cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Impact of Combination Phage and Antibiotic Therapy: A Modeling Study

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to global health today. The spread of AMR, along with the lack of new drug classes in the antibiotic pipeline, has resulted in a renewed interest in phage therapy, which is the use of bacteriophages to treat pathogenic bacterial infections. This therapy, which was successfully used to treat a variety of infections in the early twentieth century, had been largely dismissed due to the discovery of easy to use antibiotics. However, the continuing emergence of antibiotic resistance has motivated new interest in the use of phage therapy to treat bacterial infections. Though various models have been developed to address the AMR-related issues, there are very few studies that consider the effect of phage-antibiotic combination therapy. Moreover, some biological details such as the effect of the immune system on phage have been neglected. To address these limitations, we utilized a mathematical model to examine the role of the immune response in concert with phage-antibiotic combination therapy compounded with the effects of the immune system on the phages being used for treatment. We explore the effect of phage-antibiotic combination therapy by adjusting the phage and antibiotics dose or altering the timing. The model results show that it is important to consider the host immune system in the model and that frequency and dose of treatment are important considerations for the effectiveness of treatment. Our study can lead to development of optimal antibiotic use and further reduce the health risks of the human-animal-plant-ecosystem interface caused by AMR.
Bcl-2, Bax, Bak levels in colon crypts and colon cancer risk factors in the markers of Adenomatous Polyps II Case-Control Study

691 The development of treatable biomarkers of risk for colon cancer is urgently needed. To address these needs, we investigated expression levels of major apoptosis control proteins (pro-survival: bcl-2; pro-apoptotic: bak and bax) in colorectal tissue obtained from participants in a community, colonoscopy-based, case-control study (n = 49 cases and 154 controls) of incident, sporadic colorectal adenoma in 30-74 year old adults. Diet was assessed using a modified version of the Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire; lifestyle and eating/cooking habits were assessed with a standardized health questionnaire. Levels of bcl-2, bak, and bax were detected and quantified in biopsies of normal-appearing rectal tissue from the first 20 cases and 20 controls by automated immunohistochemical methods and image analysis. Mean levels of overall expression in colon crypts as well as the ratio of expression in the upper 40% of the crypts to the lower 60% were calculated; from these values, additional analysis variables were calculated to reflect the sum of pro-apoptotic proteins (bak + bax) and the ratios of pro-apoptotic to pro-survival proteins (bax/bcl-2, bak/bcl-2, and [bak+bax]/bcl). Proportional differences in log-transformed mean values between cases and controls were compared by t-test. In addition, mean levels of overall expression were compared across categories of various risk factors for colorectal neoplasms. Proportional differences in crude means between cases and controls were: bcl-2, -0.1%, p = 0.76; bak, 0.6%, p = 0.88; bax, 15.4%, p = 0.57; bak+bax, 12.2%, p = 0.53; bax/bcl-2, 25.8%, p = 0.30; bak/bcl-2, -1.26%, p = 0.88; and (bak+bax)/bcl-2, 21.3%, p = 0.33. Proportional differences in the ratio of expression of bcl-2, bak, and bax in the upper 40% of the crypts to the lower 60% in cases vs. controls were 12.5% (p=0.67), 19.1% (p=0.97), and 17.6% (p=0.19), respectively. Risk factors most closely associated with bcl-2 were total carbohydrate intake (p=0.03), total fat intake (p=0.04), and family history of colon cancer (p=0.09); with bak were total fiber intake (p=0.02), total calcium intake (p=0.14), dieting (p=0.08), weight-loss in the past 3 months (p=0.03), smoking (p=0.09), and family history of colon cancer (p=0.01); and with bax were weight loss in the past 3 months (p=0.12), dieting (p=0.08), total fiber intake (p=0.10), habit of eating vegetables broiled (p=0.03), and family history of colon cancer (p=0.01). These preliminary analyses suggest that expression in normal-appearing colorectal mucosa of bax and bcl-2 alone and in ratio with one another may be valid, modifiable biomarkers of risk for colorectal neoplasms.
Adenosine tips the pathogenic Th1 and Th17 responses in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU)

Various pathological conditions are accompanied by ATP release from the intracellular to the extracellular compartment, where it degrades into adenosine and modulates immune responses. Previous studies concluded that both ATP and its degradation product adenosine are important immune-regulatory molecules; ATP acted as a danger signal that promotes immune responses, but adenosine’s effect was inhibitory. In this study, we show that adenosine plays an important role in balancing Th1 and Th17 pathogenic T cell responses in autoimmune disease. While its effect on Th1 responses is inhibitory, its effect on Th17 responses is enhancing, thereby impacting the balance between Th1 and Th17 responses. Mechanistic studies showed that this effect is mediated via several immune cells, among which γδ T cell activation and dendritic cell differentiation are prominent; adenosine and γδ-mediated immunoregulation synergistically impact each other’s effect. Adenosine augments the activation of γδ T cells, which is an important promoter for Th17 responses and has a strong effect on DC differentiation tipping the balance from generation of DCs that stimulate Th1 responses to those that stimulate Th17 responses. The knowledge acquired in this study should improve our understanding of the immune-regulatory effect of extracellular ATP-adenosine metabolism and improve treatment for autoimmune diseases caused by both Th1 and Th17-type pathogenic T cells.View Full Text
Teaching environmental sustainability while transforming study abroad

Environmental issues are of especially great importance to younger individuals, such as university students. Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) are a proven methodology for transforming short-term study abroad to yield higher impact and quality student outcomes, especially as they relate to teaching environmental sustainability. This paper offers a review of tested pedagogical frameworks, provides evidence to substantiate this statement from assessment data, and offers insights on how to develop and implement an international CURE. It also shares how embedding CUREs into innovative and high-quality short-term study abroad experiences can work to positively transform the post COVID-19 era of short-term study abroad. Several case studies are presented that document how students’ hands-on involvement in developing questions about real-world sustainability issues, devising and carrying out group research, and presenting their findings affect their acquisition of scientific skills and a sustainability-oriented mindset.
Laboratory hydraulic stimulation experiments to investigate the interaction between newly formed and preexisting fractures

Abstract Hydraulic stimulation in an enhanced geothermal reservoir (EGS) often creates a complex fracture network . It is understood that a fracture network includes both preexisting natural fractures and newly formed fractures. Analyzing the interaction between preexisting fractures and newly formed fractures during hydraulic stimulation is thus necessary to better understand the creation of a fracture network. In this study, we conducted laboratory scale hydraulic fracturing experiments to investigate how a fracture network is created when a propagating hydraulic fracture and a preexisting fracture interact. We observed that a secondary fracture (wing crack) was initiated and propagated from the tip of one side of a slipping preexisting fracture when a propagating hydraulic fracture follows the preexisting fracture. The laboratory experiments were analyzed by a numerical model that fully couples fluid flow between fracture surfaces and fracture deformations . The numerical analysis shows that the stress field induced by an upstream hydraulic fracture causes asymmetric distributions of normal and shear stresses along the preexisting fracture when they intersect, which resulted in initiation of a wing crack from the fracture tip on the side with larger angles. If a preexisting fracture is sufficiently large so that those tips are far from the strong effect of stress shadowing by an upstream fracture, it is possible that wing cracks propagate from both tips of the preexisting fracture. The wing cracks observed in the experiments are an important factor in improving reservoir permeability in an EGS reservoir because it has been observed in the field that secondary fractures that form as a result of fault slip can link originally discontinuous faults and enhance hydraulic conductivity underground. This type of reservoir permeability enhancement may be expected to occur by hydraulic stimulation because slipping preexisting fractures are better connected to one another by the formation of wing cracks.
Metamaterial Assisted Speckle Illumination Nanoscopy for High-resolution Biological Imaging

We developed a wide field of view super resolution microscopy technology, i.e. speckle metamaterial-assisted illumination nanoscopy (speckle-MAIN), showing biological imaging with resolution down to 40nm.
Management of full-thickness rotator cuff tears: appropriate use criteria

Background The appropriate use criteria (AUC) were developed for full-thickness rotator cuff tears to determine when it is reasonable to recommend nonoperative care, partial repair/debridement, repair, reconstruction, or arthroplasty. The goal of this report was to interpret and summarize the results of the AUC process into clinically relevant terms. Methods Using the results of the AUC methodology, we systematically interpreted the clinical importance attributed to the various patient and pathologic variables. We then assessed the combination of considerations that would justify the various treatment options using "preference tables." Results A nonoperative program was appropriate if the patient had a positive response to conservative care. However, a repair could be maybe appropriate was also accepted. Rotator cuff repair was appropriate when conservative treatment failed in symptomatic patients. Reconstructive measures were recognized primarily in those with chronic massive tears. Most found arthroplasty maybe appropriate only in healthy patients, pseudoparalysis, and chronic massive tears. Surprisingly, neither factors that decreased healing nor adversely affected outcome had a strong influence on the panel's treatment recommendations. Conclusions The AUC process accounts for clinical experience and considers individual patient and pathologic characteristics of the condition. Overall, the outcome of this exercise does support the current practice for the management of rotator cuff tears (ie, repair of symptomatic tears). However, the minimal importance given to patient and pathologic considerations, well documented to influence outcome, prompts an ongoing effort to refine this important and clinically relevant process.
Interactions of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) with Multiple Signal Transduction Pathways in FRTL5 Thyroid Follicular Cells

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) binds to a specific cell surface receptor that displays intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity (1). The type I IGF receptor is activated by autophosphorylation of its beta subunit, however the postreceptor pathways involved in IGF-I stimulated DNA synthesis have not been elucidated completely. The IGFs classically act on mesenchymal tissue to promote cell growth and differentiated function (2), however studies of IGF action on endocrine epithelial cells have been relatively limited. In rat and porcine ovarian granulosa cells, IGF-I synergizes with FSH to enhance progesterone synthesis and LH receptor upregulation (3–6). This synergy occurs through IGF-I’s ability to potentiate FSH-stimulated cAMP accumulation (7). IGF-I by itself does not stimulate adenylate cyclase. Ovarian granulosa cells also have been demonstrated to secrete IGFs that appear to act as autocrine growth (or differentiation) factors (8). The rat thyroid follicular cell line, FRTL5, is another example of endocrine tissue of epithelial origin which responds to IGF-I (and to a lesser extent IGF-II and insulin) by increasing DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. In FRTL5 cells, the pituitary glycoprotein thyrotropin (TSH) acts both to stimulate thyroid differentiated function and cellular metabolism and replication (9). Thus, for FRTL5, TSH is a tissue specific mitogen.
The role of cerebral oxygenation on tolerance to central hypovolemia (1183.12)

Background: Tolerance to central hypovolemia varies between individuals, and recent studies have shown that protection of absolute cerebral blood flow is not an underlying mechanism. We hypothesized that subjects with high tolerance (HT) to central hypovolemia maintain cerebral oxygenation(ScO2) at higher levels of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) compared to their low tolerant (LT) counterparts, despite similar reductions in absolute flow. Methods: 15 healthy human subjects (10 male; 5 female) were instrumented for assessment of ScO2 (via near-infrared spectroscopy, NIRS) and mean middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv; via transcranial Doppler, TCD). All subjects completed a presyncopal-limited lower body negative pressure (LBNP) protocol with an onset rate of 3 mmHg/min. Subjects who made it to 蠅80mmHg LBNP were classified as HT, and subjects who made it to ≤70 mmHg LBNP were classified as LT. Results: The minimum difference in LBNP tolerance between the HT (N=6) and LT (N=9) group was 206 s (L...
Profiling the ethnic characteristics of domestic injuries in children younger than age 5 years.

The home remains a very common location for deadly injuries among children younger than 5 years. The aim of this study is to describe the demographic and injury characteristics of domestic injuries in children younger than 5 years. The National Trauma Data Bank's National Sample Program data set was queried for children younger than 5 years with the injury site classified as home. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine unadjusted differences by ethnicity. Appropriate weight was applied to the sample to determine accurate national estimates. A total of 7,364 children, representing 32,033 children, were analyzed. Overall mortality was 1.6 per cent. Among whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans, intentional injuries accounted for 6.5, 12.8, 10.2, 5.2, and 19.0 per cent of all injuries by intent, respectively (P Language: en
Signaling mechanisms in alcoholic liver injury: role of transcription factors, kinases and heat shock proteins.

Alcoholic liver injury comprises of interactions of various intracellular signaling events in the liver. Innate immune responses in the resident Kupffer cells of the liver, oxidative stress-induced activation of hepatocytes, fibrotic events in liver stellate cells and activation of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells all contribute to alcoholic liver injury. The signaling mechanisms associated with alcoholic liver injury vary based on the cell type involved and the extent of alcohol consumption. In this review we will elucidate the oxidative stress and signaling pathways affected by alcohol in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells in the liver by alcohol. The toll-like receptors and their down-stream signaling events that play an important role in alcohol-induced inflammation will be discussed. Alcohol-induced alterations of various intracellular transcription factors such as NFκB, PPARs and AP-1, as well as MAPK kinases in hepatocytes and macrophages leading to induction of target genes that contribute to liver injury will be reviewed. Finally, we will discuss the significance of heat shock proteins as chaperones and their functional regulation in the liver that could provide new mechanistic insights into the contributions of stress-induced signaling mechanisms in alcoholic liver injury.
Chapter 5. In vivo analysis of the decay of transcripts generated by cytoplasmic RNA viruses.

Abstract The field of RNA decay has grown extensively over the last few years and numerous decay pathways have been identified and characterized. This is a truly powerful machinery for both regulation and quality control of gene expression. It is very likely that the transcripts of RNA viruses must successfully confront this arsenal of enzymes and RNA binding factors in order to establish a productive infection. This interface is an understudied branch of virology that needs to be explored if we are to fully comprehend the molecular biology of virus–cell interactions. Research in this area has the potential to increase our understanding of the fundamentals of both mRNA stability and viral biology, perhaps leading to novel antiviral approaches. This chapter discusses methods for examining the half-lives of viral RNAs during natural infection, including purification of the viral transcripts and subsequent analysis of both deadenylation and decay. Additionally, a hybrid selection protocol for identifying viral-specific small RNAs that are generated during infection by the RNAi branch of the cellular RNA decay machinery is described.
Tracking of design changes for collaborative product development

Market demands are moving manufacturing from mass production to mass customization. To quickly respond to customer needs, product development teams have to work together in a collaborative design environment. The paper presents a product data driven approach to tracking of design changes in a collaborative design environment. In this research, design processes are analyzed to identify product data for tracking design changes. The relationships between product data are established using predecessor-successor, master-subordinate, and geometric constraint relationship types. Forward tracking and backward tracking are designed and implemented to identify impacts of a design change. A prototype system has been implemented to verify the effectiveness of the approach. Finally, a milling machine fixture is used as a design example to show how this approach works. The proposed approach provides a fundamental mechanism to promptly notify other designers of design changes in a collaborative design environment.
Milk selenium of rural African women: influence of maternal nutrition, parity, and length of lactation.

The selenium content of milk samples from rural Gambian women (n=55) was evaluated as a function of parity stage of lactation and maternal nutrition. Samples were collected during periods of relative food abundance (dry season) and food scarcity (rainy season). Milk selenium was lower (p<0.01) in the rainy than in the dry season (208 vs 256 nmol/L respectively). Milk selenium was similar in samples from women in early (1-6 months postpartum) and late (13-19 months postpartum) lactation. During late lactation parity which ranged from 1-11 was negatively correlated with milk selenium regardless of plane of maternal nutrition(p<0/02). Measures of protein glutathione peroxidase and total peroxidase were not affected by stage of lactation or parity. Glutathione peroxidase activity accounted for 38% of the peroxidase activity in milk. Results show that although length of lactation alone had little impact milk selenium secretion was influenced by both maternal nutritional adequacy and parity of rural Gambian women. (authors)
BOOST: Evidence Needing a Lift

Division of Hospital Medicine, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California; Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado; Division of Hospital Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Division of Hospital Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois; Division of General Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Evaluating ensemble forecasts of plant species distributions under climate change

Abstract Species distributions models (SDMs) are commonly used to assess potential species’ range shifts or extinction risk under climate change. It has been suggested that the use of ensemble forecasts, where a variety of model algorithms are used to generate consensus predictions, are preferred to individual SDMs by avoiding bias or prediction error inherent in a single modeling approach. Whereas several studies have assessed the performance of ensemble predictions using cross-validation or data-partitioning approaches, few studies have assessed the predictive accuracy of ensemble forecasts under climate change by using temporally independent model validation data. We used five SDM approaches to develop consensus forecasts of distributions of 145 vascular plant species from California in the 1930s and tested their projections against current distributions, a span of approximately 75 years. When evaluated with a portion of the model training data, consensus forecasts were highly accurate with an average AUC value of 0.97. False positive and false negative error rates were also low, exhibiting similar performance to random forest models. However, when evaluated with temporally independent data, the accuracy of consensus forecasts was similar to that of generalized linear and generalized additive models, with an average AUC value of 0.83. Our results suggest that the high levels of predictive accuracy exhibited by consensus forecasts when using data partitioning approaches may not reflect their performance when predicting temporally independent data. We contend that consensus forecasts may not represent the best approach for predicting species distributions under future climatic change, as they may not provide superior predictive accuracy in novel temporal domains compared to traditional modeling approaches that more readily lend themselves to ecological interpretation of model structure.
Some analytical properties of capillary-gravity waves in two-fluid flows of infinite depth

Capillary-gravity waves of finite amplitude at the interface of a two-fluid flow are considered. The fluids of constant densities, extended to infinity in each direction, are inviscid and incompressible. The flow is two-dimensional and irrotational in each fluid. Assume that there is a permanent wave at the interface moving with a constant speed and the wave decays to zero at infinity with a certain rate. It is shown that the wave must decay at infinity quadratically and the solution of the exact governing equations corresponding to such a wave must satisfy two integral identities for the net displacement and the energy of the wave, while the former implies non-existence of waves of pure depression or pure elevation in the flow.
Electron-Electron Scattering at 15.7 Mev

The differential scattering cross section for electron-electron scattering has been measured at relativistic energies. A focused beam of 15.7-Mev monokinetic electrons from the 22-Mev betatron was scattered by 1- and 2-mil Nylon foils in a 20-inch scattering chamber. The incident current was collected by a faraday cage after it had passed through the scattering foil and was measured by a vibrating reed electrometer. The scattered beam was defined by gold-lined slits at a known angle to the incident beam. The number of scattered electrons in a given momentum interval chosen by a magnetic analyzer was counted by a Geiger counter.Energy analysis of the scattered electrons made it possible to separate the nuclear scattering events from the electron scattering events. The energy of the scattered electrons was measured as a function of the scattering angle and was found to be in agreement with the laws of relativistic mechanics within an experimental accuracy of 0.4 percent.For the electron-electron collisions the relative scattering cross sections agree with the M\o{}ller formula. For the electron-nuclear collisions they agree with the relativistic Mott theory (Born approximation) corrected for the radiative losses as calculated by Schwinger (3 to 8 percent). The experimental consistency of the cross sections was about 4 percent.The absolute differential scattering cross sections for the electron-nuclear scattering were measured at angles between 10\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 43\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The average of the absolute values was 2 percent lower than theory. This is probably due to systematic errors in the solid angle, and in the collection and counting efficiencies.The absolute differential scattering cross sections for electron-electron scattering were measured at the same set of angles, which correspond to the angular interval of 70\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 150\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} in the center-of-mass system. The average of these absolute cross sections was 7 percent lower than theory predicts. The bulk of the 5 percent additional departure from theory may be due to a systematic error in the measurement of the momentum interval defined by the counter.
Variation of Refractive Index of MgO with Pressure to 7 kbar

All the photoelastic investigations to date on single crystals have been limited to a maximum pressure of only 10-500 bar, since in all these studies uniaxial stress systems have been employed with consequent development of plastic deformation at higher stress levels. However, by adopting the hydrostatic pressure system the upper limit can be raised by one to two orders of magnitude. The variation of refractive index of MgO with pressure to 7 kbar has been determined, in the visible region of the spectrum, from the shift of the localized interference fringes across the crystal kept in the fluid pressure medium. Due allowance for the change in the thickness of the crystal was made with the help of Murnaghan's finite-strain theory and the third-order elastic constants. The refractive index decreases linearly with pressure in the range investigated with a slope of 1.58\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$/kbar for $\ensuremath{\lambda}5893$. The strain-optical constants ${p}_{11}$ and ${p}_{12}$ have been evaluated from these data and have the values ${\ensuremath{-}0.25}_{9}$ and ${\ensuremath{-}0.01}_{1}$, respectively. Mueller's strain-polarizability constant ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{0}$ increases from a value of 1.23 at atmospheric pressure to 1.27 at 7 kbar. The decrease in the electronic polarizability of the oxygen ions with decrease in the interatomic distance is so large that one observes a net negative value of $\frac{\mathrm{dn}}{d\ensuremath{\rho}}$ in spite of the positive contribution from the increase in density $\ensuremath{\rho}$. From the theory of Yamashita and Kurosawa it is found that the interaction energy due to overlap in all crystals crystallizing in the NaCl structure is very nearly the same fraction of their total energy even though the magnitude of the energy itself may vary considerably from crystal to crystal.
Relation between premature ventricular complexes and development of ventricular tachycardia.

Continuous cardiac monitoring has been an integral part of the concept of the coronary care unit during the past decade, permitting physicians to observe the relation between premature ventricular complexes and the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. A greater incidence of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and sudden death has been observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by frequent unifocal premature ventricular complexes, multifocal or paired premature ventricular complexes of any frequency and early cycle premature ventricular complexes with the R wave near or upon the apex of the preceding T wave (R on T phenomenon). Prompt action in treating these precursors of ominous arrhythmias has substantially lowered the mortality rate of hospitalized patients. Unfortunately, approximately 60 percent of the 600,000 people who die annually of coronary heart disease die suddenly before reaching the hospital,l and there is increasing evidence to suggest that the mechanism of death in most of these instances is ventricular fibrillation.2 This evidence has prompted many investigators to explore methods whereby one would be able to (1) identify the high risk population subject to the development of coronary heart disease, (2) identify those within the high risk group subject to ventricular arrhythmias, and (3) evaluate effectiveness of therapy for these arrhythmias. Prognostic significance of premature ventricular complexes: Ventricular premature complexes are commonly found during the routine examination of patients with known cardiac disease as well as
Zooid orientation structures and water flow patterns in Paleozoic bryozoan colonies

Anstey, Robert L. 1981 12 15: Zooid orientation structures and water flow patterns in Paleozoic bryotoan colonies. Lethaia. vol. 14, pp. 287–302. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164. By means of direct physical evidence provided by zooecial orientation structures, active water flow systems in Paleozoic bryozoans are inferred to be variously centripetal, centrifugal, or basipetal. Monticules, previously assessed as excurrent water outlets, fall into three additional functional types: incurrent, bypassed, and funnel. In one species circular zoarial fenestrations served as excurrent water outlets. Water flow patterns are strongly correlated with zoarial growth form, which vanes in a general way with inferred habitat conditions in ancient environments. Monticular astogeny and phylogeny include a graded series of sizes, types, and functions. Analogy with zooidal polarities in extant stenolaemates suggests that colony bases and centripetal monticules in the Paleozoic orders were anally budded, but that erect branches and centrifugal monticules were orally budded, a character shared only by the freshwater Phylactolaemata. *Bryozoa, Stenolaemata, functional morphology, monticule function, hydrodynamics, feeding currents, Palaeozoic.
Random graph orders

Let Pn be the order determined by taking a random graph G on {1, 2,..., n}, directing the edges from the lesser vertex to the greater (as integers), and then taking the transitive closure of this relation. We call such and ordered set a random graph order. We show that there exist constants c, and °, such that the expected height and set up number of Pn are sharply concentrated around cn and °n respectively. We obtain the estimates: .565<c<.610, and .034<°<.289. We also discuss the width, dimension, and first-order properties of Pn.
Airlicking: thirsty rats prefer a warm dry airstream to a warm humid airstream.

Abstract Water-deprived rats were trained to airlick in a chamber containing two drinking tubes through which air of ambient temperature and humidity was pumped. After each rat had learned to airlick and had developed a strong position preference for one of the tubes, the airstream emerging from that tube was heated to 42°C and saturated with humidity. The other airstream was heated to 42°C but its humidity was not increased. All rats developed a strong preference for licking the dry airstream and they maintained this preference throughout many position reversals. It is concluded that evaporative cooling of the orolingual tissues makes an important contribution to the reinforcement obtained from airlicking.
Enhancement of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig after intravascular complement activation with cobra venom factor.

The purpose of the present studies was to begin to test the hypothesis that the complement system is important for antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig. The effect of the complement-depleting agent cobra venom factor (CVF) on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs passively sensitized with IgG or IgE antibody to ovalbumin was determined. Intravenous injection of CVF significantly reduced total hemolytic complement activity (CH50), caused a transient decrease in dynamic lung compliance, an increase in pulmonary resistance, and a decrease in circulating white blood cells with a sustained decrease in platelets. Antigen-induced bronchoconstriction was not inhibited in either IgG- or IgE-sensitized guinea pigs depleted of complement. Thus, a role for the complement system as a contributing factor in antigen-induced bronchoconstriction was not supported. On the contrary, our studies revealed an enhanced antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs depleted of complement with CVF. Our studies were then directed towards characterizing the enhanced response to begin to determine the mechanism responsible. The enhanced antigen-induced bronchoconstriction occurred in both IgG- and IgE-sensitized guinea pigs and was most apparent at lower antigen doses. The enhanced response still occurred in animals treated for 5 min with a dose of CVF (10 U) which caused no demonstrable decrease in CH50, a 30% level of conversion of C3, and a normal response to C5a. These data suggested that the enhanced response was not related to the level of C5a responsiveness of the animal. In addition, CVF-treated animals were normally responsive to various purported mediators of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction: histamine, leukotriene C4, platelet activating factor, the thromboxane-mimetic U-46,619, and prostaglandin F2α. The response to prostaglandin D2 was slightly enhanced. Thus, CVF treatment did not result in a generalized airway hyperreactivity. Since antigen-induced bronchoconstriction was not inhibited in animals depleted of complement, these studies suggest that an intact complement system is not necessary for this antigen-induced event. However, the enhanced antigen-induced bronchoconstriction seen after CVF treatment suggests that complement depletion and/or activation in vivo may be an important modulator or determinant of the severity of a subsequent antigen-induced bronchoconstriction.
Urinary free cortisol excretion during growth and aging: Correlation with cortisol production rate and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion

Urinary free cortisol (UFC) values in normal subjects have been determined for various age groups ranging from 4 mo to 50 yr. Mean values for UFC24 hr increased with age until approximately 20 yr, after which a relatively stable level of excretion was maintained. Correction of UFC for body surface area (per sq m), body weight (per kg), or muscle mass, i.e., creatinine excretion (per g creatinine), did not resolve the differences in all of the age groups studied. Regardless of the correction parameter used (surface area, etc.), a minimum in cortisol excretion was found in the 11–20-yr age group. Guidelines for the interpretation of cortisol production rate (CPR) and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) excretion in the same age groups are also provided. There was a significant positive correlation between UFC and both CPR (r = 0.71) and 17-OHCS (r = 0.87) during growth and maturation. Taking into account the variation in excretion of UFC with age, the data provides reference standards for the use of UFC in the diagnosis of adrenocortical disorders in children and adults.
Efficient acylation of the N-terminus of highly hindered C(alpha)(alpha)-disubstituted amino acids via amino acid symmetrical anhydrides.

Fmoc amino acid symmetrical anhydrides are efficient and readily available reagents for acylation of the N-terminus of highly hindered Cα,α-dialkylated α-amino acids. Comparison of a variety of coupling protocols showed that the symmetrical anhydride method always provided the superior results. This method was successfully applied to the solid-phase synthesis of a peptide containing three ααAAs at alternating positions.
Late Cenozoic sedimentation and metal deposition in the North Pacific

Similar major chemical variations in cores from three sites across a wide area of the North Pacific are modeled by coupling the vertical and horizontal motions of the Pacific plate with a constant authigenic flux of elements into the sediments. Superimposed over this flux is an input of detrital material of relatively constant chemical composition. The major features of sediment chemistry of cores from the North Pacific apparently vary in a fairly uniform and systematic manner, and these variations are consistent with Cenozoic plate movement. Elements with a significant authigenic component (e.g., Mn, Co, Cu, Ni) display high concentrations at depth in cores that correspond to the period when the seafloor, while under the low-productivity, subtropical gyre of the N. Pacific, accumulated sediment at an extremely slow rate (~1 mm/kyr). These concentrations were diluted when the sites experienced an increase in the eolian mass accumulation rate first brought about by migration into the influence of the westerlies and then, dominantly, by the huge input of wind-blown detritus which corresponded to the onset of Northern Hemisphere glaciation. A comparison of 10Be profiles to the profiles of metal concentrations is used to reveal the occurrence of haituses in the sediment column over the past 8 m.y.
Hydrogen atom transfer reactions of He+ and Ne+ with H2, D2, and HD

The hydrogen atom transfer reactions of helium(1+) and neon(1+) ions with isotopic molecular hydrogen (H2, D2, and HD) are investigated using guided ion beam techniques. These reactions are exothermic, but are known to be extremely slow at thermal energies. The cross sections for formation of HeH+ (HeD+) and NeH+ (NeD+) exhibit thresholds at high relative translational energies, 8 to 12 eV c.m. Unusual isotope effects are observed in the reaction with HD. The deuteride product is formed exclusively near threshold, while the hydride product predominates at higher energies. Reaction mechanisms involving Rydberg excited states of HeH+2 and NeH+2 are discussed.
Drug addiction: the neurobiology of disrupted self-control

The nature of addiction is often debated along moral versus biological lines. However, recent advances in neuroscience offer insights that might help bridge the gap between these opposing views. Current evidence shows that most drugs of abuse exert their initial reinforcing effects by inducing dopamine surges in limbic regions, affecting other neurotransmitter systems and leading to characteristic plastic adaptations. Importantly, there seem to be intimate relationships between the circuits disrupted by abused drugs and those that underlie self-control. Significant changes can be detected in circuits implicated in reward, motivation and/or drive, salience attribution, inhibitory control and memory consolidation. Therefore, addiction treatments should attempt to reduce the rewarding properties of drugs while enhancing those of alternative reinforcers, inhibit conditioned memories and strengthen cognitive control. We posit that the time has come to recognize that the process of addiction erodes the same neural scaffolds that enable self-control and appropriate decision making.
Liver-specific overexpression of scavenger receptor BI decreases levels of very low density lipoprotein ApoB, low density lipoprotein ApoB, and high density lipoprotein in transgenic mice

Scavenger receptor BI (SR-BI) is known to mediate the selective uptake of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl ester (CE) in liver and steroidogenic tissues. To evaluate the role of SR-BI in plasma lipoprotein metabolism, we have generated transgenic mice with liver-specific overexpression of murine SR-BI. On a chow diet SR-BI transgenic (SR-BI Tg) mice have decreased HDL-CE, apoA-I, and apoA-II levels; plasma triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and LDL apoB were also decreased, compared with control mice. Turnover studies using non-degradable CE and protein labels showed markedly increased total and selective uptake of HDL-CE in the liver and increased HDL protein catabolism in both liver and kidney. To evaluate the changes in apoB further, mice were challenged with high fat, high cholesterol diets. In SR-BI Tg mice plasma apoB levels were only 3-15% of control levels, and the dietary increase in VLDL and LDL apoB was virtually abolished. These studies show that steady state overexpression of hepatic SR-BI reduces HDL levels and increases reverse cholesterol transport. They also indicate that SR-BI can play a role in the metabolism of apoB-containing lipoproteins. The dual effects of increased reverse cholesterol transport and lowering of apoB-containing lipoproteins that result from hepatic SR-BI overexpression could have anti-atherogenic consequences.
Spectrofluorometric assay of NAD+-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity.

Abstract A simple, rapid, and sensitive spectrofluorometric assay for 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity was developed in which the rate of production of NADH was monitored. The cytosolic fraction prepared from human placental tissue was employed as the enzyme source. The assay was conducted at pH 9.5 since 15-ketoprostaglandin Δ 13 -reductase and NADH oxidase activities were inhibited at this pH, thereby minimizing the interference of the reactions catalyzed by these enzymes in the assay of prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity.
Coordinated Longitudinal and Lateral Motion Control of Vehicles for IVHS

In this paper, the authors present a systematic design for the combined control for vehicle longitudinal and lateral motions. They describe a fully coordinated control for steering and accelerating/braking actions which is used in maximizing the ability of distributing the traction forces in a set way. This control method covers a broad range of driving conditions. The authors also described the nominal traction force concept for handling unknown traction forces. In the presence of parametric uncertainties and uncertain nonlinearities, Robust Adaptive Control (RAC) by backstepping for MIMO nonlinear systems is used for controlling unmatched nonlinear vehicle dynamics.
The effect of paediatric syncope on health-related quality of life

BACKGROUND Syncope is common in children and adolescents and most commonly represents neurocardiogenic syncope. No information has been reported regarding the effect of syncope on health-related quality of life in children. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of patients seen in the Heart Institute Syncope Clinic at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center between July, 2009 and June, 2010. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the PedsQL™ tool. PedsQL™ scores were compared with both healthy historical controls and historical controls with chronic illnesses. RESULTS A total of 106 patients were included for analysis. In all, 90% were Caucasian and 63% were girls. The median age was 15.1 years (8.2-21.6). Compared with healthy controls, patients had lower PedsQL™ scores: Total score (75.2 versus 83.8, p < 0.0001); Physical Health Summary (78.8 versus 87.5, p < 0.0001); Psychosocial Health Summary (73.9 versus 81.9, p < 0.001), Emotional Functioning (68.9 versus 79.3, p < 0.001); and School Functioning (66.4 versus 81.1, p < 0.001). No difference was seen in Social Functioning (86.2 versus 85.2, p = 0.81). Patients also had lower PedsQL™ Total scores than patients with diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0001) and similar scores to patients with asthma, end-stage renal disease, obesity, and structural heart disease. CONCLUSION Children with syncope, although typically benign in aetiology, can have low health-related quality of life.
Macrophage depletion alters vein graft intimal hyperplasia

Abstract Background: The principal cause of vein graft failure is intimal hyperplasia (IH); however, its etiology remains unclear. In a rat model of vein graft IH we have observed prolonged transmural macrophage infiltration, leading us to hypothesize that these cells regulate IH. To test this, we used liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene bisphosphonate (L-Cl2MBP) to deplete rat macrophages and observed the effects on IH. Methods: Epigastric vein-to-femoral artery grafts were microsurgically placed in male Lewis rats that had been intravenously injected with L-Cl2MBP, phosphate-buffered saline solution liposomes, or phosphate-buffered saline solution alone 2 days before surgery. Several animals in each group received a second equivalent dose at 2 weeks. Grafts, contralateral epigastric veins, spleens, and livers were harvested at 1, 2, and 4 weeks for histologic examination, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. Results: In the L-Cl2MBP–treated animals splenic and hepatic macrophages were greatly reduced, confirming the efficacy of the agent. At 1 to 2 weeks graft macrophages were significantly decreased, and there was a trend toward decreased IH. At 4 weeks macrophage numbers were normal and IH development had resumed. In contrast, the 4-week grafts treated with 2 doses of L-Cl2MBP had fewer macrophages and displayed severely attenuated IH. Conclusions: The results indicate a suppression of IH as macrophages are depleted, with a resumption of the process as macrophages repopulate the graft. (Surgery 1999;126:428-37.)
Crystallization behavior in inter-transition metal alloys

Abstract The crystallization behavior of several amorphous Cu-Zr and Cu-Ti alloys was characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Comparisons between the two alloy systems and between two Cu60Ti40 alloys prepared by different quenching techniques were made. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the partially crystallized microstructures gave information on the modes of crystal nucleation and growth.
DFT calculations of the EPR parameters for Cu(ii) DETA imidazole complexes.

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameters for Cu(II) diethylenetriamine imidazole complexes, which serve as empirical models for copper-containing proteins, were calculated using density functional theory (DFT). The orientations of three different types of imidazole ligands, imidazole, 1-methylimidazole and 4-methylimidazole, were investigated by rotating the ligand about the Cu(II) imidazole bond. The calculated EPR values indicate that the imidazole ligands studied are oriented approximately ±45° with respect to the ligand plane. EPR parameters calculated using the B3LYP density functional in conjunction with the conductor-like solvent model (COSMO) show the best agreement with the experimentally determined EPR values. Good agreement with electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) data is achieved when an explicit water molecule is located near the remote nitrogen atom of the imidazole ligand. The implications of these DFT calculations for interpreting experimental pulsed EPR data for copper proteins containing imidazole ligands are discussed.
Assessment of genetic variation for the LINE-1 retrotransposon from next generation sequence data

Background In humans, copies of the Long Interspersed Nuclear Element 1 (LINE-1) retrotransposon comprise 21% of the reference genome, and have been shown to modulate expression and produce novel splice isoforms of transcripts from genes that span or neighbor the LINE-1 insertion site.
Scale equivalence of quasicrystallographic space groups

The space-group classification of ordered structures has been extended to quasicrystals by formulating the problem in wave-vector space. We list the space groups belonging to the icosahedral point groups Y and ${Y}_{h}$ for the three icosahedral lattices of wave vectors, and show that taking into account the scaling properties of quasicrystal lattices is crucial for a correct enumeration.