cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diverse dynamics of glutamatergic input underlie heterogeneous response patterns of olfactory bulb mitral and tufted cells in vivo

ABSTRACT In vertebrates, olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) activation drives glutamatergic excitation of mitral/tufted (MT) cells and juxtaglomerular interneurons in the olfactory bulb (OB). MT cells show diverse temporal response patterns to odorant stimulation, which have been attributed largely to processing by inhibitory circuits. However, this diversity could reflect differences in the temporal dynamics of excitatory input to MT cells. Here, we imaged odorant-evoked glutamate transients onto MT cell dendrites in the OB of anesthetized and awake mice using the glutamate sensors iGluSnFR and SF-iGluSnFR, allowing us to visualize the dynamics of excitatory synaptic inputs onto MT cells in anesthetized and awake mice. We found a surprising amount of diversity in the temporal dynamics of glutamatergic input to MT cells, both within and across successive odorant inhalations. Response patterns included sustained, inhalation-linked glutamate transients; slower, tonic increases in glutamate; rapidly adapting glutamate signals, biphasic responses consisting of a transient increase followed by a decrease below baseline, and even purely suppressive responses. Simultaneous imaging of glutamate and calcium signals from MT cells in the same glomerulus, using iGluSnFR and the red-shifted calcium sensor jRGECO1a, revealed highly correlated pre- and postsynaptic signals across these different response types. Qualitatively similar diversity was seen in the dynamics of glutamatergic input to MT cells in the awake mouse. These results reveal a surprising diversity in the dynamics of excitatory input to MT cells, and suggest that the complex spatiotemporal activity patterns thought to play a critical role in coding odor information at this stage may arise largely from feedforward excitatory pathways, as opposed to being an emergent feature of inhibitory networks. These results also highlight the utility of glutamate imaging for dissecting OB circuit organization and function in vivo.
Helping the Homeless: The Role of Empathy, Race and Deservingness in Motivating Policy Support and Charitable Giving

What will motivate citizens to support efforts to help those in need? Charitable organizations seeking support for their cause will often use the story of a specific individual to illustrate the problem and generate support. We explore the effectiveness of this strategy using the issue of homelessness. Specifically, we examine the role that the race of beneficiaries featured in a message, and the inclusion of deservingness cues highlighting external attributions for an individual’s homelessness have on willingness to donate to the homeless and support government efforts to address homelessness. Utilizing two experiments with a nationally representative probability sample and an online opt-in quota sample, we find significant effects of deservingness information on expressions of sympathy, and on support for government efforts to address homelessness when viewing individuals from one’s own racial group. Direct effects on charitable giving are inconsistent across studies, with modest evidence that deservingness cues are associated with donation behavior in one. We also uncover interesting heterogeneity in how individuals react to a message about the homeless based on their predispositions. We discuss the implications for those utilizing this messaging strategy.
Effects of Dietary Vitamin D and UVB Irradiance on Voluntary Exposure to Ultraviolet Light, Growth and Survival of the Panther Chameleon

Vertebrates require vitamin D for several bodily processes including the regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels1. Vitamin D is obtained in two ways. First, vitamin D can be obtained from the diet2. Second, vitamin D can be produced in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet B irradiation (UVB, 280–315nm)2.
Neural Control and Modulation of Thirst, Sodium Appetite, and Hunger

The function of central appetite neurons is instructing animals to ingest specific nutrient factors that the body needs. Emerging evidence suggests that individual appetite circuits for major nutrients—water, sodium, and food—operate on unique driving and quenching mechanisms. This review focuses on two aspects of appetite regulation. First, we describe the temporal relationship between appetite neuron activity and consumption behaviors. Second, we summarize ingestion-related satiation signals that differentially quench individual appetite circuits. We further discuss how distinct appetite and satiation systems for each factor may contribute to nutrient homeostasis from the functional and evolutional perspectives.
HPV-16 E6 and E7 expression drives transcription of p14(ARF) and p16(INK4a) prior to Intragenic methylation of CDKN2A.

Human papillomavirus positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC), associated with improved patient outcome, exhibit increased expression of CDKN2A tumor suppressor p16(INK4a), while inactivation of the CDKN2A locus is frequently observed in HPV negative HNSCC. We recently identified a novel region of intragenic DNA hypermethylation within the CDKN2A locus that correlates with RNA expression of two CDKN2A transcripts and improved patient outcome in oropharyngeal and laryngeal SCC. Given the importance of CDKN2A expression in OPSCC, we chose an in vitro model using primary keratinocytes transduced with HPV-16 oncogenes E6 and E7 to study the relationship between CDKN2A methylation and expression. RNA levels for CDKN2A transcripts, p14(ARF) and p16(INK4a), and intragenic CDKN2A methylation were assessed in the primary cells and after transduction with E6 and E7 at two time points. CDKN2A expression increased early post-transduction, while there was a clear delay in intragenic methylation. Methylation eventually increased suggesting that intragenic methylation is not required for transcription at the CDKN2A locus, and that methylation may be a consequence of open and active chromatin.
Low Intensity Vibrations Augment Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation Capacity during in vitro Expansion

A primary component of exercise, mechanical signals, when applied in the form of low intensity vibration (LIV), increases mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) osteogenesis and proliferation. While it is generally accepted that exercise effectively combats the deleterious effects of aging in the musculoskeletal system, how long-term exercise affects stem cell aging, which is typified by reduced proliferative and differentiative capacity, is not well explored. As a first step in understanding the effect of long-term application of mechanical signals on stem cell function, we investigated the effect of LIV during in vitro expansion of MSCs. Primary MSCs were subjected to either a control or to a twice-daily LIV regimen for up to sixty cell passages (P60) under in vitro cell expansion conditions. LIV effects were assessed at both early passage (EP) and late passage (LP). At the end of the experiment, P60 cultures exposed to LIV maintained a 28% increase of cell doubling and a 39% reduction in senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity (p < 0.01) but no changes in telomere lengths and p16INK4a levels were observed. Prolonged culture-associated decreases in osteogenic and adipogenic capacity were partially protected by LIV in both EP and LP groups (p < 0.05). Mass spectroscopy of late passage MSC indicated a synergistic decrease of actin and microtubule cytoskeleton-associated proteins in both control and LIV groups while LIV induced a recovery of proteins associated with oxidative reductase activity. In summary, our findings show that the application of long-term mechanical challenge (+LIV) during in vitro expansion of MSCs for sixty passages significantly alters MSC proliferation, differentiation and structure. This suggests LIV as a potential tool to investigate the role of physical activity during aging.
Is there a low-frequency bias in multiproxy reconstructions of tropical pacific SST variability?

Abstract Decadal and longer-term variability in the tropical Pacific has the potential to impact climate worldwide, yet paleoclimate observations and climate model simulations disagree on the nature of this variability. In this study we investigate whether biases from paleoclimate reconstruction methodology and the currently available proxy network cause reconstructions of ENSO to overestimate the multidecadal-century scale variability of the Pacific. We build new reconstructions using a variety of commonly employed methods and test the effects of four types of bias on analogous pseudoproxy reconstructions. These biases include (1) the number of records used in the reconstruction, (2) chronological uncertainty, (3) noise in individual proxy records, and (4) the geographical distribution of the proxy network. We find that each of these biases cause ENSO reconstructions to overestimate the importance of low-frequency variability. These biases may partially explain why multiproxy reconstructions of Pacific variability have stronger low-frequency variability than predicted by historical observations or climate models, and why these reconstructions do not have coherent signals over the multidecadal-century scale.
Nursing education during a pandemic: Perspectives of students and faculty

Purpose: Nurses working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic have experienced a combination of physical, psychological, logistical, professional, and personal challenges. Those nurses enrolled in baccalaureate and graduate nursing degree programs were affected significantly in their ability to remain focused on meeting course expectations while contending with pandemic-induced challenges. Nursing faculty in a public state-based university school of nursing in upstate New York responded by developing initiatives to support students and foster their success. Results: Supported by unsolicited anecdotal reports, this article describes the experiences and perspectives of nurses in clinical roles working in a pandemic epicenter, while simultaneously completing nursing degree programs. Students were confronted by professional and personal stressors that challenged their ability to manage multiple responsibilities. Faculty supported students with intensive caring and communication, and by selective strategic policy and pedagogical adaptations, while adhering to and preserving program integrity and standards. These four distinct efforts supported student retention and success, and created opportunities for faculty dialogue, assessment, and reflection upon the nature of the changes and plans for future implementation. Self-care was identified as an important coping strategy for both students and faculty. Conclusions: Faculty believe the four-pronged approach enabled students to succeed in their programs of study and feel supported as individuals and professionals. Despite the continuing global health crisis, there have been numerous positive outcomes and lessons learned by both students and faculty while learning and teaching during the pandemic, with implications for future curricular and pedagogical approaches.
First Reported Case of Human Infection With Diaporthe eres and Co-Infection With Clostridium bifermentans Causing Septic Arthritis in a Pediatric Patient.

Diaporthe (Phomopsis) is a genus of fungus that has often been reported as a plant pathogen and rarely described as infectious in humans. This is the first case report of Diaporthe eres causing any infection in man as well as the second documented case of septic arthritis caused by Clostridium bifermentans. A 12-year-old male with no significant past medical history suffered a penetrating injury to his knee with a thorny stick 2-days prior to presentation while playing in the backyard. The pain and swelling gradually increased until he couldn’t bear …
Enhanced Dimensional Accuracy of Material Extrusion 3D-Printed Plastics through Filament Architecture

Optimization of three-dimensional (3D) print conditions for material extrusion of plastics by fused filament fabrication typically involves trade-offs between mechanical properties and dimensional ...
Insights from Blood Products Management for Pre-Crisis Ethical Resource Allocation.

Alfandre et al. (2021) tackle an important issue concerning resource management during the contingency phase of a public health emergency in their article, Between Usual and Crisis Phases of a Publ...
Mixer Imbalance Correction in Wireless OFDM Systems

In this paper we present an improved method for correcting mixer imbalance in wireless systems using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). Mixer imbalance causes a nonlinear distortion to complex baseband signals. We start by introducing several mathematical models for mixer imbalance in the time domain. Then we select the most appropriate one of the time domain models and use it to develop a frequency domain model. We show that when observed in the frequency domain, mixer imbalance causes intersubcarrier interference as well as interference between the in phase and quadrature components of each individual subcarrier. Our improved method of correcting for these effects takes advantage of symmetries in the interference parameters. These symmetries allow for better estimation of the interference which in turn allows for better recovery of the transmitted symbols. We show that for a given set of mixer imbalance parameters there is a minimum SNR at which imbalance correction will improve symbol recovery. The exact value for the threshold SNR depends on the imbalance parameter estimation method used. The method proposed here lowers that threshold SNR at which improved symbol recovery begins compared to a previously proposed method. Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and Symbol Error Rate (SER) are the metrics we used to evaluate our proposed method.
Public Support for National Health Insurance: Roles of Attitudes and Beliefs

Despite numerous attempts to enact legislation throughout the 20th century, the U.S. is the only developed country without a system of national health insurance. Yet, public opinion polls over the last 20 years consistently find that a solid majority of Americans support national health insurance. Why does the U.S. lack a system of health insurance despite widespread public support for it? In this paper, we examine the relationship between public support for national health insurance and attitudes toward different roles of government and individual beliefs. We find that people who have favorable attitudes toward government economic intervention and government redistribution are more likely to favor national health insurance than those who have less favorable attitudes toward these roles of government. The most intense support for national health insurance is among those who have favorable attitudes toward both roles of government. Consistent with research about other social programs, we find that the beliefs regarding racial minorities as well as beliefs regarding individual control over life limit support for national health insurance in the U.S. On the other hand, negative beliefs regarding businesses are an important source of support for national health insurance.
Comparing Fluidized Bed Spray-Coating and Spray-Drying Encapsulation of Non-Spore-Forming Gram-Negative Bacteria

Microencapsulation of plant-beneficial bacteria for use as biopesticides is a growing area of interest in the search for alternatives to harmful chemical pesticides. In this study, we assessed the ...
ORFEUS II Far-UV Spectroscopy of AM Herculis

Six high-resolution (\lambda/\Delta\lambda ~ 3000) far-UV (\lambda\lambda = 910-1210 \AA) spectra of the magnetic cataclysmic variable AM Herculis were acquired in 1996 November during the flight of the ORFEUS-SPAS II mission. AM Her was in a high optical state at the time of the observations, and the spectra reveal emission lines of O VI \lambda\lambda 1032, 1038, C III \lambda 977, \lambda 1176, and He II \lambda 1085 superposed on a nearly flat continuum. Continuum flux variations can be described as per Gansicke et al. by a ~ 20 kK white dwarf with a ~ 37 kK hot spot covering a fraction f~0.15 of the surface of the white dwarf, but we caution that the expected Lyman absorption lines are not detected. The O VI emission lines have narrow and broad component structure similar to that of the optical emission lines, with radial velocities consistent with an origin in the irradiated face of the secondary and the accretion funnel, respectively. The density of the narrow- and broad-line regions is n_{nlr} ~ 3\times 10^{10} cm^{-3} and n_{blr} ~ 1\times 10^{12} cm^{-3}, respectively, yet the narrow-line region is optically thick in the O VI line and the broad-line region is optically thin; apparently, the velocity shear in the broad-line region allows the O VI photons to escape, rendering the gas effectively optically thin. Unexplained are the orbital phase variations of the emission-line fluxes.
Load shedding in data stream management systems using application semantics

Data Stream Management Systems (DSMSs) process highly bursty streams in real time and are used in diverse application domains. Satisfying Quality of Service (QoS) requirements and providing accurate results are critical to the success of DSMSs and the applications that use them. In order to maintain QoS, various approaches have been proposed in the literature, including capacity planning, scheduling, and load shedding. Existing load shedding approaches drop tuples either randomly or based on the characteristics of data or continuous queries. On the other hand, utilizing application characteristics for dropping tuples would increase the accuracy of the results and at the same time maintain QoS. In this paper, we introduce load shedding schemes that are based on the application semantics. The techniques presented in this paper complement existing load shedding approaches.
Standoff detection of thermal and fast neutrons

Improved detection of weapons of mass destruction is one of the Science and Technology priorities of the Secretary of Defense for Fiscal Years 2013–2017. Unfortunately, the remote detection of special nuclear materials is difficult because the materials are not very radioactive, the radiation signatures decrease rapidly with distance, and faint sources of radiation can be obscured by naturally occurring and man-made radioactive sources. The Radiation Detection Section of the High Energy Space Environment Branch of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory has developed a containerized fast and thermal neutron standoff detection system. The instrument was characterized with neutron sources at different standoff distances and at different drive-by speeds to determine the on-water performance of the system. Results of this measurement campaign will be discussed.
Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) Models as a Mixed-Modelling Technique: A Tutorial and an Annotated Example

Formative modelling of latent constructs has produced great interest and discussion among scholars in recent years. However, confusion exists surrounding the ability of researchers to validate these models especially with covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) techniques. This manuscript helps to clarify these issues and explains how formatively modelled constructs can be assessed rigorously by researchers using CB-SEM capabilities. In particular, we explain and provide an applied example of a mixed-modelling technique termed multiple indicators and multiple causes (MIMIC) models. Using this approach, researchers can assess formatively modelled constructs as the final, distal dependent variable in structural models, which modelling is traditionally impossible due to the mathematical identification rules of CB-SEM. Moreover, we assert that researchers can use MIMIC models to assess the content validity of a set of formative indicators quantitatively — something considered conventionally only from a qualitative standpoint. Our research example used in this manuscript involving protection-motivated behaviors (PMBs) details the entire process of MIMIC modelling and provides a set of detailed guidelines for researchers to follow when developing new constructs modelled as MIMIC structures.
The Media Equation: How People Treat Computers, Television, and New Media Like Real People and Places

Part I. Introduction: 1. The media equation Part II. Media and Manners: 2. Politeness 3. Interpersonal distance 4. Flattery 5. Judging others and ourselves Part III. Media and Personality: 6. Personality of characters 7. Personality of interfaces 8. Imitating a personality Part IV. Media and emotion: 9. Good versus bad 10. Negativity 11. Arousal Part V. Media and Social Roles: 12. Specialists 13. Teammates 14. Gender 15. Voices 16. Source orientation Part VI. Media and Form: 17. Image size 18. Fidelity 19. Synchrony 20. Motion 21. Scene changes 22. Subliminal images Part VII. Final Words: 23. Conclusions about the media equation References.
Numerical analysis of bubble dynamics in electrohydraulic and electromagnetic shock wave lithotripsy

This study numerically investigated the bubble dynamics in electrohydraulic (EH) and electromagnetic (EM) shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). Methodology of acoustic pressure measurement was discussed to compare the performance of typical EH and EM lithotripters. The dynamics of cavitation bubbles in SWL has been numerically simulated using the Gilmore formulation coupled with zero-order gas diffusion. The illustrated pressure measurement results showed that both the peak positive and negative pressure of the Modularis at E4.0 are slightly higher than the corresponding values of the HM-3 at 20 kV. However, the pressure waveforms generated by an EH lithotripter is different from those of an EM lithotripter. The EM shock wave has a remarkable 2nd compressive pulse, which might suppress the cavitation activities in the EM lithotripter. In addition, the numerical simulation showed the EH lithotripter could produce stronger cavitation activities than the EM lithotripter.
Stress-Corrosion Cracking Properties of 17-4 PH Steel

Recent unexpected occurrences of stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) with 17-4 PH structural components indicated a need for improved characterization of the alloy and application of more advanced analytical procedures for reliably predicting structural performance. Accordingly, the purpose of the present studies was to establish systematically the SCC properties of 17-4 PH steel over a wide range of yield strengths and applied cathodic potentials. Six different heat treatments were selected for the SCC studies. The data, when analyzed in terms of ratio analysis procedures, are immediately useful for predictions of service reliability of the steel in marine structures. The results show that 17-4 PH steel is moderately sensitive to SCC at high-strength levels, less sensitive to SCC at intermediate strength levels, and relatively insensitive to SCC in the metallurgically overaged, low yield strength condition. Increased applied cathodic potentials increase the SCC susceptibility of the alloy significantly which strongly suggests the involvement of hydrogen in the SCC mechanism. The minimum specimen thickness required for determining a thickness-independent K I s c c for steels by the cantilever method appears to be considerably less than for a standard K I c test.
Glutamine Metabolism in Sepsis and Infection

Severe infection causes marked derangements in the flow of glutamine among organs, and these changes are accompanied by significant alterations in regional cell membrane transport and intracellular glutamine metabolism. Skeletal muscle, the major repository of glutamine, exhibits a twofold increase in glutamine release during infection, which is associated with a significant increase in endogenous glutamine biosynthesis. Despite an increase in glutamine synthetase activity in skeletal muscle, the intracellular glutamine pool becomes depleted, indicating that release rates exceed rates of synthesis. Simultaneously, the circulating pool of glutamine does not increase, indicating accelerated uptake by other organs. The liver appears to be the major organ of glutamine uptake in severe infection; studies in endotoxemic rodents have shown net hepatic glutamine uptake to increase by as much as 8- to 10-fold. This increase is due partially to increases in liver blood flow, but also to a three- to fourfold increase in hepatocyte System N activity in the liver. Cytokines and glucocorticoids mediate the increased uptake of glutamine by the liver in septic states as well as other compounds. Sepsis does not appear to induce an increase in System N gene expression, indicating that the increase in hepatic glutamine transport observed during severe infection is probably regulated at the protein level. The bowel displays a decrease in glutamine utilization during sepsis, a response that may be related to the decrease in circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels that is characteristic of sepsis. Recent studies suggest that IGF-1 has a direct effect on stimulating glutamine transport across the gut lumen and thus may represent a therapeutic avenue for improving gut nutrition during severe infection. The cells of the immune system (lymphocytes, macrophages) are also major glutamine consumers during inflammatory states in which cell proliferation is increased. Under these conditions, glutamine availability can become rate limiting for key cell functions, such as phagocytosis and antibody production.
Faster than Fourier-ultra-efficient time-to-frequency domain conversions for FDTD

Two highly efficient methods of computing magnitude and phase from time-domain data are demonstrated. These methods, based on solution of linear equations, are found to be equally accurate and more efficient than Fourier transform methods (DFT and FFT) for limited numbers of frequencies. These methods provide a significant savings in computation time and storage requirements for FDTD simulations which require a large number of time-to-frequency domain conversions. Although some FDTD researchers may have applied the method for single frequency simulations, it is not widely known or used. The multiple frequency extension of this method has not been used previously, to my knowledge.
Molecular analyses of the platelet glycoprotein Ib-IX-V receptor

Glycoprotein receptors within the platelet membrane are essential for initiating platelet adhesion and aggregation on thrombogenic surfaces. As a response to vascular injury these receptors provide platelets with two essential properties i) the ability to bind adhesive substrates exposed at the site of injury (adhesion) and ii) the ability to recruit additional platelets to form a thrombus (aggregation). It is becoming increasingly evident that defined rheological conditions govern the physiological relevance of specific receptor-ligand interactions along with fundamentally distinct molecular mechanisms for individual receptors and their ligands. Among platelet receptors the glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex is important because it initiates thrombus formation over a wide range of flow conditions through an initial interaction with the adhesive ligand, von Willebrand factor. The importance of this receptor- ligand interaction is best exemplified by congenital bleeding disorders resulting from the lack of either the receptor or the ligand, the Bernard-Soulier syndrome and von Willebrand disease, respectively. Additionally, the GP Ib component of the GP Ib-IX-V complex contains a binding site for a-thrombin and recent studies have strengthened the concept that the interaction between a-thrombin and GP Ib is of biological relevance. Unquestionably, studies dissecting the GP Ib-IX-V complex are defining essential aspects of normal hemostasis and thrombosis while providing key information on the molecular mechanisms governing the formation of pathologic platelet thrombi. This review will summarize recent advances in our understanding of the synthesis, structure and function of the platelet GP Ib-IX-V complex. Where possible, directions for future studies will be identified with an overall goal of achieving a more complete understanding on the role of the GP Ib-IX-V complex in platelet biology.
Two-dimensional diffusion-limited kinetics in a ternary graphite intercalation compound

Abstract The kinetics of the ammoniation of KC24 to form the ternary graphite intercalation compound (GIC) K(NH3)xC24, 0 ≤ × ≤ 4.38, has been studied by monitoring the time dependence of the c-axis resistance. Our results are in quantitative agreement with a two-dimensional (2D) diffusion model which yields diffusion constant ≈10-8 cm2/sec. In contrast to binary GIC's which exhibit intercalation kinetics that may be limited by the growth of planar multidegenerate domains, the K-NH3 ternary system provides a clear example of 2D diffusion-limited intercalation.
Isolating fetal cells in the maternal circulation

Fetal cells exist in maternal blood and can be utilized for prenatal genetic diagnosis. The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology on maternal blood has enabled the detection of fetal sex, Mendelian disorders (e.g. beta-globin mutations), HLA polymorphisms and fetal Rhesus (D) blood type. Enrichment for erythroblasts and trophoblasts by various density gradient and flow sorting techniques followed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome-specific DNA probes has allowed detection of trisomy 21, trisomy 18, Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) and 47,XYY. The fetal cell type that has generated the most success is the nucleated erythrocyte; however, trophoblasts, lymphocytes and granulocytes are also considered to be present in maternal blood. Fetal cells circulate in maternal blood during the first and second trimesters, with frequency increasing as gestation advances. Emphasis is thus now directed toward determining the most practical and efficacious manner for this technique to be applied to prenatal genetic diagnosis. A large scale collaboration of clinical evaluations is underway in the USA, upon completion of which assessment can be made of whether this technology can serve as an alternative to conventional invasive and non-invasive methods of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis.
Sum rules for the weak axial-vector coupling constants

Abstract Sum rules for the weak axial-vector coupling constants are obtained based on the assumption of the axial-vector current algebra suggested by Gell-Mann and the hypothesis of a partially conserved ΔY = 0 axial-vector current.
The quartiles of the maximum entropy distribution

Abstract The quartile points and interquartile range of the maximum entropy (ME) distribution and sample distribution are compared, using expected values for sampling from a standard normal population. For sample sizes n ⩽20 such that the sample quartile points are uniquely defined, the ME quartile points and interquartile range are found to have lower mean-squared error (MSE).
Pericardial Effusion in AIDS Incidence and Survival

Background Although pericardial effusion is known to be common among patients infected with HIV, the incidence of pericardial effusion and its relation to survival have never been described. Methods and Results To evaluate the incidence of pericardial effusion and its relation to mortality in HIV-positive subjects, 601 echocardiograms were performed on 231 subjects recruited over a 5-year period (inception cohort: 59 subjects with asymptomatic HIV, 62 subjects with AIDS-related complex, and 74 subjects with AIDS; 21 HIV-negative healthy gay men; and 15 subjects with non-HIV end-stage medical illness). Echocardiograms were performed every 3 to 6 months (82% had follow-up studies). Sixteen subjects were diagnosed with effusions (prevalence of effusion for AIDS subjects entering the study was 5%). Thirteen subjects developed effusions during follow-up; 12 of these were subjects with AIDS (incidence, 11%/y). The majority of effusions (80%) were small and asymptomatic. The survival of AIDS subjects with effusi...
Chron C33r paleomagnetic pole for the Pacific plate

[1] A Pacific plate paleomagnetic pole was calculated for chron C33r (79–83 Ma) using data from Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) and Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) basalt and sediment cores. Six colatitude data were combined with four declination data, one from basalt samples oriented by magnetic overprint direction and three from seamount magnetic anomaly inversions corrected for induced field bias. The resulting pole is located at 72.3°N, 341.7°E (95% confidence ellipse: major semi-axis, 10.1°; minor semi-axis, 5.6°; major semi-axis azimuth, 91°) and is indistinguishable from a published pole calculated using basalt samples from ODP Site 884. The C33r pole implies that prior poles of this age, based on seamount anomaly inversion data, are inaccurate. It changes the shape of the Pacific apparent polar wander path (APWP) and implies rapid polar motion before C33r followed by a polar standstill.
Orientobilharzia Dutt & Srivastava, 1955 (Trematoda: Schistosomatidae), a junior synonym of Schistosoma Weinland, 1858.

In the last few decades, phylogenetic studies of the family Schistosomatidae based on molecular markers have revealed that members of the genus Orientobilharzia Dutt & Srivastava, 1955 belong within Schistosoma Weinland, 1858. In this study, the original descriptions and redescriptions of Orientobilharzia species and related revisions are reviewed, and it is confirmed that the morphological characters correspond with the results of the molecular studies. The two genera differ only in the number of testes; however, this character varies to a large extent within particular genera of the subfamily Schistosomatinae and cannot be used to justify the separation of Orientobilharzia from Schistosoma. Also, we have verified claims suggesting the synonymy of certain species of Orientobilharzia; the four valid species of this genus are transferred to Schistosoma and two new synonymies are formally presented. The following nomenclatural changes are made: Schistosoma Weinland, 1858 [syn. Orientobilharzia Dutt & Srivastava, 1955 (syn. nov.)]; Schistosoma bomfordi Montgomery, 1906 (comb. restit.); S. turkestanicum Skrjabin, 1913 (comb. restit.) [syns Ori. turkestanica var. tuberculata (Bhalerao, 1932) (syn. nov.) and Ori. cheni Hsu & Yang, 1957 (syn. nov.)]; S. dattai (Dutt & Srivastava, 1952) n. comb.; and S. harinasutai (Kruatrachue, Bhaibulaya & Harinasuta, 1965) n. comb. The generic diagnosis of Schistosoma is amended and a revised key to the subfamily Schistosomatinae Stiles & Hassall, 1898 is presented.
PROTON INHIBITION OF GABA-ACTIVATED CURRENT IN RAT PRIMARY SENSORY NEURONS

The modulation of the Cl– current activated by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by changes in extracellular pH in freshly isolated rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons was studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. In the pH range of 5.0–9.0, increased extracellular pH enhanced, and decreased extracellular pH suppressed, current activated by 10 μM GABA in a reversible and concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 of pH 7.1 in these neurons. Acidification to pH 6.5 inhibited currents activated by the GABAA-selective agonist muscimol in all neurons tested. The antagonism of GABA-activated current by lowering the pH was equivalent at holding potentials between –80 and +40 mV and did not involve a significant alteration in reversal potential. Acidification shifted the GABA concentration/response curve to the right, significantly increasing the EC50 for GABA without appreciably changing the slope or maximal value of the curve. Inhibition of the GABA-activated current by protons was not significantly different when the patch-pipette solution was buffered at pH 7.4 or pH 6.5. These results suggest that extracellular protons inhibit GABAA receptor channels in primary sensory neurons by decreasing the apparent affinity of the receptor for GABA. This represents a novel mechanism of inhibition by protons of a neurotransmitter-gated ion channel. Proton inhibition of GABAA receptor channels may account in part for the modulation by protons of sensory information transmission under certain pathophysiological conditions.
CART peptides increase 5-hydroxytryptamine in the dorsal raphe and nucleus accumbens of freely behaving rats.

Abstract Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptides (CART) are implicated in the antidepressant effect. This may involve in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the CNS. The aim of the present studies was to investigate the effect of CART peptides on extracellular 5-HT in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) using a microdialysis approach in freely behaving rats. Reverse infusion of CART 61−102 in the DRN produced a concentration (10–100 μM) -dependent increase in 5-HT in the DRN. Similarly, CART 62–76 (10–100 μM) infused into the DRN and NAcc elevated 5-HT in the DRN and NAcc, respectively. Thus, CART increases extracellular 5-HT in both the DRN and NAcc. In addition, infusion of CART 62–76 (100 μM) in the DRN produced a significant increase in 5-HT in the NAcc, implying an existence of CART receptors responsible for the depolarization-dependent release. In summary, the results of the present studies suggest that CART peptides may have an antidepressant effect through increases in extracellular 5-HT.
Hydride Transfer from Rhodium Complexes to Triethylborane

The hydrides HRh(depe)2 and HRh(dmpe)2 (depe = Et2PCH2CH2PEt2, dmpe = Me2PCH2CH2PMe2) have thermodynamic hydride donor abilities comparable to LiHBEt3, as indicated by their ability to transfer a hydride ligand to Et3B to sequentially form [Et3BHBEt3]- and [HBEt3]-. HRh(depe)2 and HRh(dmpe)2 can be generated from [Rh(dmpe)2](CF3SO3) and [Rh(depe)2](CF3SO3) and hydrogen gas in the presence of a strong base such as potassium tert-butoxide or lithium diisopropylamide. This reaction proceeds through the oxidative addition of hydrogen to form the [H2Rh(diphosphine)2](CF3SO3) complexes, followed by deprotonation. The oxidative addition of H2 is favored by diphosphine ligands with electron-donating substituents and large chelate bites. In the present study, the driving force for oxidative addition of H2 follows the order [Rh(dmpe)2](CF3SO3) > [Rh(depe)2](CF3SO3) > [Rh(dppe)2](CF3SO3) with [Rh(dmpe)2](CF3SO3) binding H2 more strongly than [Rh(dppe)2](CF3SO3) (dppe = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2) by at least 2.7 kcal/mol. The e...
Mathematical description of holometabolous life cycles.

Abstract The deterministic continuous equations are developed for the population levels of the various life stages of holometabolous species. Special attention is paid to the larval stage in which the variable of weight, in addition to the traditional variables of age and time, is included; growth rate and the genetic variability of the growth rate are allowed for. A pair of equations is derived that permits computation of the larval population level without regard to the levels of the other life stages. Finite difference equations are developed, simple analytical forms for vital rates are adopted, and a numerical example is given.
Cholinesterase activities of intact platelets as measured by an improved radiometric method.

Because of the extremely low cholinesterase activities of human platelets, an assay method more sensitive and specific than those previously available was needed. Such an assay was developed employing 14C-labeled substrates. In this assay system, less than 10−5 unit of cholinesterase activity can be measured conveniently. Data were also obtained from a nonspecific and less sensitive colorimetric method for the purpose of comparison. In general, the results from these two assay methods seem to be in fairly good agreement. Furthermore, kinetic data also suggest that the cholinesterase activity of intact platelets is most likely an acetylcholinesterase.
Pricing strategies for combination pediatric vaccines and their impact on revenue: Pediarix or Pentacel?

This paper analyzes pricing strategies for pediatric combination vaccines and their impact on the United States pediatric vaccine market. Three pharmaceutical companies compete pairwise with each other over the sale of vaccines containing two or three antigens per injection. Specific emphasis is placed on examining the competition between two pentavalent vaccines: GlaxoSmithKline’s Pediarix® (DTaP-HepB-IPV) and Sanofi Pasteur’s Pentacel® (DTaP-IPV/Hib). The main contribution of the paper is to provide a methodology for analyzing pricing strategies of directly competing, partially overlapping, and mutually exclusive combination vaccines in the United States pediatric vaccine market, with the goal of maximizing each pharmaceutical company’s expected revenue. The resulting analysis shows that Pentacel® is not competitively priced when compared to Pediarix®, its strongest competitor, for federal contract prices ending 31 March 2010. Accordingly, Sanofi Pasteur should expect to generate low revenue upon market entry, while Pediarix® remains well priced, with GlaxoSmithKline able to generate a high level of revenue at the expense of Sanofi Pasteur. The proposed pricing approach suggests an appropriate price for Pentacel® whereby a substantial increase in expected revenue can be realized.
Single Machine Scheduling with a Common Delivery Window

In this paper we consider the single machine scheduling problem of minimizing the mean absolute deviation (MAD) of job completion times from a restricted common delivery window. This problem is NP-hard. A Lagrangian relaxation procedure is proposed to solve the problem. Two efficient heuristics are also proposed. An experimental study on randomly generated problems is carried out to test the performance of the proposed methods. The computational results show that the obtained lower bounds are very good and the proposed heuristics generate near-optimal solutions.
Effects of BCG on lysozyme and "active" T cells in patients with malignant melanoma: a preliminary study.

Abstract Evidence from animal systems suggests that macrophages and thymus-dependent (T) lymphocytes mediate the antitumor effects of bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). To evaluate the validity and applicability of these observations in man we have determined serum lysozyme activity (SLA) and enumerated “active” and total T cells in 10 consecutive patients with malignant melanoma during intralesional or adjuvant BCG therapy. Clinical responders showed a significant increase in the mean number of “active” T cells ( P P P
Charge-transfer biexciton spectra of molecular crystals

A self-consistent theory is presented to account for the possibility of coherent pairing between Mott and a Frenkel exciton at low temperatures in a two-level system of an organic solid. It is shown that a charge-transfer (CT) biexciton state can exist at low temperatures provided that certain conditions are satisfied. The physical process for the formation of a CT biexciton can be attributed to the stabilization of the Mott exciton through its interaction with the polarization waves of the medium. The excitation spectrum of the biexciton state is of the excitonic insulator type and therefore no superfluid properties are expected to occur due to the condensation of the exciton pairs. The scattering amplitude arising from the exciton pairing is calculated at zero temperature and the parameters involved are discussed. Expressions are derived for the absorption coefficient describing optical transitions to CT biexciton states.
Heterogeneous Time Dependent Static Light Scattering

Measurements of light scattering from flowing heterogeneous solutions containing coexisting populations of colloids and polymers are presented. By appropriate recognition of scattering peaks produced by individual colloid particles and recovery of the baseline scattering due to the polymer population, the colloid particle number density can be monitored in real time while the polymer population is characterized absolutely according to weight-average molecular weight Mw, and z-average mean square radius of gyration 〈S2〉z. Either or both populations may also be evolving in time, so that the technique is termed "heterogeneous time dependent static light scattering" (HTDSLS). The essential notions of the technique are presented, and then the feasibility of the simultaneous measurements is first demonstrated by an equilibrium characterization of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) "contaminated" by known concentrations of 2 Im latex spheres. The time dependent capabilities are then demonstrated by monitoring the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria in a solution containing PVP. It is expected that HTDSLS will find many applications, such as in biotechnology reactors, biomedical assays, and polymer reactors where gels or crystallites are produced in addition to polymer chains.
Effects of chain stiffness on the dynamics of loop formation in polypeptides. Appendix: Testing a 1-dimensional diffusion model for peptide dynamics

Quenching of the triplet state of tryptophan by cysteine provides an important new tool for measuring the rate at which a specific intramolecular contact is formed in disordered polypeptides. By measuring the viscosity dependence of the quenching rate, both the reaction-limited and the diffusion-limited quenching rates can be determined. The diffusion-limited rate corresponds to the rate of forming a short-range contact. The reaction-limited rate, which depends solely on the equilibrium end-to-end distribution, becomes essentially length-independent for short chains, providing clear-cut evidence that the chain is stiff. The length dependence of the reaction-limited rate can be accurately calculated using the distance dependence of the quenching rate determined at room temperature in a rigid glass, together with the end-to-end distance distribution for a wormlike chain having a persistence length of 0.6−0.7 nm. In addition, the length dependence of the diffusion-limited rate can also be reproduced by treat...
Motorcycle helmet use in relation to legal requirements

Abstract Helmet use by motorcyclists was observed in late 1978 in cities in six U.S. states with varying legal requirements regarding their use. In two cities (Baltimore, Maryland and Miami, Florida) in which all motorcyclists are legally required to wear helmets, virtually all wore helmets. In three cities (New Orleans, Louisiana, Phoenix, Arizona and Houston, Texas) where helmet use laws requiring use by all motorcyclists were changed in 1976 or 1977 so that use is required only by those less than 18 years old, wearing rates were 39, 46 and 63%, respectively. In Los Angeles, California, which has never had a law requiring helmet use, 46% wore helmets. Based on these survey results, and on the known efficacy of helmets in reducing injuries to motorcyclists, the repeal of helmet laws that occurred in 26 states in 1976–1978 can be expected to result in major increases in motorcyclist deaths in succeeding years.
Organizational predictors of outcomes of long-stay nursing home residents

Analysis of physical function as a measure of nursing home resident outcomes in 10 nursing homes revealed that organizational design variables were important. Results were consistent with contingency theory, which posits that to maximize performance organizational structure should be adjusted to variations in task difficulty and variability. This study revealed that better resident outcomes sometimes are achieved in faster-paced nursing homes when employees are less closely supervised and when the basis for job assignment is clear and consistent. A more hierarchical structure may be effective when workload is heavy. However, when workload and pace are held constant, better outcomes are associated with smaller hierarchies and non-specific job assignment. Implications for management and future research are discussed.