cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phases in the Ba3Fe1+xS5 series: The structure of β-Ba9Fe4S15 and its low-temperature α polymorph

Abstract The crystal structure of β-Ba 9 Fe 4 S 15 shows that it is a phase in the infinitely adaptive series of compounds Ba 3 Fe 1+ x S 5 , 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1. The material is synthesized by reacting a slightly sulfur-rich mixture at 900°C in a sealed quartz ampoule. Lattice constants are a = 25.212(3), A, b = 9.594(1), A, c = 12.575(1), A, Pnma , z = 4. Three thousand thirty-three structure amplitudes were refined to R = 0.049. BaS 6 trigonal prisms share triangular faces to form infinite columns; the columns in turn share edges and create nearly hexagonal enclosures. Within these rings are additional Ba and S and tetrahedral interstices are created which can be occupied by Fe. The variation of the Fe occupancy from ring to ring gives rise to phases in which one dimension is an integral multiple of the 8.5-A repeat observed in one end member of the series, Ba 3 FeS 5 . The other end member is Ba 3 Fe 2 S 5 . At temperatures below 900°C a polymorphic phase is formed. Its lattice constants are a = b = 9.634(1), A, c = 34.311(3)A, I4 1 a , z = 4 . One thousand five hundred eighty-three structure amplitudes were refined to R = 0.0483. Trigonal prisms and bisdisphenoids articulate to form a complex three-dimensional structure. Two of the S atoms in the structure have statistical site occupancies.
PERTURBATION THEORY ABOUT A GOLDSTONE SYMMETRY.

We show that if a Hamiltonian symmetry is realized by Goldstone bosons then, in general, one does not expect the $S$-matrix and matrix elements of currents to be analytic functions of the symmetry-breaking parameters. This modifies the nonrenormalization theorems for vector form factors and some theorems of Dashen and Weinstein.
An asynchronous, pipelined, electronic acquisition system for Active Matrix Flat-Panel Imagers (AMFPIs)

Abstract The development of a full-custom electronic acquisition system designed for readout of large-area active matrix flat-panel imaging arrays is reported. The arrays, which comprise two-dimensional matrices of pixels utilizing amorphous silicon thin-film transistors, are themselves under development for a wide variety of X-ray imaging applications. The acquisition system was specifically designed to facilitate detailed, quantitative investigations of the properties of these novel imaging arrays and contains significant enhancements compared to a previously developed acquisition system. These enhancements include pipelined preamplifier circuits to allow faster readout speed, expanded addressing capabilities allowing a maximum of 4096 array data lines, and on-board summing of image frames. The values of many acquisition system parameters, including timings and voltages, may be specified and downloaded from a host computer. Once acquisition is enabled, the system operates asynchronously of its host computer. The system allows image capture in both radiographic mode (corresponding to the capture of individual X-ray images), and fluoroscopic mode (corresponding to the capture of a continual series of X-ray images). A detailed description of the system architecture and the underlying motivations for the design is reported in this paper.
Thematic review series: Skin Lipids. Sebaceous gland lipids: friend or foe?

Sebaceous glands are intriguing glands that are found throughout the human body except on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The true function of these glands has yet to be determined, but there are several theories, including antioxidant effects, antibacterial effects, and transport of pheromones. Sebaceous glands produce lipids that are involved in the pathogenesis of one of the most prevalent diseases of adolescence, acne. Although the majority of lipids produced by the sebaceous gland are also produced in other areas of the body, there are two that are characteristic of the sebaceous gland, wax esters and squalene. This review seeks to present an update on the physiology of the sebaceous glands, with particular emphasis on the production of sebaceous lipids.
Magnesium excretion and calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Abstract One hundred fifty-five recurrent noninfectious calcium oxalate stone formers were evaluated in an effort to assess the importance of magnesium excretion on calcium oxalate stone formation. All patients evaluated had normal urinary magnesium excretion, and any elevation of the calcium/magnesium ratio was related to the presence of hypercalciuria. The findings indicate that magnesium deficiency does not appear to be a significant cause of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. If magnesium supplement is of value in some patients, it is likely related to its inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate crystallization.
Influence of Externally Attached Transmitters on the Swimming Performance of Juvenile White Sturgeon

Abstract We measured the critical swimming speed of juvenile white sturgeons Acipenser transmontanus equipped with externally attached dummy ultrasonic transmitters and of untagged control fish in the laboratory. White sturgeons ranging from 31.9 to 37.0 cm fork length were subjected to one of three treatments: Control (handled but not tagged), tag attached below the dorsal fin, and tag attached with the anterior insertion point between the fourth and fifth dorsal scutes. Although transmitters were of recommended weight, we found that the swimming performance of tagged white sturgeons was significantly less than that of untagged control fish. Swimming performance of tagged fish was not differentially affected by tag location. Our results suggest that data from ultrasonic telemetry studies of externally tagged juvenile white sturgeons should be interpreted with caution due to the reduced swimming performance caused by external transmitters.
Unique Size-Dependent Challenges for BEOL Cleans in the Patterning of Sub-20 nm Features

BEOL Cleans has been and continues to be one of the most mysterious black boxes of semiconductor manufacturing. It has the unenviable task of removing post-plasma processing polymer residues, being compatible with ultra low-k dielectric materials that continue to scale k-value at the expense of material strength, and ensuring that any formulation that accomplishes the above objectives is also compatible with Cu and all other metals on the wafer used for liners or caps. In order to meet the performance requirements of next generation devices, Moore's law mandates continued scaling of dimensions with the additional challenges of size-dependent complexities for BEOL cleans development. Patterning of sub-20 nm features on thin ILD stacks suffers from the problems of etch-induced line undulation [1, 2] and cleans-induced pattern collapse [3]. High aspect ratio's, non-uniform drying, surface tension and low material strength have all been implicated as the root cause for pattern collapse during cleans [4]. Classical equations used to describe pattern collapse for resist lines that rely on 2D beam theory and finite element modeling [5] are not as applicable to patterned low-k dielectrics because material changes such as sidewall polymer residues, lowering of Young's modulus and changing pattern densities present different solid surfaces with widely varying wettability and diffusivity parameters [6, .
Maximal group codes with specified minimum distance

All n-digit maximal block codes with a specified minimum distance d such that 2d ≥ n can be constructed from the Hadamard matrices. These codes meet he Plotkin bound. In this paper we construct all maximal group codes in the region2d ≥ n, where d is a specified minimum distance and n is the number of digits per code word. Unlike the case of block codes, the Plotkin upper limit, in general, fails to determine the number of code words B(n, d) in a maximal group code int he region 2d ≥ n. We show that the value of B(n, d) largely depends on the binary structure of the number d. An alogrithm is developed that determines B(n, d), the maximum number of code words for given d and n ≤ 2d. The maximal code is, then, given by its modular representation, explicitly in terms of certain binary coefficients and constants related to n and d. As a side result, we obtain a new upper bound on the number of code words in the region 2d < n which is, in general, stronger than Plotkin's extended bound.
Information processing capacity while wearing personal protective eyewear.

It is difficult to overemphasize the function vision plays in information processing, specifically in maintaining postural control. Vision appears to be an immediate, effortless event; suggesting that eyes need only to be open to employ the visual information provided by the environment. This study is focused on investigating the effect of Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulated personal protective eyewear (29 CFR 1910.133) on physiological and cognitive factors associated with information processing capabilities. Twenty-one college students between the ages of 19 and 25 years were randomly tested in each of three eyewear conditions (control, new and artificially aged) on an inclined and horizontal support surface for auditory and visual stimulus reaction time. Data collection trials consisted of 50 randomly selected (25 auditory, 25 visual) stimuli over a 10-min surface-eyewear condition trial. Auditory stimulus reaction time was significantly affected by the surface by eyewear interactio...
Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) gene expression: downmodulation by sequence elements downstream of the transcriptional initiation site.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) gene expression is downmodulated by sequence elements downstream of the transcriptional initiation site, corresponding to the U5 region of the long termi...
High performance force feedback mechanism for virtual reality training of endotracheal intubation

Abstract A high-performance mechanism has been developed to provide force feedback during virtual reality simulations of endotracheal intubation for training purposes for the first time. The force feedback mechanism (FFM) prototype permits planar motion of the intubation tool with three degrees of freedom, each with force feedback. The FFM is computer controlled using a hybrid position-force feedback algorithm that includes a feedforward term to counterbalance the mechanism. This allows the intubation force profiles to be superimposed onto the FFM weight compensation to complete the overall force feedback effort. The development of a mechanism of this type introduces several theoretical and experimental design challenges that are addressed in this paper.
A simple method for the production of anuria in mice.

SummaryPenile ligation (PL) of mice effected a state of anuria which is indistinguishable from anuria effected by bilaterial nephrectomy (BLN) with respect to survival of anuric mice and enhanced lethality when treated with digitoxin. PL-induced anuria probably results from production of a urine stop-flow situation as shown by PSP excretion studies. The PL operation is simpler and faster than the BLN operation and is recommended for production of anuric mice as a research tool.
Absence of insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation despite early metabolic syndrome manifestations in children born after in vitro fertilization

Objective To investigate the metabolic profile, traditional adipokines, and indices of insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation in children born as a result of IVF compared with spontaneously conceived controls. Design Cross-sectional, case-control study. Setting IVF Section of the First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the First Department of Pediatrics of the University of Athens. Patient(s) One hundred six children conceived after classic IVF and 68 age-matched spontaneously conceived controls, aged 4–14 years. Intervention(s) Children underwent physical examination and morning fasting samples were collected. Main Outcome Measure(s) Lipid profile, circulating fasting glucose, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, high-sensitivity interleukin-6, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were determined and the fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio was calculated. Result(s) Children born as a result of classic IVF had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) and triglycerides than controls. These BP differences remained significant even after correction for birth size and multiple births. No significant differences in biochemical indices of insulin resistance, circulating adipokines, and inflammatory markers were detected before or after these same corrections. Conclusion(s) Despite an increase of BP, children born as a result of IVF have no biochemical evidence of insulin resistance, including fasting glucose-to-insulin ratio and circulating adipokines, or low-grade chronic inflammation. However, the long-term impact of periconceptual manipulations should be closely monitored.
Eye movements and attention: The role of pre-saccadic shifts of attention in perception, memory and the control of saccades

Saccadic eye movements and perceptual attention work in a coordinated fashion to allow selection of the objects, features or regions with the greatest momentary need for limited visual processing resources. This study investigates perceptual characteristics of pre-saccadic shifts of attention during a sequence of saccades using the visual manipulations employed to study mechanisms of attention during maintained fixation. The first part of this paper reviews studies of the connections between saccades and attention, and their significance for both saccadic control and perception. The second part presents three experiments that examine the effects of pre-saccadic shifts of attention on vision during sequences of saccades. Perceptual enhancements at the saccadic goal location relative to non-goal locations were found across a range of stimulus contrasts, with either perceptual discrimination or detection tasks, with either single or multiple perceptual targets, and regardless of the presence of external noise. The results show that the preparation of saccades can evoke a variety of attentional effects, including attentionally-mediated changes in the strength of perceptual representations, selection of targets for encoding in visual memory, exclusion of external noise, or changes in the levels of internal visual noise. The visual changes evoked by saccadic planning make it possible for the visual system to effectively use saccadic eye movements to explore the visual environment.
Aldosterone stimulation of sodium transport

Abstract On the basis of current concepts of the basic components of the Na + transport system across epithelial structures, we inferred that aldosterone could stimulate Na + transport in one of three ways: (1) by facilitating the entry of Na + into the effector epithelial cells, as vasopressin is believed to do, (2) by increasing the intrinsic activity of the Na + pump, or (3) by increasing the local concentration of the high-energy intermediate of the Na + pump. Three sets of experimental results were presented: (1) The response of the isolated toad bladder to vasopressin and to aldosterone under conditions of substrate depletion. (2) The effect of aldosterone on the response of the Na t transport system to saturating concentrations of vasopressin. (3) The effect of aldosterone on the Na + flux ratio during reversed net flow of Na + produced by a fixed serosal to mucosal electrical potential difference of 100 mV (serosa positive) and a 1:5 mucosal to serosal Na + concentration gradient. We found that in substrate-depleted hemibladders, aldosterone had no effect on Na + transport but vasopressin produced the usual rise. In substrate-enriched hemiblandders, the absolute increase in active Na + transport in response to vasopressin was greater after maximum stimulation by aldosterone than in control hemibladders. During steadily maintained reversed net flow of Na + , aldosterone produced a significant increase in the Na + flux ratio. These results support the concept that aldosterone increases the output of the Na + pump independently of an effect on the permeability of the mucosal surface epithelial cell.
Computer‐aided interpretation of mass spectra. Information on substructural probabilities form stirs

The capability of the ‘Self-Training Interpretive and Retrieval System’ has been extended so that the compounds selected as providing the best match in each data class to the unknown mass spectrum are examined by the computer for the presence of each of 179 common substructural fragments. Stastical methods were used to evaluate the selectivity for identification of each substructure by each data class using a reference file of 18 806 spectra of different compounds. In tests using at least 373 unknown spectra for each of the substructures, with criteria that gave a mean reliability of 98.1%, the method averaged 49% recall, which corresponds to the identification of 2.55 substructures per unknown spectrum, as well as the normal “Self-Training Interpretative and Retrieval System” match-factor results, requires 68 s on a laboratory computer. The method is also available to outside users on an international computer network.
Finite-Difference Time-Domain Simulator for Half-Space Bioacoustic Problems

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method provides a numerical technique for solving acoustic forward problems. The FDTD is particularly useful in geometries that encompass heterogeneities. Plane-wave modeling permits the simulation of many practical bioacoustic problems because the phase front in the focal zone of many acoustic transducers is nearly planar. The formulation presented in this paper provides a technique for solving half-space problems under local plane-wave illumination.
Simultaneous laparoscopic management of 3 urological malignancies.

A 65-year-old male smoker presented with gross hematuria. Transurethral resection of the bladder revealed urothelial cell carcinoma, pT1 grade 3. Despite instillation of intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin and a repeat endoscopic resection, muscle invasive bladder cancer subsequently developed with involvement of the prostatic urethra. Computerized tomography also demonstrated a 4 cm. central right renal mass (fig. 1). There was no evidence of metastatic disease or lymphadenopathy. Serum prostate specific antigen and creatinine were 2.9 ng./ml. and 1.5 mg./dl. (normal 0.6 to 1.1), respectively. After a discussion of treatment options the patient underwent laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with en bloc laparoscopic radical cystoprostatectomy. He did not desire a continent urinary diversion. Nephrectomy was performed via a 4-port transperitoneal approach, and the ureter was mobilized below the iliac vessels without division. Three additional ports were placed to facilitate cystoprostatectomy, performed as described previously.3 Vascular pedicles and dorsal vein complex were controlled using a combination of an endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler and laparoscopic coagulating shears. After apical prostate identification the urethra was transected with an endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler immediately after removal of the Foley catheter. The specimen was removed intact from the extended infraumbilical trocar site (fig. 2). Lymphadenectomy and ileal conduit construction were performed through the minilaparotomy. Estimated blood loss was 800 ml., and operative time was 11 hours. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered, and the patient resumed oral intake at 4 days and was discharged home at 6 days postoperatively. Pathological examination confirmed 3 separate urological malignancies—clear cell renal cell carcinoma, pT1N0 Fuhrman grade 3; bladder urothelial cell carcinoma, pT2bN0 grade 3; and prostate cancer, Gleason score 3 4 pT2bN0—as well as low grade dysplasia throughout the right ureter. All surgical margins were negative.
Hypocitrullinemia in patients with MELAS : an insight into the MELAS paradox

L-citrulline, classified as a nonessential amino acid, is synthesized predominantly via Delta-1-pyrroline carboxylate synthase in the endothelial cells of the small intestine. In mammals, small quantities of citrulline are also produced in nitric oxide synthase-expressing cells. Considering the fact that the enzymes involved in the endogenous synthesis of L-citrulline are all located in the mitochondria and the fact that citrulline is a component of the citrulline-nitric oxide (NO) cycle, we hypothesized that the distinct clinical, biochemical, and morphological characteristics of MELAS, a maternally inherited mitochondrial disorder, might be due to alterations in nitric oxide homeostasis. Analysis of serum from MELAS patients showed that levels of plasma arginine were similar in both patients and in controls. However, levels of citrulline in MELAS patients were significantly lower than in controls, and there was a clear inverse correlation between arginine and citrulline levels in these patients. We found no correlation between the level of heteroplasmy and the plasma levels of either arginine or citrulline. We discuss the depressed citrulline levels in MELAS patients, who have an unusual and paradoxical pattern of vascular respiratory chain expression, in the context of NO homeostasis.
Demonstration of enzymatic conversion of lysolecithin to lecithin in normal human plasma

Abstract An enzyme in normal human plasma that converts [1-acyl 14 C] lysolecithin to lecithin is demonstrated. This enzyme is inhibited by heparin and is not derived from platelets or other blood elements. The synthesis of lecithin from labeled lysolecithin was not stimulated by ATP and CoA or by oleyl CoA and there was nearly an equal distribution of labeled fatty acid between the two positions of lecithin indicating that the enzyme may be a lysolecithin: lysolecithin acyl transferase (LLAT). The enzyme is associated with the lipoproteins of the plasma, and may have a physiological role in the formation of saturated cholesterol esters in plasma.
Murine myocardium OCT imaging with a blood substitute

Imaging of the in vivo murine myocardium using optical coherence tomography (OCT) is described. Application of conventional techniques (e.g. MRI, Ultrasound imaging) for imaging the murine myocardium is problematic because the wall thickness is less than 1.5mm (20g mouse), and the heart rate can be as high as six-hundred beats per minute. To acquire a real-time image of the murine myocardium, OCT can provide sufficient spatial resolution (10 micrometers ) and imaging speed (1000 A-Scans/s). Strong light scattering by blood in the heart causes significant light attenuation making delineation of the endocardium-chamber boundary problematic. By replacing whole blood in the mouse with an artificial blood substitute we demonstrate significant reduction of light scattering in the murine myocardium. The results indicate a significant reduction in light scattering as whole blood hematocrit is diminished below 5%. To measure thickness change of the myocardium during one cycle, a myocardium edge detection algorithm is developed and demonstrated.
Temporal and spatial patterns in littoral-zone fish assemblages of a reservoir (Lake Texoma, Oklahoma-Texas, U.S.A.)

We sampled the littoral-zone fish fauna of Lake Texoma reservoir by electrofishing from January through December 1986 to examine species abundance, species associations and assemblage structure. Although total fish abundance differed significantly across seasons, only one common species (Dorosoma cepedianum) exhibited significant seasonal movement into or out of the littoral zone. Overall littoral-zone assemblage structure (based on rank order of species abundance) was concordant across seasons and habitat types, (vegetation, wood, open). However, within individual seasons and habitat types, assemblage structure was likely influenced by temporal and spatial differences in habitat availability and physicochemical conditions. Associations characteristic of species in natural aquatic environments were not well developed among species in this partly artificial, evolutionarily short-lived reservoir assemblage. Conditions related to water-level fluctuation appeared to deter the formation of persistent species associations and assemblage structure, especially in vegetation and open littoral zone habitats of this multi-purpose reservoir.
Foreground Segmentation in Surveillance Scenes Containing a Door

We propose a new method for performing accurate background subtraction in scenes with a door, like a building entrance or a hallway. This kind of scene is common in surveillance applications, yet the sporadic motion of a door causes problems for existing systems that falsely report the door as foreground. Our method models the scene's appearance by storing a set of Gaussian pixel distributions corresponding to a discrete sample of the door's range of motion. All of the pixels in the image are dependent on the position of the door, so we use the joint probability for all of them to estimate the maximum-likelihood position of the door. We then perform background subtraction using the specific appearance model indexed by our estimated position. We show that our algorithm accurately segments the foreground region in several actual indoor and outdoor surveillance settings.
Free-form quadric surface patches

Q uadric surfaces such as cylinders and spheres play a fundamental role in CAGD. This paper describes a new method for creating triangular surface patches on a quadric surface. The surface patches are defined using a restricted type of quadratic Bezier control polyhedron. The control polyhedron and the resulting quadric surface patch satisfy all of the standard properties of parametric Bezier surfaces, including interpolation of the corners of the control polyhedron and the convex hull property. A new technique for creating a C1 mesh of these quadric surface patches is also introduced.
A comparison on the effectiveness of different similarity measures for image classification

In this study, we explore the effectiveness of some frequently used data clustering algorithms for multispectral image classification. These algorithms are the K-means algorithm using Euclidean distance (ED), Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM), and Spectral Information Measure (SIM). The objective is to compare the efficiency of different similarity measures used for image classification algorithms. Preliminary experimental results show that the SIM measure is better than those of ED and SAM measures for the hyperspectral Indian Pine images.
Urolithiasis and the risk of ESRD.

Summary Background and objectives The contribution of urolithiasis, if any, to the development of ESRD is unclear. Design, setting, participants, & measurements All stone formers in Olmsted County, Minnesota, first diagnosed between 1984 and 2008 were identified by diagnostic codes with up to four controls matched on age and sex. Charts were reviewed to validate symptomatic stone formers in a random subset. Incident ESRD events were identified by the US Renal Data System. Results Altogether, 51 stone formers and 75 controls developed ESRD among 6926 stone formers and 24,620 matched controls followed for a mean of 9 years. Stone formers had an increased risk of ESRD after adjusting for diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, gout, and CKD (hazard ratio: 2.09; 95% confidence interval: 1.45–3.01). This increased risk of ESRD remained in the subset of 2457 validated symptomatic stone formers (hazard ratio: 1.95; 95% confidence interval: 1.09–3.49). The attributable risk of ESRD from symptomatic urolithiasis was 5.1% based on a prevalence of 5.4% for stone formers. For stone formers versus controls who developed ESRD, there was an increased likelihood of past hydronephrosis (44% versus 4%), recurrent urinary tract infections (26% versus 4%), acquired single kidney (15% versus 3%), neurogenic bladder (12% versus 1%), and ileal conduit (9% versus 0%), but not diabetes (32% versus 49%) or hypertension (44% versus 52%).
Two-Cell Downlink Noncoherent Cooperation without Transmitter Phase Alignment

Multicell joint processing can mitigate inter-cell interference and thereby increase the spectral efficiency of cellular systems. Most previous work has assumed phase-aligned (coherent) transmissions from different base stations (BSTs), which is difficult to achieve in practice. In this work, a noncoherent cooperative transmission scheme for the downlink is studied, which does not require phase alignment. We consider two adjacent cells each with a single user, and assume that the BSTs share their messages through a dedicated link. Each BST transmits a superposition of two codewords, one for each receiver. Each receiver decodes its own message, and treats the signals for the other receiver as background noise. With narrowband transmissions the achievable rate region and maximum achievable weighted sum rate are characterized by optimizing the power allocation at each BST between its two codewords. For a wideband (multicarrier) system, a dual formulation of the optimal power allocation problem across subcarriers is presented, which admits efficient numerical solution. Results show that the proposed cooperation scheme can improve the sum rate substantially at low to moderate signal-to-noise ratios.
T-cell reconstitution without T-cell immunopathology in two models of T-cell-mediated tissue destruction

Summary Antigen-specific T cells play a pivotal role in adaptive immune responses. However, they also contribute to the progression of a variety of diseases including autoimmune disorders, graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Non-specific immune-ablation treatments compromise the ability of the host to respond to infection, whereas the selective removal of epitope-specific T cells could theoretically ameliorate T-cell-mediated pathology while preserving the rest of the host immune function. In this study we investigated whether it is possible to destroy specific unwanted antigen-specific T cells by incubating polyclonal T-cell populations with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) tetramers that are conjugated to the ribosomal-inactivating toxin, saporin. This strategy resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of targeted antigen (Ag)-specific CD8 T cells with no observable bystander toxicity in vitro. Moreover, in a model of transferable T-cell-dependent neurological disease induced by intracerebral (i.c.) lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection, the targeted killing of LCMV-specific CD8 T cells extended the survival of mice or fully prevented their death, depending on the dose of cells transferred. In addition, the tetramer– saporin conjugate also reduced liver damage in a model of donor T-cell-mediated hepatic destruction. These data provide a proof of principle that MHC tetramers could be exploited for the elimination or clinical manipulation of T-cell responses by linking effector molecules (a toxin in this case) to MHC tetramers. Also, the results suggest that it may be feasible to remodel T-cell responses, especially in immunocompromised hosts who receive adoptive cell transfers with many potential alloreactive cells.
Neurally Mediated and Direct Effects of Acetylstrophanthidin on Canine Skeletal Muscle Vascular Resistance

The effects of acetylstrophanthidin on the vascular resistance of the isolated canine gracilis muscle were examined in 38 anesthetized mongrel dogs. The neurally mediated effect of intravenous acetylstrophanthidin (0.5 mg) on the vascular resistance of the innervated, separately perfused (constant flow) right gracilis muscle was a transient mean fall of 4.0 ± 0.9 resistance units (RU) ( P < 0.001) at 1 minute followed by a sustained rise to 4 RU ( P < 0.05) above control from 8 to 18 minutes after injection. The sustained increase in resistance was blocked by intra-arterial phenoxybenzamine. The combined direct and neurally mediated effects of intravenous acetylstrophanthidin were directionally similar and greater in magnitude in the innervated, autoperfused (intact circulation) left gracilis. Following denervation of the muscle, however, the initial decrease in vascular resistance was abolished and the prolonged subsequent rise was greatly reduced. Hence the initial fall and most of the subsequent rise in vascular resistance are neurally mediated. There was no consistent change in aortic pressure to explain either of these changes in vascular resistance solely on a reflex basis. Thus, systemically administered acetylstrophanthidin produces skeletal muscle vasoconstriction through both a direct and a neurally mediated effect. The latter is mediated through alphareceptor stimulation and appears to be the predominant mechanism whereby this drug increases muscle vascular resistance.
Identification of the oim mutation by dye terminator chemistry combined with automated direct DNA sequencing

The homozygous oim/oim mouse, a model of moderate-to-severe human osteogenesis imperfecta, contains a G-nucleotide deletion in the Cola-2 gene (the murine pro alpha(I) collagen gene) that results in accumulation of alpha1(I) homotrimer collagen. Although these mice have a distinctive phenotype that includes multiple fractures and deformities, genotyping is necessary to distinguish them from their wildtype (+/+) and heterozygote (oim/+) littermates. In this study, the dye primer and dye terminator chemistry methods, in combination with automated direct DNA sequencing, were compared for accuracy and ease in genotyping. A total of 82 mice from 14 litters were bred and genotyped; this resulted in 18 +/+, 35 oim/+, and 29 oim/oim mice. The dye primer and dye terminator chemistry methods worked equally well for identification of the deletion mutation and thus the genotype of all of the mice. However, the dye terminator method was found to be superior on the basis of the reduced amount of sample handling and reduced quantity of reagent required.
Detection and Quantitation of N′-Nitrosonornicotine in Human Toenails by Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Specific biomarkers of tobacco carcinogen uptake are critical for investigations of the role of tobacco smoke exposure in human cancers. Two new biomarkers of human exposure to tobacco-specific carcinogens have been recently developed by our research group: urinary N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and toenail 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL). In this study, we report the presence of NNN in human toenails. Toenails of 17 smokers were analyzed for total NNN. Mean total NNN level in these samples was 4.63 +/- 6.48 fmol/mg toenail and correlated with previously reported total NNAL (r = 0.96; P < 0.0001), total nicotine (r = 0.48; P < 0.05), and total cotinine (r = 0.87; P < 0.0001). An interesting finding was that amounts of NNN in smokers' toenails were generally higher than those of total NNAL. The ratio of toenail NNN to NNAL averaged 2.8, whereas the previously reported ratio between these biomarkers in smokers' urine was 0.1. NNN was also found in toenail samples from 12 nonsmokers, averaging 0.35 +/- 0.16 fmol/mg and positively correlating with toenail cotinine (r = 0.58; P = 0.05). The results of this study show the feasibility of quantifying NNN in human toenails, providing a potentially useful new biomarker of tobacco carcinogen exposure.
How Many Measurements of Soil Moisture within the Footprint of a Ground-Based Microwave Radiometer Are Required to Account for Meter-Scale Spatial Variability?

Validation of ground-based microwave remote sensing measurements with point measurements of soil moisture remains an important task. The number of point measurements needed to characterize the mean soil moisture of an area on the order of tens of square meters, and the manner in which these observations should be made remain unknown. We conducted a field experiment in central Iowa to characterize the spatial process of soil moisture and sampling strategies for estimating the mean soil moisture of an area that represents the footprint of a ground-based microwave radiometer. We determined the spatial dependence of the moisture content of bare soil at this scale, which allows the determination of the mean soil moisture from point measurements. This spatial dependence can be described by an exponential variogram model. The parameters of this model vary according to mean moisture conditions. The accuracy of the estimate of mean soil moisture depends on the number of point measurements, what sampling technique is used, and mean moisture conditions. When we use spatial dependence, we increase the accuracy and precision of our estimates of the mean. Lattice and stratified sampling schemes require fewer measurements than random sampling when a higher level of accuracy in the estimate of mean soil moisture is desired. Practically, if measurements of soil moisture are made in random locations and spatial dependence is not used, we found that approximately 20 measurements within a 7 by 9 m footprint would estimate the mean to within close to 0.01 m 3 m −3 of the true value for the entire range of soil moisture conditions that we observed.
Vulval symptoms after the menopause – Not all atrophy!

Vulval and vaginal symptoms are common after the menopause and are frequently assumed to be due to the normal physiological changes that occur at this time. However, there are several important dermatoses that can occur in this patient group which need accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. This review discusses the clinical features and basic management of some of the common vulval problems occurring after the menopause.
“Parallel poleis”: Towards a theoretical framework of the modern public sphere, civic engagement and the structural advantages of the internet to foster and maintain parallel socio-political institutions:

The role of the internet in large-scale demonstrations, as witnessed in the Arab Spring, has been debated and reflects continued interest in the intermingling of social movements and digital technology. Yet behind these large photogenic events stand other less obvious social activities that may be equally profound, particularly in the form of alternative institutional frameworks that better meet the social needs of individuals than current models. We categorize these “dissident” frameworks as “parallel poleis” as developed by Czech philosopher and activist Vaclav Benda and offer two case studies to support this contention. At the heart of parallel poleis lies the notion that digital technologies are uniquely positioned to reflect and facilitate the political expressions of individuals due to low-cost transactions, ease of use and large social network reach possibilities. The sociopolitical ramifications of a parallel polis as conceptualizing the social–technical interaction warrants further discussion.
Perceptual symbol systems.

Prior to the twentieth century, theories of knowledge were inherently perceptual. Since then, developments in logic, statis- tics, and programming languages have inspired amodal theories that rest on principles fundamentally different from those underlying perception. In addition, perceptual approaches have become widely viewed as untenable because they are assumed to implement record- ing systems, not conceptual systems. A perceptual theory of knowledge is developed here in the context of current cognitive science and neuroscience. During perceptual experience, association areas in the brain capture bottom-up patterns of activation in sensory-motor areas. Later, in a top-down manner, association areas partially reactivate sensory-motor areas to implement perceptual symbols. The stor- age and reactivation of perceptual symbols operates at the level of perceptual components - not at the level of holistic perceptual expe- riences. Through the use of selective attention, schematic representations of perceptual components are extracted from experience and stored in memory (e.g., individual memories of green, purr, hot). As memories of the same component become organized around a com- mon frame, they implement a simulator that produces limitless simulations of the component (e.g., simulations of purr). Not only do such simulators develop for aspects of sensory experience, they also develop for aspects of proprioception (e.g., lift, run) and introspec- tion (e.g., compare, memory, happy, hungry). Once established, these simulators implement a basic conceptual system that represents types, supports categorization, and produces categorical inferences. These simulators further support productivity, propositions, and ab- stract concepts, thereby implementing a fully functional conceptual system. Productivity results from integrating simulators combinato- rially and recursively to produce complex simulations. Propositions result from binding simulators to perceived individuals to represent type-token relations. Abstract concepts are grounded in complex simulations of combined physical and introspective events. Thus, a per- ceptual theory of knowledge can implement a fully functional conceptual system while avoiding problems associated with amodal sym- bol systems. Implications for cognition, neuroscience, evolution, development, and artificial intelligence are explored.
Analysis and closed-form solutions of circular and rectangular apertures in the transverse plane of a circular waveguide

An analysis is carried out to determine the discontinuity susceptance of a circular or rectangular aperture in the transverse plane of a circular waveguide. Closed-form solutions based on the scattered amplitude calculations and aperture coupling theory are derived. Example solutions for a small circular aperture and a resonant rectangular aperture are given. The calculated results agree very well with the experiments. The results have many applications in the design of circular waveguide components and circular waveguide-backed aperture antennas. >
Unravelling the nuclear matrix proteome

The nuclear matrix (NM) model posits the presence of a protein/RNA scaffold that spans the mammalian nucleus. The NM proteins are involved in basic nuclear function and are a promising source of protein biomarkers for cancer. Importantly, the NM proteome is operationally defined as the proteins from cells and tissue that are extracted following a specific biochemical protocol; in brief, the soluble proteins and lipids, cytoskeleton, and chromatin elements are removed in a sequential fashion, leaving behind the proteins that compose the NM. So far, the NM has not been sufficiently verified as a biological entity and only preliminary at the molecular level. Here, we argue for a combined effort of proteomics, immunodetection and microscopy to unravel the composition and structure of the NM.
Distribution of H antigen in persons of blood groups A, B, and AB.

. The distribution of H antigen in tissues of persons of blood groups A, B, and AB was examined. H antigen could be demonstrated in all tissues in which the isologous antigens A and B were demonstrated, although some cells demonstrated isologous but not H antigen. In most tissues, areas were seen that demonstrated H antigen but not the isologous antigen. This was especially true in Brunner's glands of the duodenum and esophageal glands, where the amount of H antigen was apparently greater than the amount of the isologous antigen. Since the results varied greatly from tissue to tissue, it was not possible to interpret the data with respect to the biochemical pathways of blood group antigen formation.
The SAT Reading Task in Question: Reply to Freedle and Kostin

In a previous issue of Psychological Science, we reported that test takers correctly answer many multiple-choice questions on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) reading task when the passages that normally accompany the questions are missing More important, we found a high correlation between performance with and performance without these passages (Katz, Blackburn, & Lautenschlager, 1991, Katz, Lautenschlager, Blackburn, & Harris, 1990) We concluded that factors having little to do with passage comprehension contribute substantially to performance on the task In a recent commentary, Freedle and Kostin (1994) argued otherwise Using reading items on the SAT and other college-entrance examinations, these authors (hereafter, FK) carried out stepwise regression analyses, apportioning into two groups 65 predictor variables, 46 passage and 19 question variables The question variables were assumed to measure non-passage factors The authors reported that passage variables contribute substantially to variance in it...
Fabrication of Multiple Fill Tube Targets for Sandia National Laboratory

Target design for the National Ignition Facility requires either a glass or polyimide (PI) fill tube. To study the hydrodynamic effects that are introduced by a fill tube during capsule implosion, fill tube targets were fabricated for experiments at the Z-Pinch facility. Three and four fill tube targets were designed and fabricated to maximize data during each experiment. Targets were made with PI and glass fill tubes on the same capsule to study the shadowing differences between glass and plastic fill tubes. Four tube targets were fabricated with diameters ranging from 10-45 μm to study the effect diameter has on implosion characteristics. Capsules were coated with a germanium-doped layer of glow discharge polymer. Blind holes were drilled in the capsules using an excimer laser. Fill tubes were fabricated using modified capillary pullers and assembly was done on a specially designed assembly station designed for fill tube fabrication. Targets were characterized by optical microscopy and by micron resolution x-ray tomography.
Preliminary Wave Energy Converters Extreme Load Analysis

Wave energy converter (WEC) devices are designed to sustain the wave-induced loads that they experience during both operational and survival sea states. The extreme values of these forces are often a key cost driver for WEC designs. These extreme loads must be carefully examined during the device design process, and the development of a specific extreme condition modeling method is essential. In this paper, the key findings and recommendations from the extreme conditions modeling workshop hosted by Sandia National Laboratories and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory are reviewed. Next, a study on the development and application of a modeling approach for predicting WEC extreme design load is described. The approach includes midfidelity Monte-Carlo-type time-domain simulations to determine the sea state in which extreme loads occur. In addition, computational fluid dynamics simulations are employed to examine the nonlinear wave and floating-device-interaction-induced extreme loads. Finally, a discussion on the key areas that need further investigation to improve the extreme condition modeling methodology for WECs is presented.Copyright © 2015 by ASME