cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary trends in Triceratops from the Hell Creek Formation, Montana

The placement of over 50 skulls of the well-known horned dinosaur Triceratops within a stratigraphic framework for the Upper Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation (HCF) of Montana reveals the evolutionary transformation of this genus. Specimens referable to the two recognized morphospecies of Triceratops, T. horridus and T. prorsus, are stratigraphically separated within the HCF with the T. prorsus morphology recovered in the upper third of the formation and T. horridus found lower in the formation. Hypotheses that these morphospecies represent sexual or ontogenetic variation within a single species are thus untenable. Stratigraphic placement of specimens appears to reveal ancestor–descendant relationships. Transitional morphologies are found in the middle unit of the formation, a finding that is consistent with the evolution of Triceratops being characterized by anagenesis, the transformation of a lineage over time. Variation among specimens from this critical stratigraphic zone may indicate a branching event in the Triceratops lineage. Purely cladogenetic interpretations of the HCF dataset imply greater diversity within the formation. These findings underscore the critical role of stratigraphic data in deciphering evolutionary patterns in the Dinosauria.
The Geographical, Social and Ecclesiastical Origins of the Bishops of Auxerre and Sens in the Central Middle Ages

The type of man who became bishop during the central Middle Ages depended both on who influenced the selection of the bishop and on what qualities a bishop was expected to have by those who chose him. The process by which a medieval bishop was elected has been studied in great detail,' and recently attention has been turned to the backgrounds of some of the men who were elected, especially their social origins.2 Yet
61 pJ/sample near-threshold notch filter with pole-radius variation

This paper presents results of digital CMOS design for ultra-low power filter that uses logic cells operating at near-threshold voltage supplies. The cells were designed in 65 nm CMOS technology for ultra-low power. The hardware implementation of a pole-radius-varying Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) notch filter is addressed. Previous works have shown that digital design of pole-radius-varying (or Q factor-varying) IIR notch filters can suppress the transient effect. The proposed filter is synthesized using our custom 65 nm near-threshold voltage standard cells library. Comparisons from near-threshold operation to nominal voltages show large gains in energy-savings for this filter that make the logic architecture suitable for sub-nano-Joule per sample applications.
Tacrolimus and minidose methotrexate for prevention of acute graft-versus-host disease after HLA-mismatched marrow or blood stem cell transplantation.

Thirty adults with leukemia or lymphoma transplanted with marrow or blood stem cells from 1-antigen mismatched related donors received tacrolimus and minidose methotrexate to prevent acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The group had a median age of 42 years (range 18-56 years). Twenty-seven patients had advanced disease, and 13 were resistant to conventional therapy. Tacrolimus was administered at 0.03 mg/kg/day i.v. by continuous infusion from day -2, converted to oral at four times the i.v. dose following engraftment, and continued to day 180 post-transplant. Methotrexate 5 mg/m2 was given i.v. on days 1, 3, 6 and 11. Mild nephrotoxicity was common before day 100; 69% of patients had a doubling of creatinine, 56% had a peak creatinine greater than 2 mg/dl, and two patients were dialyzed. Other toxicities prior to day 100 thought to be related to tacrolimus included hypertension (45%), hyperkalemia (17%), hyperglycemia (14%), seizures (13%), headache (3%) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (3%). Grades 2-4 GVHD occurred in 59% (95% CI, 38-70%), and grades 3-4 GVHD in 17% (95% CI, 1-32%). Overall survival at 1 year was 29% (95% CI, 12-45%). We conclude that tacrolimus and minidose methotrexate is active post-transplant immunosuppression for patients with 1-antigen mismatched donors.
Age of first intercourse and risk of sexually transmitted disease

Abstract Study Objective: This study examines the risk of acquisition of multiple episodes of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) as it relates to age of first intercourse and sexual behaviors among high risk adolescent females. Design: A linear regression model was used to predict number of STD episodes. The relationship between number of STDs and age at first intercourse was also examined with a contingency table. Setting: Sexually active female adolescents ( n = 248) from an urban primary care adolescent clinic were interviewed regarding sexual behaviors by a female research assistant. Participants: The girls ranged in age from 12 to 21 (mean = 16.9 years); 80% were African-American and 20% were caucasian. The age of first intercourse ranged from 10 to 18. Seventy-four percent of the girls had a history of an STD. Results: In the final regression mode (adjusted R 2 = 0.28), a higher number of episodes of STD was significantly related to having a younger age of first intercourse ( p p p p Conclusions: These findings are discussed in relation to behavioral risk factors and interventions which aid girls to postpone sexual involvement to the later teen years.
Patient and physician factors predict patients’ comprehension of health information

While patients frequently do not comprehend health information, little is known about patient and physician factors that influence lack of comprehension. To assess effectiveness of health information exchange, 19 physicians and 145 patients were given post-encounter questionnaires to evaluate the preceding visit. We analyzed differences in beliefs between patients who comprehended health information and patients who did not, and whether physicians’ attitudes and self-assessment of their educational abilities influenced this comprehension. Patients with insufficient comprehension were more likely to have schooling below college and cited language as a barrier. Physicians who believed health information delivery to be important had fewer patients with comprehension difficulties, while physicians who assessed themselves as very effective educators had significantly more patients with lack of comprehension, compared with physicians who did not feel as effective. Patients’ comprehension of health information was associated not only with patient factors but also with physicians’ attitude and self-assessment.
Introduction to Logic Synthesis Using Verilog HDL

Introduction to Logic Synthesis Using Verilog HDL explains how to write accurate Verilog descriptions of digital systems that can be synthesized into digital system netlists with desirable characteristics. The book contains numerous Verilog examples that begin with simple combinational networks and progress to synchronous sequential logic systems. Common pitfalls in the development of synthesizable Verilog HDL are also discussed along with methods for avoiding them. The target audience is anyone with a basic understanding of digital logic principles who wishes to learn how to model digital systems in the Verilog HDL in a manner that also allows for automatic synthesis. A wide range of readers, from hobbyists and undergraduate students to seasoned professionals, will find this a compelling and approachable work. The book provides concise coverage of the material and includes many examples, enabling readers to quickly generate high-quality synthesizable Verilog models.
Cancer incidence among a cohort of smokeless tobacco users (United States).

Objective:Smokeless tobacco (ST) use remains a prevalent form of tobacco use among certain US populations. The purpose of this paper is to clarify its role in cancer development. Methods:Using data from a prospective cohort of the US population, we categorized 6779 subjects 45–75 years of age as ST users or non-ST users. Subjects were further stratified by cigarette smoking status in order to differentiate ‘exclusive’ ST users (n=414) from never tobacco users (n=2979). Results: In this cohort, exclusive ST use was not associated with increased incidence of all cancer in males (hazard ratio=0.8, 95% CI: 0.4, 1.6) or females (HR=1.2, 95% CI: 0.7–2.1) or oral cancer (standardized incidence ratio=30, 95% CI: 3, 95). No synergistic effect was observed between ST and cigarette smoking among male combined users (females were not analyzed for combined use) for the major cancers. Conclusions: In contrast to the well-known deleterious effects of cigarette smoking, ST use did not substantially increase the risk for cancer incidence above that of non-tobacco users, particularly among males. Although the use of tobacco in any form is to be discouraged, our data suggests that cancer risks are much lower from ST use than from cigarette smoking.
Reviewing a Decade of Change in the Student Culture

Abstract This article reviews the research that describes the college student culture that emerged between 1992 and 2002. Changes in career, social, political, religious, and spiritual values are noted, as are personal behaviors involving academic honesty, alcohol and other drugs, suicide, and eating disorders. Interpersonal behaviors and attitudes as reflected in sexuality, violence, and diversity are also reviewed. Several developmental issues related to these changes are identified for counselors and student affairs personnel to consider.
Wide-field retinal imaging in the management of noninfectious posterior uveitis.

Purpose To determine whether the use of ultra wide-field imaging changes the management or determination of disease activity in patients with noninfectious posterior uveitis. Design Prospective, observational case series. Methods setting: Divisions of Retina and Ocular Immunology at single academic medical center. patient population: Total of 43 patients with noninfectious posterior uveitis seen by 4 investigators at the Wilmer Eye Institute. procedures: Each patient underwent standard clinical examination, followed by ultra wide-field scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) imaging and angiography. Investigators successively determined disease activity and management decisions based on clinical examination, examination plus simulated 30- or 60-degree fluorescein angiography (FA) (obtained by physically narrowing the field of view of the wide-field images), examination plus ultra wide-field SLO images, and examination plus wide-field FA. main outcome measures: The primary outcome was the percentage of patients whose management changed based on the availability of wide-field imaging, compared with standard examination and imaging. The secondary outcome was detection of disease activity with and without wide-angle imaging. Results Management was altered in 7 of 43 patients (16%) based on examination and limited FA, whereas 21 of 43 patients (48%) had management change with the use of the ultra wide-field imaging and angiography ( P P = .27). Conclusions The index study, with several design limitations, has suggested that ultra wide-field imaging may alter management decisions compared to standard-of-care imaging and clinical examination. Additional studies, including longitudinal evaluations, are needed to determine whether these findings, or the subsequent management alterations, may improve patient outcomes.
Grain noise power spectrum estimation for weak scattering polycrystalline materials using experimentally estimated backscatter coefficients: oblique incidence

Abstract In ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation, the tasks of flaw detection and characterization in polycrystalline materials are inhibited by grain noise. An estimate of the average power spectrum of the noise can be useful in assessing the probability of flaw detection and in suppressing the noise in order to enhance flaw detection and characterization. In this paper, a model-based approach is presented for estimating the average power spectrum associated with backscattered grain noise. The approach allows grain noise measurements made at one measurement system configuration to be used as a basis for estimating the noise power spectrum for different measurement system configurations. The modelling approach determines a noise power spectrum estimate by combining an estimate of the material's longitudinal-wave and transverse-wave backscatter coefficients with the distributed scatterer measurement system response functions for the measurement system configuration of interest. Power spectrum estimates are presented for oblique incidence testing, and these demonstrate the capability of the approach to handle variations in transducer type (planar versus focussed) water path, depth of penetration into the material and angle of interrogation.
Deming: a new philosophy or another voice?

This article questions the widely held proposition that the management philosophy of W. Edwards Deming, with its focus on quality improvement and pragmatic thinking, is a new conceptual paradigm which renders previous management thought, particularly that represented by the scientific management concepts of Frederick W. Taylor, obsolete and wrong‐headed. A closer examination of the similarities between older management theories and those of Deming indicates that there is significant commonality. Deming has provided, not a radical new school of thought, but a complementary body of emphases that enrich our understanding of management rather than revolutionize it.
Back to the “wall”: How to use Facebook in the college classroom

The evolving world of the Internet — blogs, podcasts, wikis, social networks — offers instructors and students radically new ways to research, communicate, and learn. Integrating these Internet tools into the college classroom, however, is not an easy task. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine the role of social networking in education and demonstrate how social network sites (SNS) can be used in a college classroom setting. To do this, existing research relating to SNS and education is discussed, and the primary advantages and disadvantages of using SNS in the classroom are explored. Most importantly, specific instructions and guidelines to follow when implementing SNS ( i.e. , Facebook) within the college classroom are provided. Specifically, we show that multiple types of Facebook course integration options are available to instructors. It is concluded that SNS, such as Facebook, can be appropriately and effectively used in an academic setting if proper guidelines are established and implemented.
Bayes minimax estimation of a bernoulli p in a restricted parameter space

In many estimation problems the parameter of interest is known,a priori, to belong to a proper subspace of the natural parameter space. Although useful in practice this type of additional information can lead to surprising theoretical difficulties. In this paper the problem of minimax estimation of a Bernoulli pwhen pis restricted to a symmetric subinterval of the natural parameter space is considered. For the sample sizes n = 1,2,3, and 4 least favorable priors with finite support are provided and the corresponding Bayes estimators are shown to be minimax. For n = 5 and 6 the usual constant risk minimax estimator is shown to be the Bayes minimax estimator corresponding to a least favorable prior with finite support, provided the restriction on the parameter space is not too tight.
Mycophenolate mofetil as an immunomodulatory agent in the treatment of chronic ocular inflammatory disorders.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the outcomes of patients with chronic ocular inflammatory disease treated with mycophenolate mofetil as an immunosuppressive and steroid-sparing agent. Design Retrospective noncomparative interventional case series. Participants All patients with ocular inflammatory disease treated with mycophenolate mofetil at a single institution between 1998 and 2001. Methods Charts of patients seen on the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary were reviewed. Patients with chronic ocular inflammatory disease were included in the study. Main outcome measures Control of inflammation, steroid-sparing effect, visual acuity, and adverse reactions were measured. Results A total of 54 patients were evaluated. Control of ocular inflammation with mycophenolate mofetil as monotherapy was achieved in 35 patients (65%) and in 67 eyes (62%), and a steroid-sparing effect was achieved in 29 (54%) patients. Visual acuity was maintained or improved in 51 patients (94%) and in 97 eyes (90%). Side effects requiring discontinuation of medication occurred in 10 patients (18%). There was neither long-term morbidity nor mortality due to mycophenolate mofetil. Conclusions Mycophenolate mofetil is effective in the treatment of patients with steroid-dependent or -resistant chronic ocular inflammatory disorders that fail to respond to conventional steroid treatment. It is a safe and effective steroid-sparing immunomodulatory agent and can be considered an important addition to our armamentarium in the care of patients with ocular inflammatory disease.
An improved treatment of empirical dispersion and a many-body energy decomposition scheme for the explicit polarization plus symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (XSAPT) method

We recently introduced a low-cost quantum chemistry method for computing intermolecular interactions, combining a monomer-based self-consistent field calculation (the “explicit polarization” method, XPol) with pairwise-additive symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT). The method uses Kohn-Sham (KS) orbitals in the SAPT formalism but replaces the SAPT dispersion and exchange-dispersion terms with empirical potentials (“+D”), and we called this method XPol+SAPT(KS)+D. Here, we report a second-generation version of this approach, XPol+SAPT(KS)+D2 or XSAPT(KS)+D2 for short, in which we have modified the form of the empirical atom–atom dispersion potentials. Accurate binding energies are obtained for benchmark databases of dimer binding energies, and potential energy curves are captured accurately for a variety of challenging systems. We suggest that using different asymptotic corrections for different monomers is necessary to get good binding energies in general, especially for hydrogen-bonded complexes. ...
Case-control study of antenatal cocaine use and platelet levels.

Abstract Objective: Our aim was to determine the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in pregnant patients who did and did not use cocaine. Study Design: A 1:1 case-control study of 326 patients attending an inner-city, neighborhood-based antenatal program between January 1992 and December 1998 is presented. Data concerning cocaine use (history and urine toxicology study) and platelet count, along with gestational age, were compared by nonparametric techniques (χ 2 test, Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon rank sums, and receiver operating characteristic curve). Results: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia during pregnancy was not different between cocaine-using patients (13/160; 8.1%) and nonusing patients (11/160; 6.9%; difference not significant). In patients who abused cocaine and for whom both positive and negative urine screening results were obtained concomitantly with platelet levels, no difference in platelet counts was evident. Overall, thrombocytopenia occurred more often in the third trimester than earlier in pregnancy for both control and cocaine-using pregnant women. Conclusion: Cocaine use among pregnant women was not associated with thrombocytopenia. A low platelet count was found more often later in pregnancy. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:434-7.)
The Phase Fresnel Lens

In order to deform the wave surface passing through an optical system by the amount ϕ(u,v), it is suggested that a phase Fresnel lens be inserted in the pupil of the optical system. Assuming 0⩽ϕ(u,v)<mλ, the (u,v) that region of the pupil is divided into m zones by Fresnel’s condition (k-1)λ⩽ϕ(u,v)<kλ; kth zone,k=1,2,⋯,m,where λ is the wavelength. If the phase Fresnel lens be made so that it shifts the wave surface by the amount ϕ(u,v)−(k−1)λ in each kth Fresnel zone, the amount of its deformation in each zone is smaller than λ, but this phase Fresnel lens is quite ϕ(u,v) because of Fresnel’s condition. Some properties of the phase Fresnel lens are discussed. This technique is more applicable to the infrared region.
Irreversible Binding Kinetics of Bacillus thuringiensis CryIA δ-Endotoxins to Gypsy Moth Brush Border Membrane Vesicles Is Directly Correlated to Toxicity

Abstract To examine the binding of Bacillus thuringiensis δ-endotoxins, CryIAa, CryIAb, and CryIAc, to Lymantria dispar (gypsy moth) brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV), saturation kinetic analyses were conducted according to a two-step interaction scheme for δ-endotoxin binding to BBMV, rather than the one-step reversible binding presented in prior reports. The order of toxicity of the δ-endotoxins, as measured by the dose required for a 50% inhibition of weight gain (ID50), was CryIAa (77.3 ng) > CryIAb (157 ng) > CryIAc (187 ng). While both the maximum extent of binding, Bmax, and the half-maximum insertion rate concentration, K1/2, was observed to be indirectly related to toxicity, the rate constant of irreversible binding, k2, was found to be directly correlated to toxicity.
The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine: where do we go from here?

Abstract Grabois M. The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine: where do we go from here? Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1097–9. This presidential address reflects on my last 2 years as president of American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM). It recognizes those individuals who have been of significant help and support. The address discusses choices I have made in my professional life including selecting physical medicine and rehabilitation as a subspecialty; committing to an academic career; and choosing to get involved in local, state, national, and international physical medicine and rehabilitation societies. I review my presidential speech of 2001 when I spoke about the path we choose—to succeed or not to succeed. ACRM has come a long way in trying to succeed but continued opportunities remain in obtaining financial security, increased membership, and cost-effective and efficient management. This address includes 11 suggestions designed not only to keep the organization viable but also to allow ACRM to succeed. These suggestions include a new commitment to our strategic plan and the implementation of prioritized goals, reorganization of ACRM's national office, and adherence to a realistic budget. Finally, we must continue to move the agenda of research in rehabilitation forward much more aggressively.
Challenges of CW laser-induced crystallization in a chalcogenide glass

We report laser-induced modification of SbSI glass as a proof-of-concept of fabricating ferroelectric architectures in chalcogenide glasses. We observe structural (crystallization), chemical (evaporation of SbI3 and oxidation) and volume (contraction as well as expansion) changes under irradiation with a super-bandgap CW Ar+ laser due to the thermal runaway and photoexpansion effects. The crystalline grains grow, but in a very narrow range of applied laser power density (P) from 0.25 to 0.32 mW/μm2. At P>0.4 mW/μm2 SbI3 evaporation dominates and produces strong surface erosion. For P<0.2 mW/μm2 and long exposure times (1-10 min), only laser-induced expansion is observed.
Hedonic shopping motivation and co-shopper influence on utilitarian grocery shopping in superstores

Much prior literature has focused on how hedonic shopping motivation operates in hedonic shopping environments such as shopping malls, but few empirical studies have assessed hedonic shopping motivation effects in utilitarian shopping environments. Combining a field survey (Study 1) with observation using video ethnography (Study 2), our research addresses this issue. Our results empirically reveal how, through both psychological and behavioral routes, hedonic shopper motivation affects purchases in a utilitarian shopping environment, specifically a section of a superstore selling predominantly utilitarian products. Hedonic shopping motivation is found to induce consumer impulsiveness (psychological route) while also encouraging shoppers to stay longer in a store (behavioral route), which when combined result in greater consumer purchases than either route alone. Additionally we observe a moderating effect of co-shopper influences on these two routes. Implications of these findings are discussed.
"Placing" Health Risks in the Karakoram: Local Perceptions of Disease, Dependency, and Social Change in Northern Pakistan

Abstract This article examines local perceptions of health risks in a mountain community in the Karakoram of Northern Pakistan. Specifically, it aims to show how the tremendous social and economic transformations taking place in this region are experienced and understood by the people most affected by them. The case study draws from ethnographic data collected through a range of methods, including personal narratives, focus groups, interviews, household surveys, conversations, and participant observations. Central to this analysis is the role that social change plays in mediating and shaping residents' worries, and perceived vulnerabilities within this particular economic and cultural context. Furthermore, the effects of the global economy on how people assess their dependency on external factors and processes are explored, including attention to the ways in which newly introduced products and technologies raise concerns about product safety, health security, and community cohesiveness. This analysis of l...
Rapid screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) did not reduce MRSA acquisition rate

Source Citation Jeyaratnam D, Whitty CJ, Phillips K, et al. Impact of rapid screening tests on acquisition of meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: cluster randomised crossover trial. BMJ. 20...
Coping With Academic Problems: An Empirical Examination of Brickman et al.'s Models of Helping and Coping1

According to Brickman et al. (1982), people facing problems make attributions about responsibility for causing and for solving the problem. Four models of helping and coping emerge. The present investigation examined 2 key questions. First, do individuals assign responsibility exclusively to the person or external forces, or do they exhibit a pattern of distributing responsibility among several causes? And second, do the models provide superior explanatory power relative to the individual attributions? College students provided information about their assumptions about causes and solutions to their own academic problems. Students revealed all 3 patterns. Furthermore, those making self-attributions of responsibility for solutions had higher grade point averages (GPAs) than did those making other attributions. Implications for the Brickman et al. analysis and framework are discussed.
Gas chromatography of the trimethylsilyl derivatives of iodotyrosines and iodothyronines.

Abstract Gas chromatographic analysis of the trimethylsilyl derivatives of the iodotyrosines, iodothyronines, tyrosine, and thyronine is described. The silylated derivatives can be synthesized within 5 min at 50° using N,O -bis (trimethylsilyl) acetamide and are readily resolved within 30 min by temperature-programmed gas chromatography. Possible biological applications of this separation technique are discussed.
Melting and solidification enhancement using a combined heat pipe, foil approach

Abstract Melting and solidification of a phase change material (PCM) is investigated, experimentally and computationally, using a novel heat pipe–metal foil approach. By embedding a PCM within a metal foil matrix, and delivering (or extracting) thermal energy to (or from) the matrix with a vertically-oriented heat pipe, overall thermal resistances between a working fluid and the PCM solid–liquid interface can be reduced. This leads to increased phase change rates relative to configurations involving only the heat pipe, or only a solid rod of the same physical dimensions as the heat pipe. For a small (approximately 1%) volume fraction of foil in the PCM–foil matrix, measured and predicted melting (solidification) rates associated with heat pipe–foil configurations are increased by approximately 300% (900%) relative to configurations involving the rod with no foil. Melting and solidification rates relative to configurations involving the heat pipe with no foil, are increased by approximately 200% and 600%. The influence of the heat pipe evaporator-to-condenser length ratio, as well as the overall temperature difference between the working fluid and the PCM fusion temperature, is also reported.
Least squares polynomials in the complex plane and their use for solving nonsymmetric linear systems

We propose an algorithm for computing a class of least squares polynomials on polygonal regions of the complex plane. An important application of this technique to solving large sparse linear systems is considered. The advantage of using general polygonal regions instead of ellipses as was done in previous work, is that elliptic regions may fail to accurately represent the convex hull of the spectrum of the matrix A. An attractive feature of the algorithm is that it does not explicitly require any numerical integration. Numerical experiments show that the least-squares based methods for solving linear systems are competitive with the Chebyshev based methods and are more reliable.
Approaches to univocal factor scores.

Two current methods of deriving common-factor scores from tests are briefly examined and rejected. One of these estimates a score from a multiple-regression equation with as many terms as there are tests in the battery. The other limits the equation to a few tests heavily saturated with the desired factor, with or without tests used to suppress the undesired factors. In the proposed methods, the single best test for each common factor is the starting point. Such a test ordinarily has a very few undesired factors to be suppressed, frequently only one. The suppression test should be univocal, or nearly so. Fortunately, there are relatively univocal tests for factors that commonly require suppression. Equations are offered by which the desired-factor test and a single suppression test can be weighted in order to achieve one or more objectives. Among the objectives are (1) maximizing the desired factor variance, (2) minimizing the undesired factor variance, (3) a compromise, in which the undesired variance is materially reduced without loss in desired variance, and (4) a change to any selected ratio of desired to undesired variance. A more generalized solution is also suggested. The methods can be extended in part to the suppression of more than one factor. Equations are derived for the suppression of two factors.
Activation of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase subunit p47phox by protein kinase C. A phosphorylation-dependent change in the conformation of the C-terminal end of p47phox

The leukocyte NADPH oxidase of neutrophils is a membrane-bound enzyme that catalyzes the production of O2- from oxygen using NADPH as electron donor. Dormant in resting neutrophils, the enzyme acquires catalytic activity when the cells are exposed to appropriate stimuli. During activation, the cytosolic oxidase components p47phox and p67phox migrate to the plasma membrane, where they associate with cytochrome b558, a membrane-bound flavohemoprotein, to assemble the active oxidase. An essential element of the activation process is the phosphorylation of p47phox, an event that accompanies oxidase activation in whole cells and can activate the oxidase in a cell-free system. We show here that the phosphorylation of p47phox leads to a substantial decrease in the reactivity of cysteine C378 toward N-ethylmaleimide, indicating the occurrence of a conformational change involving the C-terminal region of p47phox. A similar conformational change occurs when p47phox is exposed to arachidonate, one of a number of anionic detergents that activate the oxidase in the cell-free system. We propose that this change in conformation results in the appearance of a binding site through which p47phox interacts with cytochrome b558 during the activation process.
Construction of a Large Phage-Displayed Human Antibody Domain Library with a Scaffold Based On a Newly Identified Highly Soluble, Stable Heavy Chain Variable Domain

Abstract Currently, almost all U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved therapeutic antibodies and the vast majority of those in clinical trials are full-size antibodies mostly in an immunoglobulin G1 format of about 150 kDa in size. Two fundamental problems for such large molecules are their poor penetration into tissues (e.g., solid tumors) and poor or absent binding to regions on the surface of some molecules [e.g., on the human immunodeficiency virus envelope glycoprotein (Env)] that are accessible by molecules of smaller size. We have identified a phage-displayed heavy chain-only antibody by panning of a large (size, ∼ 1.5 × 1010) human naive Fab (antigen-binding fragment) library against an Env and found that the heavy chain variable domain (VH) of this antibody, designated as m0, was independently folded, stable, highly soluble, monomeric, and expressed at high levels in bacteria. m0 was used as a scaffold to construct a large (size, ∼ 2.5 × 1010), highly diversified phage-displayed human VH library by grafting naturally occurring complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) 2 and 3 of heavy chains from five human antibody Fab libraries and by randomly mutating four putative solvent-accessible residues in CDR1 to A, D, S, or Y. The sequence diversity of all CDRs was determined from 143 randomly selected clones. Most of these VHs were with different CDR2 origins (six of seven groups of VH germlines) or CDR3 lengths (ranging from 7 to 24 residues) and could be purified directly from the soluble fraction of the Escherichia coli periplasm. The quality of the library was also validated by successful selection of high-affinity VHs against viral and cancer-related antigens; all selected VHs were monomeric, easily expressed, and purified with high solubility and yield. This library could be a valuable source of antibodies targeting size-restricted epitopes and antigens in obstructed locations where efficient penetration could be critical for successful treatment.
Brownian dynamics determination of the bipolar steady state charge distribution on spheres and non-spheres in the transition regime

Abstract A Brownian Dynamics (BD) method to calculate the steady state charge distribution on spherical and non-spherical aerosol particles is presented which circumvents ion-particle collision rate calculation. BD calculations are performed using both monodisperse and measured polydisperse ion properties under atmospheric pressure, room temperature conditions. Calculations reveal that for spherical particles in both the nano- and submicrometer size ranges, the fractions of charged particles are noticeably underpredicted by flux matching theory-based regression expressions. In the examination of non-spherical particles (aggregates, linear chains and cylinders), two models for accumulated particle charge are employed: (1) accumulated charge distributes itself along a particle surface, and (2) accumulated charge is immobile. Independent of model, it is found that particles having a Projected Area ( PA ) to diffusion based surface area ( π R s 2 ) ratio close to unity behaves similar to a sphere of the same mobility diameter. However, model specific behavior is observed for highly non-spherical particles ( PA / π R s 2
Exact solutions for open, closed and mixed queueing networks with rejection blocking

Abstract Open, mixed and closed queueing networks with multiple job classes, reversible routing and rejection blocking are investigated in this paper. Jobs may change class membership and general service requirement distributions that depend on the job class are allowed. We prove that the equilibrium state probabilities have product form if at all stations either the scheduling discipline is symmetric or all service requirements at the station have the same exponential distribution. The solution implies insensitivity in this kind of blocking networks, ie. the distribution of the jobs in equilibrium, irrespective of their remaining service requirements, depends only on their mean service requirement.
Asymmetrical Marriage Systems

THIS paper is a consideration of the association between the system of marriage relationships between groups, and their economic system of production and exchange. It is based on ethnographic material collected by the author in New Guinea, and on material from secondary sources. I try to show that where marriage is accompanied by prestations or payments of any kind, an asymmetrical marriage system can occur. Such a system exists when there is an unreciprocated flow of women going in one direction and a flow of goods going in the opposite direction. This asymmetry can exist despite the fact that the people themselves view the marriage relationships as symmetrical or reciprocally balanced. It can also exist without there being any recognition of the asymmetry in the form of a kinship rule of preferential marriage. There has recently been much interest in the subject of kinship systems which prescribe who shall marry whom, and which thereby structure an asymmetry in the marriage relationships (Levi-Strauss 1949; Leach 1951; de Josselin de Jong 1952; Schneider and Homans 1955). I wish to distinguish between these rules of preferential marriage and the pattern of marriages actually taking place in a society, which I shall call its "marriage system." I show that it is possible for the marriage system to operate in opposition to the marriage rules of a society. Marriage systems can be of many forms. They can be reciprocating when two groups exchange women; they can be circular when a large number of groups intermarry and, on balance, each group receives as many women for wives, as it gives2 out women in marriage to other groups; they can be asymmetrical when certain groups give out significantly more women in marriage than they receive, while other groups receive more women than they give. By considering some of the general properties of an asymmetrical system, I wish to clarify the differences between the reports of Levi-Strauss (1949) and Leach (1951), and to show that their views of preferential marriage rules, although different, are actually complementary since one is referring to circular marriage systems and the other is dealing with asymmetrical ones. In his Structures Elfmentaires de la Parent6 (1949), Levi-Strauss demonstrated the existence of two sorts of sister-exchange underlying the marriage rules of many primitive societies-the direct exchange of sisters between two groups (echange restreint) and the more general exchange of sisters where at least three groups are involved. This form, which he terms echange gineralist, in its simplest expression means that the groups are formed into a chain; each group gives wives to the next group in such a way that the first group receives its wives from the last group in the chain. The system which such a marriage rule creates is a circular one, since all groups receive as many wives as they give out sisters. If, however, there is no gift of wives from the last group to the first group, then the system becomes an asymmetrical one.
Influence of turbulence–kernel interactions on flame development in lean methane/air mixtures under natural gas-fueled engine conditions

Abstract Direct numerical simulations (DNS) with reduced chemistry are carried out to study the influence of flow velocity and length scales on flames developing from flame kernels in lean methane/air mixtures. This study is conducted at elevated temperature and pressure conditions relevant to lean-burn natural gas engines. There are two effects which come into consideration: the interaction of turbulence with the kernel and the interaction with the local flame. A range of scales is selected so that interactions in different regimes can be studied. A flame surface density (FSD) approach is used to determine the evolution of flame area and study how the length and velocity scales enhance or diminish flame development. From the perspective of engine performance, it is observed that shorter length scales lead to faster growth of flame kernels. The ratio of kernel diameter to length scale ratio is identified as an independent controlling variable and its effect is studied by varying the initial size of the flame kernel. Smaller ratios result in a faster increase in the flame area. It is also observed that larger velocity scales lead to higher rates of heat release.
Crystal structure and mechanical properties of ODPA-DMB polyimide fibers

Abstract A new polyimide has been synthesized from 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and 2,2′-dimethyl-4,4′-diaminobiphenyl (DMB) via a one-step polycondensation reaction. This polyimide can be dissolved in polar organic solvents and spun into fiber form using a dry-jet wet-spinning method. The crystal unit cell of highly drawn and annealed ODPA-DMB fibers has been determined to be triclinic with a = 1.05 nm, b = 0.871 nm, c = 2.14 nm, α = 45.6°, β = 53.7° and γ = 61.4°. It has been found that crystallinity and orientation are critically dependent upon draw ratio. Furthermore, the overall orientation and crystal orientation developed in the ODPA-DMB fibers exhibit different behavior. In the high draw ratio region (a draw ratio of above 3), the degree of crystal orientation levels off to reach a constant while the overall orientation develops continuously. Tensile properties of the fibers in this region also show significant improvement. This indicates that the enhancement of the tensile properties must be associated with molecular orientation in the non-crystalline region of the fibers. The pre-existing structure developed during the fiber spinning also drastically affects subsequent drawing and annealing processes and ultimate tensile properties due to the competition between molecular orientation and crystallization.
High resolution NMR analysis of the seven transmembrane domains of a heptahelical receptor in organic-aqueous medium.

The NMR properties of seven peptides representing the transmembrane domains of the alpha-factor receptor from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were examined in trifluoroethanol/water (4:1) at 10 to 55 degrees C. The parameters extracted indicated all peptides were helical in this membrane mimetic solvent. Using chemical shift indices as the criterion, helicity varied from 64 to 83%. The helical residues in the peptides corresponded to the region predicted to cross the hydrocarbon interior of the bilayer. A study of a truncated 25-residue peptide corresponding to domain 2 gave evidence that the helix extended all the way to the N-terminus of this peptide, indicating that sequence and not chain end effects are very important in helix termination for our model peptides. Both nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) connectivities and chemical shift indices revealed significant perturbations around prolyl residues in the helices formed by transmembrane domains 6 and 7. Molecular models of the transmembrane domains indicate that helices for domains 6 and 7 are severely kinked at these prolyl residues. The helix perturbation around proline 258 in transmembrane domain 6 correlates with mutations that cause phenotypic changes in this receptor.
Attenuation of spinal cord ischemia and reperfusion injury by erythropoietin.

Background Paraplegia remains a devastating complication for patients undergoing thoracic aortic procedures. Although surgical adjuncts have evolved to reduce the risk of paraplegia, no pharmacologic therapies have proven efficacious in attenuating spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion injury. Effects of erythropoietin in spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion injury, however, have not yet been elucidated. We hypothesized that pretreatment with erythropoietin would attenuate functional and cytoarchitectural spinal cord injury related to high-risk aortic procedures. Methods Adult male mice were subjected to ischemia–reperfusion. Aortic arch and proximal left subclavian arteries were clamped for 5 minutes; animals were observed for 48 hours. Neurologic scores of hind limb function were assessed every 12 hours. Experimental groups consisted of treatment with erythropoietin 4 hours before crossclamping (n = 7), ischemic controls (n = 7), and sham ischemia (operation without crossclamping, n = 6). Thoracolumbar sections of spinal cord were removed after 48 hours and preserved for cytoarchitectural analysis. Results Mice pretreated with erythropoietin exhibited significant preservation of hind limb motor function. All mice without pretreatment were paralyzed at 48 hours. Mice with erythropoietin pretreatment had improved motor function; 3 had no measurable neurologic deficit at 48 hours. Histologic analysis in mice treated with erythropoietin showed markedly reduced neuronal cell injury. Conclusions Erythropoeitin preserves both function and histologic appearance in mice undergoing spinal cord ischemia–reperfusion. With further elucidation of mechanisms of protection and optimal administration, erythropoietin could become an important adjunct in reducing the incidence and severity of spinal cord injury related to aortic interventions.
Intermolecular and intramolecular isotope effects in the deamination of putrescine catalyzed by diamine oxidase.

The enzymatic deamination of 1,4-diaminobutane (putrescine) catalyzed by hog kidney diamine oxidase was studied with the aid of deuterium labeled substrates and mass spectrometry. An intermolecular deuterium isotope effect for the deamination of putrescine labeled with deuterium in all 4 alpha positions was observed to be 1.26. 1,4-Diaminobutane-1, 1-d2 was synthesized and intramolecular isotope effects determined. The preference of diamine oxidase for the unlabeled alpha position was about 4 times greater than for the deuterated methylene. This work shows that intramolecular deuterium isotope effects are observable in enzyme systems other than cytochrome P-450.
Plasmodium berghei infection in mice: Effect of low-level ozone exposure

Animal and human studies have accumulated that report extrapulmonary effects from inhaled ozone (OR). Buckley et al. (1975) exposed human volunteers to 0.5 p~m O R for 2.75 h and demonstrated increases in red cell f ragi l i ty~ serum vitamin E levels, and red cell glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) act ivi ty. Decreases in red cell acetylcholinesterase (ACHase) act ivi ty and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also evident. Similar results were obtained by Hackney et al. (1977) who exposed human male volunteers to 0.37 ppm 0 R for 2.0 hours. Moore et al. (1981) exposed sheep to 0.25, 0.50, or 0.70 ppm of O R for 2.75 h and observed a decreased erythrocyte survival tTme as determined by CR-51 studies. Exposure of male Sprague-Dawley rats to 0.3 ppm O R for 3 h resulted in a time-delayed increase in serum and hepatic reduced ascorbic acid levels as compared to controls (Calabrese et al. 1983).
Evaporative thin layer chromatographic separation of hemin dicarboxylic acids

Abstract A thin layer chromatographic method is described for the separation and identification of hemin dicarboxylic acids. The method also permits an estimation of individual purity and should be easily adaptable to other hemin derivatives not included in the present study.
The effect of tolerances on the isolation of frequency reuse antennas

The expression for the expected isolation between two orthogonally polarized signals of a single beam frequency reuse array antenna when excitation, position, and orientation of the elements are subjected to independent random variables is derived. The isolation loss and the fundamental limitation of a multibeam frequency reuse antenna system are discussed.