses.
Interaction of apolipoprotein AIV with cholecystokinin on food intake.

Apolipoprotein AIV (apo AIV) and cholecystokinin (CCK) are satiety peptides that act both peripherally and centrally to reduce food intake. Both Apo AIV and CCK suppressed food intake by decreasing meal size. The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of peritoneally administered bolus dose of (1) recombinant apo AIV; (2) CCK-8; and (3) a combination of sub-threshold doses of apo AIV and CCK on food intake in rats that were fasted overnight. Food intake was measured for 4 h following bolus injection. Apo AIV at 100 μg/kg reduced food intake significantly relative to the saline control ( p p p
Graphical simulation and animation environment for flexible structure robots

Lack of good design tools have made designing, modeling, and control of long reach, light weight, ultrahigh-speed robotic structures extremely difficult. This paper describes a research effort towards development of a comprehensive design tool to study the dynamic behavior of flexible robotic structures. The graphical simulation and animation environment presented will help researchers to design and evaluate alternate geometries and control algorithms and would fully complement laboratory based experimentation. This paper explores the advantages of using graphical simulation and animation techniques for the design of flexible robotic structures, presents an implementation of such an environment, and demonstrates its capabilities by simulating the behavior of a flexible beam driven by a motor and controlled using a simple PD controller.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A possible mechanism of the antiarrhythmic action of glucagon

Abstract The effects of glucagon on ouabain-induced ventricular arrhythmias were studied in dogs with normal cardiac conduction systems and in dogs with surgically induced complete heart block. Glucagon, 20 μg/kg, effected conversion to a sinus rhythm in eight of nine animals with normal conduction systems, and in each instance the conversion occurred with a sinus tachycardia whose rate exceeded the rate of pre-existing ventricular arrhythmia. The one animal which failed to convert to a sinus rythm did not develop a sinus nodal rate faster than the rate of the ventricular arrhythmia. In 10 animals with ouabain-induced ventricular arrhythmias atrial pacing was employed to overdrive the arrhythmia, and in 6 cases this was successful. In all 6 experiments subsequent administration of glucagon after pacing resulted in conversion to a sinus rhythm at a rate greater than the minimum atrial pacing rate required to effect capture of the ventricules. In 4 of the 10 animals neither atrial overdrive nor glucagon were successful in effecting sinus conversion, but ventricular rate was slowed by lidocaine. In addition, in 5 animals with complete heart block and ouabain-induced ventricular tachycardia which were given glucagon, 20 μg/kg, there was no change in the tachycardia and no change in the ECG pattern associated with the arrhythmia. It was concluded that the antiarrhytmic action of glucagon in this arrhythmia is mediated through a supraventricular action to elevate sinus rate above that of the dominant ventricular focus and thus allow a return to dominance of the sinus node.
Cloud microphysical and precipitation responses to a large-scale forcing in the tropical deep convective regime

Cloud microphysical and precipitation responses to a large-scale forcing in the tropical deep convective regime are investigated based on hourly zonally-averaged, vertically-integrated simulation data from a two-dimensional coupled ocean-cloud resolving atmosphere model. The model is forced by the large-scale vertical velocity and zonal wind observed and derived from TOGA COARE for a 50-day period. The accretion of cloud water by graupel induces growth of graupel that enhances raindrops through its melting during a weak-forcing period, whereas the large deposition rate of vapor associated with a large upper-tropospheric upward motion causes growth of snow from the conversion of cloud ice and enhancement of graupel from the accretion of snow during a strong-forcing period. The local changes of raindrops and graupel switch from the negative to positive values as the forcing strengthens in the weak-forcing case, whereas the variations of cloud hydrometeors are not sensitive to the strength of the forcing in the strong-forcing case. Phase analysis indicates that cloud water leads the surface rain rate by 1 hour. The surface rain rate can be calculated based on the conservation of vapor and cloud hydrometeors and the budget of raindrops. The vapor source and local changes of cloud hydrometeors could have impacts in the calculation of the surface rain rate. The vapor source determines the surface rain rate in the strong-forcing case whereas the cloud variations could become important in the weak-forcing case. In the budget of raindrops, the sum of the collection of cloud water by raindrops, the melting of graupel, and the evaporation of raindrops determines the surface rain rate in the strong-forcing case whereas the other rain-related microphysical processes become important in the weak-forcing case.
Effect of thyroactive materials upon plasma corticoids, pituitary prolactin, and mammary oxidative phosphorylation of lactating rats.

Abstract Approximately 10 times more thyroxine and triiodothyronine were fed to lactating rats than the normal secretion rate of thyroxine. The phosphorus toxygen ratio, an index of the efficiency of oxidative phosphorylation, of the mammary gland and liver mitochondria was not changed by triiodothyronine-thyroxine feeding. The mammary gland nucleic acid contents of triiodothyronine-thyroxine fed rats were reduced at Days 10, 15, and 20 of lactation. These levels of thyroactive materials did not affect the pituitary gland weight, but the adrenal size was greatly increased. The pituitary prolactin concentration appeared reduced on Day 10 of lactation, with no appreciable difference on Day 15 and an increase over the controls on Day 20 of lactation. In a subsequent experiment, feeding triiodothyronine and thyroxine increased concentration of plasma corticosteroids of the rats. The results indicate that hyperthyroidism impairs lactation by causing a hormonal imbalance.
Frequency stabilization of Al x Ga 1-x As/GaAs lasers using velocity-selective magnetic-optical activity

Optical feedback from velocity-selective magnetic-optical activity in alkali metal vapors has been shown to be an effective technique for simultaneously stabilizing the frequency and reducing the linewidth of AlxGa1-xAs/GaAs lasers. The ultimate frequency stability of such a laser is limited by the quality factor Q equals (nu) 0/(Delta) (nu) of this frequency reference. In this letter we report the measurement of Q equals 6 (DOT) 106 for optical feedback from velocity-selective magnetic-optical activity in Rb vapor.