cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TLR agonist treatment elicits an increase in DNA repair machinery

The toll-like receptor (TLR) pathway is stimulated by pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Activation of this pathway leads to an inflammatory and immunomodulating response appropriate for the stimulus by which it was activated. Recently a body of literature has emerged indicating that TLR stimulation may not only result in an inflammatory response, but may also lead to an up-regulation of DNA repair genes and an increase in functional DNA repair after injury. These conclusions are drawn from studies conducted in the mouse animal model, however the human DNA repair response to TLR activation has yet to be investigated. Using an in vitro cell culture system, we find that human DNA repair genes are similarly up-regulated. Previously, only TLR 7 and TLR 9 agonists have been shown in mice to stimulate increased DNA repair; in this study we expand the panel of TLR agonists investigated and show that the induction of this phenomenon may not be unique to the previously studied TLR agonists. This functional increase in repair after injury may lead to a wide range of outcomes for the cells involved and warrants further study into the ever broadening role of TLR signaling in controlling cell fate.
Involvement of the 90 kDa glycoprotein in adhesion ofNectria haematococcamacroconidia

Previously we demonstrated thatNectria haematococcamacroconidia become adhesive within 5 min and adhere at the spore apices to substrata and to other spores. At the same time, the macroconidia produce mucilage at the spore tips which binds Concanavalin A (Con A), and produce a macroconidial-specific 90 kDa glycoprotein which binds Con A; Con A inhibits macroconidial adhesion. Here we demonstrate that snowdrop lectin, which specifically binds to α-mannose, also inhibits adhesion, and that polyclonal IgG prepared against the 90 kDa glycoprotein inhibits adhesion of both ungerminated and germinated macroconidia. Anti-adhesive activity of the IgG is reduced by incubation of the antibodies with mannan; the mannan alone has no effect on adhesion. These data, and the fact that the anti-90 kDa IgG did not bind to the deglycosylated glycoprotein, suggest that mannose residues on the 90 kDa glycoprotein are involved in adhesion ofN. haematococcamacroconidia. We also demonstrate that the anti-90 kDa IgG primarily binds to the region with the spore tip mucilage, and that two transglutaminase inhibitors, iodoacetamide and cystamine, reduce adhesion, the macroconidial tip mucilage and the 90 kDa glycoprotein. Finally, consistent with compounds which become increasingly polymerized, we show that visualization of the macroconidial tip mucilage and the detection of the 90 kDa glycoprotein is transient over time. We postulate that a precursor of the 90 kDa glycoprotein in the spore tip mucilage is exocellularly cross-linked by a transglutaminase, and that the 90 kDa glycoprotein is a fungal glue.
Domain Growth in Pb(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3 Perovskite Relaxor Ferroelectric Oxides

Extensive studies that have been conducted on the Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMN) family of relaxor ferroelectrics have led to the establishment and acceptance of the“space-charge” model as a basis for explaining their structures and dielectric properties. In this model, the arrangement of the metal cations on the octahedral sites of the perovskite structure is interpreted in terms of the formation of nega-tively charged ordered nanodomains that are dispersed in a positively charged disordered matrix. The primary experi-mental support for this interpretation has come from the apparent absence of any growth of the domains or change in the degree of ordering as the heat treatment is extended. Here, we report on experiments that have been conducted on the tantalate relaxor, Pb(Mg1/3Ta2/3)O3(PMT), and its solid solutions with PbZrO3, in which the size of the do-mains and the degree of cation ordering have been in-creased by two orders of magnitude through annealing that has been conducted at a temperature of 1325°C. Moreover, fully ordered ceramics that are comprised of large domains retain relaxor behavior. These results cannot be explained by the space-charge model and support a charge-balanced, “random-site” model for the ordering of the metal cations
Aristophanes and Joyce

Although Joyce does not explicitly acknowledge the presence of Aristophanes, there are more references to Greek comedy in his fiction than current criticism indicates. Several of Socrates' ridiculous experiments fromThe Clouds pop up inFinnegans Wake. Aubrey Beardsley's illustrations for Samuel Smith's version ofLysistrata inspire a series of thematically pertinent accusations leveled at HCE. Clever uses of bird names and the Olympian emissaries to Cloudcuckooland fromThe Birds, as well as several clusters of distorted play-titles and the signature chant fromThe Frogs also appear in Joyce's final work. References to ancient comedies are worked into “aesthetic” passages inStephen Hero andUlysses. This largely covert deployment of Aristophanic material, all of it thoroughly irreverent and richly comic, is evidence for Joyce's wide and creative range of allusion.
Error Detection, Recovery, and Repair in the Translation of Inorganic Nomenclatures. 3. An Error Handler§

The development of a system for the repair of lexical errors detected in the process of recognizing inorganic chemical names is described. Repairs are based on the calculation of similarity between strings, using the model and approximate matching algorithm detailed in the previous article of this series. A hierarchical data structure is proposed for the storage of information generated during the repair process. This structure comprises two hierarchically-related abstract data types, to permit the storage of partial and total repairs generated by the process. The great amount of information generated by the system might recommend its use in applications requiring explanatory subsystems to report on the success of recognition of user-input information. Problems in the repair process arising from inorganic grammar structures are also examined, and solutions are proposed for cases such as that of the delimiters between significant parts of the inorganic substance name.
Diet and Daily Ration of Bay Anchovy in the Hudson River, New York

Abstract Along the U.S. Atlantic coast, bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli form an important component of estuarine and coastal food webs. The combination of its trophic position and abundance makes the diet and ration of this fish important in the study of estuarine systems. Diet and ration have been studied in this species in the middle and southern parts of its range, but information is lacking for the northern parts. Therefore, this study sought to quantify the diets and daily ration of bay anchovy on a seasonal basis within the Hudson River, New York, estuary. Diets of bay anchovy in the Hudson River were similar to those reported in other parts of their range. Bay anchovy ate mostly copepods, barnacle Balanas spp. nauplii, and mysid shrimp Neomysis americana. Mysids were seasonally important, contributing up to 81% (by weight) for adult fish in August. No differences were detected in diet composition or prey length between age-0 and adult bay anchovy within months, but age-0 fish did have an estimated rat...
Analysis of hapten-carrier protein conjugates by nondenaturing gel electrophoresis

Hapten-carrier protein conjugates were made using five different small haptens (MW < 1000), two carrier proteins and two methods of conjugation. Nondenaturing agarose gel electrophoresis was used to demonstrate that when as few as two molecules of a small hapten are attached to the carrier, the conjugate band migrates differently from that of the carrier alone or of the coupling reagent-treated carrier. Furthermore, the direction of the change in migration of each conjugate correlates with the change in charge which occurs upon attachment of the hapten to the carrier.
Evaluation of Temperature Differences for Paired Stations of the U.S. Climate Reference Network

Abstract Adjustments to data observed at pairs of climate stations have been recommended to remove the biases introduced by differences between the stations in time of observation, temperature instrumentation, latitude, and elevation. A new network of climate stations, located in rural settings, permits comparisons of temperatures for several pairs of stations without two of the biases (time of observation and instrumentation). The daily, monthly, and annual minimum, maximum, and mean temperatures were compared for five pairs of stations included in the U.S. Climate Reference Network. Significant differences were found between the paired stations in the annual minimum, maximum, and mean temperatures for all five pairs of stations. Adjustments for latitude and elevation differences contributed to greater differences in mean annual temperature for four of the five stations. Lapse rates computed from the mean annual temperature differences between station pairs differed from a constant value, whether or not ...
Reaction of starch with carbohydrate trans-carbonates☆

Abstract Mono- and poly-saccharides possessing certain substituted, vicinal, trans-hydroxyl groups are readily substituted onto starch. Such substitution occurs when a trans-fused, cyclic carbonate derivative of the saccharide is added to starch in the presence of a basic catalyst. Excellent yields of products result on addition of methyl 4,6-O-benzylidene-α- d -glucopyranoside 2,3-carbonate (or 2,3-thionocarbonate), and methyl 2,6-di-O-(methylsulfonyl)-α- d -??? 3,4-carbonate to starch in the presence of triethylamine. ??? of degree of substitution (DS) 0.40 and dextran carbonate of Ds 0.31 ??? with starch under various conditions, in the presence of different catalysts, to give ??? corresponding polysaccharide copolymers.
Thermal and kinetic properties of poly(lactic acid) and transglutaminase‐crosslinked wheat gluten blends

Wheat gluten (10 g) was crosslinked (XL) using 10 units of transglutaminase. Different blends of XL gluten and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were mixed in a Brabender mixer at 180°C for 10 min. Neat PLA and blends were analyzed using modulated DSC (MDSC). Neat PLA displayed a glass transition (Tg) and exothermic (Cry) followed by endothermic (Mel) transitions. The profile showed a Tg of 0.46 J/g/°C, Cry with 29.9 J/g, whereas Mel exhibited 28.7 J/g. XL wheat gluten displayed one Tg with 0.45 J/g/°C. Samples were subjected to repeated heating and cooling cycles to show the level of compatibility between the two polymers. The activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (Z) were determined according to Borchardt and Daniels (B/D) kinetics approach. The blends showed increased Ea values with an increase in the amount of XL gluten. In the presence of 5 and 20% XL gluten, the Ea of PLA increased from 150 to 200 kJ/mol, respectively. A higher number of cycles caused an increase in Ea. The Tg temperature of different PLA/XL gluten blends can be predicted by Gordon–Taylor equation and its modified forms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Studies of redox reactions in electro-active proteins using optical impedance spectroscopy at single-mode waveguides

An electro-active platform based on a single-mode integrated optical waveguide over-coated with a 13-nm indium tin oxide film was developed for highly sensitive investigations on the kinetics of redox reactions from a sub-monolayer of cytochrome-c proteins. Optical impedance spectra (with and without cytochrome-c proteins present in the spectroelectrochemical flow-cell) were measured with the single-mode integrated optical waveguide for a 10-mV ac electric potential modulation. Significant changes in the ac component of the optical baseline response were observed, and a new analysis was developed to factor out the working electrode effects and deliver accurate results for the Faradaic process. Faradaic current density and active surface coverage were reconstructed at several modulation frequencies. As small as 7x10-14 mole/cm2 of cytochrome-c proteins were detected under such electric potential modulation leading to a faradaic current of about 200 nA/cm2. Such level of faradaic current is extremely difficult to be isolated by other electrochemical techniques (e.g. electrical impedance measurements) due to the strong background created by an always present electric double layer. We were able to achieve those detection limits because the optical signal is immune to those events and can be tuned solely to the Faradaic process. This highly sensitive and accurate strategy of spectro-electrochemistry is proved powerful for measurements of extreme small amount of electro-active proteins and has the potential to be used in many other important electrochemical processes.
Multiband theory of Bloch-electron dynamics in a homogeneous electric field.

A multiband theory of Bloch electron dynamics in a uniform electric field of arbitrary strength is presented. In this formalism, the electric field is described through the use of the vector potential. Multiband coupling is treated through the use of the Wigner-Weisskopf approximation, thus allowing for a Bloch-electron transition out of the initial band due to the power absorbed by the electric field; also, the approximation insures conservation of total transition probability over the complete set of excited bands. The choice of the vector-potential gauge leads to a natural set of extended time-dependent basis functions for describing Bloch-electron dynamics in a homogeneous electric field; an associated basis set of localized, electric-field-dependent Wannier and related envelope functions are utilized in the analysis to demonstrate the inherent localization manifest in Bloch dynamics in the presence of relatively strong electric fields. From the theory, a generalized Zener tunneling time is derived in terms of the applied uniform electric field and the relevant band parameters; specific results are derived from the general theory using a nearest-neighbor tight-binding, multiband model, and are shown to have identical parametric dependence on electric field, but different, more realistic dependence on the appropriate band-structure parameters than those of the well-known Kane and effective-mass two-band model. Further, the analysis shows an electric-field-enhanced broadening of the excited-state probability amplitudes, thus resulting in spatial lattice delocalization and the onset of smearing of discrete, Stark-ladder, and band-to-band transitions due to the presence of the electric field.
Kinetic orientation behavior of the alfalfa weevil to its host plant.

The orientation response of adult Hypera postica (GylkMihal) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to the odor of alfalfa was studied by mapping their individual movements in an enclosed arena. Differences between the sexes were slight. Young weevils were generally more active than were reprotluctively mature adults. The response was generally proportional to the length of the pretest starvation period. The odor of alfalfa appeared to produce a strong direct klino-kinetic and a moderate inverse ortho-kinetic response. Adaptation was slow. This response is normally reinforced by a taxis response at a very short distance.
Recognition of Facial Prototypes: The Importance of Categorical Structure and Degree of Learning☆

Abstract The importance of categorical structure in the recognition and classification of realistic face prototypes, following a variable number of learning trials, was investigated in four experiments. Subjects either classified or observed well-defined (Experiments 1–3) or ill-defined (Experiment 4) faces belonging to three categories for one or nine trial blocks, followed by a transfer test. Recognition performance following classification (Experiment 1) and observational (Experiments 2 and 3) training was virtually the same: Oldness judgments were highest for the category prototypes and old instances and were least for new and random instances, with these tendencies increased following nine learning trials. When features were made ill defined (Experiment 4), oldness judgments decreased for the category prototype following nine learning trials. Multidimensional scaling (Experiment 5) revealed that the category structure for the well-defined and ill-defined faces was globally similar, and therefore, the disparate recognition of the category prototype was not due to a radical reorganization of the stimulus space. These results suggest that false recognition of the category prototype is at least partially based on type of category structure, and that prior studies using false recognition of the category prototype as evidence of an earlier abstraction process are probably misguided. Rather, false recognition is more likely due to erroneous combinations of features, with category influences playing less of a role.
Atypical central odontogenic fibroma recurring as ameloblastoma

Central odontogenic fibroma (COF) is a benign neoplasm that appears to have a limited potential for recurrence. However, we describe an example of an atypical COF that recurred as a cystic ameloblastoma. A 65-year-old male presented in 1998 with a 6 × 5-cm mixed radiolucent-radiopaque mass in the right posterior mandible. A peripheral ostectomy was performed and the mass was submitted for microscopic examination. The unencapsulated tumor was composed of a hypercellular epithelial component made up of numerous cords and islands of odontogenic epithelium and clear cells. In areas, the tumor islands were seen in very close proximity to nerves. In focal areas, nuclear hyperchromasia and pleomorphism were also seen, yet there was no evidence of any mitoses. The surrounding connective tissue was also hypercellular and composed of a benign-appearing fibroblastic proliferation. Numerous round, droplet-like calcifications, trabeculae of bone, and foci reminiscent of giant cell granuloma were scattered throughout the stroma. Due to the unusual nature of the epithelial component, a diagnosis of “atypical COF” was rendered. In 2002, the patient returned, complaining of a small painless swelling in the right angle of the mandible. An excisional biopsy revealed a cystic neoplasm composed of hypercellular atypical-appearing ameloblastic epithelium. The wall of the tumor was composed of mainly mature fibrous tissue which is characteristic of most ameloblastomas. However, the stroma immediately subjacent to the epithelium contained focally scattered multinucleated giant cells and extravasated hemorrhage, which was reminiscent of the original neoplasm. There were no calcifications or compressed odontogenic cords or islands within the wall of the tumor. Thus, a diagnosis of ameloblastoma was rendered. To date, there has been no evidence of any additional recurrences.
Morphological variation in Eunotia serra, with a focus on the rimoportula

Several populations of Eunotia serra Ehrenberg were examined from the eastern and central USA, revealing significant morphological differences from the different sites investigated. Populations from some sites have two rimoportulae per valve, as opposed to other sites where populations have one rimoportula per valve. This last observation raises the question about whether the number of rimoportulae is an important characteristic to use for distinguishing species of Eunotia Ehrenberg. It also raises interesting questions about the phylogenetic relationships between species of Eunotia and other taxa in the Eunotiophycidae D.G. Mann, especially with respect to the significance of rimoportulae in the evolution of the raphe.
Variation in Use of Lymph Node Dissection During Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

Objectives To better inform avenues for improving the quality of bladder cancer care, we evaluated whether the variation in pelvic lymph node dissection during radical cystectomy was primarily due to the patient or the surgeon. In the clinical guidelines, pelvic lymph node dissection has been recommended as an adjunct to radical cystectomy. However, its use and extent have varied across providers and regions. Methods Using the national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked data for 1992-2005, we identified 4472 patients who had undergone radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Generalized linear multilevel models were fit to assess the relationships between patient and surgeon characteristics and the use and extent (≥10 nodes) of lymphadenectomy. Using a similar modeling framework, we partitioned the variation between the patient and surgeon levels. Results Of the 4472 patients who underwent radical cystectomy, 3124 (69.9%) had undergone concurrent lymph node dissection. Of those undergoing lymphadenectomy, only 22% had ≥10 nodes removed. The use of node dissection was primarily determined by the surgeon, which explained 57% of the variation, compared with the patient and disease, which explained only 4.5% of the variability. In contrast, patient level factors explained most of the variation in whether a patient had ≥10 nodes removed. Conclusions Pelvic lymph node dissection is relatively common during radical cystectomy, although nearly 1 in 3 patients do not undergo the procedure. Our results also showed that the physician a patient sees for their bladder cancer matters more than the disease severity in terms of the patient receiving recommended care.
On geometric semilattices

We define geometric semilattices, a generalization of geometric lattices. The poset of independent sets of a matroid is another example. We prove several axiomatic and constructive characterizations, for example: geometric semilattices are those semilattices obtained by removing a principal filter from a geometric lattice. We also show that all geometric semilattices are shellable, unifying and extending several previous results.
Sensory segmentation with coupled neural oscillators

We present a model of sensory segmentation that is based on the generation and processing of temporal tags in the form of oscillations, as suggested by the Dynamic Link Architecture. The model forms the basis for a natural solution to the sensory segmentation problem. It can deal with multiple segments, can integrate different cues and has the potential for processing hierarchical structures. Temporally tagged segments can easily be utilized in neural systems and form a natural basis for object recognition and learning. The model consists of a "cortical" circuit, an array of units that act as local feature detectors. Units are formulated as neural oscillators. Knowledge relevant to segmentation is encoded by connections. In accord with simple Gestalt laws, our concrete model has intracolumnar connections, between all units with overlapping receptive fields, and intercolumnar connections, between units responding to the same quality in different positions. An inhibitory connection system prevents total correlation and controls the grain of the segmentation. In simulations with synthetic input data we show the performance of the circuit, which produces signal correlation within segments and anticorrelation between segments.
Sonic eddy - a model for compressible turbulence

A new model is proposed for entrainment in supersonic turbulence. The central assumption is that only those eddies whose rotational Mach number is unity directly engulf fluid. With the additional assumption that a Kolmogorov spectrum of eddy scales exists for all subsonic eddies, the theoretical effect of the sonic eddy on entrainment and structure is compared to observation in shear layers and wakes
A scanning tunneling microscope in a side-entry holder for reflection electron microscopy in the philips EM400

Abstract Design and construction details are given for a scanning tunneling microscope which fits inside a side-entry holder for transmission electron microscopes, operated in the reflection mode. The instrument is intended to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of STM imaging, and to act as a prototype for the development of an ultra-high vacuum instrument.
A Remarkably Active Iron Catecholate Catalyst Immobilized in a Porous Organic Polymer

A single-site, iron catecholate-containing porous organic polymer was prepared and utilized as a stable and remarkably active catalyst for the hydrosilylation of ketones and aldehydes. In some instances, catalyst loadings of 0.043–2.1 mol % [Fe] were sufficient for complete hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones within 15 min at room temperature. The catalyst can be recycled at least three times without a drop in catalytic activity. This system is an example of an immobilized homogeneous catalyst with no homogeneous analogue.
Hydrology and plant survival in excavated depressions near an earthen dam in north-central Texas

This investigation examined plant survival and water sources for small depressions excavated to build an earthen dam and nature trail in north-central Texas, USA. These “inadvertent wetlands” occupy part of an outdoor education facility, overlying alluvial deposits of the Trinity River. A large lake behind the earthen dam strongly influences surface water and groundwater levels in the area. Excavated depressions receive direct precipitation, runoff, and groundwater inputs, losing water by seepage and evapotranspiration. Hydroperiods varied with location and water input: excavations receiving groundwater held water year round; others periodically desiccated. Groundwater-fed depressions had higher salinity; however, the highest average value (1,304 μS/cm) was within the freshwater range. A total of 66 to 75% of emergent and floating wetland species planted in three depressions survived after 2 years. The developing wetlands appear viable under hydrologic conditions typical of the study period. Ultimately, variable hydroperiods among wetlands, and water level fluctuations within individual wetlands, may foster diverse plant-species compositions. Depressed lake levels following long-term drought or increased water demands pose the greatest threat to the developing wetlands.
Guanine Nucleotides: Base-Centered and Phosphate-Centered Valence-Bound Radical Anions in Aqueous Solution

To explore the nature of electron attachment to the guanine-centered DNA fragments in the presence of a polarizable medium, theoretical investigation of electron attachment to the guanine-related D...
Imaginal versus verbal coding and the primary-secondary memory distinction

This experiment tested the hypothesis that the beneficial effect of imagery over repetition instructions on paired-associate learning is due to a facilitation of secondary memory (SM), but not of primary memory (PM). On each trial S was presented with a list of 13 paired-associates and then probed, with the first member of one of the pairs, for the second member of that pair. Half the Ss performed under imagery instructions, and half under repetition instructions. Imagery instructions clearly benefited recall from SM, but not from PM. When the data were corrected for the contribution of SM by the Waugh and Norman (1965) model, imagery instructions led to poorer recall from PM than repetition instructions did. These results place certain constraints on the nature of the PM and SM representations.
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CONTRACTED OCULAR SOCKET

Totally contracted ocular sockets are difficult to reconstruct and many patients resort to wearing a black patch. One reason for surgical failure is that many popular techniques attach a mucous membrane or a skin-lined vertical stent to the superior or inferior orbital rim. This produces a vertical space that commonly shrinks and becomes too small to retain an artificial eye. The normal anatomy of the ocular cul-de-sac is C-shaped rather than vertical. It passes under the orbital roof superiorly and over the floor interiorly. A technique has been devised in which the mid-aspect of a custom-made C-shaped mucous membrane-lined conformer is secured to the superior and inferior orbital rims. This attachment forces the posterior periphery of the conformer deep into the socket to form a space that simulates the normal anatomy of the ocular cul-de-sac. The described technique has been successful in producing a spacious cul-de-sac in 36 patents with total socket contractures. A modification of the technique has been successful in treating 12 patients with partial contractures. All patients have easily retained an artificial eye after operation.
Effects of pitch-shift velocity on voice F0 responses

Previous studies have shown that voice fundamental frequency (F0) is modified by changes in the pitch of vocal feedback and have demonstrated that the audio–vocal control system has both open- and closed-loop control properties. However, the extent to which this system operates in closed-loop fashion may have been underestimated in previous work. Because the step-type stimuli used were very rapid, and people are physically unable to change their voice F0 as rapidly as the stimuli, feedback responses might have been reduced or suppressed. In the present study, pitch-shift stimuli, consisting of a disparity between voice F0 and feedback pitch of varying ramp onset velocities, were presented to subjects vocalizing a steady /ah/ sound to examine the effect of stimulus onset on voice F0 responses. Results showed that response velocity covaried with stimulus velocity. Response latency and time of the peak response decreased with increases in stimulus velocity, while response magnitude decreased. A simple feedba...
Intravitreal Ganciclovir for Neonatal Cytomegalovirus-Associated Retinitis: A Case Report

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major cause of birth defects and childhood disorders in the United States. Retinitis occurs in 25% of infants with severely symptomatic congenital CMV and in ∼1% of asymptomatic infants. Intravitreal ganciclovir is recommended in adults with CMV retinitis (CMVR) refractory or noncompliant to intravenous therapy. No literature is available discussing the use of intravitreal ganciclovir for CMVR in neonates. We report a term neonate who received intravenous and intravitreal ganciclovir for treatment of CMVR. Three doses of intravitreal ganciclovir (2 mg per dose in each eye) were administered. Intravitreal injections of ganciclovir appeared to be well tolerated and improvement of the retinitis was appreciated. Intravitreal ganciclovir is an effective treatment of CMVR in adult acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. We report one case of intravitreal ganciclovir in a term neonate with promising results.
Light on molecular recognition

Writing in Science, Fodor et al. describe an exciting strategy for the light-directed, spatially addressable parallel synthesis of a large number of chemically related yet distinct species on a glass surface - thus producing molecular diversity through combinatorial chemical synthesis. The technique provides a fresh way of tackling one of the fundamental problems of modern biology, namely molecular recognition, or how nucleic acids and proteins interact in a highly specific manner.
Precipitin Production with Phosphorised Caseinogen.

SummaryBoth native and phosphorized caseinogen proved to be precipitinogenic. The reactions occur in higher dilutions when the homologous proteins are employed. Antisera against the phosphorized caseinogen precipitate caseinogen and conversely antisera against caseinogen precipitate the phosphorized caseinogen. Phosphorylation of the caseinogen does not destroy its antigenic character.
Proverbs and the wisdom of literature: The Proverbs of Alfred and Chaucer's Tale of Melibee

In an essay in which he explored the nature of the proverb, Kenneth Burke wondered why it would not be possible to ‘extend such analysis … to encompass the whole field of literature’.1 For Burke, t...
Latent inhibition: no effect of intertrial interval of the preexposure trials

Three experiments are reported in which the intertrial interval (ITI) of six preexposure (PE) trials was varied in a latent inhibition (LI) paradigm using rats and a one-trial fear conditioning task. No effect of the ITI was obtained in any experiment. However, at all ITIs tested, LI was obtained when the to-be-conditioned stimulus and the conditioned stimulus were of long duration (15 sec), and LI was not obtained when such stimuli were of short duration (3 sec). These results are interpreted in terms of a new hypothesis of latent inhibition.
URBAN TERRAIN CLIMATOLOGY AND REMOTE SENSING

Urban areas have been conceived of as monolithic heat islands because traditional ground observation techniques do not lend themselves to more specific analyses. Observations of urban energy-exchange obtained from calibrated electro-optical scanners combined with energy budget simulation techniques provide tools to relate the urban land use mosaic to the heat island phenomenon. Maps of surface energy-related phenomena were made from airborne scanner outputs for selected flightpaths across the city of Baltimore, Maryland. Conditions for the flight time were simulated according to the various types of land use using an energy budget simulation model which lends itself to extrapolation of simulated grid-point conditions into a map form. Maps made by simulation compare sufficiently well with those made by aerial observation to encourage further refinement of the simulation approach.
Don’t let the bedbugs bite: the Cimicidae debacle and the denial of healthcare and social justice

Although bedbug infestation is not a new public health problem, it is one that is becoming more alarming among healthcare professionals, public health officials, and ethicists given the magnitude of patients who may be denied treatment, or who are unable to access treatment, especially those underserved populations living in low income housing. Efforts to quarantine and eradicate Cimicidae have been and should be made, but such efforts require costly interventions. The alternative, however, can further exacerbate the already growing problems of injustice, i.e., unfair treatment of patients, inaccessibility of needed resources. In the following paper, I examine the ramifications of denying access to medical care, among other healthcare justice dilemmas surrounding bedbug infestations. I also explore the value of health, and how healthcare professionals and public officials often feel as though bedbugs are not a priority because they, themselves, are not diseases, regardless of the fact they cause physical and mental problems that affect a person’s health. I propose recommendations for improving the health and well-being of those vulnerable populations who are facing a difficult and growing public health problem that is currently being ignored in medical and public health ethics literature, regardless of increased media attention and unusual habitats of localized infestations, e.g., Statue of Liberty, New York City.
Epidemiology of the size distribution of intracranial bifurcation aneurysms: smaller size of distal aneurysms and increasing size of unruptured aneurysms with age.

Objective To explore the epidemiology of the size distribution of intracranial bifurcation aneurysms at different locations and to specifically test the hypothesis that distal vessels develop, on average, smaller aneurysms. Methods A database detailing all aneurysm cases admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital from 1991 to 2003 was reviewed. Aneurysms were classified by location and size. The distribution of aneurysms by sizes at differing origin sites was then compared. Results We identified 1673 aneurysms for study; 854 were ruptured and 819 were unruptured; 58 lesions were classified as distal middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery, of which 26 were unruptured and 32 were ruptured. Analysis of the kernel density estimates for the distribution of aneurysm sizes revealed that aneurysms at distal locations and the posterior-inferior cerebellar artery location were smaller than those at other locations in the circle of Willis. The mean size of ruptured distal aneurysms at 5.7 mm (95% confidence interval 4.8-6.5), or ruptured posterior-inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms at 7.1 mm (95% confidence interval 6.3-7.8) was smaller than the average size for basilar, middle cerebral artery, or ICA aneurysms occurring proximally in the Circle of Willis. The decrease in the mean size of the distal lesions is caused by a relative paucity of aneurysms above 10 mm in size. Although ruptured aneurysms showed no change in size with age, unruptured lesions at most intracranial locations increased in size with age. Conclusion The distribution of aneurysm sizes differs according to location in the intracranial vasculature in this single institution series. Smaller aneurysm sizes are observed for "distal" aneurysms than at other locations in the Circle of Willis. We hypothesize that this may be related to Laplace's Law, which states that the "critical" size for aneurysm rupture is related to the parent artery wall thickness. The larger size of unruptured aneurysms in older patients in this study may reflect referral bias or a biological model in which a subset of smaller "unstable" aneurysms are prone to rupture. Because distal aneurysms present at smaller sizes compared with aneurysms originating proximally on the Circle of Willis, prospective studies that focus on the rupture risk of this subset of intracranial aneurysms are appropriate for future investigation.
Modeling non-adiabatic parallel flow microchannel heat exchangers

Abstract This article analyzes parallel flow microchannel heat exchangers with non-adiabatic thermal condition imposed on the wall separating the fluids and the ambient. For purposes of analysis, a thermal model comprising of two governing equations, one for each of the fluids, is developed and analytically solved to obtain equations for calculating the axial temperature and thereby the effectiveness of both fluids. Provision is provided in these equations for the temperature of the ambient interacting with the hot fluid to be different from that associated with the cold fluid. Analytical equations for determining the heat transfer between the individual fluids and the respective ambient as well as that between the fluids are also developed in this paper. The temperatures/effectiveness of the fluids depend on parameters such as NTU, fluid heat capacities, thermal resistance between the individual fluid and the respective ambient and ambient temperatures. In addition, under certain operating conditions the phenomenon of temperature-cross is observed. Depending on the ambient temperatures, increase in NTU will continuously improve the effectiveness of one the fluids; the effectiveness of the other fluid over the same NTU range increases before peaking and subsequent decrease. Equations for determining the NTU at which this peak value in effectiveness occurs are also provided. An unbalanced flow microchannel heat exchanger with the hot fluid having the lowest heat capacity has better effectiveness than when the cold fluid has the lowest heat capacity.
Open source data analysis and visualization software for optical engineering

SAGUARO is open-source software developed to simplify data assimilation, analysis, and visualization by providing a single framework for disparate data sources from raw hardware measurements to optical simulation output. Developed with a user-friendly graphical interface in the MATLABTM environment, SAGUARO is intended to be easy for the enduser in search of useful optical information as well as the developer wanting to add new modules and functionalities. We present here the flexibility of the SAGUARO software and discuss how it can be applied to the wider optical engineering community.
Impact of Regional Comorbidity on Infective Endocarditis in a Southeastern United States Medical Center

Abstract Introduction Recent reports differ regarding microbiologic and epidemiologic characteristics of infectious endocarditis (IE). The authors studied cases presenting to our institution from 2001 to 2006, hypothesizing regional variation in patient populations and comorbidity (especially end-stage renal disease) significantly impact IE causative factors and presentation, which may account for conflicting reports in the literature. Methods Consecutive IE cases were prospectively identified and characterized. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with Staphylococcus aureus IE. Incidence of IE in populations on and not on hemodialysis (HD) was estimated, and relative frequency of IE in the population requiring HD was calculated. Results Of 160 cases, infection was community acquired in 48.8%, nonnosocomial healthcare-associated in 35.6% and nosocomial in 15%. S aureus caused infection in 47.5%. No contribution of referral bias to the predominance of S aureus infection was detected. Factors significantly associated with S aureus infection included symptom duration P = 0.0383). Estimation of IE incidence in the population on HD relative to the population not on HD revealed a 129- to 174-fold increased incidence of IE in this population. S aureus caused IE in 76.2% of patients on HD. Conclusion S aureus is the most frequent cause of IE at our Southeastern institution. Healthcare-associated acquisition, particularly HD, influenced this epidemiological trend. In populations with a high prevalence of HD, the epidemiology of IE may reflect the increased incidence of HD-associated IE caused by S aureus .
Partial Order Reduction for Rewriting Semantics of Programming Languages

Software model checkers are typically language-specific, require substantial development efforts, and are hard to reuse for other languages. Adding partial order reduction (POR) capabilities to such tools typically requires sophisticated changes to the tool's model checking algorithms. This paper proposes a new method to make software model checkers language-independent and improving their performance through POR. Getting the POR capabilities does not require making any changes to the underlying model checking algorithms: for each language L, they are instead achieved through a theory transformationR"L@?R"L"+"P"O"R of L's formal semantics, rewrite theory R"L. Under very minimal assumptions, this can be done for any language L with relatively little effort. Our experiments with the JVM, a Promela-like language and Maude indicate that significant state space reductions and time speedups can be gained for tools generated this way.
Localized ionization patches in the nighttime ionosphere of Mars and their electrodynamic consequences

Abstract Using an electron transport model, we calculate the electron density of the electron impact-produced nighttime ionosphere of Mars and its spatial structure. As input we use Mars Global Surveyor electron measurements, including an interval when accelerated electrons were observed. Our calculations show that regions of enhanced ionization are localized and occur near magnetic cusps. Horizontal gradients in the calculated ionospheric electron density on the night side of Mars can exceed 104 cm−3 over a distance of a few tens of km; the largest gradients produced by the model are over 600 cm−3 km−1. Such large gradients in the plasma density have several important consequences. These large pressure gradients will lead to localized plasma transport perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field which will generate horizontal currents and electric fields. We calculate the magnitude of these currents to be up to 10 nA/m2. Additionally, transport of ionospheric plasma by neutral winds, which vary in strength and direction as a function of local time and season, can generate large (up to 1000 nA/m2) and spatially structured horizontal currents where the ions are collisionally coupled to the neutral atmosphere while electrons are not. These currents may contribute to localized Joule heating. In addition, closure of the horizontal currents and electric fields may require the presence of vertical, field-aligned currents and fields which may play a role in high altitude acceleration processes.
Long term increase of glutamate decarboxylase mRNA in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy

Behavioral changes following injury, neural degeneration, and aging partly reflect the synaptic plasticity of the nervous system. Such long-term plastic changes are likely to depend on alterations in the production of proteins involved in synaptic structures and neurotransmission. We have studied the regulation of the mRNA encoding one such protein, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the rate limiting enzyme of GABA synthesis, after a unilateral lesion in the hippocampus that leads to increased seizure susceptibility. Quantitative in situ hybridization reveals a long-term increase in GAD mRNA in several bilateral structures, as well as in specific neurons in the ipsilateral dentate gyrus. Our data do not support the often stated hypothesis that seizure susceptibility depends on the malfunction of GABA neurons.
Novel phenylpiperidine opioid antagonists and partial agonists: effects on fluid consumption.

The effects of five opioid antagonists, a racemate partial agonist and its agonist and antagonist optical isomers were studies on deprivation-induced drinking. All compounds had a phenylpiperidine nucleus. The antagonists produced dose-related decreases in drinking, and the potencies for decreasing drinking correlated with morphine-antagonist doses. The racemic partial agonist and its agonist isomer decreased drinking at doses higher than those which produced marked analgesia. Within the class of phenylpiperidine drugs studied, some had less specificity than naloxone for the μ-receptor as compared to the δ-receptor, but the suppression of drinking was not related to changes in μ-to-δ ratios.
Calculation of the decay constants of scalar mesons

The purpose of our work is to provide further evidence for the utility of our generalized Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model in describing the properties of light mesons. In this work we develop methods for the calculation of the decay constants of scalar mesons. Our model makes definite predictions of how scalar mesons should be organized into nonets and we use our calculation of the decay constants to support our predictions. The assignment of scalar mesons to various nonets is problematic, with various choices made in the literature for the \ensuremath{\sigma}(500--600), ${f}_{0}(980),$ ${a}_{0}(980),$ ${f}_{0}(1370),$ ${K}_{0}^{*}(1430),$ and ${f}_{0}(1500).$ Maltman has suggested that one can gain information as to how these nonets should be chosen by determining the meson decay constants of the scalar mesons. In particular, he studies the ${a}_{0}(980),$ ${a}_{0}(1450),$ and ${K}_{0}^{*}(1430)$ resonances using QCD sum rule techniques and other methods. He concludes that the ${a}_{0}(980)$ and ${K}_{0}^{*}(1430)$ have similar decay constants and therefore have similar structure. (We have come to the same conclusion by an entirely different analysis, making use of our generalized Nambu--Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model, which includes a covariant model of confinement.) In the case of the ${a}_{0}(980)$ we obtain a result for the decay constant that is about 50% larger than that of Maltman, while for the ${a}_{0}(1450)$ and ${K}_{0}^{*}(1430)$ our results are somewhat smaller than his. Our results suggest that the ${a}_{0}(980)$ may have a significant $K\overline{K}$ component, which would reduce our theoretical value. The implication of our results and those of Maltman for the organization of scalar mesons into nonets is discussed.