cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of oestradiol and pathogen-associated molecular patterns on class II-mediated antigen presentation and immunomodulatory molecule expression in the mouse female reproductive tract.

Summary Cells of the female reproductive tract (FRT) can present antigen to naive and memory T cells. However, the effects of oestrogen, known to modulate immune responses, on antigen presentation in the FRT remain undefined. In the present study, DO11.10 T-cell antigen receptor transgenic mice specific for the class II MHC-restricted ovalbumin (OVA) 323–339 peptide were used to study the effects of oestradiol and pathogen-associated molecular patterns on antigen presentation in the FRT. We report here that oestradiol inhibited antigen presentation of OVA by uterine epithelial cells, uterine stromal cells and vaginal cells to OVA-specific memory T cells. When ovariectomized animals were treated with oestradiol for 1 or 3 days, antigen presentation was decreased by 20–80%. In contrast, incubation with PAMP increased antigen presentation by epithelial cells (Pam3Cys), stromal cells (peptidoglycan, Pam3Cys) and vaginal cells (Pam3Cys). In contrast, CpG inhibited both stromal and vaginal cell antigen presentation. Analysis of mRNA expression by reverse transcription PCR indicated that oestradiol inhibited CD40, CD80 and class II in the uterus and CD40, CD86 and class II in the vagina. Expression in isolated uterine and vaginal cells paralleled that seen in whole tissues. In contrast, oestradiol increased polymeric immunoglobulin receptor mRNA expression in the uterus and decreased it in the vagina. These results indicate that antigen-presenting cells in the uterus and vagina are responsive to oestradiol, which inhibits antigen presentation and co-stimulatory molecule expression. Further, these findings suggest that antigen-presenting cells in the uterus and vagina respond to selected Toll-like receptor agonists with altered antigen presentation.
Challenges perceived by primary care providers to educating patients about chronic kidney disease.

SUMMARY Objective: To identify primary care providers’ (PCPs) perceived barriers to educating patients about chronic kidney disease (CKD) during routine clinical visits. Methods: We conducted three focus groups of eighteen PCPs in Baltimore, Maryland (MD), USA. Focus groups began with the presentation of a hypothetical case of a patient with CKD, followed by open-ended questions to assess providers’ perceived barriers to delivering education about CKD. Groups were audiotaped, transcribed and coded independently by two investigators who identified major themes. Results: PCPs reported on several patient, provider and system level barriers contributing to poor education about CKD in primary care that were both common and unique to barriers previously reported in educating patients regarding other chronic diseases. Conclusions: Interventions designed to address barriers to CKD education identified by PCPs could improve the delivery of education about CKD in primary care settings.
Carbon–silica composite adsorbent: Sensitivity to synthesis conditions

Abstract Several carbon–silica composite materials have been synthesized from MCM-41 and furfuryl alcohol and characterized via X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The materials are completely nanoporous, have high surface areas, and pore size distributions centered near 12 A. In order to determine the sensitivity of the resulting carbon to synthesis conditions, materials were prepared using different furfuryl alcohol solvents and were polymerized and carbonized at either atmospheric pressure, 5 atm, or under vacuum. As a control, silica gel was impregnated with furfuryl alcohol, which was polymerized and carbonized. The surface areas of the materials are affected by both solvent selection and the pressure at which carbonization takes place. The results are consistent with work done by others, which document furfuryl alcohol spontaneously generating nanoporosity when carbonized. The high surface area and narrow pore size distribution of these materials provides evidence that carbon–silica composites may be suitable candidates for novel separations.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Amine Cyanoboranes, Amine Carboxyboranes, and Related Compounds

Abstract Amine cyanoboranes and amine carboxyboranes (boron analogs of α -amino acids) were shown to inhibit inflammation. The analogs effectively blocked general inflammation, induced arthritis, and the writhing reflex associated with inflammation pain, while the inflammation associated with pleurisy was marginally inhibited. The boron analogs were shown in vitro to inhibit the release of lysosomal enzymes from liver and polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Furthermore, prostaglandin synthesis was blocked by these gents at a low concentration, i.e. , 10 −6 M . Liver oxidative phosphorylation processes also were uncoupled by these agents, but the migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils was unaltered at 10 −4 M . The elevation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels in polymorphonuclear neutrophils correlated positively with in vivo antiarthritic activity. Initial studies in rodents demonstrated that these boron analogs can be used at safe therapeutic doses.
Electrical conductivity in phthalocyanines modulated by circularly polarized light

The phthalocyanines, both metal-free and metal-substituted (Fig. 1), are well known as gas absorbers and useful as ambient vapour sensors1–5. The increase in conductivity which occurs on irradiating phthalocyanine films with light (the photovoltaic effect) is a relatively slow diffusion-controlled process6–9. We report here the modulation of electrical conductance by circularly, as opposed to linearly, polarized light of phthalocyanine films sublimed onto an interdigital electrode surface [metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) structure]. The influence of an adsorbed electron acceptor, the oxygen molecule, in creating the p-type semiconductor has been investigated. The underlying mechanism of the conductance change involves change of the Fermi level of the phthalocyanine electrode system by circularly polarized light acting as an effective magnetic field in an inverse Faraday effect.
Some current approaches for studying combination toxicology in chemical mixtures.

Abstract Using conventional toxicology methodologies and at the mode and rate of studying chemicals in the last 25 yr, it is doubtful that society will ever have adequate toxicology information on the majority of the chemicals we used now or in the future. Considering further the issue of health effects of chemical mixture exposure (i.e. real-world issues), the problem of not being able to obtain adequate toxicology information is amplified. From a different perspective, concerns over animal rights have raised the consciousness of many biomedical researchers regarding animal experimentation. As many as 17–100 million animals are estimated to be killed for biomedical research in the US alone each year; therefore, minimizing animal usage judiciously in toxicological research should be in the mind of every responsible toxicologist. From these considerations, it is apparent that new, alternative, less animal-intensive, shorter-term and less expensive toxicology methods must be developed if there is to be a reasonable chance to deal with the hundreds of thousands of chemicals, as well as the near-infinite number of chemical mixtures, in the environment. Some of the recent advances indeed are heading towards that direction. In this article, a number of approaches for research work on combination toxicology of chemical mixtures are given; the examples are selected based on one or more of the following criteria: (1) minimizing animal usage; (2) shortening experimental durations; (3) studying environmentally realistic concentrations; (4) utilizing statistical/mathematical modelling; (5) advancing efficient experimental designs and (6) developing predictive toxicology.
Retrograde amnesia and remote memory impairment.

Abstract The status of remote memory in case N.A., patients receiving bilateral ECT, and patients with Korsakoff syndrome was assessed using seven different tests. The extent and pattern of remote memory impairment depended upon the etiology of amnesia, appearing as a relatively brief retrograde amnesia for N.A. and patients receiving ECT and as an extensive impairment covering many decades for patients with Korsakoff syndrome. Differences in remote memory impairment could not be explained by differences in the severity of anterograde amnesia, indicating that amnesia is not a unitary disorder. We suggest that brief retrograde amnesia is typically present whenever amnesia occurs and that extensive remote memory impairment is a distinct entity related to superimposed cognitive deficits. These ideas and a review of previous studies lead to a comprehensive proposal for understanding retrograde amnesia and remote memory impairment.
Early Fetal Gene Delivery Utilizes both Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Tolerance Induction

Objective We previously reported the induction of stable immune tolerance following direct injection of retroviral vectors into preimmune fetal sheep. In the present studies, we conduct detailed analysis of the thymus of recipients of in utero gene transfer (IUGT) to delineate the mechanism of the observed immune tolerance and assess the impact of recipient age on this process. Materials and Methods Fetal sheep at varying gestational ages received the MSCV-NeoR-RFP retroviral vector. The thymus was then collected from these animals at 27 to 30 days postinjection and analyzed for evidence of transduction of key immunoregulatory thymic cells. Results Our results reveal that both thymic epithelial cells (TEC), crucial for presentation of self-antigen during T-cell thymic selection, and the cells comprising the Hassall's corpuscles, which can present antigen directly and also instruct dendritic cells to induce the formation of CD4 + CD25 + T-regulatory cells in the thymus, were only efficiently transduced if IUGT was performed early in gestation. Conclusions Our findings thus demonstrate, for the first time, that early IUGT can potentially take advantage of multiple tolerogenic avenues in the fetus, transducing both TEC, which promote central tolerance, and Hassall's corpuscles, which induce formation of T regulatory cells that could act to maintain peripheral tolerance to the transgene products.
20 Years of Adaptive Aerostructures in Flying Missiles, Munitions and UAVs

In September of 1994 a small uninhabited aerial vehicle took to the air. While the flight of this lightweight powered glider was unremarkable, its 3 minutes aloft represented a turning point in adaptive aerostructures technology as it was the first man-made craft to stay aloft while using only adaptive materials for all flight control. This paper celebrates and summarizes two decades of flying adaptive aerostructures controlling missiles, munitions and UAVs. The paper starts with an historical review of the technologies which underpinned the first adaptive flight vehicles. Twist-active piezoelectric plates are shown beside the earliest flightweight stabilators they were integrated into. A brief description of the 120cm wingspan UAV “Mothra” which took to the air 20 years ago is given. The earliest hard-launched adaptive actuators were designed and developed just a year after Mothra took to the air. The paper summarizes the resulting (unrestricted) adaptive actuator configurations which have come around since that time, including actuator assemblies for guided bullets and cannon shells from 5.56mm through 155mm. A decade ago, the first post-buckled precompressed (PBP) piezoelectric flight control mechanisms debuted as enabling technologies in a unique class of aircraft: “hovering missiles” flew at international airshows, guided rounds hit targets on gunnery ranges and entered serial production with PBP actuator assemblies. More modern incarnations of these actuators and others have been designed into GPS-guided grenade, mortar and artillery shells. Today, some of the world’s most active and highest work energy density actuators are built with ultra-high strain adaptive materials and have been shown to dramatically cut CEP of gravity weapons, cruise missiles and glide shells. The paper concludes with a chart showing which classes of adaptive actuators have been flown in what types of weapon systems and UAVs over the past 20 years.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Successful adherence to observed prophylaxis and treatment of tuberculosis among drug users in a methadone program

Incomplete antituberculous chemoprophylaxis and treatment are major causes of the resurgence of tuberculosis, often drug-resistant, among drug users. We offered directly observed antituberculous chemoprophylaxis (n = 102) or treatment (n = 12) to eligible methadone maintenance treatment patients. Methadone dosing was not contingent upon ingestion of antituberculous medication( s). No material incentives were provided. Ninety (88%) prophylaxis and 9 (75%) treatment patients were administered iÝ 5 weekly doses of antituberculous medications during iÝ 80% of 4740 patient-weeks. The majority of patients were HIV-seropositive. Active substance abuse was not associated with diminished adherence. Over 80% of patients completed or were still receiving therapy at the end of the study. Adherence to and completion of directly observed antituberculous therapy can thus be attained by drug users in treatment, despite ongoing drug misuse. Substance abuse treatment programs provide opportunities for enhanced compliance, ...
Measurements of KLO and neutron total cross sections on nuclei at GeV energies

Abstract Measurements of K L O and neutron total cross sections are reported for C, Al, Cu and Pb at average momenta of 9.0 GeV/ c for K L O and 3.8 GeV/ c for neutrons. Comparison is made with the predictions of an optical model calculation.
The declining January effect: evidences from the U.S. equity markets

Abstract The January effect exhibits a pronounced declining trend for both large and small firm stock indices since 1988 and the effect is disappearing for the Russell indices. The declining trend is also evident in the Dow 30, since 1930. While the trend is upward for the Dow 30 and the S&P 500 for the post-war period through the 1970s, because of the extremely high January returns in 1975 and 1976, the trend lines are flat when these outliers are excluded. The downward trend is more apparent for indices containing small stocks than for indices of large stocks. The January effect is negatively connected to actual and expected real GDP growth, inflation, and return of the year, and it is positively related to volatility. The power ratio method provides a consistent way to reveal the relative contribution of January return in the year. Finding the pattern of changes in the anomaly has implications for investment strategies.
Factors affecting actions of ethanol on GABA-activated chloride channels

Effects of ethanol in vitro on membrane vesicles (microsacs prepared from mouse cerebral cortex) were evaluated by monitoring 36Cl- influx. Different assay parameters were tested to determine increased or decreased action of ethanol on GABA-activated chloride channels. The ability of 30 mM ethanol to augment 36Cl- flux was seen at 0 degrees C, in the absence of GABA ("direct" action of ethanol), and at 34 degrees C in the presence of GABA, using two different assay procedures. Picrotoxin blocked the direct effects of ethanol (at 0 degrees C) suggesting GABAa involvement. Endogenous GABA in the medium surrounding the microsacs was assayed at different temperatures both in the presence and absence of GABA and ethanol. The direct effect of ethanol did not appear to involve the action of endogenous GABA. In addition to temperature effects on the assay, time of membrane storage also influenced ethanol action. Microsacs stored on ice for 2 hours or more lost their ability to respond to ethanol but not to GABA, pentobarbital or flunitrazepam. When these drugs were tested on membranes from mice that had been sacrificed by cervical dislocation as opposed to decapitation, ethanol did not augment GABA-stimulated chloride flux. The method of sacrifice did not influence the response to GABA, pentobarbital or flunitrazepam.
THE INSERTION AND EXTRUSION OF HETEROSULFUR BRIDGES. VIII. DIBENZOTHIOPHENE FROM BIPHENYL AND DERIVATIVES

Sulfur bridging of biphenyl (4), 4-methylbiphenyl, and the biphenylthiol isomers (7) to yield dibenzothiophene (3) is effected by means of hydrogen sulfide, benzene (solvent), and a sulfided cobaltous oxide-molybdic oxide-alumina (CMA-1) catalyst at 450° in a flow system. Alumina also catalyzes a number of these transformations. The possibility that compounds 7 (especially the 2-isomer) are intermediates in the conversion 4 3 is noted.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 210

Abstract Nuclear structure information pertaining to A=210 has been reviewed. The level properties obtained from decay and reaction experiments are shown in the drawings. Experimental methods, references, and comment are given in the text.
Hydrogen and dry ice production through phase equilibrium separation and methane reforming

Abstract A clean hydrogen (99.9999%) and dry ice production process is proposed, which is based on phase equilibrium (PE) separation and methane reforming. Heat and power integration studies are carried out for the proposed process, by formulating and solving the minimum hot/cold/electric utility cost problem for the associated heat exchange network. The optimum operating cost of the proposed process is shown to be lower than the corresponding cost of the conventional PSA (pressure swing adsorption) based process, if the produced dry ice is sold for as low as 2 cents kg-dry-ice −1 or if an equivalent CO 2 sequestration credit is conceded.
Some Ways of Thinking About Equality

N ATURE SPREADS HER GIFTS unequally, so that inequalities among men on virtually any trait or characteristic one might mention are obvious and probably ineradicable. In this sense, it is manifestly false to say that all men are equal. Furthermore, think how stupefyingly dull the world would be if all men really were equal, as similar to each other as one brick to another. Inequality, while it may be the root of much that is cruel and hateful in human life, is also the root of just about everything that is admirable and interesting. In the face of these plain facts,, we have set equality as our moral and political ideal. Justice demands equality before the law; all men should receive equal treatment in the public realm; each to count for one and no man to count for more than one-these formulas are at the core of what it means to be liberal and democratic. Nature, then, shouts "inequality." We reply, "nonetheless, equality." It is as though the liberal democrat said with Rousseau, "let us set the facts aside, as they do not affect the matter." This situation has seemed to many writers a theoretical embarrassment. When the outer eye, the eye of sense, reports so many manifest inequalities, how can the inner eye, the theoretical vision, still claim to see equality? But the case here is really no different in kind from that which the political theorist typically faces. He is, in a sense, forever flying in the face of facts. All theory, all artifice, civilization itself, is an "embarrassment"-if not an outrage against the facts of nature, then at least a thorough re-working of them. Nature urges man to procreate. Civilization replies, control yourself; rape and incest are not allowed. Nature tells the hungry man to eat. Civilization replies, do not take these apples for they belong to another man. In sum, the large discrepancy between the observed facts of inequality presents the political theorist with a case no different in kind from that which he typically faces when he deals with a large and complex subject: to point to the discrepancy here is merely to specify a particular example of the theorist's general problem.
The conversion of 14C-labelled tryptophan to 5-hydroxytryptamine by neoplastic mast cells

Abstract The conversion of tryptophan-3- 14 C to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by neoplastic mouse mast cells in culture has been described. The labelled 5-HT formed was identified by paper chromatography and by recrystallization with carrier 5-HT. The results indicate that in these cells free tryptophan is the major, if not the sole, precursor of 5-HT. In preliminary experiments, this conversion was demonstrated in cell-free homogenates of mast cell tumours.
Downregulation of the DNA-Binding Activity of Nuclear Factor-κB p65 Subunit in Porphyromonas gingivalis Fimbria-Induced Tolerance

Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae induce high levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-dependent cytokine release upon primary but not secondary stimulation of monocytic cells (FimA tolerance). In this study, fimbriae induced Toll-like receptor-mediated activation of both p50 and p65 subunits of NF-κB upon primary cellular activation. However, activation of the transactivating p65 subunit (but not of the transcriptionally inactive p50 subunit) was significantly inhibited in fimbria-restimulated cells. Moreover, expression of a NF-κB-dependent reporter gene was inhibited upon secondary stimulation with fimbriae. NF-κB p65 downregulation may thus contribute to induction of FimA tolerance.
Geographic variation in the Laysan Finch (Telespyza cantans)

Significant differences in bill shape exist between the endemic Laysan population and introduced populations of the Laysan Finch (Drepanidinae:Telespyza cantans) at Pearl and Hermes Reef. Furthermore, there are significant differences in bill shape between two of four finch populations on the islands of Pearl and Hermes Reef. The variation in finch bill shape is paralleled by geographic variation in the large, hard mericarps ofTribulus cistoides, an important food item at Pearl and Hermes Reef. There are three possible explanations for the observed variation. Environmental influence may be a non-evolutionary cause of the variation, or genetic drift and natural selection may have caused the differences in morphology. Preliminary results suggest that both genetic drift and natural selection have been acting on the populations. Continuing studies, including investigation of genetic variation and cross-fostering experiments to determine heritability of morphological traits and effects of environment on morphological traits, are planned to test the various hypotheses.
GSK: universally accessible graph sketching

Combinatorial graphs, often conveyed as node-link diagrams, figure prominently in Computer Science and other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Unfortunately, they are most often inaccessible to blind students and professionals. This paper introduces GSK, a self-contained Graph SKetching tool that allows blind and sighted people to easily create, edit, and share graphs in real-time using interaction mechanisms (mouse, keyboard, monitor, screen reader) that are standard for them. GSK was successfully used by a blind Computer Science student and his sighted instructors to create and access graphs specific to his automata theory and operating systems courses. Our hope is that GSK will enable more blind STEM students and professionals to actively participate in their disciplines by providing them and their sighted colleagues with a cross-collaboration tool that allows them to share graphs just as easily as they share text and word processing documents.
Tumor inhibitory effect of L-asparaginase

Abstract Guinea pig serum (GPS) has been shown (1–3) to inhibit the growth of the Gardner lymphosarcoma 6C3HED in C3H mice, as well as certain other tumors (1,2). Broome (4) has presented evidence recently that the L-asparaginase activity of GPS is responsible for the anti-lymphoma effect. The experiments described here on the effectiveness of partially purified L-asparaginase of GPS in inhibiting tumor growth support Broome's proposal.
The spatiotemporal epidemiological modeler

In this paper, we give an overview of the Spatiotemporal Epidemiological Model (STEM), an open source disease modeling application available for free under the Eclipse Public License. We explain why applications such as STEM can benefit from being open and available to the general research community, and describe the design and architecture of STEM, highlighting some of STEM's more important features. Our conclusion cites future plans for the project. A video demonstration of STEM is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoiFLemepw4.
Nonlinear feedback control of slewing beams

Abstract This paper is concerned with feedback control of slewing beams. It allows for the hub to have finite rotation which leads to a fully nonlinear system. It uses the method of state-dependent Riccati equation (SDRE) to obtain feedback control laws. The model assumes finite rigid body rotations and infinitesimal (small) elastic displacements. It considers both the classical Euler–Bermoulli model and the Timoshenko model for the beam. It uses finite element method to obtain approximate equations that can be used to construct feedback control laws.
On the formulation and local implementation of a variationally coupled finite element-boundary element method

Abstract The formulation and local implementation of a variationally coupled finite element-boundary element method are presented. In the formulation, a variational statement is obtained which does not involve a singular domain integration over a region in the finite element domain. This permits the use of standard techniques in finite elements and boundary elements to obtain the discretized equations. The numerical implementation is approached from a displacement based finite element point of view. Special finite elements contiguous to the interface between the boundary element and finite element domains, and boundary elements on the external boundary of the boundary element domain are introduced. Through a novel local node numbering scheme for each of these elements, the stiffness contribution of the boundary element domain is incorporated into the local stiffness matrices of these elements. In this manner, the coupled method can be implemented by adding element subroutines to an existing finite element code without making any changes to the main program. It is shown that the method implemented in this way passes a patch test devised for coupled procedures, and the utility of the methods for problems in micromechanics is demonstrated through an example.
Topical 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in the treatment of psoriasis

Numerous treatments are available for psoriasis, each of which has limitations due either to ineffectiveness or to adverse side-effects. This article examines the use of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in the treatment of psoriasis. Experimental evidence has identified perturbations in arachidonic acid metabolism as a possible cause of psoriasis. This evidence is briefly reviewed. Also reviewed are several clinical trials that have investigated the effectiveness of 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors in the treatment of psoriasis. These studies indicate that, while Slipoxygenase inhibitors appear to show some effectiveness, with one study showing similar efficacy to fluocinolone, the use of Slipoxygenase inhibitors at present appears limited by its side-effect profile. Suggestions for future studies using 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors are made.
Constructing fair-exchange protocols for E-commerce via distributed computation of RSA signatures

Applications such as e-commerce payment protocols, electronic contract signing, and certified e-mail delivery require that fair exchange be assured. A fair-exchange protocol allows two parties to exchange items in a fair way so that either each party gets the other's item, or neither party does. We describe a novel method of constructing very efficient fair-exchange protocols by distributing the computation of RSA signatures. Specifically, we employ multisignatures based on the RSA-signature scheme. To date, the vast majority of fair-exchange protocols require the use of zero-knowledge proofs, which is the most computationally intensive part of the exchange protocol. Using the intrinsic features of our multisignature model, we construct protocols that require no zero-knowledge proofs in the exchange protocol. Use of zero-knowledge proofs is needed only in the protocol setup phase--this is a one-time cost. Furthermore, our scheme uses multisignatures that are compatible with the underlying standard (single-signer) signature scheme, which makes it possible to readily integrate the fair-exchange feature with existing e-commerce systems.
Intraoperative monitoring of auditory function: experimental observations and new applications

The three different methods of intraoperative monitoring, namely, auditory brainstem response evaluation (ABR), electrocochleography (ECoG), and direct eighth nerve compound action potentials monitoring are reviewed. Both ECoG and direct eighth nerve monitoring surpass the ABR in their ability to provide fast, almost instantaneous, large, reproducible potentials in response to click stimuli. Changes in the amplitude and the latency of these potentials alert the surgeon of an impending eighth nerve injury. Human clinical observations revealed instances of persistence of the ECoG despite a total eighth nerve section in the cerebellopontine angle. Animal and human experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of ECoG and direct eighth nerve monitoring in hearing preservation. Twelve cats underwent progressive sectioning of the eighth nerve with simultaneous monitoring of changes in their ECoG and direct eighth nerve potentials. ECoG thresholds were obtained intraoperatively in eight patients undergoing surgery for conductive hearing loss. The results of these experiments suggest that recording directly from the eighth nerve is a more accurate technique during cerebellopontine angle and eighth nerve surgery. ECoG, however, appears to have a promising role in the intraoperative monitoring of middle ear reconstruction procedures under general anesthesia.
Molecular Epidemiology of a Parainfluenza Type 3 Virus Outbreak on a Pediatric Ward

Parainfluenza type 3 virus (PIV-3), an important cause of acute lower respiratory illness in children, can be transmitted nosocomially. To differentiate between nosocomial transmission and community-acquired infection, a polymerase chain reaction-based sequencing assay was developed for the 5' noncoding region of the PIV-3 fusion protein gene and was applied to virus specimens from 10 children infected with PIV-3 during a hospital outbreak. Four strains of PIV-3 were identified among the 10 virus isolates. Six isolates, which appeared to belong to 1 strain, were obtained from a cluster of nosocomial cases in a pediatric intermediate care unit. In contrast, the remaining 4 isolates, which appeared to belong to 3 different strains, were obtained from children infected in the community or elsewhere in the hospital. These data indicate that multiple strains of PIV-3 can be found during a single epidemic and provide evidence that infections within the intermediate care unit were probably caused by transmission of 1 strain of virus within the unit rather than reintroduction of virus by new patients or staff.
Programs in physics

Conceptual Developments of 20th Century Field Theories. TIAN YU CAO. Cambridge University Press, New York, 1996. xx, 433 pp. $59.95 or £45. ISBN 0-521-43178-6.
Prediction Intervals for Time Series: A Modified Sieve Bootstrap Approach

Traditional Box–Jenkins prediction intervals perform poorly when the innovations are not Gaussian. Nonparametric bootstrap procedures overcome this handicap, but most existing methods assume that the AR and MA orders of the process are known. The sieve bootstrap approach requires no such assumption but produces liberal coverage due to the use of residuals that underestimate the actual variance of the innovations and the failure of the methods to capture variations due to sampling error of the mean. A modified approach, that corrects these deficiencies, is implemented. Monte Carlo simulations results show that the modified version achieves nominal or near nominal coverage.
Monoterpene emissions from an understory species, Pteridium aquilinum

Abstract Monoterpene emissions from the dominant understory species Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken fern) in a mixed temperate forest were measured in the field during the summers of 2006, 2007 and 2008. The results showed that Bracken fern emitted monoterpenes at different rates depending if the plants were located in the understory or in open areas. Understory plants emitted monoterpene levels ranging from 0.002 to 13 μgC g dw −1 h −1 . Open area plants emitted monoterpene levels ranging from 0.005 to 2.21 μgC g dw −1 h −1 . During the summer of 2008 greenhouse studies were performed to complement the field studies. Only 3% of the greenhouse Bracken fern plants emitted substantial amounts of monoterpenes. The average emission, 0.15 μgC g dw −1 h −1 ± 0.9 μgC g dw −1 h −1 , was much lower than that observed in the field. The factors controlling monoterpene emissions are not clear, but this study provides evidence of the potential importance of understory vegetation to ecosystem total hydrocarbon emissions and emphasizes the need for longer-term field studies.
Rank and reproduction among female langur monkeys: Aging and improvement (They're not just getting older, they're getting better)

An investigation of the social rank, reproduction, and ages of adult female Indian gray langur monkeys (Presbytis entellus) living in two colony social groups revealed that rank based on displacements is neither correlated with nor best predicted by female age or reproductive value. The hierarchy of female ranks is best conceptualized as a layered ranking system in which there are clusters of females of the same dominance rank forming layers within the structure. Statistical significance in frequencies of displacement differs between but not within these layered groups of females. Factors such as group composition, presence of uterine kin, reproductive state, and individual personality are hypothesized to predict changes in female rank far better than does reproductive value. Our data show that reproductive success increases with age. The infant survival record for the six oldest females in our colony was much better than for the five youngest adult females.
The use of selective pharmacological inhibitors to delineate signal transduction pathways activated during complement receptor-mediated degranulation in chicken heterophils.

Abstract Complement receptors (CRs), along with Fc receptors, play a primary role in the removal of bacterial pathogens in poultry. The binding of serum-opsonized bacteria to CR results in the secretion of both toxic oxygen metabolites and antibacterial granules. We have previously shown that the stimulation of chicken heterophils with serum-opsonized Salmonella enteritidis induced tyrosine kinase-dependent phosphorylation regulated degranulation. In the present studies, we used selective pharmacological inhibitors to investigate the roles of protein tyrosine kinases, phospholipases C and D (PLC and PLD), phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3-K), and the super family of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) on CR-mediated heterophil degranulation. Inhibitors of receptor-linked tyrosine kinases (the tryphostins AG1478 and AG1296) had no attenuating effects on CR-mediated degranulation. However, PP2, a selective inhibitor of the src family of protein tyrosine kinases, and piceatannol, an inhibitor of Syk tyrosine kinases, both significantly attenuated the CR-mediated degranulation. Additionally, the specific inhibitors of PLC, U73122, and PI3-K, LY294002, significantly decreased CR-mediated heterophil degranulation. Two inhibitors of PLD-mediated signaling, 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) and 1-butanol, hindered degranulation. Addition of purified PLD restored control levels of degranulation in heterophils in which PLD was inhibited. Lastly, SP600125, a selective inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), inhibited degranulation; whereas neither PD98059, the inhibitor of p38 MAPK, nor SB203580, the inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, had any effect on CR-mediated heterophil degranulation. These studies demonstrate that CRs on chicken heterophils lack intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, but that binding of serum-opsonized bacteria activates both proximal tyrosine kinases ( src and Syk kinases), but differentially activates downstream tyrosine kinases (JNK, but not p38 nor ERK). Activation of src and Syk kinases plays a significant role in signal transduction of heterophil degranulation probably by stimulating downstream phosphorylation of PLC, PLD, and PI3-K. PI3-K has also been recently shown to be an upstream mediator of JNK activation, suggesting that this enzyme can induce signaling as both a lipid kinase and protein kinase. Engaging CRs on chicken heterophils activates a proximal tyrosine kinase ( src and Syk kinases)→PLC (PLD)→PI3-K→JNK signal transduction pathway that induces degranulation.
Moral knowledge and responsibilities in evaluation implementation: When critical theory and responsive evaluation collide

An external evaluation documented what occurred in an inaugural summer camp to teach high school students how to preserve religious freedom by learning about and acting on the history and current state of church–state separation and other first amendment issues. Camp designers hoped to promote religious diversity values and civic engagement in youth. An analytic vignette grounded in an inductive analysis of observations, interviews, and document collection represents the competing demands of responsive and critical approaches to evaluation. Balancing obligations to promote the social well-being of society with responsibilities to clients and other stakeholders presents challenges that can be met only by identifying priorities with clients in ongoing dialogue. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Anisotropic antiferromagnetic interlayer coupling in Fe/Cr/Fe films

Abstract In-plane and oblique-angle ferromagnetic resonance measurements were performed on Fe/Cr/Fe samples in order to measure the exchange coupling values between the magnetic layers for the in-plane and normal geometries. Samples consisted of well characterized Fe/Cr sandwiches grown by molecular beam epitaxy onto (001) GaAs with different Cr layer thicknesses (t(Cr)). All samples had previously been shown by other experimental techniques to have antiferromagnetic coupling of the Fe layers. For one sample ( t(Cr)=20 A ) the deduced in-plane and perpendicular values of the exchange coupling coincide. In the second sample ( t(Cr)=13 A ) the deduced exchange coupling values for in-plane and perpendicular magnetization orientations were found to differ by 10%.
Membrane fusion in organelle biogenesis

Intracellular membrane fusion is a fascinating reaction that is crucial for cellular function. Several components of the membrane fusion machinery have been identified, although a precise understanding of the fusion mechanism is lacking. More recent studies are revealing novel proteins that regulate membrane fusion during organelle assembly.
Propensity of white women in the United States to adopt children.

Abstract Demographically, adoption is a relatively rare event. In 1982, only 2.3 per cent (or about 650,000) of ever‐married white women aged 15 to 44 had adopted one or more children. Adoption is an important and very relevant means of family formation for many women, particularly those for whom biological childbearing is difficult or impossible. Although there is a modest literature on adoption behavior, we have very little information about women who have shown a propensity to adopt children. How should the phenomenon of adoption propensity be conceptualized? How many women are there in the United States with such a propensity? How different is this number from the number of women who eventually adopt children? What are the characteristics of women with a propensity to adopt? The objectives of this paper are (1) to estimate the numbers of U.S. women at three different points in time (1973, 1976, and 1982) who have a propensity to adopt, according to various socioeconomic and demographic characteristics...
Protest and the problem of credibility: Uses of Knowledge and Risk-Taking in the Draft Resistance Movement of the 1960's

In order to expand their base in society, protest movements must establish credibility with potential recruits and allies. This dimension of protest strategies is explored through a case study drawn from participant observation in the draft resistance movement in Boston in 1968-69. The strategies of two different Resistance groups are compared: draft counseling, or the offering of expert knowledge to outsiders; and non-cooperation with the draft, a strategy based on risk-taking. These strategies involved different methods of gaining access to and credibility with outsiders; overall, they embodied contrasting styles of persuasion. The service aspect of draft counseling involved minimizing differences between movement members and outsiders, while non-cooperation was tied to a more polarizing approach to persuasion. Comparison of these two strategies and their implicit strains highlights a dilemma many protest movements have experienced: to gain legitimacy involved the risk of compromising the movement's political goals, but staying true to the group's differences with the existing culture may limit the movement's effectiveness.
Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Secondary to Intracranial Teratoma

Purpose To postulate a causal relation between optic nerve hypoplasia and a suprasellar teratoma. Method Case report. Results A 6-month-old infant with suprasellar teratoma was visually inattentive and had searching nystagmus. He had moderately severe, bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia with the left eye being somewhat worse than the right eye. Conclusions Optic nerve hypoplasia is a major cause of impaired vision in children and rarely has been attributed to an intracranial tumor. Our case, involving a patient with a suprasellar teratoma and optic nerve hypoplasia, supports a causal relation between the two.
POSITRON SCATTERING FROM ATOMS AND MOLECULES AT LOW ENERGIES

Elastic and inelastic scattering of positrons by atoms and molecules are studied experimentally in a new range of positron energies, using a novel technique involving a magnetized beam of cold positrons. Differential cross-section measurements are presented for Ar and Kr at energies from 0.4 to 2.0 eV, and they compare well with theoretical predictions. The first low-energy measurements of the vibrational excitation of molecules by positrons is presented (i.e., CF 4 at energies from 0.2 to 1 eV), and comparison with electron scattering data is discussed. [S0031-9007(99)09412-0]
Progress-based regulation of low-importance processes

MS Manners is a mechanism that employs progress-based regulation to prevent resource contention with low-importance processes from degrading the performance of high-importance processes. The mechanism assumes that resource contention that degrades the performance of a high-importance process will also retard the progress of the low-importance process. MS Manners detects this contention by monitoring the progress of the low-importance process and inferring resource contention from a drop in the progress rate. This technique recognizes contention over any system resource, as long as the performance impact on contending processes is roughly symmetric. MS Manners employs statistical mechanisms to deal with stochastic progress measurements; it automatically calibrates a target progress rate, so no manual tuning is required; it supports multiple progress metrics from applications that perform several distinct tasks; and it orchestrates multiple low-importance processes to prevent measurement interference. Experiments with two low-importance applications show that MS Manners can reduce the degradation of high-importance processes by up to an order of magnitude.
Tritium permeation considerations in the MARS direct convertor

Abstract The direct convertors located in the end cells of the MARS Tandem Mirror Fusion reactor recover the electrostatic energy of plasma particles that leak out of the center cell region. Since the direct convertors will be implanted in part by escaping high energy (> 40 keV) tritons at fluxes of over 1016 T cm−2 s−1 and low energy (∼30 eV) tritons at fluxes of over 1018 T cm−2 s−1, the possibility of tritium permeation into the water coolant, must be assessed. The current design calls for a TZM (Mo-0.5Ti-0.1Zr) structure; vanadium has also been under consideration. Combined nuclear reaction profiling and thermal desorption spectroscopy measurements on TZM show that deuterium retention is dominated by radiation damage traps with 1–1.5 eV detrapping energy, and bulk chemical traps of ≈ 0.7 eV presumably from the Ti and Zr alloying additions. Analysis of deuterium reemission data from vanadium demonstrates that molecular recombination controls the bulk retention. Values of the recombination constant for vanadium vary from 1.1 × 10 −22 cm4 sec−1 at 500 °C to 3.6 × 10 −24 cm4 sec−1 at 300 °C. Using these results and available literature data, calculations for Be on TZM, V, and V on Cu using DIFFUSE predict steady state permeation rates in excess of 108 Ci day−1 for bare V, 2000 Ci day−1 for Be on TZM, and ≈ 300 Ci day−1 for V on Cu.
Analysis of trawl selectivity studies with an application to trouser trawls

Abstract Data gathered from trouser trawl, split trawl, twin trawl, or alternate haul surveys do not conform to the assumptions required by conventional statistical methodology for analysing count data. Consequently, the application of conventional statistical methods may lead to incorrect results and conclusion. This paper presents a new statistical model that is appropriate for these types of selectivity data. This model was used to fit logistic selection curves to American plalce data obtained from trouser trawl studies using either a 155 mm diamond or square large-mesh codend. The model also estimated the split of fish into the two legs of the trawl (large-mesh codend and small-mesh codend) and these were found to be statistically significantly different from 50:50 in both the diamond and square mesh studies. The fitted selection curves remain valid because the unequal split was included in the model. The standard errors of the selection curve parameter estimates, the 25, 50 and 75% retention lengths, and the estimated split proportions are given.
The role of gender in mentoring: implications for diversified and homogenous mentoring relationships

Abstract The present study examined the effects of gender composition of mentoring relationships on proteges' perceptions of the degree of role modeling and psychosocial and career development mentoring functions received. Data from 200 mentor/protege dyads composed of working professionals from a variety of industries were analyzed using ANCOVA with planned comparisons. Results indicated that mentoring relationships involving female mentors in either homogeneous or diversified relationships provided more role modeling and less career development than relationships involving male mentors. Unexpectedly, male mentors in homogeneous relationships were associated with lower levels of role modeling than female mentors in either homogeneous or diversified relationships. Homogeneous male relationships also offered less psychosocial support than female mentors in diversified relationships with male proteges. Male mentors in diversified relationships with female proteges were associated with more career development than any other gender combination of mentoring relationship.