cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Neural Code of Working Memory Maintenance.

The pursuit of the neural mechanism of working memory has been a fundamental topic in neuroscience. The mental function of maintaining information for immediate use is a universal experience, but measuring the specific neural signature of working memory during task has been challenging. To
Migration to the US among rural Puerto Ricans who inject drugs: influential factors, sources of support, and challenges for harm reduction interventions

While PWID of Puerto Rican origin have been migrating to the US for decades, the range of factors influencing their migration to the US and the resources they draw on to do so are not well understood. This is particularly true for rural Puerto Rican PWID, and the present study is the first empirical research to document migration patterns among this population. The specificities of their migration raise important challenges that need to be documented in order to implement more effective harm reduction policies at home (Puerto Rico) and abroad (US). This paper draws from data obtained employing a modified NHBS survey which was administered to (N =296) PWID in four rural municipalities of Puerto Rico with participants 18 years or older. The primary dependent variables for this paper are the number of times a person has lived in the continental US, and if they are planning on moving to the continental US in the future. Findings suggest that 65% of the sample reported ever lived in the US and that 49% are planning on moving in the future. The number of times living in the US is associated with higher education and older age, but not with self-reported positive HIV or HCV statuses. Planning to move to the US is associated with knowing PWID who have moved or plan to move, negatively associated with age, and is not associated with HIV or HCV status. Around one third of those that lived in the US reported having some sort of support, with the majority receiving support from family sources. No participant received help to enter HIV/HCV treatment. A multi-region approach to prevention is required to make a dent in curbing HIV/HCV transmission in this population. Understanding PWID migration patterns, risk behaviors, and health care needs in the US is now more important than ever as natural disasters prompted by human-made climate change will only increase in the future, raising demands not only for service providers but also harm reduction policies to cope with an increasing influx of “climate refugees” as PWID move across national borders.
A Power Management Approach for Laterally-Arrayed Multi-Bandgap Concentrated Photovoltaic Systems

The Laterally-Arrayed Multi-Bandgap (LAMB) structure, with spectrum splitting to multiple optimized cells, is a potentially higher-efficiency and lower-cost alternative to the conventional tandem cell structure for concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems. This paper explores a cell-block-level energy harvesting approach for LAMB CPV systems, using a converter with distributed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) capability. A voltage-matching scheme is presented that improves the performance of the converter by interconnecting the cells to provide closely-matched voltages. A Multi-Input Single-Output (MISO) converter topology appropriate for this application is identified, and a prototype MISO converter is built and tested with a PV simulator, a Si cell testbench, and in a systematic demonstration with an optical concentrator and discrete photovoltaic cells. The results demonstrate the potential of a co-packaged LAMB-with-converter CPV architecture for enhanced energy capture under practical conditions.
Identification of Risk Factors for Early Fontan Failure.

Despite improvements in operative and perioperative care, the risk of significant morbidity and mortality for children undergoing Fontan procedures persists. Previous investigations have identified peri-Fontan characteristics that may predict early adverse events. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics from throughout a patient's lifespan, including all perioperative stages, that might predict early Fontan failure—defined as death, Fontan takedown, or listing for cardiac transplantation before hospital discharge or within 30 postoperative days. A single-center retrospective study of all patients undergoing a Fontan procedure was performed. Patient and intervention-related characteristics were examined from birth through Fontan. Data were described using standard summary statistics. Univariable, logistic regression was used to examine associations with early Fontan failure. In total, 191 patients met inclusion criteria. The incidence of early Fontan failure was 4% (n = 8: 6 deaths, 2 Fontan takedowns). Neonatal balloon atrial septostomy was the only patient characteristic significantly associated with Fontan failure. Patients who underwent balloon septostomy had 8.5 times higher odds of Fontan failure (confidence interval (CI) 2.6–28.1, P
Comparative Election Administration: A Legal Perspective on Electoral Institutions

This chapter examines the institutions responsible for administering elections around the world and considers what election lawyers might do to strengthen democracy through their improvement. A now-substantial body of literature examines election management bodies in both emerging and established democracies. The consensus is that independent election administration is essential to electoral integrity. This chapter departs from the conventional wisdom in two respects. First, it argues that the formal independence of election management bodies is less important than their functional impartiality. Interactions between election institutions and political parties often promote evenhanded administration better than hermetic insulation from politics. Second, this chapter challenges the narrow focus on election management bodies and attendant disregard for other institutions involved in elections, especially judicial and quasi-judicial actors. It advances an interactional perspective on election administration, focusing on the relationship among the various entities that collectively comprise the electoral system, including administrators, courts, and political parties. The chapter concludes by considering how election lawyers might engage more deeply in the improvement of electoral institutions.
Nudging: Progress to date and future directions

Nudges influence behavior by changing the environment in which decisions are made, without restricting the menu of options and without altering financial incentives. This paper assesses past empirical research on nudging and provides recommendations for future work in this area by discussing examples of successful and unsuccessful nudges and by analyzing 174 articles that estimate nudge treatment effects. Researchers in disciplines spanning the behavioral sciences, using varied data sources, have documented that many different types of nudges succeed in changing behavior in a wide range of domains. Nudges that automate some aspect of the decision-making process have an average effect size, measured by Cohen's d, that is 0.193 larger than that of other nudges. Our analyses point to the need for future research to pay greater attention to (1) determining which types of nudges tend to be most impactful; (2) using field and laboratory research approaches as complementary methods; (3) measuring long-run effects of nudges; (4) considering effects of nudges on non-targeted outcomes; and (5) examining interaction effects among nudges and other interventions.
A Long, Strange Trip:My First Year Challenging the Constitutionality ofObamacare

When I joined the Cato Institute in September 2007, I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. It was my sixth job in just over four years out of law school — after clerking, a political campaign, two large firms, and a short stint as a rule-of-law adviser in Iraq — and now it was time for something completely different. The life of a think tank scholar is odd enough: you’re not an academic, but not a political player or activist either. The life of a think tanker specializing in constitutional law is stranger still, particularly given my responsibility for Cato’s burgeoning amicus brief program. Sometimes I get to pretend I’m a scholar, sometimes an attorney, and sometimes a pundit. The job takes on all these aspects at different times, but it’s nothing like what I had experienced in my young legal career; I’m no longer really a lawyer but I do play one on TV. Whereas the role of a judicial clerk or law firm associate is well defined, the only set part of my current job description is that I have the privilege of editing the Cato Supreme Court Review — and that’s more guidance than any of my colleagues get! As it turns out, the open-ended nature of the job, and the podium that a Cato affiliation provides, placed me near the heart of the legal-
Beyond Equality? Against the Universal Turn in Workplace Protection

INTRODUCTION 1220 I. BEYOND SEX, GENDER, AND FAMILY 1226 A. EXPANDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT 1226 B. EXPANDING FAMILY LEAVE 1233 II. THE UNIVERSAL TURN IN ANTIDISCRIMINATION THEORY 1240 A. DEFINING THE UNIVERSAL TURN 1240 B. THEORETICAL ADVANTAGES OF THE UNIVERSAL TURN 1242 C. THEORETICAL DISADVANTAGES OF THE UNIVERSAL TURN 1245 D. ASSESSING PARTICULAR EXAMPLES OF THE UNIVERSAL TURN 1249 III. UNIVERSAL BUT UNEQUAL 1251 A. AN ANTI-BULLYING CAUSE OF ACTION 1252 B. WORK-LIFE ACCOMMODATIONS 1266 IV. TOWARD A MORE INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE 1279 A. LESSONS FOR OTHER UNIVERSALIZING PROJECTS 1279 B. REFRAMING THE DISCUSSION TO FOCUS ON INCLUSIVITY 1281 C. INCLUSIVE APPROACHES TO HARASSMENT AND WORK-LIFE CONFLICTS 1283 CONCLUSION 1287
Implementation and evaluation of eight virtual surgical electives for medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract Background Eight novel virtual surgery electives (VSEs) were developed and implemented in April–May 2020 for medical students forced to continue their education remotely due to COVID-19. Methods Each VSE was 1–2 weeks long, contained specialty-specific course objectives, and included a variety of teaching modalities. Students completed a post-course survey to assess changes in their interest and understanding of the specialty. Quantitative methods were employed to analyze the results. Results Eighty-three students participated in the electives and 67 (80.7%) completed the post-course survey. Forty-six (68.7%) respondents reported “increased” or “greatly increased” interest in the course specialty completed. Survey respondents’ post-course understanding of each specialty increased by a statistically significant amount (p-value = Conclusion This initial effort demonstrated that VSEs can be an effective tool for increasing medical students’ interest in and understanding of surgical specialties. They should be studied further with more rigorous methods in a larger population.
The FBI's Investigation into NCAA Men's Basketball Corruption Facilitates the DOJ's Attempt to Criminalize Violations of NCAA Rules

The recent indictments of four NCAA Division I Men's Basketball ("Men's College Basketball") assistant coaches in connection with the FBI's investigation into the corruption surrounding Men's College Basketball. The investigation has allegedly revealed that certain athletic advisors engaged in a scheme to defraud whereby such advisors would pay bribes to Division I coaches in exchange for the coaches' steering players to retain such advisors' services. The investigation has also led to several indictments related to an alleged conspiracy between advisors and a sportswear company to funnel money to families of top recruits in exchange for the recruits' commitments to play for schools that are sponsored by the sportswear company. Some of the defendants are facing a maximum sentence of eighty years' imprisonment as a result of the DOJ's attempt to criminalize violations of the NCAA’s amateurism rules. The activity for which the four assistant coaches were indicted should be addressed by the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions, the independent administrative body with the authority to impose sanctions on players, coaches and schools, as opposed to the DOJ because the assistant coaches' conduct does not warrant federal criminal charges. While Congress has reportedly begun to investigate “recruiting practices at some of the most successful, best-known programs in the country,” it should take action to prohibit the DOJ from prosecuting individuals for violating NCAA rules. Congress should propose legislation declaring that the NCAA is the independent administrative body with exclusive authority to impose penalties on student-athletes, coaches and/or institutions for violations of NCAA rules. The proposed legislation should result in the establishment of a committee dedicated to reforming the NCAA rules so that the focus of the NCAA rules shifts from preserving amateurism to protecting student-athletes’ fundamental rights, which will require the NCAA to sacrifice its control over student-athletes’ ability to receive compensation for the use of their names, images and likenesses.
Lifelong and lifewide learning for the perpetual development of expertise in engineering

Increasing digitisation of engineering and social practices has altered the relationship between formal schooling and development of expertise for professional engineering work. What does the devel...
Chemokine networks modulating natural killer cell trafficking to solid tumors

Natural killer (NK) cell-based cell therapy has been emerging as a powerful weapon in the treatment of multiple malignancies. However, the inadequate infiltration of the therapeutic NK cells into solid tumors remains a big challenge to their clinical utility. Chemokine networks, which play essential roles in the migration of lymphocytes, have been recognized as critical in driving the intratumoral infiltration of NK cells via interactions between soluble chemokines and their receptors. Often, such interactions are complex and disease-specific. In the context of NK cells, chemokine receptors of note have included CCR2, CCR5, CCR7, CXCR3, and CX3CR1. The immunobiology of chemokine-receptor interactions has fueled the development of approaches that hope to improve the infiltration of NK cells into the microenvironment of solid tumors. Stimulation of NK cells ex vivo in the presence of various cytokines (such as IL-2, IL-15, and IL-21) and genetic engineering of NK cells have been utilized to alter the chemokine receptor profile and generate NK cells with higher infiltrating capacity. Additionally, the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment has also been targeted, by introducing, either directly or indirectly, chemokine ligands which NK cells are able to respond to, ultimately creating a more hospitable niche for NK cell trafficking. Such strategies have promoted the infiltration and activity of infused NK cells into multiple solid tumors. In this review, we discuss how chemokine receptors and their ligands coordinate and how they can be manipulated to regulate the trafficking, distribution, and residence of NK cells in solid tumors.
Detection of ricin activity and structure by using novel galactose-terminated magnetic bead extraction coupled with mass spectrometric detection.

Abstract Ricin is a toxic protein derived from the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) and has potential for bioterrorism or criminal use. Therefore, sensitive and rapid analytical methods are needed for its confirmatory detection in environmental samples. Our laboratory previously reported on the development of a confirmatory method to detect ricin involving antibody capture of ricin followed by mass spectrometric detection of ricin's enzymatic activity and of tryptic fragments unique to ricin. Here, we describe a novel ricin capture method of magnetic beads coated with 4-aminophenyl-1-thiol-β-galactopyranoside, using ricin's lectin characteristics. The assay has been adapted for use on a simple, benchtop MALDI-TOF MS mass spectrometer common in clinical microbiology laboratories. Validation of the novel assay includes establishment of a limit of detection, and an examination of assay selectivity. The limit of detection of the enzymatic activity method is 8 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL for the confirmatory tryptic fragment assay. The assay is highly selective with no cross-reactivity from near neighbors and highly specific with a panel of 19 cultivars all testing positive. Additionally, there were no interferences found during testing of a panel of white powders. This allows for a confirmatory detection method for ricin in laboratories lacking expensive, sophisticated mass spectrometers.
How Does the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Transport-Related Diesel Consumption in the U.S.?

Understanding how energy usage reacts to the COVID-19 pandemic is essential to making strategic policy decisions. This study aims to quantify the pandemic’s influences on diesel consumption and explore the potential causes of the differences across regions. We found various levels of reduction in diesel consumption at the state level during the pandemic in the U.S. Many factors, including COVID-19 cases and commodities being moved, are associated with these reductions. In particular, at the state level, more truck/train shipping of minerals, coal, and forest products associates with fewer truck activities and greater decreases in diesel consumption.
Ab initio Tertiary Structure Prediction of Proteins

A daunting challenge in the area of computational biology has been to develop a method to theoretically predict the correct three-dimensional structure of a protein given its linear amino acid sequence. The ability to surmount this challenge, which is known as the protein folding problem, has tremendous implications. We introduce a novel ab initio approach for the protein folding problem. The accurate prediction of the three-dimensional structure of a protein relies on both the mathematical model used to mimic the protein system and the technique used to identify the correct structure. The models employed are based solely on first principles, as opposed to the myriad of techniques relying on information from statistical databases. The framework integrates our recently proposed methods for the prediction of secondary structural features including helices and strands, as well as β-sheet and disulfide bridge formation. The final stage of the approach, which culminates in the tertiary structure prediction of a protein, utilizes search techniques grounded on the foundations of deterministic global optimization, powerful methods which can potentially guarantee the correct identification of a protein's structure. The performance of the approach is illustrated with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor protein and the immunoglobulin binding domain of protein G.
Warriors into Traders: The Power of the Market in Early Greece

(1998). Warriors into Traders: The Power of the Market in Early Greece. History: Reviews of New Books: Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 204-205.
Introduction to Computability

This subject is primarily concerned with the limitations of computing. As one of the highlights of this study, we will learn several specific problems that computers cannot solve.
Local cross-modality image alignment using unsupervised learning

We propose a method for automatically aligning images with local distortions from different sensors, using real images instead of calibration objects. The algorithm has three components. First, we extract intensity discontinuities, because this is a feature that is likely to show up across modalities. Second, we use a correlation scheme that averages over time rather than space, for high precision. Third, we propose an architecture and a learning scheme that learn the correlation surfaces over time and implement the image coordinate transform.
Lysine to 13C-labeled homoarginine conversion in microbial cytochromes c. Electron transport rates and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Abstract Seven microbial and one mammalian species of cytochrome c have been reacted with O-methylisourea to convert lysine residues to homoarginines containing enriched 13C. This set of guanidinated cytochromes has been assayed for electron transport reactivity and the nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of incorporated label have been obtained. The set consisted of c-type cytochromes from horse, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida krusei, Paracoccus denitrificans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rhodopseudomonas capsulata, and Rhodopseudomanas spheroides. All derivatives demonstrated high electron transport reactivity with cytochrome oxidases; at some concentrations this rate was 100% or higher compared to corresponding native rates. All labeled ferricytochrome spectra followed a common pattern giving about five resolved or partially resolved resonance peaks. Two of these, at approximately 158.1 and 157.3 parts per million, correspond to single carbon sites. They have been assigned to labeled lysine 27 and lysine 79 (horse numbering), respectively, on the basis of sequence comparisons and an approximate chemical shift calculation. Labeled ferrocytochrome spectra were obtained and shown to be more diverse than the set of ferric spectra. Poly-[13C]homoarginine was prepared and shown to be an inhibitor of the horse cytochrome c-cytochrome oxidase reaction but an activator for the reactions of Paracoccus cytochrome c550. Relaxation measurements indicated that polyhomoarginine forms a complex with both cytochromes c.
On the interaction of adenosine diphosphate with myosin and its enzymically active fragments. Evidence for three identical catalytic sites per myosin molecule.

Abstract Ultracentrifugal transport and equilibrium dialysis methods have been used to measure the number of ADP-binding sites per molecule of myosin and its enzymically active tryptic fragments (heavy meromyosin and Subfragment I). Over the range of nucleotide concentrations examined, both myosin and heavy meromyosin maximally bind close to 3 moles of ADP per mole of protein. Approximately 1 mole of ADP is bound per mole of Subfragment I with an affinity which closely parallels that observed for myosin and heavy meromyosin. These results are consistent with the idea that the heavy meromyosin region of myosin possesses three identical catalytically active sites for the hydrolysis of ATP.
Oviposition behavior in Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus glaucescens)

ABSTRACT Little is known about oviposition in colonial seabirds. Egg-laying behaviors of Glaucous-winged Gulls (Larus glaucescens) were recorded using custom-modified digital pocket spy cameras. Oviposition involved standing or crouching over the nest, a series of contractions while assuming a characteristic posture, a short labor vocalization at the peak of contraction by some gulls, and a drying time while standing over the nest after oviposition. Active camouflage by some females was noted while sitting on the nest prior to and after oviposition and after an egg robbery occured. Eggs were laid throughout the day and night. Not surprisingly, given that our study occurred during the first part of the egg-laying season, Poisson regression analysis showed that egg laying increased with the day of the year. It decreased with solar elevation. Egg losses by cannibalism and predation increased with rising tides and with the day of year when more eggs were present. The implications for egg censuses are discussed.
Gamma-ray energy correlations from nuclei at very high spins.

We have studied the correlation between (unresolved) $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray energies emitted by nuclei at very high spins. This correlation manifests itself (in part) as a reduced probability of finding two $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays of the same energy and we have measured the detailed shape of this reduced probability distribution. The data can be explained by a superposition of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays coming from a high-temperature region where the rotational motion is heavily damped and a low-temperature region where there is little or no damping.
Effect of spatial and temporal variability in rainfall and watershed characteristics on stream flow hydrograph

The shape, timing and peak flow of a stream flow hydrograph are significantly influenced by spatial and temporal variability in rainfall and watershed characteristics. Depending upon the size and shape of a watershed, its hydrological response is closely linked with storm dynamics. On an urban watershed a rain storm moving in the direction of flow produces a higher peak than it would if it were moving in the opposite direction. The effect of storm speed on peak discharge is much less for rapidly moving storms than for storms moving at about the same speed as the flow velocity. In a relatively homogeneous watershed the most important effect of spatial variability of rainfall occurs in the timing and shape of the runoff hydrograph. Temporally variable rainfall leads to higher peak flow than does constant rainfall. Significant errors in the prediction of runoff occur when an equivalent uniform hillslope is used to represent a heterogeneous hillslope. When average soil properties are used instead of spatially variable properties, significant differences are observed in infiltration. Spatially variable roughness alters the flow dynamics significantly. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE and PROPERTIES OF CH3BeF and CH3MgF

Abstract The molecules methylberyllium fluoride and methylmagnesium fluoride have been studied using a priori electronic structure theory. Self-consistent-field wavefunctions have been computed over a double zeta basis set of contracted gaussian functions. The geometrical structure of each molecule has been predicted assuming the three heavy atoms are collinear. For CH 3 BeF, the predicted C-Be and Be-F distances are 1.70 and 1.40 A. For CH 3 MgF, the analogous bond distances are 2.08 A and 1.78 A. A number of molecular properties have been predicted including dipole moments, which are 1.75 and 2.38 debye for CH 3 BeF and CH 3 MgF.
tRNA-guanine transglycosylase from Escherichia coli: Recognition of dimeric, unmodified tRNATyr

In order to probe the interaction between tRNA and the tRNA hypermodifying enzyme, tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT) from Escherichia coli, we have undertaken the generation of E coli tRNATyr and analogues. During efforts to adapt currently available in vitro transcription techniques we encountered difficulties attributable to dimerization of the tRNA products. E coli tRNATyr has previously been characterized for its ability to form a dimer in solutions of suitable salt concentrations at appropriate temperatures (Yang SK, Soll DG, Crothers DM (1972) Biochemistry 11, 2311–2320; Rordorff BF, Kearns DR (1976) Biochemistry 15, 3320–3330). We have applied similar techniques to our unmodified analogue of E coli tRNATyr and produced both monomeric and dimeric forms of E coli tRNATyr. In this report we find that the dimer does serve as a substrate for modification by TGT. While both the conformers are equal in terms of Vmax (within experimental error) a 2.5-fold increase in KM occurs when going from monomer to dimer. This suggests that TGT prefcrentially binds the monomer but once either conformer is bound will catalyze the modification reaction equally well. We have also compared the results for the two conformers to our previous data of an RNA minihelix corresponding to the anticodon arm of E coli tRNATyr. Here we find that our earlier conclusion, that the recognition elements for TGT are localized within the anticodon arm of cognate tRNAs, is supported.
State of the science of adherence in pre-exposure prophylaxis and microbicide trials.

For pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and microbicides to effectively prevent HIV, optimal treatment adherence is required. Adherence to these strategies, however, has not been sufficiently studied. This investigation systematically reviews oral PrEP and microbicide trials across 4 domains of adherence: 1) definition and measures used; 2) risks for non-adherence; 3) promotion strategies; and 4) effects on outcomes. Nineteen (n = 19) trials, with 47157 participants, published between 1987 and 2012 were identified. Reported mean adherence to microbicides was 79% and to oral PrEP 87%. Common risks for microbicide nonadherence were decreased motivation over time, sex with primary (noncommercial/casual) partners, and insufficient supply. Oral PrEP non-adherence risks were older age and medication side effects. Psychoeducation and outreach to participants and communities were frequently utilized promotion strategies. Most trials failed to systematically identify barriers and monitor and promote adherence, although adherence moderated outcomes. Recommendations for attending to adherence in future trials are provided.
Effects of growth phase, diel cycle and macronutrient stress on the quantification of Heterosigma akashiwo using qPCR and SHA

The development of molecular probe technologies over the last several decades has enabled more rapid and specific identification and enumeration of phytoplankton species compared to traditional technologies, such as light microscopy. Direct comparisons of these methods with respect to physiological status, however, are sparse. Here we directly compare quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) for enumerating the raphidophyte Heterosigma akashiwo at several points during its growth phase, over a diel cycle and with macronutrient stress in laboratory cultures. To ensure consistency between comparisons, a single cellular homogenate was generated from each culture and split for analysis by qPCR and SHA. Since the homogenate was generated from the same number of cells during each experiment, results reflect changes in nucleic acid content (rRNA and DNA) at each time point or in response to environmental conditions relative to a reference sample. Results show a greater level of precision in SHA results which contributed to significant (2–3 fold) differences in rRNA content per cell in several of these analyses. There was significantly greater rRNA content during lag and exponential phases compared to stationary phase cultures, and a significant decrease in rRNA content during the light cycle compared to cells harvested in the dark. In contrast, there were no significant differences in DNA content per cell as determined by qPCR over a diel cycle or during different growth phases. There was also no decrease in either rRNA or DNA content for cultures under low P conditions compared to nutrient replete conditions. However, both rRNA and DNA content were significantly lower under N stress when compared to nutrient replete conditions. Results of this study suggest that growth stage, nutrient stress and cell cycle may impact molecular analyses, and that physiological status should be taken into account when using these methods for HAB monitoring.
A Magnetic Compton Spectrometer for High Intensity Pulsed Gamma Ray Environments

A magnetic Compton spectrometer is described which was designed to measure the gamma ray spectra from distributed, intense pulsed sources in the presence of gama ray, electron, and/or neutron backgrounds. It has been used to measure spectra of a nuclear device, the Sandia Pulsed Reactor, and the Hermes II flash x-ray machine. A discussion will be given of the design features, the data reduction, and the results of the Hermes II measurement.
A Method for Purification of Listeriolysin O from a Hypersecretor Strain ofListeria monocytogenes

A simple and convenient method for the purification of the hemolytic toxin listeriolysin O (LLO) fromListeria monocytogenesis described. Supernatants from bacteria cultures were purified by application to a CH2spiral cartridge concentrator (Amicon) and ion exchange chromatography. A critical step is removal of contaminating RNA. The purified proteins had characteristics described for bacterial thiol-activated hemolysins: activation by a reducing agent (DTT) and inactivation by cholesterol. In addition, the molecular weight of 58,000 and pH-dependent hemolytic activity of this purified protein are consistent with the previously published characteristics of LLO.
Fission and Morphogenesis in a Marine Ciliate Under Osmotic Stress

SYNOPSIS. Condylostoma magnum can be greatly yet reversibly swollen or shrunken by altering the salinity of the medium. These ciliates survive well in 10% to 400% sea water. Swollen animals can initiate and complete cell division, with important implications for the nature of the division furrow and the origin of the division primordium. Reproduction is also possible in 400% sea water though the animals are then tiny and vitreous. Normal oral regeneration at the extreme salinities mentioned also shows that morphogenesis is remarkably unaffected by extraordinary changes in the colloidal state of the cytoplasm.
The magnetoresistance dependence on temperature in Al, Al-Ga, Al-Zn, Cu and Cu-Au

Abstract Magnetoresistance dependence on temperature was measured (a) for dilute alloys of Al with Zn and Ge, (b) for dilute alloys of Cu with Au, and (c) for pure Al and Cu with different RRR. A maximum in this magnetoresistance dependence is observed in the case of pure samples, known as anomalous behavior, due to the anisotropic scattering, which is suppressed with the presence of foreign atoms which is caused by the isotropization of the scattering process.
Delays in the postnatal increase of cerebral cytochrome concentrations in lead-exposed rats.

Abstract Increases in the cytochrome content of the developing rat cerebral cortex were observed spectrally, directly in the tissue using dual-wavelength spectroscopy. It was found that the contribution of hemoglobin entrapped in the tissue contributed significantly to the spectra. However, this interference was equivalent with varying age and could be treated as a constant. Between 10 and 24 days of age, a 4–5-fold increase in absorbance could be attributed to peaks of the cytochrome intermediates. Administration of lead (Pb) (5–200 mg Pb 1 ) to female rats, from 14 days prior to breeding through weaning of pups, resulted in a delay in the normal increase in the cytochrome of the cerebral cortex of male offspring. Calculated on the basis of rates of cytochrome accumulation, the effect of Pb was most marked between 10 and 15 days after birth. At 30 days of age, Pb-treated animals recovered the cytochrome content displayed by control animals. These data indicate a delay in the biochemical development of rat brain at very modest elevations of blood Pb concentrations relative to that encountered in human populations.
Newton methods for parametric surface registration. Part I. Theory

Surface registration is the process of determining the rigid body transformation that relocates a set of three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates as close as possible to a corresponding surface model. This procedure is used in free-form surface inspection, computer vision, and a wide variety of other applications. Newton methods for non-linear numerical minimization are rarely applied to this problem because of the high cost of computing the first and second derivatives through finite difference methods. This paper presents an approach to reduce this cost by providing analytic formulas for the derivatives. The resulting Newton methods are more efficient and accurate than those implemented in past research and have distinct advantages compared to the registration methods most widely used today. In this first part, the formulation of the analytic derivatives is presented along with a discussion of their application in various Newton methods.
siRNA depletion of BRCA1, but not BRCA2, causes increased genome instability in Fanconi anemia cells

BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins act in repair of interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) and maintenance of genome stability and are known to be part of the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway. We have investigated the role of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in genome stability following ICL damage in normal and FA cells. To circumvent cell lethality of complete disruptions in BRCA1 or BRCA2, small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) was used to transiently deplete the expression of the proteins. Using chromosomal stability after ICL damage as the end point, we find that BRCA1 functions in more than just the FA pathway for genome maintenance, whereas BRCA2 appears to act predominantly in the FA pathway. Depletion of BRCA1 causes a marked decrease, although not a complete absence of, ubiquitination of FANCD2. In contrast to BRCA1, BRCA2 is not needed for normal ubiquitination of FANCD2 after DNA damage, a requirement for the FA pathway to function. Thus, BRCA2 is epistatic to FA genes for ICL repair, but not for damage-induced modification of FANCD2 and may act downstream form FANCD2.
Ultra-High-Field MR Neuroimaging

At ultra-high magnetic fields, such as 7T, MR imaging can noninvasively visualize the brain in unprecedented detail and through enhanced contrast mechanisms. The increased SNR and enhanced contrast available at 7T enable higher resolution anatomic and vascular imaging. Greater spectral separation improves detection and characterization of metabolites in spectroscopic imaging. Enhanced blood oxygen level-dependent contrast affords higher resolution functional MR imaging. Ultra-high-field MR imaging also facilitates imaging of nonproton nuclei such as sodium and phosphorus. These improved imaging methods may be applied to detect subtle anatomic, functional, and metabolic abnormalities associated with a wide range of neurologic disorders, including epilepsy, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer disease, and psychiatric conditions. At 7T, however, physical and hardware limitations cause conventional MR imaging pulse sequences to generate artifacts, requiring specialized pulse sequences and new hardware solutions to maximize the high-field gain in signal and contrast. Practical considerations for ultra-high-field MR imaging include cost, siting, and patient experience.
Retrovirally Induced Mouse Anti‐TCR Monoclonals can Synergize the In Vitro Proliferative T Cell Response to Bacterial Superantigens

Antibodies directed against the beta chain of the T-cell receptor (TCR) have been detected in animals and in humans in a number of distinct immune states that do not involve direct immunization with either T cells or TCR epitopes. When C57B1/6 mice are infected experimentally with the LP-BM5 retrovirus mixture they produce increased titres of autoantibodies directed against TCR V beta complementarity determining region 1 (CDR1) epitopes. Here, the authors utilized hybridoma technology to isolate monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig)M antibodies (MoAbs) that arose at the peak of infection. The authors characterized the binding specificity tested using synthetic peptides modelling the CDR1 segments of 24 distinct V beta gene products and determined the VH gene usage by two such monoclonals. One binds to a restricted set of TCR V beta CDR1 peptides, and the second reacts with approximately half of the CDR1 peptide homologues. These MoAbs are specific for T-cell receptor beta chains and do not bind to immunoglobulin light chains or to unrelated protein molecules. Both MoAbs bind to intact T cells expressing the V beta domain (human V beta 8 and mouse V beta 11) from which selection peptides were derived, and costimulate a V beta specific in vitro T cell proliferative response induced by the staphylcoccal enterotoxin E (SEE) superantigen.
Exposure to Sucrose–Quinine Solutions Does Not Increase Ethanol Consumption

The taste of ethanol can be aversive or preferred based on prior experience with ethanol consumption. A preference for ethanol's taste is thought to result from the association of ethanol's taste with its neuropharmacological activity. However, acclimation to ethanol's aversive taste may also play a role in increased ethanol consumption following prolonged exposure. The present study examined if acclimation to a bitter-sweet tastant, which has been suggested to share similar taste qualities with ethanol, would increase ethanol intake with only minimal prior experience of an association of ethanol intake with its neuropharmacological activity. Male Long-Evans rats were trained to drink 10% sucrose during 20-min sessions. The consumption of 0-20% ethanol was then determined before and after exposure to a sucrose-quinine solution. Before the sucrose-quinine taste acclimation procedure, the initial intake of sucrose-quinine was low and similar to 5% ethanol. After the acclimation procedure, increases in sucrose-quinine intake, but not ethanol intake, were observed. These data could indicate that any similarity in the taste qualities of sucrose-quinine and ethanol solutions are diminished following exposure to sucrose-quinine. Alternatively, the differential changes in sucrose-quinine and ethanol intake could be the result of being differentially regulated by a combination of taste and postingestive factors. Overall, these data indicate that exposure to sucrose-quinine, which resulted in increased intake of sucrose-quinine, was not sufficient to alter ethanol intake. Rather, exposure to taste and postingestive factors associated with ethanol may be necessary to increase ethanol intake.
Linear max-min programming

Theoretical aspects of the programming problem of maximizing the minimum value of a set of linear functionals subject to linear constraints are explored. Solution strategies are discussed and an optimality condition is developed. An algorithm is also presented.
American and Chinese College Students' Predictions of People's Occupations, Housework Responsibilities, and Hobbies as a Function of Cultural and Gender Influences

Predictions of people's occupations, housework responsibilities, and hobbies by American and Chinese college students reflected their sensitivity to the sex and gender information embedded in metaphors. Specific gender information, even when implicit, weighed more than general sex information, even when explicit, in the formation of social predictions. The gender-stereotyped prediction patterns were similar in the 2 countries, although the American students made more gender-typed predictions than did their Chinese counterparts, whereas the latter produced more gender-neutral predictions than did the former. The Chinese students' data were somewhat paradoxical, which might suggest the influence of mixed gender messages in their daily life. These cultural differences were true of all 3 domains of occupation, housework, and leisure activities. The evolutionary perspective and the sociocultural perspective were applied to explain the prediction patterns.
Flash pyrolysis of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) I: Analysis and implications of the gaseous products

Abstract Flash pyrolysis of structurally different hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene polymers (HTPB) was conducted at 600°C/s to constant temperatures in the 450°–609°C range under 2 and 11 atm of applied pressure. T-Jump/FTIR spectroscopy was used. With chemometric procedures based on the entire mid-IR spectrum, 13 gaseous products representing at least 70% of the polymer were identified and quantified. Contrary to previous indications that butadiene and 4-vinyl-l-cyclohexene dominate, the trans-butadiene oligomers are major products. These oligomers are probably responsible for smoke formation. The product concentrations are sensitive to the temperature below 500°–530°C and 2 atm Ar, but are relatively insensitive to the temperature above 500°–530°C.
THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON INTERLIBRARY LENDING

Information technology is gradually making an impact on the organization of interlending. Bibliographic access is improving but document delivery has not kept pace. Rapid developments in electronic publishing and optical disc technology are likely to change this, although cost will be a barrier for the immediate future. Telefacsimile transmission has become a quicker and more reliable means of document delivery. Optical discs can not only store information but can be indexed and searched, and would achieve rapid document delivery, with the production of hard copy for users. It is doubtful, however, whether most users want fast supply, and whether it is worth the extra cost. The concept of copyright may need reviewing in the light of electronic media. Payment will be required for every use, and libraries could be bypassed. Optical discs and associated equipment may themselves be shared among libraries. ILL departments as such may no longer be needed, because the operations will be absorbed in line function...
Designing Superoleophobic Surfaces

Understanding the complementary roles of surface energy and roughness on natural nonwetting surfaces has led to the development of a number of biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces, which exhibit apparent contact angles with water greater than 150 degrees and low contact angle hysteresis. However, superoleophobic surfaces-those that display contact angles greater than 150 degrees with organic liquids having appreciably lower surface tensions than that of water-are extremely rare. Calculations suggest that creating such a surface would require a surface energy lower than that of any known material. We show how a third factor, re-entrant surface curvature, in conjunction with chemical composition and roughened texture, can be used to design surfaces that display extreme resistance to wetting from a number of liquids with low surface tension, including alkanes such as decane and octane.
CO2 sorption in poly(ethylene terephthalate) above and below the glass transition

High-pressure CO2 sorption data in semicrystalline poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are presented for temperatures ranging from 25 to 115°C. The results are described by Henry's law above the glass-transition temperature of PET, while a dual-mode sorption model comprised of a Henry's law and a Langmuir isotherm applies in the glassy state. The disappearance of the Langmuir capacity of the polymer above Tg presumably results from the elimination of regions of localized lower density which are frozen into the glass upon quenching from the rubbery state. Exposure of PET to a high CO2 pressure produced a systematic variation in the apparent sorption equilibria. Correlation of the Langmuir capacity of PET with the dilatometric parameters of the polymer provides a useful framework for understanding the origin of the Langmuir sorption mode and for interpreting annealing and conditioning effects in glassy polymers.
NADPH oxidase NOX5-S mediates acid-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression via activation of NF-κB in Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma cells

Abstract We have shown that the NADPH oxidase NOX5-S may play an important role in the progression from Barrett's esophagus to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EA) by increasing cell proliferation and decreasing apoptosis. However, the mechanism of the acid-induced NOX5-S-mediated increase in cell proliferation is not known. We found that, in SEG1 EA cells, the acid-induced increase in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was mediated by activation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) but not by COX1. Acid treatment increased intracellular Ca2+, and a blockade of intracellular Ca2+ increase inhibited the acid-induced increase in COX2 expression and PGE2 production. Knockdown of NOX5-S or NF-κB1 p50 by their small interfering RNA significantly inhibited acid-induced COX2 expression and PGE2 production in SEG1 cells. Acid treatment significantly decreased IκBα and increased luciferase activity when SEG1 cells were transfected with an NF-κB in vivo activation reporter plasmid, pNF-κB-Luc. In a novel Barrett's cell line overexpressing NOX5-S, IκBα was significantly reduced, and luciferase activity increased when these Barrett's cells were transfected with pNF-κB-Luc. Overexpression of NOX5-S in Barrett's cells significantly increased H2O2 production, COX2 expression, PGE2 production, and thymidine incorporation. The increase in thymidine incorporation occurring in NOX5-S-overexpressing Barrett's cells or induced by acid treatment in SEG1 EA cells was significantly decreased by COX2 inhibitors or small interfering RNA. We conclude that acid-induced COX2 expression and PGE2 production depend on an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ and sequential activation of NOX5-S and NF-κB in SEG1 cells. COX2-derived PGE2 production may contribute to NOX5-S-mediated cell proliferation in SEG1 cells.